October half-term family holiday ideas in Europe

Why choose Europe for a family holiday this October?

A European family holiday is sure to be an unforgettable experience. With countless kid-friendly attractions and activities, plus plenty of parks, playgrounds, child-friendly amenities, and accommodations, Europe has everything families need for a fun-filled getaway. 

And while summer has its charm, October is arguably the best time to visit the continent. During the half-term holiday period, you can expect fewer crowds, quieter attractions, milder weather, stunning autumnal landscapes, and a host of seasonal events.

“I’m bored?” – not on this holiday…

Family holiday ideas for October half-term

Whether you’re looking for a city break, an outdoor adventure, or a fun-filled theme park getaway, Europe has plenty of exciting half-term holiday experiences to explore.

City breaks in Europe

City breaks are perfect for families who enjoy a bit of everything. You’ll find historic landmarks, museums, castles, nature and fun attractions aplenty - all with comfort and convenience close at hand.

Normandy, France - Beaches, bunkers, and crêpes

While not strictly a city break, a trip to the region of Normandy will not disappoint, and with Rouen at the region’s historic heart, you can explore the city and use it as a springboard for the rest of the region.  In Rouen itself, families can follow the fascinating story of Joan of Arc, marvel at the artefacts in the Natural History Museum, and see the sights aboard the charming land train.

Outside the capital, families can dive into the region’s history with destinations that bring the past to life in ways a history classroom never could. Unmissable attractions include medieval sites like the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel and the Bayeux Tapestry, alongside moving reminders of World War II like the Musée du Débarquement, the D-Day beaches, and the Arromanches 360 Circular Cinema.

Of course, no trip to Normandy would be complete without a crêpe break, the perfect pick-me-up between sightseeing stops!

Discover Mont Saint-Michel this October - plan your unforgettable family holiday in France.

Paris, France - Parks, museums, and Disneyland® Paris

Around three and a half hours from our Calais terminal, Paris is the perfect destination for a family city break in Europe. The capital is packed with family-friendly attractions and activities, from museums and art galleries to landmarks and parks. Plus, with plenty of free things to do, a family holiday in the capital doesn’t need to break the bank! Head to the Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie for explosive science experiments, discover dinosaurs at the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, or become an apprentice zoo keeper for the day at Parc Zoologique de Paris. 

Climb the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe for autumn city views or walk to the Jardin du Luxembourg for puppet shows, playgrounds, and autumn colours. Of course, October is a great time to visit one of the city’s spookier attractions, and you’ll find plenty of spooktacular celebrations at Disneyland® Paris.

Luxembourg City - Castles, forests, and family walks

It may be five hours and ten minutes from our Calais terminal, but Luxembourg City is well worth the drive. Plus, with plenty of tempting stops en route and the borders to France and the Netherlands nearby, a family road trip through Europe is sure to be a memorable experience.

Top kid-approved attractions in the city and beyond include the Casemates du Block, Vianden Castle, Bourscheid Castle, and the Luxembourg Natural History Museum. For kid-friendly sightseeing, UNESCO4Kids, City Promenade for Kids, and City Safari are interactive and playful guided tours packed with fun facts, games, and activities.

With nearly 20% of Luxembourg City covered in forest, it’s perfect for families looking for the convenience of a city break, while still being surrounded by nature. And what better time to visit than during the October half-term holidays, when the autumn leaves are in full display? 

For a simple and budget-friendly afternoon out, why not visit one of the city’s themed playgrounds? Little ones can let their imaginations run wild in everything from pirate ships and space ships to farms, forests, and fairy castles.

Explore Luxembourg’s autumn trails on your family holiday in October.

Amsterdam, Netherlands - Canals, museums, and pancakes

One of the most inclusive capital cities in Europe, Amsterdam is perfect for families looking for an October half-term holiday. The Dutch capital is packed with family-friendly things to do, from large world-class museums to small quirky attractions. 

Indoor attractions like Madame Tussauds Amsterdam, Ripley’s Believe It or Not!, and the NEMO Science Museum are perfect for rainy days – and even better in October when they tend to be quieter! Outside, Artis Amsterdam Royal Zoo is a must for animal lovers, and Vondelpark – the largest city park in Amsterdam – is perfect for running off a little steam. Of course, a visit to Amsterdam wouldn’t be the same without a bicycle ride. Luckily, there are plenty of cycle routes and rentals - and with unlimited baggage with LeShuttle, you can even bring your own bikes along.

