6 family-friendly European cities for spring break The best part? Fewer crowds. By Lindsay Cohn Jan 28, 2025 • 5 minutes read Multi-generational family on a European vacation in spring. Image: Getty Images Between bake sales, play rehearsals, and soccer games, it can be hard to carve out quality family time during the school year. But that’s where spring break comes in. Easy-breezy beach vacations are an attractive option for overscheduled families but there’s something so rewarding about a trip that takes learning out of the classroom. Europe tops the list of places to immerse youngsters in local culture while bringing history to life—and it certainly helps that late March to mid-April brings pleasant weather and fewer crowds. There are some inevitables: Yes, you’ll have to deal with a long-haul flight and the jet lag that follows. But the prospect of watching kids trot down cobblestones, peer into centuries-old churches, and (willingly!) dig into local delicacies makes it all worth it. From Bruges to Valencia, these underrated family-friendly European cities are standout spring break destinations. Valencia, Spain Lyon, France Bruges, Belgium Syracuse, Italy Lisbon, Portugal Bergen, Norway Valencia, Spain Gulliver playground in Turia Gardens of Valencia. Image: Cosimo/Tripadvisor Perched on Spain's southeastern coast, Valencia sees 300 days of sunshine a year, leaving you with plenty of beautiful days to spend on sandy beaches like Platja De La Malva-ros, in the city’s green parks, or wandering its interesting museums. On a spring trip, look forward to heaps of edu-travel opportunities at Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, which includes Oceanogràfic València, the largest aquarium in Europe, and innovative exhibits at the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum. A quintessential spring must-do: Walk on the wild side with a “zooimmersion” at the 24-acre, conservation-focused Bioparc Valencia to see animals such as elephants and hippos in recreated natural habitats. The underrated pick: Let kids' imaginations soar at Gulliver Park, a whimsical playground in the Turia Gardens with a giant play structure shaped like the beloved character. Where to stay: A stalwart with heaps of positive reviews from families, The Westin Valencia supplies a prime location near many must-see attractions, connecting rooms, and a courtyard garden. Lyon, France Springtime in Lyon, (L); the Musee des Confluences (R). Image: Poldi/Tripadvisor (L); Globtrotteuse/Tripadvisor (R) Lyon, located just two hours from Paris by train, is renowned for its culinary reputation. Beyond the incredible food (and, yes, there are enough delicious local dishes that even the pickiest toddlers will love), the city brims with family-friendly attractions such as Musée Des Confluences and the Art of the Brick Lyon. Spring also wins points for rides along the riverside bike paths. Since Lyon is less of a marquee destination for international travelers than the French capital, you’ll get the benefit of fewer tourists and more favorable rates. A quintessential spring must-do: Stop at Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse and pick up snacks for a picnic in Le Parc de la Tête d'Or, the largest urban park in Lyon. The underrated pick: Soak in the panoramic sweeps from Le Jardin des Curiosités. Yes, it requires clocking quite a few steps—and, sure, that might mean carrying your small kiddos—but the views are worth it. If tiny travelers need some incentive to make it up the hill, try a pitstop at the playground around the corner. Where to stay: A stay at the InterContinental Lyon - Hotel Dieu, an IHG Hotel, means cloisters and cobbled courtyards for kiddos to teeter around, smart rooms with tubs, and a convenient city-center location. Bruges, Belgium Boottochten Brugge canal tour. Image: Forespa/Tripadvisor You don’t need to seek out historic walking or sightseeing tours in Bruges to see its beautiful Gothic and medieval architecture and cobbled squares that look straight out of a storybook (although, there are plenty of activities to book). Just wander the compact, pedestrian-friendly city and you'll see it all around you. (The promise of Belgian chocolate and waffles sweetens the deal for those with little legs, too.) A quintessential spring must-do: A scenic canal tour through Boottochten Brugge is sure to be a hit with kids—especially during spring months as the trees begin to green and look so lovely against the time-worn facades. Plus, it’s only 30 minutes—short enough even for fidgety tots. The underrated pick: Spring break is prime time for flower-filled bike rides through the surrounding countryside. The Pink