bptraveler

We are trying to put together a trip to Europe after we fly to Iceland in either Sept or Oct. (We must go to Iceland since my mom is 100% so we are taking her as well as our son who will be 4 then).

I am having a hard time deciding where is kid friendly enough to take a 4 year old. My husband and I have been to Italy, Germany, England, Spain but never with our child.

Any suggestions?
We are looking for some history (not museums with him) like nice piazzas and fountains and just won't to soak up some atmosphere of Europe that we so miss!

Huitres

I have a little one who just turned 4 years old and have taken her to Italy, France, and Germany. Of all the places I have been to, I prefer Italy because the people are the most friendly and warmest towards children. Their attitude is very open and caring, rather than disapproving. I can sit in restaurants, cafes, take her to museums, etc w/o people frowning down on me if she makes a peep. Likewise, I have heard that Spain is a nice country to visit with children, my sister vacations there every year with her little kids.

I've been taking my daughter traveling since she was 4 months old and she loves it! To help with getting around, I bring my light-weight stroller so I can get to/from places without her getting tired from the extensive walking.

bptraveler

Our son has also done some extensive travel in the US and to Mexico and he loves it. We actually thought about Disney Paris and decided against it since we can do that here.

Iregeo

My son also loves to travel. Isn't it great? When he was 9, we took him to England and Wales. When he was 11, we took him to Italy. As a child, he was well received in all of these countries. I also found Spain to be very child friendly.

Have fun making the decision. The world is his oyster!

Surfergirl

I honestly haven't found an un-kid friendly place. Okay, once at Le Dome in Paris, but my kid was 13 months and needed a walk.

I second Italy. A zillion fountains and you get the best local seating in the restaurants, usually with the proprietor's own family. My kid doesn't remember Italy, since he was very young when we were last there, so we're taking him again this summer. So many statues to look at, things to climb on, parks to play in . . . and Pinochio play toys in every shop in town.

LaurenSKahn

Any place where he can go swimming. I once had a friend who took her 9 year old to Europe. I asked the child what her favorite place was. Her response was "the place with the pool". She was referring to some hotel or other.

When my son was 8 he went with me to England. When he had to write his composition on what h did during his summer vacation, he talked about riding a roller coaster. He never mentioned in his composition that the roller coaster was in England.

Your 4 year old is not going to really pay much attention to the history at his age. That comes much much later.