Four family-friendly European weekend getaways (That won’t break the bank)

Family travel doesn’t have to mean long-haul flights, packed schedules, or expensive hotels.
Some of the most enjoyable trips with children are short, well-paced, and thoughtfully chosen, especially when you travel outside peak holiday periods.

Below are four family-friendly European getaways our founder tested that work beautifully for a long weekend or short break. These are places where kids are genuinely welcome, parents can enjoy themselves too, and budgets stay under control 

1. LEGOLAND Billund, Denmark

For LEGO lovers  and parents who want to enjoy it too

LEGOLAND is often high on children’s wish lists, and many parents assume it will be expensive, overwhelming, or “just for kids.”
In reality, LEGOLAND Billund can be one of the best-value family weekends in Europe  if you plan it right.

Why it works for families

• The park is designed specifically with families in mind rides are engaging without being overstimulating.
• LEGO’s emphasis on creativity, building, and imagination appeals to adults as much as children.
• Everything is compact and walkable, which matters enormously when traveling with kids.
  

Where to stay (budget tip)

If you’re traveling in spring or early summer, book early at the LEGOLAND Holiday Village / Camping Site, located just 400 meters from the park entrance.

• Private cabins with bathrooms
• Multiple playgrounds (many designed for parents to enjoy too)
• A relaxed, playful atmosphere that feels more like a holiday village than a campsite
  

💡 Cost example:
A weekend for a family of three can come in at under €600, including:

• Two nights in a private cabin
  
• Two-day LEGOLAND park tickets
  

Why parents enjoy it

Evenings are calm, logistics are simple, and the experience feels surprisingly pleasant. This is one of those trips where kids are thrilled  and parents don’t feel drained.

2. Gdansk and & Sopot ( The Tri CITY), Poland

A seaside city break without the crowds or prices

If you love city breaks but want to avoid the crowds (and costs) of places like Paris or Amsterdam, Poland’s Tri-City region is a brilliant alternative.

Gdańsk has long been a major Baltic port, shaped by centuries of trade with Northern Europe.
Its architecture reflects a mix of Polish, Germanic, and Scandinavian influences, dating back to periods when Poland and Sweden shared monarchs and strong political ties.

The result is a city full of elegant façades, wide merchant streets, and a rich cultural identity  all set along the water.

Where to stay

• Sopot
  • Small, charming, and extremely walkable
  • Long wooden pier, seaside promenade, and playgrounds everywhere
  • Relaxed pace that works beautifully with kids
    
• Gdańsk Old Town
  • UNESCO-listed sites
  • Stunning streets and river walks
  • Easy to explore without a car
    

Why it works for families

• Flat streets and excellent public spaces
• Seaside access from spring through summer
• Great value for accommodation and dining
• Less crowded, more relaxed than many Western European cities

Gdańsk is well connected by direct flights from many European cities.

3. Ljubljana, Slovenia

A small capital with big family appeal

Ljubljana is one of Europe’s most underrated capitals  especially for families.

Why families love it

• The city center is largely car-free, making it safe and stress-free with children.
• Distances are short; you can walk almost everywhere.
• The river running through the city creates a calm, open atmosphere.
• Castle funicular rides and green spaces keep kids engaged without overwhelm.
  

Slovenia consistently ranks among Europe’s safest countries, and Ljubljana feels friendly, clean, and grounded.

Bonus

You can easily combine a city stay with:

• Lake Bled
• Nature excursions
• Gentle outdoor activities without long travel days
  

This is an ideal destination for families who want culture, nature, and calm — all in one place.

4. Malmö & the Skåne Region, Sweden

For nature-loving families  without Stockholm prices

If Scandinavia is on your list but Stockholm feels overwhelming or expensive, Malmö and the surrounding Skåne region offer a wonderful alternative.

Why Malmö works for families

Malmö is compact, colorful, and refreshingly relaxed.

• Excellent bike infrastructure
• Plenty of playgrounds and green spaces
• Cafés and restaurants that genuinely welcome children
• Short distances that make days feel easy
  

You can fly directly to Malmö, or fly into Copenhagen and take the train across the Øresund Bridge about 35 minutes and a fun experience for kids.

Why Skåne is a dream with children

Just outside Malmö lies Skåne, one of Sweden’s most family-friendly regions:

• Forests, beaches, and open countryside
• Nature reserves and coastal walks
• Farms, outdoor playgrounds, and simple adventures
• Space to explore without crowds
  

It’s ideal for families who want:

• nature without remoteness
• outdoor play without heavy planning
• Scandinavian calm at a more accessible price point
  

💡 Budget note:
Accommodation and food in Skåne are significantly more affordable than in Stockholm, especially outside peak summer weeks.

A final note from ilo

Family-friendly travel doesn’t have to be big, far, or expensive.
Often, it’s about choosing places that work with your family’s rhythm, walkable, calm, close to nature, and easy to navigate.

Short trips and shoulder seasons can offer:

• happier children
• less exhausted parents
• and memories that feel joyful instead of rushed

If this list sparked ideas for your next family getaway, that’s exactly what it’s here for 🌿