Does your family love the idea of visiting Europe for vacation? Are you struggling to decide what you should see and do while on a family vacation in a European destination? Well, today is your lucky day! First off, let me tell you that Europe is one of the most family friendly destinations. Second, it is a wonderful place to make memories your entire family will cherish forever. And third, there are so many amazing things to do in Europe during family vacations. I am going to share some of your options with you today. Some of these options may go on your travel bucket list. Others may clue you into what you either want to do or don’t want to do while in Europe for a family vacation. I can use all this information when I personalize every itinerary for your future European family vacations.  

Experience These Amazing Things to Do in Europe During Family Vacations 

Go Island Hopping around the Cycladic Islands in Greece 

Who doesn’t want to spend a few days enjoying the beauty of Greece during a family vacation? The Cycladic Islands are the perfect place to go island hopping.  

I recommend allowing me to hire a private tour guide for you. This will allow your guide to take you to the best islands while avoiding the major crowds on the ferries. A couple of my favorite islands include Thirasia and Antiparos.  

Thirasia offers black sand beaches and old school tavernas. Antiparos is best for its golden beaches. Especially since they aren’t that crowded.  

Order Your Wine from a Wine Window in Florence 

Imagine walking down a street in Florence and stopping at a window to order a little wine. It’s possible! Yes, you will find some wine windows that are still permanently closed. But a few of them have opened back up to sell you some wine.  

Talk about a simple way to shop! Simply ring the bell, order your wine, and walk away with it moments later.  

Check out this itinerary that includes time in Florence during a family vacation in Italy.  

Drive the Golden Circle in Iceland 

The Golden Circle in Iceland is one hundred ninety miles long. Your journey will begin in the capital city of Reykjavik. While this drive has numerous stops, I recommend being ready to take a few detours. You never know what interesting features you will spot along the way.  

Go for a Rollercoaster Ride in Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen 

Most people visit beautiful flowering gardens for peace and serenity. However, at the Tivoli Gardens in Copenhagen, you won’t find flowers and plants. This is a theme park filled with rides.  

It is one of the oldest amusement parks in the world. Your family can make memories on all the rides. But make sure you don’t skip the rollercoaster during your visit.  

Relax and Sweat in a Helsinki Sauna 

Saunas are everywhere in Finland. So, if you want to act and feel like a local, you are going to want to enter one during your family vacation. I recommend sweating in a Helsinki sauna. Choose one that is close to a body of water. This will allow you to plunge into the cooler water afterwards. It’s what the Finns do! And that is why this is one of the best things to do in Europe.  

Go Surfing in Portugal 

Surfing is quite popular in areas like Hawaii and Costa Rica. But did you know that Portugal is one of the best places to go surfing in the world?  

I recommend heading north of Lisbon to Ericeira. This is where you will find the second World Surfing Reserve. There are breaks for beginners and pro surfers here. So, you can easily find a spot to practice your skills.  

Oh, and if you are looking for one-hundred-foot waves? Go to Nazaré. You will see a few people attempting to ride the hundred-foot waves there.  

Take a Bike Ride Along the Canals in Amsterdam 

You will see some cars in Amsterdam. However, most of the residents prefer to use the two wheels of their bikes to get around.  

Let them lead by example and then join in the fun by renting your own bikes and riding along the canals. Your family can also ride through Vondelpark.  

There are a couple rules you will need to keep in mind while riding a bike in Amsterdam. First, never stop in the middle of the bike lanes. Second, always use hand signals while riding.  

Oh, and here are a few of my favorite things to do in Amsterdam with family.  

Go for a Drive Through Montenegro 

Start at the Bay of Kotor for your drive through Montenegro. From there, your family can head inland or simply drive along the coastline. Either way, you will see amazing sights. So, have your camera ready for some family photos.  

Go Skiing on the Slopes of the Italian Dolomites 

Days can be spent with your family making memories, as you ski the slopes of the Italian Dolomites. After a long day of skiing, you can head out on the town to experience delicious cuisine at local restaurants. Don’t forget the aperols, especially in the middle of the day.  

Drive the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland 

The Wild Atlantic Way is a beautiful drive in Ireland. During this drive, your family will see the Giant’s Causeway, the Dark Hedges, and Ballynahinch Castle. Stop at a few of the local beaches along the way. You may not want to go swimming. But you can still take long walks on the sand.  

