Kids, Travel and You, Part 3: What to Do With Kids in Europe
- Nov 9, 2025
- 8 min read
What To Do in Europe With Kids
What do you do with children in Europe?
This article is intended for families traveling to Europe from the United States. However, the tips for traveling with children to another country can be adapted for any situation.
What to Do in Europe With Kids
Tip 1: Plan in advance As we stated in the first part, a successful family vacation depends on your already established family dynamics and how much prep you put into the process. Before you leave, plan local activities that will introduce your child to the culture they will see: restaurants, museums, fairs, festivals, etc.
There are some US cities that resemble European cities or have neighborhoods and regions that have strong European cultures.
Look at the Pennsylvania Dutch country area, any neighborhood in large US cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, Chicago and of course, New York.
Since we are The NYC Traveler, we can introduce you to some areas in New York that can introduce children to other cultures. Italian culture is prevalent in Manhattan (start at Mulberry and Canal Streets; Arthur Avenue in the Bronx (and that is near The Bronx Zoo and The New York Botanical Garden) and Staten Island (great pizza); find Greek Culture in Astoria, Queens. Of course, European culture is not the only region of the world represented in New York. With over 800 languages spoken in our city, it's the most diverse linguistic city in the world.
Download a language app and let the children learn easy phrases such as hello, good-bye, please, thank you, etc. They can also learn the numbers. You can find an age appropriate movie or television series that might introduce them to top stars or fictional characters.
Even a trip to Quebec can help prepare: it's the next best thing to France on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.
What to Do in Europe With Kids
Tip 2: Is it right for everyone? It is difficult to travel with children, but even more so with children under 3. So think about your child's age, whether they are accustomed to flying (including the whole airport experience) and how well they do with a quick change of plans.
Also, consider those children with disabilities. There are stairs, canals, cobblestone alleys, steep streets and hotels and train stations without no elevators. Wheel chairs, strollers, canes and crutches are often not accommodated.
Some countries of cities are not always child-centered. Many cultures have changed, but in some smaller areas, children still initiate their own playing without electronics or play dates. If your child is not accustomed playing with other kids in a playground or park without constant formal guidance, they may feel overwhelmed.
Traveling within a city is another challenge. If you yourself are not used to traveling around a large city, it can be very stressful to have sightseeing excursions. Car services, limos, taxis, etc, can be expensive or inconvenient. Many cities have areas where cars are restricted, where traffic can be very dense or where driving itself can be a new experience even for adults who have had driver's licenses for many years. Driving on the opposite side of the road, using a measuring system that is different and navigating unfamiliar territory are all challenges that you can do without: just learn how to use mass transit. See our article here for tips about getting around a large city.
If you are not used to public transportation, now is the time plan a new adventure with your family before venturing to Europe. Pick a city near your home and have a day out.
What to Do in Europe With Kids
Tip 3: Will it be the right time of year? Take into account the time of year. Remember, the seasons are reversed past the equator (it's summer in Australia in February, winter in North America). Summer in Europe is hot and the slow time is August. Some attractions have reduced hours or are closed altogether. Beach areas are crowded and beach hotel rates are high. Spring Break is a good time. It can still be crowded, but many attractions are open. The weather can be a gamble, but that's what museums are for.
If you are traveling when it is traditionally cold in that part of the world, such as December, look for holiday time activities and excursions. If it will be warm, look for festivals, zoos and outdoor parks and garden. Plan accordingly.
There is a lot of information on many sites for specific information for the city you are trying to visit. A good introduction to Europe can be the traditional cities instead of more exotic or elaborate cultures. London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Barcelona, Lisbon, Firenze (Florence), Venezia (Venice) and many towns in Germany all great ways to introduce children from the United States.
These cities will have many activities for children throughout the whole year.
What to do in Europe With Kids?
Tip 4: Activities Basic: For younger children, play on-going games, such as "I Spy."
Make your child in charge of a responsibility, such as keeping the family on schedule by keeping track of time. There are plenty of apps to help organize an itinerary.
