Five of the Most Kid-Friendly Cities in Northwestern Europe

When you’re thinking of great places to travel with kids, your mind might not immediately jump to a European city break; but with a little shift in our expectations, we believe our kids can actually help us see magical new sides of some of Europe’s most famous cultural centers.

Below, we’ve rounded up a few of the most kid-friendly European cities for you to explore with your family.

Oslo, Norway

It’s almost as if Norwegians were thinking about little people when they designed Oslo. A city on the smaller side, it’s easy to explore on foot and has a reputation for being stroller-friendly, with lots of pedestrian-only streets and spacious trams and buses. If you visit in the summer, take in the Oslo Fjord, where you’ll find plenty of beaches for swimming or picnicking - or take a boat ride to the fjord’s main island, Hovedøya, for the same price as a local bus. On the mainland, inspire your young artist with a trip to the International Museum of Children’s Art. Can’t agree on dinner? Head to Vippa - the city’s food court, located in an industrial building off the tourist-beaten path - and choose from a variety of affordable international cuisines.

Don’t miss: SNØ, Norway’s only indoor ski resort, includes a 1km cross-country skiing track suspended from the ceiling!

Copenhagen, Denmark

Another Scandinavian gem, Copenhagen is a great city to visit for kids and adults alike. From its vibrantly colored buildings to numerous beautiful parks where littles can run free, there are plenty of reasons to love Denmark’s capital city. Fairy tale fans will enjoy exploring the birthplace of Hans Christian Andersen and seeing the famous Little Mermaid statue. If the weather’s not great, head indoors to Northern Europe’s largest aquarium, Blue Planet.

Don’t miss: Tivoli, the world’s second-oldest amusement park - complete with fun rides, a wide array of delicious foods, and traditional Danish design.

London, England

From sprawling green parks to world-class free museums (because - let’s face it - it might rain), London has so much to offer families you could spend weeks there and not cover it all. Take a self-led literary tour of Platform 9 and ¾ (at King’s Cross Station) followed by Paddington Bear’s street (Windsor Gardens) and “Gruber’s Shop” (which is actually Alice’s Antiques on Portobello Road). While you’re there, swing over to the Notting Hill Bookshop to re-enact that famous scene between Julia Roberts and Hugh Grant before heading out for fish and chips at one of London’s historic pubs - many of which are family-friendly.

Don’t miss: South Kensington, where you’ll find three museums (the Natural History Museum, the Science Museum, and the Victoria & Albert) all on the same block.

Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh is easily explorable on foot, but there are plenty of city buses and trams for when little legs get tired. We recommend visiting Edinburgh Castle, where you can learn some history while taking in incredible city views; it’s also completely car-free, so littles can explore safely. Fuel up with some delicious Scottish shortbread, then take a walk along the Royal Mile, where you can watch street performers in between popping into interesting shops selling souvenirs, tweed and whiskey (parents might need to take turns waiting outside with kids for those).

Don’t miss: Camera Obscura and World of Illusions located on the Royal Mile, is fun for the whole family.

Paris, France

If you’re traveling with family to Paris, forget the Louvre on this trip (it’s tough to get close to the Mona Lisa, anyway). Instead, take advantage of the city’s many beautiful parks, and follow your nose to boulangeries on every corner; most picky eaters shouldn’t turn their noses up at buttery croissants or fresh crépes. While away hours in Jardin du Luxembourg - grab a coffee at the park’s cafe and watch your littles ride the vintage carousel or sail toy boats in the park’s octagonal lake. More adventurous kids will find playgrounds with zip lines and an Eiffel Tower bungee.

Don’t miss: The Museum of Magic - every tour concludes with a magic show!