Visit Europe in late May and you’ll be served up with reliably warm temperatures, longer daylight hours and resorts which are considerably less crowded than high season – making it perfect for a half-term break. Looking for fun stuff to do in Europe with the kids this May half-term? Here we have city breaks, adventure holidays and beautiful breaks in nature – so get inspired with our favourite family-friendly destinations.
Take a city break to Belfast
The portside capital of Northern Ireland, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Belfast with kids. Housed in the thriving Titanic Quarter (home to the Titanic Museum – another great attraction), W5 is a science discovery centre that’s perfect for inquisitive minds. Try your hand at launching a rocket ship, scale the ClimbIt maze or build your own race car – there are hundreds of quests to choose from, so all you need to bring is your curiosity. For sunnier days, Belfast Zoo is one of the city’s oldest attractions, home to everything from Asian elephants to Californian sea lions.
Enjoy natural splendour in The Hague
The Hague’s beachside location makes it the perfect place to visit with children. Head to Meijendel, an area of coastal dunes which leads on towards a tranquil nature reserve that’s filled with tree-lined walking and cycling routes. As well as being a great place to discover on two wheels, the area’s wildlife is wonderful to behold, as it’s abundant with over 250 species of bird alone. If you’ve got a spare half day, see if you can squeeze in a trip to Efteling, Holland’s fairytale wonderland. It’s one of the best theme parks in Europe, and just an hour’s drive from our Rotterdam port.
Learn something new in Munich
Munich is home to a myriad of museums and exhibition spaces, from the Deutsches Museum – the world’s largest for science and technology – to Spielzeugmuseum, a place dedicated to toys. As such, it’s a place where keen learners will feel especially at home. Fairytale fans should head to the nearby Neuschwanstein Castle, said to have served as inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s palace in the Disney iteration, while young movie buffs will love the Bavaria Film Studios, Munich’s answer to Hollywood. Another great place for kids is the Olympiapark. Built in 1972 for the Summer Games, it now serves as an activity complex, with water sports, mini golf and a zip line that’s perfect for all ages. Be sure to take the lift to the top of the Olympiaturm for panoramic views all the way to the Alps.
Seek adventure in Dinant
Placed as it is in the picturesque Walloon region, Dinant is a city that’s sure to capture the imaginations of the whole family. Perched on a hilltop and surrounded by fortifications, the Citadelle de Dinant is the city’s main landmark, and is accessible via a cable car that kids are sure to love. Once inside, you’ll learn all about the history of the area, wandering through subterranean tunnels before catching sight of the structure’s canons, which you’ll find in the courtyard. If you’d rather embrace nature, take a guided tour of the Caves of Han, where you can discover the area’s indigenous flora and fauna. Temperatures can be significantly lower here, so do be sure to bundle up. The city’s surrounding area is also perfect for hiking, walking and cycling.
Ready to start planning your May half-term holiday? Take a look at our ferry crossings to Europe.
