12 Big European Cities That Are Surprisingly Fun for Family Adventures 2024

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There is no better way to make memories as a family than traveling together. Anyone with an adventurous spirit would love seeing a new place, experiencing history, rich cultural heritage, iconic landmarks, and experiencing cuisine. But there is certainly no better way to experience the charm of traveling than doing it with your family.

However, before you book trips for such adventures, you need to find a perfect family-friendly destination.

Is the destination child-friendly? Are there enough activities to engage both adults and the kids? Is it easy to navigate the city? What is the culinary scene like? Are there appropriate accommodation options for your family?

Luckily, European cities have so much to offer families. From interactive and educational museums, theme parks, world-renowned landmarks, and delicious cuisine, these European cities have so much your family can discover and enjoy.

Brussels, Belgium

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Brussels’s historic and modern charm make it a perfect destination for a family getaway. The city is easy to navigate with children and offers many immersive and engaging experiences.

Explore the Grand Place, one of Europe’s most picturesque and history-filled city squares. Then, marvel at the well-manicured gardens of the Royal Palace. The inside chambers of the Royal Palace are a treasure trove for art and the history of Belgium that you and the kids will have fun exploring.

Brussels is also home to attractions that are not just stunning to look at but also offer engaging educational opportunities. The Atomium, which represents the arrangement of iron atoms, is an architectural marvel that offers families exploration.

For more immersive and enriching experiences, stop by Mini-Europe, the Museum of Natural Sciences, or The European Quarter.

Make frequent stopovers for Belgian waffles, fries, and chocolates; there is no better way to enhance your Brussels trip.

Athens, Greece

Welcoming atmosphere, numerous ancient landmarks, history-filled streets, and delicious cuisine—there are so many reasons to book a family trip to Athens.

For starters, exploring Athens with your kids is an excellent way of bringing a touch of reality into the stories of ancient gods, heroes, and Greek mythology.

Some of the unmissable sites include the Acropolis, Parthenon, and Ancient Agora. These are perfect ways to delve into Greece’s rich history.

You do not want to miss the Benaki Toy Museum if you come with kids. It features a large collection of vintage toys, books, and children’s clothing. It is a fun and educational experience for children and adults.

For a more immersive Athenian experience, stop by the National Archaeological Museum and Museum of Cycladic Art or ride the cable car up Mount Lycabettus.

Rome, Italy

Rome is a city of many offerings when it comes to family-friendly getaways. It is home to iconic ancient landmarks like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Pantheon; visiting the city is like a living history lesson.

Besides, the city has numerous museums that showcase ancient crafts and arts that you can visit. However, Explora’s Children’s Museum and Time Elevator Rome are often overlooked. They showcase hands-on and interactive activities and exhibits for children.

You can also visit the Vatican City and its rich museums, stop by the city squares like Piazza Navona and let the kids run around exploring, or stop by the Trevi Fountain and toss coins into the fountain.

If your family is like any other, you enjoy bonding over pizza, and what better way to do it than with authentic Italian pizzas? For an enriched culinary experience, sample gelato and pasta, too.

Navigating Rome with kids is also easy, thanks to its vast public transport network. The city offers various accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury resorts.

Barcelona, Spain

Gaudi’s architecture in Barcelona makes for perfect, family-friendly tourist attractions. Barcelonian masterpieces designed by Antoni Gaudi, including Sagrada Familia, Park Guell, and Casa Balto, are more than just renowned landmarks; they offer an opportunity to learn the history of some of the world’s most iconic pieces designed by one of the greatest architects of all time.

Beyond the architectural treasures of this city, spend time on the sandy shores of Barceloneta and Nova Icaria Beaches. These shores also offer fantastic swimming, kayaking, and paddleboarding opportunities.

For a day full of fun, get tickets to the Tibidabo Amusement Park, which offers thrilling rides, games, and attractions with panoramic views of the city.

You should also stop by Barcelona’s largest park, Parc de la Ciutadella, which features impressive playgrounds, picnic grounds, boat rides on the lake, and the Barcelona Zoo.

For more family-oriented activities in Barcelona, visit the interactive CosmoCaixa Science Museum, take a cable car up Montjuïc Hill for panoramic views of Barcelona, and sample tapas and paella.

Venice, Italy

Venice is a perfect destination whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or kid-friendly activities.

The memory of riding on a gondola through the canals of Venice with your family is one you will cherish. If lucky, the gondoliers may sing, narrate some jokes, or do a sightseeing narration and snap photos of you, which is a great romantic and enriching experience.

Make enough time for Piazza San Marco (St. Mark’s Square), marvel at the intricate architecture of St. Mark’s Basilica, climb the campanile for panoramic city views, or let the kids feed or play with the pigeons in the square.

Walk through the streets of Venice, sunbathe in Lido Beach, ride in the Vaporettos to the nearby islands of Murano and Burano, and try out Venetian Gelatos.

Lastly, be sure to explore Venetian shops and markets and try out different masks and costumes; it is a fun activity for the family.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Amsterdam is a compact and easy-to-navigate city, either by public transportation, walking, or cycling. When visiting, take a family cruise along the canals. These cruises let you soak in the city’s charms as you glide past historic buildings, bridges, and houseboats.

In summer, you can relax in Vondelpark, the largest and most famous Amsterdam park, which offers playgrounds and vast green spaces for picnicking and outdoor activities.

If you’re looking for enriching content to bond over, the NEMO Science Museum, Artis Royal Zoo, Amsterdam Museum, Van Gogh Museum, and Anne Frank House will give your family amazing experiences. Tropenmuseum Junior, specifically designed for kids aged 6-13, is a great spot if your kids are within the range.

