15 Of the Absolute Best Places to Visit in Europe With Kids

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Wondering where to go in Europe with kids? When looking to travel to Europe with your family, you have a whole host of attractive options.

How do you know which destinations will best suit your children and allow you to have a great time together? Unfortunately, not all destinations are very kid-friendly.

So to compile a helpful list of the best places to visit with kids in Europe, we called on the help of well-traveled families to share their expertise in traveling with their kids around this beautiful continent.

Asking them for their opinions and collating the results to bring you the 15 best destinations to travel Europe with kids!

Here are the best places to travel in Europe with kids.

Europe is a wonderland of green fields, lush mountains, blue seas, and much more. It’s also a very family-friendly destination with many of the best cities to travel to in Europe with kids! The transport is easy, and generally, language is communicable.

You can also visit Europe all year round – here is an excellent post about when to visit Europe.

We find that the absolute best family holidays in Europe are always the ones that we find to be a joy to travel around with the children!

These places and cities offer so many fun and exciting activities and outings to do as a family that you may want to consider on your next European family vacation!

Tip: Grab your copy of “A Travel Journal for Kids” (by Andrzej Ejmont) that love adventure, treasure hunts, and fun games. Eliminate boredom and make sure that you have fun-filled and happy vacations.

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1. Sweden with Kids

Sweden, especially Stockholm, was voted one of the best places in Europe for kids! It’s popular among families for a good reason.

There are many different attractions, scenic gardens, and parks to visit, and it’s a stroller-friendly destination and one of the best European family vacations!

Where to Go with Kids in Sweden:

There are loads of museums and galleries for great educational visits and many zoos and amusement parks to keep the kids entertained across various cities in Sweden; however, Stockholm is one of the best European cities to visit with kids!

Here are some of our favorite things to do in Stockholm with kids:

Stockholm Kids Attractions:

• The kids will love Stockholm’s Land and Water tour
• Book a fun day out at the Stockholm Zoo
• Grab tickets for the Vasa Museum to show your kids the remains of a capsized ship
• Djurgarden Island has a range of activities that both adults and kids will enjoy!

It’s also an English-speaking country, so you’ll have no problem communicating your needs and getting them met on this European vacation with kids!

If you are looking for the best way to move around town, you can book your Stockholm taxi here!

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2. Austria with Kids

If you are looking for a great country to visit with kids, it’s hard to beat Austria. It has the oldest amusement park in the world, salt mines that are walkable, the world’s most extensive ice caves, and dinosaur parks.

Where to Go with Kids in Austria:

Austria has many interesting things to do, and fun places to visit that will excite the whole family! A country characterized by mountain villages, baroque architecture, fascinating history, and rugged alpine terrain.

From the world’s oldest amusement park to the world’s largest ice cave, here are the best things to do in Austria in Europe with kids:

Vienna Kids Attractions

• Visit the world’s oldest amusement park!
• Take the kids to enjoy the attractions at Schönbrunn Palace, which has a maze and a large zoo to explore! Grab skip-the-line tickets online here.
• Check out the ZOOM Children’s museum, with numerous exhibitions and events for kids!
• Discover flora and fauna at Haus des Meeres

Salzburg Kids Attractions

• Marvel at the world’s largest ice cave in Werfen. Book your tour from Saltzburg here.
• Take a trip to the famous Hallstatt Salt Mine. 

This means that there are various ways to keep your children entertained no matter how old they are. No wonder this country is a hot favorite as one of the best places to travel in Europe with kids!

The best time to visit Austria is in April and May or September and October. The weather tends to be mild, it’s not as crowded as the busy summer months, and hotel rates are generally cheaper during this time.

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3. Croatia with Kids

Not many people realize just how family-friendly Croatia is. The best time to visit this country is in June or September when it’s not as crowded or hot.

Croatia is one of the best places in Europe with kids because, throughout Croatia, you will find that there are strong family values which makes it a very welcoming country for those that are traveling with children.

Where to Go with Kids in Croatia:

Croatia has many safe beaches and hiking trails that suit all abilities, as well as a handful of interactive museums, ancient towns, and fortresses that will make the kids feel like they’re in a fairytale!

