15 Family-Friendly European National Parks for Memorable Adventures
You’ve come to the right place if you’re among parents seeking to travel with your kids. Europe is the most popular continent for family vacations, and if you want to skip cities for nature I can completely understand. These European National Parks offer endless attractions.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia
If you and your spouse love nature and want to get the kiddos involved, visit Croatia, where you’ll find some of the most stunning landmarks at the Plitvice Lakes National Park. The park is named so because it boasts a chain of terraced lakes totaling up to 16, all connecting at some point over each other. This might sound intimidating, but the Plitvice Lakes National Park is one of the most family-friendly destinations, with hikes taking just a few minutes. There are even carved pathways for youngsters.
Saxon Switzerland National Park, Germany
Located in Saxony, near Dresden, the Saxon Switzerland National Park in Germany covers part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. Saxon Switzerland National Park is the country’s only rock national park, so it naturally attracts a flurry of eager hikers and climbers. But if you’re accompanying younger children, you can opt for more family-friendly activities like biking or taking simple walks.
Una National Park, Bosnia and Herzegovina
Una sits close to the Una River, which remains unspoiled and untouched despite being a popular destination. This is why you’ll have a bit of trouble getting in, but once cleared, you’ll find a majestic landscape that could mimic heaven. The park has many waterfalls, which typically become the site for scenic hikes and picnics. You’ll also find pools and rapids to river rafts, so there’s everything here, from simple relaxation to extreme sports.
Hohe Tauern National Park, Austria
This Austrian national park becomes a top-notch skiing destination during winter, but if you head out in the summer, you’ll still find plenty to do. Boasting scenic hiking trails, gorgeous deep pools, the Glossglockner glacier, and alpine cliffs, Hohe Tauern National Park is perfect for a family of nature lovers. The park also offers family-friendly activities, like joining ranger programs, interacting with wildlife, and touring nearby visitor centers.
Ordesa Y Monte Perdido National Park, Spain
Straddling the Spain-France border, this national park isn’t only a spot to hike; it boasts an incredible array of animals, some of which can be seen on guided tours. You’ll be able to spot marmots, red foxes, badgers, weasels, groundhogs, chamois, and even average grizzlies. The park also has gorgeous karst formations, which pave the way for amazing hikes and help kids embrace nature.
Peneda-Geres National Park, Portugal
You won’t find a more family-friendly natural destination in Portugal except at the Peneda-Geres National Park, where the best bounties of mother nature and fun activities unite. Peneda-Geres boasts rugged hills where wolves lurk, and you’ll even spot a few golden eagles and deer, so it’s perfect for animal lovers. The trails are easy some even including paved steps dating back to the Roman era. If that wasn’t enough, the park is also home to gorgeous waterfalls, making family trips even more exciting.
Oulanka National Park, Finland
Although Oulanka’s gushing rapids and trails frequented by bears might make it a little intimidating, it’s perfectly safe for families. Beyond these iconic landmarks, tourists will also find a wildlife and safari park with a rich reindeer population that brings all Santa beliefs back to life. Of course, those snowy cliffs and gorgeous pools also slowly cascade below, making it a picture-perfect destination. Tourists can hike, climb, walk, and take guided tours here.
Vatnajokull National Park, Iceland
If you can’t decide on a single nature-friendly activity, visit Vatnajokull, where you can do everything without traveling too far. Vatnajokull National Park surrounds the namesake glacier, so it naturally gets a lot of snow and ice, making it an ideal destination for folks who want to cool off in the summer. But this isn’t just a one-person show; the park also has geothermal vents, so it can get pretty steamy when it wants. It’s an ideal destination for families of adults or couples seeking a romantic but thrilling getaway.
Krka National Park, Croatia
Another stellar spot, this Croatian national park is located just along the Krka River, with seven waterfalls gushing dramatically into the serene pools below. Krka National Park is a popular destination, with many families visiting during the weekend to soak in the cool water and ward off the hot sun. Apart from swimming and suntanning, there are plenty of activities for children and adults, including exploring local flora, biking along the trails, hiking, and even taking a short trip to nearby fortresses.
Jotunheimen National Park, Norway
Jotunheimen is a mountainous area in Norway that boasts some of the country’s most eye-catching peaks and overlooks glacial lakes. The Jotunheimen National Park covers a vast area, allowing tourists to glimpse into a world they can only call bliss. Jotunheimen National Park has some of the most gorgeous hiking trails; although you’ll have to travel far to reach there, it’s perfectly safe for families and younger people. Hiking, kayaking, fishing, canoeing, camping, biking, walking, and wildlife tours are just some of the things you can do here.
Swiss National Park, Switzerland
Situated in the Western Rhaetian Alps, the Swiss National Park is the oldest in the Alps and takes you through a delightful history of the area. Interestingly, the park aims to conserve its environment, so you can step into the past and witness the unspoiled bounties of nature here. The park has countless touring opportunities and activities for kids; you can conquer its nature trails, some of which are considerably easy for children, or take to the hills if you’re up for a challenge. You can also see wildlife and visit nearby valleys.
Lahemaa National Park, Estonia
Estonia typically flies under the radar, so you can tour this area without worrying about terrible tourist crowds. The Gulf of Finland accompanies the Lahemaa National Park in the north and the Tallinn-Narva highway in the south, so you can pick plenty of amazing things to do. Tourists typically love exploring its naturally carved hiking trails, but you’ll also love nearby lighthouses, manors, maritime museums, and popular tourist destinations.
Killarney National Park, Ireland
If you aren’t keen on traveling too far, you can always take a short trip to Ireland’s Killarney National Park, where mighty mountains and sweeping views of the lakes enthrall visitors. Although the destination is more catered to nature lovers, there’s much to do for everyone here; you can swim, trek, hike, walk, camp, picnic, or ditch the outdoors and visit the Victorian lakeside mansions and gardens.
Pyrenees National Park, France
Although the Pyrenees aren’t usually on your family-friendly destinations list, the National Park is another story. Located on a relatively calm section of the French Pyrenees, the national park invites all nature lovers to explore its gorgeous landscapes and learn more about its surroundings. It’s perfect for all adult families who want to go off into the woods without straying too far from family. It’s also ideal for couples hoping to spice things up. Of course, grizzly-watching tours are always an added benefit.
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland
You’ve got to visit Cairngorms National Park if you’re a sucker for nature. This destination offers a considerably calmer location than other parks, so it’s recommended for newbie parents who want a break. If you’re eager to have the kids tag along, you’ll find many fun activities like safe bungee jumping, high rope climbing, ziplining, river rafting, and visiting a butterfly house.
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Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.