start your search
The Best Theme Parks in Europe for Families
Europe has a secret: it’s absolutely packed with theme parks that don’t need billion-dollar hype or transatlantic flights to deliver the fun. Instead, they sit tucked into forests, city outskirts and countryside pockets, quietly serving up rollercoasters, fairy-tale worlds and wildly creative storytelling like it’s no big deal. The result? Holidays where you can have all the excitement and thrills of a theme park, without crossing half the planet
What makes them so brilliant is how easy they are to reach. Short flights, fast trains and road trip options mean the journey is not a logistical saga involving jet lag and navigating time zones. And because so many parks are built near cities or scenic regions, you’re never far from adding castles, canals or café-hopping into the agenda. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure holiday – just with a side of being hung upside down on a loop-the-loop or meeting a cartoon character
From immersive worlds to gentle storybook corners and full-throttle, white knuckle hair-raisers, European theme parks have it all. Here are eight of the best to have on your radar
Words by Morag Turner
Published: 14th May 2026 | Last updated: 1st July 2026
In Partnership with
Brought to you in partnership with Puy du Fou, France – a magical theme park break with a real difference, offering fabulous shows and hours of entertainment for everyone thanks to totally immersive experiences in place of rides and rollercoasters. Kids get wide-eyed wonder, while parents get to rediscover the joy of pretending they’re “just going for the children” before immediately looking to rebook next year
A bite sized guide to: The Best Theme Parks in Europe
Best for epic shows for all the family Puy du Fou, France
Small but action packed Liseberg, Sweden
Best for fairytale fans Efteling Park, Netherlands
Best for thrillseekers Europa-Park, Germany
Best for LEGO fans LEGOLAND, Denmark
Best for an iconic break Disneyland Paris, France
Best for something unusual Phantasialand, Germany
Best for combining with a city break Tivoli Gardens, Denmark
Best for low key days with little ones Playmobil FunPark, Germany
Best for Comic book comes to life Parc Astérix, France
Best for: Epic shows for all the family
Mama
What age is it best for?
All ages will love this place. It’s possibly best suited to children aged 4+, simply because of the storytelling, but younger ones will still be captivated by the action, animals and sheer scale – an immersive sensory experience, if you will!
It’s a big place so be sure to bring a buggy for younger kids who will no doubt need a rest at some point
Where to stay?
The themed accommodation is part of the magic at Puy du Fou, transforming an already unforgettable visit into a fully immersive stay. Across six uniquely designed hotels, guests can choose from Roman-inspired villas, atmospheric medieval lodges, and charming rustic villages, each carefully crafted to extend the storytelling beyond the shows. Staying on site makes a real difference when you’re moving between performances and night-time spectacles
For families wanting a dramatic, castle-like experience, La Citadelle is a standout choice, offering medieval-style architecture and spacious family suites that feel like living inside a historic fortress, a real highlight for children who love knights, castles, and adventure. If you’re after something more playful and colourful, Le Camp du Drap d’Or brings a lighter, whimsical feel with bright, tented rooms inspired by Renaissance camps, making it especially popular with younger families and those who prefer a fun, less formal atmosphere
For visitors looking for convenience and proximity, Les Îles de Clovis is one of the closest options to the park entrance, with circular wooden island lodges set on stilts over water, our top choice for families who want quick access between shows and rest without long walks. Travellers who enjoy a more traditional hotel feel often gravitate toward Le Grand Siècle, a stately, elegant option inspired by 17th-century France, offering a quieter, more refined atmosphere that suits families travelling with grandparents
If budget is a key consideration, La Villa Gallo-Romaine is typically one of the more affordable options while still delivering strong theming, with Roman-style architecture and easy access to the park, making it a great all-rounder for families who want immersion without stretching their spend. It’s also the closest to the entrance of the park
Across all six hotels, the benefit is the same: you’re not just visiting Puy du Fou, you’re staying inside its worlds, making it easier to enjoy early starts, evening shows, and the park’s signature night spectacular without the rush off at the end of the night
How to get there from the UK?
If you’re going just for Puy du Fou, flying to Nantes and hiring a car is by far the simplest. Flights from London take around 1 hour 20 minutes and then from Nantes it’s roughly a 60 to 75-minute drive to the park
But if you fancy turning it into a road trip (hello Loire Valley castles or Atlantic coast beaches), driving gives you loads more flexibility – and makes the journey part of the adventure
The drive from Calais to Puy du Fou takes approx. 5.5 to 6.5 hours with lots of quaint French villages to stop over at on the way
How much does it cost?
