If you’re looking for an exciting activity holiday with your family, then the UK and Europe is the perfect place! With so many different countries to choose from, there are sure to be adventure holiday activities to suit everyone.
- The best activity holiday destinations
- Horse Riding in Iceland near Reykjavik
- Surfing in Portugal near Lisbon – family adventure trips
- Activity Holidays near Rome in Italy – try Zip lining
- Indoor skydiving in Madrid on an adventure holiday
- Skiing indoors in Glasgow, Scotland – adventure weekends
- Kayaking on the Bosphorus in Istanbul
- Rock climbing at Dalkey Quarry in Dublin
- Explore Prague on a Segway – adventure holiday ideas
- Snowshoeing in the Vosges National Park, France
- Chase the Northern Lights in Tromso Norway
- White water rafting in Split Croatia
- Skywalking in London on adventure holidays
- Whale watching in the Azores
- Active family holidays in Europe – Coasteering in Greece
- Stand-up paddleboarding on the island of Malta
- Hot air balloon ride in Stockholm Sweden
- Glamping in Wales at a Slate Mine
- Trekking tour near Lake Bled in Slovenia
- Quad Bike Ride in the Arctic Circle near Rovaniemi Finland
- E-bike & hiking tour at the Grossglockner near Lienz
- Jet ski excursion in Ibiza – active holidays Europe
- More travel inspiration for your trip to Europe
Now with people choosing to have experiences over material objects, getting out and about in the world is the perfect way to experience new places as well as get an amazing, thrilling activity into your itinerary.
The best activity holiday destinations
From hiking and mountain biking in the Austrian Alps to surfing in Portugal and horse riding in Iceland, there’s something for all adventurous travelers in Europe. We have 21 great recommendations for activity holidays abroad located from one side of Europe to the other.
Horse Riding in Iceland near Reykjavik
A visit to Iceland is a family adventure in itself, throw in a horse riding experience with spectacular scenery, and you have one of the most exciting activities in Europe. Horse riding in Iceland is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Discover the vast landscapes and Icelandic horses are sure to take your breath away. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced at riding, there’s a horse riding tour in Iceland for you. So what are you waiting for?
Related post: How much does a trip to Iceland cost?
Surfing in Portugal near Lisbon – family adventure trips
If you’re looking to learn how to surf, there’s no better place to do it than Portugal. With some of the best waves in Europe and a variety of beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, a local guide will find a spot for you to learn to surf. The most convenient location for most tourists will be near Lisbon. Book a surfing lesson today for your family vacation in Lisbon.
See more: Straightforward tips on how to get to Sintra from Lisbon
Activity Holidays near Rome in Italy – try Zip lining
Situated an hour from the ancient city of Rome by car and train in the small medieval town of Rocca Massima is the Velocity Zip Line. The Zip Line starts at an altitude of 730 meters, providing incredible views of the country.
On the 2-kilometre long trip, you will reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h, with an average speed of 110 km/h as breathtaking landscapes fly by. The trip takes 4 minutes from start to finish and can be done solo or as a pair on your adventure holidays in Europe.
- Find out more information and prices for this activity
- Book an apartment for your family holiday in Rome
Related post: All the best things to do in Rome with teenagers
Indoor skydiving in Madrid on an adventure holiday
Indoor skydiving is one of the new exciting adventures to discover in Madrid for families. It is a safe way to experience the thrill and challenge of skydiving without having to go through all the hassle of getting on an aeroplane.
For adventure holidays in Spain, the indoor skydiving facility in Madrid has been attracting many teens and families visiting Madrid on a fun weekend away.
- Search availability for indoor adventures and book your Indoor Skydiving experience
- Book a stay in Madrid
Related post: All the best things to do in Barcelona for families
Skiing indoors in Glasgow, Scotland – adventure weekends
The snow factor is a new indoor skiing facility in Glasgow for your holiday. It is the perfect place for people who want to ski or snowboard but don’t want to go outside in freezing temperatures.
It has an indoor slope that is covered by artificial snow and has a real-life set of ski lifts. The snow factor is a great mix of fun for both children and adults, who can ski at a reasonable level or not at all.
Holidays with family: 10 exciting teen adventure activities in Scotland
Kayaking on the Bosphorus in Istanbul
Istanbul is a city best explored by boat. The Bosphorus, the strait that dissects the city, is a natural waterway that’s perfect for panoramic views and sightseeing by canoe or sea kayaking. Families and groups of friends can paddle up and down the strait, for the best vantage point of Istanbul’s impressive skyline.
Teenagers on adventure holidays will especially enjoy kayaking on the Bosphorus. It’s a fun journey and a great way to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Istanbul. Kayaking is one of the best things to do in Istanbul in summer.
