Family vacations are part of what bring our families together after all of the time we spend battling the day to day grind. That’s why it is so important to plan a vacation that the whole family can enjoy and remember as great times together. One memorable way to vacation as a family is a trip through Europe, but where to go? Here are six family friendly European Destinations to help you plan your next family vacation.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam may not be the first place to come to mind when you think of a family friendly vacation, but believe it or not, there is a lot more to Amsterdam than their red light district. For the best way to get around Amsterdam do as the locals do and take a bike or boat as you tour this gorgeous city. If you are looking for something the younger kiddies in your family to do, check out the Nemo Science Museum. It will keep them busy for hours with hands-on exhibits, chemistry lab experiments, and a host of other interactive exhibits. If your kids are older the Anne Frank Museum is a particular favorite. In addition to great museums, shopping, and other attractions you will find reasonably priced, cafés and local restaurants to enjoy native dishes while absorbing the local culture.
Dublin
Have a relaxed day picnicking at St. Stephen’s Green as you appreciate the “doors of Dublin”, followed by an energetic frolic in the newly renovated playground area. Let the kids feed the ducks before you venture on to one of the other many attractions that Dublin has to offer, like the National Museum of Ireland Natural History, the Dublin Zoo, or Kilmainham Goal; or take the train to Bray and visit the aquarium before taking a sea side stroll and hiking up to Brayhead.
London
London offers too many activities to mention in just one paragraph, but some of the highlights that you might want to take in with your family are, Madame Tussaud’s Wax Museum, Big Ben, the Tower of London Tour to see the Crown Jewels, and Warner Bros. Harry Potter Studios Tour. Don’t forget to make time to witness Buckingham Palace’s changing of the guard, before having some down time at one of the local area pubs or beer gardens.
Rome
Home of the gladiators and gelato, it is a great place to take the family for a historic vacation. Take the kids on an adventure through time as you explore the Colosseum, gaze upon Michelangelo’s master work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, and splash about in the Trevi Fountain. Then go an enjoy one of the many flavorful dishes to be offered at one of the local eateries.
Munich
Munich’s Old Town is the ideal location to start your tour of Munich; enjoy the farmer’s market before taking time to watch the more than 100 year old Glockenspiel chime at 11:00 and 12:00. Follow this leisurely start to your day with a visit to the Toy Museum, the three story bookstore that sits directly across the square from the antique Glockenspiel, or the Munich Zoo. If these offerings don’t sound like something your family will enjoy there are always tours of the many castles, palaces, and museums that you can take instead.
Barcelona
Dazzle your families’ senses at the Boqueria; a one of a kind farmer’s market that offers local treats, flowers, locally grown produce, and crafts to delight anyone. In addition to the many unique museums such as The Chocolate Museum, there are more adventurous activities like shark cave diving at the Oceanarium, or hiking up Parc Guell to see the multicolored salamander “el drac”.
And for those fearful of the dreaded kiddy tantrum after your long day of touring the city, fear not, personal driver service Blacklane has your back with their well-known service in more than 180 countries in the world. Cut out the queues, headaches and arrive to your destination in style with your family!
Taking a family vacation is always an adventure, but making it a positive experience doesn’t have to be difficult. Plan a memorable trip that will be a happy memory for decades to come by trekking through Europe exploring all it has to offer.