In Spain we have really interesting theme parks to go with children, such as Port Aventura (in Tarragona), or Dinópolis (in Teruel). But every day more families venture out of our borders and educate our children also through travel.
When they are small, Europe is, by distance, the most convenient option. And what better way to visit countries and their cities than integrating leisure activities, to everyone's taste.
We selected the 19 best theme parks in Europe to go with children, so that you go wherever you go, from Sweden to France, and from England to Malta, you find an alternative to visit with your children and keep that fun experience in your memory.
Sweden
Astrid Lindgren's World
This original theme park revolves around the characters of the famous writer Astrid Lindgren and her most popular character, Pipi Longstocking.
Although its main claim is the space dedicated to the imaginative universe of the red-haired girl of the pigtails (even with a reproduction of her house of colors), there is also room for other characters created by the author.
Far from being a large amusement park, here you will find a quiet place, with accommodation and entertainment area. Located in Vimmerby, the writer's hometown, only opens from April to September.
Liseberg, Gothenburg
This park can be an interesting reason to visit the second most important city in Sweden. Opened in 1923, it has a wide range of games and first level programs for children and adults to enjoy.
Considered the largest park in Scandinavia, It has 42 attractions so that visitors and tourists can enjoy and enjoy a unique experience, full of adrenaline and excitement, as well as different services that make the visit memorable.
In fact, some of Liseberg's attractions have been awarded: Helix received the prize as the second best steel roller coaster in Europe; Balder, like the best wooden roller coaster in Ruopa; and Loke (a gyro at 100 km / h at 42 meters high) as the best attraction in Europe.
Opens its doors every season at the end of April for the enjoyment of the little ones, who will have fun in the Kaninlandet area where they will find the green rabbit, the park's pet, to take pictures with him and enjoy the attractions made to measure.
You will also have a great time at the house of mirrors, the haunted house and different types of skill games where you can win chocolates from Daim, Kex, Anthon Berg or even Toblerone of two kilos.
Finland
Santa Claus Village, Rovaniemi
If there is occasion, the best time to visit Santa's hometown (Joulupukin Pajakylä) is at Christmas, where children will enjoy even more the magic of the character and everything that revolves around him.
But Santa Claus lives in this town, eight kilometers from the capital of Finland, throughout the year and will always captivate you. You can find it daily in his office, or with the Elves in the post office of the Polar Circle, and also in his house and museum. In addition, you can visit the Santa Cavern in the magical train of Santa Park, which will leave you with your mouth open.
In Diario del ViajeroSanta Park, Santa's theme parkBut visiting Santa Claus has more additions for adults and children, such as enjoying excursions and safaris to see the northern lights, riding sleds pulled by dogs or reindeer, bathing in incomparable places, or interacting with the animals of the Farm of Elves and the small zoo, at any time of the year.
Denmark
Tivoli, Copenhagen
It is the oldest park in the world and one of the most charming, perfect for relaxing with the little ones as a family, on a trip to Copenhagen, since it is located very close to its Town Hall square.
Built in 1843, the park retains the special charm of old Europe and although new attractions have been built, those responsible have remained true to the original design, a journey through time that combines architectural beauty and fun.
You will be dazzled by the Arab building of the Nimb restaurant, the Chinese pagoda or the Pantomima Theater, the oldest pavilion in the park and which hosts musical and entertainment shows.
The attractions help to discover Norse mythology, the tales of Hans Christian Andersen and from its impressive ferris wheel you can enjoy wonderful vitas from the capital of Denmark.
But in addition the children will also enjoy more than 30 dynamic and quiet attractions, open between April and September, when there are also many pyrotechnic shows and outdoor concerts.
All information about schedules and prices on the Tivoli Park website.
Legoland, Billund
Impossible a trip through Denmark without approaching Billund, the city of origin of Lego's inventor, Ole Kirk Christiansen.
Located 260 m from Copenhagen, it is better to spend the night in a hotel in Billund, such as the Legoland hotel itself or the recently opened Legoland Castle Hotel.
Mega constructions made with more than 50 million pieces, distributed in four zones. The quietest, designed to take a walk outside in a beautiful garden, is Miniland: a portrait of monuments and cities of the world in miniature, built with about 20 million pieces.
And as corersponde to an amusement park, fun for all audiences, always with the Lego theme: Duplo Land (for the little ones); Adventure Land (strong emotions for slightly older children), Imagination Zone (4D projections and games)…
Like all Lego parks, it is surprising just to cross the access door.
