Thinking of getting away for the October mid term break? This family holiday in Lake Garda might do the trick! 

Lake Garda has scenery, sights, and plenty of style! Relax in its pretty lakeside towns, enjoy thrill rides in GardaLand, or cycle the new bike path that opened last year. I love taking water taxis across the lake and discovering new towns. The nearby city of Verona should also not be missed. Choose a family holiday in Lake Garda and you will be spoilt for choice.

Gardaland is one of the best theme parks in Europe and is a great day out for all the family. I would also recommend a visit to the amphitheatre in Verona, but for more inspiration check out my handy guide to Lake Garda.

I have been asked about the average temperatures during October, and while it may not be suitable for sunbathing, hopefully it will be warm. The average day time temperature was 74 degrees last year – see historical weather here.
 

 
I found flights from Dublin to Verona on the 28th of October for seven nights for only €186 per person with Ryanair. There are many different resorts to choose from but Peschiera is one of the most popular resorts for a family holiday in Lake Garda.
 

 
A seven-night stay in a two-bedroom bungalow at the popular Camping Bella Italia is only €327. This is an ideal choice for those looking for a family holiday in Lake Garda without breaking the bank. Bella Italia is renowned for its extensive swimming pools and slides, but these may be closed for the October mid term break.

I got in touch with Bella Italia and they informed me that “the pools may remain open if the weather stays warm, but they are usually closed at that time and closed early October last year. However, the animation activities will be available and all the restaurants, shops and bars will be opened till the 5^th of November. The animation programme is different is softer in low season, for example it doesn’t include water activities”.
 

 
The Residence Garda Palace is alternative option in Peschiera, and is rated as Excellent on TripAdvisor. There are a selection of one and two bedroom apartments available. 
 
They are well located just 10 minutes walk from the town centre, and within easy reach of Verona and GardaLand. Price for a seven-night stay in a two-bedroom apartment is €645 and these can accommodate up to six.
 

 
Search Ryanair here 28th Oct – 4th Nov €188pp

View Garda Palace €645

View Bella Italia €327
 

 
All prices are correct at time of issue but are subject to availability. Please note flights and accommodation has been researched on third-party websites and facilities are subject to change. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links where I receive a small commission if a booking is made but at no additional cost to you.

Thrilling, heart-racing rollercoasters, spectacular shows, character parades, and breath-taking firework displays await you in the best theme parks in Europe. 

Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or prefer the slow pace of a carousel, the best theme parks in Europe are full of options to suit all the family. The fun-filled atmosphere of a theme park is something many of us are craving right now, and luckily we have no shortage of parks to choose from – most just a short flight away. So, fasten your seatbelts while I take you on a whistle stop tour of what I think are some of the best theme parks in Europe, and give you tips on where to stay too.
 

1. Disneyland Paris, France

Undoubtably the most popular theme park in Europe, Disneyland Paris attracts an average of 12 million visitors annually. With two amazing parks – Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park, there is so much to discover that you will easily need to spend two or three days here. 

Read: My top tips for visiting theme parks
 

 
It goes without saying, there is a ride for every age, interest, and level of adrenaline you are seeking at these parks, from the tummy churning Tower of Terror to the gentle spinning of the Mad Hatters Tea Cups.

For the little Princesses in your house, be sure to visit the Princess Pavilion for a photo opportunity they’ll treasure. The famous Disneyland Parade takes place on Main Street usually at 5.30pm (check your timetable), it’s normally good to grab a spot at the beginning of the parade (opposite Belle Notte restaurant),  and then scoot off to the rides once it has passed. Finally, the nightly fireworks display is an absolute must to finish a magical day at Disneyland.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sarah Slattery – Travel Expert (@the_travel_expert)

We visited at Christmas time and loved it. You can read all about our trip here:

Read: Top tips to visit Disneyland Paris at Christmas time
 

Where to Stay:

There are eight resort hotels in Disneyland Paris, each with a different theme.  We stayed in the Disneyland Hotel, and while it was magical, I felt it was overpriced. We also stayed in the New York Hotel previously and felt it was very similar, and a much better price point. This hotel is due to be reimagined this year as The Art of Marvel hotel.
 

 
Another popular choice is Newport Bay Hotel. One of the main benefits of staying in a Disney resort hotel is the extra magic hour you get to enter the park before the public, and in many cases you are able to walk to the parks.

