Top 10 Budget-Friendly Family Adventures Across Europe for 2024
From packrafting in Luxembourg to cycling in Slovenia and eclipse-spotting in Spain, Europe offers a wealth of affordable family adventures that get kids into the wild. Here are ten of the best ways to enjoy outdoor fun without breaking the bank.
Sea Kayaking in Greece
For families seeking a less frenetic yet challenging adventure, Greek island-hopping by sea kayak is an excellent option. Several companies provide affordable multi-activity trips, but Trekking Hellas stands out with its three-day, two-night odysseys in the Ionian Sea. Starting in Nidri on Lefkada, these journeys paddle past Skorpios to Meganisi, camping at Lakka before continuing to Mikros Gialos for a second night under the stars. With stops for swimming, barbecues, and thrilling cave detours, the trips involve about six hours of paddling daily, making them suitable for teens aged 14 and up. Prices start from €352 per person, including kayaking and camping equipment, guiding, and meals.
A Stylish Refuge in France
Cabane de Varlossière in Savoie is a contender for the world's most handsome bothy. This simple, unstaffed mountain refuge, set in a spectacular Alpine valley, features a renovated stone shepherd's hut with bunks for four and a wood-burning stove. Families can start from Saint-Martin-de-Belleville, hiking two hours to Gittamelon refuge, then another hour to Varlossière. Overnight stays are free, but consider booking a guide or activities like canyoning through the local association.
Forest Camping in Germany
The Trekking Schwarzwald initiative in the Black Forest allows semi-wild camping at 21 basic forest camps from May to October. Each camp accommodates three tents with a fire pit and compost toilet, with strict rules like single-night stays and carrying out rubbish. Ideal for older kids on multi-camp adventures or younger ones at less remote sites like Camp Gutellbach, prices start from €12 per tent for up to three people.
Spot the Eclipse in Spain
For the solar eclipse on 12 August, Cabañas El Llano de los Conejos near Cuenca offers simple wooden cabins in a forest setting. With a saltwater pool, play area, and access to hikes, biking, and kayaking, it's perfect for families. The karst formations in Serranía de Cuenca and Alto Tajo parks provide unique viewing points. Prices start from €1,050 for four people for seven nights during eclipse week.
Ride and Rest in Slovenia
The Rest and Ride bike-friendly hotel in Slovenia's Soča valley caters to avid young cyclists with mountain biking, gravel, and road cycling options. It offers secure storage, repair services, bike hire, and guiding, plus activities like rafting and zip lining. Rooms start from €150 per night for an apartment sleeping four, with breakfast available for €12 per person.
Packrafting in Luxembourg and Germany
Packrafting combines hiking, paddling, and camping for families with older children. Guided two-day trips along the Luxembourg-Germany border explore the Mëllerdall Geopark and Sauer River, with a night under canvas. Participants must be at least 140cm tall, making it suited for older teens. Prices start from €135 per person, including rafts and lifejackets, with optional camping equipment and food kits.
Slow Camping in Italy
Rocca di Sotto campsite in Abruzzo offers pre-erected tents, DIY pitches, and log cabins among olive and fruit trees. Families can enjoy rustic dinners from the site's veg patch, chamois-spotting, and hikes in the Gran Sasso national park. For seasoned campers, a "slow camp" experience is available in the wilds. Pitches start from €32 per night for a family of four.
Rail and Sail to Rotterdam in the Netherlands
Dutchflyer rail and sail tickets from London or Greater Anglia stations to Hoek van Holland provide an affordable adventure, with easy metro access to Rotterdam. The city's Stayokay hostel, reopening after renovation, offers a practical base for exploring Adventure City, Europe's largest adventure park. Fares start from £68 each way for adults, with four-bed rooms from €115.
Become a Castaway in Sweden
Nåttarö island in Sweden offers 50 simple wooden cabins in a car-free, marine nature reserve. Reachable from Stockholm via train and ferry, it's ideal for hiking, swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Cabins start from about £84 per night for four people, with bike hire from £8 and paddleboards from £20 per person.
Stay in a Border Post in Montenegro
Hostel Mojan in Montenegro's Komovi nature park is a converted military border post offering rooms for various family sizes. With local cuisine and activities like biking and hiking, it's a unique retreat. Quadruple rooms start from €85 room-only, with dinners for about €10 per person.
