I planned our 11-day family trip to Europe without focusing on our kids. It was a smashing success.

I plan my family’s annual summer vacation during the hottest time of year in many popular destinations. It’s the reality of traveling with school-aged kids: We’re bound to their vacation schedules.

In the past, that’s meant sweating through summers in Greece, Rome, Amalfi, and the south of France. Gorgeous, yes — but also brutally hot in peak season. Every time we stepped outside, it felt like gearing up for battle with the elements. This year, we knew we wanted to visit Europe again, but we also knew we had to pivot to a cooler northern itinerary instead.

Eventually, I mapped out a route that strung together four cities in four different countries over 11 days — three of them brand-new to us — mostly traveling by train. The plan was ambitious, and I started to doubt myself before we even left.

I was worried they wouldn’t enjoy the itinerary

Why did I think my twins could get excited about medieval history and leafy canals, with nary a beach or theme park in sight? Obviously, there’s a reason the throngs flock to southern Europe in July; that’s where the energy is — lively piazzas, beach scenes, endless gelato. But would my kids be into that energy? What were we thinking, dragging two 11-year-olds through fortresses, history museums, and subdued waterways?

I needn’t have worried. In the end, this more grown-up circuit of historic cities and cultural highlights turned out even better than I imagined. The kids loved it. What seemed at first like an ambitious sprint across Europe became one of our most memorable family adventures yet.

We spent the twins’ birthday in Amsterdam.

We kicked things off in Amsterdam, staying at the Conservatorium Hotel, an ultra-chic and walkable property with an indoor pool that offered kids’ hours in the mornings. It quickly became the twins’ favorite way to start the day.

The city’s canals became their playground. We rented a paddle boat, which let them steer us through the waterways while dodging tour boats. We also made a short trip to Zaanse Schans, where the kids climbed inside historic wooden windmills and watched the gears creak to life.

For their 11th birthday dinner, the hotel surprised them with cakes and balloons in their room. Then we celebrated with an Indonesian rice table — a festive Amsterdam restaurant tradition of countless small plates.

One of the most moving stops of the trip was our visit to the Anne Frank House. I wasn’t sure how they would respond to such a heavy history lesson, but they were engaged and thoughtful throughout.

Bruges was a highlight for everyone

Next we took the train to Bruges, where we checked into Relais & Châteaux Hotel Heritage, a historic mansion-turned-hotel just steps from the main plaza. I worried Bruges might feel too medieval and dry for kids, but it was a highlight for all of us.

At the Historium Bruges, we explored immersive exhibits and a virtual reality tour that brought the city’s medieval heyday as a shipping port vividly to life. The kids loved climbing the belfry tower, counting every step to the top. And a chocolate-making class turned out to be both hands-on and delicious — though by the end, we were so stuffed we swore we couldn’t eat another confection.

Bruges’ winding canals and storybook squares felt like a movie set, and instead of being bored, the kids leaned into the magic of exploring it on foot.

We had underground adventures in Luxembourg.

Luxembourg was our shortest stop, just two nights, but it made a big impression. We stayed at Place d’Armes, a boutique hotel right on the main square, which meant everything was supremely walkable.

The highlight was exploring the Casemates du Bock, the city’s centuries-old underground fortifications. The kids explored the tunnels like a maze. Above ground, we took in sweeping views and strolled the old town. Even with just one full day, Luxembourg delivered plenty of discovery.

We’d been to London before, but still loved it.

Our last stop was London, where we checked into a gracious family suite at The Stafford London. It was the only city we’d all visited before, but it still offered surprises.

We saw Matilda in the West End — the kids’ first major stage production — and they adored it. We also indulged in a whimsical Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-themed afternoon tea at One Aldwych, complete with candy-colored desserts worthy of Willy Wonka. (So much for being chocolated out after Belgium!)

Of course, we fit in the classics too: the Tower of London, a double-decker sightseeing bus, and long walks through Hyde Park. After so many smaller, new-to-us cities, London felt familiar yet thrilling, a comfortable finale before our flight home.

Our itinerary worked for everyone.

Looking back, I think this ambitious itinerary succeeded because we didn’t try to force it to be kid-friendly. We built a trip that interested us as adults — history, culture, food, theater — and trusted the kids to rise to the occasion. To our delight, they did, and then some.

Every stop offered something hands-on or surprising that spoke directly to them: paddling canals, climbing towers, making chocolate, exploring tunnels. The grown-up activities weren’t watered down — they just turned out to be more engaging than expected. The train rides were novel and fun. And because we weren’t battling summer heat or long lines, everyone had energy left to enjoy it all.

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