Discover all options, activities, schedules on the official website of Legoland Billund.
UK
Warner Bros. Studio Tour of Harry Potter, Leavesden
Visiting the magical world of the Harry Potter saga 32 kilometers from London is worth a visit by itself. If your children are forofos of the most famous young wizard of all time, there is no gift that may surprise you more than visiting the place where his films were shot.
In Traveler's Diary Christmas at Hogwarts: London's Harry Potter Park recreates the Christmas Dance for the first time You will discover the cinematographic magic of his films, you will visit such emblematic decorations as the Great Hall, the forbidden forest and Diagon Alley, you will explore the collection of emblematic objects and original costumes of the saga. And this tour, widely awarded, does not disappoint at all.
Can you resist visiting London and not take the Hogwarts Expresso to go to platform 93/4? Hard. Enjoy all the technological innovation to feel another inhabitant of Hogwarts.
But did you know that in the 50,000 m2 of Leavesden's Warner Bros. studios, great films like GoldenEye, The Phantom Menace, Sherlock Holmes or The Dark Knight were also recorded?
Just one caveat: you have to buy tickets for the Harry Potter Studio Tour in advance, also online. You can know all the experience options available and see the schedule, availability and the most comfortable way to get there.
Legoland Windsor
If Denmark was the first Legoland in the world, Windsor was the second and has little to envy its predecessor.
More than 60 hectares full of worlds and themes like pirates or adventure without losing the common thread: the Lego construction game. It is organized in 11 areas with as many different themes. Between them:
Imagination Center: where are the educational construction workshops with Lego.
Miniland: the most emblematic corners of London in miniature, of course made of Lego pieces.
DuploLand: the children's area par excellence.
Lego City: a small city made of Lego, with its port and train station, etc.
Land of the Vikings and Pirates Landing: water attractions with different themes.
Knights' Kingdom: the area of the royal castle.
And if you like strong emotions, you can't miss Adventure Land, where the park's large roller coaster is located.
Discover on its website more amazing figures and all the attractions that await you at Legoland Windsor.
Peppa Pig World, Hampshire
Indeed, the little pink pig that fascinates your daughter or preschooler has a theme park dedicated to her. It is located within another larger amusement park, the Paultons Family Theme Park.
And surprise. The space dedicated to the pig and its world has many attractions and is very well set. During the whole visit to Peppa Pig World, you will listen in the background to the soundtrack of the series, and you can enter the house of the Pig family, where you can take a picture with the characters. You can also enter the Nursery of Madame Gazelle and the children can take a picture with Peppa Pig, Madame Gazelle, George Pig and Susie Sheep.
But there are also attractions: the Peppa Pig Balloon Ride is the star. But there is also Mrs. Rabbit's Helicopter and a third high attraction, the Windy Castle.
Do not hesitate to visit the Peppa Pig World website to discover what you can find there and surprise the little ones.
Holland
Efteling, Kaatsheuvel
The perfect fusion between modernity and tradition and the spectacular nature of some of its attractions make it one of the most familiar thematic areas of our continent.
When it opened in 1952, this authentic architectural wonder focused all its appeal on classic fairy tales from northern Europe, but over time it has been adapting. Today it is a large modern theme park full of spectacular attractions, but it has remained true to its origins.
In its 65 hectares, divided into four zones, there are magical attractions for all ages and buildings that leave us with our mouths open. Hard to name just one of them: roller coasters, water, talking trunks, Little Red Riding Hood and hotels and cabins, shows and theme hotels to stay during your stay ...
Better discover all its secrets on the Efteling Park website.
Germany
Europa Park, Rust
It is one of the largest theme parks in Europe and is considered one of the best in the world. It is called that, because its space is divided into fifteen different areas, which are named after the main European countries. And yes, if you ask, there is also an area dedicated to Spain.
Because of its large size, it is advisable to take several days to visit it completely. But there is no problem, since it has several hotels and a campsite to enjoy the facilities.
To give you an idea of its extension, It has more than 100 attractions: more than 16 roller coasters, really spectacular, highlighting the Blue Fire, considered one of the best roller coasters in Europe.
But not everything is adrenaline: Euromaus, the park's mascot and his friends Ed, Edda, Louis, Böckli and Eurofant, will delight the little ones in the house at Junior Club Live.
In addition to attractions for all ages, its spectacular shows stand out (such as 'El Barón', in the area of Spain).
Collect all the information about Euro Park on its website.
