Creative Family Breaks: Art-Filled Adventures for Easter 2026
Forget your usual holiday routines this Easter and embark on an artsy family adventure in Europe. There’s a gallery, landmark and experience for every generation, making it the perfect combination of cultural discovery and family fun.
Further feed your creativity with a stay at art’otel, where bold design meets the best city centre locations in Europe.
From iconic attractions to hidden artistic gems, here’s how to curate a holiday that inspires adults and teens as much as it’ll keep younger children entertained.
London: Must-see exhibitions and dramatic cityscapes
Skip a predictable city break this Easter. London’s world-class art scene has everything from traditional to cutting-edge experiences that thrill every age, making it the perfect canvas for your family adventure.
Feed your imagination at the Hayward Gallery with interactive installations. Get lost in the immense and intricate web of Chiharu Shiota: Threads of Life, and then reflect on intimate multimedia works in Yin Xiuzhen: Heart to Heart. For a family-friendly staple, the Tate Modern has free entry to its collection or you can book the temporary exhibitions. This season, discover thought-provoking pieces by Máret Ánne Sara in the Turbine Hall or journey through the urban landscape of the US with ARTIST ROOMS: Ed Ruscha.
Capture the city’s drama from the Sky Garden or the Thames Clipper. For a classic adventure, an open-top bus tour is an unbeatable introduction to icons like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace.
And for pure magic, the Warner Bros. Studio Tour – The Making of Harry Potter is a spellbinding day out for all Potterheads. Wander Diagon Alley and peek behind the scenes to see how the wizarding world is brought to life.
Rome: An open-air masterpiece
Rome is a living gallery of history and art, making every step you take in the Eternal City exciting. It’s a city where ancient wonders ignite the imagination of both kids and adults.
The Galleria Borghese is a highlight for families looking for complete artistic immersion. A visit here feels like getting lost in the most wonderful maze through rooms filled with Bernini’s dramatic sculptures and Caravaggio’s captivating paintings. For contrast, the National Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art offers a sleek journey through more recent artistic movements.
Beyond the galleries, the city itself is an attraction. Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain, explore the Colosseum, and enjoy a gelato while wandering around the city’s quiet corners.
When you need a break from pavement pounding, head to the Villa Borghese gardens. Bring along a picnic, go for a paddleboat ride on the lake, or bask in the Roman sun with a book in hand.
Amsterdam: A creative ride from canals to the cosmos
Amsterdam’s compact scale and playful spirit make it ideal for reimagining your usual break. Here, creativity flows from the canal-side architecture to innovative museums, offering an adventure that’s as unique as your family.
Where science, nature, and artistry collide, you’ll find ARTIS. While mainly known for its zoo, there’s so much more to explore there. The Planetarium lets families embark on a cosmic journey together and the Aquarium has a vast array of interactive installations to explore. For a shift in focus, Foam Photography Museum has engaging workshops that are a guaranteed hit for visually minded teens.
Glide through the city on a canal cruise or rent bikes to feel like a local. Sip a drink, feel the spring breeze, and hunt for treasures in the independent boutiques and niche art galleries of the Nine Streets (De Negen Straatjes).
Zagreb: Croatian charm and culture
Swap the crowds for Zagreb’s relaxing and affordable feel. This captivating city mixes Austro-Hungarian grandeur, green parks, and a lively, warm soul into one family-friendly escape.
Begin at elegant Zrinjevac Park, a beautiful square with fountains and music that often fill the air. Then feel Zagreb’s cultural pulse at the Croatian National Theatre. This Easter, catch the pioneering musical Cabaret, perfect for teens and adults, and the timeless ballet The Sleeping Beauty, ideal for the whole family.
Hop on one of the world’s shortest funiculars to the historic Upper Town (Gornji Grad) for St Mark’s Church and the Museum of Broken Relationships. Then, immerse yourselves in the local vibe at Dolac Market, where authentic snacks await at every stall.
Berlin & Cologne: German cultural hubs
German cities hum with raw, modern creative energy perfect for an edgy city break. They are playgrounds of modern art and innovative design.
In Berlin, embrace the legendary alternative scene by catching an indie film at Babylon Kreuzberg, or see a bold theatrical production at Volksbühne am Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz. On 5 April 2026, seek out Auferstehung in Ahrensfelde, showcasing Easter stories by Alexander Osang.
Head to Cologne for a stunning contrast. Gaze up at the Gothic majesty of the twin-spired cathedral, then visit the Ludwig Museum just steps away. The collection spans wide-ranging pop art to a substantial permanent display of works by Pablo Picasso. After, find genuine German cosiness at Augustiner am Heumarkt, where adults enjoy local craft beers and kids try the sugar-dusted Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake).
Curate your own Easter escape with art’otel
This Easter, go beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re drawn to London’s iconic streets, Amsterdam’s creative canals, Zagreb’s charming squares, or Berlin’s modern spirit, art’otel puts you at the heart of it all. It’s where bold design meets the best city-centre locations, making your family’s shared discovery even more inspiring.