Planning a family trip to Europe? You’ll want to find cities that are not only fun and exciting but also safe for everyone. Europe is full of beautiful, historic places to explore. So, which cities offer a great mix of activities for all ages and peace of mind when it comes to safety? Let’s explore some of the best family-friendly destinations in Europe!

London, England

Attractions from the Middle Ages to Shakespearean times and into the present, including Harry Potter-themed stops, mean every family member can find something to love here. Ample public transit options make it faster, easier, and cheaper to get around town.

Dubrovnik, Croatia

Baroque architecture and natural beauty mix in the best ways here. If you’re a Game of Thrones fan or a history buff, you’ll love the Medieval walls and forts here. The Old City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and many scenes from that modern legend of a show were filmed there.

Paris, France

You can still enjoy the museums and iconic cultural and architectural landmarks while also finding plenty for kids to love. For example, you have Disneyland Paris, Luxembourg Gardens, and the ride up the Eiffel Tower.

Florence, Italy

The Tuscan cuisine is excellent here, and there are many amazing sights in this beautiful city. Kids are sure to enjoy the Uffizi Gallery, an ancient carousel, and gelato shops.

Prague, Czech Republic

Kids love the Prague Castle, interactive exhibits at the Museum of Senses, and the strange but wonderful Dancing House. Adults will like the rich cultural heritage and delicious locally brewed beers.

Athens, Greece

The sunny weather and scenic beauty around the city will please everyone. Of course, the highlight is the Acropolis, where children and adults alike can walk in the ancient footsteps of the founders of democracy.

Barcelona, Spain

The exciting nightlife here is a top draw for adults, but there’s plenty for kids to like here as well. Street performances, trips to the beach, and watching an FC Barcelona match are some great examples.

Rome, Italy

A trip to Rome introduces children to the real history of the other ancient civilizations that had so much influence on today’s Western world. But it’s not just the Colosseum; visit the many museums and impressive churches as well to experience more of the city’s history and culture.

Stockholm, Sweden

What’s there for kids to love about this city? How about roller coasters, massive swimming pools, a great zoo and aquarium, and museums about Vikings for a start? Stockholm also has an excellent public transportation system that can save you time and money.

Vienna, Austria

The House of Music will delight any children who play instruments or have an avid interest in music. Kids who enjoy reading will love the independent bookstores with titles for all ages. The world’s oldest existing zoo is here as well, and there’s a top-notch amusement park called the Prater that’s also one of the world’s oldest.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Being highly walkable makes this city easier and more affordable for families. Castles, narrow streets, and large parks offer appeal to all ages. Harry Potter fans can visit Victoria Street, the filming location for Diagon Alley, and there are many festivals to enjoy. The people of Scotland highly value community and family, making the country a great place for families to visit.

Copenhagen, Denmark

Copenhagen always ranks high on happiness and quality-of-life indices, so it’s a welcoming place for families to go. Kids will enjoy things like bike paths, green spaces, and Tivoli Gardens, the world’s second-oldest amusement park.

Zurich, Switzerland

Another city that scores very high on the happiness index, Zurich is clean and friendly and has a great public transportation system. At the Lindt Home of Chocolate, there’s a 29-foot-high chocolate fountain and an interactive museum. And don’t forget that some of the world’s most majestic mountains, the Swiss Alps, are a short trip away.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

Cycling paths, parks, open spaces, and canals are hallmarks of this family-friendly city. It also has many museums with children-oriented exhibits and many free children’s activities.

Munich, Germany

Munich’s culture actively embraces warmth, friendliness, and happiness, which, of course, makes it highly family-friendly. Excellent public transportation is available, and it makes it easy to visit the large science and technology museums that really appeal to today’s youth.

Ljubljana, Slovenia

The pedestrian-friendly old town and city center, plus the laid-back atmosphere, make this a great place for families wanting an authentic European experience without all the crowds and the bustle. With the many opportunities for kayaking and boat rides along the city’s riverway, many people see this city as a less busy alternative to Venice.

Lisbon, Portugal

The infrastructure here is very family-friendly. For instance, you can sometimes skip lines at airports and certain attractions if you have kids. The food is great, and if the hilliness becomes a challenge, there’s ample public transportation available.

Heidelberg, Germany

Bakeries, shops, and town squares packed with entertainment appeal to all ages. There’s also a castle, a large zoo, children’s activities, and good public transportation.

Madrid, Spain

Some of the most kid-friendly attractions in Spain are in this city. Casa de Campo, a public park with a zoo and an amusement park, is an excellent example. As adults admire the gardens in this city, children can enjoy the playgrounds found there. Stellar public transportation also helps make visiting this city quite affordable.

Dublin, Ireland

Walkability makes Dublin a highly convenient location to visit. Something a little different, though, is a tour on a double-decker bus. Food tours are a lot of fun, and for a little bit of a chill, go on a ghost tour.

We Spent Three Days on Mackinac Island and This is What it Was Like

Stepping onto Mackinac Island feels like entering a storybook setting. It has a Norman Rockwell meets Disneyland’s Main Street type of feel, which had us immediately enchanted, soaking in the nostalgic charm and timeless beauty around every corner.

Recently, my family and I were invited to come and experience what Mission Point Resort has to offer on Mackinac Island. Not having been before, we weren’t sure what to expect of an island where cars weren’t allowed, but we were (very!) pleasantly surprised by the charm and quaintness the island offers.

Here’s what it was like to spend a few days in this laid-back Michigan town.

We Spent Three Days on Mackinac Island and This is What it Was Like

No Passport, No Problem: You Don’t Need One to Vacation in These Countries

If you’re an American citizen traveling out of the country, you have to have a passport to be allowed into somewhere else, right? While that’s mostly true, there are some exceptions. Some are independent countries, while others are U.S. territories that largely operate independently.

Note: Before you visit any of these places, make sure you look into what the entry requirements are. For example, you may need an enhanced ID or proof of certain vaccinations.

No Passport, No Problem: You Don’t Need One to Vacation in These Countries