The Pyrenees on the Spanish side are warmer, drier, and a fraction of the price of the French side. They’re also dramatically empty — outside of Easter and August, you can hike a full day past one or two other groups. For families ready to graduate from valley walks to short alpine days, this is one of Europe’s best entry points. National parks with paved paths and flat valleys at the bottom, real mountains and waterfalls a short walk in.

When to go

Late May through October. June and September are ideal — warm enough for short-sleeves at altitude, wildflowers (June) or autumn color (October). July and August get hot in the lower valleys (35°C+) but stay perfect at 1,500m+. Avoid winter for hiking; the Spanish Pyrenees ski areas (Baqueira, Cerler) are a separate excellent trip.

Where to start

Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park

The headline park. From the Pradera de Ordesa parking lot (shuttle bus required in summer), a flat 2km path follows the Arazas River through a forest of beech and silver fir to a series of waterfalls. Continue as long as kids’ legs hold — you can turn around at any point. The full Cola de Caballo waterfall is a 17km round trip — for kids 12+ who like real hiking days.

Aigüestortes (Catalonia)

Spain’s other Pyrenean national park, often missed. From Espot or Boí villages, jeep-taxi shuttles drop you 8km in to lake-and-meadow terrain. From there, dozens of short walks (20 min to 2 hours) reach alpine lakes that look photoshopped. Excellent for families who want options every day.

Valle de Bujaruelo (the quieter alternative)

Adjacent to Ordesa but no shuttle, no crowds. A medieval bridge, a rifugio that serves decent food, and trails up to lakes that are reachable but rarely visited. A good day-trip if Ordesa feels too busy.

Family-friendly tips

• Shuttle buses to Ordesa are mandatory in summer — buy tickets at the park entrance, allow 30 min queueing in August.
• Mountain refugios (refugis) book out fast in summer — reserve as soon as you commit to dates.
• Spanish trail signage uses ‘PR’ (short distance), ‘GR’ (long distance like the GR11 trans-Pyrenean route), and color codes — learn the system before relying on signs.
• Lower valleys are hot in July-August; do early-morning starts and lunch high.
• Eat the menú del día (set lunch) at village bars — €13-18 for three courses including wine. Best deal in Europe.

Practical info

Getting there: Closest airports are Zaragoza (ZAZ) for Aragon (Ordesa) or Barcelona (BCN) for Catalonia (Aigüestortes). Both ≈ 3hr drive. Cost: rural casa rural ≈ €70-110/night for a family room incl. breakfast. Park entry is free. Languages: Spanish throughout; Catalan in Catalonia. English less widespread than in the French Alps — basic Spanish phrases pay off. Bonus: Pamplona, San Sebastián, and the Basque coast are 2-3 hours away if you want to bolt a city + beach week onto the trip.

The Donauradweg (Danube Cycle Path) is Europe’s most family-doable long-distance cycling. It’s mostly flat — you’re following a river — and the surface is paved or smooth gravel almost the entire way. Bike-and-barge tours, luggage transfers between hotels, and an infrastructure built for German pensioners on e-bikes mean families can do real distances without real suffering. The classic kid-friendly section is Passau (Germany) to Vienna (Austria): about 320 kilometers over 5–7 days.

When to go

May through September. June has long daylight and wildflowers along the riverbanks; September is harvest season (apple stands every few kilometers). Avoid August — German and Austrian school holidays make guesthouses booked solid and cycle paths busy. Spring rains can flood low sections in April — check Wachau Valley conditions before booking early-season.

Where to start

Passau to Linz (3 days, 95km)

Gentle introduction. Passau itself is a baroque postcard at the confluence of three rivers. From there, riverbank trails to Engelhartszell (the Austrian border, with a Trappist abbey brewery worth a stop) and then Linz. Mostly 30km days — kids comfortable on geared bikes can ride ages 8+; trailers work for younger.

Wachau Valley (the highlight stretch)

Between Melk and Krems, the Danube cuts through a UNESCO-listed valley of vineyards, apricot orchards, and medieval villages. Melk Abbey is a baroque monster kids actually find impressive. Apricot strudel at Spitz. Old castles on hilltops. A short, scenic 35km day if you have one in the trip.

Vienna arrival (the reward)

The trail drops you straight into Vienna’s Donauinsel (a 21km island park in the middle of the river) and from there into the city center. Plan a rest day for the Prater amusement park (Riesenrad ferris wheel = mandatory) and the Schönbrunn palace gardens.

