Planning a weekend getaway with the family can be stressful, especially for large families. There’s so much to consider, from looking for family-friendly accommodations to choosing a destination that appeals to everyone in the group. To help you with this, we’ve narrowed down a list of destinations perfect for large family weekend getaways. Whether you prefer a getaway full of activities or something centred on relaxation, these destinations will leave you with fun memories.
Rome
As one of the world’s most child-friendly cities, Rome is the perfect destination for large family weekend getaways. The city offers tons of fun and historical activities, it’s very walkable, and you can reward your kids with mouth-watering pizza, pasta, and gelato if they complain about walking. And because it’s a city that caters to families, there are many activities to keep you and your little ones busy for the weekend.
Visiting the Colosseum is one of the top things to do in Rome with the kids. The ancient Roman building is the city’s top attraction and a great way to introduce your kids to ancient history. Another fascinating place to take your kids is Castel Sant’Angelo, a 2nd-century castle with a vast open space for your little kids to play and run around as they please.
If you want to visit some indoor attractions on a rainy day, head to the Museum of Illusions. Located close to Termini Station, the museum will leave your kids in awe with its impressive interactive visual exhibits.
No visit to Rome is complete without making a wish at the Trevi Fountain. While the famous fountain is always full of tourist crowds, it’s worth a visit. Your kids will love the opportunity to throw coins into the fountain to guarantee they will return to Rome someday.
The French Alps
Offering active holidays that will have you and your kids exploring the great outdoors all day long, the French Alps is an ideal choice for large family weekend getaways. A family adventure in the Alps will leave you and your kids with memories to treasure for the rest of your lives!
As one of France’s top tourist destinations, you will find plenty of options when looking for accommodations for your base. The French Alps are an excellent place for those looking for luxury ski chalets in France, like SNO, who have some fantastic accommodation options for the whole family. And while many would come here for its winter sports, the region is also a destination for summer adventures.
Summer is the best time to get splashing about. So, take the kids on a kayaking adventure to Lake Annecy. Kayaking is a fun activity for everyone, and it’s easy for kids to learn. Older kids looking for something more challenging to test their skills can try paddle surfing.
Winter in the French Alps is fun. The mountainous region is surrounded by breathtaking snow-capped peaks, turning its extensive ski runs into a world of winter wonderland! Beyond skiing, the French Alps offer a diverse range of fun winter sports, such as snowboarding, dog sledging, snowshoeing, and more!
Barcelona
Barcelona is the perfect place for large family weekend getaways. Here, you’ll find a long stretch of sandy beach, guaranteed to delight adults and kids. On top of that, the city has numerous museums and family-friendly attractions to get everyone entertained.
A weekend should be enough time to explore Barcelona’s highlights, including its top landmarks like Park Guell. Designed by world-renowned Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi, the park boasts impressive gardens and colourful buildings guaranteed to capture your kids’ imagination. The other top attractions in Barcelona are Casa Batlló and La Sagrada Familia – both are Gaudi’s masterpieces.
Kids certainly love seeing their favourite marine life in an aquarium. So, take them to Aquàrium Barcelona, home to over 11,000 marine animals of different species. Of all the tanks, the enormous Oceanarium is the most impressive. It’s 5 metres deep, with an 80-metre-long tunnel from where you can admire fascinating creatures like sharks and manta rays.
London
There’s so much to do in London with the entire family that a weekend may not be enough to enjoy everything. But if you only have the weekend to spend with the family, you will have a great time exploring the city, leaving you with fond memories.
You can explore London in many ways, but you may want to consider taking railway breaks. It is an excellent city for those seeking city rail-inclusive breaks, taking you to the city’s top attractions. And with efficient rail connectivity, you can seamlessly explore London’s historic charm, trendy streets, and diverse cultural offerings while saving a lot of time and energy.
If you’re visiting for the first time, spend your weekend discovering London’s highlights. These include the Tower Bridge, Tower of London, the British Museum, and the Buckingham Palace. You should be able to see all these in a day. If you still have time, include Hyde Park. The 350-acre urban park in Westminster has impressive monuments, including the Princess Diana Memorial Fountain, built using 545 pieces of genuine Cornish granite.
Riding the London Eye is an absolute must for families visiting London. The views are breathtaking, especially at sunset when the sky becomes a kaleidoscope of colour.
Paris
Paris is a magnificent city to travel to with the family, offering numerous fun activities for kids of all ages. The French capital is home to some of the world’s most iconic monuments, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame. Both are fun attractions to explore with the kids.
Paris is a city made for walking. But if your little ones complain of weary feet, consider a river cruise along the Seine River. It’s one of the most relaxing ways to admire the city’s top attractions from the comfort of a boat. The cruise cuts through the city centre, where you can glimpse the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Musée d’Orsay.
If there’s one museum everyone will love, it’s the Chocolate Museum. The fascinating museum offers workshops and hands-on tours for kids and the young at heart. You will learn how to make chocolates using traditional techniques and get to sample your creations!
