The best hotels in Europe to keep the kids entertained

We’ve spent hours reading the hundreds of reviews you’ve shared with us, to produce a visited & verified shortlist of the best hotels in Europe to keep the kids entertained. We hope you find this really useful, and if you do, that you consider booking via our complimentary Tiny Travel Agency service or the affiliate links in the article (meaning we make a small commission, and can keep providing you with this kind of content!)

A bite sized guide to: The best hotels in Europe to keep the kids entertained

Best for affordable Alpine activities – Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon, Austria 

Best for finessed facilities – Amathus Beach Hotel, Cyprus 

Best for West End worthy shows – Hillside Beach Club, Turkey 

Best holistic hideout for foodies & families – Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa

Best for a break from the norm – Naturhotel Forsthofgut, Austria

Best for fun on the farm – Bosinver Farm, Cornwall

Best for an elevated all inclusive – Ikos Odisia, Corfu 

Best for free childcare – Moonfleet Manor, Dorset 

Best for round the clock entertainment – Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park, Crete

Best for a royally good time – Marbella Club Hotel, Spain

Best for escaping reality – Abbaye Des Vaux De Cernay, France

Best for sporty summer camps – The Magnolia Hotel, Portugal

Best for shared experiences – Feuerstein Nature Resort, Italy 

Best for city breaks – Martinhal Chiado, Lisbon

Best for outdoor adventures – Dell Of Abernethy, Scotland

Best for all ages – Gleneagles, Scotland

Best for stylish waterslides – Valamar Amicor Green Resort, Croatia

Best for watersports – The Peligoni Club, Greece

Best for snowy fun  – Club Med Les Arcs Panorama, France 

Best for winter sun – Princesa Yaiza, Lanzarote

Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon, Austria  

If you’re desperately searching for the winning combination of fresh air family fun, spa sessions and complimentary childcare, but would rather not remortgage your house for the experience, Falkensteiner Hotel Montafon is the Alpine abode for you. Nestled in the Golm mountain range, there’s an abundance of al fresco activities on the agenda here every month of the year – from skiing, sledding and husky riding in the winter, through to hiking, biking, whizzing down the largest forest slide in Europe or llama trekking. A real highlight is the 3.5 km ‘Golmi research trail’ (perfect for kids 6 and older), where 22 exploration stations are dotted along with hike with waterplay, sandpits and playgrounds. Parents are pampered with plenty of opportunity for peace too, with an epic Kids Club welcoming Tiny Travellers from 6 months plus, in-to-outdoor pool with slides, and even a climbing wall handily located next to the bar!

From: £392 p/night

Amathus Beach Hotel, Cyprus 

Cool-mama-cred is awarded to all parents who check their kids into Cyprus’ Amathus Beach Hotel. An undeniably sleek and chic resort which has mastered the art of appealing to all ages. The Kids Club is open to 4-12 year-olds and includes a substantial soft play and vintage arcade games. The whole gang will love the pine-peppered main pool; little legs shriek with joy at the twin waterslides and toddler-friendly splash pad; and, the floating-ocean-obstacle course is sure to please even the surliest of teens. The restaurant scene draws a lot of foodie families – for good reason, and there’s a load of choice when it comes to rooms – we’re talking suites, interconnecting options, uber luxe residences and plenty of private pools. In short, Amathus Beach Hotel is a name you want to know  

From: £300 p/night

Hillside Beach Club, Turkey 

The evening entertainment at Hillside Beach Club is like no other. From live bands and DJ sets to mini discos, carnivals and acrobatic performances, each and every night has a full on festival flair. A pad for the party people, this one is not for you if you’re looking to slow the pace with some peace & privacy. That’s not to be said daytime downtime can’t be found at Hillside. While the smalls are enthralled with the complimentary Kids Club (4+), grown ups can slink off to one of the two private beaches – aptly named Silent and Serenity. For tots too young for supervised sessions, the well-equipped Baby Park is one of the best we’ve ever seen, with the paddling pool and toys an excellent place to stay & play together. And we haven’t even got onto the multi-slide waterpark yet…

From: £184 p/night

Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Cyprus

A super slick spa hotel for smalls may sound oxymoronic, but elegant entertainment is what Parklane excels at. Home to one of the largest Kids Clubs in Europe, this mini kingdom boasts its own castle of crafts & curiosity, pirate themed splash pad (complete with rather cute waterslides) and mini football pitch. Sans any need for supervising, parents can be found flopped on the sunken sunbeds in the pool, enjoying leisurely lunches, or snatching the rare chance for a little me-time massage. Add to that, private-pool villas, year-round sunshine and crowd-pleasing cuisine, and it’s easy to see why families fall so hard for Parklane

