europe with a 5 and 7 year old?

[Anonymous]

My parents have invited us to go to Europe (almost anywhere except Italy) with our 5 and 7 year old. Where would you go and what would you do? I'm not sure how to find things that the kids would find interesting and the grandparents would want to do as well. The grandparents are active and in good shape, but not always patient with kids.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I would go to Germany. It is a beautiful country. The people are very friendly. I lived in Germany for 2 years with my now six year old. There are so mnay Castles including the one Disney castle, Neuschwanstien Castle. You can also take the kids to Legoland. I took my sone to Ries Crater, that is where the astronauts trained to the walk on the moon. My son got to see the moon rock that they brought back. They also have little markets where you can buy things. Germans love american children, every store you go in they will give your child a treat. And the chocolate is to die for.

[Anonymous]

Germany is a good idea. England might good too-- London is great with kids (lots of parks they can play in as you walk around, and of course it has castles/palaces/dressed up guards). You can easily spend 5-6 days in London, and then if you want there are niice day trips nearby too.

[Anonymous]

Thanks anyone know about places like Croatia or off the beaten path a little?

[Anonymous]

We went to Croatia a few years ago - we drove down from Austria. If you do go, do NOT go in July or August - it will be SO hot and everyone in Europe will be on vacation there. We found the heat unbearable and the beaches were packed.

That said, it's a beautiful country, but it used to be a real bargain and really isn't any longer. It doesn't have quite as much infrastructure as some of the more established summer resort countries like Italy, Spain, etc. but it does have beautiful outdoor scenery and is very picturesque.

I think with a 5 and 7 year old, though, I'd go to Germany or perhaps Austria. Both would have lots of activities in summertime that are geared towards young people. There are some lovely resorts in the mountain areas like Tyrol that have lots of summer activities on farm setting for kids and families. There are also amusement parks like Legoland and Playmobil land and Berlin Zoo, Vienna Zoo, lots of parks etc.

[Anonymous]

I posted in another thread about this same topic. We're taking our 5 and 7 year old to Germany (flying into Munich) but haven't made many decisions beyond our plane tickets. Munich is a great transportation hub, so we might spend a few days in the Dolomites, Venice, Salzburg and Hallstein (we're going for 18 days). If you're not sold on Germany, we have taken our kids to other parts of Europe: Netherlands (very fun if your kids like to bike--it's very safe there as the traffic is mostly bike traffic, Bruges. Also a great british book series, "Take the Kids"--we've used the "South of France" and "Paris" versions. Very helpful. Our kids really enjoyed Paris--we rented an apt and then took day trips, rode the metro, ate lots of delicious food, ran around the luxembourg gardens and the jardin d'acclimation (sp?). Kids also like Giverny (Monet's home) and Thoiry--where there is a cute chateau with a game park and petting zoo. you will not likely be getting through the Louvre with kids that age (at least I wouldn't be able to) but your kids will still have a blast sampling a new culture--they can visit again when they're older to queue for the Mona Lisa.

[Anonymous]

thanks great ideas!

[Anonymous]

We also livedd in (with a newbron and 2 year old)and would vacation there in a heart beat. But I wouldn't fly all the way to Europe to go to Lego Land!
Garmisch and Heldelberg are two great, small towns to visit in Germany.

[Anonymous]

Lived in Germany that is for PP