Autumn in Europe's national parks: kid-friendly trails

Exploring national parks with kids in autumn is a joy: golden forests, crisp air, fewer visitors and animals getting ready for winter. In September and October, trails are quieter than in summer and the colours are at their best. Here are ten kid-friendly trails in Europe's national parks, with distances, difficulty and tips for a happy day out.

Why national parks with kids are best in autumn

Children love autumn hikes because there is so much to collect and discover: leaves, chestnuts, mushrooms, waterfalls and maybe a deer. Cool temperatures make walking easier than in summer heat. Many parks have visitor centres with exhibits and short themed trails made for families.

Which ages it suits

Boardwalks and flat lake paths suit all ages; gorges, waterfalls with steps and mountain loops are better from about five or six.

10 kid-friendly trails with distance and difficulty

Croatia, Slovenia and Austria have the most spectacular water trails, Germany the best animal and forest experiences, and the Netherlands the easiest flat park. Distances are approximate. Check opening times, fees and trail conditions on the official websites.

Price per adult (entry or parking): free, budget = under about €10, mid-range = about €10–30, premium = over €30. Approximate, prices change.

See family trips to national parks on the Kid.ooo map

Water trails

At Plitvice Lakes National Park, wooden boardwalks lead over turquoise lakes and waterfalls, and an electric boat crosses the biggest lake. The Krimml Waterfalls in Austria are the highest in Austria and among the highest in Europe, with a well-built path and viewpoints along the way. In Slovenia's Triglav National Park, the loop around Lake Bohinj and the climb to the Savica waterfall are family favourites, and near Bled the Vintgar Gorge has a boardwalk above a rushing river.

Forests, rocks and animals

In the Nationalpark Bayerischer Wald, large animal enclosures let kids see wolves, lynx and bears in natural surroundings. The Nationalpark Sächsische Schweiz has sandstone towers and the famous Bastei bridge. Across the border, České Švýcarsko National Park continues the sandstone landscape with gorges and rock arches.

Alps and lowlands

The Swiss National Park around Zernez, founded in 1914, is the oldest national park in the Alps, and in autumn you may hear red deer calling. In Italy, Gran Paradiso National Park is home to ibex and chamois, often seen in the Valnontey valley. In the Netherlands, De Hoge Veluwe offers free white bikes to explore heath, forest and sand dunes.

Safety and kit

Dress in layers, wear good shoes and stay on marked trails, especially near water and cliffs.

• Waterproof jacket and warm layer
• Sturdy shoes with grip for wet boardwalks
• Hat and gloves for cold mornings
• Snacks, water and a thermos of tea
• A small first-aid kit and charged phone
• A torch, as days get shorter

Hold small hands near edges and on wet steps.

Snacks and stops on the way

Plan picnics at viewpoints and finish with a warm drink at the visitor centre. Many parks have cafés at the main entrances. Find kid-friendly restaurants near the parks on the Kid.ooo map.

Parent tip

Visit on weekdays and start early: you will see more animals and fewer people. Turn the walk into a game, such as a leaf hunt or a waterfall count. More hiking ideas are in our spring hiking with kids guide, quieter regions in late-summer escapes, and bike routes in cycling holidays with kids.

For family travel and photo tips, follow @macs_explore on Instagram.

Find nearby trails and playgrounds in Kid.ooo

Kid.ooo is a free kid-friendly places map where parents share trails, playgrounds and cafés across Europe. Save kid-friendly hikes and a playground near the park entrance for when little legs need a different kind of fun.

Find family trails on the Kid.ooo map

Missing a place you loved? Add it to Kid.ooo and help the next family planning an autumn hike.