When people hear you’re taking six kids (including a toddler) on a multi-country European trip, they either think you’re incredibly brave or completely nuts. Honestly, it’s a little of both. But now that we’ve done it? I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
We spent 17 unforgettable days bouncing between iconic cities and breathtaking landscapes, starting in London, then cruising through Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Iceland. It was chaotic, magical, exhausting, and one of the most memorable trips our family has ever taken.
If you’re dreaming about doing Europe with kids, here’s everything we did and the moments we loved the most.
I know you’ve heard me say this before, but… after trying to piece this trip together on my own, I quickly realized just how valuable a good travel agent really is! I cannot recommend using Best Day Ever Vacations enough. Having a trustworthy agent eliminates the overwhelm and stress of planning so you can focus on the fun.
The Basics
- Length: 17 days
- Countries: United Kingdom, Belgium, Netherlands, Norway, Iceland
- Crew: Our six kids, ranging in age from 3 to 22, our oldest’s girlfriend, and the parents!
- Accommodations: Airbnb in London, Norwegian Cruise Line for the rest
- Transportation: Flights, the London tube, a cruise ship, and a lot of walking
First Stop, London!
London was the perfect place to kick off our adventure. The weather was great for layering, public transport was easy (even with a stroller), and we found so much that appealed to all ages.
Our Top Moments
- Borough Market: We tried the famous sausage rolls at Ginger Pig, pulled pork sandwiches from Black Pig, and those crème brûlée doughnuts everyone talks about. They lived up to the hype.
- Warner Bros. Studio Tour: If you have a Harry Potter fan in the family, this is a must. Watching our little one’s face light up in front of the Hogwarts Express was worth the entire visit.
- Notting Hill: Pastel row houses, cute vintage shops, and some of the best people-watching.
- Princess Diana Playground: This was a huge hit with our toddler. We made so many spontaneous stops at playgrounds throughout the trip, and they were always a win.
- Chinatown + Dishoom: A favorite dinner spot for the whole family!
What Helped Us Thrive in London
- Our travel stroller—lightweight, compact, and a total lifesaver for those long walking days
- Clare V crossbody bag—held everything I needed and still looked cute
- Sleep routine support: We used Primally Pure Sleep Spray and Zarbee’s melatonin to help everyone adjust to the time change
- Letting the big kids explore things they cared about (Ella loved vintage shops and the Jellycat pop-up)
- AirTag Bracelets for the littles—These were a game-changer. We slipped AirTags into these silicone bracelets so we could easily track our younger kids in big crowds (think airports, busy train stations, and theme park-style attractions like the Warner Bros Studio Tour).
You can check out our full article on things to do in London with kids by clicking here!
Next Up, Cruising Through Europe
On Day 6, we boarded the Norwegian Prima for an 11-night Northern European cruise. If you’re traveling with a big group, I cannot recommend this enough. You get to unpack once, eat when and where you want, and explore some of the most incredible destinations without juggling trains, repacking, or navigating airports every few days.
Also, have to throw it in here again that using Best Day Ever Vacations to plan your trip means you have support with excursions, dining reservations, and all those little logistics that make a big difference when you’re managing a family group!
This cruise wasn’t about lounging at the pool. We were off the ship nearly every day, exploring new places. So, let’s dive into each stop!
Bruges, Belgium
Our first cruise stop was Bruges, Belgium. This place honestly looks like it was plucked straight from the pages of a storybook. With its pastel facades, curving canals, and historic charm around every corner, we didn’t feel the need to rush. After the go-go-go pace of London, Bruges was our perfect slow-down day.
Our Top Moments
- Chocolate-making class: This was hands-down the highlight of our visit. We all got to dip, swirl, and (of course) sample the most delicious Belgian chocolate. The instructor was fantastic with kids and the space was cozy and intimate, which made it feel extra special.
- Market Square (Markt): Just a short walk from the chocolate shop, this was the heartbeat of Bruges. We took photos, grabbed a few pastries, and climbed the Belfry for a panoramic view of the city.
- Canal strolls and palace gardens: After lunch, we wandered toward the palace gardens and walked alongside the canals. The city was quiet, the weather cool, and the vibe so relaxing.
- Quick brewery stop: Mike and the older boys swung by De Halve Maan for a peek at the historic brewing process while the rest of us explored nearby shops and green spaces.
We wrapped the day back on board for dinner, a little sun-soaked and chocolate-filled, and totally enchanted by Bruges.
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Amsterdam was so beautiful and full of charm. Our time here was relaxed but full of moments we’ll remember. The sun was out, the canals were glowing, and everyone found something they loved.
Our Top Moments
- Canal Cruise: The big kids and parents boarded a canal tour with drinks and snacks included, and it was exactly the kind of laid-back afternoon we needed. Floating past the colorful townhouses, soaking up the sunshine, and watching the city go by was one of the trip highlights.
- NEMO Science Museum: While the big kids cruised, the littles went to this hands-on science museum, and it was a total win. They got to build, splash, and experiment their way through the exhibits
- Stroopwafels from the Strooperie: One word—Nutella. These warm, gooey stroopwafels covered with melted chocolate were exactly what we needed mid-afternoon. Everyone devoured theirs within seconds.
