Andiamo Kiddo's Guide to the Best Ideas for a Fall Break in Europe with Kids

The kids just started school, but you might already be thinking about that next trip. Here are some ideas and inspiration on where to go and what to do in Europe for a fall break trip.

As we've written previously, we love traveling to Europe in the fall because things are generally more affordable and less crowded. Plus, mild weather means that hotter destinations like Greece and Italy won't be as oppressively hot.

Let's start with lower travel costs. If you are looking at a September/October date, most American and European kids will be back in school which means that there are fewer travelers overall which means flights and hotels generally will be cheaper. Many boutique and independent hotels publish lower rates starting in September or October.

Then there are crowds...or lack thereof. While crazy popular sites like the Vatican will always have tons of people vying to get in, lines should be much more manageable.

The weather will be much more cooperative as well. This past July and August saw dangerously high temps across much of Europe. Some attractions, like the Acropolis in Athens, were closed due to heat to keep tourists from overheating at the treeless ruins. Those heat waves will have broken by September and temperates should moderate to be more pleasant.

Certain parts of Europe simply have a fall vibe. For example, strolling the Charles Bridge and seeing the witch-hat-style buildings in Prague feels just a little extra special during the Halloween season. Many towns and castles across Europe have a certain Halloween feel and make for great spooky destinations.

If your kids' fall break is over Thanksgiving, that is another excellent time to go...and perhaps our overall favorite for a myriad of reasons listed in our post on Thanksgiving travel.

Lastly, dozens of spots throughout Europe have fun, quirky, and unforgettable fall festivals. From small-town celebrations of the harvest with pre-Christian roots to country-wide celebrations of the latest in local gastronomy you can find annual celebrations that bring communities together and create lasting memories for your entire family.

Here are a few of our favorites for inspiration.

Oktoberfest -- various towns across Germany

• Mid-September through October

• What to Expect: Munich's Oktoberfest is the most famous party in Europe. While beer, bratwurst, and oompah music are the tenets of the celebration, there are also parades, games, carnival rides, and kid-friendly activities during the day. The Family Day offers discounted rides and games. Be aware that some tents can get too tightly packed and rowdy for young kids by evening.

Beyond Munich, dozens of towns across Germany (and even other countries) throw lesser-known but equally less raucous Oktoberfest fairs.

La Mercè Festival (Barcelona, Spain)

• September 22-25

• What to Expect: Barcelona’s biggest festival features parades, fireworks, human towers (Castellers), concerts, and puppet shows. There are dedicated children’s areas with interactive activities, street performances, and family-friendly workshops. Be warned though -- your kids may be inspired to build their own Casteller with their siblings.

Fête de la Gastronomie (France, Nationwide)

• Mid to Late September

• What to Expect: It should be no surprise that France has a two-week, nationwide festival that celebrates French cuisine. Family-friendly markets and activities across France encourage families to explore local dishes and cooking traditions. You can even find kid-focused food tastings, cooking demonstrations, and workshops.

  
  

Zurich Film Festival (Zurich, Switzerland)

• Late September - Early October

• What to Expect: This international film festival offers a section specifically for children, with family-friendly movies and workshops. It’s a great opportunity for families to enjoy films together and explore different cultures through cinema.

  
  

Stuttgart Wine Village (Stuttgart, Germany)

• Late August - Early September

• What to Expect: Germany's biggest wine festival also has family-friendly events like traditional Swabian food stalls, folk music, crafts, face painting, rides, and games.

  
  

Puck Fair (Killorglin, Ireland)

• Early September

• What to Expect: Wild goats are paraded through the streets and one is crowned as the King of Killorglin.

• Records show this festival dates back to the 1600s but its roots go back to early or even pre-Christian festival celebrations. One of Ireland’s oldest festivals, this includes a coronation parade, fireworks, live music, and a funfair. Children can enjoy puppet shows, face painting, and street performances throughout the festival.

  
  

Venice Regata Storica (Venice, Italy)

• First Sunday in September

• What to Expect: This traditional boat race on the Grand Canal includes colorful parades with historical costumes, making it a visually stunning event for families. Children can watch the gondolas and learn about Venetian history in an exciting setting.

Onion Market (Zibelemärit) (Weimar, Germany)

• Mid-September

• What to Expect: A quirky and fun festival that celebrates all things onion! This includes a parade, market stalls with onion-related crafts, and fun activities for kids such as crafts and games. There are also fairground rides and live entertainment.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta (Bristol, UK)

• Early September

• What to Expect: This is Europe’s largest hot air balloon festival, with more than

• 100 balloons taking to the skies. There are also funfair rides, children’s activities, and live music. The mass balloon ascents and nightglows are breathtaking for both kids and adults.

Fiestas del Pilar (Zaragoza, Spain)

• October 7-15

• What to Expect: This vibrant festival includes parades, traditional dancing, concerts, and street performances. Children can enjoy puppet shows, interactive activities, and family-focused events in a welcoming atmosphere.

Ghent Festival of Flanders (Ghent, Belgium)

• Throughout October

• What to Expect: This music and arts festival features family-friendly performances, concerts, and art installations. Interactive workshops and kid-friendly concerts are also part of the program.

Luminara di San Domenico (Bologna, Italy)

• Early October

• What to Expect: A beautiful candlelit procession through the streets of Bologna. The festival features music, fireworks, and plenty of activities for children, such as craft stalls and local food tastings.

Halloween Festival (Derry, Northern Ireland)

• October 28-31

• What to Expect: Derry’s Halloween Festival is one of the biggest in Europe, featuring spooky parades, costume competitions, haunted houses, fireworks, and plenty of child-friendly activities.

Pumpkin Festival (Ludwigsburg, Germany)

• Throughout October

• What to Expect: Ludwigsburg is home to the world’s largest pumpkin festival. With pumpkin displays, carving contests, and pumpkin-themed foods, it's a hit for families. There are also playgrounds, games, and interactive activities for children.