Between bake sales, p
lay rehearsals, and soccer games, it can
be hard to carve out quality family time during the school year. But that’s where spring break comes in. Easy-breezy beach vacations are an attractive option for overscheduled families but there’s something so rewarding about a trip that takes learning out of the classroom.
Europe tops the list of places to immerse youngsters in local culture while bringing history to life—and it certainly helps that late March to mid-April brings pleasant weather and fewer crowds. There are some inevitables: Yes, you’ll have to deal with a long-haul flight and the jet lag that follows. But the prospect of watching kids trot down cobblestones, peer into centuries-old churches, and (willingly!) dig into local delicacies makes it all worth it.
From Bruges to Valencia, these underrated family-friendly European cities are standout spring break destinations.
Valencia, Spain
Perched on Spain’s southeastern coast, Valencia sees 300 days of sunshine a year, leaving you with plenty of beautiful days to spend on sandy beaches like Platja De La Malva-ros, in the city’s green parks, or wandering its interesting museums. On a spring trip, look forward to heaps of edu-travel opportunities at Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències, which includes Oceanogràfic València, the largest aquarium in Europe, and innovative exhibits at the Príncipe Felipe Science Museum.
A quintessential spring must-do: Walk on the wild side with a “zooimmersion” at the 24-acre, conservation-focused Bioparc Valencia to see animals such as elephants and hippos in recreated natural habitats.
The underrated pick: Let kids’ imaginations soar at Gulliver Park, a whimsical playground in the Turia Gardens with a giant play structure shaped like the beloved character.
Where to stay: A stalwart with heaps of positive reviews from families, The Westin Valencia supplies a prime location near many must-see attractions, connecting rooms, and a courtyard garden.