Puy du Fou is one of the most reasonably priced “big experience” parks in Europe – especially considering you’re getting full-scale live shows instead of ride
A standard 1-day ticket usually starts from about €37-€47 per adult when booked in advance online, depending on the date and demand
If you buy closer to your visit or at the gate, it typically rises to around €59 per adult
Children (ages 3-11) are usually about €27-€34 in advance or up to €43 on the day, and under-3s go free
How long to stay for?
You could easily spend four days at the amazing park, possibly even extending your stay to combine it with some local sightseeing and exploring in the local area
Puy du Fou is just 1 hour from Nantes, the 6th largest city in France, and less than 60 minutes from the Atlantic coast and it’s beautiful beaches
Best for: Small but action packed
Liseberg is the kind of park you visit and think ‘how on earth did I know not about this place before?’. Despite being the largest and most visited theme park in Scandinavia, it’s just not somewhere most British families have on their radar – but once they do they can’t wait to check it out. Located in the heart of Gothenburg, (one of Europe’s most child-friendly cities), it first opened in 1923 and now welcomes over a million visitors every year, most of them clued up Europeans who grew up hearing about it the way UK kids learn about Disney. It’s a seriously cool place with over 40 rides spread over it 42-acre site and, while it’s not the biggest park on the continent (plenty are more than double that size), it’s packed with fun stuff
For the daredevils (aka older kids and teens) there’s Helix, massive, multi-launch steel coaster reaching speeds of up to 100km/h, Balder, a legendary wooden coaster frequently voted one of the best in the world and Atmosfear, Europe’s tallest free-fall tower, dropping riders from a staggering height. But if all of that makes you feel frankly queasy, then it’s important to note that Liseberg is about so much more that exciting thrills that risk everyone’s breakfast reappearing
What makes this Swedish gem particularly special for families is that it doesn’t feel like a park built solely around huge drops and loud screams. While big kids will be racing towards famous coasters, younger visitors have entire themed worlds designed just for them. The standout is Kaninlandet (Rabbit Land), a colourful area dedicated to little ones and home to the park’s much-loved green rabbit mascots. Here you’ll find gentle rides, playgrounds, live entertainment and plenty of opportunities for little visitors to meet the rabbits themselves. It’ ideal for toddlers and preschoolers
Parents will also appreciate just how cleverly the park has been designed. There are changing facilities, buggy hire, family meeting points, tons of cafes and even free wristbands for children that parents’ can write their contact details just in case you get separated. Let’s face it, theme parks aren’t the easiest to navigate with hyped-up youngsters all dashing around then suddenly flagging and needing a snack stop, so these small details that make a day at Liseberg less stressful for grown ups. Another thing we love is the setting. Unlike many large destination parks built on huge plots of land outside cities, Liseberg sits right in the centre of Gothenburg. The park is filled with flowers, mature trees and landscaped gardens, making it somewhat easier on the eye than towers of steel and plastic that are the common hallmarks of theme parks
It’s the ideal place to spend a couple of days on in the summer, especially if you are on holiday in Sweden anyway. But the fun doesn’t stop when sunshine dims. Liseberg transforms for Halloween with themed events and decorations before becoming one of Scandinavia’s most magical Christmas destinations, complete with festive lights and seasonal markets and a, therefore, a great out of season weekend break. For families looking for a theme park that offers just as much for toddlers as it does for thrill-seeking teens, Liseberg is one of Europe’s names to know
Mama
knows
best
What age is it best for?
There’s something for all ages here. You could quite easily take a baby in a buggy and a teenager (and everyone in between) and gave a great time
Where to stay?
The Grand Curiosa Hotel is the place to stay. It turns a great theme park trip into a truly immersive family adventure. Opened in 2023 and located right next to the park entrance, this hotel feels like an attraction in its own right. Inspired by the travels of an eccentric 18th-century explorer, the interiors are packed with curiosities, hidden details and playful surprises around every corner. Think soaring atriums, colourful artwork, giant bookshelves, secret nooks and even a slide in the lobby
It’s also mega family-friendly with rooms that can sleep up to six guests and feature clever layouts with bunk beds and separate sleeping spaces for children, making them feel more like mini family suites than standard hotel rooms. Throughout the hotel you’ll find playrooms, craft areas, a carousel, a cinema room and plenty of interactive spaces to keep younger guests entertained long after they’ve left the rides behind. Best of all, you’re just a few minutes’ walk from the park gates, meaning no early starts, no parking stress and the freedom to pop back to your room whenever little legs need a break
Prices vary significantly depending on the season, but family rooms typically start from around £100-£150 per night during quieter periods, rising considerably during weekends and school holidays. Package deals that combine accommodation, breakfast and park tickets often offer the best value for families
How to get there from the UK?
