In My Experience, These 3 Villages Were Boring For Families + 10 Kid-Friendly Villages Full Of Joy
Family trips are all about making memories, but not every charming village lives up to the fairytale—especially when you’re traveling with kids. After years of exploring with my little ones, I’ve learned the hard way that some spots are better for postcards than playtime.
A few villages left us restless and counting the hours, while others were packed with fun, surprises, and plenty of reasons to linger. Want to know which ones truly made our trip, and which we couldn’t leave fast enough?
1. Montmartre, France: Beautiful but Overwhelming
Wandering through this iconic Parisian neighborhood quickly became a challenge with young ones. The steep hills exhausted little legs before we even reached Sacré-Cœur, and the crowded narrow streets made keeping track of energetic kids nearly impossible.
Art galleries and cafés dominate the landscape, offering little hands-on entertainment for children. My kids grew restless as we navigated through tourist-packed alleyways and past street performers who weren’t particularly child-oriented.
2. Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy: Isolated Beauty with Limited Options
Known as the ‘dying town,’ this breathtaking hilltop village connected only by a pedestrian bridge offers stunning views but little substance for families. The long, steep walk across the bridge had my children complaining before we even arrived.
Once inside, we discovered few activities beyond taking photos and browsing souvenir shops. With no playgrounds, interactive museums, or child-friendly restaurants, we exhausted all possibilities within an hour, leaving us with nothing but a pricey lunch option.
3. Hallstatt, Austria: Instagram-Perfect but Impractical
Despite its fairytale appearance that had us excited to visit, Hallstatt proved disappointing for our family adventure. The village focuses primarily on photo opportunities rather than engaging experiences, with main streets so crowded we could barely navigate with a stroller.
Most restaurants catered to couples or luxury travelers, not families with hungry kids. The salt mine tour was the only child-friendly attraction, but even that was better suited for older children. My younger ones grew bored quickly among the selfie-taking crowds.
4. Giethoorn, Netherlands: Venice of the North Delights
My children’s eyes widened with wonder as we glided through Giethoorn’s car-free canals on our rented boat. This peaceful Dutch village, with its thatched-roof cottages and wooden footbridges, became an instant hit with my family.
Navigating the waterways ourselves was an adventure that kept everyone engaged. The village offers child-friendly museums like the ‘Old Earth’ museum with interactive exhibits about local history. When hunger struck, we found plenty of casual cafés serving kid-approved pancakes and treats.
5. Colmar, France: Fairytale Setting with Real Activities
Stepping into Colmar felt like entering a storybook that captivated both adults and children in our group. The colorful half-timbered houses created a magical backdrop for our exploration, while the Little Venice area offered affordable boat rides that my kids couldn’t get enough of. Unlike other picturesque villages, Colmar balances beauty with practicality.
We discovered several small playgrounds tucked between historic buildings, and the Toy Museum became an unexpected highlight. Even the local markets had vendors who engaged warmly with my curious children.
6. Bibury, England: Riverside Adventures in the Cotswolds
Fishing became the unexpected highlight of our visit to this quintessential English village. The Bibury Trout Farm offered my children the thrill of catching their own lunch, creating memories far more valuable than any souvenir.
We spent hours exploring the gentle pathways along the River Coln, where my kids collected stones and spotted wildlife. Arlington Row’s honey-colored cottages provided a perfect backdrop for our picnic. The open spaces allowed my children to run freely without the constraints found in more touristy villages.
7. Hobbiton, New Zealand: Movie Magic Comes Alive
Whether your children know The Lord of the Rings or not, this meticulously created village sparks imagination like nowhere else. My kids were enchanted by the 44 hobbit holes built into the hillsides, complete with tiny details like miniature clotheslines and gardens.
The guided tour was surprisingly child-friendly, with engaging stories and photo opportunities at every turn. My children loved peering into hobbit homes and running across the same bridge Gandalf crossed. The tour concludes at the Green Dragon Inn where even kids can enjoy special non-alcoholic ginger beer.
8. Shirakawa-go, Japan: Snow or Sunshine, Always Entertaining
If you’re looking for cultural immersion that still captivates young minds, this UNESCO village of traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses delivers beautifully. My children were fascinated by these unique A-frame thatched houses designed to withstand heavy snowfall.
Many houses function as museums where kids can touch traditional tools and see how Japanese families lived centuries ago. The open-air museum aspect meant my energetic children could run between buildings without disturbing anyone.
During winter, the village transforms into a magical snow globe that had my kids speechless with wonder.
9. Gruyères, Switzerland: Chocolate, Cheese, and Castle Adventures
Few villages combine medieval charm with kid-friendly attractions as perfectly as Gruyères. My children still talk about the Cailler chocolate factory tour where they not only learned how chocolate is made but also enjoyed unlimited samples that had them bouncing with excitement.
The nearby La Maison du Gruyère cheese factory features interactive exhibits with cartoon characters explaining the cheese-making process. Topping it all off is the magnificent castle where kids can dress up as knights and princesses. Even lunch was a hit with child-friendly fondue options that turned mealtime into an adventure.
10. Oia, Santorini: Beyond the Sunset Crowds
Many travelers dismiss Oia as just a sunset spot, but we discovered its family-friendly side by exploring in the morning. The famous blue domes and whitewashed buildings created a natural maze that my children loved navigating, pretending they were on a treasure hunt.
Local shopkeepers welcomed my curious kids with small treats and stories. The Maritime Museum, though small, fascinated them with model ships and tales of sea adventures.
Best of all were the hidden staircases leading to small swimming spots where we escaped the crowds and my children splashed happily in the crystal-clear Aegean.
11. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany: Medieval Fun Year-Round
Walking through the perfectly preserved medieval walls of Rothenburg transported my family back in time in the most engaging way. The Medieval Crime Museum, despite its name, presents history through interactive exhibits that fascinated even my youngest child.
We spent hours following the Night Watchman’s Tour, where the guide’s dramatic storytelling had my kids hanging on every word. The Christmas Museum celebrates the holiday year-round, delighting children regardless of when you visit.
My kids’ favorite discovery was the schneeball pastry shops where they watched bakers create these traditional ball-shaped treats.
12. Alberobello, Italy: Trulli Houses Create Natural Playground
The unique cone-shaped trulli houses of Alberobello instantly captured my children’s imagination, becoming a natural playground for games of hide-and-seek among the circular structures. Many trulli owners welcomed my curious kids to peek inside their homes, offering impromptu cultural exchanges.
Unlike many historic villages, Alberobello’s layout features multiple small courtyards where children can run freely while parents relax at nearby cafés. The Trullo Sovrano museum brings history to life with child-height displays.
For a sweet break, we discovered several gelaterias serving trulli-shaped treats that delighted my young travelers.
13. Júzcar, Spain: The Unexpected Smurf Village
Imagine my children’s delight when we rounded the corner to discover an entire village painted bright blue! Once a traditional white Andalusian pueblo, Júzcar was transformed for a Smurfs movie promotion and decided to keep its unique color when tourism boomed.
Beyond the novelty of blue buildings, the village created Smurf-themed playgrounds and walking trails with character statues hidden along the path. Local restaurants serve blue-tinted foods that had my kids giggling with every bite.
Even the practical facilities cater to families, with clean changing areas and high chairs available at most establishments.