All that activity is sure to leave tummies rumbling, and the age-old cry of ‘I’m hungrrrryy!’ is perhaps best answered with a classic Amsterdam treat – pancakes!

Ghent, Belgium – Castles, kayaks, and waffles

Just two hours from our Calais terminal, Ghent is perfect for a family city break in Europe.  Autumn is the ideal time to enjoy indoor activities, with everything from bowling and climbing centres to go-karting, VR experiences, and swimming available.

Head to the fairytale castle of Gravensteen to explore the city’s medieval history. Little ones will enjoy searching for the missing jester in the castle treasure hunt, while older kids will enjoy the children’s comedy audio guide, complete with a booklet of silly illustrations. 

Adventurous families can swap pavement for paddles and take to the canals. With plenty of kayak rentals around, it’s certainly a memorable way to experience the Belgian city. Head to Kajaks Korenlei to rent a kayak for a 3-hour round trip. The aptly named House of Waffles is just 5 minutes from the rental, so lunch is just around the corner.  With mouthwatering treats like ‘Chocolate Madness’, described only as ‘chocolate, chocolate, chocolate’ - it’s a stop guaranteed to win over the whole family!

Discover Ghent from the water – take the family on a kayaking trip through the city.

Berlin, Germany – Zoos, museums, and tunnel tours

A destination worthy of a road trip, Berlin is home to a smorgasbord of family-friendly activities. As well as iconic landmarks like the Brandenburg Gate, Berlin Wall Memorial, and Berlin Cathedral, the city is home to no less than five world-class museums! Located on their very own island in the city centre, these museums are perfect for families with older children or teens.

But if traditional art and history aren’t for you, there are plenty of other fascinating options. The German Spy Museum, the Computer Games Museum, the Puppet Theatre Museum, and the Firefighters Museum are all great choices, especially for younger children. Berliner Unterwelten (Berlin Underworld) is a particularly thrilling subterranean museum that takes visitors beneath the city to explore the history of WWII tunnels and bunkers.

As if that wasn’t enough, Berlin also has several zoos and animal parks, including Zoo Berlin, Tierpark Berlin, Aquarium Berlin, Ocean Berlin, and Peacock Island. Family fun in Germany is guaranteed, the only question is – how will you fit it all in?

European theme park holidays

Families who can’t resist a rollercoaster will be spoilt for choice when it comes to the half-term holidays. With each theme park in Europe offering a seasonal programme of events and activities, there’s always something new to see and do. 

If you are visiting France, check out:

•    Disneyland® Paris

•    Parc Astérix

•    Puy du Fou

•    Futuroscope

•    Terra Botanica amusement park

If you are visiting Belgium, check out:

•    Walibi Theme Park

•    Bellewaerde Park

If you are visiting Germany, check out:

•    Europa Park Resort

•    Phantasialand

If you are visiting the Netherlands, check out:

• Efteling

Create unforgettable memories with your family – discover the magic of Europe’s theme parks today.

Choosing the right accommodation for your family trip

Whether you are looking for a B&B, a holiday home, a holiday park, or a hotel, there are family-friendly accommodation options to suit every taste and budget. Eurocamp and Center Parcs are popular picks, and local tourism boards are a great place to discover even more options.

Practical tips for your October half-term road trip

Plan an unforgettable family holiday in Europe with these simple tips:

• Book attractions and activities in advance wherever possible. It’s also worth downloading maps, trails, audio guides, and family activities beforehand.
• Plan an itinerary to include your must-see attractions, but include plenty of wriggle room for spontaneous moments and necessary downtime.
• Keep an eye out for free and low-cost activities. Lots of attractions and events offer family discounts or free entry to children under a certain age.
• Beat the crowds by visiting popular attractions during off-peak hours. Weekdays, early mornings, and late afternoons are usually quieter.
• Make the journey part of the fun! Pack snacks, drinks, and plenty of car games for the road! Forgotten something? Not a problem - you can buy last-minute essentials at either of our LeShuttle terminals.

And lastly, have fun!