Getting there from the UK is straightforward: fly into Gothenburg Landvetter Airport and take a 20-30 minute bus or taxi into the city centre, where the park is within easy walking distance. It’s one of those rare theme parks where you can go from hotel breakfast to rollercoaster in under an hour
How much does it cost?
Ticket prices typically sit around SEK 395-595 (roughly £31-47) per person depending on the season and whether you choose ride access or entry-only options, with family packages often available
How long to stay for?
You could easily spend a few days at Liseberg. Combining it with a city break in Gothenburg or making it part of a wider trip to Sweden is a great idea. While it’s possible to do just a day trip you probably won’t get round everything you want to see
Best for: Fairytale fans
Efteling is the theme park you choose when you want a truly magical mix. Open since the 1950s, it feels less like a high-energy attraction machine and more like stepping into a beautifully illustrated storybook, with a distinctly European twist
Set within lush woodland, it’s immersive from the moment you arrive – winding paths, hidden corners and a calm, unhurried atmosphere that makes it stand out from bigger, busier parks. Younger visitors will love the Fairytale Forest, where classic stories come to life among talking trees and crooked cottages, while gentle rides, carousels and even a steam train make it easy to fill a day. For older kids, there’s a welcome step up in excitement in the form of the lavishly detailed Symbolica dark ride to Baron 1898, a dramatic dive coaster that delivers real thrills along with a strong sense of history. This park is particularly well suited to families with children aged around four to 12, though there’s plenty here for teens and adults too
Despite its size, Efteling is actually quite manageable. You can comfortably see the highlights in a single day, but if you have the time, staying for two days allows you to slow the pace, revisit favourite rides and really soak up the atmosphere. It’s not a park that demands military-level planning, which is very much part of its appeal
What really sets Efteling apart, though, is its balance. It manages to be imaginative without being twee, thrilling without being overwhelming and busy without hours waiting in line. For families looking for a theme park experience that feels a little more relaxed -and a lot more unusual – it’s a great pick
Mama
knows
best
What age is it best for?
It’s particularly well suited to families with children aged around four to 12, though there’s plenty here for teens and adults too
Where to stay?
Efteling’s on-site accommodation is lovely. Efteling Hotel has themed rooms (think fairytale towers), while Bosrijk and Loonsche Land are holiday villages tucked into woodland with lodges and apartments – ideal for families
Prices sit in the mid-to-high range, but the atmosphere and early park access make it feel worth it
How to get there from the UK?
Reaching Efteling from the UK is fairly straightforward. The quickest route is to fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol or Eindhoven Airport, both around an hour to 90 minutes from the park by car, or a simple train-and-bus combination via nearby Tilburg
For a more relaxed, no-airport option, the Eurostar from London to Brussels connects smoothly with onward trains into the Netherlands, again via Tilburg, with a short local bus or taxi to the entrance
Alternatively, driving via the Channel Tunnel or ferry ports in northern France takes around three to four hours from Calais, making it an easy addition to a wider road trip
How much does it cost?
Ticket prices typically range from around €38 to €51 per person depending on the season, with children under four entering free
For a family of four, that usually means a total cost somewhere in the region of €150 to €200 for a day out
How long to stay for?
This is a park you can do in a day. You might choose to stay longer but it’s possible to take it all in if you arrive early in the morning and leave as the gates shut
Best for: Thrillseekers
Europa-Park is the heavyweight champion of European theme parks outside of Disney. Massive, polished and impressively organised, it’s divided into themed ‘countries,’ each with its own architecture, food and rides. It’s educational in theory, and in reality it’s also a brilliant excuse to hop from a Greek water ride to a Scandinavian village in minutes. There are 18 European and also 3 fantasy themed areas to visit with over 100 attractions and a whopping 14 rollercoasters
This is a park that really comes into its own for older children, teens and adults, though it still caters well to younger visitors. Ages six and up will get the most out of it, with plenty for under-10s, but the big draw is its world-class rollercoaster lineup. Silver Star delivers classic high-speed airtime, while Blue Fire Megacoaster adds launches and loops for a more intense thrill. That said, there are also gentler rides, play areas and quaint attractions aimed at tinies scattered throughout, making it a strong choice for families with a wide age range
This place is enormous -roughly 235 acres packed with wall to wall fun, which means it’s really not a one-day-and-done destination unless you’re happy to skim the surface. Not to mention, sister waterpark Rulantica is just down the road and is more than work a visit. Three days is ideal, giving you time to do it properly without rushing. Despite its popularity, the parks run with impressive efficiency, so while queues are inevitable, they tend to move steadily. It first opened it’s gates in 1975 and since has grown to become one of Europe’s most loved theme parks. Once you’ve been once you’ll really see why
Mama
knows
best
What age is it best for?
