Top European destinations for the whole family
Set your compass to Europe this summer and every family member, including tots and teens, will find something to love — be it world-famous monuments, interactive museums, or acres of stunning parkland.
By Joanna Tweedy | August 12, 2022 (Updated: March 20, 2025)
Joanna Tweedy
Joanna Tweedy is an award-winning travel writer and editor who lives in London. A former U.K. national newspaper travel editor, she now contributes across many titles, and specializes in writing about family travel, wellness breaks and luxury vacations.
Before you know it, school’s out for summer, the kids are home, and you’re all itching for some adventure. Good news, a European vacation means excitement for the whole crew. So, pack your bags and get ready to enjoy your perfect family-friendly summer getaway.
Paris
The best way to start a trip to the French capital? Book tickets to Paris’ most famous attraction, the Eiffel Tower, and take the elevator up 330-meters, where an awe-inspiring 360-degree view greets you. With a stay at Canopy by Hilton Paris Eiffel Tower, you’ll be a short walk from this iconic monument and other Parisian hot spots like the Arc de Triomphe and Champs-Elysees. The hotel’s rooftop bar, Eylau Paris, is a true highlight, where you can gaze at the Eiffel Tower as you sip cocktails, craft beers, and enjoy tasty bites. Back on the ground, bicycle tours and gentle river cruises are relaxing ways to get around, but for a bit of thrill and excitement, head to Le Jardin d’Acclimatation, an attraction-packed 47-acre (19-hectare) amusement park in northwest Paris. A day trip to the Palace of Versailles is also a must. Families can explore the palace’s manicured gardens, tour the ornate interiors, hire a rowboat on the lake, or enjoy a picnic.
London
The English capital bursts into life come summer, and many of its celebrated landmarks are close by, making it easy to craft a family-friendly itinerary. Cut down on your wait time between activities by booking a room at London Hilton on Park Lane. You’ll be within a half mile of Buckingham Palace, while Big Ben and the London Eye are only one tube stop away. From there, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Sqaure are within easy walking distance to make for an adventure-filled afternoon. London’s free museums are also worth exploring. Curious toddlers will love the interactive Garden at the Science Museum, while the dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum impress little and big kids alike. Plot a retreat to the city’s green spaces, too. An early evening frisbee game in Hyde Park, a wild swim in the ponds at Hampstead Heath, or rowing on the Children’s Boating Pond in The Regent’s Park are just some of the activities available. Best of all, London is the perfect jumping off point for multi-city travel opportunities. A quick trip on the National Rail and you can continue your explorations to other must-see English cities — Cambridge, Manchester, and York are all less than 2.5 hours away.
Rome
The Eternal City brings ancient history to life in Italy, with superbly preserved buildings helping everyone, from elementary-age kids to high schoolers, engage with Rome’s magical past. Hear stories of gladiators fighting lions at the Colosseum, make a wish at the Trevi Fountain, or marvel at the remarkable dome still intact inside the Pantheon. Much like the rest of Italy, Romans are warm and friendly to families on vacation, and there’s almost always a fun fair or other festivities for groups to enjoy. Plus, picky eaters (and their parents!) will rejoice in the variety of pizzas, pasta, and gelato on offer throughout the city. All about park life? The 200-acre (80-hectare) Villa Borghese Gardens (a convenient 10-minute walk from Aleph Rome Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton boasts wonderful views of Rome, plus the San Carlino Puppet Theater, and popular wildlife attractions. Hire a four-person family pedal cart to discover it at your own pace.
Amsterdam
World-famous art by the Dutch masters, colorful tulips, and over 160 emerald canals make the Netherlands’ capital an exciting European vacation. The city’s prestigious museums, including the Rijksmuseum and the Van Gogh Museum, offer thoughtful kids’ programs, while the animal kingdom is on display at ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo, where Asian elephants, pink flamingos, and sea lions are among the captivating residents. And don’t miss the NEMO Science Museum either, which has five floors of high-energy, experiment-led entertainment. Perhaps the nicest way to explore Amsterdam as a family is on a boat ride. Hire an easy-to-drive smaller vessel to explore from the captain’s seat or opt for one of the many guided cruises along the city’s canals. Keep the quintessential Amsterdam experiences going with a stay at Canal House, an SLH Hotel. Located in three 17th-century merchant homes, the property sits along a picturesque canal and has a large garden perfect for relaxing.
Berlin
The weather in Germany’s capital rarely nudges above 77 F (25 C) in summer, meaning it’s a perfect climate for sightseeing on foot (and with strollers). Top of the must-visit list is the 18th-century Brandenburg Gate, the last surviving historical city gate in Berlin. In front of it lies Pariser Platz, a pedestrian square that’s ideal for little ones to stretch their legs and devour a tasty bratwurst, —Germany’s much-loved take on the hot dog. Meanwhile the German Spy Museum Berlin will enthrall older children with its 1,000-plus exhibits, where they can crack secret codes, negotiate a laser maze, and use gadgets secret agents once did. Berlin’s past is fascinating but so is its present. Stay at DoubleTree by Hilton Berlin Ku’damm for a taste of the city’s modern side. All the top attractions are never too far away, but you’ll also find yourself in an area known for its luxury shopping and fantastic restaurants.
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