50 European Family Adventures for your Travel Bucket List
This travel bucket list of full of adventures all around Europe that are perfect for families to experience together. From major museums, and famous landmarks, to sharing special foods and exploring outdoors, we’ve pulled together a list to inspire your next trip.
Why 50? The options really are endless, but we all need somewhere to start! We could keep adding, but sometimes less is more. These are iconic, memorable, sometimes mainstream, and sometimes offbeat experience you can share together. When possible, we’ve linked to more detailed posts to help you plan these adventures.
We’ve indicated age ranges when we can, though this may vary by family. Some of these are things we did together as part of our Family Year Out (what is a family year out?), and others we’re still hoping to see and do!
This article may contain affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our recommendations are independent and are in no way influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative.
At the bottom of this post, download free Arrivals Checklist for Short Term Rentals!
If you are interested in budget travel to Europe, join our free Facebook Group: Europe Travel with Families on a Budget.
Know where you want to head? Use the Table of Contents to skip around!
Bucket List Travel: Europe
Some of our favorite trips through Europe include a month in Florence (here’s our best list of things to do in Florence), and a month in Croatia.
We also spent a month around the holidays in Vienna, Austria. Vienna is a walkable, enchanting, city, that is one of the safest cities in Europe. After three years of full-time travel, we now live in Porto, Portugal, so hope to be able to easily explore more of Europe during school breaks and long weekends.
We try to slow travel when we can, and are never fans of visiting just to “check the box”, but find these type of lists great for organizing your plans, and inspiring more travel. The more we travel, the more we want to see, and the more we realize how many unique things there are to do around the world!
1. Watch the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, London
All the pomp and circumstance of the Changing of the Guard symbolize London for me. Ideally, pop into Buckingham Palace for a tour after the ceremony. Buckingham Palace has been the official London home of the Royal Family since 1837.
Changing of the Guard usually occurs at 11 am, except for Saturday and Tuesday. Make sure to check the official schedule before you go.
2. Visit Stonehenge at Sunset
Stonehenge is a prehistoric circle of stones located about two hours West of London, England. This famous megalithic structure is famous for its solstice alignments, though its original purpose is unclear.
Stonehenge is closed to the public by sunset, but you can book a special access ticket to watch the sun dip behind the stones.
The Stone Circle Experience gives you access to inside the stone circle either before or after general admission hours. These are timed tickets that allow you to wander among the stones up until 9:00 in the evening. Children are welcome (under 5 are free), but please don’t touch the stones.
The exception to this is during solstice- if you can visit then, we highly recommend it! The ropes are down, and you are free to wander in the stones and touch them as much as you like. You’ll find drum circles and lots of people in druid clothing. Everyone is very welcoming and we found it kid-friendly. Most people stay for sunrise, though no sleeping bags or tents are allowed.
Just 40 minutes from Stonehenge are the Avebury stones, where you can wander more freely. Consider adding these to your trip.
You can combine Stonehenge with a trip to Windsor Castle, and the famous town of Bath, all in a one-day trip from London. What a great way to see three bucket-list-worthy sites all at once (and it’s affordable!)
Book Now: Stonehenge, Windsor Castle and Bath Tour from London
3. Road Trip around Scotland
Explore Edinburgh, search for the mythical Nessie in Loch Ness, see the reindeer in Cairngorms National Park, and visit the Isle of Skye and the Outer Hebrides Islands. We spent a month in Inverness, then drove around the country and soaked up the views. The roads can get quite crowded in season, so aim for off-season or shoulder season if you can.
4. Take Photos Holding the Leaning Tower of Pisa
The tower of Pisa is only one part of a large complex including a cathedral, baptistry, museum, and more. You have to be 8+ to actually climb the leaning tower, but there’s plenty of other things to do as well.
This town of Pisa, Italy is actually quite charming. Don’t miss the Keith Haring mural on the other side of town! There are two train stations in Pisa, we recommend starting at one and ending at the other so you see as much as possible. We wrote up all the reasons we loved visiting Pisa.
5. Stay in a Castle in Ireland
The beds are quite short, but you’ll never forget a night in a real Irish Castle. We stayed at Cabra Castle, in county Kingscourt and I’d go back in a heartbeat!
We arrived after dark on a rainy night, so we didn’t get to explore the grounds as much as I would have liked. It feels very grand to pass a suit of armor on your way down to dinner!
