Having been to every European country, I can honestly tell you that the best of Europe is not in the cities, especially these days.

Anonymous wrote:I think kids become a better match for Europe as they get older so I would do other things until then. I don't see the point of going to Europe and then doing a farm stay when you could do a farm stay in the US. I do have a great farm to recommend in MT though!

They are 13 and 10. How much older do you want them? Do it now before they lose interest in everything but their phones.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:There are a ton of things to do in European cities that aren't churches or museums. Sure, do a few of those too, but don't make it your focus.

Yes, that's why I'm asking for additional recommendations.

With kids that age you'll be fine anywhere in Europe. Where have you been before? If you haven't done Italy before, I'd do that. Typical Rome - Florence - Venice and you could squeeze in a "farm stay" in Tuscany with a pool in the middle if you expand your dates a bit.

Costa Rica or the Galapagos!

I think kids become a better match for Europe as they get older so I would do other things until then. I don't see the point of going to Europe and then doing a farm stay when you could do a farm stay in the US. I do have a great farm to recommend in MT though!

Anonymous wrote:There are a ton of things to do in European cities that aren't churches or museums. Sure, do a few of those too, but don't make it your focus.

Yes, that's why I'm asking for additional recommendations.

Anonymous wrote:How much time do you have? My kids loved Thailand at that age. but I would want at least 2 weeks.

A week to 10 days

Just did Quebec City (which feels very European) followed by Tadoussac, which is beautiful, with hiking and whale watching. Learned about it from posts on here. Had a great time and it was very reasonably priced, since we could drive and the Canadian dollar is lower.

There are a ton of things to do in European cities that aren't churches or museums. Sure, do a few of those too, but don't make it your focus.

How much time do you have? My kids loved Thailand at that age. but I would want at least 2 weeks.

Anonymous wrote:Does it have to be Europe? We were just in Seattle and our kids ages 8 and 10 loved it. Lots of beautiful parks with amazing views, fun neighborhoods with lots of food options, amazing markets. And some nice simple beaches on Lake Washington, along with hikes through the arboretum and in nearby mountains. You do probably need to rent a car to reasonably see most of it, but don't need it for everything if you stay in a neighborhood/area for most of a day.

Also much less concern about summer heat- although it does get heat waves from time to time. But cools down quickly at night

It doesn't have to be Europe. But we've just started having success with US cities (the younger one was slow to warm up to travel) and now that they are getting better at it I want to branch out. Seattle is on the list eventually but I want to take advantage of the good travel phase and age we're in.

Does it have to be Europe? We were just in Seattle and our kids ages 8 and 10 loved it. Lots of beautiful parks with amazing views, fun neighborhoods with lots of food options, amazing markets. And some nice simple beaches on Lake Washington, along with hikes through the arboretum and in nearby mountains. You do probably need to rent a car to reasonably see most of it, but don't need it for everything if you stay in a neighborhood/area for most of a day.

Also much less concern about summer heat- although it does get heat waves from time to time. But cools down quickly at night

Anonymous wrote:What age(s)?

10 and 13. The 10 year old definity needs more kid friendly type stuff, the 13 year old can do whatever.

What age(s)?

I'm used to doing a major European city and walking walking walking all day and night to see the sights. My kids are ok travelers, but aren't quite up to leisurely browsing of museums and churches.

So I'm looking for something with an approachable city, plus maybe a more nature/animal based component. Probably not beach. For next summer. We have done Iceland, and that was excellent for us. Maybe Italy with a farm stay? Or Ireland/Scotland. Switzerland? I'm not sure as most of my experience is with the major cities. The more specific the info the better - I don't know where to begin!