Where to Take Your Family for Spring or Summer Break

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By the time spring arrives, you know you’ll be ready to get the family out of the house, shake off the winter blues, and go on a real adventure! It’s easy to plan a trip the whole family will love when it’s filled with interesting cultural experiences, beautiful scenery and fun recreational activities.

 

For a true family-friendly vacation, you can’t go wrong with Portugal, Italy, or Türkiye. All three countries offer rich histories and distinct cultures, with particularly warm hospitality where family is put first and locals are typically very accommodating and friendly to children.

 

The cities are dynamic, with modern museums and fun ways to get around and be immersed in daily life, while the varied landscapes and historic sights are powerful fuel to the imagination of a child. Whether it’s the dramatic cliffs and beaches of the Algarve, the surreal geology of Cappadocia, or the gentle hills of Tuscany, the whole family will be captivated by the natural wonders and the stories they tell.

 

For longer stays, considering the kind of vacation you’re looking for, there are different suggestions for each country. In Portugal, spend several days discovering southern beaches and towns from one of several family-oriented resorts in the Algarve region. With amenities for all ages, young ones can have a blast at a kids’ club designed for endless entertainment. Türkiye also has family-friendly resorts, particularly in Bodrum and Antalya, but the most unforgettable experience would be a multi-day yacht charter on the Turquoise Coast! In Italy, a villa rental in Tuscany is a great idea for families, including multiple families together.

 

Enjoy a one-of-a-kind family vacation! Let ancient history and foreign culture come to life with hand-picked activities for learning and fun. These are our top recommendations for each destination …

 

Portugal

 

Lisbon

 

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• Ride the Tram: The iconic yellow tram is a fun way to get an overview of Lisbon’s hilly streets and key landmarks. Tram 28 is a vintage car that traverses the historic district, but be prepared to stand unless you start earlier in the morning. Use Tram 15, a modern tram with more cars, to reach the Belém district – a must-visit and an easy way to get there!

 

• Use the Glória Funicular: Lisbon is a very hilly city – trams and funiculars can save your legs and help you get around when kids tire of walking. The Elevador da Glória is the best way to climb up from Baixa to the Bairro Alto. Arrive to fantastic views at Miradouro de São Pedro de Alcântara.

 

• Eat a pastry in Belém: You’ve made it to Belém and you’ve seen the monastery and the tower, so take a break to eat pastries! The original custard pastry, in other places called Pastel de Nata, has been made at Pastéis de Belém by the same ‘secret recipe’ since 1837.

 

• Pavilion of Knowledge: This interactive science museum offers hands-on exhibits to give a little break from everyday sightseeing, perfect for kids who love to explore and experiment. Be careful, you might learn a thing or two!

 

• Lisbon Oceanarium: Visit one of Europe’s best aquariums, with a giant tank filled with sharks, rays, and colorful fish. Particularly when the weather is hot or rainy, you can spend some time here getting close to valuable marine life.

 

• Lisbon Zoo: A nice way to enjoy a day out with younger kids, featuring animal shows, a cable car ride, and a petting zoo.

 

Sintra

 

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• Forest Adventures: A short drive from Lisbon, Sintra is basically the fairytale region of Portugal – magical castles surrounded by lush, hilly forests. This is a great place for a Jeep tour or to do some fun hiking with the family.

 

• Eat Local Pastries: The town of Sintra has not one but two beloved custard pastries. The whole family can taste the travesseiro (named after a pillow) versus the queijada de Sintra and vote on which one is best.

 

• Pena Palace: Rising above the hills of Sintra, this whimsical palace is straight from the pages of a fairytale. Kids will love running around the gardens and exploring the castle’s towers and ramparts.

 

• Quinta da Regaleira: Another favorite spot of Sintra, this fantasy palace and grounds is smaller and usually less crowded than Pena Palace. Kids will feel immersed in an enchanting world of fountains, grottoes, an inverted underground tower, secret tunnels, and spiraling turrets.

 

• Explore the Coast: Sintra isn’t a beach town itself, but you might choose to stay on the coast in nearby Cascais or Estoril. The weather gets warm enough for beach days starting in May. This stretch of coastline sees large waves, but these beaches are still popular with families: Praia das Maçãs (closer to Sintra), Praia da Conceição and Praia de Rainha (next to Cascais), and Praia de Sao Pedro (in Estoril).

