Explore, Play, and Enjoy: Winter Activities for Kids in Europe

If you want to have some magical experience, then plan a trip to the main places in Europe during winter. This is the time when the landscapes will be covered with snow, streets, houses, and markets will be decorated with twinkling lights and plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy. Right from exploring the famous Christmas markets to experiencing the fun and thrilling adventures, kids will definitely find a lot of joy playing in the chilly months. That’s why today we will be discussing the best winter activities for kids in Europe. You will even find a lot of facts and suggestions so that the trip becomes a memorable family vacation.

Family winter vacations in Europe

Christmas Markets: Festive Fun Across Europe

Destinations: Germany, Austria, France and Switzerland

The Christmas markets are a delightful place to experience the sparkling decorations, tasting the delicious treats and purchasing unique handmade gifts. Even this will be a fun adventure as a winter activity for kids. A few of the perfect family destination for Christmas markets and mountain lovers are:

• Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt in Germany: Here, you will get traditional and fascinating stalls, which will be filled with children’s carousels.

• Vienna Christmas Market in Austria: The ice skating rinks are very famous here, coupled with storytelling sessions for kids.

• Strasbourg Christmas Market in France: This place is known as the “Capital of Christmas”. Once you visit you will find that the market offers a great range of family friendly workshops.

Helpful Tip: While you are travelling with kids, keep your eyes open for the Kinderzones. These are very kid-friendly places with loads of activities such as cookie decorating and puppet shows.

Learn more, Italy 5-Day Itinerary: Best of Italy in One Week

Skiing and Snowboarding: Perfect for Little Adventures

Destinations: The Alps in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy

One of the best winter activities for kids is going to the Ski resorts in Europe. Here you will find the staff being very hospitable and in order to help the families with beginner slopes, ski and other child friendly amenities are available. Some of the best vacation destinations in Europe for families at a first skiing experience are:

• Courchevel in France: If you come here you will find the place offers ski schools for specialized kids and lots of themed snow playgrounds.

• St. Anton in Austria: This place is known for Kinderland which is specifically designed for young learners.

• Zermatt in Switzerland: Here you will find the Family friendly pistes and a big snow park for tubing and sledding.

Helpful tip: If your kids don’t know how to ski, then don’t worry, as you can enroll them in ski lessons. These are taught by certified instructors and create a safe and enjoyable experience.

Ice Skating: Glide into winter Magic

Destinations: Netherlands, Belgium and Hungary

During winter, you will find a lot of ice-skating rinks set up all over Europe. This is really one of the fun winter activities for kids. Even adults also enjoy this. Some of the notable rinks are:

• Museumplein Ice Rink in Amsterdam and Netherlands: These ice rinks are set in wonderful locations where it is surrounded by iconic museums.

• Grand Place in Brussels and Belgium: The settings of these ice rinks will look like you are in a fairy tale with lots of stunning light displays.

• City Park Ice Rink in Budapest and Hungary: One of the largest and largest open-air rinks in Europe.

Helpful Tip: Look for penguin aids in the rinks. These are kind of smaller frames to help younger children balance.

Also check, Fantastic 3-Day Amsterdam Itinerary: Explore the Best of Amsterdam

Northern Lights Expeditions: Nature’s Light Show

Destinations: Norway, Sweden and Finland

Seeing the Northern Lights is such a type of experience that truly fascinates both the children and adults. Hence, it can be considered as the best winter activities for kids. So some of the Family friendly tours that are available in the Arctic Circle are:

• Tromso in Norway: Did you know that this place is known as the Gateway to the Arctic? They are specifically designed to show the auroras for families and kids.

• Abisko in Sweden: Here you will get to see the Aurora Sky Station. Kids and adults both can stargaze and even learn more about this phenomenon.

• Rovaniemi in Finland: You can even include a visit to the Santa Claus Village after completing the chase of Auroras.

Helpful Tip: It will be very cold here. So do pack a lot of warm layers of clothing. You can even bring snacks to keep your kids comfortable during the nighttime excursions.

Santa Claus Village: Meet the Real Santa

Destinations: Rovaniemi and Finland

This is truly a fascinating winter activity for kids. The children will feel like experiencing a chapter from a fairy tale storybook by taking a trip to the Santa Claus Village. This is absolutely the best Fairytale destination for families in Europe in winter:

• The kids can meet Santa in the cozy office.
• Drop a letter from the Santa Claus Post Office.
• There are even elf-guided workshops where you can join and enjoy.

Did you know that Rovaniemi is considered Santa’s official hometown? It is located on the arctic circle.

Sledding and Tobogganing: Whizz Down Snowy Slopes

Destination: Switzerland, Austria and Germany

Nothing can be compared to the fun loving and best winter activities for kids and family such as sleddings. You should definitely explore best places to spend winter in Europe with family:

• Preda-Bergun in Switzerland: There is a 6 km stretch with a great view of scenery for the sledding run that is absolutely perfect for kids.