- Book a canoe experience in Istanbul
- Book an apartment or hotel in Istanbul for your trip with kids
Rock climbing at Dalkey Quarry in Dublin
Top adventure holidays in Ireland should include rock climbing at Dalkey Quarry near Dublin. Dalkey Quarry offers rock climbing in a natural habitat with options for a wide range of skill sets, from first-timers to the ultimate wall climbers.
Climbing at the Dalkey Quarry is an ideal adventure travel experience for a summers’ day out in Dublin with teens. Be sure to plan your trip during summer because the last thing you want is to get a bad dose of Ireland’s unpredictable weather
Explore Prague on a Segway – adventure holiday ideas
How do you make the best activity holidays? A great start is to explore on a Segway! There is nothing more fun on your trip than zipping around the city of Prague on a Segway.
A Prague Segway tour is an excellent opportunity to explore and learn about the cultural experiences in the city.
Segway tours are for the whole family, you will be given instructions and a short amount of practice time before you start exploring Prague on your adventure vacations for families.
Travel with kids: All the best things to do in Prague with teens
Snowshoeing in the Vosges National Park, France
If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-track winter adventure, look no further than snowshoeing at the Vosges National Park near Strasbourg in France.
Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the land, and the mountains and take in the stunning Alsatian scenery. The trails are well-marked and there are plenty of places to stop and rest along the way.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced snowshoer, you’re sure to enjoy a day out of adventures in the mountains of the Alsace.
- Go snowshoeing in the Vosges National Park
- We recommend staying in Strasbourg or Colmar for this experience
Visit the Alsace: 25 unforgettable things to do in Strasbourg
Chase the Northern Lights in Tromso Norway
Norway is home to the midnight sun for part of the year and in darkness for the rest of the year. The winter darkness makes adventure holidays a unique experience in Norway.
Parts of Norway where the Northern Lights look like they are straight out of National Geographic. Tromso is an amazing place to chase, find and see the Aurora Borealis on your trip to Norway.
If you are looking for different activities with the family featuring wildlife, mountains, and back county views then this is a great activity in the country of Norway.
- Book your Northern Lights adventures in Tromso
- Book a rental car in Norway for your vacation
Tromso is a hub for adventure activities for families, you can also have a go at Dog Sledding, Snow Mobile expeditions, Whale Watching, Cross Country skiing and more.
White water rafting in Split Croatia
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping, heart-racing activity for your family, look no further than white water rafting! Paddling through churning waters and navigating around obstacles is a surefire way to get your blood flowing.
With experienced guides by your side, you can start exploring the Cetina River on your visit to Croatia. So what are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning your next river rafting adventure on your holiday! Croatia is a great country for water sports. Just next door, there are some great places to visit in Montenegro for outdoor sports.
- Visit Split to discover a great rafting holiday adventure
- Book a stay in Split on the Adriatic
Skywalking in London on adventure holidays
The landmark entertainment arena in London is the O2 stadium and one of the top London tourist attractions. For thrill-seekers, you can join a tour and climb the roof of the O2 stadium and walk around it.
Your instructors will get you kitted out with a climb suit, boots and harness and deliver safety instruction before climbing the roof. You will walk suspended 52 meters in the air to the highest point.
Once at the top, pause to take in panoramic views over Greenwich, the Olympic Park, Tower Bridge, Big Ben, Canary Wharf and The Shard. For Family holidays with teenagers in London, this would be a top memorable moment when visiting London.
More adventure inspiration: 10 thrilling teen adventure activities in the UK
Whale watching in the Azores
The Azores is an archipelago of nine islands in the Atlantic Ocean. It’s known for its dramatic landscapes, which include cliffs, remote waterfalls and volcanoes.
The islands are also home to a diverse range of marine life, including humpback whales. Join an exciting Marine Wildlife tour and see Whales, Dolphins, Turtles, Fish, and Birds.
Watching humpback whales will be an adventure like no other as you explore the waters around the Azores.
Since you have made the journey to the Azores you may as well experience a few other great activities such as Canyoning, Snorkeling with Dolphins, or taking a surfing lesson.
Discover more: The very best adventure activities in Portugal for families
Active family holidays in Europe – Coasteering in Greece
An amazing outdoor adventure for visiting families on the island of Crete is Coasteering. Coasteering is a fun, adventurous sport that combines elements of trekking, cliff jumping, swimming, and hiking to discover the coast.
It can be done in the ocean, sea, or Bay Area. Coasteering is perfect for those who love a challenge, and the thrill of adventure and want to discover the coastline in a new way.
In Crete on active family holidays, you will trek along the water’s edge to explore the coast before jumping, ziplining and swimming in the crystal clear water of Greece.
- Book your part trekking, part exploring experience on the island of Crete
- Don’t forget to book travel Insurance that includes extreme sports.
Stand-up paddleboarding on the island of Malta
If you’re looking for a new way to enjoy the water on your holiday in Malta, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP) might be just the thing.
