Spring has sprung. Mums, dads and children of all ages can make the most of the sunshine season with these family-friendly activities in Europe’s most vibrant cities.
Butterflies, budding daffodils and new-born lambs signal the arrival of spring. Now’s the time for sun-filled adventures. From a fast-paced challenge against the clock to nature-inspired theatre, here’s our pick of the best urban activities this spring.
Have fun with science in Edinburgh
Spark young imaginations with the Edinburgh Science Festival. Children of all ages can explore bright ideas at the UK’s largest science festival, which is hosted in the Scottish capital each spring. Young Einsteins can get their hands dirty exploring the science behind spaceships and dinosaurs, the human body and the weather. Families staying at The Balmoral will be well placed to take part in a playground full of scientific workshops, performances and screenings in galleries and museums across the city.
Discover an open-air stage in London
Among the rose gardens of Regent’s Park, families can enjoy a lively calendar of productions staged beneath the sky from spring through summer. After a restful night at Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair, head north to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre, where past performances have included Roald Dahl’s The Enormous Crocodile and a reimagined version of the much-loved children’s classic The Secret Garden.
Established in 1932, the theatre is the UK’s oldest professional open-air stage and remains a beloved destination for both Londoners and visitors, bringing magical stories to life in a setting where nature becomes part of the performance.
Take Charlie to the chocolate factory in Brussels
Which child doesn’t like chocolate? Your little ones will have a blast getting sticky at Choco Story Brussels, a two-minute stroll from Hotel Amigo in Belgium’s capital. The whole family can learn the process of making chocolate. Try to resist the urge to sample as you explore the story of chocolate, from the Mayan era in modern day Mexico to Belgium in the 1630s.
Watch as an expert chocolatier prepares the pralines before – the best part – you get to taste them. Adults and children over eight can also join workshops to make lollipops, bars and oversized buttons – just ask our friendly Concierge, Marc Neuville, to book you into an after-hours private event.
Discover a whole range of family-friendly activities across all of our Rocco Forte Hotels and get useful tips on travelling with children with Tamara Whitson, writer for Tatler’s Good Schools Guide.
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