Planning something extra-special for the smallest? Maybe fancy an adventure with the family that goes beyond your typical holiday? Here are the top ten things all kids should add to their bucket lists! Parents, don’t worry – these are family-proof and will be loved the whole gang, including yourself.

Whale-watching
Picture gliding through the open waters, the kids staring wide-eyed, when suddenly a giant whale appears right in front of you! It’s an unforgettable experience that the little ones will talk about for years to come. You don’t need to travel far and wide to spot the water giants either – the best places in Europe are Madeira, the Algarve and Gran Can! Binoculars at the ready…

Christmas Markets
Twinkling lights, hot choccy and all things festive – Christmas markets are pure magic for young and younger! Stalls brimming with local treats, the air filled with festive atmosphere and Santa (or at the very least his little helpers) waiting for you? The whole family will be bouncing with excitement! From our newest additions on our map, Bratislava, Malmo and Gdansk, to classics like Budapest and Krakow, you’ve got lots of choice.  There are even Christmas markets in Alicante and Tenerife! And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a bit of mulled wine and roasted chestnuts while watching the snowflakes swirl down from the sky? As we said, pure magic.

The Glacier Express, Swiss Alps

Another wintertime hit, the Swiss Alps are not just for the skiers and snowboarders, they’re fab for train-loving families too! Hop onboard the Glacier Express and prepare for some seriously enchanting views! Dubbed the slowest express train in the world (yep, you read that right), it winds through the Swiss Alps like something out of a postcard. Snow-capped peaks, rolling valleys and high-altitude bridges are all part of the journey. With panoramic windows for maximum wow-factor, you’ll feel like you’re floating through a snow globe.

Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen
Step right into an old-fashioned fairytale at Tivoli Gardens! Picture straight-out-of-a-film-scene carousels, twinkling lights and enough rides to keep the little ones smiling all day long. It’s like a mini-Disney in the middle of Copenhagen! As soon as night falls, the park lights up and transforms into a sparkling wonderland. And with Danish pastries on every corner, it’s hard not to fall in love with this enchanting place!

Plitvice Lakes, Croatia

Budding nature-lovers will adore a day trip to Plitvice Lakes – and rightly so! This national park feels like the place ‘in the land of far, far away’. We’re talking emerald-green lakes, cascading waterfalls and sunrays finding their way through the leafy flora to enlighten the dragonflies. Yep, it’s a scene from a fantasy book! Follow the wooden pathways winding through the park for front-row seats to nature’s most incredible show.

PortAventura World, Costa Dorada
Strap in for a wild ride at PortAventura World, the biggest adventure park in Spain and the third-largest in Europe! This Spanish thrill paradise is packed with roller coasters, water rides and shows that’ll have the kids asking for more and more! And with the sunny Costa Dorada as your backdrop, it’s a win-win for families seeking action and adventure.

Teide Cable Car, Tenerife
Ready for a sky-high adventure? Jump on the cable car to Mount Teide in Tenerife! This epic ride takes you soaring above volcanic landscapes, with jaw-dropping views stretching for miles. The kids will feel like they’re flying as the cable car lifts you up, up, and away to Spain’s highest peak. Once you reach the top, it’s like you’ve landed on another planet – perfect for exploring or simply soaking up the view.

Vienna Zoo, Austria
Have we got some animal-lovers out there? Yes? Schoenbrunn Zoo is the place to be then! As the oldest zoo in the world, it’s packed with fascinating creatures from around the globe. From giant pandas to playful penguins, your mini explorers will have a blast making new furry friends. The zoo itself is a beautiful, historic wonderland – perfect for a family day out in the heart of Vienna.

Faliraki Waterpark, Rhodes, Greece
Get ready to zoom down slides in a sun-soaked paradise AKA Faliraki Waterpark! Whether your kids are thrill-seekers or just want to float in the lazy river, there’s a watery adventure for all ages here. With designated areas for the little ones and enough excitement to keep the big kids entertained too, it’s a day of fun under the Greek sun that the whole gang will enjoy.

Disneyland Paris, France

Just a short hop from Paris, this world-renowned wonderland has all the ingredients for an enchanting family holiday. While the little ones will be meeting their favourite characters and spinning around in teacups, grown-ups should brave the Star Wars Hyperspace Mountain – no one’s too old for a bit of Disney magic! Grab a caramelised apple or some candy floss in between the rides to sweeten the trip and wrap up the evening with the must-see firework show.