While it’s great for all ages, this is a park that really comes into its own for older children (from age six upwards), teens and adults. There are areas for little ones too, but more available for school age children
Where to stay?
The resort is almost a destination in itself. There are multiple themed hotels (from a Roman-style Colosseo to a New England lighthouse hotel), all high quality with pools and family rooms
There’s also a Wild West-style camp area of the resort for something more affordable
It’s not cheap, but the convenience and experience justify the price for many families
How to get there from the UK?
From the UK, the easiest route is to fly into nearby airports such as Basel, Strasbourg or Stuttgart, then drive or take a shuttle transfer (journey times range from around 45 minutes to two hours)
Alternatively, you can take the Eurostar to Paris and connect via high-speed train to Strasbourg, followed by a short onward journey to the park
It’s not quite as quick as some European theme parks to reach, but the payoff is a destination that genuinely feels like a full-scale holiday rather than just a day out
How much does it cost?
Ticket prices typically range from around €52 to €73 per person depending on the season, with children under four entering free
For a family of four, you’re generally looking at €200 to €280 for a day
Multi-day tickets offer better value if you’re staying longer, which most families end up doing
How long to stay?
This park is massive and to do it justice you’ll need at least two days. It’s also just an hour from the chocolate-boxy, charming Black Forest region of Germany where you can stay in the beautiful mountains and add an outdoorsy element to your trip
Best for: LEGO fans
If your kids love LEGO (and pretty much all of them do) then a trip to LEGOLAND Billund Resort will feel like a magical pilgrimage to the home of the famous plastic bricks. This is where it all began – right next to the original LEGO headquarters – and it leans fully into that heritage. Bright, playful and brilliantly hands-on, it’s a dream for younger families, particularly those with children under 10, though there’s enough charm here to keep older kids (and adults, because we’re also partial to a LEGO set) happily entertained too
The standout attraction is Miniland, a miniature world built from bricks, where famous cities and landmarks are recreated in extraordinary detail – it’s the kind of place you expect kids to love but end up lingering in yourself because it’s honestly mesmerising with all it’s intricate detail and clever layout
There are plenty of rides pitched at very young ones, from the gentle coaster The Dragon to interactive boat rides and Polar X-plorer, which adds a small but satisfying kicks for slightly braver visitors. What really sets LEGOLAND apart, though, is the emphasis on play: build zones, creative workshops and open-ended spaces where kids can make, test and rebuild to their heart’s content. It’s all about the wonder of the brick
For 2026, the park is adding a brand-new headline attraction: Minifigure Speedway, a duelling family coaster that races forwards and backwards, pitching two teams of LEGO minifigures against each other in a playful high-speed showdown. It’s a good example of how the park keeps things fresh without straying too far from its imaginative, family-first identity
Older kids and teens get a bit more to latch onto in the action-focused areas of the park, especially in the NINJAGO zone. The standout here is the NINJAGO ride, an interactive dark experience where you use hand movements to fire “energy blasts” at targets while competing for the highest score- part video game, part ride and very re-playable. Nearby, Lloyd’s Laser Maze adds a fun physical challenge, where you weave, duck and stretch through a web of lasers like a mini spy mission. Over in LEGO Studios, the experience shifts into a behind-the-scenes world of effects and movie magic, with interactive shows and 4D-style experiences that combine humour, surprises and sensory effects. Together, these attractions give older kids a bit more edge and interactivity, even in a park that’s ultimately designed around younger families
At around 45 acres, it’s compact by theme park standards, which is big tick in the box for families. You can comfortably cover the highlights in a day, but a second day gives you time to revisit favourites and enjoy the more creative elements without rushing
Mama
knows
best
What age group is it best for?
LEGOLAND Billund Resort is best suited to families with children roughly aged 3 to 10, which is where the mix of gentle rides, hands-on building areas and playful theming really hits the sweet spot
Younger kids will get the most out of the experience, while early tweens still enjoy the NINJAGO-style challenges and slightly more adventurous rides like Polar X-plorer
Teens can have fun, especially in the interactive attractions, but the park is very much designed around a younger family experience rather than big thrills
Where to stay?