Phantasialand, Brühl
Many international stars and even mega stars such as Michael Jackson have been guests of the several-time award-winning Phantasialand family amusement park in Brühl, about 20 km from Cologne.
If you like adrenaline, Phantasialand offers you several unique attractions where you must climb yes or yes. Special mention to Taron, for many, the best European roller coaster and the best in the world. It is not only spectacular for its speed, its throws or its airtime but also for all the thematization and for the entire area of Klugheim.
You can't forget Black Mamba, Talocan, Chiapas, Maus au Chocolat, Mystery Castle, Colorado Adventure or Winja's Fear & Force.
The park also has a wide variety of attractions for children, such as Hotel Tartüff or Tikal. But It is worth trying all, not only for the attraction itself but also for the excellent theming that surrounds it.
The quintessential Phantasialand event is Wintertraum. It takes place from the end of November until about mid-January, and during this time the park is completely transformed, with Christmas lighting, and unique shows. In fact, it is listed as the best winter event in Germany.
Located in Brühl, you can arrive by public transport, as there are shuttle buses that connect the park with the Brühl train station or with the Brühl Mitte tram station.
And if you want to live the experience to the fullest, you can stay in one of its themed hotels.
Take a look to whet your appetite for the magnificent recreations that you can find in Phantasialand.
Playmobil Fun Park, Nuremberg
If you have wanted to play with the famous pirate ship of Playmobil, this is your chance. The ship exists, as it appears in the photos and catalogs, and is next to Nuremberg, in Germany. You can enter it by a walkway and reach the bridge to grab the wheel of the helm and set sail for fun.
But none of the emblematic landmarks of Playmobil are missing here: the pirate ship, the castle, the farm, the far west area, the police headquarters, the dinosaurs ... A lot of themed areas in which the hours are spent very fast.
It is perfect to spend a quiet day, since even the 'attractions' have a different perspective: it is about recreation of spaces in which children have to invent their history.
And in this unique theme park, it is far from the classic theme parks. There are no roller coasters, ferris wheels, water slides or go-kart tracks. These are spaces that will make you feel like little pieces of Playmobil, where the imagination is the true protagonist. In fact, recreational activities are carried out by the children themselves, who will choose who to play with, what to play and for how long.
On the website of the Playmobil theme park, you will discover all the fun that awaits you.
France
Puy du Fou, Les Epesses
It is more than a theme park. It is a leisure complex that includes hotels and shows (many shows), activities and recreations of ancient villages, which revive the history of France.
You can not miss the Cinéscénie night show and that in the purest style of Hollywood productions, tells the story from the Middle Ages to World War II.
If you read the opinions of the people who visited it, you will understand why we recommend it: they talk about Outstanding shows starring a cast of more than 1000 actors, themed hotels and stages that will take you back in time. In fact, it has been chosen as the best theme park in the world.
By the way! On August 19, Puy du Fou will open in Toledo, Spain.
All information on the website of Puy du fou
Futuroscope, Poitiers
Inaugurated on May 31, 1987, it perfectly blends science and technology with entertainment and entertainment and has not stopped being renovated, becoming the second most visited theme park in France and chosen as the second best park in the world.
The park and most of its attractions revolve around the multimedia world, with the latest cinematographic, audiovisual and robotic technologies. In fact, it is the only one in the world that has six rooms equipped with IMAX technology.
Notably, his award-winning attraction 'The Time Machine' and his crazy Rabbids, or the 4D designed by the French filmmaker Luc Besson, based on his trilogy of 'Arthur and the Minimois'. Also its spectacular shows of water, light and laser rays created by 'Cirque du Soleil' and the first Aerobar in the world: it allows you to have a soda or snack at 35 meters altitude with your legs hanging in a vacuum.
In 2017 they celebrated their 30th anniversary with a new attraction that has now positioned itself as the favorite of visitors: 'The extraordinary journey'. Inspired in 'Around the world in 80 days' by Julio Verne, invites you to fulfill one of humanity's oldest dreams: fly.
25 attractions for young and old, including experiences as attractive as driving a rally car like Sébastien Loeb.
It is ideal to spend two days with children and rest, for example, in the themed hotel of Jules Verne. Just one tip: "refrain from families with vertigo".
Disneyland Paris, Marne-la-Vallée
The first theme park inaugurated by Disney in Europe in 1992, is located inside a huge complex that includes two parks, hotels, a golf course and restaurants.
