Anonymous wrote:Camping Des Glaciers in La Fouly, Switzerland. Suspension bridges/tree top climbing for kids of variety of ages and adults. Lots of hiking paths. It’s a small village; public transport per your request is the bus. The Tour Du Mont Blanc passes through.

And in summer, folks ride the ski chair lift and rent mountain bikes at the top - kids bike down the mountain. Lots to do

Camping Des Glaciers in La Fouly, Switzerland. Suspension bridges/tree top climbing for kids of variety of ages and adults. Lots of hiking paths. It’s a small village; public transport per your request is the bus. The Tour Du Mont Blanc passes through.

I would look at Slovenia. Much kinder on your budget esp if you are also going to an expensive place like Denmark.

Lake Bled for swimming plus Julian Alps for hiking. DH took 9yo and 12yo whitewater rafting on Soca River. No idea about playgrounds though. Easy to get to northern Croatian beaches. However, not sure about public transport.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Hmm, maybe Dolomites - staying in some rifugios. But they are nt resorts by any means. I think you could stay in an airbnb in a nearby city and then take a bus to some parks for hiking. This was the best playground: https://youshouldgohere.com/2024/08/geisleralm-best-hike-val-di-funes-dolomites/

And some other ideas here. Please note that it has gotten insanely busy in the past year or two.
https://www.rebornbyadventure.com/blog/5-family-friendly-hikes-in-the-dolomites

To add to this - we combined this trip with a few stays around Lake Garda. it's way cheaper than Lake Como, and can be fairly budget friendly. We rented a car but i'm pretty sure you can do it on a train/bus.

OP here- thanks!! I will have to research lodging in these areas. I am not opposed to renting a car for a few days if need be.

Anonymous wrote:Hmm, maybe Dolomites - staying in some rifugios. But they are nt resorts by any means. I think you could stay in an airbnb in a nearby city and then take a bus to some parks for hiking. This was the best playground: https://youshouldgohere.com/2024/08/geisleralm-best-hike-val-di-funes-dolomites/

And some other ideas here. Please note that it has gotten insanely busy in the past year or two.
https://www.rebornbyadventure.com/blog/5-family-friendly-hikes-in-the-dolomites

To add to this - we combined this trip with a few stays around Lake Garda. it's way cheaper than Lake Como, and can be fairly budget friendly. We rented a car but i'm pretty sure you can do it on a train/bus.

Hmm, maybe Dolomites - staying in some rifugios. But they are nt resorts by any means. I think you could stay in an airbnb in a nearby city and then take a bus to some parks for hiking. This was the best playground: https://youshouldgohere.com/2024/08/geisleralm-best-hike-val-di-funes-dolomites/

And some other ideas here. Please note that it has gotten insanely busy in the past year or two.
https://www.rebornbyadventure.com/blog/5-family-friendly-hikes-in-the-dolomites

Planning has begun for next summer's adventures (5-6 weeks in several locations around Europe).

I'd like to spend some time in the Alps with my kids and stay at a family campground or affordable "resort" that is well-connected to public transportation. I've seen pictures of super cool alpine playgrounds that still appeal to older kids. I want to be able to let my kids go and play at a gorgeous alpine playground while I drink my coffee or wine. We will do some light hikes, cool train rides, and I'd like to swim in an alpine lake (I know it will be cold!). We will probably spend a week and enjoy ourselves as part of a larger trip around Europe.

I'm down with Switzerland, Austria, Dolomites, French alps.....

We also plan to spend probably 1.5-2 weeks in Copenhagen and at a Mediterranean beach (tbd). We might visit another city or two briefly (maybe Amsterdam), but hot cities make us all irritable so probably limited time lol.

Our budget is "low" compared to most DCUM so kinderhotels and that sort of place look amazing but are probably well out of budget. Any recommendations??

Thanks