Travelling with your kids to several European capitals in one trip sounds amazing, but we parents know that it can quickly turn into tired feet, hungry complaints and at least one meltdown in a very public place.
*This is a collaborative post
You don’t want to return, thinking, “Never again,” exhausted and with disappointed children. So, what’s the secret? Read on to learn my recipe for a successful family adventure.
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Practical Tips to Make City Hopping Easier with Kids
This might sound obvious, but a little upfront planning will save you a lot of hassle later. Here are some helpful tips from parents like myself who have been there and done that (and got the t-shirt).
Involve your kids in the planning process
Let your kids have a say in what you do on the trip. They can give you some suggestions, or you can recommend possible activities and ask which ones they’re most excited about. This will make them more excited about the overall trip, plus more willing to sit through the things you want to do because they know their turn is coming.
Research your transport options carefully
European cities have excellent transportation options. You can choose between buses, metros, trams, trains, rental cars, and taxis.
Rental cars and taxis are best for flexibility, but if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, trains take the cake. They are comfortable, kids can get up and move around, use the toilet whenever they need and just enjoy the scenic view.
Look into rail passes if you are covering multiple countries, and always book seats in advance during busy periods so you can all sit together.
Choose plenty of kid-friendly activities
Kids simply cannot fake interest in things that bore them. If you spend the entire day walking around the city, looking at cathedrals and visiting museums, meltdowns and tantrums are, unfortunately, inevitable.
To keep the kiddos calm, include at least one activity they’ll enjoy in your daily schedule, preferably more. Look for interactive museums they’ll actually enjoy, parks with playgrounds, boat trips, or zoos.
If your route includes Vienna or Budapest, booking a family-focused Danube River cruise is a great idea! The scenery changes constantly to hold their attention, and there’s usually enough space on deck for the little ones to move around without getting bored.
Prepare a bad-weather backup plan
European weather is unpredictable and can change in minutes. One rainy day can derail your plans completely and lead to those dreaded meltdowns every parent tries to avoid. So, before you even leave home, think of two indoor options for each city you are visiting.
Aquariums are usually a safe bet, and – fortunately – most big cities have one. Watching fish glide around will keep the little ones quietly fascinated for ages. Interactive science centres, indoor playgrounds, and public swimming pools with warm water and slides are other activities most kids enjoy.
Older kids might prefer a cinema showing current films in English or a chocolate-making workshop if the city offers one.
Pack snacks, toys and interactive items
Every parent knows that hunger is the fastest route to tears. So, make sure to pack familiar snacks like fruit, crackers or cereal bars in your bag before every outing.
To be on the safe side, I also recommend bringing a couple of small toys and interactive items. This way, if the crankiness persists, you can give them their favourite cuddly toy or a colouring book and pencils, for example, so they’re occupied on trains or in unfamiliar hotel rooms.
Best Family-Friendly European Capitals
These capitals regularly come up as good choices for families thanks to safe and efficient transport, large parks, attractions aimed at children, and a generally relaxed attitude towards children in public spaces:
● London
● Paris
● Amsterdam
● Copenhagen
● Vienna
● Prague
● Barcelona
● Istanbul
● Rome
No single city does everything perfectly, but between them you can cover quiet parks, big adventures and plenty of spots where children are genuinely welcomed rather than just tolerated.
Slow Down and Enjoy Your Trip
City hopping with children requires both flexibility and realistic expectations, but putting in some effort in planning definitely pays off. And try to remember – what turns a good trip into a great one is resisting the urge to fill every hour.
When you give everyone room to rest, snack, or follow whatever catches their interest that day. Whether that means – listening to a street performer for 30 minutes or enjoying a gelato – the whole trip feels lighter. The meltdowns stay rare, and you’ll return home tired in the best possible way.
