Travel with Kids

Best Spas and Pools in Europe with Kids

Best Spas and Pools in Europe with Kids

Last updated: October 25, 2026. This update corrects selected venue-age, supervision, facility, and safety details; the family’s visits remain historical. Date information added October 28, 2026.

This guide was published on August 8, 2025. Its personal stories and price examples describe past visits. Spa and pool rules, child access, prices, package inclusions, and facilities vary; check the venue’s current official information before booking.

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Opinions shared are my own, and I only endorse products I support. By clicking on any of the links below, I may get a small commission if you purchase at absolutely no additional charge to you. I appreciate your support.

We enjoy spas and pools in Europe with kids. We love to head to the pool as much as any other family. Water has a way of both calming and wearing out kids, and I always find a day after water activities to be so satisfying with kids! We’ve visited hot springs and pools around the world during our full-time travels, from hot springs in Taiwan to famous baths in Budapest to river beaches in Portugal.

Rules and customs can vary from one pool or spa to another, so checking the venue’s current guidance can help when planning with kids. You shouldn’t stop getting massages and swimming just because you are in a new place, but a little preparation can go a long way!

Watch the original linked video on YouTube

Pool and Spa Expectations While Traveling

We’ve been traveling for a while, so we have learned a few things about pool rules, etiquette and do’s and dont’s. Here are a few tips you should consider when visiting European pools, spas and even thermal waters!

Showering Before Swimming

Pool shower rules vary by venue. Some pools require a shower before swimming, so check the posted guidance and follow staff instructions. A shower may feel chilly for a few seconds, but it can be part of the venue’s hygiene rules.

At our local gym, as you exit the locker rooms and head to the pool, a shower automatically falls on you! Other venues may arrange showers differently, so check where they are and whether they are required.

Outdoor swimming facilities vary too. Some beaches have showers and others do not; check what is available before you go, including at river beaches in Portugal.

Swim Caps in Pools

Swim-cap rules vary by pool, so check the venue’s guidance before you go. The swim caps are not attractive in any way, but I will say I’ve come to love that I’m not getting long strands of hair wrapped around my toes in the pool like sometimes happens in the US. We’ve learned to pack them in our swimming bags. Even my husband, who is bald, had to wear one! His beard hair is longer than his head hair. It’s not entirely logical at times.

Some venues may sell swim caps, but don’t count on that being available. I’ve got several in my gym bag at this point and rely on them for spas as well. I just went with a friend to this amazing spa in Cascais, and we had to wear them to soak in the pool before our massages.

Footwear for the Pool

Check a pool or spa’s footwear rules before visiting. Requirements vary, and some venues may require sandals or other footwear in wet areas. For the Budapest baths, check the current rules directly. Bring appropriate footwear if the venue’s current rules require it.

Spa Expectations

I’m a big fan of massages and am working my way through several spas in Portugal, where we live. I have yet to find one that exactly matches my American expectations, but I’ve enjoyed many of them.  Here are a few things I’ve noticed at spas.

Disposable Underwear for Massages

Practices vary by spa. Check the provider’s instructions before booking, including what to wear and what draping options are available. I find disposable underwear (a thong) a bit weird to use.

Massage Tables

So far, I haven’t found the plushy massage tables I love in the US. Some tables I’ve encountered have a hole rather than a removable head piece.

While the table might not be as comfortable, I’ve found the massage therapist skills to be great and on par with the US massages I’ve gotten.  One of our favorite places for massage was Bali!  We would walk just a few steps from our Airbnb and get a full body massage for about $3.  Amazing.  That is a culture that allows you to enjoy massages!

5 European Spas and Thermal Baths: Check Family Access Before You Go

1. Therme Erding: Located in Germany, the operator currently lists 40 pools and water basins and 28 slides. Check its current facilities, age rules, treatments, and family options directly before planning. You can explore hotels associated with a visit, but confirm current availability, admission, and booking terms with the providers.

2. Blue Lagoon: Chances are, you’ve already seen pictures of this iconic place in Iceland, and we’ve already been there! We had so much fun at the Blue Lagoon. Check the current package details and family rules when planning; inclusions can vary by package.

Blue Lagoon’s current safety guidance sets a minimum age of two. Children eight and under must wear arm floaters; the venue provides them free. No more than two children may attend per adult, and children must remain under close adult supervision. Check current package details for towels, masks, drinks, and other inclusions; don’t assume they are included in every visit. We had no problem with our older kids on that visit. They had a blast.