To taste the sumptuous Dutch pancakes, stop by one of the many pancake houses in the city, like Upstairs Pannenkoeken.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is a historic and picturesque destination offering many family-friendly attractions and activities. Edinburgh Castle is one attraction that requires ample time for your Edinburgh Itinerary. Explore the ancient fortress, see the crown jewels, and learn about the history of Scotland through guided tours and interactive exhibits at the castle.

When you’re done with Edinburgh Castle, walk down the landmark-filled Royal Mile street, which stretches from the castle to the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Admire the stunning architecture along the street and browse the charming shops for souvenirs and Scottish treats.

If you’re into active exploration, hike up Arthtur’s Seat and enjoy views of the city and the surrounding countryside.

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For an interactive experience, get tickets for the Dynamic Earth, an interactive science museum that explores the history of the Earth, from its formation to the present day. This museum lets visitors experience simulated earthquakes, volcanoes, and ice ages through immersive exhibits and multimedia presentations.

Other must-sees include The National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo, which is home to pandas, penguins, and other zoo animals, and Princes Street Gardens.

London, United Kingdom

London, a landmark-saturated, scenic, and history-filled city, offers much for family getaways.

The London Aquarium, Big Ben, Westminster Cathedral, the London Eye, and the Houses of Parliament are very close to each other. While London has one of the largest public transport networks in the world, you can easily walk from one landmark to another, making exploration with kids very easy.

Ride on the London Eye for breathtaking views of the city’s skyline and views of landmarks such as Big Ben, the River Thames, and Buckingham Palace.

London is also home to world-class, wealthy educational museums, many offering free entry. Some unmissable options include The British Museum, Natural History Museum, Science Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum.

After a long day of exploring London’s historical and modern-day charm, you can wind up in the city’s green spaces, such as Hyde Park, Regents Park, and St. James’s Park, all with playgrounds and playgrounds for picnics.

Paris, France

Paris should be a top contender when considering a romantic getaway in Europe. The city is known for its romantic and timeless allure, which every adventurous couple should experience together at least once. Beyond the romantic vibe, there are many kid-friendly activities and experiences you could explore.

Start by landmark-chasing – see the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Louvre, Orsay Museum, and the Sacre Coeur Cathedral.

You can then take a cruise on the Seine; it is both a romantic and child-friendly way to explore the timeless charm of Paris.

If you have more time in Paris, picnic in the Champs de Mars, which offers unparalleled views of the Eiffel Tower; enjoy thrilling rides at Disneyland Paris or explore the hidden gems of the charming Montmartre neighborhood.

Vienna, Austria

Vienna has so much scenery and cultural heritage to explore, making it an ideal destination for couples and kids.

Explore the lavish rooms and well-manicured gardens of Schonbrunn Palace, an elegant architectural marvel that served as the summer residence of the Habsburg Monarchs. Within the palace’s grounds lies Schönbrunn Zoo, the oldest zoo in the world and home to giant pandas, elephants, and polar bears.

The palace also hosts the Kindermuseum Schloss Schönbrunn, a children’s museum that shows kids what royal life was like back then. The best part about this museum is that children dress up in costumes and experience storied history in real life.

Prater Park is an excellent spot for family fun, thanks to its numerous attractions, including the Giant Ferris Wheel (Riesenrad), roller coasters, bumper cars, and a funhouse.

Other Viennese spots offering excellent family adventure include the Museum of Illusions, the Natural History Museum, and the many opera houses that show works of Viennese classical music legends. If you want to explore the rich musical history, Haus der Musik shows memorabilia of legends like Mozart and Beethoven.

Berlin, Germany

Berlin, a diverse and vibrant metropolis, offers fantastic opportunities to explore its rich history, arts scene, and numerous family-friendly adventures.

Berlin is home to two world-class zoos, Berlin Zoo and Tierpark Berlin. Visit these to see various wild animals, including elephants, giraffes, and polar bears, and possibly enjoy educational shows and feeding sessions.

In the heart of Berlin lies Museum Island, a collection of world-renowned museums, such as the Pergamon Museum and Neues Museum, which are treasure troves of ancient artifacts, art, and interactive exhibits. Visiting Museum Island is an opportunity to explore a wide range of museums in the same vicinity, which makes it even more child-friendly.

Learn some history by the Berlin Wall Memorial, enjoy panoramic city views from Brandenburg Gate, or see thousands of marine creatures at the Berlin Aquarium.

For all-inclusive family fun, get Legoland Discovery Center tickets. The center offers themed rides, a 4D cinema experience, and building workshops.

Florence, Italy

With its Renaissance architecture and art scene, Florence has so much to offer couples and kids. The iconic Duomo of the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral is in the city’s heart. Make a stopover at the cathedral’s square and admire its elegant and artistic exterior, including the intricate marble facade and the bronze doors. If you want to enjoy unparalleled views of Florence, get tickets to go on top of the Duomo well in advance.

Visit the Uffizi Gallery and marvel at art masterpieces of Renaissance artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and Botticelli.

There are more family-friendly adventures: Stroll along the historic Ponte Vecchio, enjoy delicious Florencian gelato, get hands-on with the interactive exhibits of the Leonardo de Vinci Museum, or attend cooking classes of traditional Italian delicacies.

For a break from the bustling city, visit the Boboli Gardens. These landscaped gardens, fountains, and sculptures offer panoramic views of the city from elevated viewpoints.