Discover budget-friendly family vacation spots in Europe! From getting your daily dose of vitamin “sea” on sandy beaches to exploring the historic cities of Eastern Europe, check out our guide to planning a fun family trip that won’t burn a hole in your wallet.
The June school holidays are coming and you might be thinking of whisking your family away from the humdrum of academic stress for a fun getaway. Travelling with children can be a daunting and expensive experience, especially when it comes to exploring new countries and cultures. However, with careful planning and research, you can still have a memorable and affordable family holiday in Europe. In this article, we’re listing out some of the best budget-friendly family holidays in Europe in 2024.
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Tips for Affordable European Holidays with Kids in 2024:
- Book your flights and accommodations early to get the best deals and availability. Make use of price-watching and price-matching features to secure the best prices.
- Check out YouTrip Perk’s travel-related partners and get additional savings!
- Consider travelling during the off-season, when prices are generally lower and crowds are smaller.
- Look for family-friendly accommodation options, such as larger room capacity for multiple beds, self-catering apartments or resorts that offer kids’ clubs and activities.
- Plan your activities and sightseeing in advance to avoid last-minute expenses. This means being diligent about price-watching and research!
- Take advantage of free activities and events, such as museums and parks, that are available in many European cities.
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Score more YouTrip-exclusive deals here
1. Lisbon, Portugal
Image credits: Odyssey Traveller
Portugal is among the most reasonably priced countries in Europe and offers a fantastic combination of historical, cultural, and coastal destinations. The Algarve region in southern Portugal is a spectacular spot for families thanks to its sandy beaches, water parks, and family-friendly resorts. The capital city of Lisbon is also a great place to visit, with its beautiful architecture, museums, and parks. In addition, Portugal is known for its delicious seafood, which is a must-try for any foodie family.
👉 Beaches
Image credits: Algarve Tips
The Algarve region in southern Portugal is known for its beautiful beaches, which are perfect for families. Many beaches have calm, shallow waters that are safe for kids to swim in, and some also offer water sports activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and snorkelling. Praia da Rocha and Praia do Vau are two famous beaches in the Algarve that are great for families.
Location: Praia de Dona Ana
Opening Hours: 24hrs
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
👉 Water Parks
Image credits: Slide And Splash
There are several water parks in Portugal that offer a fun day out for the whole family. Slide and Splash is one such popular water park in the Algarve that offers a mix of thrill rides and water attractions for multiple ages. You can pretty much spend the whole day at the water park and your kids will definitely thank you for it.
If you’re looking to keep costs low, you can consider packing your own food and refreshments if the park allows, so you don’t have to patronise the extra steep prices in the park.
Location: Slide and Splash
Opening Hours: Mondays to Saturdays, 10 AM – 5 PM
Ticket Price: € 19.80 to € 27.80
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
👉 Zoos & Aquariums
Image credits: We Heart Lisbon
For animal lovers, the popular Lisbon Zoo is home to many different creatures, including lions, tigers, and elephants. The zoo also offers shows and presentations throughout the day. The Lisbon Oceanarium is another great child-friendly attraction. Oceanario Lisboa has more than 8,000 sea creatures and 500 different species — one of the most impressive and largest collections in Europe. From sharks, rays, and penguins, the little ones will definitely have a fun-filled educational day visiting these two attractions!
Location: Lisbon Zoo | Lisbon Oceanarium
Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 10 AM – 8 PM | Mondays to Sundays, 10 AM – 7 PM
Ticket Price: € 17 to € 27.50 (~S$24.66 to S$39.89) | € 15 to € 93 (~S$21.76 to S$134.91)
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
Image credits: Taste Of Lisboa
In addition to these activities, Portugal is also known for its delicious food. Be sure to try some of the local specialities, such as bacalhau (salt cod) and pastel de nata (custard tarts), which are sure to please the whole family!
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
2. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona is another great destination for families due to its beautiful beaches, historic cities, and affordable prices. This city is a great place to introduce your toddlers to Catalan architecture, made famous by Antoni Gaudí. Take them to Sagrada Familia or Park Güell. The city also has many other family-friendly attractions such as the Barcelona Zoo, the Tibidabo amusement park, and the CosmoCaixa science museum.
👉 CosmoCaixa
Image credits: Conde Nast Traveller
CosmoCaixa is a science museum in Barcelona that offers a range of hands-on exhibits and activities for kids. The museum includes a planetarium, a rainforest exhibit, and a range of interactive displays that explore topics such as physics, biology, and astronomy. If you have tactile and curious kids, they will probably enjoy discovering the many hands-on exhibits at the museum and discovering the wonders of science.
Location: Museo de la Ciencia CosmoCaixa
Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 10 AM – 8 PM
Ticket Price: Adults: € 6 (~S$8.70) | 0 to 16 years: Free Admission
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
👉 Park Güell
Image credits: Pexels
Park Güell is a must-visit destination in Barcelona for families with kids. It’s a public park located on Carmel Hill in the Gracia district of Barcelona, designed by the famous architect Antoni Gaudi. The park is known for its unique and colourful mosaic structures, beautiful gardens, and stunning views of the city.