6. Eat Pastel de Natas in Lisbon
Now that we live in Portugal, we’re a bit biased, but Lisbon is a terrific family destination. Pastel de Natas were first created in Belem, a lovely neighborhood with lots to do and see. However, you’ll find these all over Lisbon, and we highly recommend sampling different versions to find your favorite.
A Pastel de Nata has a flaky pastry shell with a sweet egg cream filling. The best ones are served warm, sometimes with a bit of cinnamon. You’ll also find these at the end of just about every Lisbon food tour!
While in Lisbon, consider a tuk tuk tour to avoid the famous hills, unless you really want to walk off those pastries!
7. Swim with Wild Dolphins in the Azores
The Azores are nine volcanic islands in the North Atlantic with a population of just under 250,000 people. They are an autonomous region of Portugal, with a subtropical climate. The Azores are a 2 1/2 hour flight from Lisbon.
Put on your mask and snorkel and go see the dolphins where they live and play! Best for ages 8 and up, and best in the warmer summer months.
The beaches are rocky and the terrain is wild- you’ll find geothermal hot springs, active volcanos, and natural lava swimming holes. These islands are great places for whale watching and dolphin experiences.
8. See the Mona Lisa at the Louvre
When visiting Paris, make sure to visit the Louvre to see the famous Mona Lisa. There are so many famous works here, you’ll have to pick and choose.
We like to have a plan so we don’t get overwhelmed. Either choose a section of the museum, or a scavenger hunt style list of major works to find. Consider adding the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory, Michelangelo’s Slaves, and Vermeer’s Lacemaker to your list.
Don’t miss the Regent Diamond at over 140 carats! You’ll find these with the rest of the French Crown Jewels in the Galerie d’Apollon. The room itself is also spectacular.
Be forewarned the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays. Kids under 18 are free, admission for everyone is free on the first Friday of the month after 6pm (except July and August), and on July 14th. We visited on July 14th and found it surprisingly not too crowded.
9. Sing Do-Re-Mi in Salzburg, Austria
Salzburg is known as the birthplace of Mozart, has dramatic views of the Alps, and you can visit some areas where the Sound of Music was filmed.
To really get into the spirit, take Fräulein Maria’s Bicycle Tour of the areas shown in the film. They have bikes for adults and kids, as well as tandem bikes.
You can also take a Sound of Music tour by bus that includes stops in the town of St Gilgen Mozartplatz, and the town of Mondsee, where you’ll see the Basilica St. Michael where the wedding of Maria and Baron von Trapp was filmed.
Book Now: The Original Sound of Music Tour
Salzburg is a wonderful place to visit for Christmas- explore the festive markets and take a carriage ride through town. A day trip to Salzburg is easy from both Vienna and Munich.
10. Explore Creepy Catacombs
Catacombs are always fun for kids! The famous catacombs of Paris include lots of bone art (it’s chilly down there, bring a sweater!). The Catacombs of Rome are equally worth your time, though they have less of a focus on bones (most have been removed), and more on ancient Christian art.
In the same category, we recommend Underground Naples, where you squeeze through tight tunnels and see large cisterns, as well as the Basilica Cisterns in Istanbul, which are much more open with modern art, old Roman sculptures and dramatic lighting.
11. Tour the Colosseum in Rome
There is so much history in Rome (and also a lot of cats), but you must visit the Colosseum. Eat gelato and take in centuries of ruins. I loved Rome and could have stayed for weeks.
I went to the Colosseum on my own, and think I would have learned a lot more, with a tour guide. When we visited as a family we booked a guided tour of this incredible place to help it come alive for all of us.
Book Now: Guided Tour of the Colosseum
Interested in Rome? Don’t miss our 4-day Itinerary for first-timers with kids, the best hotels in Trastevere, and our recommendations for the best golf cart tours to save your aching feet.
12. Stroll Through Beautiful Ljubljana
Beautiful Slovenia is quickly becoming a popular destination. Ljubljana, the capitol city, may be hard to pronounce, but it has a lovely city center to stroll through. The dragon is the symbol of the city, so you’ll spot them everywhere. Cross the Dragon Bridge, Butcher Bridge or Triple Bridge! Ljubljana also makes a great base for visiting lovely Lake Bled.
13. Picnic Under the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower in Paris is the first landmark that my kids recognized from outside our country. Visiting it turns what they have seen in books or on maps into a real place that exists outside their imaginations.
If you have little ones, there is a fantastic carousel near that tower with lovely views.