Bear Bicycle Company operates tours to Damme for all ages (provided youngsters are comfortable on two wheels, of course). Where to stay: Situated along one of the prettiest canals in Bruges, Hotel Van Cleef is known for its relaxing atmosphere and stellar service. Older kids who don’t have trouble sitting still will no doubt enjoy afternoon tea with sweet treats. Syracuse, Italy Riserva Naturale Orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile Rossana (L); Archeologico della Neapolis in Syracuse, Sicily (R). Image: Veronica/Tripadvisor (L); Daniele64/Tripadvisor (R) Palermo and Catania are Sicily’s two largest cities but Syracuse has more of a small-town feel and a relaxed pace—perfect for multi-generational families. Mild weather (compared to the scorching summer months) and an absence of peak-season tourists up the appeal. It’s the perfect equation for wandering around the historic neighborhoods (don’t miss Ortigia) without tumbling into hordes of holiday-goers influenced by the second season of White Lotus. A quintessential spring must-do: Kids of all ages will love chasing waterfalls and taking a dip in the swimming holes at Riserva Naturale Orientata Cavagrande del Cassibile. It’s best to rent a car—the drive from Syracuse takes less than an hour, which is a solid chunk of nap time for little ones. The underrated pick: Neapolis Archaeological Park brings history to life for visitors of all ages. It contains a well-preserved Greek theater dating back to antiquity, as well as the Ear of Dionysius, a manmade limestone cave once used as a prison. The latter has plenty of shade—a necessity to prevent heat-induced meltdowns. Where to stay: Families checking into Ortea Palace Hotel, Sicily, Autograph Collection, will find well-appointed adjoining rooms (cribs are available upon request), views over Porto Piccolo, and a restaurant-worthy breakfast buffet. Lisbon, Portugal Castelo de São Jorge in Lisbon Portugal (L); Art and local culture at LX Factory in Lisbon (R). Image: Sandramichel1273/Tripadvisor (L); CBOCV/Tripadvisor (R) Lisbon’s reputation for hills and cobbled alleyways may put some families off, but Portugal’s capital is a resplendent place to bring the kids for food, culture, and sightseeing. Spring is a prime time for getting lost in the charms of Alfama and Bairro Alto—ride the iconic graffiti-clad yellow tram cars, watch kids’ taste buds expand after trying (and liking) tinned fish, learn about marine life at Oceanário de Lisboa, and visit Torre de Belém. A quintessential spring must-do: Bucket a few hours to let kids amble around the ramparts and shaded courtyards while soaking in the vistas over the River Tagus from Castelo De São Jorge, an 11th-century Moorish castle set up in the hills. Bonus: entry is free for children under 12 years old. The underrated pick: A former textile complex reborn as a cool, creative hub, LX Factory is a great spot to experience Lisbon’s contemporary side. Peep the eye-catching street art that covers the old warehouses, browse the racks of indie duds at the market, and grab brunch at Brigadeirando. Where to stay: Martinhal Lisbon Chiado is an unrivaled family base with spacious apartment-style accommodations featuring bunk beds and kitchens, a kids’ club for babies to teens, and a fully stocked playroom. Bergen, Norway Riding the Fløibanen Funicular in Bergen, Norway. Image: Leonisdastra86/Tripadvisor Families who love adventure won’t want to pass up Bergen. Reachable by a scenic high-speed trail from Oslo, it’s a hub for outdoor activities. Spring offers more pleasant, but still crisp temps in the 40s and sunny days with the slight chance of rain. You’ll want to take advantage of fjord expeditions, zip lining, and hiking the green hillsides. And if you’re looking to get ahead on your holiday card, don’t miss a stroll along Bryggen—the colorful wooden houses are a great backdrop for family photos. A quintessential spring must-do: The Fløibanen Funicular makes it to the top of Mount Fløyen in just seven minutes. Riders are treated to scenic views of the city and surrounding landscape, as well as access to the Troll Forest and a wooden climbing playground. A roundtrip ticket costs around $12 for adults and $6 for kids but children under 4 years old ride free. The underrated pick: A day trip with children might seem daunting, but it’s worth braving nap-time uncertainty for an unforgettable cruise on the Sognefjord, Norway's longest and deepest fjord. Where to stay: Opus XVI checks a lot of boxes: large rooms for the crew to spread out, a central location that’s walkable to many attractions, and a concierge to coordinate activities such as private walking tours.