One of the most popular attractions in Park Güell is the Dragon Stairway, a colourful and whimsical staircase that leads up to the main terrace of the park. Kids will love exploring the stairway and taking photos with the dragon statue at the top. The park also features a range of hiking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. Kids will love exploring the park’s many paths and trails and playing on the various playgrounds scattered throughout the park. With its many attractions and stunning views, Park Güell is sure to be a highlight of any family vacation to Spain!
Location: Park Güell
Open Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Ticket Price: US$10.39 to US$15.05 on Klook (~S$15.07 to S$21.83)
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Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
3. Prague, Czech Republic
Image Credits: Pexels
This city is a fairy-tale setting that leaves a lasting impression on its visitors. Prague is an amazing and lively spot with plenty of activities and sights for the whole family to enjoy. With its stunning architecture, beautiful parks and gardens, and rich cultural history, Prague is a great place to explore with kids. From visiting the iconic Prague Castle and the famous Astronomical Clock to exploring the city’s many museums and parks, there is something for everyone in Prague.
👉 Prague Castle
Image credits: Pexels
Prague Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Prague and a good place to visit with kids. It is the largest ancient castle in the world and includes many buildings and structures, such as the St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, and the Golden Lane. The castle complex offers tours and educational programs that are suitable for families with children of all ages.
Location: Prague Castle
Open Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 6 AM – 10 PM
Ticket Price: 150 CZK (Single Admission) to 500 CZK (Family) (~S$8.60 to S$28.67)
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
👉 Prague Astronomical Clock
Image credits: 3 Seas Europe
The Prague Astronomical Clock is located in the Old Town Square and is a must-visit destination for families with kids. It’s the oldest functioning astronomical clock in the world and puts on a show every hour. Kids will be entranced by watching the moving clock while learning about its history and significance at the same time.
It’s free to watch the clock from the Old Town Square. For tours to enter the Old Town Hall and see the figures of the apostles up close, an admission fee is required.
Location: Prague Astronomical Clock
Open Hours: Jan to Mar – Mon (11 AM to 7 PM), Tues to Sun (10 AM to 7 PM) | Apr to Dec – Mon (11 AM to 8 PM), Tue to Sun (9 AM to 8 PM)
Ticket Price: Basic – 300 CZK (~S$17.20) | Reduced – 200 CZK (~S$11.47) | Family – 650 CZK (~S$37.27)
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
👉 Prague Zoo
Image credits: Prague GO
The Prague Zoo is one of the best zoos in Europe and is a must-visit destination for families with kids. It is home to over 4,700 animals from more than 650 species and offers many educational programs and activities, such as feeding the animals and attending animal shows. Definitely a must for a fun-filled day at the zoo with the kids!
Location: Prague Zoo
Open Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 9 AM – 6 PM
Ticket Price: From CZK 250 (~S$14.33)
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
4. Dubrovnik, Croatia
Image credits: Pexels
Dubrovnik, Croatia is a beautiful coastal city that’s full of history and culture, making it an ideal destination for families with older kids. With its stunning scenery, beautiful beaches, and range of family-friendly activities, Dubrovnik is the perfect place to explore with adventurous children. From walking the famous city walls to visiting the natural history museum and swimming at the beach, there’s always something to check out with your kids in this charming city.
👉Walk the Dubrovnik City Walls
Image credits: Dubrovnik Walking Tours
The Dubrovnik City Walls are one of the city’s most famous landmarks and offer stunning views of the city and the sea. Walking the walls is a great way to explore the city’s rich history and culture and is suitable for families with children of all ages. Dubrovnik was also used as a filming location for the popular, award-winning TV series Game of Thrones. Those who are fans of the show will love taking a tour of the locations used in the series and learning about the behind-the-scenes production.
Location: Dubrovnik City Walls
Opening Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 8 AM – 7:30 PM
Ticket Price: From € 15 to € 35 (~S$21.75 to S$50.75)
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
👉 Explore the Old Town
Image credits: Dubrovnik Croatia
Dubrovnik’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a great place to explore with kids. The narrow streets and historic buildings offer plenty of opportunities for kids to learn about the city’s history and culture. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants where families can stop for a snack or meal.
Location: Dubrovnik Old Town
Open Hours: Mondays to Sundays, 9 AM – 6 PM
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
👉 Swim at Banje Beach
Image credits: Pexels
Banje Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Dubrovnik and a great place for families to swim and relax. The clear, turquoise water and sandy beach make it a perfect spot for kids to play and swim.
Location: Banje Beach
Open Hours: 24hrs
Overall, Dubrovnik offers a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions that are both fun and educational, from exploring the city’s rich history and culture to swimming at the beach and learning about marine life.
