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 coming to the Scottish capital from 1st to 16th April. 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.
Fall down the rabbit hole in Berlin
Swap winter board games for the great outdoors. For one day only, the streets of Berlin will turn into a giant, escape-room-style experience. Join CluedUpp Games for Alice in Wonderland Berlin on 15th April and you’ll feel like you’re still dreaming in bed at Hotel de Rome as you encounter Mad Hatters and the Queen of Hearts.
Once you’ve downloaded the CluedUpp Games app, your secret starting point (in a convenient central location), will be emailed to you two weeks beforehand. When the clock starts you’ll receive clues to your phone as you race to solve puzzles, complete challenges and uncover conspiracies in a bid to rescue Alice from Wonderland.
Alice-themed fancy dress is encouraged and prizes are given for the best costume and fastest team with a special award for the best mini player under 16. Even your dog can win a prize – awarded to the most stylish pooch.
Discover a bucolic stage in London
In a semi-rural idyll in London, among the rose gardens of Regent’s Park, children aged four and over can enjoy a planet-friendly show this spring. After a restful night at Brown’s Hotel in Mayfair, head north to Regent’s Park Open Air Theatre to see Every Leaf a Hallelujah by the Booker Prize-winner Ben Okri, a fairytale of a show, running from 22nd May to 10th June.
The story follows Mangoshi, an African village girl on a solo mission through an enchanted world of endangered trees to find a special flower to cure her sick mother. Hearing the breeze rustle through the trees above the outdoor theatre will undoubtedly help bring the story alive for young viewers.
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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