The Best Family Destinations in Europe
We’ve found the best places for family holidays in Europe. This is your chance to swap stress and screens for trees and streams. Ready to show the kids a world beyond Wi-Fi?
Family Adventures in the Great Outdoors
Swap those iPads for hiking boots, and TV screens for zip lines. Our family holidays are designed to inject a good dose of outdoor adventure into your life.
Imagine spending days exploring lush trails and dense forests, or feeling the thrill of summit playgrounds and tree-top trails.
Whether it's scaling vertical walls, biking down winding trails, or splashing around in water sports, each day with us is a vibrant invitation to laugh, explore, and create memories that'll outshine any souvenir.
Selva, Italy | Grindelwald, Switzerland | Morzine, France | Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria | Arinsal, Andorra
Selva, Italy - A Playground for All Ages
In Selva, Italy, every day is an adventure waiting to happen. It’s a paradise for teens and tots alike. The Val Gardena Active programme is your ticket to free family fun, with hikes leading to hidden adventure playgrounds and wildlife galore. And for the thrill-seekers, there's zip-lining and mountain biking to get your adrenaline pumping.
Stay at: Hotel Rodella
Family Fun Includes:
- Sports Centre: Bowling, tennis and ping pong
- Nives Climbing Wall
- Zipline Adventures at Monte Pana
Family-Friendly Walks in Selva
An Exciting Adventure to the Juac Hut
Heading out to the Juac Hut with the family is a blast, and you can even walk a bit further to the Regensburger Hut if you're feeling adventurous. The whole trail is about eight kilometers long, but it's easy and should take around three hours to walk.
The walk starts at a car park above Selva Val Gardena and follows a forest trail marked as No. 3. Along the way, you'll see cool wood-carved animals, a pretty pond, and some interesting signs to read.
The Juac Hut itself is under some big cliffs and has a great view. Plus, there's a football field, a big sundial, tasty food, and lots of space for the kids to run around.
Grindelwald, Switzerland - Fun for All Ages
Grindelwald is an endless fun-factory for families. Soar through the skies on the First Flyer or Glider, or explore the mountain biking trails. And for those rainy days? An indoor rope park awaits.
Stay at: Romantik Hotel Schweizerhof & Hotel Belvedere
Family Fun Includes:
- Canyoning
- Biking Trails
- Themed Walks
- Indoor Rope Park
Family-Friendly Walks in Grindelwald
The Lieselotte Children's Theme Trail
This is a fantastic adventure for families. This easy, family-friendly trail stretches over 3.7km, with a gentle descent of 608 metres. You can expect to spend around an hour and a half on this delightful journey.
As you follow the trail from the top of the Männlichen gondola to the middle station, you'll be treated to stunning views and an exciting adventure with Lieselotte the cow and her friends.
What makes this trail extra special are the 13 play stations dotted along the path. Each station offers a unique and fun activity, ensuring that the little ones are engaged and entertained throughout the walk.
It's an ideal outing for families looking to combine a bit of exercise with a whole lot of fun and discovery in a beautiful natural setting.
Morzine, France - Alpine Adventures
Morzine is a haven for alpine excitement - a top pick among the best family destinations in Europe. Paragliding, canyoning, rock climbing, or leisurely bike rides - take your pick. The Morzine Multipass offers free activities including lift access.
Stay at: Hotel Champs Fleuris, Hotel Le Cret, Hotel La Clef des Champs
Family Fun Includes:
- Walking Trails
- Canyoning
- White Water Rafting
- Swimming
- Rock Climbing
Family-Friendly Walks in Morzine
Lac de Montriond
This lake near Morzine is fantastic for kids for several reasons. First, the flat terrain around the lake is perfect for little legs. It's easy for walking, running, or even pushing strollers, so the whole family can enjoy a stress-free day out.
Plus, the gentle shores of the lake offer a great spot for playtime or a picnic, allowing kids to play safely while adults relax. The easy accessibility by public transport is another plus, making the journey part of the adventure for the young ones.
With the beautiful natural setting, it's a wonderful place for children to explore, learn about nature, and have loads of fun in the great outdoors.
Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria - Adventure Awaits
Get ready for action in Saalbach Hinterglemm. Europe's largest high rope park, mountain bike zones, mini-golf, and adventure pools promise excitement at every turn. This is one of the best places for families in Europe to experience adventure.
Stay at: Hotel Saalbacher Hof & Gardenhotel Theresia
Family Fun Includes:
- High Rope Park
- Motor Skills Park
- Jump and Slide Park
- Themed Walking Paths
Family-Friendly Walks in Saalbach Hinterglemm
Saalbach Hinterglemm is like a treasure chest for families who love the great outdoors. With around 400 kilometres of trails to explore, there's something for everyone.
And the views? Absolutely stunning. The perfect backdrop for a family photo - don’t forget to say cheese.
And getting around is simple, all thanks to a brilliant network of lifts, and with the Joker Card, you can hop on some of these lifts for free. This card is given to you by your hotel at reception on check in.
It’s good for your entire stay, letting you enjoy lots of activities without spending extra. Plus, there are many bonus partners who offer attractive discounts for Joker Card holders.
The Wildlife Trail
This is an exciting adventure waiting at the end of the Glemm Valley. Kids will love spotting wooden animal figures hidden in the woods, learning about the local wildlife.
Don't forget to peek through the giant binoculars at the Ossmannalm – who knows what you might spot! Plus, complete the wildlife quiz and snag a cool medal at the Ossmannalm.
Montelino's Adventure Path
Perfect for a family outing, this easy, pram-friendly walk is about 3km long and takes around 90 minutes. Starting from the top of the Kohlmais lift to the middle station, this path is dotted with huts offering special treats for kids.
The mission? Help Montelino the clown find his lost friends and toys. Grab a game pass at the lift's bottom, and let the adventure begin, following the owl through woods and meadows full of fun activities.
Kids Hiking Challenge
Want a bit of a challenge? Pick up a hiking challenge pass from the Tourist Office and start collecting stamps as you explore the themed trails. Once your young adventurers have enough stamps, they can exchange their pass for a little surprise reward.
Read our guide for fun things to do in Saalbach Hinterglemm.
Arinsal, Andorra - Adventure for the Young Ones
Andorra is a hidden gem among the best family destinations in Europe. It’s like a giant playground for families.
Picture zooming down zip lines and whooshing on toboggan rides at Mon(t) Magic. Then, shift gears to Pal Arinsal, which has one of southern Europe’s biggest bike parks. It’s a cyclist's dream.
And in Naturland, the little ones can channel their inner Robin Hood with archery and explore enchanting forest trails.
Stay at: Hotel Princesa Parc & Spa
Family Fun Includes:
- Adventure Sports
- Pekepark: Slides, Ball Pits, Trampolines
- Pal-Arinsal Water Activities
Family-Friendly Walks in Arinsal
Andorra is the perfect destination for families who love to explore the great outdoors together.
Arinsal’s trails in particular, are a real treat. Whether you’re out for an easy family stroll or up for a more adventurous hike, there’s something for the whole family.
Plus, getting around is simple thanks to a handy bus service. You can zip over to nearby towns like La Massana for even more exploring.
The paths here are also super easy to follow and are some of the best-marked ones in Europe. You’ll find clear signs everywhere, and many trails even have QR codes. Just scan the signs with your phone, and voila! Directions are yours.
And let’s not forget the gorgeous forests, mountains, lakes, and wildlife that make this resort so special.
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