Family-friendly tips

• Use a luggage-transfer company (Eurobike, Rad & Reisen) — they move your bags hotel-to-hotel for ~€8/bag/day. Game-changer with kids.
• Rent bikes locally rather than flying with yours — Passau and Linz both have outfitters with kids’ bikes, trailers, and tag-alongs.
• Plan 25–40km days for kids 8–11; 15–25km if you’re using a trailer. Build in a rest day every 3 days.
• Most Gasthäuser (guesthouses) include breakfast and have secure bike storage. Book a few days ahead in shoulder season; weeks ahead in summer.
• Apricot juice. Apple strudel. Schnitzel. The food is half the trip — let the kids eat their way along the river.

Practical info

Getting there: Fly into Munich (then 2hr train to Passau) or directly into Linz. Cost: bike rental ≈ €15-20/day per bike, family-room Gasthaus ≈ €120-180/night incl. breakfast, luggage transfer ≈ €30/family/day. What kind of kid: any kid who’s comfortable cycling 20km on flat paths can handle the easier sections. Don’t bring: carbon road bikes — pavement is solid but joints are normal. Comfort over speed.

The Highlands have a reputation for serious mountains — Munros, scrambles, midge clouds. They also have the most genuinely family-friendly walking in the UK if you know where to look. Forest tracks, lochside paths, and old drovers’ roads cross terrain that feels properly wild but rarely climbs more than a few hundred meters. Plus: castles.

When to go

Late April through June, then September. July and August bring the midges — tiny biting flies that can turn an evening campfire into a hostage situation. May and early June give you long daylight, wildflowers, and far fewer bugs. September is dry, golden, and the deer are roaring (rutting season — thrilling for kids to hear from a distance).

Where to start

Loch Lomond — Conic Hill

The accessible Highland intro. From Balmaha village, a 90-minute climb to a 361m summit with a 360-degree view across Loch Lomond’s island chain. Steep in places but well-stepped, and younger kids can stop at the first viewpoint. Pub at the bottom serves real food. Ages 6+.

Cairngorms National Park — Loch an Eilein

A 5km flat loop around a perfect loch with a ruined castle on a small island. Old Caledonian pine forest, red squirrels (kids love spotting them), and an osprey hide in summer. Stroller- and toddler-friendly. The Boat of Garten or Aviemore make great bases.

Glencoe — Lost Valley (older kids)

A 4km out-and-back into a dramatic hidden valley used by the MacDonald clan to hide cattle. Some boulder-hopping near the entrance — best for ages 9+. The drama (cliffs, the river, the history of the 1692 massacre) makes it a memorable family hike.

Family-friendly tips

• Buy or download the OS Maps app — Scottish weather changes fast and trail signage is sparser than the Alps.
• Smidge is the local midge repellent that actually works. Avon Skin So Soft is the bizarre-but-effective backup.
• Wild camping is legal in Scotland (Land Reform Act) — but stick to formal sites with kids until you know the etiquette.
• Castles count as hikes when motivation flags — Eilean Donan, Urquhart on Loch Ness, and Stalker are all kid-rewards.
• Pack a thermos. “Sunny morning, four-season afternoon” is normal. A hot drink saves bad moods.

Practical info

Getting there: Fly into Edinburgh or Glasgow, rent a car. The west coast (Glencoe, Loch Lomond) is ~2hr from Glasgow; the Cairngorms ~2.5hr from Edinburgh. Cost: a campground pitch is £25-40/night; B&Bs £80-130. Trains help: the Caledonian Sleeper from London runs to Aviemore and Fort William — kids find it magic, you skip a day’s drive. Wildlife: red deer, golden eagles, otters if you’re patient near rivers.

Norway’s fjords look intimidating in photos — sheer cliffs dropping into deep water, rope bridges over thousand-meter drops. The reality with kids is friendlier than you’d think. Most of the iconic viewpoints have ferry-and-walk approaches that work for families. The trick is choosing the right fjord, the right month, and accepting that two short hikes beat one ambitious one.

When to go

Late May through mid-September. June and early July give you the longest daylight (the sun barely sets in the north) and waterfalls at full flow from snowmelt. August is warmest but busiest. September brings cooler air, fewer crowds, and the first hints of autumn color — great for older kids, trickier for toddlers if rain rolls in.

