Family-friendly countries: a list with criteria

Last reviewed: 1 November 2026.

How we built the list

No surveys and no votes. A country made the list if it has at least one strong, officially published fact in one of these criteria, checked on 1 November 2026. Spain, Switzerland, the Netherlands and the UK meet two or more.

1. Peace and stability: a high place in the Global Peace Index 2026 from the Institute for Economics & Peace. Iceland has held first place for 19 straight years; New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia and Ireland complete the top five (GPI 2026), and Austria, Portugal, Singapore, Finland and Japan complete the top ten (Vision of Humanity, IEP).
2. Children's transport discounts published by the national operator.
3. Major attractions with free or reduced entry for children, published by the attraction.
4. A main airport with family services, per the airport operator.

We did not score hotel prices or weather, which depend on dates. US destinations are not part of this version.

The list

Country notes

Spain. Same language for Spanish-speaking families and plenty of direct routes from the region. The Prado's 2026 rules list under-18s among free admissions; from age 14 they need ID, and under-14s must be with an adult (Prado rules). The Sagrada Família charges €0 for under-11s across its ticket types (Sagrada Família).

Switzerland. SBB's Junior Travelcard costs CHF 30 per child per year and lets children from 6 until the day before their 16th birthday travel free on trains, boats and PostBus when at least one parent with a valid ticket is along (SBB). For a multi-city trip, it is one of Europe's biggest family savings.

Japan. JR Central charges children aged 6 to 11 half the basic, express and reserved-seat fare. Ages 1 to 5 ride free unless they use a reserved seat, travel alone, or are more than two per adult (JR Central). The flight from Latin America is long, so it suits kids who already sleep on planes.

Netherlands. The Rijksmuseum is free for visitors 18 and under, though each needs a booked time slot (Rijksmuseum). On NS trains, children up to age 3 always ride free without a ticket (NS). From 4 to 11, the free-to-request Kids Vrij subscription lets them ride free with a companion aged 12 or over holding a valid ticket, up to three children per companion; it is loaded on the child's personal OV-chipkaart (NS Kids Vrij, checked 2026-11-02).

France. The Louvre is free for under-18s whatever their nationality and recommends booking a slot (Louvre).

United Kingdom. The Natural History Museum's galleries are free; booking a free ticket guarantees entry (NHM). Check whether your passport needs a UK travel authorization or visa first.

Portugal. Lisbon is compact, and its airport has a family lane at security and a playground for ages 2 to 7 (ANA).

Denmark. Copenhagen's Tivoli lets under-3s in free (Tivoli), and Legoland Billund, a classic for brick fans, is free for under-2s (Legoland). Denmark is pricey, so it works best as a short stop.

Costa Rica. A short flight for much of the region. National parks publish a child rate: $5.65 USD for non-resident children at Arenal Volcano National Park (SINAC). Read our Costa Rica family wildlife story.

Singapore. Changi has play areas in every terminal for ages 2 to 12 and a giant slide in T3 (Changi). A long layover there becomes an outing.

Also worth a look

• Peru, if you live elsewhere: online Machu Picchu tickets are sold on the Peruvian state platform (Machupicchu). Cusco's altitude calls for an easy pace with small children; ask your pediatrician.
• Mexico: Mexico City's Papalote Museo del Niño is built for kids to touch and play (Papalote).
• Iceland, New Zealand and Ireland top the GPI 2026 but are long or costly trips from the region; better with older kids.

Before you choose

• Some countries ask for medical cover to enter or for the visa; see our Spanish-language list of countries that require travel assistance or medical cover. For Europe, read the Schengen guide.
• One parent traveling? Read the exit permits guide.
• If a child gets sick far from home, what to do if you get sick abroad tells you where to start.

Frequently asked questions

What is the safest country to travel to with kids?

In the Global Peace Index 2026, Iceland comes first, with New Zealand, Switzerland, Slovenia and Ireland next; Austria, Portugal, Singapore, Finland and Japan complete the top ten. The index measures peace and conflict, not family services, so treat it as one input.

Which European country is cheapest with kids?

It depends on season and trip style. What saves money everywhere is free entry for minors, as at the Prado, the Louvre or the Rijksmuseum, and kids' rail passes such as Switzerland's Junior Travelcard.

Is this a ranking?

No. Table order does not mean one is better. Each country is here because it has at least one verified fact under the criteria above.

General information, not legal or immigration advice. Rules can change; reviewed 1 November 2026. Always confirm with the official source before you travel.