Friendly goat in the Netherlands
You might feel like 2016 has just started but, in fact, it’s been two months already! Although some would say it’s still early, we think it’s high time you started planning that summer vacation you’ve been craving. We’ve prepared a couple of amazing family-friendly travel destinations you can visit in Europe and you won’t be disappointed. If you’re afraid such a trip requires a big budget – it is true that you can’t do it for free, but the price of everything can be reduced. Just look for coupons for Kohl’s to get the best deals on luggage, clothing and many other neccesities, and visit such a website as Hotels.com to browse through the most affordable flight and lodging offers. Nothing is impossible! And if you’re still hesitating as to which location will bring the most fun for you and your loved ones, consider these:
1. STOCKHOLM, Sweden
From the Skansen Museum and the Pippi Longstocking Theme Park to Drottningholm Palace and Gamla Stan, there is no shortage of children-friendly places to visit and see in the Swedish capital. A casual stroll by the Swedish royal palace, or even island-hopping across the Stockholm Island Districts is enough to charm your entire family for a whole day or two. Also, don’t forget to tour the Grona Lund Amusement Park and ABBA: The Museum. And while at it, you can make lots of savings on your trip by purchasing a Stockholm Card, so remember to take that into consideration.
2. LONDON, England, United Kingdom
The British capital is bursting with places and things to lure both kids and adults. There are numerous playgrounds, glorious amusement parks, museums, sporting venues and natural sceneries to make every member of your family happy. When you’re tired of sight-seeing at the Tower of London, go see the Changing of the Guard. And once you’re through with these, the ArcelorMittal Orbit (London’s newest attraction) will be waiting for you! Then you can finish off your trip with the London Zoo, the historic HMS Belfast, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre and finally the Royal Botanical Kew Gardens!
3. ROME, Italy
Dubbed by many as the “capital of ancient history”, Rome is one of the best places you can visit with your family. From the ancient architecture and its stunning beauty to the fantastic cuisine and welcoming people, the Italian capital has no equal! This place has an additional value for kids, who can be heavily inspired by all the history still present there. Start with a trip to the seat of the Holy See in Vatican City, then move to the Colosseum (an iconic Ancient Roman gladiatorial arena), the Pantheon, Galleria Borghese, Trevi Fountain and finally end the day with a refreshment of gelato and pizza in the land of pizza!
Colosseum
4. AMSTERDAM, the Netherlands
Contrary — or in addition — to what you have often heard and seen in the media, there is more to the Dutch capital than the red light district and coffee shops. In fact, forgetting the aforementioned, Amsterdam is the ideal place for kids. Begin with a boat or bicycle tour of the city, then the revamped Van Gogh museum and the Anne Frank House (which, however, can be a little too sensitive for very young kids due to the unforgettable insights into the horrors of past wars). Finally, while your days of relaxation and pleasant physical activities at the Vondelpark once you’re through with Jordaan hiking.
Trying on giant wooden shoes in Holland
5. DUBROVNIK, Croatia
Being the only family-friendly travel destination that makes our top six list from Eastern Europe, it’s no mistake that the southern Croatian city is here for a reason. From the massively stone-walled Old Town and the baroque St. Blaise Church to the Renaissance Sponza Palace and the Gothic Rector’s Palace (which is now a history museum), your family diary will be full every day of the visit. Climb the magnificent city walls with your kids in the morning, and enjoy taking in the coastline from the ultra-comfort of your own kayak in the afternoon!
6. BARCELONA, Catalonia, Spain
The Mediterranean pride of Catalonia has all you need for a family vacation in a European city. From the fire-eaters on La Rambla and the ever-present Gaudi to the Magic Fountain of Montjuic and the scenery beauty of Casa Batllo, you will be wondering why you hadn’t thought of bringing your kids to Barcelona earlier! Get a taste of everything Mediterranean here: the most relaxed pace of life, months and months of unrelenting sunshine, unbeatable healthy cuisine and the finest stretch of beach sands.
If you’re ever again in Spain, another destination you should try is one the Canary Islands, especially Tenerife. It is a great island to take the kids to explore and enjoy the volcanic landscape. Safe travels!