Where to start

Geirangerfjord — Skageflå Farm

The most family-doable of the famous viewpoints. Take the ferry from Geiranger across the fjord, then a 90-minute uphill walk to an abandoned mountain farm with a view that looks like a Disney rendering. Trail is well-marked, no exposure. Ages 6+ comfortably; younger kids can do the first 20 minutes for the photo and turn back.

Nærøyfjord — Flåm to Aurland boat

A UNESCO-listed fjord arm narrow enough that the cliffs feel close. Skip the hike entirely with the 2-hour electric boat (silent, magic for kids). Combine with the Flåm Railway for a half-day that doesn’t require any walking — perfect for the rest day in a longer trip.

Lofoten Islands — Reinebringen (older kids only)

Further north, in the Arctic Circle, the Lofoten islands have stupid-good views from trails that are now properly stepped. Reinebringen has 1,600 stone steps to a postcard viewpoint over Reine village. Steep but graded; suitable for kids 10+ with patience.

Family-friendly tips

• Layer like a Norwegian — “there’s no bad weather, only bad clothing.” Quick-dry pants, fleece, rain shell, beanie. Even in July.
• Public transport is a superpower. Train + ferry combos eliminate driving stress on twisty roads.
• Hytter (small wooden cabins) at most campgrounds beat tents for families with small kids — heat and a real bed for ~€60-90/night.
• Buy snacks at Rema 1000 or Kiwi grocery stores. Restaurant prices will hurt — pack lunches.
• DNT (Norwegian Trekking Association) huts are not your first family trip. Save those for when kids are confident hikers.

Practical info

Getting there: Fly into Bergen for the western fjords (Geirangerfjord, Nærøyfjord), Tromsø for Lofoten. Daily cost: €120-200/family for a campground hytte + groceries + one ferry. Safety: trails near cliff edges have surprisingly little fencing; brief kids before you start and stay close at viewpoints. Kid-tested: Geirangerfjord’s fjord-cruise + Skageflå combo is the easiest way to get the iconic Norway experience without anyone crying.

Whether you would like to go camping alone, with a group of your friends, with your family, or with your romantic partner, you will need to bring multiple pieces of camping equipment with you, as well as other camping supplies. Unfortunately, many campers realize, often too late into their adventure, that they didn’t bring everything that they wanted to or needed to bring. To prevent yourself from becoming one of those campers, you may want to think about creating a camping checklist for yourself, as there are a number of benefits to doing so.

One of the many benefits of creating a camping checklist for yourself is that you are less likely to forget to bring important pieces of camping equipment or other needed camping supplies. Unfortunately, when it comes to camping, many individuals, just like you, often wish to bring something, but when it comes down to remembering, well, that is a different story. To help you remember everything that you want and need to bring, you will want to make sure that you create a camping checklist for yourself. Remember to add anything that you can think of as more items cross your mind.

Another benefit to creating a camping checklist for yourself is that it makes it easy to go shopping for all of your camping supplies. In addition to forgetting to pack something important, many campers draw a blank once they get to the store. To help ensure that you buy all of the camping supplies and equipment pieces that you need, you will want to create a camping checklist for yourself and make sure that you bring it with you when you go shopping.

Another one of the many benefits to creating a camping checklist for your next camping adventure is that it is easy to do. Many people can make their camping checklists in as little as ten or fifteen minutes. What you will want to do is sit down with a pen and a piece of paper and start writing. You will want to think of everything that you will need to go camping. One of the best ways to create a camping checklist for yourself is to go through your daily activities. For instance, you will need a camping tent and a sleeping bag to sleep. When it comes to your food, you may want to add a cooler, hamburger meat, ketchup, mustard, rolls and so forth to your camping checklist.

Although it is more than possible for you to create your own camping checklist, you should be able to find camping checklist templates or detailed camping checklists online. Many of these checklists are easy to find and print. You should be able to find a number of printable camping checklists by performing a standard internet search. Despite the fact that most camping checklists are detailed, you may still want to review the checklist in question and add anything that you may feel is left out or remove something from the list that you don’t think is needed.

Of course, creating a camping checklist for yourself is something that is completely optional, but it may help to make your next camping adventure a memorable and a pleasant one. With camping checklists being easy to create, why wouldn’t you at least want to give making one a chance? You may actually be surprised just how much a simple checklist helps to improve your next camping adventure.

In the light of this, it comes as no shock to hear that camping is one of the most popular recreational activities in the world, especially in the US. It gives the everyday person the opportunity of getting outdoors to enjoy nature and all the experiences that come with it, even the wildlife!