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
5. Vienna, Austria
Image credits: Solo Sophie
Vienna, Austria is a city with a rich history and culture, with many things to see and do for families with kids. The Schönbrunn Palace is a must-visit, with its beautiful gardens, playground, maze, and zoo featuring over 700 animal species. Families can also tour the palace, which offers an insight into the lives of the royal family who once lived there.
The Prater Amusement Park is a good way to give your kids a fun-filled day out with a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, a haunted house, games, and many more activities to keep them occupied. Vienna also offers a range of museums, including the Natural History Museum and the Technisches Museum Wien, with interactive exhibits and collections that spark curiosity in kids.
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Click here for more YouTrip Perks deals
👉 Schönbrunn Palace
Image credits: Pexels
Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna was once the summer residence of the Habsburg monarchs and is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The palace’s gardens cover an area of 1.2 square kilometres and offer various attractions and activities such as a maze, playground, and zoo. Your kids will be amazed by the stunning Baroque architecture and interiors, making it a must-visit destination in Vienna.
Location: Schönbrunn Palace
Open Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Ticket Price: € 13 to € 32 (~S$18.85 to S$46.40)
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
👉 Prater Amusement Park
Image credits: TripAdvisor
Prater Amusement Park is another popular attraction in Vienna, offering a range of rides, games, and activities for families with kids to enjoy. The park’s iconic Riesenrad or Giant Ferris Wheel offers stunning views of the city, while the Kinderzone area has smaller rides and attractions for younger children. The park features a variety of roller coasters, carousels, and bumper cars, as well as games and stalls where you can win prizes and enjoy carnival snacks. The Schweizerhaus beer garden offers traditional Austrian cuisine. Prater Amusement Park is easily accessible by public transport and is a fun and exciting destination for you and your family’s European holiday.
Location: Prater Amusement Park
Open Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Ticket Price: From € 13.50 to € 87 (~S$19.58 to S$126.16)
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
Image credits: t24hs
Lastly, families can’t leave Vienna without trying the famous Sachertorte chocolate cake in one of the city’s famous cafes. With something to offer everyone, Vienna makes an enjoyable destination for family vacations.
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
6. Copenhagen, Denmark
Image credits: Travel And Leisure
The city of Copenhagen is known for its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and unique Scandinavian charm. It is also safe and incredibly bike-friendly, making it easy and safe for families to explore the city together. Tivoli Gardens is a famous amusement park that has been in operation since 1843 and features a variety of rides, attractions, and beautiful gardens. You can also bring your kids to the Experimentarium Science Center for hands-on activities to teach your children about science and technology. There’s even a deer park that has a playground and picnic area!
👉 Tivoli Gardens
Image credits: Travel And Leisure
One of the most popular family-friendly attractions in Copenhagen is Tivoli Gardens. This amusement park and pleasure garden has been in operation since 1843 and offers a wide range of rides and attractions, including roller coasters, carousels, and live entertainment. The park also features beautiful gardens, fountains, and restaurants, making it a great place to spend a day with the family.
Location: Tivoli Gardens
Open Hours: 11 AM – 10 PM
Ticket Price: From DKK 155 (~S$30.13)
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
👉 Experimentarium Science Center
Image credits: Design Boom
The centre features interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that teach kids about science and technology. There is also a water play area and an outdoor playground, making it a fun and engaging destination for kids of all ages. This will be especially fun and affordable for those with young children to spend an entire day together!
Location: Experimentarium Science Center
Open Hours: 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Ticket Price: DKK 135 to DKK 215 (~S$26.24 to S$41.79)
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
👉 Dyrehaven Deer Park
Image credits: VisitCopenhagen
For families who love the outdoors, Dyrehaven Deer Park is only a 20-minute train ride from the city centre of Copenhagen. The park is home to over 2,000 wild deer and features beautiful trails for hiking and biking. It also has a playground and picnic area, making it a great place for a family day trip.
Location: Dyrehaven Deer Park
Open Hours: 24hrs
Ticket Price: Free
Budget-Friendly Family Holidays In Europe: Find out more here
Ready To Embark On Your Family Fun Holiday?
Travelling with kids can be a wonderful and enriching experience, and it doesn’t have to break the bank. By choosing the right destinations, planning in advance, and taking advantage of affordable options, you can have a memorable family holiday in Europe in 2024. Whether you’re looking for sandy beaches, historic cities, or natural beauty, Europe has plenty of affordable options that are perfect for families. And as usual, while booking those plane tickets and planning a week of family fun, don’t forget to make use of your YouTrip Card to lock in those wholesale exchange rates and skip those pesky bank fees!
As Singapore’s favourite multi-currency wallet, we aim to get those pesky fees out of the way and help you save on your travels. With the best foreign exchange rates, no longer will you have to deal with those long queues at money changers! So if you’re looking for a go-to travel card, sign up for your complimentary YouTrip card today with <YTBLOG5> and get FREE S$5 in your account! Then, head over to our YouTrip Perks page for exclusive offers and promotions — we promise you won’t regret. For more great tips and articles like this, join our Telegram (@YouTripSG) and subscribe to our free weekly newsletter here or down below.
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Safe Travels!
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