Some of our favorite destinations in Croatia include both Dubrovnik and Split. Here are some ideas of what to do in both of these:

Dubrovnik Kids Attractions

• See the scenery of marine life, and discover amazing caves from a sea kayak! Book your 3-hour tour here.
• Explore the Old Town walls and castles in the historic center!

Split Kids Attractions

• Explore the Krka waterfalls and go swimming in the blue waters. Book your full-day tour from Split here.
• The kids will love the famous Blue Cave and exploring Hvar. Book your 5 Islands tour from Split here.

Many people will go above and beyond to ensure that your and your children's needs are met throughout your time here.

Your kids will love their trip through Croatia, and without a doubt, I can confidently say that it is one of the best places for kids in Europe.

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4. The Netherlands with Kids

Holland is one of the best places in Europe to visit with kids and has numerous attractions that will make your family vacation fun and unforgettable! From zoos to historical squares and lively markets!

We love how children are often catered to, and you can easily find someone who speaks English if you need assistance.

Where to Go with Kids in the Netherlands

Public transportation is incredibly efficient, so you can easily explore the country and see many attractions.

But of course, we know that most of you would be keen to explore Amsterdam, so here are some of our favorite kids' attractions in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Kids Attractions:

• Take the kids to play glow-in-the-dark mini golf. You can grab some online tickets here.
• Go on an educational visit to the museums! You can grab some Skip-the-Line tickets for a private guided tour through both Rijksmuseum & Van Gogh Museum here.
• Enjoy an outdoor tour of the Dutch countryside’s windmills and factories. Book your half-day tour here.
• Have fun on the rides at the Efteling theme park! Grab your ticket online here.

It’s a good idea to purchase a Museumkaart because it will allow you to access a lot of different attractions and skip the lines often.

We believe that the Netherlands is one of the best places to travel Europe with kids, whether they are young or older! You can find more info on what to do with kids in Amsterdam here.

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5. England with Kids

Another one of the top favorite countries proudly takes up its place on the best places to visit in Europe with a kids list. The locals speak English, there are efficient public transportation systems in place, and the locals are very friendly.

All our favorite features tick the boxes as one of Europe's best places to visit with kids.

Where to Go with Kids in England:

We love visiting London with our kids. There’s also so much for kids to do, including going on a Harry Potter Tour, riding the tube to a local market, visiting Legoland, or taking a trek to see Big Ben.

Here is a list of our favorite kids' attractions:

London Kids Attractions:

• Explore the best sights on a Harry Potter Tour. Book your spots on the Harry Potter walking tour here.
• Fun for the whole family on a bus Hop-On-Hop-Off. Book your tickets here.
• Visit SEA LIFE and learn about the incredible marine life. Secure some tickets online here.
• The kids will love seeing all the animals at the Zoo! Grab your tickets online here.
• Get the family's blood rushing at the London Dungeon. Grab your tickets online here

Because there are so many attractions and sights to see throughout the country, you may have to save some of the sights you wanted for your next trip, as there won’t be enough time to do it all.

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6. Italy with Kids

Italy was a favorite of ours when traveling around Europe with kids. With a beautiful Mediterranean coastline, ancient ruins, and famous art and historical influences, there is so much to discover for the whole family!

Don’t forget to enjoy some gelato or a good slice of pizza while you are in Italy.

Where to Go with Kids in Italy:

Italy is a large country that can take up to 12 hours to travel from one side to the other, so you may want to choose a particular part of Italy to visit with your family in Europe.

We spent three months traveling around Italy with our kids, and there are so many beautiful places to visit. I know that Rome and Florence are two popular destinations, so here are some ideas of what to do in each:

Rome Kids Attractions:

A lot of travelers enjoy the Colosseum as it’s unique. Make sure you take your children to the Spanish Steps as long as they are up for a bit of a climb.

