Five Offbeat Family-Friendly Destinations in Europe

The major metropolises of Western Europe are family-friendly, but they’re also everyone-friendly. Chances are, if you’re well traveled, you (and maybe your children) have already seen Paris, London, and Rome. So, if you’re looking for something different, or if you’re not interested in chasing your kids through urban hustle and bustle, consider taking your next family vacation to one of these more offbeat European destinations.

Devil's Bridge, Kassel, Germany
Photo by Matthias Stump

Fairy Tale Road, Germany:  Northeast of Frankfurt, between the towns of Hanau and Bremen, is a land of castles, cobblestone, wizards, and witches. Crossing through the home of the Brothers Grimm, Germany’s Fairy-Tale Road is thick with images that arouse whimsical imagination in the most unbelieving of mortals. Wind your way through the towns of half-timbered houses and the imposing forests that inspired the settings for your children’s favorite fables, including Sleeping Beauty, Hansel and Gretel, Rapunzel, Snow White, and Little Red Riding Hood. Towns along the road embrace their storied history with puppet-shows, open-air plays, and medieval feasts. 

Lapland, Finland:  Your children will happily brave the elements for the opportunity to meet the “real” Santa Claus. Rovaniemi is home to Kris Kringle, and the city has embraced the honor with a kitschy homage that kids will love and adults will tolerate. You can visit the Santa Claus Village year round, but it’s most festive during the holiday season when there’s that unmistakable Christmas cheer in the air. Highlights include the North Pole’s post office, an exhibition on Christmas celebrations from around the world, and Santa Park, an underground theme park chock-full of holiday spirit. A bonus for parents: Lapland has stunning unspoiled landscapes and good vantage points for viewing the spectacular northern lights.   

Transylvania, Romania
Photo by Eugen

Transylvania, Romania:  Transylvania is not the unearthly land portrayed by Bram Stoker, though it can evoke a slight feeling of eeriness that visitors may find hard to shake. The region holds fast to its Dracula connection; there’s Castle Bran, which is said to be the home of the Count, a number of other Saxon fortresses, and vampire-themed hotels and cafes. Really, Transylvania is more of a pastoral region with charming, old architecture. Still, you won’t have much trouble convincing your children of its place in mythical history. And parents will love the price--Transylvania is relatively inexpensive compared to similar destinations in neighboring Western Europe.

Loire Valley, France:  This ostentatious French region is home to some of the world’s most opulent chateaux. Adults and kids alike will enjoy promenades through perfectly manicured gardens and waltzes through the grand hallways of the country’s Renaissance. Don’t miss  Chambord, the second largest palace in France (next to Versailles), or Chenonceau, with its enchanting bridge arching over the River Cher. The castles’ delightful neighboring towns will give your children the urge to sing in the streets, Beauty-and-the-Beast style.



Chenonceau Castle, Loire Valley, France

 Odense, Denmark:  Birthplace of Hans Christian Anderson, author of famous fairytales such as The Little Mermaid and Thumbelina, Odense celebrates the storywriter with statues, parades, and a museum. Perhaps influenced by its most famous citizen, the town has evolved into a child’s wonderland. There’s a railway museum, one of Europe’s best-preserved water castles, and an impressive zoo. Nearby Billund is home to Legoland, another family-friendly Danish destination.  The kids will be especially happy if you stay at Lalandia, a resort complex with an indoor waterpark.