Top Family-Friendly Destinations in Europe This Summer
As summer approaches and the school year ends, parents are faced with the question of where to take their children on vacation. Europe offers a range of family-friendly destinations perfect for summer travel.
Hotels across Europe are introducing innovative ways to attract families. For instance, Borgo San Vincenzo, a luxury boutique hotel in Tuscany, is expanding its focus beyond wine enthusiasts. This 21-room, 18th-century property in the Vino Nobile vineyards of Montepulciano offers activities such as horseback riding, pizza-making classes, vineyard picnics, and visits to local farms. Families can explore the region on foot, e-bike, Vespa, or even hot air balloon. The hotel’s gardens, al fresco dining, and pool add to its appeal. They also offer a 20% discount on stays of seven or more nights.
Villa Lena in Tuscany provides a family-friendly agritourism experience. Located in Pisa on 1,200 acres of woodland, this 74-room property offers guided nature walks, truffle hunting, storytelling under the stars, and yoga by the pool. Children can enjoy pasta-making workshops, artist interactions, and swimming in the hotel's three pools. The on-site restaurant, Osteria San Michele, features farm-to-table dining with ingredients from the property's garden.
In Greece, the Summer Senses resort on Paros targets upscale families. This 100-room resort offers luxury accommodations and activities like sailing excursions, spa treatments, and three swimming pools, one designed specifically for families. Dining options include Galazia Hytra, a fine dining restaurant in collaboration with Michelin-starred Hytra in Athens, and the more casual Gaia Restaurant. A Stay Longer offer provides an extra night for stays of five or seven nights, depending on the season.
In England, Heckfield Place in Hampshire hosts interactive games for children in August, in collaboration with characters from the animated series "Sharky & George." Activities include scavenger hunts, fairy trails, wild swimming, bike riding, and boating. Parents can relax at the adults-only Bothy by Wildsmith wellness center or dine at the Green Michelin-starred Marle restaurant. Family picnics under willow trees are also a highlight.
For parents with grown children, Backroads offers multi-generational travel experiences. The company segments trips by age, ensuring suitable activities for teens, young adults, and younger children. New trips for 2025 include destinations like the Netherlands and Belgium, Scotland and England, Croatia and Slovenia, and the Camino de Santiago. Private trips for multi-generational families are also increasingly popular.