• Explore the famous Colosseum! Grab your Skip-the-Line tickets with a guided tour here.
• Walk along with the gorgeous Spanish steps
• Take a rickshaw ride around the city
• Take a tour of the Vatican and Sistine Chapel. Grab your Skip-the-Line tickets here.

Florence Kids Attractions:

• Admire the incredible art at the Uffizi Museum (more suitable for older kids). Grab your tickets online here.
• Climb the famous Duomo for a fantastic view! Grab your tickets for the tour here.
• Take the kids for a pizza and gelato-making class!

Many families make Italy their top choice for travel each year. No matter how old your children are, there’s much to do here.

It might be my pick as the best place in Europe for kids – but don't just take my word for it, book your trip and try it out for yourself!

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7. Greece With Kids

Greece is a friendly nation that adores kids so much that transportation is offered free of charge in certain cities.

This country is also home to many attractions catering to various interests, with beaches, museums, historic ruins, and more leading the charge.

Honestly, Greece is just such a relaxing destination to visit. We never felt judged (when Avie wasn't behaving perfectly), and people were genuinely friendly. We spent 5 weeks traveling around Greece, and it was honestly one of the best European family holidays we have had.

Where To Go In Greece:

While there are dozens of hidden gems in Greece, we’d recommend a classic family vacation to Athens for its long list of fun attractions. An alternative location would be Crete, the largest island in the country. Both boast an unending list of activities suitable for the whole family.

Athens Kids Attractions:

• Have fun touring the city of Athens atop the Happy Train, which travels between Ermou Street and Syntagma Square.
• Explore the ruins of Acropolis. We recommend bringing a carrier as strollers will struggle to navigate the area.
• If your kids are fascinated by Greek Gods and Goddesses, take them on a treasure hunt in search of statues, museums, and temples dedicated to them.

Crete Kids Attractions:

• Enjoy unique pink sand on the shores of Elafonisi Beach, along with its clean, shallow waters.
• Discover hundreds of marine life at the CRETAquarium Thalassocosmos.
• Head to the Knossos Palace for its fiction-like ruins and paintings. Grab your Knossos Palace tour tickets here.

Greece is the perfect family holiday destination, with beaches, interactive museums, scenic views, and fun attractions like waterparks. It’s also great for introducing your palates to some of the best Mediterranean cuisines.

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8. Belgium with Kids

Known for its waffles, how could families not love Belgium? This country is smaller than other European countries, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in culture and food.

Where to Go with Kids in Belgium:

Belgium is a great country to explore with kids, as you can quickly move around by train. We adore Brussels and Bruges.

Here are some suggestions for kids' attractions in both of these beautiful cities:

Brussels Kids Attractions:

• Families must visit Brussels to check out the Grand Palace or the Tintin Boutique (to pick up some comic books).
• Take the kids to see the amazing Atomium. Grab your admission tickets here.
• Participate in a chocolate workshop!

Bruges Kids Attractions:

• Take the family on a history and magic tour of Bruges to see the city! Grab some tickets for the tour here.
• Check out the amazing 3D Sculpture of Musea that 40 artists produced. Grab tickets online here.
• Go on a fun rickshaw tour of the city
• Enjoy a lively medieval dinner show as a family
• It’s also worth visiting Bruges to see the Chocolate and French Fry Museums.

Traveling Tip: The best way to get around Brussels is by taxi. You can book your Brussels taxi here.

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9. Spain with Kids

Looking for one of the best family destinations in Europe for a summer holiday?

This country isn’t just for adults. Children can have a great time here too. It has a rich history and plenty of places to explore.

Where to Go with Kids in Spain:

Spain is a beautiful country with so much to offer any traveler. Thanks to the country's high-speed trains, you can access many destinations quickly, but Barcelona was one of our favorites for the kids!

Barcelona Kids Attractions:

• Visit the zoo and entertain the kids with a dolphin show! Grab your tickets here.
• Take a family tour of the Sagrada familia
• There are many parks and beaches if your children need a little downtime.

Families can also enjoy a lot of historical treasures, including Isabella’s Alcazar and Sagrada Familia.