Choose a treat or two from one of the gorgeous patisserie windows and picnic near the famous monument. There is so much security set up around the perimeter, that getting actually under the Eiffel Tower is more difficult than it used to be!
14. Visit the Guernsey Islands
A little off the beaten path, but easy to get to, these Channel Islands get the most sunshine in the UK! These under-the-radar islands got a lot more attention after the movie “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” was released in 2018.
Enjoy afternoon tea, look for puffins, learn to surf, kayak, or relax on a sandy beach. Older kids will want to tour the tunnels built by the Germans during their occupation during World War II.
As a bonus, these islands don’t count toward your Schengen Area days!
15. Walk the Walls in Dubrovnik, Croatia
Dubrovnik Croatia is a walled city set along the harbor at the bottom of a hill. By walking the old walls, you get amazing views over the rooftops, out to Lokrum Island, and even into the belltower! It’s a great way to start your visit of this fascinating, ancient city.
Consider getting a Dubrovnik Card, as simply walking the walls pays back the cost of the card.
16. Ride a Gondola in Venice
This is such a classic activity, that it’s tempting to skip it, but we went for it and had a lot of fun! And, of course, got some memorable photos. The good news is that gondolas are strictly regulated in Venice, so you don’t have to worry about negotiating or over paying, prices are clearly posted at each starting point, and you pay per boat, not per person.
We recommend starting your ride at the narrow dock near Ponte San Polo to avoid lines and crowds. The earlier the better as the narrow waterways can get quite crowed. See more details in our Venice post.
17. See the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen
This small bronze statue welcomes visitors to Copenhagen harbor. Denmark is consistently rated as one of the happiest countries in the world.
Take a picture next to the mermaid, stroll through the old city, then hop on a canal tour to see the city from the water. Head over to Nature’s Playground in Valbyparken to climb and explore.
18. Marvel at the Alhambra in Spain
The Alhambra in Granada is a large palace complex with elaborate gardens, and water features. You can easily wander all day here if you love staring at intricate tile patterns like I do!
The Alhambra was the royal residence and court in the mid-13th Century, it then became a Christian court in 1492. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a top example of Moorish architecture, and a fascinating mix of the East and the West.
I traveled to Granada pre-kids just to see this astounding site, and I can’t wait to explore this bucket list palace with the kids!
19. Visit a Fairytale Castle in Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle is in Füssen, Germany, about two hours from Munich, close to the Austrian border. It was built by King Ludwig II of Bavaria in 1868. It is said to have inspired Walt Disney’s Castle in for Sleeping Beauty in Disneyland.
You’ll park at the bottom of the hill, then walk 30 minutes uphill, unless you choose to wait in line for a shuttle or horse and carriage. If you’d like to see the14 rooms are on view, including the throne room (which never held a throne), make sure to book tickets ahead, as they are limited and can book out weeks in advance.
After your tour inside the castle, head to Marienbrücke, a bridge with views of the castle, then stroll the paths around the castle before heading back down.
20. Watch Bridge Jumpers in Mostar, Bosnia
Mostar Bosnia is a very walkable city, with a lot of (tragically recent) history. It’s inexpensive, easy to get to, and well worth a visit! You’ll see jumpers lining up at the Stari Most bridge that connects the two main sections of town.
The tradition of jumping dates back to the 1600, though the bridge was destroyed during the war and rebuilt in 2004. Jumpers work the crowd for money before taking the plunge. They are trained, and there is a Diving Club that tracks the dives. Take a seat in a nearby cafe and watch the action!
21. Explore the Canals of Amsterdam
Amsterdam was one of Waker’s favorite stops in Europe, and we’re excited to share it with the kids!
Rent a boat to explore the canals or rent bikes to cycle around this flat city. Visit the Rijksmuseum to see Rembrandts and Vermeers, then head over to the Van Gogh Museum for more fabulous art.
Visit the Anne Frank House to explore the secret annex where she and her family hid for years. This can be an emotional visit, use your judgment for age appropriateness.
22. Ride the Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland
The Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland is famous for crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct (bridge with 21 arches) that was used in the Harry Potter films. It’s like riding the Hogwart’s Express! West Coast Railways, that runs this train, actually provided the steam engine and carriages used in the movies.
The train runs from Fort William to Mallaig and back (84 miles total). The trains run from late March through late October.
This train ride books up fast! You’ll need to book tickets several months in advance. We were unable to book tickets, so opted to watch the train cross the viaduct from above instead. Unfortunately, the trains were canceled for the day due to safety issues, and it started hailing. Hopefully you’ll have better luck!