Accommodation is a huge part of the experience. The LEGOLAND Hotel offers fully themed rooms (pirates, knights, ninjas), while LEGOLAND Holiday Village has cabins and camping options for a more budget-friendly stay
Prices vary widely, but if your kids are LEGO fans, the themed hotel feels like part of the attraction
How to get there from the UK
The easiest way to reach LEGOLAND Billund Resort from the UK is to fly directly into Billund Airport, which is served by several UK routes and sits just a 5-10 minute drive from the park – making it one of Europe’s most hassle-free theme park transfers
From landing, it’s a simple taxi or local bus straight to the entrance, with no complicated connections needed
An alternative is to fly into Copenhagen and continue by train and bus, but this adds a couple of hours to the journey, so most families opt for the direct Billund route for speed and convenience
How much does it cost
Ticket prices typically range from around €45-€67 per person depending on the season, with family bundles and advance booking often offering better value
How long to stay?
Two or three days will cover off all the rides and attractions at this resort – plus allow for at least a few hours in the shop choosing which LEGO set to take home!)
Best for: An iconic break
Disneyland is the stuff of dreams for all ages (parents included) and the Parisian outpost of the original American theme park is just as spectacular – with a side of French style. In terms of European offerings, it really is the closest thing you’ll get to stepping straight into classic Disney storytelling without crossing the Atlantic, and it delivers that familiar “everything is bigger, brighter, more magical than real life” feeling from the moment you walk through the gates
You get the full Disney “show” experience, including parades, fireworks, and projection shows, just like the US parks. Plus, in the evening you get the big finale at Sleeping Beauty Castle: a combination of fireworks, fountains, lasers and projection mapping. It changes seasonally, but it’s always an outstanding choreographed show built around Disney stories and music. Definitely one of the standout experiences of the park and a major reason people stay until closing
The Paris park is actually made up of two parks: Disneyland Park (the fairytale castle, classic rides and characters) and Walt Disney Studios Park (more film-themed, slightly edgier attractions and big franchises). Between them you’ve got everything from gentle rides like It’s a Small World and Peter Pan’s Flight to proper thrill givers like Big Thunder Mountain, Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain and Avengers Assemble: Flight Force. The balance is what makes it so popular. You can take toddlers on slow boat rides in the morning and be upside down on a coaster by the afternoon if you’ve got older kids or teens in tow
The whole resort covers around 4,800 acres, though the main guest areas are much more compact and walkable than that sounds. You can technically see the highlights in a day, but realistically you want two to three days to do it properly without sprinting between rides. In terms of age, it’s one of the most flexible parks in Europe. Under-5s are in pure magic mode, ages 5-12 get the full character experience, and teens actually have plenty to sink their teeth into thanks to the Marvel, Star Wars and thrill ride lineup. It’s one of the rare parks where almost every age group genuinely feels catered for at the same time – and mum and dad can relive their own childhood memories. If you want to do Disney without the long haul flight, then this really is a very good alternative
Mama
knows
best
What age group is it best for?
Every age will love this Disneyland. There’s something for everyone, from gentle rides and character meet and greets to thrilling rollercoasters
Where can you stay?
The on-site Disney hotels are the most immersive option, from budget-friendly themed stays to luxury picks like the Disneyland Hotel right at the park entrance
There are also loads of partner hotels in the nearby Val d’Europe area, which are often better value and still just a short shuttle or train ride away
How do you get there from the UK?
Getting there from the UK is easy. The smoothest route is the Eurostar from London St Pancras directly to Marne-la-Vallée–Chessy station, which drops you right at the park gates in under three hours
You can also fly into Paris and take a train or shuttle transfer
The Eurostar is usually the least stressful option – no airport transfers, just straight into the magic
How much does it cost?
Ticket prices vary a lot depending on dates, but expect roughly €56-€105 per person per day, with multi-day tickets offering better value
A family of four for two days will typically land somewhere around €400-€700 total, depending on season and deals
How long to stay?
How long is a piece of string?! Some families will stay for a week to cover every inch (twice), while others will opt for a day trip. There’s no right or wrong way to do Disney – it just depends how much you love it and how much you want to spend
A lot of parents tack a one or two night stay onto a Paris city break or stop on on route to somewhere else while on a French road trip
Best for: Something unusual
Phantasialand is the theme park equivalent of a tiny restaurant serving Michelin-star food. It’s not enormous, flashy or spread across miles of land like some of Europe’s mega resorts – but wow, does it punch above its weight
From the second you walk in, the park feels totally immersive with design, music and food all tied together. One minute you’re wandering through the tangled volcanic world of Klugheim, with steaming rocks and dramatic music booming around you, the next you’re stepping into the punk themed dreamscape of Rookburgh, where every pipe, lamp and snack stand somehow looks cinematic. It actually feels less like a theme park and more like accidentally falling into several movie sets at once. There are six themed zones, and you can expect to find family-friendly shows full of acrobatics and dance
This is definitely a great spot for thrill seekers as the rides are some of the best in Europe. Taron is the world’s third-fastest multi-launch coaster, while F.L.Y. (located in the Rookburgh) is the world’s longest flying launch coaster and the first of its kind – letting you soar through the air face-first. Sounds chaotic yes, but older kids and teens will be obsessed. Smaller visitors aren’t left standing waiting by the exit gates either. Wuze Town is packed with gentler rides, climbing areas and colourful indoor spaces perfect for a fun run around
Founded in 1967 by Gottlieb Löffelhardt and Richard Schmidt, Phantasialand began as a family-oriented park and grown to become a destination in its own right. The best part? Because the park is compact, you can get around without needing much of a plan. One day is enough which is great when you want to spend more time having fun on rides and less getting bored in lengthy queues
Mama
knows
best
What age group is it best for?
