Best Family Holiday Destinations in Europe 2025

Planning a Family Holiday to Europe

Europe is one of the best continents for family travel. It packs extraordinary diversity into a small area — you can go from ancient Roman ruins to a beach resort to a world-class theme park in just a few hours. Here are the top destinations for families in 2025.

1. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is endlessly entertaining for families. The beaches are clean and safe, the food is excellent, and attractions like Park Güell and the Barcelona Aquarium keep children of all ages happy. The city's wide pedestrianised boulevards make it easy to navigate with a pushchair, and the tapas culture means you can eat well and cheaply at almost any hour.

Don't miss: A day trip to PortAventura theme park, just 90 minutes south of Barcelona by train. It's one of the best theme parks in Europe and excellent value compared to UK equivalents.

2. Disneyland Paris, France

An obvious choice, but one that delivers every time. Disneyland Paris is the number one tourist destination in all of Europe, and for good reason. With two parks (Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios), world-class resort hotels, and Disney Village for evening entertainment, you can easily fill 3–5 days without ever leaving the complex.

Pro tip: Book tickets and hotel together for the best value. Visit in spring (March-May) for shorter queues and pleasant weather.

3. Lake Garda, Italy

Lake Garda is a paradise for active families. The largest lake in Italy offers sailing, windsurfing, cycling and hiking, while the charming lakeside towns provide gelato, pizzerias and gorgeous scenery. Nearby Gardaland is Italy's premier theme park, and Legoland Gardaland opened in 2021.

4. Algarve, Portugal

Portugal's southern coast is tailor-made for families seeking beach holidays with a bit more adventure. The water is clean and the beaches are wide. The rocky coves and sea caves around Lagos can be explored by kayak, and the area has a good selection of waterparks for hot summer days.

5. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is surprisingly child-friendly. The Rijksmuseum has excellent family trails, Artis Zoo is right in the city centre, and children love exploring the canals by boat. The city is almost completely flat, making it ideal for family cycling — hire bikes for an afternoon and follow the dedicated cycle paths along the canals.

Tips for Travelling with Kids

• Book direct flights where possible — connections with young children add significant stress
• Book accommodation with a kitchen to save on food costs and keep fussy eaters happy
• Use our packing list tool to make sure you don't forget essentials
• Consider travel insurance that covers cancellation — children get ill unexpectedly
• Check if attractions offer family tickets (usually 2 adults + 2 children) — these often save 20–30%