6 of the best destinations for American families visiting Europe for the first time
After plenty of family trips (and a few lessons learned the hard way), we’ve narrowed down our European favorite destinations that combine beauty, fun, and family-friendliness
From lakeside villages and mountain trains to beach days and castle visits, these spots make traveling in Europe with kids feel effortless — and unforgettable.
We spent this last summer in London and from there were able to take many easy trips. With that being said, these are the top 6 destinations that my family agrees are the most family-friendly and are the PERFECT places to visit for your first trip to Europe.
As you read through the list, you will notice most of these are smaller towns outside of bigger cities. We prefer this because there is less chaos and usually more places to walk around but also this is where we have found the best hidden gems. For example: You could also be planning a trip to Barcelona and also want to have a few days in another area - Mallorca would be a very quick and easy flight to add a few beach days to your vacation.
Lucerne, Switzerland
1. Lucerne, Switzerland
What to expect:
- Lucerne is a small charming city on a gorgeous lake surrounded by the Swiss Alps. Only about an hour away from the Zurich airport, it’s a great place to stop on your travels
- This is one of my whole families favorite cities in the world. Every one of my kids still talks about this place and asks to go back. Read our full detailed 10 day Switzerland Itinerary.
- Walk the promenade with lots of sidewalk cafes, restaurants, and shops
- Swiss Museum of Transport – one of the best family museums in Europe, with interactive exhibits, a planetarium, flight simulators, and outdoor play areas
- One of Europe's oldest covered bridges serves as its centerpiece. The Kapellbrücke, also known at the Chapel Bridge was named after nearby St. Peter’s Chapel. It is open to the public with free access, filled with over 60 paintings, flowers and plants. This was a great activity for the whole family, being surrounded by beautiful views of the lake and history of the city
Why we love Lucerne, Switzerland with kids?
- We visited the Swiss transportation museum, which offers an exciting journey through mobility—road, rail, water, and air! Explore vintage trains, sleek airplanes, and space travel under one playful roof. Whether simulating a flight or racing a car, there's adventure for curious minds of all ages! This would be a great activity to save in case of a rainy or colder day.
- Visit the famous chocolate store Max Chocolatier
- Lake swimming spots – in summer, there are small beaches and floating platforms for a swim
2. Colmar, France
Colmar, France
Northeast France, on the border of Germany
What to expect:
-This gorgeous, well- preserved 1,000 year old city was the inspiration for Walt Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. It truly is a fairytale town in northeast France with cobbled streets, colorful medieval buildings and boat trips through the canals.
- It is also referred to as “Little Venice”. A town built on canals with boat rides.
-The Kœnigsbourg Castle is our favorite for kids, with amazing views and history.
- Located in the famous Alsace region-with wineries EVERYWHERE!
Why we love Colmar, France with kids?
- Extremely walkable. This town has flat, cobblestoned little squares and fountains and half timbered houses around every corner
- Located on Lake Annecy - you can rent pedal boats, go swimming, or take a short cruise
- Rent bike - flat, safe bike path that circles much of the lake — you can rent bikes or even e-bikes with kid seats.
3. Tremezzo, Italy
Tremezzo, Italy
Across the lake on Lake Como
What to expect:
- Across from Bellagio on a quiet part of Lake Como
- Kids will love taking the ferry around the lake hopping on and off at Como, Varenna, Bellagio, Mennagio, etc
- Villas and gardens to run and explore galore! Castello di Vezio is a top pick!
- The moat gorgeous part of the lake! The sunsets, the rocky beaches you can walk to and the view from Hotel Tremezzo! (have lunch or dinner or drink there!)
- And of course when in Italy - PASTA! Take a cooking class with @cookingclass_annac and learn to make your own!
Why we love Tremezzo, Italy with kids?
- Tremezzo is right on Lake Como, with amazing swimming spots and a beautiful lakeside promenade that’s stroller-friendly and perfect for walks or gelato breaks. For the older kids there is paddle boarding or kayaking, while younger ones can play near the shallow areas.
