Consider Europe's Amusement Parks for your Next Family Vacation
Kids love Disney World. You may not think of your next European vacation as an ideal opportunity to emulate the experience of roller coasters and cotton candy, but there is a significant benefits to at least adding an amusement park or two to your family travels: you keep the little ones happy.
Most adults travel to Europe to enjoy the culture, people, and food. The problem for many families is that for many children, none of that really matters. Museums are boring, the Eiffel Tower is scary, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa might be fun for a few minutes--but do we really have to stay a whole day?
Don't let your kids' lack of understanding for your preferences deter you from taking that much-needed European vacation. Instead, consider one of the many amusement parks as a helpful stop to refuel and give the little ones the fun they need before visiting the next historic site. Here are just a few of the countless options you have at major travel destinations:
Disneyland Paris
Any discussion of European amusement parks has to begin with Disney's European offshoot. Visitors of the American variety will be familiar with the general layout and offers, with regular parades and tours designed to give your kids that unforgettable Disney feel. In all, 5 different themed areas await visitors looking to make their children happy or re-live their own childhoods.
Europa Park, Rust (Germany)
As the name suggests, Europa Park is the second largest theme park in Europe after the above Disneyland. Located in the German southwest, it welcomes approximately 60,000 guests every day, who spread out on 230 acres and potentially ride one of its 13 roller coasters. The park is separated into a number of themed areas, from an enchanted fairytale forest to Scandinavia, Russia, and other European countries.
Legoland, Billund (Denmark)
Since its inception, a number of lesser varieties have sprung up around the globe, but Billund is actually home to the original Legoland. It is located right next to the original lego factory, and offers guests the opportunity to ride 50 rides and one of 4 roller coasters. But of course, its real attraction are the small bricks that are still so beloved among children. In all, more than 60 million lego bricks make up landscapes, sights, and buildings that range from Kennedy Space Center to the Acropolis of Athens.
PortAventura World, Calou (Spain)
As many of its peers, PortAventura is made up of a variety of themed areas. Mediterranea, with its shops and restaurants emulates traditional Catalonia, Mexico imagines the area during the Mayan Empire, and China takes its visitors to the Far East. The most recent addition is Ferrari Land, scheduled to open this year, which should be a great attraction especially for children who love cars and racing.
Gardaland, Castelnuovo del Garda (Italy)
Adjacent to the beautiful Lake Garda, this destination is perfect if you want to combine natural beauty with fun for the kids. Gardaland actually consists of three separate areas: the theme park, a Sea-Life park, and a hotel/resort. It's been routinely ranked among the top amusement parks in Europe, and visitors continue flocking to it to the tune of 3 million every year.
Of course, all of these amusement park (and any other European vacation) requires transportation to help you get to each stop you want to make. Trains are a great option in many European countries, but as soon as you have to cross a border, they get complicated. Long-term rental cars, on the other hand, are a better option.
Auto France strives to help families and other European travelers make the most of their vacation. We're available in 13 airports around Europe in addition to our 15 French locations, making our Peugeot cars available for anyone looking for an unforgettable trip. To learn more about our offer, and how it can benefit your family, contact us.