Shop at the Christmas Markets in Prague 

There are dozens of Christmas Markets scattered across Europe. Shopping at these markets is one of the best things to do in Europe during the holiday season.  

While you can visit any of the Christmas Markets on a family vacation, I recommend the ones in Prague or seeing the ones at the ports of a Christmas Market river cruise in Germany.  

In Prague, Old Town Square is lit up and filled with vendors. Grab a family photo in front of the Christmas tree. Devour some of the local holiday cuisine. And enjoy the cheerful ambiance of the season.  

Check Out the Northern Lights in Lapland Finland 

Lapland is a gorgeous area of Finland. Yes, it is cold there all the time. However, where else can you enjoy the Northern Lights during the winter months. I recommend staying in an igloo for at least one night, so you can see the dancing lights from your beds.  

Another option for seeing the Northern Lights includes riding in a sleigh pulled by reindeer.  

Hike to Arthur’s Seat to See Edinburgh 

One of the best places to see views of Edinburgh in Scotland is from Arthur’s Seat. But to reach this area, you must hike a steep, muddy, uneven trail. It will take some time to reach the top, along with some perseverance. But the reward of the beauty you see from up there will be worth every step.  

Eat Churros in Madrid 

One of the best things to do in Europe, when you are on a family vacation in Madrid, is eating churros. You will find churros in many restaurants in the city. However, if you get a churro craving in the middle of the night, the only place you can go is Chocolateria San Gines. This churro shop is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.  

Pop in and place your order. The churros will be fried right then. Just don’t forget to order the chocolate dipping sauce. That’s what really makes the churros so delicious!  

Enjoy a Meal with the Locals in Ariccia 

The hilltop village of Ariccia is a short thirty-minute drive from Rome. Most people skip this village when they are on a family vacation in Italy. However, if you are looking for one of the amazing things to do in Europe, I recommend adding this village to your itinerary.  

When you arrive in Ariccia, you will find the central square packed with tables covered in food. The locals prepare all the food. And the wine flows freely during the meal.  

Those locals are always happy when people arrive to explore their city. You will be invited to join their meal. Make sure you do, because it will be one of the best experiences you have in Europe. Or at least the most authentic.  

Shop for Treasures in Berlin 

In an area between East and West Berlin, your family will stumble upon a flea market on Sundays. This flea market is full of stalls. And those stalls have all types of vintage things for sale. You never know what treasures your family will find during your visit.  

Visit the Musée Picasso in Paris 

While on a family vacation in Paris, everyone always wants to see the Mona Lisa at The Louvre. However, there are so many other museums in Paris. So, once you have checked the Mona Lisa off your list, head over to an all-time favorite.  

Musée Picasso is located in a 17th century home in Marais. Inside, you will see ceramics, doodles, and paintings. There are five thousand works of art in the collection and you will want to see them all.  

Take a Train Through the Swiss Alps 

There is nothing better than riding the train through the Swiss Alps. Board the train in Geneva and ride it through the mountains until you reach Gstaad. Keep an eye out the window along the way to catch a glimpse of a luminescent lake.  

When you arrive in Gstaad, walk through town. Then consider whether you are staying or taking the train back to Geneva.  

Watch a Glassblowing Demonstration at the Murano Glass Factory in Venice 

Your family won’t be able to resist watching a glassblowing demonstration while on vacation. Especially when it is at the Murano Glass Factory in Venice.  

You must take the ferry to Murano Island to check this popular thing to do in Europe off your travel bucket list. When you arrive on the island, go to the glass factory first. This will allow you to spend as much time as you want watching the glassblowing before heading out to explore the rest of the island.  

These are some of the amazing things to do in Europe during family vacations. Your family may even be interested in visiting some of the underrated places in Europe. I can share other ideas with you, as I am personalizing your family’s vacation itinerary. Once you share more information about your family’s likes and dislikes with me, I will search for options that will ensure everyone has fun during their time away from home.  

So, are you ready to have me create a personalized vacation itinerary for your family’s trip to Europe or another destination?  

If you said yes, I would like to invite you to click here to schedule a personalized family vacation planning session with me. When you click the link, you will be taken directly to my digital calendar to schedule a time that is convenient for you.  

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