 

 

Porto

 

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• Visit Livraria Lello: One of the most beautiful bookstores in the world, Livraria Lello feels like stepping into a magical world with its ornate wooden staircase and stained-glass windows. The shop is said to have inspired parts of the Harry Potter series when the author lived in Porto. Be sure to arrive early to avoid long lines – it’s not a secret spot!

 

• Ride in a Rabelo Boat: An hour-long scenic cruise on the Douro River offers a relaxing way to see Porto’s beautiful bridges and riverside architecture. Rabelo boats were traditionally used to transport wine barrels from the wine-making regions to the cellars of Vila Nova de Gaia. Boat rides begin in April.

 

• Funicular dos Guindais: This minutes-long funicular trip is a fun way for younger kids to get to upper Porto from the riverside without climbing uphill. The ride is over before you know it, but you’ll be rewarded with great views over the river and Dom Luís I Bridge.

 

• Gaia Cable Car: On the other side of the river, the cable car from the top of Dom Luís I Bridge offers a bit more of a thrill, though still just mere minutes. Use it to quickly get down to the historic Gaia waterfront neighborhood.

 

• WOW Porto Chocolate Factory: Set in Vila Nova de Gaia, the World of Wine (WOW) is an entire cultural district where families can spend the day among multiple museums and restaurants. Adults will love the wine and shopping, and kids can participate in a chocolate workshop designed for small hands.

 

• World of Discoveries: This interactive museum takes families on a journey through Portugal’s Age of Discovery, with life-sized replicas of ships, exotic locations, and engaging exhibits. Kids can board a boat and travel through history, learning about explorers and distant lands.

 

• Jardins do Palácio de Cristal: These lovely city gardens provide serene and stunning views of the Douro River and plenty of open spaces where kids can play. There are also peacocks roaming the grounds, which are always a hit with younger visitors.

 

• Serralves Park and Contemporary Art Museum: About a 15-minute drive from the city center, this park offers sprawling gardens, sculptures, and wide-open spaces where kids can run and explore. The on-site Serralves Contemporary Art Museum often has family-friendly exhibitions and activities designed to engage children with art. There’s also a small farm with animals like sheep and goats, which younger kids will enjoy.

 

 

Algarve Coast

 

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• Enjoy the Beaches: The sandy beaches of the Algarve are ideal for families with kids, and the water begins to warm up in late April. With safe, calm shores and a range of amenities and activities, everyone can find what they need! The top-rated family beaches are Praia da Marinha, Praia da Rocha and Praia do Vau, all with good accessibility and services, with a stunning backdrop of high cliffs and clear waters. Many beaches and resorts will have a watersports center with things like snorkel gear, stand up paddle board, and pedalos for rent.

 

• Try Boating or Sea Kayaking: The best way to see the stunning caves and cliffs of the Algarve up-close is from a boat or kayak. The top attractions are the caves at Benagil and Ponta da Piedade. Boat trips for all ages let kids experience sea life up close – you might even spot a wild dolphin or whale. Older kids will make unforgettable memories on a kayak excursion.

 

• See Sand Sculptures: Sand City open-air park in Lagoa features amazing sand sculptures created by artists from around the world, depicting everything from famous landmarks to mythical creatures. Kids will be fascinated by the enormous sand creations – they look even better at sunset.

 

• Go Golfing: Did you know that the Algarve is a big destination for exceptional golf courses that attract the PGA? Many resorts offer golf lessons specifically designed for children and beginners, making an Algarve getaway a great time for families to learn and play together. There is also a fun mini-golf park in Vilamoura.

 

 

Italy

 

Rome

 

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• Make Pizza & Pasta: Step into a warm Italian kitchen for an authentic cooking class that gets the whole family involved! Learn how to make quintessential Roman recipes like fettucine alfredo, pasta carbonara, fried rice balls, tiramisu, and even gelato.

 

• Find Your Favorite Gelato: Whether it’s in a gelato-making workshop or just discovering your favorite flavors at gelateria throughout the city, gelato makes everyone feel like a kid again.

 

• Explora Children’s Museum: This playful children’s museum lets kids engage in interactive exhibits focused on science, history, and the environment. There are different sections based on age group.

 

• Gladiator for a Day: At Roman Gladiator School, kids can dress up and learn how to inhabit the role of a Roman gladiator. It's educational, highly entertaining, and great for photos!