Book Disney hotels & park tickets here
 

 
However, don’t overlook some of the nearby hotels, as they are much lower in price and most offer a free shuttle bus to the parks. Disney’s parter hotels range from two to four-star and you can find more about those here:

Read: The Best Disneyland Paris Hotels – Top Picks For Families, Luxury and Value

See Park tickets here
 

How to get to Disneyland Paris

The quickest and easiest way to get to Disneyland Paris is to take the TGV train from Charles de Gaulle Airport, you will arrive in Disneyland Paris in just 12 minutes. Disney’s Magic shuttle bus is also available, approx. 1 hour, or alternatively take a private taxi. 

Read: The best time to visit Disneyland Paris
 

2. PortAventura & Ferrari Land, Spain

For most families, a visit to PortAventura is an added bonus for an exciting day or two, during a summer holiday to the Costa Dorada region of Spain. However, we enjoyed a fabulous few days when we stayed on site a few years ago. Not only is PortAventura one of Europe’s largest theme parks, I firmly believe it is one of the best theme parks in Europe. I recommend visiting as a stand alone trip too, perhaps a long weekend away, or a getaway over the mid term break.
 

 
PortAventura features six distinct worlds with an exciting theme associated with each. The two most thrilling rides in the park are Shambhala, the parks tallest rollercoaster at 76m and reaching a speed of 134km/h, and Dragon Khan which will take you through 8 loops in 69 seconds! When we visited our children were too young to try these (that’s my excuse anyway!), but we loved the water rides.

Grand Canyon Rapids is perfect for kids of all ages while Silver River Plume is more like a coaster with one big drop, and you will need to factor in that you will get quite wet. PortAventura is also home to Caribe Aquatic Park. This is seasonal and usually opens from May to September.
 

 
Younger children are well catered for also with Sésamoaventura, the Sesame Street themed world that offers lots of gentle fun rides, and even the possibility of bumping into Bert and Ernie along the way. As well as the incredible selection of rollercoasters and rides, the park also offers impressive shows, a great fireworks display, and a huge variety of restaurants.

Read: Top 10 reasons to visit PortAventura World
 

 
Opened in 2017, Ferrari Land is the newest addition to the PortAventura World resort. The main attraction here is the terrifying Red Force and at 112 metres high, you won’t have to search to find it. It’s not only the tallest rollercoaster in Europe but also the fastest, accelerating you from zero to 180km/h in just 5 seconds. I was brave or daft enough to try this, and to be honest, I’m still not over it!
 
You will get around Ferrari Land in just over half a day so I would definitely opt for a combination ticket to include both parks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Read: My guide to Ferrari World, Spain
 

Where to Stay:

We stayed in PortAventura’s Gold River Hotel and loved it. It is located next to the park, boasts large family rooms and suites, and has a great restaurant on site. A stay here will include entry to PortAventura during your stay and a 1 Day entry to Ferrari Land.

Book PortAventura hotels here
 

 
You could also stay in the nearby holiday resorts of Salou, La Pineda or Cambrils. Depending on the time of year you visit, why not combine a sun holiday with some time in one of the best theme parks in Europe?

Book tickets here
 

How to get to PortAventura:

PortAventura is located 15 minutes from Reus Airport or just over an hour from Barcelona Airport.

3. Gardaland, Italy

Taking top spot for the largest and most visited theme park in Italy is Gardaland, sitting on the shores of beautiful Lake Garda. The park boasts 32 rides which includes 7 rollercoasters and 3 water rides, perfect to cool the family down on a hot Italian summer’s day.
 

 
Conveniently they have categorised each of the rides into three groups, so you know what you’re getting in advance! Fantasy is aimed at younger children with lots of colourful gentle rides, as well as exciting adventures such as driving a tractor through the park’s crazy farm. 

Adventure has rides to suit all ages, most of which you don’t have to be too brave to take on! Finally, there is Adrenaline which is made up of the highest, fastest, and most thrilling rides in the park. There is possibly a perception that Gardaland is a family day out for younger children, but take one look at these rollercoasters and you’ll soon realise older children and adults will be left pretty impressed.
 

 
We visited Gardaland about ten years ago, but it has changed so much since then, with lots of new attractions and parks added. Two of the newer additions to Gardaland are Peppa Pig Land, and excitingly for the first time in Europe, Legoland is due to open their Lego themed water park this year. With all these new additions, this must surely make Gardaland a contender for one of the best theme parks in Europe.
 

 
Also to note, Gardaland’s Magic Halloween experience runs from 8th October into early November and with flights operating throughout October to Verona, this is certainly a trip to consider.

