Planning a trip with your tweens can sometimes get complicated. Tweens are kids who are no longer considered a child but are not yet old enough to be called teens. Even though they are not yet teenagers, they are already learning to be independent and can get picky about the destinations they want to visit.
Why don’t you take them to Europe on your next family trip? This vast continent is home to some of the world’s most beautiful destinations that are guaranteed to delight even the most finicky tweens. And if you’re wondering where you should take them in Europe, check out these unique places.
- Majorca
Majorca is a great choice for a family holiday for many reasons. It has plenty of child-friendly beaches with calm blue waters and fine white sands, safe enough for kids to play. Moreover, Majorca offers plenty of opportunities for your tweens to take up water sports, including sailing and snorkelling.
Majorca’s biggest draw is its beautiful beaches. These beaches are lined with family-friendly resorts, giving you easy access to water sports. But if you want to enjoy some privacy on your holiday, consider booking a holiday rental in Majorca. Unlike the often-crowded resorts and hotels, these holiday rentals are located in some of the most secluded parts of the island, allowing you to relax and enjoy some privacy while spending quality time with the family.
Aside from enjoying some fun activities at the beach, your tweens can spend some time at the waterparks and adventure parks of Mallorca. There are also inflatable waterparks that float in the sea all around the island’s coast. If your tweens would rather go for land-based activities, then have them visit the adventure parks or take them to the Natural Parks to enjoy a scenic hike.
- Scotland
Despite being a small nation, Scotland offers plenty of things for families with tweens to explore, from lovely lochs and wild mountainscapes to picturesque pine forests and craggy castles. The country appeals to adults and younger travellers, especially those fond of fun outdoor activities.
Scotland is famous worldwide for its rugged beauty, especially the Highlands. The scenery of the Highlands is nothing short of amazing. It’s filled with soft and jagged hills, magnificent glens, and some of the clearest lochs you’ll ever see. For families with tweens, you’ll find plenty of fun activities to do here. You can go on a boat tour of the Loch Ness, climb the Ben Nevis, or explore the Urquhart Castle.
Dolphin watching is another fun activity to enjoy with your tweens in the Highlands. Head to Inverness and go on a cruise along the Inner Moray Firth for a chance to spot some dolphins. This boating trip will also take you to the Beauly and underneath the Kessock Bridge in Munlochy before heading back to the Inverness Marina.
- Croatia
Croatia is a wonderful place to travel with your tweens. It has several pedestrian-friendly cities and plenty of opportunities to explore the great outdoors. The country is also home to family-friendly accommodations, such as the luxury holiday villas in Dubrovnik, set in peaceful seaside villages and equipped with child-friendly amenities.
Give your tweens fun history lessons by exploring the Roman ruins of Istria or go on a traditional fishing trip in the islands of Dalmatia. Istria is filled with many historical wonders that are sure to delight families who appreciate history. The Dalmatian Islands are particularly enticing for families who love outdoor adventures and fun days at the beach.
For most tweens, Dubrovnik can feel like a fantasy land. The city’s old town is pedestrian-friendly, and its bustling main street is flanked by secret stairways and elusive alleyways that your kids will love to explore. If you want to explore even higher, go on a cable car ride up Srđ Hill, where you can marvel at the panoramic views of the city.
- Italy
Italy is, no doubt, one of the best destinations for family holidays, especially if you have tweens. The country is brimming with historical sites and natural wonders to delight your curious kids. There are also beautiful beaches and, of course, delicious foods, from pizzas to gelatos.
When exploring Italy cities with tweens, consider visiting Rome and some other beautiful cities. Rome has plenty to offer to keep everyone entertained, whether you’re exploring iconic sites like the Pantheon and the Colosseum, indulging in delicious gelatos, or visiting the Vatican for a unique cultural experience. Venice is another beautiful city to explore with your tweens in Italy. With its gorgeous architecture and excellent canal systems, your tweens will feel like they have entered a fairy-tale.
The Amalfi Coast is the perfect place to take your kids on a summer holiday in Italy. From swimming at its beautiful beaches to hiking the scenic cliffs, it’s a wonderful place to relax and have fun under the sun! Meanwhile, Tuscany, the land of fine wines and the birthplace of the Renaissance, has plenty to offer for families. But what may interest your tweens here is to cycle through its scenic vineyards and hills.
- France
Whether it’s the beautiful beaches or stunning countryside, France will spoil your tweens with its rich mix of outdoor activities, cultural sights, and tons of entertainment.
In Paris, the top destination to visit with your tweens is Disneyland. Throw yourself in the magical world as you explore the park’s themed lands and try out the exciting shows and rides, best of the European destinations visited in February when the lines are short. But if your kids have already outgrown the theme parks, consider doing a river cruise in Paris instead. A cruise along the Seine River will take you to some of the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, and Notre Dame.
For tweens who love the wildlife, there are many places in France where you can encounter wildlife creatures of all kinds. At Parc National de la Vanoise in the French Alps, you can come face to face with marmots, chamois, and ibex. For close encounters with Greenland huskies, yaks, wild horses, and horned stags, head to Parc Polaire. There are also boat trips departing from Côte d’Azur and Corsica to take you on a whale-watching excursion in the Mediterranean.