Some people believe that camping is too popular! You wouldn’t blame them. Their belief is based on the ever increasing difficulty they encounter when trying to book a spot on a campsite, especially in the summer months as camp sites seem to become even more crowded at that time. Camping, however, for some people has become a major family tradition as it is considered a better and cheaper alternative to booking another type of vacation. Even being out a few miles into the great outdoors without cars and buildings and all that stuff can make you feel like you are in a whole different part of the world altogether!

While you are camping, there are loads of activities you can enjoy including swimming, fishing, walking trails, hunting and even sunbathing in the summer months. Every camping trip has two main purposes which are enjoyment and relaxation. Regardless of the season, whether it’s an individual expedition or a fun family outing, it is natural that safety is the most important thing to ensure before stepping out into the woods.

It is vital that you are not only well-organized but also well-prepared before traveling outdoors and going camping. Being prepared makes all the difference between an enjoyable camping experience and one that can turn miserable pretty fast. The following tips will most certainly help you prepare adequately for camping, get maximum enjoyment and most importantly be safe.

What you have learned from this book is valuable advice and information for starting out camping. The book also lays down terrific guidelines on how to get the most out of your camping experience.

In light of this, it is important to note that although this information has at times been focused heavily on do’s and don’ts what is, in essence, the most important aspect of camping is having fun, and also enjoying the whole camping experience to the fullest. If it doesn’t turn out well, take note of what wasn’t quite right, and note it down for the next time, so it doesn’t happen again.

Camping is one of the biggest and most popular activities in the world and is still growing tremendously as a preferred pastime for millions of people.

If you are yet to take the plunge by venturing out into nature and enjoying the wildlife, ask yourself this question; what better time is there than now?

When you find yourself in this situation, children often become restless. Providing entertainment in the car is, therefore, a necessity in this instance to keep the journey peaceful en route to your destination.

What to Consider When Choosing a Campsite

Now that you are interested in going on a camping adventure, you have to decide where you would like to go camping. If you are yet to choose a campground park to camp at, you may want to think about doing so soon. In the summer months, camping is a popular activity; therefore, you will want to make sure that you can get a camping reservation at the campground park of your choice.

Another one of the many reasons why you may want to think about making your camping reservations in advance is because many campground parks allow their guests to handpick which camping spots they want. Of course, not all campground parks allow you to do this, but you will find that a large number of them do. When it comes to getting a good camping spot or a campsite, you will find that the earlier you make your reservations, the more campsites and camping spots you will have as options.

Speaking of picking a camping spot, which is also commonly referred to as a campsite, you may be wondering what you should look for in one. In all honesty, the “perfect,” campsite is likely to vary from person to person. It depends on your wants and needs, as well as the wants and needs of those in your camping group. Although there may be some variations of what you are looking for, you may want to take some of the factors mentioned below into consideration, when choosing the perfect campsite.

One of the first things that you will want to do is review who you are going camping with. If you are going camping with children, namely small children, you may want to think about making sure that your camping site is a good distance away from any bodies of water or any dangerous hiking trails. You will also find that many campground parks have onsite playgrounds and such. If you are camping with children, it may be a good idea to try and get a camping spot that is located near a playground or other locations that are designed for children.

In addition to the safety of those that you will be camping with, preferences are also something that should be taken into consideration, when choosing a camping spot or a campsite. If you are a water lover and would regularly like to spend your time boating, fishing or swimming, you may want to think about getting a camping spot that is close to the water. On the other hand, if you would prefer to spend your time hiking, you may want to try and get a camping spot that is located near the campground’s hiking trail, and so forth.

Size is also another factor that you may want to take into consideration when choosing a campsite. When reviewing campgrounds, you will find that different campground parks have different sizes campsites. Often, the larger campsites are designed for those with multiple tents or with motor homes. Before agreeing to rent a particular camping site, you will want to make sure that the site in question is large enough for all of your camping group members. This is important as not having enough space could put a dent on your camping adventure.

The above-mentioned factors are just a few of the many factors that you may want to take into consideration when choosing a camping spot for your next camping adventure. As a reminder, not all campground parks allow you to choose your camping sites, but a large number of them do.