Overall, Phantasialand feels best suited to families with school-age children and teens – especially those who want a more atmospheric, high-energy park experience without the overwhelming scale of a bigger park
Where can you stay?
The onsite accommodation is a big part of the experience rather than just somewhere to collapse after riding rollercoasters all day. Phantasialand has three themed hotels, each with its own completely different vibe
For families, Hotel Matamba feels like stepping into a colourful African lodge, complete with jungle-style décor, gardens and family rooms designed for spreading out after a long park day
Hotel Ling Bao is themed around East Asia and has a much calmer, more luxurious atmosphere – plus a wellness area and pool which is rather nice after a day or walking
Then there’s the unique Hotel Charles Lindbergh, built directly inside the Rookburgh area, where guests sleep in aviation-inspired cabins while the F.L.Y. coaster races overhead
All three hotels include direct park access and themed restaurants, making them feel like extensions of the park itself rather than separate places to stay
How do you get there from the UK?
Getting to Phantasialand from the UK is surprisingly easy. The quickest option is to fly to either Cologne Bonn Airport or Düsseldorf Airport from several UK airports including London, Manchester and Birmingham. From Cologne Bonn Airport, the park is only around 30 minutes away by car or shuttle
You can also travel by train. Take the Eurostar from St Pancras International to Brussels, then connect onwards to Cologne by high-speed rail. From there, local trains and shuttle buses run to the park in Brühl
Driving is another option for families planning a bigger European road trip. After crossing via Eurotunnel or ferry, it’s roughly a 5-7 hour drive from Calais
The park is well connected by German motorways, and parking onsite is straightforward
How much does it cost?
Ticket prices work on a dynamic system, meaning the earlier you book, the cheaper it tends to be
Official advance tickets regularly start from around €28 (£24) on quieter dates, while peak days and last-minute bookings can rise closer to the full €68-78 (£58-67) adult price
Children aged 0-3 enter free, while tickets for children aged 4-11 are usually slightly cheaper
How long to stay?
This is your ‘one-and-done’ theme park that you can definitely cover in a single outing. Some families chose to stay for longer, but it’s not essential
A one night stay or a day trip will suffice to fit in all the fun
Best for: Combining with a city break
Sitting right in the middle of beautiful Copenhagen, Tivoli Gardens is a dream day out for everyone. This historic theme park is both charmingly old-fashioned and surprisingly cool at the same time. It’s the second-oldest amusement park in the world, opening back in 1843, and allegedly even inspired Walt Disney. Which makes sense because the whole place feels just as magical as the atmosphere at Disney
Tivoli is on the smaller side and therefore easy to explore. It’s designed more like a giant fantasy garden with glowing lanterns hanging from trees, flowerbeds everywhere, live music drifting through the air. The 29 rides on site are a fun mix of nostalgic classics and genuinely thrilling attractions. The Demon throws riders through loops with dramatic zero-gravity moments, while Rutschebanen is one of the world’s oldest wooden coasters and still somehow terrifying in the best possible way! Little visitors are brilliantly catered for too, with gentle rides like pretty musical carousels, a Ferris wheel with hot air balloon carriages, a cute vintage car ride and sweet little yellow trolley that transports you around the park. There’s playgrounds too and an daily extensive programme packed with a concerts, events, pantomime theatre and entertainment for all ages
One of the best things about Tivoli is how it transforms throughout the year. Summer brings concerts and open-air performances, Halloween turns the gardens into a pumpkin-filled gothic fairytale, while Christmas basically looks like someone sprinkled festive fairy dust over the entire place. It truly is a great spot to visit any month of the year – and combine with a parent-pleasing city break in the gorgeous Danish capital too. Read Becky’s family-friendly guide to the city here
Mama
knows
best
What age is it best for?