 

• Villa Borghese Gardens: In Rome’s expansive city park, you can take a ride on the miniature train or rent small boats on the lake. There’s even a zoo (Bioparco di Roma) located within the park. The smooth pathways are good for riding rental bikes, instead of the Appian Way. (The Appian Way is quite bumpy and most tours use e-bikes, which are typically not advised for children under 16).

 

• Sightseeing by Tuk Tuk: Electric tuk tuk and golf cart tours of Rome have become really popular, and it is a really fun way to whizz around the capital in a few hours, especially with a private guide to take you where you want to go!

 

 

Venice

 

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• Gondola Ride: The unique waterways, boats and bridges of Venice are fascinating for all ages. Taking a gondola ride through the canals is an unforgettable experience.

 

• Ride the Vaporetto: Kind of like a ferry but cooler because it’s in Venice – the water bus public transportation system lets you take a scenic ride along the Grand Canal. Kids can have fun spotting gondolas, passing under bridges, and seeing amazing structures like Rialto Bridge and St. Mark’s Basilica from the water.

 

• Make a Venetian Mask: Venice is famous for its carnival masks, and many workshops offer classes where kids can create and paint their own masks. It’s a fun, hands-on activity that gives each participant a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

 

• Visit a Gondola Workshop: Visiting a squero (traditional boatyard in Venice) offers a cool behind-the-scenes look at how gondolas are crafted by hand. The whole family will be fascinated by the skilled formation of these iconic boats as you learn about this proud profession and its traditions. You could book a private tour at Squero San Trovaso in advance, or sit across the canal at the osteria to watch the gondola builders at work from a distance.

 

• Murano & Burano Islands: In just a half day, you can visit the Venetian islands. On Murano, kids will be amazed by glass-blowing demonstrations and the fantastic shapes and creations made by the artists in real-time. The brightly-painted architecture of Burano island is ideal for colorful photo ops.

 

• Natural History Museum: Full of dinosaur bones, fossils, and interactive exhibits, this museum is perfect for curious little minds.

 

 

Florence

 

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• Food Tours & Classes: An ice cream tour sounds like every kid’s dream! Visit different gelateria and find your favorite flavors. Or, join a pizza, pasta or gelato-making workshop.

 

• Palazzo Vecchio Towers & Tunnels: For a historical activity that’s not boring, this renovated monument features interactive tours specifically designed for families, where kids can dress up as princes or princesses and explore the castle-like palace. Climb to the top of the Arnolfo Tower for an excellent view of the city. Check the palace’s schedule for their “secret passage” tours, where kids can explore hidden doors and tunnels.

 

• Leonardo da Vinci Museum: This top-rated museum is a hands-on, interactive space where kids can explore and play with life-size models of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions! It’s small and easy to navigate with young kids too.

 

• Galileo Museum: This is an impressive collection of scientific instruments used by Galileo and other scientists. There are interactive displays and fascinating exhibits on astronomy, physics, and exploration that can captivate older children. Check the schedule for workshops and hands-on activities for kids.

 

• Toy & Pinocchio Museum: Let your kids discover the magic of old-fashioned toys and games at this charming toy museum, which does a great job of engaging young visitors. Learn about the history and influence of Pinocchio, and enjoy a treasure hunt that will delight all ages.

 

• Piazza della Repubblica Carousel: Located in one of Florence’s central squares, this vintage-style carousel is a big hit with younger children.

 

• Boboli Gardens: These expansive gardens are perfect for kids to run around and explore. You’ll find fountains, statues, secret grottos, and lots of open space to play. There’s also a maze-like layout that’s fun for a family adventure. Pack a picnic and enjoy a relaxing afternoon in the shade of the gardens.

 

• Bike Excursions: Family-friendly biking tours take you down quieter streets with stops for parks and gelateria, or through gentle Tuscan countryside and vineyards.

 

• Scenic Boat Ride on the Arno: Venice might have its gondolieri, but Florence has renaioli, the boatmen of the Arno River. Today, the Renaioli Association of Florence provides 45-minute rides on traditional flat-bottomed boats that used to carry sand and gravel up the river. Listen to stories from the past as you feast on a unique perspective of the city’s historic center.

 

• Train to Pisa: Don’t forget a day trip to Pisa for the famous Leaning Tower family photo! You can reach Pisa by train from Florence in only 1 hour.

