When Nature Calls: Adventure Vacations For Families In Europe

With so many indoor activities to entertain kids the rest of the year, holidays are a great chance to switch it all up and do something new. Nature, in all its glory, is epic, and one of the best places for families to have shared experiences. Take a look at some of these outdoor adventures for families in Europe.

Surf And Yoga, Portugal

The Western European coast is a great place to catch big surf, thanks to the enormity of the Atlantic and the amount of time the wind has to build up waves. What’s more, it’s becoming a lot more family friendly, thanks to a bunch of impressive coastal resorts, especially in Portugal. Here you can catch some surf, do some yoga and generally entertain the entire family, all from one location. Holiday camps are especially good for kids since they’ll meet and mingle with the kids from other families, generally making their own entertainment and having a whale of a time.

Childcare is also often available from these resorts.

Hiking, Crete

Crete sits at the center of the ancient Mediterranean trading zone between the Greeks, the peoples of Palestine, North Africa, and Italy. As a result, it’s got quite the cultural history. The Minoans, a civilization that predates the Roman Empire by a thousand years, built their palaces here, including the impressive Minoan Palace of Knossos.

The island is peppered with family-friendly residences that can be hired out for the week. From here, there are opportunities to go walking on the marked trails that criss-cross the hills. There are also beaches for swimming and snorkeling, about ten minutes’ drive from the center of the island.

Gorges Du Verdon, France

If you’re stuck for family activity ideas in France, consider the Gorges du Verdon. This is an adventure playground of sorts, sitting right in the heart of the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence. Families can raft through the center of the gorge, hike around the edges, and literally climb their way up the cliff face, with the help of French guides. There’s also plenty of opportunities for cycling and visiting beautiful French towns and villages. You’ll need to be fit, though.

Horse Riding, Iceland

Horse riding in Iceland? You’d better believe it. Here you and an instructor ride horses along one of the island’s many beaches, watching the Atlantic Ocean lap at the shores. You’ll trot past historical houses, mountain backdrops, and ancient lakes. Riders must be aged 12 and older.

Zip Wiring And Canoeing, Scotland

The weather in Scotland leaves a lot to be desired, even in the summer. But if you can see past the dreariness of Atlantic weather fronts that batter the country, it’s actually an amazing place for adventure. The entire country, with the exception of the borders, is essentially a mountain range. Here you’ll find some of the best biking tracks in Europe – the Seven Staines – as well as opportunities for zip wiring and canoeing. Kids will love visiting the summer house of Beatrix Potter and its gigantic formal gardens and the chance to go canoeing and abseiling.