• Zugspitze in Germany: The highest mountain is located in Germany. Here, you will find plenty of family-friendly sledding areas.

• Kuhtai in Austria: Here, you will find a lot of illuminated toboggan runs at night.

Helpful Tip: Make absolutely sure that the kids wear helmets for safety during sledding.

Themed Parks in Winter: Year-Round Fun

Destinations: France, Germany and Denmark

Another best winter activities for kids are the theme parks in Europe. They turn into winter wonderlands during this time.

• Disneyland Paris in France: Kids will absolutely love the parades during the festival, running around in the snow filled streets and sitting to watch holiday themed shows with family members.

• Europa Park in Germany: Another great place for kids to enjoy the winter-themed rides and enjoy indoor attractions.

• Tivoli Gardens in Denmark: This is a village where Christmas is celebrated with rides and performances. It is truly magical.

Helpful Tip: Keep an eye out for seasonal discounts and information about special events in winter in advance.

Also check, 1 Week France itinerary – Places, Cuisine & Adventure | Travel guides

Snow Sculpting and Building Igloos

Destination: Finland, Iceland and Sweden

One of the most creative winter activities for kids is to try building snow sculptures or igloos. There are several family-friendly resorts available that allow for kids to perform these activities. Some of the Kid-Friendly European Cities To Visit This Winter are:

• Snow Village in Finland: One great thing about this place is that kids and adult family members can learn the igloo-building techniques from experts.

• IceHotel in Sweden: There are even workshops available here so that one can learn a lot about snow sculpting.

• Reykjavik in Iceland: The fun part of this place is that the public parks host snow-building contests in winter.

Helpful Tip: You should encourage your kids to wear waterproof gloves during these activities to keep their hands warm.

Indoor Aquatic Adventures: Warm Escapes

Destinations: Germany, France and Spain

Don’t let Winter take the fun water experience out of you. This is an even better winter activities for kids and family members , jumping into the indoor water parks. Hence few best places to spend winter in Europe with family are:

• Tropical Islands in Germany: You will enjoy a heated lagoon with lots of tropical-themed slides.

• Aqualandia in Spain: There are lots of Family-friendly pools available with wave machines.

• Aquaboulevard in Paris, France: Children will absolutely love this place as there are separate play areas for children along with indoor water slides.

Helpful Tip: You will need to bring waterproof shoes for all of your family members to avoid slipping and falling down in aquatic areas.

Winter Wildlife Encounters: Unique Experiences

Destinations: Czech Republic, Sweden and Slovakia

Experiencing wildlife through your own eyes is also the best winter activities for kids. You can consider these fantastic family winter vacations to visit:

• Sumava National Park in Czech Republic: Guided tours are available to see the lynxes and deer.

• Lofoten Islands in Sweden: Families and kids will live this whale watching tours.

• Tatras Mountains in Slovakia: A bit of winter hiking and you will be able to see the amazing chamois and other wildlife.

Helpful Tip: Always choose guided tours so that you get some educational insights and interactive experiences.

Winter Festivals: Immerse in Local Culture

Destinations: Scotland, Spain and Italy

If you want to add a rich cultural heritage experience to winter activities for kids, then you should definitely visit the Winter festivals.

• Hogmanay in Scotland: Experience the processions with torchlights that combine a unique atmosphere along with the Family friendly New Year’s celebrations.

• Three Kings Parade in Spain: Participate in the parades, which will include floats and candy giveaways.

• Venice Carnival in Italy: Kids will surely like the colourful masks and the amazing street performances.

Helpful Tip: Do pack comfortable footwear so that you can walk around for a long-time during festivals.

Also check, Ultimate Portugal Travel Guide to Explore: Beaches, Culture, and Wine

Hot Chocolate Tours: A Sweet Treat for Kids

Destinations: Switzerland, Belgium and France

As it will be very cold during the winters, another favourite winter activities for kids is sipping hot chocolate in Europe. Most famous shops include:

• Zurich in Switzerland: This is a famous place which is known for its rich, velvety chocolate that is served with whipped cream.

• Bruges in Belgium: These are types of chocolate cafes that generally cater to the families.

• Paris in France: Don’t miss the classic chocolate chaud, which can be found in renowned cages like in Angelina.

Helpful Tip: Pair hot chocolate with some local pastries as well.

Conclusion

Hence, to conclude, the Winter Wonderland will offer a lot of winter activities for kids that will cater to children of all ages. Whether you are taking them to the magical markets during Christmas, skiing on slopes, or meeting Santa in his own Arctic home, these experiences will surely create unforgettable memories for a lifetime. So, a helpful piece of advice is that when you are planning your perfect family getaway, keep the little one’s interest in mind and enjoy the entire trip with laughter and adventure.

FAQs