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10. Germany with Kids

One of the main reasons why Germany is a great destination to travel to with children is that it has affordable public transportation. This means that you can save money by not having to rent a car and can splurge on some of the many activities here.

Many people speak English in this country and are happy to help tourists with whatever they need.

The winter months are the best time to visit Germany with children, as travelers can visit the memorable Berlin Christmas markets.

Where to Go with Kids in Germany:

Families will love the interactive museums and informative outings to keep the kids entertained while exploring the best places to travel with kids in Germany!

You can start by planning your trip around popular destinations such as Berlin and Munich.

Berlin Kids Attractions:

• Explore the many sights and landmarks in Berlin on a Hop-On-Hop-Off tour.
• Take the kids to the Legoland Discovery Center!
• Visit the Berlin Zoo and Tierpark

Munich Kids Attractions:

• Kids will love the fantastic fairytale-like castles from Munich! Book your day trip here.
• Explore the beautiful parks and incredible architecture of the churches and cathedrals.

Germany is one of the best places in Europe for kids, with its otherworldly charm with castles and medieval towns and all the mythical parks and safe outdoor areas to explore.

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11. Denmark with Kids

Denmark is often forgotten about when planning family travel to Europe. It’s a shame as it’s very family-friendly. The public transportation system is highly efficient, making it easy to see many sights while you are here.

Many businesses will go out of their way to accommodate families, and children in Denmark are rarely made to feel unwelcome by the locals!

Where to go with Kids in Denmark:

Copenhagen is a great city to visit with little ones as there’s a lot to do. The Tivoli Gardens was one of our favorites and had theatres, gardens, and plenty of rides to keep children entertained. We can also recommend Odense.

Here are some ideas of what to do in each of these destinations.

Copenhagen Kids Attractions:

• Spend a day of fun for the whole family on the rides at Tivoli Gardens. Grab your skip-the-line tickets here.
• Enjoy a guided bike tour of Copenhagen and see all the capital's highlights. Listen to fun stories and anecdotes about Danish culture, and feel free to make suggestions to your guide. Book your tour here.
• Go on a tour of the must-see untold stories of Copenhagen to see the best sights and learn all about the city.

Odense Kids Attractions:

• Navigate the charming streets and lovely green parks all around
• Take the kids to Odense Zoo to see all the animals and shows
• Enjoy the museums

Denmark is filled with theme parks, amusement parks, zoos, and child-friendly beaches, making it one of the best places to visit in Europe with kids.

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12. France with Kids

Being one of the most popular countries for all travelers, it should be no surprise that France is an excellent place for families to visit in Europe!

However, as a word of caution, while we list France as one of the best places to take kids in Europe, I didn't find their culture welcoming to babies and toddlers. Perfect for older kids, though!

Where to Visit in France with Kids:

France has many alpine villages, breathtaking architecture, gardens, and outdoor activities, making it an excellent place for a European family vacation!

Of course, you can't go to France and not visit Paris, but we also love places such as Nice and Colmar for family trips.

Paris Kids Attractions:

Kids will create memories they cherish forever as they find themselves in awe looking at the Eiffel Tower, enjoy the exhibits at The Natural History Museum and be amazed at the Paris Catacombs.

• Walk around Luxembourg Gardens and take the kids for a spin on the old-fashioned carousel in Tuileries Gardens.
• Go on a cruise on the Seine river with a unique perspective on the famous landmarks of Paris.
• Ascend the Eiffel Tower and marvel at the view over Paris. Grab your skip-the-lin with host tickets online here.
• Go to Disneyland! A must-do in Paris with kids! Grab your tickets online here.

It is also great to rent a car and go on a road trip to see cities such as Nice and Colmar!

Tip: Despite having a decent public transportation system, you may walk a lot. Make sure you plan for plenty of breaks and wear comfortable shoes.

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13. Poland With Kids

Despite its storied past, this European nation is more than just a historophile’s playground. Poland and its alluring cities have a ton of attractions suited for all types of tourists, including children of all ages.