Where to stay:

Gardaland Hotel is located just two minutes by complimentary shuttle from the park. Campsites are generally one of the more popular accommodation choices for families to Lake Garda, and Del Garda Village & Camping is one of the closer to Gardaland just 3km away. 

Book tickets here
 

How To get to Gardaland:

The closest airport is Verona, a 25-minute drive from Gardaland. Venice (Marco Polo Airport) is approx. 90 minutes drive.
 

4. Legoland Windsor, England

One of the UK’s most well-known theme parks is Legoland in Windsor. The park is designed mainly for children aged between 3 – 12 years featuring over 55 interactive rides, live shows, and spectacular LEGO creations. Some of the highlights include the new DUPLO brick Dinosaur rollercoaster, the thrilling LEGO Dragon ride, and the 3D behind the scenes animation of THE LEGO MOVIE set.
 

 
With its popularity with the young (and young at heart), for the last decade, Legoland Windsor may not be one of the best theme parks in Europe, but it is certainly one of the most popular. If you are planning a trip to Legoland, it is worth taking a look at the events organised throughout the year particularly the Halloween and Christmas themed weeks. This is either a destination on its own where you could easily spend two full days exploring the resort, or as an exciting day trip during a family city break to London.

Read: The top things to do in London with kids and where to stay
 

Where to stay:

Legoland Resort hotel has rooms that will sleep up to a family of five, and offers packages with park tickets included. Alternatively, the 4-star Castle Hotel is located in the heart of Windsor, less than a ten-minute drive from Legoland, a short stroll from plenty of shops and restaurants, and just a two-minute walk from Windsor Castle.
 

 
Book tickets here

How to get to Legoland:

Legoland is located 20km from London Heathrow Airport, and also accessible from other London airports.
 

5. Alton Towers, England

Spread over 500 acres, Alton Towers is the UK’s biggest theme park and impressively appeals to all age groups and levels of bravery, with its offering of over 50 rides and attractions. It won the theme park of the year at last years theme park awards, and is undoubtedly one of the best theme parks in Europe.
 

 
For thrillseekers, the infamous Oblivion and Nemesis rides are sure to leave you speechless. Or if that hasn’t scared you enough, you won’t know whether to laugh or cry as you make your way through the dark and terrifying Alton Towers Dungeon.
 

 
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Alton Towers is also home to CBeebies Land which opened in 2014 and is hugely popular with children from 1- 6 years, where they have the opportunity to interact with their favourite characters. Daily shows include the Teletubbies Big Band Show, which is sure to have your little ones singing and dancing along.

In addition to the incredible selection of rides and rollercoasters, Alton Towers also has a water park located within their Splash Landings Hotel.

Downloading the Alton Towers Resort App in advance will help you get the most out of your visit, allowing you to check current waiting times, the option to purchase Fast track and the ability to set reminders for the shows taking place.
 

Where to stay:

Alton Towers’ Resort has a host of accommodation options, including rooms that will sleep up to six. Hilton Garden Inn, Stoke-on-Trent is 20km from Alton Towers, and with a central location it is within easy walking distance to explore the city.

If you are taking the ferry, a stopover in Chester might be worth considering. Check out the beautiful Crowne Plaza Chester with indoor pool located right in the heart of the historical walled city. 

Book tickets here
 

How to get to Alton Towers:

The closest airport to Alton Towers is East Midlands, approx. 45-minute drive. Car rental is the most convenient option.
Alternatively, it is also popular to take the ferry to Holyhead and drive 2 hours 45 minutes to Alton Towers. Consider an overnight stop in the lovely town of Chester and a visit to Cheshire Oakes outlet centre or a visit to Chester Zoo.
 

6. Phantasialand, Germany

Germany is probably not the first country you think of when you think of the best theme parks in Europe. It may surprise you that Germany has in fact two parks ranked among Europe’s top theme parks, Phantasialand being one of them.
 

 
During a visit you will be transported all around the world ,from the savannah plains in Africa to the Aztecs in ancient Mexico. Through the six themed areas, you will have the option to take in more than 40 attractions. A couple of the more noteworthy rides to mention are Black Mamba – the inverted design will see you travel at high speed through loops and corkscrews, and Mystery Castle – an award-winning terrifying bungee drop and Chiapas – taking you on the steepest log flume descent in the world.
 