To watch the train, you’ll head to the Glenfinnan Viaduct parking lot, about 30 minutes from Fort William. Plan to arrive about 30 minutes before the train passing is scheduled to allow time to park and hike up to the viewpoint. Check the timetable to figure approximate crossing times.
23. Eat Turkish Delight in Istanbul
There’s so much to see and do in Istanbul, but don’t miss the many flavors of Turkish Delight! The kids love rose, we adults prefer lemon or pomegranate. Wander the markets and treat yourself. Don’t miss the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, and the renovated Basilica Cistern as well.
24. Find the Hidden Cats in York, England
We love York for exploring the famous Shambles Alleyway (for more Harry Potter lore), eating decadent sundaes at Bettys Tea Room, and walking the old city walls. However, we most enjoyed playing “find the cat” on the York Cat Hunt!
Cat statues have adorned buildings in York for over 200 years, though the origins of this history are murky. Our favorite is on the Golden Fleece Pub. Look up to spot these felines!
Grab a brochure at a Vistor’s Center or the Cat Gallery (45 Low Petergate). There’s a map that will take you on a walking tour of the city center, and a few quiz questions to fill out as you go. Kids can return the brochure at the end for a prize!
25. See Tulips in Bloom in the Netherlands
From mid-April to early May, the tulips bloom in breathtaking fields of color. You can see the tulips about 40 km from Amsterdam in an area called Bollenstreek.
This area is also famous for stunning views of traditional Holland. The Keukenhof Gardens in Lisse are a popular place to view the fields. You can rent a bike to explore the area, or even take a helicopter over the fields.
26. Get in the Holiday Spirit at Christmas Markets
Europe has amazing Christmas markets! We are partial to the Christmas markets in Vienna, but Germany, France, and Prague also have great markets. Expect crowds, shopping, live music, warm drinks, and delicious snacks.
Ready to check out the Vienna markets? We’ve got a guide to the best food and drink, and a guide to Christmas traditions.
27. Go for a Hike in the Swiss Alps
Snow capped mountains, aqua blue lakes, and lush green grass. There are so many wonderful hikes in Switzerland.
The Swiss Alpine Club rates all trails with a difficulty rating of T1-T6, with 6 being the most difficult. Use these ratings to plan appropriate hikes for your family.
Near Interlaken, take the Kandersteg cable car up to start the Oeschinen Lake Trail. From Zermatt, follow the 5 Lakes Trail for views of the Matterhorn. There are so many gorgeous trails, that you’ll seldom find one that is excessively crowded.
28. Visit Checkpoint Charlie and the Berlin Wall
Checkpoint Charlie is a famous access point between East and West Berlin during the cold war. There is a museum there, and they’ve left the checkpoint booth, sandbags, and flags so that you can imagine what it might have been like during the cold war. You’ll find it at Friedrichstraße 43-45.
To view what’s left of the Berlin Wall, head to the East Side Gallery to see the longest stretch of surviving wall. More than 100 artists have decorated this area of the wall. Start at the Warschauer Straße or Ostbahnhof railway stations.
29. Hike Behind a Waterfall in Wales
We spent several weeks road-tripping through Wales, and the 4 Waterfalls hike in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park was a highlight.
This park used to be called Brecon Beacons, but the name was reverted to the original Welsh name. You can read more about the name change that occurred in 2023.
This is an easy hike, suitable for all levels, though be prepared for rain. The fourth waterfall is the highlight. Called Sgwd yr Eira (or Waterfall of the Snow), you can walk behind the waterfall and look through the water! Plan for three hours for the full hike to all four waterfalls.
30. Visit the Acropolis in Athens
Seeing the Acropolis tower over the city of Athens is an awe-inspiring sight. Climb the hill and explore this archeological wonder.
The amount of history surrounding you can be overwhelming- try this Mythology Tour to put it into perspective and keep the kids entertained.
Book Now: Acropolis Mythology Tour
Make sure to stop by Syntagma Square to watch the changing of the guard. Consider adding a day trip to your family holiday to see the Temple of Poseidon as well.
31. Have a Coffee Break in Stockholm
Whether you are exploring the historic Old Town or checking out the ABBA Museum, take a coffee break (or fika), and enjoy a pastry in this cosmopolitan city. From cardomom rolls to princess cakes, cafe culture is strong here.
32. Explore the Greek Islands
The blue and white color palette of the Greek Islands just oozes relaxation. Take a morning ferry from Athens and enjoy the ride over.