From: £180 p/night

Naturhotel Forsthofgut, Austria 

If you’re anything like us, summer holidays usually involve sun, sea and sand. But an annual pilgrimage to Europe’s hotspots can come at a heavy price – namely a bevy of bodies to contend with and the risk of getaways becoming ‘samey’. For a break from your norm, we urge you to head to Naturhotel Forsthofgut in Austria instead. An ultra modern spin on chalet chic hidden in the majestic mountains, this super luxe pad has all the trimmings of your traditionally chosen resorts (think: free childcare, a surplus of swimming pools & half board packages) but with a super slick twist. A wellness first hotel, the swish spa is a destination in its own right, with a whole building dedicated to parental pampering.’You time’ is made possible thanks to the next-level complimentary Kids Club (2+), where tots are treated to their very own soft play. Those with babes in arms, fret not. The well equipped baby room is open 24/7 (as is the family pool), making it easy to tag team supervision. At most resorts it is easy to identify a headline act, but at Naturhotel it’s impossible to choose; there’s endless activities (for adults & offspring alike), fine dining foodie fare, postcard-perfect views and out of this world wellness treatments. The grounds are scattered with sofa-esque loungers and we promised the infinity pool, which floats on a swimmable lake, blows any sparkling sea out of the water. With waterslides, a mini farm, art studio, ninja parkour, horse riding lessons, tennis courts and much, much, more, Naturhotel Forsthofgut is the ultimate alternative hotel in Europe to keep the kids entertained. You heard it here first 

From: £410 p/night

Bosinver Farm, Cornwall

Proving the age-old adage ‘you can’t please everyone’ wrong, Bosinver Farm has an untarnished record of worship-like reviews from all who visit. Boasting a zero spend on your activity bill, a week’s worth of days out can be found here – and are all included in the price of your stay! There’s animal feeding with Farmer Dave, a spotless soft play, heated indoor pool, pony rides, and Wild Kids Club forest school. A hidden gem rooted in fresh air fun, it’s impossible to get bored when there’s entertainment waiting at every turn. After screen-free days spent in the Great Outdoors, broods can retire to the contemporary-but-cosy Cornish cottages – which come pre-prepared with all the parental paraphernalia you could possibly need

From: £107 p/night

Ikos Odisia, Corfu 

It’s hard to go wrong with Ikos – the byword for next level-luxury and family-first facilities, but if push came to shove and we had to pick our favourite, it would be Odisia, in captivating Corfu. Let’s start with the endless entertainment; there’s a chargeable creche (6 months+); complimentary Kids Club (4+); large playground; year-round heated children’s pool – complete with mini-merpeople pleasing Splash Pad; beachside babysitting and famous Football Academies run by professional players. Chic conveniences are (surprisingly) matched with a heavy hitting dose of culture here, with the lesser lauded Local Discovery Programme actively encouraging guests to get up from their loungers and immerse themselves in the country, not just the hotel. The best of this Greek island’s beaches and towns are all within easy reach, so make use of the complimentary Tesla hire to really feel like you’ve ‘travelled’ to Corfu . For more information on which Ikos is right for your family, check out our detailed guide 

From: £325 p/night

Moonfleet Manor, Dorset

The promise of insta-gold interiors AND complimentary childcare is pretty irresistible. So it’s no surprise the Luxury Family Hotel group boasts our favourite collection of UK boltholes for broods. If you’re looking for a seaside staycation big on style and substance, look no further than Cornwall’s chic coastal manor, Moonfleet. Understanding that frazzled parents want both family time together and adults only time apart, the hotel offers both supervised sessions for tots and an abundance of activities geared towards shared memory making. Tiny travellers aged 3 months plus are welcomed into the Kids Club, for a free 90 minute session per night stay, which is impressive enough, but the epic entertainment doesn’t stop there. ‘I’m bored’ tantrums are stopped in their tracks, thanks to the Science and Escape Rooms, climbing wall, cinema and skittles alley 

From: £175 p/night

Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park, Crete

If your kids need all-singing, all-dancing, round the clock epic entertainment to allow you to really switch off and have a good time, Grecotel Marine Palace & Aqua Park is the big, buzzy, juggernaut for you. During the day there’s a world of waterslides, more swimming pools than we can count, two blue flag beaches, Kids Club, farm, mini zoo and even aquarium to keep sprogs satisfied. The entertainment doesn’t stop when the sun goes down either. Mini discos and lively shows keep the fun (and drinks for parents) flowing into the evening. Bringing a touch of modernity to the traditional all inclusive, rooms may not be interior-magazine-worthy, but they’re elegant and airy. With five restaurants to choose from, and prices starting from only £185 p/night you’ll be hard pushed to find more boredom busting bang for your buck

