Traveling to Europe is, for some, a dream vacation of a lifetime. For others, it’s just a trip back home to visit family. Whether you’re going to Europe on a regular basis or you’re heading over for a second honeymoon and want to make it special, there’s a ton to consider from many different angles.

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome, for many, is the addition of children to the family. Do you leave your kids behind with grandparents and take the trip yourself? Some say yes, and many find they’re riddled with anxiety the whole time. Others go and realize their kids would actually love the experience.

We say, bring the kids! There are plenty of places you can visit that are entertaining, educational, and enriching to your kids, whether they’re barely toddlers or they’re young adults. The only question is, where do you go? What are the most family-friendly countries to visit in Europe?

For our money, here are the most family-friendly countries you can visit and the considerations to keep in mind when you’re planning your trip.

Option 1: Sweden

Among modern European countries, Sweden is actually ranked one of the best places to raise a family. Obviously, that means it’s also a great place to visit with your family. The infrastructure, amenities, and attractions are all there. Whether you’re pushing a stroller through the streets, looking for a child-friendly restaurant for dinner, or just looking for something to do that entertains you all, Sweden has plenty for you.

Sweden is also a great transitional country to visit. What do we mean by that? Well, it’s far from home and definitely exotic, with an entire culture unlike anything else seen outside of Scandinavia. But, it’s also not so far from home that you might feel the culture shock or feel like you just can’t fit in and navigate without half-naturalizing to do it. A significant proportion of the country speaks fluent English, so you don’t have a language barrier to contend with, and it’s easy to get around or get help when you need it.

In other words, it’s a great place to go to introduce children to world travel without putting them entirely out of their depth. Meanwhile, there are many fantastic museums, entertainment venues, events, and other things to do that will make it an unforgettable experience for any child old enough to be able to form long-term memories.

Some places in Sweden can also be a great way to see the Northern Lights!

Option 2: Croatia

Croatia might seem like an odd pick, but that’s actually why it’s on the list. In particular, visiting one of the cities like Dubrovnik or Split can be an incredible trip. Croatia is, in a sense, kind of the opposite of Sweden. Dense, historic architecture surrounds you rather than more modern skyscrapers, so much so that it can often feel like a fairy tale.

One of the big calls to many world travelers as far as Croatia is concerned is the fact that Dubrovnik is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and, in more popular culture, the main filming location for the city of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. Obviously, that show isn’t appropriate for younger children, but if you’re bringing older children along who have seen the show and loved it, visiting the sites in person is an incredible experience, even if it’s not quite like the show. You won’t find any direwolves, for one thing, except maybe in gift shops.

Other cities in Croatia are more modern, and Croatia isn’t exactly huge, so it’s entirely possible to base your trip in another city and take a day or two to experience Dubrovnik along the way. There are also plenty of incredible natural wonders to see along the way if the outdoor adventures are more your family’s speed.

Option 3: Austria

Austria, especially the capital of Vienna, is one of the world’s capitals of classical music and culture. There are centuries of history to see and experience, whether directly by walking the streets or by ducking into museums to see what used to be.

Austria is also home to one of the world’s oldest amusement parks. That doesn’t mean it’s rickety and falling apart, though! Prater is an incredible experience, and while you won’t find Mickey Mouse within its walls, it’s thoroughly entertaining for children of all ages and parents, too. Similarly, Vienna is also home to the world’s oldest zoo.

Austria is, in many ways, one of the best places in Europe to visit for families that love a certain kind of culture. Those who love music and play classical instruments, those who love old books and independent bookstores, those who like to see a play; if the arts are your style, Austria is the place to be.

Option 4: Italy

Italy is often one of the most common European destinations for Americans looking to visit Europe. Cities like Florence, Rome, and Venice are all deeply embedded in American and global culture, from references in cartoons to iconography to being the backdrop of many movies.

And who can pass up a delicious gelato?

The truth is, Italy is impossible to sum up in just one passage – or one visit. It’s a geographically disparate country with a unique culture and atmosphere in each city you might visit. There’s something for everyone somewhere in the country, whether you’re looking for ancient architecture and Roman artifacts, renaissance artwork and historical museums, incredible food culture, or even some incredibly modern attractions, like amusement parks with some of the fastest roller coasters around.

Some people visit Italy every year or every few years and would say they still haven’t seen and done everything they want to. We’re inclined to agree; from the rolling hills to the gorgeous seaside, we love it there, and it’s only the fact that we love dozens of other locations around the world too that prevents us from going back all the time.

