Europe (or similar) with kids
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Anonymous
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We just got home from Ireland with my 2-kids very similar ages. We focused on outdoor adventures including a hike to an old stone farm village, rope bridge, rented e-bikes to bike on trails near their biggest cliffs, giants Causeway, we kayaked to a castle on an island, we stayed at two different castle hotels, we stayed at one glamping pod, we spent some time in Dublin which was definitely their least favorite part (visiting cathedrals and the book of Kells bored them). I will admit that we got very lucky with weather - I’m not sure all these activities are possible when it’s colder and rainier. Driving in a rental car was doable but not particularly enjoyable. We were on the move to do as much as possible- so not a relaxing trip. Regardless, I loved it!
Previously, we really enjoyed Costa Rica (whitewater rafting, ziplines, hot springs, waterfalls, volcanos and surfing). That was an easier trip overall…Mexico was also super fun and the easiest travel overall (xel ha, cenotes, etc..) All in all my kids loved Ireland! But preferred the activities in Costa Rica! Good luck! |
Anonymous
Sounds like we have a similar travel style! I'd love more info about your Ireland itinerary/where you stayed. Or even just resources on how to find those things. Costa Rica is already a good possibility as both kids would love it, but DH and I have done it before. We've done Mexico/ DR etc on cruises and always go for the adventure excursions. |
Anonymous
Does anyone NOT go to Costa Rica? Jesús. |
Anonymous
| We did Portugal (lisbon and lagos) with a 5 and 8 year old and it was great. We walked a lot in Lisbon but it was really easy to get an uber when the kids were too tired to keep walking. |
Anonymous
Us. We've taken them all over, but skipped Costa Rica. Just didn't appeal for whatever reason. |
Anonymous
What’s “all over”? |
Anonymous
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Anonymous
| This is a very different flight from Europe, but if anyone is reading this and on the west coast and in OP’s situation, I would choose Singapore. It has big-city stuff- shopping, museums, history- but also tons of nature preserves, outdoor recreation, beaches, a sprawling zoo (parts are more preserve than zoo), stunning gardens, safe parks and playgrounds for kids to roam, etc. It’s a great intro to Asian culture, colonialism and migration, too. Everything is very straightforward, clean and easy- to be fair this is partly because of low-paid migrant labor, but also because of a culture that is all about combining capitalism with the public good, which is fascinating to see. |
Anonymous
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I loved the Ireland itinerary. I love Belfast and the Antrim Coast and am surprised by how many people leave it off. People will be super friendly to your kids, so you’ll have a great time.
Another great place with kids is Barcelona, if you’re looking to get someplace to stay for a week and not rent a car the whole time. Cool vibe. Great food. Castle. Cable cars. Chocolate museum. Gaudi house. Excellent aquarium. I have friends who’ve been multiple times because it’s such an easy and fun city. |
Anonymous
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I like Venice because it’s very easy. It’s about the experience of seeing the unique city. You aren’t really doing anything. You sit have dessert and enjoy St Marks and breathe in the history. You can walk and get lost and gondola ride. You can eat easy kid food that is still amazing for adults. You can do and see glassblowing and beach. You can just kinda chill. I would go before July or Nov or Dec with kids.
I also love Costa Rica or Puerto Rico. There’s a zillion things to do in CR and that’s why people go. There’s a lot of beauty in Canada either Banff or Quebec City. Bend OR or a resort in the W states like Yosemite or WY works. MT or ID as well. Malta is another place I think is very cool in Europe. |
Anonymous
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