Make Several Stops

Being well prepared and stocked for a camping trip is one thing but being well equipped for a road trip is something else. Making a stop every few hours is necessary to avoid driver drowsiness, and it also allows everybody in the car a much-needed break from the monotonous rhythm of driving through the countryside. A long road trip can be draining both mentally and physically. As the driver, you need your senses to be alert and watchful on the road which is why it’s a good idea to stay fresh and vigilant. Having several stops en route to the destination will benefit not only the driver but the excited children in the backseat as well. In all, taking consistent breaks is good for everybody.

Navigating the Journey

Unless you’re utilizing the modern day driver’s best friend, a GPS device, having your passengers navigate during the journey is convenient and also much safer. Involving the children in the navigation from the start is a wonderful way to teach them how to read a map which is perfect as they will gain experience and be more watchful, alert, and responsible as they grow older

Camping with Children

Here are a few ideas to help you have an enjoyable camping trip with children in tow. This isn’t an all-inclusive list but will help relieve the strain.

Two tents – one for playtime and one for sleeping. It is advisable to put a bucket of easily washable toys, books, and board games in the tent. It keeps children from sitting in the dirt and playing (although dirt inevitably gets tracked in, just make sure to sweep it out when cleaning out). Your kids will find it cool that they get a chilling spot to themselves. It is a real life saver when preparing meals as you know where they are and they aren’t getting into trouble. The sleeping tent will only be for changing clothes and sleeping. It’s unexplainable how good it feels sleeping without sand in your face.

Bug Spray & Sunscreen – Be sure not to leave this behind. You may not know the importance until you get out there but it’s crucial to protect your little ones.

Toasted Sandwich Maker – You know the cast iron kind? Yep, grab some of those, and you can make sandwiches, calzones, pies for dessert, and more. You can take a can of biscuits along and use those buttery, flaky biscuits in the makers with cheese. Yummy! This reminds me that you should also take Cooking Spray along to keep everything easy clean.

Anti-Bacterial Wipes – the hand soap is nice, but not for camping. Wipes are much more convenient and easier to use.

Keep Nap Times – Try to keep your nap/sleep schedule as close to the same times as possible. Not worth it for you or them!

Bikes – Be sure to bring bikes and a child carrier. If the kids are especially hard to put to sleep for their afternoon nap, just take them for a short ride on the bike, and in no time they will fall asleep.

Swimming Suits, Life Jackets & Swim Hats – Leave the nice stuff at home or for photos. Just pack what is necessary to protect the children while swimming or sunbathing and be sure they always have their life jackets on anywhere around the water.

Scary Stories

Now this is one of the most popular campfire activities known to man! These are old stories from folklore handed down through the generations, majority of which still transfix kids till today. You could even argue that kids would prefer a good scary story above anything else and all it takes is a little imagination.

Even though they don’t like to admit it, adults love a good ghost story as well, but nothing beats a scary story that is set “while camping within the woods.” This is where the story-teller becomes much more involved with the listener by laying out a fictional haunted back-story of the very camping grounds which they are camping in or even taking it to a much more frightening level by referencing the crazed killer or maniacal person who lurks the camping grounds, preying on the innocent. Obviously, some of these stories will not be suitable for kids, but for adults, it is still entertaining. As always, the stories are peculiar to the storyteller’s creativity and personality.

Star-Gazing

In the city, it is not always easy to see the stars in the sky with all the bright lights around. When camping, however, there is ample opportunity for friends and family to fully unwind which means spreading out on the ground and staring up at the bright night sky and just soaking up the atmosphere and nature in general. This is an ancient activity almost as popular as story-telling. Normally people try to make their observations of the stars in the sky, but it’s also a very good conversation piece among campers. With a little study-up, it can be the perfect time to educate kids on some basic astronomy and teach them about the major constellations.

Board Games

With the ever changing technological world, board games have steadily declined in use and have taken a backseat to television and video games. However, no television or video-game console is needed to pass a quality time while camping with family and friends. Board-game entertainment has been in existence for thousands of years in some form or another. There is no shortage of board games to choose from and can be played in any environment and especially night time. What makes board games so perfect for camping is that anywhere up to even a dozen players can be involved. In the same vein, card games are also popular and are very easy to take everywhere.

Journal Writing

For some of the more regular campers or those who like to record their daily activities in general, keeping a journal can be a nice way to pass the time at night. It is useful for those who like to look back years later at their camping experiences, the highlights as well as photos taken along the way. Making a log of activities can sometimes be helpful for those who like to camp regularly since it’s a way of keeping a record of things that might have been good or bad and can be improved upon on a future trip.