 
The restaurants in each zone continue the theme of the region, for example, enjoy noodles and spring rolls in China Town or Churros and Nachos in Mexico. There are also a number of shows including the breath-taking Fantissima Dinner Show.
 

Where to stay:

Phantasialand have three ‘experience’ hotels on site, which you can see here. Alternatively, H+ Hotel Köln Brühl is located under 3km from Phantasialand and close to the centre of the pretty German town of Brühl. Search all hotels close to Phantasialand here.

How to get to Phantasialand:

Phantasialand is approx. 25-minute drive from Cologne Airport.
 

7. Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen

Tivoli Gardens holds quite a few impressive accolades that most other theme parks cannot take claim to. The park dates back to 1843, with fairy tale writer Hans Christian Anderson being one of the first to visit.

Walt Disney also visited many times, and it was here he found the inspiration for Disney World. Also, the unique location in the heart of a Denmark’s capital city sees Tivoli Gardens surrounded on each side by the town hall square, the main train station, and Hans Christian Andersen’s house.
 

 
The beautiful layout of the park has led to plenty of open space with gorgeous, landscaped gardens, a lake, and a pantomime theatre. Although most of the rides are more gentle than thrilling, there are some attractions to get your pulse racing. Try out Vertigo where you take 360 degree turns at 100km/h, or ride through the 3 loops of The Demon at high speed.
 

 
Music is also a popular feature with the Tivoli Concert Hall offering many events throughout the summer. It is also a fabulous place to visit at Christmas time. The park is covered in over 1 million fairy lights, with numerous Christmas market stalls and carol singers, even Santa pays a visit. See more here.
 

 
You only need to check out the TripAdvisor reviews to see the love people have for the atmosphere, setting, and the nostalgia that Tivoli Gardens evokes, and why it is considered one of the best theme parks in Europe. I had the pleasure of visiting Copenhagen a few years ago and loved it. It is a small city that is very easy to navigate and ideal for a city break.

Read: My city guide to Copenhagen

Where to stay:

Eric Vökel Boutique Apartments are less than a 10-minute walk from Tivoli Gardens, and within easy walking distance of most of Copenhagen’s main attractions. 1 Bedroom Apartments will sleep up to 4- and 2-Bedroom Apartments up to 6. 

I would highly recommend buying a Copenhagen Card – this allows access to more than 70 of Copenhagen’s top attractions including Tivoli Gardens. 
 

How to get to Copenhagen:

Fly to Copenhagen Airport, journey time by taxi approx. 20 minutes. There is also a train station at the airport with a regular service into the city centre taking approx. 15 minutes.
 

8. Efteling Park, Netherlands

Four realms make up this unique fairytale-like theme park, which is the largest theme park in The Netherlands. Let’s start with Fairy Realm where fairy tales are brought to life – from the witch’s house in Hansel and Gretel, to Rapunzel’s tower. Next we have Adventure Realm, this is where the daredevils should head for.
 

 
Baron 1898 rollercoaster will plunge you free falling at 90km/h into a mineshaft, or how about Python, a steel rollercoaster with double loops and corkscrews. For more heart racing action, make your way to Alternative Realm where you should be prepared for plenty of screams at the Spookslot Haunted House.

And finally, journey around the world in 8 minutes in the Travel Realm at the Carnival Festival attraction. Check out the times for the park’s daily shows and don’t miss out the spectacular illuminated water show at Aquanura at the end of each day. You could easily spend 2 days exploring Efteling Park.
 

Where to stay:

Efteling Hotel is located a 5-minute walk away from the entrance of the park and includes unlimited access. A nice option if you wanted to extend your stay in the Netherlands would be to base yourself at Beekse Bergen Campsite, a four-star campsite with holiday homes and a safari park onsite. Beekse Bergen is located less than 20 minutes from Efteling Park.  

Book tickets here
 

How to get to Efteling:

The closest airport is Eindhoven, a 20-minute drive from Efteling Park. Amsterdam is 80 minutes away.
 

9. Futuroscope Theme Park, France

Not your usual theme park, Futuroscope’s main emphasis is on multimedia, and offers a totally immersive experience full of 3D and 4D special effects. The park offers 25 fun experiences including Dances with Robots – a dancing lesson you’ll take with giant robots who will send you waltzing 23 feet in the air!
 

 
Destination Mars – a train journey that will take you to outer space with stunning evening shows with a display of 3D aquatic effects and dancing lights. It’s not difficult to see why this is one of the most popular amusement parks in France.