If there is an option, your children will love staying at one of the six Disney theme parks, with free bus service to the parks.
Observe the honor of being the most visited park in France, Maybe because it brings together all the magic of Disney, ideal to enjoy with the family. Divided into five areas, where we find different attractions and shows related to Disney adventures.
Attractions as striking as those dedicated to Star Wars, Indiana Jones, Alicia, Dumbo, Pinocchio, Buzz Lightyear ..., while the little ones meet Mickey, Minnie, Pluto ...
It is essential not to miss their parades and shows, especially the nightly 'Disney Illuminations' at closing time, and that will leave you with your mouth open.
By the way! If there is no time for a stay, it is very convenient to visit from Paris by train, a trip of only 40 minutes.
Walt Disney Studios Park, Marne-la-Vallée
Less known, it is also in the Disneyland Paris complex, since its inauguration in 2002.
This theme park dedicated to Disney movies and series, where young and old you can enjoy the mythical scenes of the Toon Studio or the amazing effects of Blacklot, a magical motorized show with squeaky wheels and the occasional famous Disney gas-eating car.
Five production zones, where the little ones can discover the magic of cinema in a show where the images come to life beyond the screen, while the others will hallucinate with the indoor roller coaster 'Rock'n'Roller Coaster'.
And you will all immerse yourself in the magical world of Nemo in very special turtles. There will also be time to have fun with the Ratatouille adventure or greet Buzz Lightyear or take a trip around Production Courtyard, where everything can happen.
Discover all prices, schedules and attractions at Walt Disney Studios Park.
Parc Astérix, Plailly
Located just 15 kilometers from the Charles de Gaulle airport and 40 minutes by car from Paris, it is dedicated to the village of Astérix, one of the most endearing comic characters, created by Uderzo and Goscinny.
In this park, inaugurated in 1989, there are Six different worlds, with numerous stages and more than 32 attractions. You will enjoy as a family putting yourself in the shoes of a Roman spy infiltrated in the Gala village, facing a storm aboard a ship-swing or embarked on a Viking drakkar. Nor should you miss your last 4D attraction, Menhir or water attractions, perfect for hot days.
But there is also room for adrenaline, with Ozíris, the inverted roller coaster, where at 40 meters high one is shot at more than 90km / h. And, while you walk through the park, you will meet Asterix and Obelix and different musical and theatrical performances or their dolphin show, to enjoy with the family.
Find out about the promotions and all the information of the Parc Astérix. For their 30th anniversary, children under 12 now enter for free.
Italy
Gardaland, Castelnuovo del Garda
Located in the town of Castelnuovo del Garda, on the southeast coast of Lake Garda (Veneto), north of Verona, It is the perfect complement to enjoy calmly, as a family, during a vacation in the area, along with the ascent to Mount Baldo in the rotating cable car.
Opened on July 19, 1975, the park has not stopped expanding and gaining visitors, partly because of the fame of its roller coasters (including water), such as the Blu-Tornado (inverted roller coaster), the Sequoia adventure and the Abductor.
But, of course, not everything is adrenaline rush. The offer to choose from is varied (60 attractions) and there is a wide range of attractions for children, which will be accompanied during your stay by the park's pet, Prezzemolo, a nice green dragon with yellow spots.
You will also enjoy the numeross shows offered by the park. The little ones can have fun with Peppa Pig and his friends or learn at the Kun Fu Chi school, among many other activities.
If there is possibility and time, it is worth staying at the Gardaland Hotel, which will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale, and visit the next day the Gardaland Aquarium, located next door.
Find out about everything that awaits you in Gardaland on its website.
Malt
Popeye Village, Anchor Bay
It was built from the set of Popeye's movie, made by Robert Altman and starring Robin Williams, recorded in the 80s and has been growing to become one of the biggest attractions on the island of Malta.
The 19 original wooden buildings of the film created by Paramount Pictures and Walt Disney Productions and its breakwaters, eventually became an open-air museum and amusement park. Open all year, it has been recognized with numerous awards for excellence.
Further, includes museums, shows, ball parks, boat trips on the bay to be able to see the villa from the sea and make panoramic photos, films of about 20 minutes long with Popeye and his friends and many more attractions.
One of the best times to visit this beautiful park is in summer, because you can enjoy the beach, the sand and the sea. There are swimming pools, water slides, inflatables that are placed in the sea ...
Check out this peculiar park dedicated to Popeye, Brutus and Olivia, and what you can find on it, on their website.
