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A successful trip with the family starts with good preparation, and that certainly applies to child-friendly car holidays. The key to success is not only the destination, but above all the journey itself. By choosing routes with enough variety, fun stops and a relaxed travel pace, the drive becomes an unforgettable part of the holiday. Curious how to put together the perfect road trip for your family? Read on and discover the most beautiful routes in Europe.
Why a car holiday with children is a smart choice
Travelling by car offers families the freedom and flexibility that other means of transport do not. You set your own pace, stop when needed and have plenty of space to take everything children can’t do without. From a travel cot to their favourite cuddly toy, it all fits in the boot. On top of that, the journey itself is already an adventure. Along the way you see the landscape change and you can make spontaneous stops at an interesting castle, a vast forest or a local restaurant. This flexibility makes a car holiday ideal for families who want to combine comfort and convenience with a sense of freedom.
‘ The short travel time also makes the Eifel suitable for a car holiday with a toddler or preschooler. ’
Germany: fairy tales and nature
Germany is an excellent destination for a car holiday with children. The roads are well maintained and the distances are manageable. Two routes stand out when it comes to child-friendliness: the Fairy Tale Route and a visit to the Eifel.
The German Fairy Tale Route
The Fairy Tale Route, or “Märchenstraße”, is a route of around 600 kilometres running from Hanau to Bremen. The route follows in the footsteps of the Brothers Grimm and takes you through towns and villages that play a role in their world-famous fairy tales. Think of Little Red Riding Hood’s house, Sleeping Beauty’s castle and the town of the Town Musicians of Bremen. Every stop offers something for children, from storytelling theatres to treasure hunts. The mix of culture, nature and play makes this route ideal for families with primary school-aged children.
- Best time to travel: Late spring or summer, when nature is at its most beautiful and most attractions are open.
- Stops along the way: Don’t plan too many kilometres per day. Towns like Hamelin (famous for the Pied Piper) and Kassel (with the Grimm museum) are perfect places to spend the night.
- Accommodation: Along the route you’ll find lots of child-friendly “Gasthöfe” and holiday homes.
The Eifel: close by yet completely different
Just across the border near Limburg lies the Eifel, a beautiful natural area with rolling hills, dense forests and ancient volcanic craters. For families who prefer a shorter journey, this is a perfect destination. You can go walking, cycling and visit castles. A highlight for many children is the Adler- und Wolfspark Kasselburg, where you can see wolves and birds of prey up close. The short travel time also makes the Eifel suitable for a car holiday with a toddler or preschooler.
Denmark: off to Legoland
For many children, a trip to Legoland in Billund is a dream come true. A car holiday to Denmark is surprisingly manageable and offers more than just the famous theme park. The route there is relatively quiet and the Danish countryside is very inviting for families.
The journey to Billund is around 800 kilometres from Utrecht. You can drive this in a single day, but a stopover near Hamburg or Bremen makes the trip a lot more pleasant. Once in Denmark, you can combine your visit to Legoland with other attractions. For example, visit the Wadden Sea island of Rømø, known for its wide beaches where you’re allowed to drive onto the sand. Or explore the city of Copenhagen, which is just a few hours’ drive from Billund.
France: the coast of Normandy
Normandy is a varied destination that is perfect for a child-friendly road trip. The combination of wide sandy beaches, impressive chalk cliffs and a rich history makes the region interesting for both young and old. The relatively short distance from the Netherlands means you don’t spend unnecessary hours in the car.
Along the coast you’ll find charming seaside resorts such as Deauville and Trouville, where children can have fun on the beach. A visit to the D-Day landing beaches and the associated museums is also an educational experience, depending on your children’s ages. For a playful change of pace you can visit one of the many castles or local farms where cider and cheese are produced. The coastal route constantly offers new views and plenty of spots for a relaxing break.
‘ Driving this in one go with a toddler is not recommended. ’
Italy: to Lake Garda with toddlers
Lake Garda has been a favourite destination for Dutch families for many years. The journey there is considerably longer and, with young children, requires careful planning. The best route for a car holiday with toddlers to Lake Garda includes at least one overnight stay.
Planning the route smartly
The drive to Lake Garda is around 1,100 to 1,200 kilometres. Driving this in one go with a toddler is not recommended. Split the journey into two or even three legs. A popular strategy is to drive to southern Germany or Austria on the first day. An overnight stay in a child-friendly hotel with a playground or swimming pool ensures that everyone starts the next day’s drive feeling refreshed.
- Route via Switzerland: This route is often shorter and the roads are good. Bear in mind the cost of the Swiss vignette and possible queues at the Gotthard Tunnel.
- Route via Austria: This route via the Brenner Pass is a good alternative. You’ll also need a vignette here. The scenery is stunning and there are plenty of places for a comfortable stop.
- Tips for along the way: Ideally drive at night or very early in the morning to avoid the worst traffic and heat. Make sure you have plenty to keep everyone entertained in the car, such as audiobooks, games and a tablet with films.
Once you arrive, Lake Garda offers countless possibilities for families. From theme parks such as Gardaland to quiet little beaches and boat trips on the lake, there is something to do for every age.
Discover more on Traveler Tips
Good preparation is half the battle. On the Traveler Tips website you’ll find plenty more practical information for planning your ideal car holiday. Discover in-depth guides on preparing your car, the best packing tips for travelling with children, and detailed route planners for destinations across Europe. Get inspired and start planning your next trip today.
Frequently asked questions
For a child-friendly car holiday, the Wadden Islands, Limburg, Drenthe, Overijssel and Zeeland are popular destinations within the Netherlands. Internationally, Istria (Croatia), Denmark (with Legoland) and Salzburgerland (Austria) are excellent choices. Plan routes with sufficiently long breaks at child-friendly service stations, IKEA locations or parks to keep the journey pleasant. Choose accommodation such as holiday parks or hotels with facilities like swimming pools, playgrounds and entertainment that suit your children’s ages.
To keep children entertained during long car journeys, you can play games such as motorway treasure hunts, play audiobooks or podcasts, have mini music parties or use ANWB children’s route maps. For comfort, it’s important to schedule regular breaks at playgrounds or parks, provide enough water and snacks, ensure good ventilation in the car and avoid abrupt driving manoeuvres. Encourage children to look outside to help prevent car sickness and keep them occupied.
There are plenty of options for child-friendly activities and sights along the way and at your destination. In the Netherlands, the Wadden Islands, Limburg, Drenthe, Overijssel and Zeeland are popular regions with national parks, castles, theme parks and beaches. Internationally, Istria (Croatia), Denmark (with Legoland) and Salzburgerland (Austria) are highly recommended. For long journeys, child-friendly service stations and IKEA locations are good places for a break.
For a stress-free car holiday with children, essential preparations include making sure everyone is well rested before the trip, planning long breaks at child-friendly stops and arranging plenty of entertainment for the journey. In addition, careful planning of the route and choosing suitable accommodation are crucial for a relaxed travel experience.
To choose child-friendly accommodation that suits your travel style and budget, it’s essential to consider your children’s ages and the facilities on offer. Holiday parks are popular and provide a wide range of amenities, from child-focused bungalows and toddler pools for younger children to slides and water sports for teenagers. Hotels and campsites with family rooms, playgrounds and entertainment are good alternatives. Look for options that match your preferences for comfort and activities, and that fit within your budget.
