ALthough this may seem a very broad inquiry-we are looking to take a trip in April with 2 boys (8 & 10) to a European destination that would be "family-friendly" : ideally where children are welcome, and there are attractions and sights appealing to adults and children alike, moderately easy to navigate, not insanely unaffordable, and reasonably safe. Does anything spring to mind? Suggestions of major cities welcome, specific sites even more so! Thanks so much!

London. That's giving you more information than you're giving us.

What makes you think that you want to go to Europe?

I know this sounds smart-alecky, but the chances of making the right choice for you based solely on the fact that you have kids is like asking us to pick out curtains for your house.

Best wishes,

Rex

Ditto, Rex.

First of all, children are welcome everywhere in Europe!
Seondly, when my kids (6 and 8)hear of going somewhere on a trip, the 1st question inevitably is : Is it close to the sea or is there a swimming pool?

Just as Rex says "London", I can tell "Paris".

Question for oberost - - did you ultimately decide you didn't want or need (any more) help on answering this question: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34472409

Just curious...

OK, first-time user of this site, so if a bit more background is standard practice, here goes.... The kids' first choice will always and forever be Disney. We are looking to broaden their horizons, bring out a bit more of a global perspective and yet still have a great time. They have been to London and did enjoy that. Am looking to another European destination to shake up their "let's do Disney" mentality and perhaps instill a bit more of an adventurous spirit in them. There does need to be a balance- museums with outdoor romps and activities, stuff they would think was "cool" (the Tower of London was, in their estimation way cool). We are open to anything at this point, but input from families who've 'been there' is especially valuable.. thanks again.

Great idea! Broadening their horizons, it'll provide an endless fascination with the cultures of the rest of the world!

I'd recommend either Paris or Prague with the rest of Czech Republic. Prague is small enough to walk around in and soak in a lot of history, art, and culture without being overwhelmed. The rest of the Czech Republic has so many enchanting castles that, if you plan carefully, your boys will have a ball visiting everything from medieval castles to much more modern ones.

Paris? There has been so much written about Paris, I wouldn't go into too much detail here. Besides there are lots of greater Parisian experts than me on this forum.

Depends a lot on what your boys like to do and what you and your husband like to do.

Okay. Venice. Disney-esque, except that the 700 year old stuff really is 700 years old. And nothing makes kids feel special more than Venice. Take cars away from adults, and suddenly, kids are a whole lot more "equal-feeling".

Italy, specifically Rome-very kid friendly, boys about the age of yours would likely love the catacombs and ruins, including the Colesseum. Pompeii might be neat for them too. The Spanish Steps are teaming with kids and teens, lots of gelatto and pizza to eat. Not that expensive whereas London can be outrageously expensive in my opinion.

Take them to the Dordogne. They can have their fill of castles and trébuchets, canoe and kayak on the rivers, swim in the lakes, enjoy the scenery, poke around in prehistoric caves, eat grandly at little expense, and wander some of the world's best outdoor markets.

If they like Disney, they'll LOVE Préhisto-Parc.

Rex's suggestion of Venice brought a smile to my face. And . . . they can still visit Disney (the store, that is). Yes, there is a Disney Store in San Marco very near the Rialto Bridge. There is also one in Rome near the Spanish Steps. And speaking of Rome, I typed "Rome with kids" into the search box, and came up with 150 threads over the past year alone. Here's just one with several ideas:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34416372

Hi treacle,

Paris.

Let them do a day at the French Disney World.

I'll second the Dordogne. There's practically a castle on every hill, or at least the claim for one for every day of the year. I keep on recommending Rouffignac especially for people with children because of the train ride into the cave. But the tours are only in French. A canoe trip on the Dordogne--they have 4 person canoes--is something to do. Similar trips are available from Brantôme on a much smaller river, and less crowded.

Paris. We are taking our kids (13, 10 and 8) to Europe for the first time in a month and we chose Paris for these reasons:

1. Public transportation is good and easy...no driving in a strange city for mom or dad.

2. The major sights are relatively close together...lots of things can be walked to.

3. My husband and I had both been to Paris twice before (and love it) so we know what to expect.

4. Easy to find English speakers.

5. French is one of the languages taught in our high schools; we want to expose our kids to several languages before they have to decide what language to study in HS.

6. The food is good. I've really never had a bad meal in France. So many of the food/cooking terms are familiar, so reading menus is not impossible. One of my kids is a pretty picky eater, but she can always order steak fritte or roast chicken and be happy. And the pastries!!!

7. Just walking around/being in the city is interesting.

8. The Louvre has great appeal to my son because he is very interested in Ancient Egypt. The girls dance and they are looking forward to the Degas at the Musee d'Orsay.

9. Lots of apartments to rent, so we will have a small kitchen and a washer and dryer.

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST:

10. Disneyland Paris. We plan on being there for up to 2 days (although I'd be thrilled if they only want to go for one day.)

How about Austria? There are castles, ice caves, salt mines, mountaintop gondola rides, wonderful bike trails, hiking trails, etc,etc. Many Austrians speak some English, and Vienna and Salzburg are great cities. Once you get in the countryside, it is surprisingly inexpensive.

There are many good choices, but if I were to ask my kids (they've been to Europe twice, once to Paris/Amsterdam and once around Italy), Italy would be their 1st choice. They just loved it. Very family friendly. Rome is a good place to start, I think 4 full days minimum, and you would not get bored even if you were there for over a week. This April we got great airfare to do a Madrid/London trip (4 nights each).

I don't know what you consider affordable, but there are decent places to stay at a range of cost. It just takes some research (mostly righ here in this forum).

I think Italy is a great idea for kids. It is fun and the food is kid-friendly. The Italians seem to like kids. And it should be lovely in April.

Another idea is Belgium with a must stop in Bruges.

I can't think of anything more kid-pleasing than Bruge's bikes, frites, waffles, and chocolate (with beer for the parents...mmmmm). It's a fun, walkable place, and is especially beautiful at night (when the bus-loads of day trippers leave).

The Belgium countryside is beautiful, great for biking, and the WW I and II sites are plentiful (with the WW I sites being particularly poignant, IMO). Belgium also has great castles, from medieval to more "romantic", and Ghent's medieval castle has a torture room that kids may enjoy .

treacle11: Your post, for a first time traveler, was just fine. I count seven criteria you stated as questions for responses. That is certainly sufficient for starters.
I would suggest London as well. Great for a first visit to Europe. Language no problem. Plenty of very doable day trips or kid fun places to stay: Stonehenge, Bath, Cotswalds, Warwick Castle, etc., not to mention all there is do do and see in London.
Our first trip to Europe was England and the kids loved it. Helped them easily become seasoned travelers. Don't know what your timeframe is, but, we did get up into Ruthin Castle where we stayed and did the banquet (not exceptional food, but great fun for kids), Caernarfon Castle, York (kids loved it), Hadrians Wall and Fort, the Lake District (great hikes and boat rides on Windermere Lake). The trip was a huge success and instilled the wanderlust in each of our children all of whom have become World Travelers. By the way, all of Europe is really "kid-friendly". Good luck and happy travelling.

topping for treacle11.