 

 

Amalfi Coast

 

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• Boat Over to Capri: From Sorrento and Positano, there are regular day cruises to the island of Capri (you could also go on your own by ferry). A boat tour is a great way to admire wonderful views of the coastline. If the weather is nice, take a tiny boat inside the famous ‘Blue Grotto’ sea cave. Keep in mind that the season for tourists usually opens after Easter weekend. Late April and May are great for exploring the island with less crowds and warm weather. On the other hand, if you’re really counting on a boat trip with swimming and snorkeling, then wait until late May or into summer when the Bay of Naples warms up.

 

• See the Coast from a Ferry: When you’ve had enough of the winding roads – especially for car-sick passengers – the ferry system is a pleasant alternative for getting around. In warmer weather, ferries can take you between Positano, Amalfi and Salerno, with connections to Minori and Maiori as well. In peak season, there is a ferry that connects Sorrento (on the Sorrentine Peninsula) to the Amalfi Coast. The ferries begin to run in late March, with more frequent routes as summer approaches.

 

• ‘Path of the Gods’ Hike: For families with older children, this hike along a soaring coastal footpath offers spectacular views. Go with a guide to make it most convenient. The weather will be perfect for hiking in springtime!

 

• Farm & Food Experience: The Amalfi Coast is known for its particularly aromatic lemons, limoncello, olive oil, and exceptional cheeses like Caciocavallo Sorrentino, Fiordilatte di Agerola and Buffalo Mozzarella. Kids will love a farm and food tour that lets you walk through lemon groves, meet the animals, and try these local delicacies for yourself. Prime season for the lemon harvest is April to June.

 

• Beach Clubs: The cliffs of the Sorrentine Peninsula and Amalfi Coast make for jaw-dropping scenery, but that comes with more rugged and rocky beaches tucked into small coves, not the most ideal family beach destination (try neighboring Puglia if that’s what you want!). When you do want to get in the sea, Positano’s public beach is suitable for youngsters, or rent sun loungers for the day at one of the jetties beside Sorrento’s Marina Piccola. You can also make sure to choose a hotel with a private beach if you want to be sure of less crowds.

 

• Discover Ancient Pompeii: Kids can feel like little adventurers exploring the ruins of the lost city of Pompeii. Buried and preserved under the ash of Mt. Vesuvius’s eruption in 79AD, today the hidden courtyards and dramatic streets offer a feast for the imagination.

 

• Eat Pizza in Naples: On the other side of Mt. Vesuvius, the city of Naples is an exciting hive of noise and activity for kids to experience. Taking a foodie walking tour is the most fun way to discover the city, or you can just sit down at a restaurant and have the best pizza of your life in city where it was invented!

 

Türkiye

 

Istanbul

 

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• Ride the Bosphorus Ferries: Of the many ways to get around Istanbul (tram, subway, funicular, bus, metrobus, minibus, taxi, water taxi), a trip on a Bosphorus ferry is the most scenic, and fun! All times of day and throughout the year, the ferries zig and zag from the European to Asian shores and up and down. The ferries go at a slow pace, no concern of sea-sickness here, and have indoor or outdoor sections to let you take in the views however you feel most comfortable.

 

• Play with Ice Cream Sellers: The traditional Turkish ice cream, called Maraş, is quite thick and sticky. The Maraş sellers, usually young men dressed in typical Ottoman dress, like to flip and twirl the ice cream cones and play entertaining tricks on their customers.

 

• Eat Köfte: Most kids love Turkish meatballs, which are like tiny hamburger patties. There are many, many shapes and varieties of köfte (kuff-teh) - Inegol köfte is a good option without many seasonings, while Izmir köfte is cooked with tomato sauce, so not good for tomato-haters. Meatball orders usually come with rice or potatoes.

 

• Ceramic & Mosaic Workshops: Making your own souvenir is always more meaningful. Let your kids get creative and put their own stamp on one of Türkiye’s centuries-old handcraft traditions such as pottery and ceramics painting, mosaic tiles, or the art of ebru (paper marbling).

 

• Istanbul Aquarium: This massive thematic aquarium has interactive displays and an amazing range of marine life from the world’s rainforests, oceans and seas. Give yourselves two to three hours to visit. Next door, you can discover Aqua Florya Mall. While you’re in the neighborhood, you could eat at nearby ‘Beyti’ – this is the name of the white-tablecloth restaurant, the living legend who runs it, as well as the signature kebap dish that bears his name.

