Best Places to Travel With Kids

11th May 2023

If you’re thinking of taking a trip this year, but unsure of where you should go next. The team at Stansted Express understand that with kids in tow, there are a whole host of things to consider. Whether it be child-friendly hotels or pushchair-friendly ways to get around we are here to help. 
 
We understand you may not have planned a holiday in a while, or may just be a little stuck for inspiration. You may even be in the situation where your kids are into totally different things since you last went on a family holiday. Don’t fret. You’ll be pleased to know we have done the research for you and have put together a guide to the best places to travel with children. 
 
We have tried to include something for every family’s taste, from fun-filled city breaks to more laid-back beach holidays. 

Stockholm, Sweden 

First up is Sweden’s capital, Stockholm. Maybe not an obvious choice for a summer holiday but you may change your mind when you discover how family-friendly Sweden is. There is an abundance of kid’s attractions all over the city, and with short distances between these attractions, Stockholm is a super convenient city to travel around with kids. Buses tickets are actually free of charge if you have a pushchair with you. 
 
In the west of the city, you’ll find the green island of Djurgården. Easily reachable by ferry or bus, there are a whole host of family friendly activities waiting for you to explore. Many of the kids attractions are in close proximity to one another in Djurgården, making it a perfect starting point for a trip with children. You’ll find the fairy-tale world of Junibacken, The Vasa Museum, The Viking Museum, and Skansen – a popular open-air museum, complete with Nordic animals, a children's zoo, and an aquarium. 
 
Best place to stay with kids: Scandic Sergel Plaza 
Great central location, a colourful kids club and baby pushchairs are available to rent for the day.

Barcelona, Spain 

We all know Barcelona is a stunning city full of cultural landmarks, but what does it have in store for the little ones?  
 
Not only will you find specific family attractions like the Chocolate Museum and Barcelona Zoo and Aquarium, the major Barcelona cultural attractions are kid-friendly too. Gaudí’s Park Güell is a fairy-tale haven for younger kids to run around and explore in and Barcelona’s various cable cars are a great place for the whole family to take in the view of the city. 
 
Although the city beaches, such as Barceloneta can be very busy and not the most kid-friendly places, there are plenty of day trips you can take so the whole family can enjoy the sand and sea. Kids will love the more spacious, quieter beaches of Sitges, Tossa de Mar or Ocata. 

Best place to stay with kids: Hotel Barcelona Catedral 
Central location, right near the Cathedral, a few minutes’ walk from the airport bus (Aerobus) and a pool on the roof, perfect for warmer days. 

Reykjavik, Iceland 

If you and your family are up for an adventure, you should definitely consider Reykjavik. Due to Reykjavik’s size, it's a really walkable city, meaning you can see many of the sights on foot. If your little ones are animal lovers, there are plenty of things to do and see in Iceland, for instance, you’ll find no shortage of Whale Watching and Puffin Tours during the summer months. Iceland’s famous geothermal pools are extremely family friendly, and you will find plenty of them scattered across the city. Kids will love Kópavogslaug, which has 3 large waterslides, 7 hot tubs, and a children’s pool. 
 
If you fancy seeing more of Iceland, Reykjavik serves as a fantastic base for day trips. Find out more about day trips on the Icelance Travel site. 

Best place to stay with kids: Hótel Reykjavík Centrum 
A very reasonably priced hotel where infants aged up to two stay free in all room types, and children aged from three to 12 stay free when sharing a Deluxe Room with one or two adults. 

Brussels, Belgium 

Belgium as a nation is very family-oriented, so you and your family will be welcomed with open arms. At its heart, Brussels is a city for chocolate and comic lovers, which in itself, gives you plenty of things to do with your kids. 
 
Brussels is the birthplace of the Smurfs and Tintin, and you’ll find comic trails across the city celebrating these beloved characters. Other highlights for kids to enjoy include the Museum of Cocoa and Chocolate (no explanation needed) and ‘Mini Europe’. This is about half an hour outside the centre, where you can discover 350 of Europe’s famous landmarks from across 80 cities, all shrunk to 1/25th of their real height. Our favourites include a 4m Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower and the Berlin Wall.  
 
To add to this, Brussel boasts a lush selection of playgrounds and parks for families looking to entertain their children across all seasons. Brussels isn’t as big and bustling as many European cities such as Paris and London which will make for a less stressful trip. 
 
Best place to stay with kids: Hotel Novotel Brussels off Grand Place 
Located in a quieter area with town and beautiful spacious rooms suitable for the whole family.

Kefalonia, Greece 

If you would prefer to relax on the beach or by the pool and leave city life behind for a few days, Kefalonia is for you. With gorgeous weather in the summer, crystal clear seas and abundant beaches, this Greek island is a paradise for kids and adults alike.  
 
With 39 beaches across the island, it’s difficult to run out of options. Whether you want to try out snorkelling or just build sandcastles with the kids, there is something for every taste. We recommend either Xi beach for its gently sloping sea (ideal for paddling) or Avithos beach due to its kid-friendly shallow water.  
 
There is also a great deal of marine life to explore on the island. Boat tours are reasonably priced, so why not make a day of it and see if you can spot any turtles, fish, and or even dolphins. If you would prefer to lounge by the pool and chill at a hotel, there are plenty of all-inclusive holiday packages for you to choose from too. 
 
Best place to stay with kids: Cephalonia Palace 
A really good Kids club and a lovely baby pool. Right on the Xi Beach.