amsterdam
Ok, ok, I live here most of the year, so this is quite obvious to me. But Amsterdam is truly beautiful in Spring. The city is very family-friendly and children are part of life and accepted everywhere.
What to do over a (long) weekend:
- Rent bikes, cycle around parks and explore the city like a local
- Visit iconic museums like the Rijks, Van Gogh and Stedelijk, but also perfect ones for kids like Nemo and the maritime museum.
- Catch a cultural event or an immersive expo in the Westerpark.
- Rent a boat and see the city from the canals
- Visit the famous tulip botanical gardens in Keukenhof (March to May)
- Take a day-trip to Haarlem and the beach
copenhagen
The Danish capital is a little jewel for families. It is very easy to navigate and children from all ages will find something interesting.
What to do over a (long) weekend:
- Spend a day at Tivoli gardens, one of the oldest theme parks in the world (opening for the season at the end of March)
- Rent bikes and explore all the corners of the city, from the mermaid to the boats.
- Visit the best museums of the city at the Louisiana, the Experimentarium and the National Gallery
- Enjoy delicious pastries and have lunch at the food court of Torvehallerne
- Spend some time at Amager strand, the city beach.
- And of course if you plan to spend longer and drive there, take a stop at the famous Legoland in Billund.
berlin
Another beautiful city where everything can be done by bike. The German capital is full of (heavy) history, but there is more to do and see with children.
What to do over a (long) weekend:
- Go beyond history and visit the German spy museum, the computer game museum, the Science Spectrum Centre and the Planetarium
- Fancy a bit of nature and jungle in the city? Visit the Biosphere Potsdam to learn about the jungle and the rainforest.
- Go bouldering at Der Kegel, an old repurposed bunker
- Visit the famous Mauerpark on Sunday for second hand gems and delicious street food
- Once again, another city that is easy to navigate by bike
prague
Prague is definitely more than just bars and party groups. The Czech capital is beautiful and culturally interesting.
What to do over a (long) weekend:
- The unmissable Castle, one of the most important building of the city.
- Catch a family friendly performance at the National Theatre
- Visit the DOX Centre for contemporary art and admire the Gulliver Airship
- Paint your own typical enamel mug or cup at Smaltum
- Enjoy Stromova Park or the Centre for Young Naturalists, one of the 200 green spaces of Prague.
london
Where to start? London is so vast and full of activities! It is easy to navigate with public transport, so put your walking shoes on and explore! Best to do with kids who have a bit of stamina.
What to do over a (long) weekend:
- Don’t miss the main monuments like Buckingham Palace, the London Tower and bridge and Kensington Garden
- Travel with the typical London buses to enjoy sights whilst commuting
- For the fans, head to the platform 9 3/4 and the Harry Potter studios (book well in advance!)
- Enjoy street art in East London and visit the flower market
- Eat some yummy food at one of the stalls on Borough Market
- Book a family friendly show on a matinee.
City breaks are so much fun with children. They are way more tiring but equally rewarding with so much to do and see. With older children, involve them in the choice of museums and shows to see.
A city break is also a great trip to take solo with a child.
I hope this has inspired you to explore some urban jungles this spring!
