Fun things to do as a family in Europe – whether you’re 9 or 99!
Vacations are special times for family togetherness and planning a trip for two or more generations can be fun. There are many benefits to family travel, so get together and start exploring – it will be a bonding experience for everyone, from grandparents to teenage grandkids! Create the perfect family trip recipe, with culture, fun times, and adventure. You’ll be sure to enjoy your multi-generational vacation which will be a very special experience that you’ll talk about for years to come. Here are a few top travel experiences in Central Europe suitable for all ages to get you started.
Jet boats and ruin pubs in Budapest, Hungary
Budapest is a top destination for lovers of culture and history. Straddling the mighty River Danube it is an exciting twin city of culture, history, architecture, and hot springs.
While architecture geeks admire the Chain Bridge and magnificent Parliament building, youngsters will be occupied exploring the Labyrinth of Caves under the Castle Hill, enjoy a fairytale experience at the Halászbástya, or try out local chocolate at the Chocolate Museum just outside Budapest.
Pack your swimsuits and plan a day at the Széchenyi Thermal Baths. Warm mineral-laden waters maintain a balmy temperature in three massive outdoor pools allocated for sitting, swimming, or adventure. Book a relaxing spa treatment and admire the breathtaking baroque interior of the bathhouse which has mosaics, frescoes, and another 15 indoor pools.
Pick up a picnic from one of the delicious delis and enjoy puttering along the scenic river with a self-drive motorboat. Alternatively, up the ante and opt for a thrilling Red Jetboat ride. Teenagers will be wild-eyed and breathless as they hold on tight for 360-degree spins, limitless speed, and a bit of a soaking!
Time to eat? Why not experience a funky ruin bar in the Jewish Quarter! It’s the only place in the world to find these. Enterprising locals have taken over the abandoned shells of once-glamorous buildings. Filled with mismatched tables and benches they now operate as impromptu cafés, bars, and nightclubs with an amazing ambiance. Mural-covered walls and strings of colored lights add character as you have a taste of the best street food in town!
Animals and ice-skating in Vienna, Austria
Home of the wealthy Habsburg rulers, Vienna has retained a sense of elegant opulence from centuries of imperial history. One of the most splendid palaces, Schönbrunn, has lavishly decorated salons and equally stunning Baroque formal gardens. Hike up the sloping gardens to the Gloriette, an elaborate garden room and festival hall which now houses a café with superb garden views. While all this history and splendor may not light the fire of young minds, the maze and zoo in the grounds certainly will. Home to more than 700 species of animals, Schönbrunn Zoo is the oldest in the world. Adults can slip away to tour the magnificent palace rooms using an audio guide.
The Spanish Riding School in Vienna’s 13th century Hofburg is home to the famous Lipizzaner Stallions. Highly trained in high-stepping dressage, the best way to see these wonderful white stallions is by attending a performance or joining a behind-the-scenes guided tour of the stables. It’s ideal for all ages. If you’re visiting Austria in winter, skiing and snow sports abound. One of the best ways to embrace the chilly temperatures is skating together on the pop-up ice rink in City Hall Square. It’s one of the biggest open-air ice rinks in the world, with a stunning architectural backdrop lit up with colored lights after dark. It’s like stepping into a fairytale. Pre-heated skates are available for rent and there are two terraces of ice connected by a long ramp. How cool is that!
Best of Berlin, Germany
Germany is one of the best places for a family vacation with museums, car factory tours, and fairytale castles to thrill young and old alike. Make use of the excellent public transport to get around cities such as Berlin; it’s all part of the immersion process and allows you to use a few words of German too.
A fun way to see the sights of Berlin without too much leg-work is by booking a private tour in a customized Trabant stretch limo. These unique 6-wheel vehicles will certainly attract a second glance from passers-by! Your chauffeur and private guide will take you on a personalized tour covering all the main sights. Stop for photos at Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate.
The massive 400-acre Tierpark Berlin includes one of two zoos in the city. Situated in the grounds of the neoclassical Friedrichsfelde Palace, this zoo has a commendable breeding program, releasing endangered species back into the wild to avoid extinction. It’s the place to see some unusual animals including big cats, hoofed animals, elephants, manatees, and cute echidnas. Berlin also has a famous aquarium – a great choice for a hot or showery day. See mysterious, curious, and colorful creatures that normally inhabit the deep.
Food, of course, is a great social equalizer, and Berlin has some amazing street food. Brats and wieners (hot dogs) take on a whole new level here. Tempt each other to discover something new. Take your pick from spicy Hot Dog Soup, Red Hot Chili Dogs, Vegetarian Dogs or go all out and bite into a Currywurst. You’ll either love it or hate it, but it will be fun finding out!
Castles and the world’s largest sauna in Prague, Czech Republic
Prague is our last suggestion for Multi-generational trips and the broad range of attractions may surprise you. This Czech capital is home to the incredible Prague Castle which is perfect to roam and explore. Book a Medieval Feast in the evening. Hosted in the dark cellars, the 5-course medieval meal is followed by a lively performance of jugglers, swordsmen, musical instruments, and belly dancing.
Prague is also home to Mořský Svět, the country’s largest water tank filled with lots of fish! Speaking of water, the Aquapalace Waterworld boasts the world’s largest sauna along with water slides, flumes, and wave pools. Don’t worry; there’s a café for those who want to relax on the sidelines!
Why not make your next trip a multi-generational one? The world is waiting to surprise you!
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