The Cyclades Islands are the closest to Athens and offer plenty of great options. I’ve spent time on Santorini and Naxos and loved them both for different reasons.
Interested in Santorini? Check out this one-day Santorini itinerary.
Mykonos is also on our list of possible islands. From beautiful beaches to a calm atmosphere, wonderful fresh food, ruins, volcanos, and stunning sunsets, Greece has it all. It’s best to visit from late May to September.
33. Watch the Canons Fire in Malta
Malta is such a lovely family destination! Stroll the quaint streets, watch the cannons fire at noon, and choose between relaxing beaches, or UNESCO heritage Megolithic sites. Don’t miss the Lascaris War Rooms, or St. Johns Co-Cathedral.
Our kids really loved the Esplora Science Museum, its very interactive. We spent several hours there and the kids wanted to go back.
34. Eat Chocolate and Waffles in Brussels
Who doesn’t love, chocolate, waffles, french fries, and beer for grown-ups? Brussels offers specialties in all these areas! See the famous Mannekin Pis statue, who is dressed differently for every holiday, then visit the Royal Palace and the Musee de Magritte.
35. Explore Medieval Castles in Romania
Bran Castle is the most famous of Romania’s Medieval castles, but its connection with Dracula is tenuous, and it can get crowded.
Corvin Castle and Peles Castle are beautiful and less visited castles. While you are there, sunbathe on the edge of the Black Sea, visit the Berca Mud volcanoes, and stroll the old town of Sighisoara.
36. Marvel at Chartres Cathedral
Chartres Cathedral is about an hour outside of Paris. It was the first Cathedral recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. This enormous Gothic cathedral is world renowned for it’s mostly original stain glass windows, and the complex labyrinth on the floor that was installed in the year 1200.
Except for a few days a year, the labyrinth is largely covered by chairs, so don’t expect to be able to walk it. There’s plenty to see both inside the cathedral around the quaint town, so Chartres makes a great day trip from Paris.
37. Take a Boat into the Blue Cave in Croatia
Similar to the Blue Grotto near Capri, the light inside this cave is supposed to be incredible. The Blue Cave is on Bisevo Island, you can take a speedboat here from Split or Dubrovnik. You’ll enter the cave in a wooden boat- it’s best to visit on a bright sunny day, ideally between 11 am and noon.
Like other grottos, this one seems to close a lot due to high winds. We weren’t able to enter, but were taken to the Green Grotto instead.
Book Now: Blue Cave Small Group Tour
38. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride over Cappadocia
Cappadocia in central Turkey is known for its tall rock formations called “fairy chimneys”. This otherworldly landscape is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
One of the best ways to see this area is by hot air balloon- most balloons go up in the early morning for sunrise. To visit the area, take a flight to Kayseri or Nevsehir.
Base yourself in Goreme and stay in a cave hotel. Make sure to visit Uchisar Castle and the underground city of Kaymakli.
Taking a hot air balloon ride has long been on my travel adventure bucket list! I had planned to take one over the deserts of Jordan but windy conditions canceled the flight.
You can also take a balloon ride over coffee farms in Columbia, the temples of Bagan, Myanmar, or Serengeti National Park in Tanzania. The most inexpensive place to fulfill this travel dream is the town of Vang Vieng, Laos.
Hot Air Balloon rides are generally for ages 6+, though some companies go by height (minimum 4′ 6″). Most balloons take off in the early morning to take advantage of cooler air temperatures, so expect a very early wake up call. Keep in mind that the balloons are loud, so bring ear protection for sensitive ears.
39. Tour the Palaces of St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is called the “Venice of the North”, and Russia’s “Cultural Capital”. Ever since I read War and Peace in college I’ve been dreaming of seeing the grand palaces where extravagant balls were held followed by a horse and sleigh ride home.
Visit the grand palace of Peterhof– often compared to Versailles. It has 147 fountains for the kids to run around outside, including some “trick” fountains.
Head 30 km South to see Catherine’s Palace, the summer palace of the tzars.
Lastly, visit the Winter Palace, which houses the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Best for ages 8+.
40. See the Hall or Mirrors at Versailles
The Palace of Versailles was once the royal residence of French Kings and Queens. This was the seat of power until the French Revolution. The Treaty of Versailles was also signed here, which ended World War One. The Hall of Mirrors is the most famous room in the palace, complete with 357 mirrors (which were very expensive at the time), and lit be over 20,000 candles.