Option 5: England

Sometimes, you want to get your feet wet, but you don’t want to dive in. For sensitive kids, for people who aren’t used to world travel, or for fans of Doctor Who, the UK is one of the most common tourist destinations in the world. Whether you’re visiting the bright lights and modern culture of London or stopping somewhere a little further off the beaten path, England, in particular, is a common go-to destination.

There’s a ton to do in London, from seeing historic attractions like Big Ben, the palace, or seeing the changing of the guard, to more modern attractions like the Eye (the fantastic Ferris wheel), there’s a ton to see and do within and around the city. Depending on the age of your kids and what life experiences they’ve had, even something as simple as taking a ride on the London underground can be an adventure of its own.

There’s also Hamley’s, one of the world’s oldest and largest toy stores and the inspiration for many of the busy, fantastical toy workshops in movies.

Are There Any Bad Countries for Families in Europe?

It can be hard to say there’s anywhere truly bad for a trip with kids in Europe, but the truth is, some places just aren’t that great. Places like Turkiye, Portugal, and even Greece offer less in the way of amenities and adventures for children than other European countries.

Functionally, what this means is that when you visit somewhere like Vienna, London, or Stockholm, you’re going to be able to find something to do that will entertain your kids pretty much anywhere you want to go. In places like Portugal and Turkey, you might find yourself struggling if you haven’t planned an itinerary ahead of time.

There are fantastic adventures and incredible experiences to be had in any of these countries, make no mistake! You just often need to know what you’re getting into and plan ahead for your trip if you want to make it a good one with kids.

There are also certain time-sensitive reasons why you might not want to visit certain places with kids. For example, you probably don’t want to take a trip to Ukraine right now! Weather can also be a concern; visiting certain areas of southern Europe when it’s hot or northern Europe when it’s cold can be a miserable time if you aren’t fully prepared. You also might not want to bring kids who don’t care about historical architecture to a country primarily known for it, and so on. Know what your kids like, and plan around it.

What Should You Keep in Mind when Planning a Family Trip to Europe?

If you want to take a family trip to Europe, and you want it to go well, there’s a lot to think about and a lot to keep in mind.

Transporting the kids. If your kids are young enough, you’re going to need some way to carry them when they can’t walk on their own. A stroller is usually the go-to, but certain areas aren’t very stroller-friendly, so a baby carrier is also a good idea. Do a bit of research about where you plan to go and see how the accessibility is and which option you need to bring.

Similarly, you probably want to bring your own car seat. Yes, it’s a huge hassle to fly with a car seat taking up extra checked baggage space, but the fact is, there’s never a guarantee that you’ll be able to access one when you need to take a taxi or other vehicular transportation, so bringing your own can be a great option.

Don’t forget the power. European standard power outlets operate at a different current and have a different plug style than American power outlets. You’ll need an adapter, and probably more than one, since you’ll be juggling everything from phones to baby gadgets to toys. Instead of relying on a handful of adapters, though, grab a power strip you can power with an adapter, plus some backups.

In similar “Europe is different” details, a European SIM card for your phone is also necessary. Fortunately, they’re easy to get.

A rail pass. Depending on where you’re going, one of the best ways to get around is likely by taking a train. Plus, your kids can find a train ride through continental Europe just as exciting as half of the places you’ll visit on the trip, and honestly, we can’t blame them. Rail passes can save you money if you plan to travel throughout Europe rather than staying in one place, but you need to pay attention to the fare details either way. We definitely recommend taking a train rather than a plane or car when you can, though.

Driving in Europe is especially a bit of a hassle, doubly so if you aren’t familiar with manual transmissions. Gas is expensive, road signs aren’t as commonly translated as in-city signage, and your habits can get you in trouble. Plus, you need an international driving permit, which is more hassle and paperwork to get.

Saving some money. One of the best things you can do for a European vacation is plan ahead and save some money. For us, that means using credit cards that earn us travel points and using those points on airfare and hotel stays. Often, points-based stays are nicer than what you might be paying for normally, as are the flights, and not having to pay out of pocket for them can be a huge boon to the wallet when all is said and done. We have a whole guide to getting started with points and travel miles, so check it out!

Finally, don’t forget to savor the trip. All too often, we see fellow travelers spending all their time trying to take the perfect photo for social media, and end up spending more effort on recording the trip than on enjoying it. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is relax and enjoy the moment.