As many of you know, we love traveling the world with our daughter, and Europe has become one of our favorite regions to explore as a family. With its rich history, vibrant cultures, and stunning scenery, it’s full of unforgettable moments for both kids and adults.
Whether you’re exploring ancient castles, sampling delicious pastries, or diving into hands-on adventures, there’s no shortage of European cities to take your kid to that offer fun, education, and lifelong memories.
Here is our family’s Top 7 Best European cities to visit with kids!
7. Dublin, Ireland
Dublin isn’t just about Guinness and pub hopping…it’s also a fantastic destination for families with kids! It’s really a win-win for everyone. The lively music and welcoming atmosphere make it fun for adults and little ones alike.
The city is filled with kid-friendly spots, from lush green parks with well-maintained playgrounds to shops and restaurants that happily cater to families. Plus, Dublin is super walkable, which is perfect for exploring at your own pace, and for helping little legs burn off some energy!
The Giants Garden
We stumbled upon The Giant’s Garden while wandering through the city, and what a magical find! Inspired by Oscar Wilde’s The Selfish Giant, this whimsical spot quickly became one of our daughter’s favorite places.
Don’t miss the statue of Wilde located in the park! The garden is filled with playful touches: winding paths, storybook signs, fairy-tale charm, big playgrounds, and the best part, a “fallen” giant statue that kids can climb all over. It’s the kind of place that makes everyone feel like they’ve stepped into a story.
Grafton Street
One of our daughter’s favorite things to do is to watch people sing, so we stopped to watched quite a few buskers performing on Grafton Street. The street is lined with shops and restaurants, and at the end is the beautiful St. Stephen’s Green park.
Attractions
You have options when you visit Dublin. The Explorium, the Dublin Zoo, and even a Forest Adventure park! There is something here for all ages. We ran out of time during our stay so we were unable to visit these attractions, but we are planning on visiting all of these when we return!
To book your own adventures in Dublin, click here!
6. London, England
Our family has been to London twice now, and we’ve barely scratched the surface of our “must-see” list! With so many iconic landmarks, lush parks, and world-class theaters, you’ll quickly realize there’s never enough time in the day. Riding a big red double-decker bus on our way to grab some fish and chips? That was a core memory moment for us! London is without a doubt one of the best European cities to visit with kids.
Landmarks
London is the kind of city where you can wander without a plan and still stumble upon something incredible. One minute you’re spotting Big Ben, the next you’re catching a glimpse of Buckingham Palace or the London Eye. There’s something iconic around every corner. Everything feels grand and regal… I honestly had a hard time not slipping into my (terrible) British accent!
Pro tip: Turn sightseeing into a fun game by creating a landmark scavenger hunt to get your kids engaged and learning along the way.
Bus Tours
Bus tours are always a great way to see the city, especially when you’re traveling with kids. (Click the link to find some great excursion options!)
There is so much to see in London that you would spend equal, if not more, money on getting around trying to squeeze in as much as possible. These bus tours tend to hit every major attraction, introduce you to some places you didn’t know about, and you get to rest your legs and cool off at the same time, all for a great price. Choose from a Hop On Hop Off Bus tour, or a traditional Double Decker bus!
Parks
Enjoy a fun FREE family day! London is known for its green spades and parks such as Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and Kensington Gardens. The Victoria Tower Gardens is our daughter’s favorite park to run circles in! While you’re there, don’t forget to check out The Burghers of Calais statue by the famous Auguste Rodin.
Want to become an Eco Tourist AND a Budget traveler? Let me show you how.
Click HERE to discover more things to do in London through our trusted partners at GetYourGuide!
5. Barcelona, Spain
Spain is hands-down one of our family’s favorite countries, and honestly one of the best European cities to visit with kids. Gorgeous weather, mouthwatering food, and super budget-friendly. What more could you want?
Barcelona in particular is a hit with kids. Nearly every street seems to have a park or playground nearby, often conveniently located right next to a café or bar for the grown-ups (win-win!).
The architecture is what truly steals the show. From the colorful, storybook-like creations of Antoni Gaudí at Park Güell to the awe-inspiring Sagrada Família, there’s creativity and beauty everywhere you turn.