Versailles is an easy day trip from Paris, but be forewarned it can get quite crowded, so try to arrive early. Don’t miss the Grand Trianon and the Petit Trianon, where Marie Antoinette escaped the crowds at the main palace.
41. Marvel at the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona
Antoni Gaudí’s Temple of Light has become a symbol of the city of Barcelona. The main tower of the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona is schedule to be finished in 2026, after more than 140 years of construction, though work will be ongoing throughout the complex for many years.
The Sagrada Familia is absolutely stunning, and packed with details, textures, patterns, and symbolism.
We recommend a guided tour to understand the symbolism of the cathedral, and how extensive Gaudi’s original plans were. You can also choose to go up into one of the towers for views out over the city.
42. Go Dog Sledding
Head up to the Northern reaches of Europe to try dog sledding. A form of transportation that has been used for over 2000 years, dog sledding is an ideal way to experience nature in near silence.
Svalbard, Norway is famous for its dog sledding. There are also opportunities in Finland, Andorra, Greenland, and Iceland!
43. Admire the Sistine Chapel
Michelangelo’s masterpiece, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel can only be viewed (silently) at the end of a tour of the Vatican Museums. There’s so much else to see at the Vatican, but the Sistine Chapel is a special experience.
44. Escape the Crowds at Chateau de Fontainebleau
While Versailles is the more famous of French Palaces, Château de Fontainebleau has all of the glamour, without the crowds. Enjoyed by Henri IX and Louis XIV, it was a respite for Louis and Marie Antoinette when they needed a break from Versailles. This was also the Imperial Palace after the revolution, and was renovated by Napoleon. It was here that Pope Pius VII crowned Napoleon “Emperor of the French”.
45. See the Northern Lights
Seeing the swirls of the northern lights is definitely a family travel bucket list item! We hoped to see them during our time in Iceland, but no luck. Northern Canada, Greenland, Iceland, Svalbard in Norway, and Abisko, Sweden are locations with a high chance of seeing this phenomenon.
46. Explore the Fjords of Norway
Take the Flam Railway from Myrdal to Flåm, with riveting scenery along the way. Pass endless waterfalls, then take a boat ride through the fjords.
Don’t miss Balestrand, the village that inspired Disney’s Arendelle in the Frozen movies. The best time to visit is June through August. Expect to see snow, even in the height of summer.
47. Eat Pizza in Naples, Italy
What better place to eat pizza than Naples, Italy? Famous for their margherita pies, you can’t go wrong taste testing your way around this city.
Naples is a great base for visiting the beautiful island of Capri, and the historic ruins of Pompeii. Don’t miss the Naples Underground where the kids will love squeezing through tight stone tunnels while you learn the history of this crazy space.
48. Watch Whales and Puffins in Iceland
There are lots of amazing things to do in Iceland, but visiting Iceland in the summer means you can see puffins and whales! Puffin tours run from May to August. Look for smaller boats that can get you close to the birds.
This whale watch out of Husavik is on a wooden sailing boat the kids can help sail. Ages 7+ for this tour, others are for all ages.
Book Now: Whale Watch on a Wooden Boat
49. Visit Giants Causeway in Northern Ireland
Legends differ as to whether the causeway was built by ancient lovers or battling giants. However, the remaining hexagonal basalt stones and columns have been fascinating visitors for generations. Northern Ireland’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, look for such natural features as the Wishing Chair, and the Giant’s Granny. It’s best to arrive early to avoid the tour buses.
50. Visit Santa’s Village
Just a few kilometers from Rovaniemi, Finland on the Arctic Circle, is Santa’s Village. Open every day of the year, come meet the reindeer and Santa himself at his main office!
There is no charge for the village or meeting Santa. The Arctic Circle is denoted by a beam of light, and you can get a certificate for crossing the circle. You can get your passport stamped and send postcards from Santa’s Post Office.
You can also visit huskies, go sledding or ice tubing, visit a snow castle, and more!
There You Have It
I hope this list helps you put together some ideas for your next big European adventure. These are family friendly activites that the whole family will enjoy.
Did we miss any travel adventures that are on your family list? We’re always willing to add new ideas or destinations! Europe has so many different cultures packed into a small area, with great transportation connections that make jumping around easy.
Don’t miss our other bucket lists including adventures in Africa, all across Asia from India to Japan, and in the Middle East!
We also have a sperate list for North America that includes adventures in the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Don’t forget Central and South America, where are you headed next?