Challenge your child to say hello, please, thank you, good-bye and their menu choice in the country's language or local expressions (such as taking the lift, rather than the elevator in London).
Take a look at the details on the old churches (look for gargoyles). Visiting old churches can be very informative, but it may not be a fun activity for kids. Limit churches to one or two for the entire trip.
The many piazzas (plazas) may have street fairs, vendors, musicians, performers and carousels.
Gardens: Springtime brings flowers and butterflies and rolling hills. Any place that encourages touching and participation is a guaranteed hit. Some museums are also gardens: your kids will want to pose by each sculpture at the Musee Rodin. At Versailles, rather than touring each palace, opt for only Marie Antoinette's Estate and pay extra for the musical fountain show in the gardens in the evening.
Ferris Wheels ("Eyes"): They seem to be all the rage: London, Paris, Niagara Falls (Canada), a few places in Japan. These are outside of the theme parks, usually in a downtown area and there are often attractions surrounding them as add-ons.
Wax museums: Keep your children's ages in mind for these. Some have horror themes. For the others, it can be spooky standing next to a life size statue that looks like it may come alive at any moment. But, wax museums can be good history lessons and certainly a lot of fun.
Children's Museums: they are popping up more and more in Europe. Having family-based museums is great for the whole family. This is a time that the older kids can actually guide the younger ones. They can pair off. Most museums have some sort of activity sheet: the family can challege each other.
Boat Rides: Venice, Capri, Versailles. If you have ever taken a ferry, your kids can handle this! In Venice, boats are transportation, like taxis. In other cities, ferries take you from one attraction to another or there may be parks, lakes, etc.
Forts, castles and palaces: These are always a hit with kids: castles and cannons and towers and tales of pirates and adventures, oh my! They can be dusty, so don't wear your best clothing.
Sports arenas and museums: Many Olympic sites have been converted for public use, you can visit the four famous tennis open stadiums, or it could be high season for the local favorite. Check your local listings, as they say.
Shopping: Set down some ground rules before you go. Compare prices of their favorite sneakers and make them do the conversion, look at the language of the foods in a market and note the lack of huge supermarkets. Check out the many neighborhood marts and how people still shop daily for dinner. Finally, you may run into one of the farmer's markets.
Restaurants: Eating can be a challenge, but while world cuisine is one reason to travel, at the same time, it's universal. Encourage kids to try new things but almost every place has fries (believe it or not).
City parks: When you have seen the Mona Lisa or Michaelangelo's David (which you should certainly do), take some down time, get ice cream and walk in the park. Outside of the Louvre you have Tuileries Gardens, up the street from Buckingham Palace is St. James Park or visit one of the 8 Royal Gardens. Madrid has it's Parque de Retiro.
Night Time: Cities come alive and lights are fantastic at twilight. Make sure your lodging is in a well lit and well populated area. The Eiffel Tower actually gives a light show, vendors sell little toys with lights in Florence and Venice, London's Piccadilly Circus looks like Times Square and Barcelona's Ramblas seems to never sleep as you window shop. Fountains are lit up, families are taking strolls and you can walk off your dinner before putting the little ones to sleep.
In the hotel room: Television programming is likely to be limited and children's programming may be sparse. I would suggest bringing a tablet with downloaded books, games and movies. If you have wi-fi, make it your child's job to research the next day's agenda and let him find it on the map.
Finally: Don't forget the selfie spots that will be all over the cities!
Tip 5: Consider a cruise
Fly and sail on a cruise from a top city such as Barcelona, Athens, Copenhagen, Southampton (UK), Lisbon, Le Havre (France), Civitavecchia (Italy), Ravenna (Italy), Trieste (Italy), and more. If you fly in early or stay a couple of days after the cruise, you can explore that city and learn more about the country, culture, food (including snacks) and language.
But on a cruise ship with children, All in all, taking children on a trip to Europe can be fun, educational and an adventure for all with just a few adjustments and some pre-planning.
Disclaimer
The NYC Traveler is a certified New York State educator. This is information is based on personal and professional experience and is not intended as legal advice, counseling or therapy.
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