Tivoli is probably best suited to families with children aged around 5-15, and those who enjoy atmosphere as much as adrenaline
Unlike massive resort parks where the focus is entirely on chasing the next giant coaster, Tivoli is more about the overall experience – wandering through illuminated gardens, watching live music, eating pastries and hopping between rides
Teenagers who only care about huge white-knuckle rides may find there are fewer “extreme” attractions compared to bigger parks like Europa-Park or Phantasialand
Where can you stay?
One of the biggest perks of Tivoli Gardens is that it’s right in central Copenhagen, so there are loads of great family-friendly hotels within walking distance
The most iconic is Nimb Hotel, which sits directly beside the park and looks like a fairytale palace lit up at night. It’s expensive but great if you want to be very close to the park
For something more cost effective check out Scandic Copenhagen, which is around a 10-minute walk from Tivoli and really well set up for families. It’s comfortable, practical and ideal if you want to be close to the gates
Staying nearby is definitely worth it because Tivoli is particularly magical after dark when thousands of lights switch on and the gardens start glowing
How do you get there from the UK?
Getting to Tivoli from the UK is very straight forward. Direct flights run from several UK airports including London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Birmingham into Copenhagen Airport, with flight times usually sitting around two hours
Once you land, the park is only about 15 minutes away by train or taxi
You can also take the Eurostar from St Pancras International to Brussels, continue through Germany and then onwards into Denmark
How much does it cost?
Tivoli works slightly differently from many big theme parks because entry tickets and ride passes are separate. General admission usually starts from around 155 DKK (£18) for adults, while unlimited ride passes cost extra at roughly 299 DKK (£35)
You can also buy combined tickets if you’re planning to go all-in on rollercoasters rather than simply wandering around the gardens
How long to stay?
You might get it all done in one day or you might want to pop back for a second or even a third
One of the best things about Tivoli Gardens is its location in the heart of Copenhagen, meaning you also explore the stunning Danish capital. It’s super-family-friendly. It’s this city break and theme park combo that makes this trip such a hit with all members of the family – not just thrill seeking kids
Best for: Low key days with little ones
A little bit like LEGOLAND, Playmobil FunPark is more like someone shrank a giant toy box and then let everyone go in for a playdate. Located just outside Nuremberg in Bavaria, this park is all about hands-on play, imagination and letting kids actually be part of the adventure rather than just watching it whizz past at 90mph
There are no huge looping rollercoasters here. Instead, the whole park is built around giant Playmobil worlds where kids can climb, explore, splash and role-play. Think pirate ships you can actually board, castles you can pretend to defend, and farms, forts and kingdoms scaled up, so kids feel like they’ve stepped straight into their toy sets. It’s basically childhood imagination with the volume turned all the way up and little ones can’t get enough of it
Playmobil FunPark is incredible for tinies who aren’t just passengers on a ride – they’re firefighters, knights, explorers and treasure hunters for the day. There’s a massive indoor play area for rainy weather, huge outdoor climbing zones, and water play areas that really come into their own on a hot summer’s day. Themed zones allow kids to spend hours just running around making up their own stories. Parents tend to love it too, mainly because it feels safe and lovely to a step back in time to make believe play without the gadgets and gizmos
And if you want a more grown-up day out too, nearby Nuremberg Castle and the historic old town give you a nice cultural add-on that’s so worth a visit – that’s if you can drag the kids away from Playmobil. Good luck!
Mama
knows
best
What age is it best for?
Playmobil FunPark is really designed for younger children, roughly ages 2 to 10
Toddlers and early primary school kids absolutely thrive here because everything is built for hands-on exploration, imaginative play and safe exploring
Where can you stay?
The Playmobil Hotel is located directly next to park. It’s quite small with only 28 family rooms, but makes for a great base
The rooms come with a king size bed for adults and a folding bed for two children, plus a sofa bed that can sleep two more.
Different colour concepts and PLAYMOBIL themes can be found throughout, so whether it’s knights, pirates or princesses you’re after you’ll find a room to suit
Many families also also opt to stay in Nuremberg, which has plenty of mid-range hotels and is just a short drive from the park
How do you get there from the UK?
Fly from the UK to Nuremberg Airport, which is served by flights from several major UK airports including London and Manchester. From the airport, it’s around 25-30 minutes by taxi or public transport to Zirndorf
You can also fly into larger hubs like Munich and take a train to Nuremberg, then continue locally
Driving is another option if you’re doing a longer European road trip – expect a full day’s journey from northern France, but Germany’s good road system makes it very straightforward
How much does it cost?
One of the nicest things about Playmobil FunPark is that it’s very family-budget friendly
Entry is usually around €15–16 for adults and children aged 3+, with kids under 3 going free
There are no expensive ride passes or fast-track systems because everything is included in the entry price.