 

• Legoland Discovery Center: This indoor Lego world is great for young kids, with zones for playing and building, attractions, rides, and a 4D cinema. There is also an aquarium nearby at Forum Istanbul, not to be confused with the Istanbul Aquarium.

 

• Rahmi M. Koç Museum: This private industrial and transportation museum on the shores of the Golden Horn is a favorite with motor-loving kids. It has a large nostalgic collection, including real planes, trains, and ships.

 

• Family Cooking Class: Get in the kitchen of a local chef for some quality family time. Kids can learn about and sample all the exotic, colorful ingredients before getting hands-on to roll out dough, stuff veggies, shape kofte, and learn what goes into those syrupy Turkish desserts.

 

• Day Trip to the Princes Islands: In the Sea of Marmara, just off the southeastern side of Istanbul, the Princes Islands are a surprising retreat of pine forests, old Greek Orthodox churches, and slow village lifestyle. The biggest and most-visited islands are Büyükada and Heybeliada. You can take the public ferry from central Istanbul (Kabataş) to Büyükada (the farthest island) in 1 hour 45 minutes. The islands are mostly car-free, but ignore the outdated pictures of horse-drawn carriages, now there are only electric carts to shuttle people around. Renting bikes, swimming from May to September, and eating seafood are the most popular activities.

 

 

Cappadocia

 

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• Watch Hot Air Balloons: If you can manage to get the kids up by sunrise, then have them look up to the sky to watch dozens of colorful balloons gliding over the fairytale landscape. It’s best to stay at a hotel in Göreme or Uchisar to see them. You can also ride in a hot air ballon yourself, but children under the age of 6 are not allowed.

 

• Explore an Underground City: Cappadocia is known for fascinating man-made caves and underground tunnel cities, like Derinkuyu or Kaymaklı, offering a unique experience for adventurous children. Just try wrapping your head around the idea that people once lived in this subterranean world.

 

• Göreme Open-Air Museum: Kids can enjoy climbing around the cave churches and chapels of this Byzantine monastic settlement, a UNESCO-listed site. The vivid frescoes in some of the chapels are quite surprising.

 

• Pottery Workshops: Creative travelers are invited to try their hand at shaping or decorating pottery in Avanos, a local town famous for its gorgeous hand-painted ceramics.

 

• Nature Activities: Take a family-friendly, easy hike through the Pigeon Valley or another of the region’s many valleys dotted with caves churches and towering rock pinnacles. Otherwise, explore the valleys from horseback or with the help of ATVs.

 

 

The Turquoise Coast from Bodrum to Antalya

 

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• Have Your Pick of Beaches: The Turkish Riviera, where pine-clad mountains kiss turquoise seas. There are scores of family-friendly beaches clustered around the Bodrum peninsula, the Fethiye area with Ölüdeniz, and the city of Antalya farther south. Swimming in the calm, clear Mediterranean is easier than dealing with ocean waves, and you’ll come to appreciate the pebbly beaches without that sticky sand. Bring water shoes for the family, as it helps getting in and out of the water when there are stones. Antalya is the hottest region, so it’s good to come in May for a beach getaway before temperatures soar.

 

• Day Trips by Boat: Whether private or in a group, there are so many options throughout the region for boat trips to nearby coves and islands. Have time for swimming and snorkeling, and see places that are only reachable by boat. There are pirate ship tours in places like Alanya and Olympos, although these will be in large groups.

 

• Take a Blue Voyage: The number one way to experience the Turkish Mediterranean is with your own two sails, so to speak. A private yacht vacation is an unforgettable adventure for kids and adults, and even more affordable when you get a group together. The most common option is a traditional style ‘gulet’ yacht, spacious and great for a longer journey, with typically anywhere from 2 to 8 cabins for guests. There are multiple itineraries available, and you could even hop over to some Greek islands.

 

• Jeep Safari to the Taurus Mountains: In the Antalya province, you can trade a day at the beach for a safari excursion up into the mountains, over rivers, and past sleepy villages or hidden ruins. A great option for older kids and teens.

 

• Sandland Sculpture Park: Right by Antalya’s popular Lara Beach, this open-air collection of sand sculptures is small but delight for young visitors.