Best European Vacations to Take With Kids

1 Dalkey, Ireland

A seaside town about half an hour outside the city center of Dublin, Ireland's most famous denizens tend to have second homes here — Bono's U2 is one person you might find wandering around the streets. Despite it's A-list residents, the vibe of this town is low-key, with plenty of pubs that are ideal for having a long lunch and a beer while your toddler makes friends with other toddlers whose parents have the exact same idea. Long seaside walks are a perfect prenap activity, and the castle in the city center (complete with actors playing the parts of medieval town residents), will captivate any curious kid. Nearby seaside cities like Dún Laoghaire let you escape the bustle of Dublin and experience the country in a quieter way.

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2 Split, Croatia

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This seaside town that served as a stunning backdrop for some Game of Thrones scenes (Diocletian's Palace — the center of the city — is the slave city of Mereen), Split has open spaces to run, playgrounds, and cafes that cater to even the pickiest toddler palate. In addition, Split is an ideal place for any toddler who's learning to swim, with plenty of small beaches just steps away from the city center. Split is also an ideal location for any toddler who loves transportation (aka most toddlers) as it's easy to hop on a ferry to neighboring islands like Hvar or Brac for a fun day trip.

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3 Copenhagen, Denmark

The entire city of Copenhagen is toddler friendly. Many cafes feature open play spaces with plenty of toys so parents can eat while toddlers make new friends (make sure to go to the cafe on the top floor of the Illums Bolighus department store). BioMio, the largest organic restaurant in the city, also has a special children's menu and high chairs. But the crown jewel for toddlers visiting Copenhagen is Tivoli Gardens. The theme park takes up one city block and has plenty of rides for toddlers and adults alike. Epcot in Disney World was based on Tivoli Gardens, and the small scale of the park means it's completely doable in one day.

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4 Málaga, Spain

Two-and-a-half hours away from Madrid on the southern coast of Spain, Málaga is a low-key city full of sights, history, and activities to keep a toddler entertained. One highlight? Sitting in cafes surrounding city squares and watching street performers dance and sing. The park of Málaga also has several playgrounds and plenty of shady spots for picnics. But of course, for many families, the biggest attraction is the sand. Families love El Candado beach, which also features plenty of restaurants and room to set up a spot on the beach for the day.

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5 Vienna, Austria

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With cozy cafes on almost every city block (that serve every sort of pastry imaginable), Vienna is a city best explored (and savored) slowly. Plus, as many toddler parents know, bribing with croissants is pretty much the best currency ever. Although the temperatures can get cold in the Winter, holiday markets, ice skating in front of city hall, and plenty of festivities make it a must see. There are also plenty of indoor pools and play spaces, including local favorite Family Fun, an indoor/outdoor playground. The city's central theater, Volksoper, also offers special programs for young children, and ticket prices to all performances are 25 percent off for kids. Most importantly, wide sidewalks and plenty of open, green space make this an easy city to explore on foot, which is a key part of stroller life.

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6 Lake Garda, Italy

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Sure, you've hard of Lake Como, but have you heard of Lake Garda? Situated in the northern part of Italy between Milan and Venice, Lake Garda is a must for families traveling with young children. With crystal clear lake water perfect for paddling, a family amusement park called Gardaland, and plenty of playgrounds, Lake Garda can take you away from the stress of the big European cities. Be sure to see The Scalinger (Sinking) Castle, a medieval castle steeped in rich history that's sure to capture any toddler's imagination.

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7 Munich, Germany

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Disney-loving toddlers will feel like they stepped into their favorite fairy tale when they visit Neuschwanstein Castle, just outside the city center of Munich. The famous beer gardens are also family friendly, so you can grab a table, share a bratwurst, and sample the lagers on tap while your toddler makes new kinderfreund with local children. The Englischer Garten, also known as Munich's Central Park, has plenty of grassy space to play, plus boats to rent. Another fun thing to look out for is The Auer Dult Munich, one of the oldest open air markets that takes place three times a year in the city center, complete with artisan craft stalls, a carousel, and performances for kids.

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8 Aeolian Islands, Italy

What do toddlers like more than boats? When you island hop around the Aeolian Islands, the journey is the destination. An hour's boat ride from Sicily, these islands, including Lipari, Stromboli (which boasts an active volcano), Salina, and Panerea, are all about la dolce vita. The towns on the island are all small and manageable, making it easy to become a local in just days. Small beaches with gentle waves are great for small swimmers, and the lack of hustle and bustle may be exactly what your family needs.

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9 Faro, Portugal

The capital of the Algarve region of southern Portugal, this city is close to the coast but has plenty of history and toddler-friendly options on offer beyond the beach. Toddlers will love walking along the marina and looking at boats, and the cafes and restaurants that flank the marina are all toddler-friendly. One must see is the Zoomarine park, a marine park that includes rides, aquatic attractions like dolphin shows, a beach with slides, and a wave pool, as well as a separate splash area for younger kids.

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10 Ljublana, Slovenia

Any city that has a dragon bridge is a must see for toddlers with big imaginations. Toddlers will love taking a funicular up to the Ljublana Castle, where they may even get a chance to meet a dragon character who walks around the grounds and answers questions for kids. River tours through the town are popular with families, and Tivoli Park is a great place to run around and blow off steam. Plenty of water parks, complete with toddler-friendly attractions, dot the city as well.

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11 Aix-en-Provence, France

If you're thinking of renting a house or apartment and living like a local, Aix and the areas around it may be one of the best places in the South of France to do so. The city center is lively, with plenty of kid-friendly cafes and people watching opportunities, as well as parks and green spaces for picnics. Close to the beach, this city is a great place to make home base as you explore different beach towns and hike along the coast. And if you're visiting in the Fall, you're in luck! Each October, the city has a special festival for kids called Mômaix that runs for two months and has special children's performances, art workshops, and other special events.

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12 Helsinki, Finland

Finland has plenty to offer for kids. For one, the country has a whimsical streak — Moomin, a unicorn-like mythical creature created by a Finnish cartoonist in the midcentury that's practically the national mascot. The city is also walkable, easy to navigate, full of cafes, and has plenty of adventures toddlers and adults will love. Make sure to take a ferry to Suomenlinna, a fortress from the 18th century that's connected across several islands by bridges. An underground play space called Leikkiluola is also a must-do for toddlers.

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