Family

10 Family Vacations in Europe & The Middle East: Trips the Whole Family Will Love

by Jessica Benavides Canepa

Photograph by Jessica Benavides Canepa

barcelona cityscape at dusk with sagrada familia

Plan a vacation the littles will love in Barcelona. (Photo: Getty Images)

With careful planning, your perfect family vacation is just a plane ride away. Check out these kid-friendly travel ideas and prepare for that memorable trip your whole crew will love.

As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.

Barcelona, Spain

In Barcelona the whole family can enjoy an underwater world at the L’Aquàrium Explora! interactive children’s zone, combine architecture and nature with Park Güell‘s whimsical Gaudí-designed structures, or witness a colorful concert at Font Màgica (Magic Fountain).

At the waterfront Le Méridien Ra Beach Hotel & Spa, the Kids Club Le Méridien Ra keeps your little ones entertained with fun activities incorporating music and art, or volleyball and other sports on the beach. And the whole family will love on-site surfing and kayaking.

Venice, Italy

venice canal with boats
Ride a vaporetto in Venice. (Photo: Shutterstock)

Keep the kiddos entertained by counting the fabled winged lion statues found throughout the city, exploring Villa Pisani’s endless garden maze, or exploring the canals via a a Grand Canal vaporetto water bus cruise to Venice‘s famous Piazza San Marco landmarks.

To unwind, take a dip at JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa‘s family pool, where the littles can splash in fountains and build foam-brick castles. At the sprawling resort, enjoy a stroll through the lush gardens with the family.

Lille, France

At the heart of Lille’s historic city center, the Cita Parc amusement park features themed rides and roller coasters all ages will enjoy. Nearby, the adorable Zoo de Lille includes monkeys, lemurs, and parrots. And just across the river, a traditional marionette theater entertains with delightful performances.

Visit these local attractions at your leisure with a stay at the modish Moxy Lille City, featuring a spacious lobby lounge with games, 24/7 snacks, and a foosball table.

Costa Navarino, Greece

For a resort-style family vacation even toddlers will adore, The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino offers activities for every member of the family. Your littlest ones can participate in sensory games at the Cocoon Care Center, while children aged 4 to 12 can engage in heritage adventures as pirates or ancient Messenians and learn about the region’s rare indigenous species at the SandCastle.

The Aqua Park rounds off the fun with six waterslides and a play pool.

London, England

london tower bridge at dusk
Explore London’s classic sights. (Photo: Shutterstock)

London has an array of celebrated child-friendly attractions, including the London Eye, Buckingham Palace, the SEA LIFE London Aquarium, and Big Ben.

The London Marriott Hotel County Hall offers the perfect starting point for a memorable city break across the pond. In addition to the indoor pool and generous breakfast offerings, the indulgent amenities and spacious family accommodations will make kids feel like junior VIPs.

Sopot, Poland

With a 2.8-mile stretch of sandy beaches and gently rippling waves, it’s little wonder that Sopot is known for its seaside activities.

At the Sheraton Sopot Hotel‘s convenient pier-side location, options range from bike rides along the coastline and hiking forest trails to windsurfing — plus indoor swimming, Mediterranean-style buffet dining, and a selection of kids club video games.

Seychelles, East Africa

Craving a romantic mini escape combined with a family getaway? With a wide selection of childcentric activities at the Kids Fun Zone, laïla, Seychelles, a Tribute Portfolio Resort has got you covered while you go on a daytime date.

And when ready to reunite with your brood, join your little ones in kid-friendly fishing, arts and crafts, movie nights in the lounge bar, beach volleyball, and water sports. Older kids might also enjoy accompanying you on a guided excursion to the small city of Victoria, the capital of Mahé.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

camels on the sand with dubai skyline in background
Discover the wonders of Dubai. (Photo: Getty Images)

Visit the turquoise waters of Jumeirah Beach — arguably one of Dubai‘s most popular family attractions — in the morning or early evening to avoid the desert heat.

The Le Royal Méridien Beach Resort & Spa offers direct access to a slew of seaside water sport activities such as Jet Skiing and parasailing, as well as a beachfront playground and picnic areas.

Back at the resort, enjoy three temperature-controlled swimming pools and the Family Kids Club with an indoor jungle gym and programming that includes arts and crafts and games.

Cairo, Egypt

The concierge at the JW Marriott Hotel Cairo can help your family arrange fun adventures, including visiting the Pyramids of Giza, sailing the Nile River on wooden felucca boats, or learning about mummies at the Pharaonic Village.

For a relaxing break, the whole gang can enjoy the resort‘s on-site water park, the heated swimming pool, kids club arcade, and golfing for all ages.

Muscat, Oman

With an on-site splash park, mini zip line and a daily schedule of kid-friendly activities, Al Bustan Palace, a Ritz-Carlton Hotel might just be the Oman vacation destination your family needs following a day exploring the natural surroundings.

Highlights of the Ritz Kids Program include cooking, art, and sustainability education. For the ultimate slumber party, kids can enjoy a pirate or princess in-room tent setup with personalized decorations, toys, and a bedtime story.