The sport involves standing on a large, surfboard-like paddleboard and using a long paddle to move through the water. On the island of Malta, there are numerous SUP opportunities for families where you will see cliffs, coral reefs and cultural sights such as bastions and fortifications.
It’s a perfect activity families can share a combined love of the sea and adventure.
- For more information and the latest prices, search here for SUP in Malta
- Get a travel money card from Revolut for multiple currencies at low fees
Hot air balloon ride in Stockholm Sweden
Hot Air Ballons flights provide a different perspective on the world below. From high in the sky, everything looks so small and insignificant.
The experience is peaceful and calming, as well as exciting and adventurous. The views are also beautiful and scenic, making the flight all the more worth it. Stockholm is a truly amazing city with its archipelago of 30 000 islands waiting to be seen on the 1-hour adventure.
It is a truly memorable experience to view the stunning Nordic landscape of Stockholm from above on family activity holidays.
Glamping in Wales at a Slate Mine
Wild camping in Llechwedd Wales is an amazing experience. When referring to wild camping we mean the location, not the comfort level!
Your Glamping tents are located in the historic quarries of Blaenau Ffestiniog in North Wales at the Llechwedd Slate mountain site. This beautiful destination was once home to a prosperous slate mine that exported its stone all over the world. Slate mining was a strong part of the worker’s culture in North Wales.
Nowadays the site is home to Glamping and attractions such as Salt Mine Tours, Zip World, mountain bike trails, hiking and trekking trails. Book a stay at Slate Mountain Glamping for active holidays in uk.
Road trip Wales: All the best places for families in North Wales
Trekking tour near Lake Bled in Slovenia
For those that love trekking and hiking this day tour suitable for children and adults will make lasting memories. You will start your trek among the wildlife and natural beauty of the Alpine region of Slovenia.
During the day you will get to experience the natural environment of Triglav National Park and see the stunning views of the Julian Alps and Emerald river Soča from the hiking trails. No trekking trip in Slovenia would be complete without a stop at Lake Bled along the way.
- For more information and booking details for your hike click here
- Book a place to stay near Lake Bled
Don’t forget your camera on this once-in-a-lifetime hiking adventure as you trek your way to unforgettable memories in the Triglav National Park.
Quad Bike Ride in the Arctic Circle near Rovaniemi Finland
What could be more exhilarating than speeding through forests and over hills on a powerful machine? Quad biking is the perfect way to get your adrenaline fix while enjoying the great outdoors.
The landscapes you’ll see in Northern Finland on a quad bike tour are sure to take your breath away. The town of Rovaniemi and its surrounding area are home to beautiful landscapes, wildlife, lakes, cliffs and forests.
There’s something inherently thrilling about being out in nature on an ATV. Kids and teenagers who don’t have a licence will have to ride with their parents.
- Book your Quad Bike experience today in the Arctic
- Book the Santa Express train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi
As well as being home to Santa Claus village, Rovaniemi is a bit of a mecca for outdoor action sports in Finland. While up north you should try a Northern Lights snowmobile safari, a Reindeer safari and Ice Fishing
E-bike & hiking tour at the Grossglockner near Lienz
Austria is the ideal country for outdoor family adventure holidays. There are mountains, valleys, rivers and forests everywhere. Why not combine two of the best outdoor holiday activities such as hiking and mountain biking?
Your e-bike will take you to the start of some amazing trails near Großglockner, Austria’s highest mountain. Your guide will then take you on a walk through the peaceful forests nearby.
Jet ski excursion in Ibiza – active holidays Europe
Jet skiing is a great way to get your adrenaline fix. The thrill of the speed and the excitement of the action make it a popular choice for those looking for an adventure holiday with teens.
Your instructors will explain to you the operation of the Jet ski and the driving rules before setting off on your jet ski excursion from Puerto Antoni to Margaritas Island.
Once you take off on the water you will zip along the coast of Ibiza to reach Margaritas Island. On the island, you will have a chance to take a dip in the ocean or do some snorkelling.
- Get on the water today in Ibiza
- Book accommodation in Ibiza, and search for hotels and apartments
We hope this article from Wyld Family Travel has inspired you to take a vacation to Europe with your family and enjoy some adventurous activities. This article gives you plenty of options for things to do in Europe with teens and kids.
More travel inspiration for your trip to Europe
Rebecca Wyld
bec.wyld@wyldfamilytravel.com
Content Creator/SEO Editor
Co-founder and SEO editor here at Wyld Family Travel. Bec has travelled to over 45 countries across 3 continents and is a journey with kids advocate. When Bec is not planning travel, she creates content for our family travel blog or does local community service work. You can find all of Bec’s detailed travel guides here on Wyld Family Travel and on other popular websites such as Lonely Planet.