Where To Go In Poland:

Poland has a myriad of attractions suited to both parents and kids. From museums detailing the nation’s history to cooler places like gardens and zoos. During your Poland travels, we’d recommend the obvious pick of Warsaw and the less-touristy and peaceful Wroclaw.

Warsaw Kids Attractions:

• Rebuilt after WWII by the locals, Old Town is an incredible area with energetic squares that often host fun events. While walking around the quaint town is great, we’d recommend making your way around this area via segway. Grab your segway tour tickets here.
• Head over to the Copernicus Science Centre to interact with over 450 interactive exhibits.
• Discover over 3000 animals at the Warsaw Zoological Garden.

Wroclaw Kids Attractions:

• Take the kids on a gnome hunting trip where they’ll search for dwarf and goblin statues.
• Walk in the Old Town while marveling at architectural wonders like the Wroclaw Cathedral and learning about the city’s past. Grab your Old Town tour tickets here.
• Enjoy an exciting light show at the Wroclaw Multimedia Fountain.

For some more in-depth recommendations, check out our guides on things to do in Warsaw and things to do in Wroclaw.

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14. Portugal With Kids

The Mediterranean nation of Portugal is a great European destination when traveling with kids, as it has some of the friendliest locals anywhere. Not to mention, it has dozens of attractions that kids of all ages will enjoy.

Where To Go In Portugal:

While a relatively small nation, Portugal has no shortage of destinations or attractions suited for families. Of the charming country’s cities, there isn’t a place we’d recommend more than Lisbon. 

The Portuguese capital city has amenities to match its big-city status but also has a certain charm you wouldn’t expect of a metropolitan. Also, the locals are warm and have a positive attitude towards kids—what’s not to love here?

Lisbon Kids Attractions:

• Take the kids to the Lisbon Oceanarium to watch their eyes grow in awe while they discover over 8000 sea creatures. Grab oceanarium entrance tickets here.
• Visit the Lisbon Zoo, which features a petting zoo for young kids.
• Head to the top of São Jorge Castle for picturesque city views.

Which Part Of Portugal Is Best For Families?

Lisbon and Porto are our top picks for the best places to go in Portugal for families. Many restaurants in these cities have high chairs for younger kids, they’re walkable, and have efficient public transport. 

However, we recommend bringing a baby changing pad as both city’s don’t have many of these. Lisbon is also hilly, so opt for a carrier over a stroller.

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15. Czech with Kids

Czech is one of the most fascinating countries to visit with kids in Europe. It’s full of historical sights, impressive castles with complex infrastructure, and many medieval museums to explore!

After the endless stream of exhibitions and walking gets to the kids, it’s also a great place to find some fun child-specific attractions!

Where to go in Czech with Kids:

Czech is a country of many wonders, but one of the best European cities for Kids has to be its capital, Prague. Children often travel free or for a discounted price and have cheaper admission fees to many of the attractions!

Prague Kids Attractions:

• Visit Prague Castle and explore its fairytale-like wonder! Grab your small group tour here.
• Visit Mořský Svět, the country’s giant water tank filled with lots of fish!
• Check out the National Technical Museum, an oversized room stuffed with huge locomotives and old-fashioned cars.
• The kids will love the Prague Zoo. It’s a well-tended zoo with an extensive collection of exotic animals.

Typically completely forgotten about, Czech deserves a spot on the best places to go in Europe with kids' listicle.

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Best Places To Travel To Europe With Kids FAQs

Here’s a quick breakdown answering all the frequently asked questions about traveling to Europe as a family.

1. Is Europe Child-Friendly?

For the most part, Europe is child-friendly, boasting destinations with numerous kid-friendly attractions, child-adoring locals, and affordable transport costs, with some even offering free transportation for kids.

In some cities, you’ll find child-focused amenities like changing tables, high chairs in restaurants, and you’ll rarely have to worry about crime.

2. Where To Go On Your First Family Trip To Europe?

Wondering what the best European country to visit with kids is?

If you’re going abroad for the first time, our top recommendation would be Italy. The locals here adore children, and the large country offers many activities for kids of all ages.