Parking is also free
How long to stay?
On the basis that this park is aimed at quite young children, you might want to take two or three days to explore it all in a more calm way, rather than pack it all into one day and end up with tried little ones who end up too exhausted to enjoy it – and that goes for parents too!
Best for: Comic book comes to life
So, you’re looking for a theme park a stone’s throw from the French capital but you’ve done/don’t want to do Disneyland Paris: set your satnav for Parc Astérix. Located just 35km north of the city, this much-loved theme park offers a distinctly European take on the theme park experience, blending humour, history and famil- friendly adventure with some totally spectacular rides. Is it Disney? Definitely not – but that’s the point
Opened in 1989, the park was inspired by the hugely popular Astérix comic books created by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo. The stories follow the adventures of a village of Gauls resisting Roman occupation and are beloved across Europe. The founders dreamed of bringing the characters and their world to life, and more than 35 years later, the result remains one of France’s most successful attractions
Spread across 83 acres, the park is divided into beautifully themed lands inspired by Ancient Greece, Egypt, the Roman Empire, Viking territory and, of course, the famous Gaulish village itself. Unlike some theme parks that rely heavily on screens and intellectual property, Parc Astérix feels wonderfully immersive, with detailed scenery, clever storytelling and a healthy dose of tongue-in-cheek French humour around every corner – just like the comic books themselves
Older children and teens will be desperate to tackle big headline rides that offer thrills such as Toutatis, which opened in 2023 and is one of Europe’s fastest and most highly rated rollercoasters, while OzIris and Tonnerre 2 Zeus are also major draws. Unlike some family parks where older kids quickly become bored, Parc Astérix offers enough high-adrenaline attractions to keep teens engaged all day
But younger visitors are well catered for too. The Forest of Idéfix is a dedicated area for little ones packed with gentle rides and playgrounds inspired by Astérix’s loyal dog. Family favourites such as Pegasus Express provide just enough excitement for children who aren’t quite ready for the bigger coasters – and the parents who are quite happy to skip them
Another nice feature is that this park is always adding something new to wow visitors (nearly 3 million of them a year). In July t will unveil a brand-new evening show: Asterix and the Potion of the Stars, an immersive and spectacular production in which the cult world of the comic strip literally comes to life above the lake. Every evening during the summer this extravaganza will use Over 370 drones to light up the sky, creating giant scenes inspired by the Gauls’ adventures. Fireworks, 50 water jets, lasers and a soundtrack will complete the show – a super cool finale to round off the day at the park
There are live shows throughout the day, wandering characters, water rides for hot summer afternoons and plenty of cafes, shady pathways green spaces. For anyone looking for something a little different from the usual fairytale castles and princesses, Parc Astérix delivers a uniquely French adventure
Mama
knows
best
What age is it best for?
While there are some toddler-friendly rides and play areas, particularly in The Forest of Idéfix, but this isn’t a park that’s primarily designed for very young children. Families with babies and toddlers can still have a lovely day, but it’s about age 5 or 6 when Parc Astérix starts to come into its own. From that age onwards kids can enjoy the many of the family rides, water attractions, shows and themed areas. It’s worth noting that many of the headline attractions have height requirements around 1.2m-1.3m, meaning lots of children might be too small to enjoy them
Where can you stay?
There are several handy, on-site hotels that mean you’re just a few minutes from the park entrance and can often take advantage of ticket packages
Hôtel des Trois Hiboux is generally considered the best option for families. Set among woodland on the edge of the park, it has a cosy lodge-style feel and family rooms sleep up to 5 people and many have bunk beds for children. Or check out Les Quais de Lutèce, the newest and most upscale of the park hotels that is themed around an ancient Gallic riverside town. Family suites sleep up to 6 and the hotel has an indoor pool. If you’re looking for the most immersive experience, this is the one to go for
How do you get there from the UK?
The park sits just 20 minutes from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport, so it’s easy to hop on a bus or catch a taxi straight from arrivals. If you prefer rail travel, Eurostar connections via Paris are equally straightforward, while those bringing the car can reach the park in around three hours from Calais and there’s plenty of parking onsite
How much does it cost?
A family of four can expect to pay from around €218 (£185) for advance-purchase tickets, with children under 3 entering free. Book at least a week ahead for the best prices, as walk-up and flexible tickets are significantly more expensive. Also check out package deals that include staying at an onsite hotel
How long to stay?
You can do this as day trip from Paris but that really won’t do it justice. This place is big with tons to see and do. Taking three or four days to experience all it has to offer is a good idea