Park Guell
Created by the imaginative Antoni Gaudí, this colorful and creative park is a fantastic spot for families. Park Güell opened to the public in the 1920s and was later recognized as a UNESCO site thanks to its cultural and artistic significance. The playful architecture allows for lots of exploration and imagination, for people of all ages! There is a cafe located inside the park and plenty of designated picnic areas. Bring your own food to save money.
Click HERE to book your tickets!
Mount Tibidabo
Honestly, the only way we knew about this was because of the tv show FRIENDS. Iykyk. (We’re giving our daughter great material for her future lol)
It is totally worth the journey to the top. We had a cab drop us off at the bottom and hiked up. It wasn’t that bad of a walk, and our 4 year old did it. We were only expecting some amazing views and a beautiful church, but there is so much more here!
There is an entire amusement park. Ferris wheel, carousel, roller coaster, and some death defying rides that I just could never. You pay per ride and it was fairly decent pricing. There is also a restaurant and bathrooms. This was one of our favorite unexpected finds!
Tapas
My daughter insisted Tapas should be on this list. We are very blessed to have a child that is down to try any food. The little bites and the assortment of foods are just so exciting, for all of us!
You have to try the patatas bravas while here. Whether you order them from a street vendor for cheap or in a fancy restaurant, any variation is worth a try. Trust me. You’ll find them at pretty much any place food is served. It’s a dish of chunks of fried potatoes, topped with a slightly spicy and creamy sauce. It’s simple, delicious, and cheap.
4. Paris, France
Paris has always been my number 1 bucket list destination. Visiting with my husband and experiencing the romantic and more wild side to the city was amazing, but going again and seeing Paris through my child’s eyes was a game changer.
Beyond any doubt, one of the top European cities to visit with kids. I am a very anxious parent, especially when it comes to visiting new places, and Paris is known for not being the safest place to go, but if you practice smart safety, you should be fine. I am so glad I overcame my doubts and took my daughter. It is one of her favorite memories!
There is so much here, for everyone. Most importantly…croissants.
Eiffel Tower
In case you haven’t heard of it yet, there’s this huge structure called the Eiffel Tower. It pretty much just stands around all day and does nothing, but it’s a wonder for people of all ages. The perfect day is to head to The Champ de Mars, grab a baguette and a bottle of wine, and let your kids run amok!
Museums
With a total of 136 museums, there is pretty much one on every corner. The Louvre is the most visited museum in Paris, and even has kid-friendly tours and scavenger hunts to keep young ones engaged.
Book your entry tickets or guided tours HERE
Disneyland
Disney. Every child’s (or adult’s) happy place! We took our daughter here for her 4th birthday. How will we ever top that?! It was not nearly as crowded at the Disney’s in the United States, the tickets were cheaper, and the food was amazing! I HIGHLY recommend visiting if you get the chance.
Be sure to book your tickets HERE!
3. Amsterdam, Netherlands
When most people think of Amsterdam, they immediately picture the Red Light District or “coffeeshops”, but in reality, it’s actually one of the most kid-friendly cities in the world.
The city is full of lush parks, charming canals, vibrant flowers, and incredibly welcoming locals. We were pleasantly surprised by just how family-oriented Amsterdam is. From playgrounds to pancake houses, there’s so much for kids to enjoy. It may not be what you expect, but it’s definitely one of the best European cities to visit with kids.
Planning a Dutch adventure? Our Netherlands landing page has all the info you’ll want before you go.
Canals
They’re beautiful to look at while walking by, but why don’t you try taking a boat ride down one! Taking a canal cruise is one of the most popular things to do in Amsterdam!
Museums
Amsterdam is home to some of the best museums including the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Anne Frank House. In front of the Rijks and the Van Gogh museum is a big open green space, perfect for picnics or running around.
Click HERE to check out the different museums and book your tickets
Attractions
Interactive and educational attractions are popular here and fun for everyone! Check out the NEMO Science Museum or the ARTIS Amsterdam Royal Zoo!
2. Valencia, Spain
The number 2 spot was a tough decision for us. So we let our daughter make the decision for us. She didn’t even think twice when she said Valencia. It may not be as clean and poppin’ as Barcelona, but it’s less crowded and way cheaper. The perfect vacation spot for all families.