An excellent alternative pick would be Spain, where you’re likely to run into a local ready to flash a smile. Not to mention, this country is filled with fun attractions like trips to the beach, food tours, and architectural masterpieces.

3. Best Place To Travel With A Baby In Europe?

If you’re traveling in Europe with a baby, you’ll want to go to Austria. While the attractions are impressive, our favorite thing about Austria is its baby hotels loaded with fun amenities like water slides, swings, and the like.

As alternatives, we recommend Italy and Spain. Both are home to friendly locals and child-friendly attractions. 

In Rome, for example, you’ll find hotels at the ready with cribs, diaper-changing mats, and the like. Spain is relatively flat, meaning you can push your baby in a stroller, and breastfeeding is accepted.

Here is a list of the best baby travel gear to make your next trip easier and smoother.

4. Where To Go In Europe With Toddlers?

We’d choose Italy here, more specifically Tuscany if you have a stroller that can handle its cobblestone streets, although a carrier is also a good idea. A few restaurants have high chairs, but diaper-changing facilities are rare, so we’d recommend bringing portable high chairs and changing pads.

Furthermore, Spain has friendly locals, stroller-friendly terrain (except in Park Guell and Alhambra), and affordable local transportation. Unfortunately, Spain doesn’t have many restaurants with high chairs, so we recommend bringing your own.

Denmark has efficient public transport, while Copenhagen has many restaurants with high chairs. The city also has diaper-changing facilities in libraries, cafes, and museums—with SMK offering a complimentary pram.

For the Netherlands, Amsterdam is suitable for toddlers as you’ll find diaper-changing facilities in most public restrooms, high chairs in restaurants, and efficient public transport. 

Here is a list of the best toddler travel gear to make life easier for your trip with your busy little one.

5. Best European Cities To Visit With Teenagers?

For the best family European holidays with a teenager or two, you might like to focus your trip around one of these fun cities.

Amsterdam has attractions like the Van Gogh Museum, the fabulous Straat Museum, and the swing at A’Dam Toren for teenagers.

Barcelona is home to the 4D Gaudi Experience, several beaches, and the PortAventura theme park for some teenage fun.

London is a great European destination for teenagers for its museums (Museum of London), movie locations (think Harry Potter), and famous Instagrammable streets.

Rome has famous historic locations, Instagrammable attractions, and awe-inspiring street art sure to wow your teen.

With its fantastic food, many shopping opportunities, and the globally-renowned Louvre or Eiffel Tower, Paris will keep most teenagers happy.

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Summary of the Best Family Holiday Destinations in Europe

I know that was probably a bit of a mouth full, and I thought it might be a good idea to quickly give you an easy-to-scan list of the best European countries to visit with kids, which were mentioned above:

1. Sweden
2. Austria
3. Croatia
4. Netherlands
5. England
6. Italy
7. Greece
8. Belgium
9. Spain
10. Germany
11. Denmark
12. France
13. Poland
14. Portugal
15. Czech

Hopefully, one of those kid-friendly European countries made your heart feel excited.

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Final Thoughts on Your Next European Family Vacation

Europe is a continent that is full of magic and awe-inspiring places that you don’t need to be an adult to appreciate! These were some of the best European vacations with kids.

From the magnificent castles to the cultural ebbs and flows of each incredibly unique place, there is just so much hidden in the mountains and valleys of this vast continent.

These fantastic destinations were easy to explore with children and offered safe environments and efficient transport systems, making them some of the best places for family vacations in Europe!

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Wondering Where to Stay on Your Europe Holiday with Kids?

If you want accommodation, check out comparison websites like Cozycozy. The website compares accommodation options all in one place using 100+ providers like Airbnb, booking.com, Vrbo, and other big names.

This way, you can find the best accommodation according to your budget and needs, such as family-friendly accommodation from guesthouses, hotels, b&b, hostels, treehouses, and houseboats, you name, and you find it.

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Leave us a Comment:

• Have you been to any of the best European family destinations on our list? Did you have a fabulous time there?
• Do you have any recommendations on the best family vacations in Europe that you can add to our list?
• When will you go on your next Europe holiday with kids?

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