Top 50 Family Travel Destinations in Europe - Part 2
- Tamir Rosenblum
- Jul 25
- 6 min read
Updated: Sep 22
Welcome to Part 2 of our countdown series on the top 50 family travel destinations in Europe! Part 1 had some amazing destinations such as Bologna in Italy, Antwerp in Belgium and Malaga in Spain. The journey through Europe’s top family travel spots continues! We’re diving into the next set of must-visit destinations, numbers 40 to 31, each offering its own unique mix of culture, charm, and kid-approved fun. Whether you’re into hands-on history, scenic exploration, or local flavors, these places are full of surprises that make family travel truly unforgettable. Ready to discover what’s next on the list? Let’s jump in!
40. Family Trip to Naples, Italy
Naples might have a gritty edge, but for families with a sense of adventure, it's a treasure trove of excitement and history. Known as the birthplace of pizza, the city invites kids to enjoy a true slice of culinary heritage at every corner. Beyond the food, Naples is packed with towering castles to explore, mysterious underground tunnels that spark curiosity, and lively piazzas perfect for a quick gelato break. Its energy is infectious, and its location is ideal, just a short ride from the ruins of Pompeii and the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, where ancient stories come to life for young explorers. Naples is bold, flavorful, and full of surprises, an unforgettable base for curious families eager to experience Italy beyond the usual postcard views.
39. Family Travel to Rotterdam, Netherlands
Rotterdam is a bold and modern city that often surprises visitors with just how family-friendly it really is. Its striking skyline, filled with innovative architecture like the famous Cube Houses, immediately catches kids’ attention and sparks imagination. Families can spend hours exploring kid-focused museums such as the interactive Maritime Museum or the playful Villa Zebra, both designed to engage young minds through hands-on exhibits. A harbor boat tour offers a fun way to see the city from the water, while sprawling green spaces like Kralingse Bos provide the perfect setting for a picnic, bike ride, or afternoon at the playground.
38. Family Travel Destination: Brussels, Belgium
Brussels is a delightful blend of playful charm and rich culture, making it a fantastic city to explore with kids. The streets are lined with whimsical comic book murals, featuring beloved characters like Tintin, that turn every walk into a scavenger hunt. The city's legendary chocolate shops tempt little taste-testers with sweet treats at every turn, while fresh Belgian waffles from street vendors are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For a dose of wonder, the iconic Atomium offers panoramic views and a futuristic design that fascinates young imaginations. Just nearby, Mini-Europe is a highlight for families, this park brings the continent to life with detailed miniature replicas of Europe's most famous landmarks, perfect for hands-on discovery. With its cozy size, quirky attractions, and delicious food, Brussels is an easy-to-navigate city that wins over kids and adults alike.
37. Family Trip to Bath, England
Bath offers a serene and elegant escape that’s perfect for families seeking a mix of culture, nature, and charm. Kids can enjoy hands-on learning at the Jane Austen Centre, where dressing up in Regency-era costumes and exploring the author's world makes history feel approachable and fun. The city’s graceful Georgian architecture and cozy cafés provide a relaxed backdrop for wandering, while the riverside paths and scenic parks offer space to run, play, or enjoy a family picnic. Just outside the city, gentle countryside walks lead to hidden gems and postcard-worthy views. With its calm atmosphere, welcoming vibe, and rich variety of experiences, Bath makes for a memorable family getaway in the heart of England.
36. Family Fun in Ghent, Belgium
Ghent is a hidden gem that offers all the storybook charm of Bruges with a more relaxed, local vibe, making it ideal for families. Its picturesque canals, cobbled streets, and vibrant squares feel like stepping into a fairytale, but without the crowds. Families love hopping on a canal cruise, where kids can spot turrets, bridges, and swans while learning fun facts about the city’s medieval past. One of the top highlights is Gravensteen Castle, a real fortress complete with towers, armor displays, and winding staircases that make young explorers feel like knights and princesses.
The city is refreshingly bike- and stroller-friendly, with plenty of wide, walkable streets and safe cycling paths that make getting around with kids a breeze. Ghent also boasts family-friendly museums, lively markets, and plenty of cozy cafés with waffles and treats for a quick break. With its blend of history, adventure, and easygoing charm, Ghent offers a fun, accessible, and memorable experience for families traveling through Belgium.
