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.

Costa Rica: Viva la Pura Vida

Best For:  Natural Beauty, Ecotourism, Outdoor Activities, Relaxation, Family Friendly

Best Time to Visit:  December through April 

Waterfall in La Fortuna

I don't really do nature.  I look at it.  I appreciate it.  Then I go to a café, do some window shopping, or hit up a museum, and if the nature is still in my field of vision while I'm enjoying the cultural sites, I'll appreciate it some more.  So, a couple of years ago when my mom and I decided to skip out on Christmas, I was a bit skeptical about heading to the tropics.  But Costa Rica isn't your dime a dozen Caribbean spot.  The nature is so vibrant, the pace so relaxed, and the people so lovely, it even made me slow down and enjoy the pura vida (pure life), as the locals call it.  By the end of my week here I was scoping out spots for a retirement home.    

Natural Beauty:  Containing up to 6% of the worlds’ plants and animal species in an area roughly the size of West Virginia, Costa Rica has been called the most bio-diverse country on earth.  Varying landscapes offer travelers a visual smorgasbord of black sand beaches, lush rainforests, lava-spewing volcanoes, misty cloud forests, and grand waterfalls.  One of the great joys of a trip to Costa Rica is seeing exotic animals in their natural habitat.  It’s not unusual to spot monkeys hanging in trees or sea turtles inching along the beach.  Bird watchers may even get a glimpse of the rare resplendent quetzal.  Some of the most scenic inland parks include Monteverde and Arenal, while Manuel Antonio and Corcovada are coastal treats. 

   

Monteverde Cloud Forest

Ecotourism:  Costa Rica wrote the book on ecotourism.  With over 25% of its land protected by conservation areas and national parks, the country has led the way in wildlife preservation.  Here, conservation goes even beyond land protection – ecotourism is also in the details.  Hotel key cards prevent guests from leaving their lights on unnecessarily, products are made from eco-friendly materials, and trash bins offer multiple recycling options. 

Outdoor Activities:  Costa Rica is an adventure-lover’s playground.  Hikers, bikers, and rafters can take advantage of the countless trails and white water in the rainforests and parks.  Thrill seekers will not want to miss zip lining above forest canopies – Monteverde is best.  Water worshippers can enjoy scuba, swimming, snorkeling, or surfing on either of the country’s two coasts.

Guanacaste Beaches

Relaxation:  After trekking through the rainforest or battling the ocean waves, visitors will need some time to unwind and enjoy the pura vida.  Those visiting volcanic areas, such as Arenal (pictured right), can take a soak in one of the many hot springs, naturally heated by underground volcanic rock.  Sun worshippers can choose from remote beaches, such as those on the Caribbean and South Pacific Coasts, or more developed spots, like the Guanacaste or Manuel Antonio areas.

Family Friendly:  If you feel like you’ve missed out on international travel since starting a family, consider taking your kids to Costa Rica.  Children of all ages will love its attractions and will especially appreciate not being dragged to boring museums.  Many of the parks offer family-oriented activities such as butterfly gardens and hanging bridge tours.  And who doesn’t love the beach?