- Biking Culture: Amsterdam is known for its bikes, and we quickly saw why. We got a kick out of watching people ride by in every direction, and spotted the coolest little bike ramps on all the staircases. It was fascinating to see how the whole city is built around cycling.
- Anne Frank House: We stopped by Anne Frank’s House while walking around the city and took a moment to learn more of her story. It’s powerful to stand outside, knowing the history held within those walls.
From canal cruising to stroopwafel snacking, and the kids geeking out over science exhibits, Amsterdam was the perfect mix of culture and fun.
Norway
After a sea day to catch our breath (and take full advantage of the unlimited soft serve), we hit Norway ready for adventure. We had three back-to-back port stops, and each one felt totally different from the last—like we were hopping between chapters of a storybook. From mountaintop playgrounds to jaw-dropping fjords to one unplanned two-hour hike (thanks, Mike), Norway was the place that kept us saying, “Is this real life?”
Day 1: Bergen
Bergen was our intro to Norway, and it instantly became a favorite. We took the Fløibanen funicular from the center of town up to Mount Fløyen, where we were met with sweeping views of the city, carved wooden trolls hidden in the trees, and the most charming mountaintop playground you’ve ever seen.
Jack played for over an hour, and I’m pretty sure he tapped into some deep Nordic roots; he was in his element. We hit a couple more local parks before heading back down, soaking in the crisp air and gorgeous scenery.
Day 2: Geiranger
This tiny town looked like a postcard brought to life. Towering cliffs, emerald green water, and waterfalls everywhere you turned. We booked a speedboat tour that took us zipping across the fjord, stopping by old cliffside farms and getting up close to the Seven Sisters Waterfall.
After the boat ride, we wandered the harbor, picked up a few local treats, and found another quiet playground for the littles. Geiranger was small, stunning, and felt like a secret we got to discover.
Day 3: Ålesund
Originally, we had a guided tour planned, but it was canceled last minute. So, naturally, Mike decided to take matters into his own hands. What started as “a little walk to a viewpoint” turned into a two-hour uphill hike. I had to laugh through my heavy breathing, but to his credit, the view from the top was absolutely worth it.
We ended the day with fresh Norwegian waffles and a stroll through the harbor before heading back to the ship. The kids were wiped (so were we), but the accidental adventure made for one of the best stories of the trip.
Norway was wild and wonderful. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, look around, and breathe it all in.
Iceland
Our final stop on the cruise felt like stepping onto another planet! With three days to explore different parts of the island, we got a taste of its wild nature, quirky charm, and relaxing hot springs. The perfect way to end our adventure.
Day 1: Akureyri & Lake Mývatn
We split up today to make the most of it. The big kids + parents took a tour out to Goðafoss Waterfall. On the way, we passed Icelandic ponies (yes, they’re real and adorable), then soaked in the Mývatn Nature Baths. The views over the lake were dreamy, and the warm water felt incredible after so many busy days.
Meanwhile, the littles explored Akureyri, one of Iceland’s most charming towns. They checked out local shops, admired the heart-shaped red stoplights (yes, really!), and wandered through tree-lined paths that made the town feel more like a fairytale.
Day 2: Ísafjörður
This tiny port town is known for its access to wildlife, and we lucked out with one of our favorite excursions of the trip: whale watching! We boarded a small boat and saw multiple humpback whales, surfacing and fluking all around us. It was a highlight for everyone… part relaxing, part thrilling, and totally unforgettable.
Day 3: Reykjavík & the Blue Lagoon
We saved the most iconic stop for last. On our final port day, the whole family visited the Blue Lagoon, Iceland’s most famous geothermal spa. Yes, it’s touristy, but it’s also absolutely worth it. Floating in the milky-blue water surrounded by lava rock while the kids giggled in their floaties was the perfect way to close out the cruise.
Iceland was a gentle landing after the whirlwind of cities and ports before—and we’re already dreaming about coming back to explore more.
What to Pack (and What to Leave Behind)
Pack this:
- A foldable stroller
- Matching phone cases (weirdly helped cut down screen time, check out my Instagram for a laugh!)
- Crossbody or belt bag for hands-free exploring
- Lightweight layers (especially for Iceland and Norway)
- White noise machine for sleep
Skip this:
- Extra shoes—we stuck with our favorites
- Overplanning—our best moments were often spontaneous!
This trip wasn’t “relaxing” in the traditional sense, but it was the kind of experience that bonds a family forever. We had dance parties in our Airbnb, meltdown moments in the middle of markets, and tons of laughs chasing kids down cobblestone streets.
Taking on Europe with a big family felt overwhelming at first, but traveling this way (starting with a grounded city stay, then cruising between countries) worked beautifully. It gave us structure, flexibility, and just enough calm in the chaos.
Would we do it again? Without question.
If a European cruise is on your radar, seriously—don’t try to do it all on your own like I did at first. Having a travel agent makes the biggest difference. My family’s agency, Best Day Ever Vacations, would love to help you plan it all out so you can just show up and enjoy. Click here to get connected to one of our incredible travel agents today (they know even more tips and tricks than me)!
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