35. Family Trip to Porto, Portugal
Porto is a city that instantly captures the imagination, with its colorful tiled buildings, winding streets, and stunning views of the Douro River, it feels like a storybook come to life. For families, Porto offers a delightful mix of sightseeing and hands-on fun. Cable car rides along the riverfront give kids a thrilling bird’s-eye view of the city, while the iconic bridges, especially the towering Dom Luís I Bridge, become mini-adventures as families walk across and take in the panoramic views.
One of the biggest hits for younger travelers is the World of Discoveries, an interactive museum that brings Portugal’s Age of Exploration to life. Kids can board a replica ship, explore exotic lands, and learn about history in a way that feels more like play than school. Riverboat cruises are another must-do, offering a relaxing and scenic way to see Porto’s most beautiful sights from the water, perfect for a family wind-down after a day of exploring.
With its warm hospitality, walkable neighborhoods, and mix of fun and culture, Porto is a fantastic destination for families who want to experience Portugal's charm in a way that’s both relaxed and rich with discovery.
34. Family Vacation to Valencia, Spain
Valencia offers a perfect blend of sunshine, culture, and kid-friendly fun, making it an excellent choice for families. Children love the City of Arts and Sciences, especially the interactive science museum and massive aquarium, one of the largest in Europe. The city’s parks, like the Turia Gardens, stretch for miles with playgrounds, bike paths, and space to roam. Add in golden beaches, paella by the sea, and a historic old town to explore, and Valencia becomes a vibrant, balanced destination where both kids and parents can relax, learn, and play.
33. Exploring Verona, Italy with the Kids
Verona is a charming and walkable city that offers families a gentle mix of history, culture, and fun. Kids can climb the Lamberti Tower for sweeping views, wander through the ancient Roman Arena, and explore quaint piazzas perfect for gelato breaks. The story of Romeo and Juliet adds a fairytale element, with a visit to Juliet’s balcony often sparking young imaginations. With its relaxed pace, pedestrian-friendly streets, and nearby day trips to Lake Garda, Verona is an easy and enriching destination for families exploring northern Italy.
32. Family Trip to Strasbourg, France
Strasbourg offers families a magical blend of fairy-tale charm and cultural discovery. Its half-timbered houses, winding canals, and flower-lined bridges make every stroll feel like stepping into a storybook. Kids enjoy boat rides through La Petite France, climbing the Cathedral’s tower for panoramic views, and exploring local markets filled with treats. With its blend of French and German influences, cozy cafés, and bike-friendly paths, Strasbourg is both scenic and easy to explore, an ideal destination for families seeking beauty, history, and a touch of whimsy.
31. Family Fun in York, England
York is a city where history and imagination come together, making it a fantastic destination for families with kids. Young explorers can walk along the medieval city walls, pretending they’re guarding the city, or step inside the breathtaking York Minster, where stained glass windows and towering ceilings inspire awe. One of the biggest highlights for kids is the Jorvik Viking Centre, an immersive museum where families ride through a recreated Viking village, complete with sounds, smells, and lifelike animatronics that bring ancient York to life.
The narrow, cobbled lanes of The Shambles feel like a real-life Diagon Alley, perfect for a bit of magical shopping or a sweet treat from one of the old-fashioned candy shops. Train-loving kids will be thrilled by the National Railway Museum, home to iconic locomotives and hands-on exhibits that make learning fun. With ghost walks, interactive museums, and plenty of cozy tearooms to refuel, York offers a perfect balance of education, adventure, and charm for kids of all ages.
Our List of Family Travel Destinations is Not Over Yet
As we wrap up this part of the countdown, the excitement is only building. The next destinations in our top family travel list promise even more unforgettable experiences, from iconic landmarks to surprising local treasures. Curious to see which cities rank highest for family fun, culture, and adventure? Keep reading to discover who made it into the top 30!
If you’re a family travel business in Europe and interested in joining our famly travel network, we’d love to hear from you! Connect with hundreds of thousands of parents around the world planning their family trips to Paris, contact us to learn more.
About the Author: Tamir Rosenblum
Tamir Rosenblum is the founder of FunDay, an AI-powered platform revolutionizing family travel. With years of experience in tech and a deep expertise in understanding family travel dynamics, Tamir built a unique "Family Travel DNA" engine to deliver deeply personalized, real-time trip experiences. Passionate about making travel planning both magical and effortless for families, he leads a mission-driven company focused on innovation, data intelligence, and unforgettable journeys.
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