Parks
I’ve never seen so many playgrounds in my life. Everywhere you look, there’s a park, and most are situated directly next to a cafe. It is very common for parents to let their kids play at the park while they sit at the cafe drinking sangria or Aqua de Valencia and enjoying some tapas.
Be sure to check out Gulliver Park, based on the book! Our daughter loves the movie so she enjoyed being a Lilliputian for a day!
City of Arts and Sciences
This cultural and architectural complex is definitely a must see. There is so much to do here, from the Oceanografic Aquarium, an interactive science museum, and an IMAX theater and planetarium.
The Museu de les Ciències Príncipe Felipe has a selection of activities you can book for your kids that are quite inexpensive. We participated in the “Scientist for a Day” program (for under $5 USD!) and our daughter absolutely loved it.
Check out our Complete Guide to the Valencia Science Museum here!
Be sure to book your tickets here!
Beaches
The beaches are the main attraction here, and are perfect for little ones. The boardwalks are lined with shops, restaurants, and gelato, the sand is soft, the water is warm, and the waves are on the smaller side.
Looking for more beautiful beaches in Spain? Here are our absolute favorites!
1. Kissamos, Greece (or any city in Crete!)
Our family’s number one European cities to visit with kids is Crete!
We took a road trip from one end of the island to the other, and seriously every place we stopped was the most amazing place ever (You should take a roadtrip any where in Greece if you have the opportunity). The history alone is something that excites pretty much everyone.
I’ve never heard anyone say the story of Zeus was boring. Every place we visited was a “world schooling opportunity”. I love visiting a place and seeing that each member of our family has learned something. I feel better about myself and feel like a real winner for teaching my kid something new.
There may not be a ton of attractions for kids, but the beaches, the food, and the people make this our (especially our daughter’s) favorite place to go. Simply one of the best European cities you need to take your kids to!
Beaches
Crete’s beaches are some of the most striking we’ve seen, each with its own charm, from pink sands to turquoise waters. And at most beaches you can find donut vendors! That’s right. Huge sugar donuts the size of your head. I have found there is nothing better than coming in from swimming or snorkeling and sitting in the warm sand with a big ol’ donut.
The sand is soft and dotted with seashells, and the water is all different shades of blue and as clear as anything. We stayed in Malia, and were able to swim out to a little island with an old church on it! Our 4 year old did it with us. That’s how calm the water is here.
Check out the pink sand at Elafonisi or Falassarna Beach, or take a dive into the crystal clear and blue waters at Lake Kournas, Crete’s only freshwater lake.
History
There are a number of museums and archaeological sites on the island. There is so much history here, you kind of feel it wherever you go. According to Greek mythology, Zeus was born in Crete, and many other ancient legends trace their roots back to this island. Check out the Palace of Knossos, or the Heraklion Archaeological Museum!
Book your tickets HERE
Culture
The people and the food are the best parts of Crete. Everyone you meet is extremely helpful and friendly, and you are treated like family. The food! So fresh, delicious, and cheap. Our daughter’s favorite memories from Greece are the people she met, and all the feta cheese!
Honorable Mention
I guess I could have made this a “Top 8” list, but this next city does take a little extra time and effort to get to, and sometimes that is not always an option for families. But for the ones who seek adventure and going off the beaten path, this one may just be for you..
Andorra la Vella, Andorra
If you are looking for an adventure, make your way to Andorra. Tucked in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, Andorra la Vella is the quaint and walkable capital of this tiny mountain country known for its duty free retail hub and winter sports.
There is no airport here, so it does take some planning to get there. We rented a car from Barcelona and drove there. It takes about 2 hours 45 minutes to get there, and one of the most stunning drives.
The town is on the smaller side so it is easily walkable, the people are so friendly and speak like a thousand languages, and there are a lot of restaurants and cute shops. There are also a number of clean and updated parks with stunning views.
Click HERE to see what Andorra has to offer!
I hope you gained some information from our Top 7 European Cities to Visit with Kids list!
Let us know what countries your family loved visiting!
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