3. Széchenyi Thermal Bath: This is the most famous spa in Budapest, and no wonder why. What I found interesting about this one is how it kind of looks as though you were in the middle of the street because of the style of the building and floors.

Standard admission is for ages 14 and over, including the outdoor pools, under the rules in effect from August 1, 2025. Check the current Széchenyi FAQ before planning; any exceptions require advance confirmation from the operator.

4.  Therme Bucharest: Located in Romania, this is a large wellness complex. Under the operator’s current rules, under-14s need adult supervision and cannot enter Elysium or The Palm; The Palm permits a limited exception for children under three accompanied by parents. Admission may not include every zone or service, and family access varies by ticket, so check the current rules directly before planning.

5. Aqua Dome: These thermal waters are in Austria, with views of the Ötztal Alps. The operator lists a children’s pool, slides, and play area. Its entertainment programme has conditions, including age 3+ and being out of nappies; confirm current schedules and booking details, and arrange any required adult supervision. Saunaworld is 15+. Check current access rules before planning.

Beach Etiquette in Portugal

We haven’t really experienced a lot of beaches in Europe outside of Portugal, so I can only offer with certainty what I’ve found to be true in Portugal. However, a few things to know before you hit the beach:

• In our experience, the beaches we visited in Portugal felt relaxed. While it’s not polite to blare music, some might still do that. Check posted beach rules and dog restrictions.
  
• Beach days are loooong. When locals head to the beach, it’s often for 10+ hours.  They are settling in for an entire day.
  
• Often there are restaurants on site. You can pack a cooler, of course, but you’ll usually find a cafe or restaurant to enjoy as well.  Meals are long in Europe (two hours is normal), so relax and take it in!  Sometimes restaurants will even have beach chairs on the beach itself and serve you there!

• Vendor availability and rules vary by beach; we’ve found the sales pressure low compared with some other places.
  • Be sure to try a Bola de Berlim in Portugal! These fluffy donuts are sold on the beach and can be filled with egg custard or chocolate creme (like Nutella).  Most of us prefer chocolate or plain.  The original 2025 guide estimated about €2 each; current prices vary. I keep some euros in our beach bag.
    
• I like to freeze water bottles and use them for both drinking and refrigeration in our beach bag!  Just be aware of the condensation on the bottle.
  
• In the summer, beaches can become very crowded. Parking can be hard, so public transport is best, and you might get some grumpy looks if you cozy up too close to someone else. However, just keep in mind you have every right to be there too! Pay attention to the tide and if it is coming in or out.  You might have to move quickly!
  
• Kids can often play with others no matter the language.  Enjoy this part of the trip!  

Packing List for Spas and Pools in Europe with Kids

Amenities vary by spa. Check the venue’s current packing, towel, footwear, food, and locker guidance before you go. For example, Therme București prohibits outside food and drink except specified food for children up to three, and requires non-skid slippers. Here are some things you may want to consider bringing:

• Towels: Some spa packages include towels; check whether yours does. If not, a light towel that dries quickly may be useful to pack.
  
• Sunscreen: Check whether your visit includes outdoor time. For sun exposure, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher; follow the product label and reapply at least every two hours outdoors and immediately after swimming or sweating.
   
• Swimsuits: If you’re not only going to get a massage and plan on swimming in jacuzzis or thermal waters, make sure to pack a swimsuit for you, your husband and your kids (boys and girls).
  
• Sandals or slippers: Check whether footwear is required and whether slippers are supplied. Bring footwear if the venue’s current rules call for it.
  
• Sun Hats: If you expect to spend time outdoors, consider bringing a hat.

• Water Bottles: Check whether outside drinks are permitted and what water options are available. If allowed, pack water and remember to stay hydrated.
  
• Snacks: Check the venue’s rules before bringing food. Some venues prohibit outside food or drink; if snacks are allowed, pack what your family needs.
  
• Floaties: Check whether a venue allows personal flotation aids. The American Red Cross advises that flotation aids do not replace close adult supervision; stay within arm’s reach of weak or inexperienced swimmers, even when lifeguards are present.
  
• First aid kit: Consider a basic first-aid kit and your family’s usual medicines; follow labels and individual medical advice. Examples include bandaids, allergy relief or pain medicines.

Additional Readings

Visiting Germany’s Largest Amusement and Water Park with Kids: Europa Park Tips

23 Hidden Gems of Portugal for Families + Bonus Spots

Enjoying Ljubljana with Kids: 18 Ideas to Explore

Best Things To Do in Cascais With Kids