For its size, the park offers a great selection of restaurants, and prices look quite reasonable by theme park standards with lots of meal plan options available. For a family visiting during a French camping holiday, parking is available for the day for €9.
 

Where to stay:

For a one- or two-night stopover near the Park, the Appart Hotel Futuroscope 2 is an 8-minute walk from the park. 1 Bedroom Apartments sleep up to 4. La Roche Posay campsite is a 40-minute drive from Futuroscope. 

Book tickets here
 

 
How to get to Futuroscope :

Depending on whether you fly or take a ferry, the closest airport is Poitiers, but many families will take the ferry to France, and drive to Futuroscope.
 

10. Europa Park, Germany

After Disneyland Paris, Europa park is the second most visited theme park in Europe, although probably not as popular on the Irish market as there are less direct flight routes to that part of Germany from Ireland. Nonetheless, the park attracts on average 5 million visitors per year, incredibly offering more than 100 attractions.
 

 
The park is made up of Europa Theme Park and Rulantica Water World. A couple of the main features of the theme park are Wodan Timburcoaster, which is a giant wooden ride reaching a speed of 100km/h, and Swiss Bobrun which is a take on a bobsleigh where you speed down a metal ice run at 50km/h – with no tracks!
 

 
These are just two of the thirteen rollercoasters at Europa Park, but not only are adrenaline seekers catered for, young children also have an abundance of suitable rides, shows and playgrounds to choose from. These are spread throughout 18 themed areas, each of which are named after a different country.

Ireland even has its own themed area for younger children where they can take a ride on Ba-a-a Express and visit Limerick Castle. The Rutlantica Water World opened in November 2019 and includes an indoor waterpark the size of five football fields!

Europa Park is considered one of the best theme parks in Europe, and with two parks, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained for 2 or 3 days.
 

Where to stay:

Europa Park have six themed hotels which you can see here. Alternatively Eurocamp have a campsite, Campingplatz Herbolzheim Campsite, located 10 km from Europa Park.

Book tickets here
 

How to get to Europa Park:

Strasbourg Airport is less than an hour away, but flights currently are indirect from Ireland. The closest airport with directly flights from Ireland is Zurich which is approx. 2-hour drive from Europa Park.  
 

 
I hope you enjoyed this post on the best theme parks in Europe and it inspires you to travel overseas again soon. Prices and attractions are taken from theme park and hotel websites, but are subject to change. Please check with individual park or hotel for clarification. Some of the links in this post contain affiliate links, where I receive a small commission if a booking is made, but at no additional cost to you.

Sarah

Still looking to book a Summer holiday? Lake Garda ticks all boxes, it’s got scenery, sights and plenty of style!

Lake Garda has so much to offer, from quiet lakeside towns to bustling resorts. Take water taxis across the lake and visit the popular towns of Riva and Limone, explore the nearby city of Verona or simply relax and enjoy the scenery for which Lake Garda is renowned.

There are so many different resorts to choose from but my personal favourite is Sirmione. It’s situated at the south of the Lake, which is handy for visiting Gardaland as well as being close to Verona.  Sirmione is situated at the tip of a long peninsula that juts out into the Lake. The old town has a fairytale like castle that sets the tone and gives a magical feel to the place. Take time to explore the narrow streets which are buzzing with local shops and Italian eateries.

The Garda Village apartments are situated close to Sirmione near the lakeshore. They are bungalow style apartments in a large complex with plenty of facilities. They have kids clubs, a large swimming pool and plenty of on-site entertainment. Personally I would recommend a car ( there is free parking on site) but they also have a shuttle service to take you to nearby attractions, if you don’t fancy driving. There are so many things to see and do nearby but if travelling with kids, Gardaland is a must. This is one of Europe’s leading theme parks and is a great day out for all the family. I would also recommend a  visit to the amphitheatre in Verona, but for more information on Lake Garda check out my blog by clicking here.

Fly from Dublin to Verona on the 9th of July for only €389 per person. This includes airport taxes and 20kg checked baggage per person. The Garda Village 1 bedroom standard bungalows are €973 for seven nights. You can also choose to upgrade to the comfort bungalows (bilo) which are €1,169.  These are slightly bigger and more modern than the standard bungalows. This is excellent value for a family holiday during the summer months and one that all the family are sure to enjoy!

Click here to book flights: €389 per person

Click here to book accommodation: €973

Like what you see? Click here to see all my travel deals in one place!

All prices are correct at time of issue but are subject to availability.

Sarah