Top 7 Family Road Trips by Campervan in Europe

There’s something magical about exploring Europe as a family — and even more so when you do it with a campervan. No fixed check-ins. No airport stress. Just you, the kids, and the freedom to explore on your own terms.

Here are seven family-friendly road trips that combine epic scenery, kid-friendly activities, and van-perfect overnight stops — designed for families who want something more memorable than another package holiday.

1. Duinrell & Netherlands Family Road Trip 🇳🇱

Start with a splash at Duinrell — one of Europe’s most beloved waterparks and family campgrounds — then head north along the Dutch coast, hopping from beach towns to the lakes of Friesland. Take the ferry to Terschelling island for a few nights of dune play, forest biking, and beachside camping.

Waterpark with on-site camping
Safe cycling paths and nature reserves
Island ferry adventures kids will never forget

🟢 Best for: Waterpark fun, cycling, sandy beaches

Combine with 'Netherlands - Duinrell: Stay, Ride & Swim' from 129 EUR or 469 EUR

2. Surf & Camp France (Aquitaine Coast) 🇫🇷

Park your van beneath pine trees just behind the dunes, and walk barefoot to the surf each morning. The Atlantic coast of France is perfect for families learning to surf or just wanting a laid-back beach life. Many campgrounds like Huttopia Lac de Carcans offer kids’ activities, forest playgrounds, and swimming lakes.

Gentle beginner surf beaches
Campsites with pools, lakes and shaded pitches
Ice cream, crepes, and evening markets by the sea

🟢 Best for: Surf learners, active kids, forest camping

Combine with 'France Southwest Surf & Nature' from 445 EUR or 1290 EUR

3. Slovenia Alpine Lakes & Canyons 🇸🇮

Slovenia’s scale is perfect for campervan travel with kids. Think fairy-tale lakes, crystal-clear rivers, and family rafting adventures. Base near Lake Bled, then take short drives to waterfalls, canyons, and picnic-perfect viewpoints.

Short drive distances, big nature rewards
Adventure sports for all ages
Clean, quiet, well-equipped campgrounds

🟢 Best for: Wild swimming, beginner rafting, outdoor fun

4. French Alps Nature Explorer 🇫🇷

From cable cars and animal parks to mountain rivers and giant outdoor trampolines — the French Alps are a natural adventure playground. Many resorts shift into family activity mode in summer, with van-friendly spots that include playgrounds, splash zones, and hiking trails.

Zip lines, tree-top parks, and safe hiking routes
Farmer’s markets, cheese tastings, and glacier views
Van-friendly mountain villages with playgrounds

🟢 Best for: Big mountain views, high-altitude play

5. Atlantic Way Ireland Family Escape 🇮🇪

Explore wild beaches, dramatic cliffs, and endless green space as you roam along Ireland’s rugged west coast. The joy of this route lies in its slow rhythm — stopping to picnic, explore a tide pool, or follow a sheep trail over the next hill.

Campsites beside beaches or tiny fishing towns
Ancient castles, seal colonies, and fairy forts
Evening fires, pub music, and endless skies

🟢 Best for: Coastal stories, road trip rhythm, hidden gems

Combine with 'Ireland-Wild Atlantic Way Family Explorer' from 380 EUR or 1150 EUR

6. Dolomites Family Loop (Italy) 🇮🇹

Start in South Tyrol and drive a loop through valleys dotted with mountain huts, farms, and ice cream stands. The Dolomites offer the dramatic beauty of big mountains, without needing extreme effort. Family trails, cable cars, and kid-welcoming rifugi make this route rich with reward.

Pizza-making, cheese tasting, llama hikes
Farm stays and well-kept campervan spots
Culture and nature in one gorgeous loop

🟢 Best for: Mountain landscapes, hands-on experiences

7. German Forests & Fairy Tales Route 🇩🇪

Travel through the forests and towns that inspired the Brothers Grimm — full of storybook charm and child-friendly surprises. Visit castles, paddle down gentle rivers, or explore wildlife parks nestled deep in the woods.

Fairytale castles and medieval towers
Forest playgrounds and adventure parks
Excellent campervan infrastructure in quiet spots

🟢 Best for: Myth, magic, and meaningful stops

Final Thought

Each of these routes is designed not just to be family-friendly — but to create the kind of moments your kids will remember for life. In a campervan, the journey becomes part of the joy: flexible, immersive, and full of unexpected little wonders.

👉 Explore our full collection of family holiday campervan experiences