From: £185 p/night

Marbella Club Hotel, Spain

Expect style in spades at Marbella Club, a Hollywood heritage hotel with service befitting of celebrities, and quite possibly the chicest Kids Club in the world (4+). A previous royal residence, this fabulously flamboyant finca delivers on Escapism, with a capital E. The verdant grounds may feel Caribbean in nature, but in reality they’re a hop, skip and jump away from the UK. An easy transfer is just the first in a long string of ease inducing amenities. We’ve all heard ‘it takes a village’ to raise a child, but at Marbella Club the village is there for entertainment. Children are treated to their own mini kingdom where endless activities include flamenco yoga, pottery, cookery classes and perfume making. From nought to ninety, pleasure seekers of all ages will find their every whim and desire catered to. While offspring are having the time of their lives parents are free to slink off to the slick spa or decompress next to the glittering pool

From: £462 p/night

Abbaye Des Vaux De Cernay, France

A close kept secret of chic Parisians, Abbaye Des Vaux De Cernay is the name to know for an easy to reach countryside retreat (just 45 mins outside of the Paris). Design hotels may be two-a-penny nowadays, but hotels designed by the Artistic Director of Dior Maison herself, not so much. Imagine Hogwarts and Soho House had a baby, and you’ll start to get the pretty picture. With storybook scenery reminiscent of your favourite fairytales, imaginations are free to run wild with whimsy. The captivating woodland, picturesque meadows and historic walls effortlessly fuel games of make belief, but the entertainment doesn’t solely rely on one’s self. The sprawling grounds are brimming with activities, from sailing, swimming and horse riding, to snoozing in the cinema room or getting your gaming on. There’s also a gorgeous Kids Club in collaboration with Tartine et Chocolat for les enfants aged 3 +

From: £258 p/night

The Magnolia Hotel, Portugal

Got a tot who likes to bend it like Beckham? Enter Quinta do Lago’s Soccer Camp with Football Escapes – a chance for football fanatics to hone their skills, while parents swap coats for cocktails, and bleak British weather for Portuguese sunshine. Kids (aged 5-15) are mentored under the guidance of greats such as Ashley Williams – meaning major cool kudos points for mum and dad. Guilt-free dispatch of children complete, parents are free to lean into their pre-baby lifestyle at kitsch The Magnolia Hotel. From pristine golf courses and private golden sand beaches to poolside ‘dive-in’ movie nights, there’s really something to keep everyone entertained. If balls aren’t your bag, this utopian resort also plays host to golf, dance and tennis camps. Kids stay and eat for free at the hotel, music to all parent’s ears, but even better than that? The iconic outdoor pool & bar – we know where we’d be while the little ones run themselves ragged

From: £105 p/night

Feuerstein Nature Resort, Italy 

While for many an all-singing, all-dancing Kids Club is the only way to get a proper ‘break’ on holiday, there’s a lot of us mums out there whose tiny travellers turn koala-bear-like when separation is suggested. For those of you who still struggle with nursery drop offs, and know there’s no chance in hell your tots would allow for a guilt-free dispatch, carry on reading. Yes, the Montessori style Kids Club at Feuerstein is both fabulous and free, but it’s the abundance of creative, complimentary facilities the whole family can enjoy together that really set this dreamland apart. The 3 storey play barn isn’t just the reserve of tiny travellers, mum and dad are welcome to join in the fun too. There’s a wood workshop, painting studio and and even mud room (which can be accessed at any time) – complete with showers to wash down afterwards. Outside, there’s an equestrian centre where you can book in for a complimentary pony ride and a jaw-dropping outdoor pool. Sound like heaven? We haven’t even got to the family spa yet, resplendent with child-friendly saunas & a snooze room. Whatever fun means to you, you’ll find it at Feuerstein 

From: £385 p/night

Martinhal Chiado, Lisbon

Love a long weekender? There’s no need to cross city breaks off your list, just because you have a tiny traveller in tow. Chances are if you’re a parent you’ve heard of Martinhal Sagres in the Algarve, and for good reason – when it comes to fly-and-fun for the whole family they’re up there with the world’s best. Sister property, Martinhal Chiado in Lisbon flies more under the radar, but we challenge anyone to find a city hotel with more entertainment for families. There’s a Kids Club (6 months +), indoor climbing wall, babysitting and the brilliant Pyjama Club – an evening childcare service (which runs until 10pm) allowing parents to hit the town sans tiny travellers