- Villa Carlotta is a historic villa with gorgeous botanical gardens. Kids will love wandering the paths, sculptures, and exploring the wide open lawns — it’s a great mix of culture and space to run around
- There are plenty of lakefront restaurants where you can enjoy pizza, pasta, and gelato with a view. Most are casual and welcoming to families so there is no stress about having to dress
4. Annecy, France
Annecy, France
Northern tip of Lake Annecy, just south of Geneva
What to expect:
-Medieval town In the French Alps on a pretty lake
-Amazing hikes to waterfalls and castles. You can also watch the paragliders!
-You can do a day trips to Lyon or Chamonix (Mount Blanc) to see the glacier and ice cave
- Walk Annecy's Lovers' Bridge called PontdesAmours
-Lots of Cheese! Fondue and Raclette (on the Swiss border so lots of Swiss influence here)
Why we love Annecy, France with kids?
- You can bikes and do a family-friendly (flat) bike ride on a path around the lake
- Kids love feeding the ducks, spotting swans, and walking through the cobblestone Old Town (which feels like a mini Venice without the crowds)
- Must do: Visit Chateu D’ Annecy Castle and historical monument
- Read our full blog on A Dreamy Trip to Annecy.
Mallorca, Spain
Mallorca, Spain
Small island just south of Barcelona, Spain in the Mediterranean.
What to expect (specifically Cala D’Orr or Alcudia):
- Calm Turquoise waters
- Beautiful sandy “Calas” (small beach coves) with cafes and restaurants located right on the beaches
- Small towns with promenades to shop, eat, or do activities
Cala D’Orr (actually the city of Santanyi)
- Cute little authentic Spanish Village
- Lots of rentals and hotels surround the city center that is full of authentic restaurants, shops, gelato stands and live entertainment.
- There are more than one Cala in this area and you can walk to most of them. We did Cala D’Orr and Cala Esmeralda.
Alcudia
- We stayed at Iberostar Waves Alcudia Park , an all-inclusive resort located right on the water. This is the most family friendly resort i’ve ever been to. There is so much to do right at the resort and it also situated in a little seaside town that has lots of other things to do like an arcade, shopping and restaurants. Read our full review of staying at Iberostar Waves Alcudia Park.
- Walk the Old City of Alcudia - The old city is surrounded by medieval walls that are still standing today, and that you can walk the top! There are lots of great photo ops, restaurants, shops and places to explore (Pop up markets on Tuesdays & Sundays). This was a short 15 minute drive from our resort
- This is A GREAT location to stay and so much to do!
Why we love Mallorca, Spain with kids?
- The Calas are perfect for kids to play in the shallow, calm mediterranean water
- Rock jumping and snorkeling in every Cala (this is all my kids wanted to do while we were there)
- Lots of family friendly resorts - specifically we loved the all-inclusive option at Iberostar Waves Alcudia Park & Prinsotel Alba Hotel in Cala D’orr (not all inclusive)
- Do a Boat tour w/ snorkeling - Kid friendly! We took my 7 and 10 year olds. As long as they can swim I think any age 6+ would be good, but even if you can’t swim you don’t have to get off the boat and they provide lifejackets. There are lots to choose from we choose this specific one because it was only 3 hours so the kids wouldn’t get bored of it.
London, England
London, England
Southeastern England - on the River Thames
What to expect:
- One of the biggest cities in the world so of course there is so much to see and do
- We loved mixing some touristy city things into more calm activities like finding local playgrounds
- It can feel overwhelming to figure out what activity is the best for specific ages. Read our blog on The things I wish I knew before going to London with kids.
- London’s public transport is a dream for families — the Tube (underground train), double-decker buses, and boats on the Thames are all fun ways to explore. Kids under 11 ride free on most public transport, and there are tons of stroller-friendly routes and stations.
Why we love London, England with kids?
- Many of the museums are completely free! We saved visiting the History, Science, British Museum for rainy days.
- Postal Museum was a huge hit for kids (not free but worth it!)
- Lots of amazing big beautiful parks spread all throughout the actual city. We liked Regents (the zoo is in here) and Hyde parks the best! You can rent small paddle boats, see the ducks & swan families.
- Lots of family friendly restaurants including cafes inside of the royal parks. We loved going there and letting the kids play in the park while we waited for our food or enjoyed our coffee.