From: £175 p/night

Dell Of Abernethy, Scotland

A world of outdoor adventures await at Dell of Abernethy, a woodland forest retreat in the Scottish Highlands. Entertainment here is all about fresh air fun. The standout nature themed playground is home to sunken trampolines, ziplines and outdoor tipi, whilst the acres of fairytale forest inspire imaginary games galore. Christmas is particularly magical, but you don’t have to wait till December to meet Rudolph & co. The nearby Cairngorm Reindeer Centre is home to Britain’s only herd of free roaming reindeer, who are available for meet and greets all year long! 

From: £160 p/night

Gleneagles, Scotland

There’s a reason world-renowned Gleneagles is known as the ‘glorious playground’. The pick-and-mix of indoor & outdoor pursuits is unrivalled in the UK, with shooting, fishing, golfing and spa-ing on the agenda for grownups. With a pledge that young guests should be able to experience the joys of the vast estate too, tots are treated to tree climbing, horse riding, tennis, archery and falconry – with expert tuition from the hotel’s knowledgeable guides and instructors. Inside, children will love playing make believe in Little Glen’s fantasy treehouse and railway carriage, whilst parents will love the opportunity to lean into the luxury lifestyle with 2 hours of free childcare a day

From: £675 p/night 

Valamar Amicor Green Resort, Croatia

It’s not often we utter stylish and waterparks in the same sentence, (in fact we think this might be the first time), but there’s no denying the spaghetti slides at Valamar Amicor Green Resort are as tasteful as they come. Each and every design element at this sustainable-stay has been considered with both aesthetics and eco-awareness in mind – flumes included! Stepping away from traditional garish eyesores, these slides, built in soothing yellow and blue hues, nod to the sun and sea beyond. The cool & contemporary design extends inside to the achingly chic Kids Clubs, where the focus is on caring for the environment through play – tots even have their very own eco vegetable garden, perfect for budding botanists!

From: £270 p/night

The Peligoni Club, Greece

This family-run paradise in Zakynthos is a water baby’s dream. The antithesis of traditional resorts, guests stay in privately owned villas, with 5-star facilities in The Peligoni beach club next door. There are two creche’s on site, with colourful and imaginative indoor-outdoor play areas overlooking the Aegean sea. There are evening activities to suit the whole family too – from pizza parties to T-shirt tie-dyeing.  Older kids are well catered for here, especially if they’re into watersports, with pool volleyball, SUP safaris and wakeboarding all on the daily fun agenda

Prices from £1450 for a week

Club Med Les Arcs Panorama, France 

If you’re researching a ski holiday en famille, you’re going to want to book a Club Med bolthole for your base. Taking all of the stress out of slopeside stays, the impressive all inclusive offering here extends beyond gourmet dining to also include complimentary childcare 4+, ski lessons 3+ and lift passes. Got tiny tots in tow as well? Les Arcs Panorama is one of the heaven-sent resorts that also operates Club Med’s Baby & Petit Clubs (a chargeable creche service for those 4 months +). With offspring offloaded, parents are free to hit the slopes solo, or rest their weary legs in the standout spa

Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort, Lanzarote

We’re the first to admit we had a lot of preconceptions about certain countries pre-baby. Lanza-’grotty’ as we’d often heard it referred to was not high on our boujee bucket list. However, we’re not too proud to admit when we’re proven wrong. And in the case of Lanzarote, we’ve really had to eat our words. Do as we say (and not as we did) and cast aside thoughts of high rise hotels and package holidays. Unlike the other Canaries, the buildings in Lanzarote aren’t actually allowed to be taller than a palm tree – thanks to the genius work of a dedicated local architect. Princesa Yaiza Suite Hotel Resort is definitely larger than life – but when travelling with demanding tots in tow we’ve come to realise this is no bad thing. The children’s facilities here are seriously impressive; with a (chargeable) creche for 4 months +, a free Kids Club for 3 years +, underground aquarium, fully equipped family rooms and mini discos. What really sets Princesa Yaiza apart, in our eyes, is the clever space planning of the resort. The utopian Kikoland is jam-packed with brightly coloured playgrounds for sensory seeking tots, but it doesn’t impact the parent pleasing views of the two main palm-fringed pools. Hidden inside the hotel there’s also a soft play room, complete with supervised sessions – brb we’re just readjusting our definition of heaven

Prices from £212 p/night

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