Top 10 Family-Friendly Castles around the World

Castles are amazing places to explore as a family. Younger kids can enjoy playing the chivalrous knight or warrior queen, while older children can soak up fascinating history. Additionally, parents can marvel at the architectural prowess involved in creating such incredible edifices. A significant advantage of visiting castles with kids is that, unlike museums, there tends to be ample space for children to run around and picnic areas, making it easy to spend an entire day stepping back in time.

Although many of the best-preserved castles are in Europe, there are numerous opportunities to give your kids an ‘on location’ history lesson at old strongholds across the globe. Here are ten top castles that your kids will love to explore.

Kerak Castle – Jordan

There’s been a fortress here since Biblical times, with stories linked to Kerak Castle that include truly barbaric leaders, gruesome sieges, and the dubious honor of being the first castle to experience modern artillery. Visiting this ruin may not be suitable for faint-hearted parents, considering the unexpected holes, steep staircases, and drops with rudimentary fencing, but it provides fascinating insights into Crusader history.

Kids will love: using their own torches to light up the spooky tunnels.

Birr Castle – Ireland

Home to the Leviathan of Parsonstown, the world’s largest telescope from the 19th century, Birr Castle focuses more on science and astrology than on kings and queens. Visit the castle’s dynamic Science Centre for an interactive education on the gadgets used in early astronomy. After a captivating learning experience, there’s an exciting adventure playground and extensive gardens where you can enjoy a completely different kind of space.

Kids will love: playing in Ireland’s tallest treehouse.

Warwick Castle – England

Now under the stewardship of the entertainment giant Merlin, Warwick Castle claims to be the ‘ultimate castle,’ hosting daily shows such as jousting tournaments and falconry displays. Kids can enjoy a Horrible Histories maze and an interactive dungeon experience, in addition to the option of glamping in the grounds. This castle, built by William the Conqueror, also has over 1000 years of history to discover.

Kids will love: learning the history of Warwick through the audio-visual Time Tower.

Schloss Colditz – Germany

In addition to the opportunity to spend the night here (the castle’s old guard quarters have been converted into a youth hostel), the primary allure of Colditz lies in its incredible history as a German military prison, formerly known as Oflag IVC. This castle imprisoned officers who had successfully escaped from less-secure camps, and the ingenuity displayed by its inmates (on display in the Escape Museum) will thrill young and old alike.

Kids will love: trying to concoct their own escape route.

Egeskov Slot – Denmark

A turreted Renaissance fortress encircled by a large lake and lush forestland, Egeskov Castle will captivate small explorers searching for that perfect fairy tale castle. While your imagination is key, there’s much more than meets the eye in this castle. Features include a play forest, several mazes, a tree-top walk, Dracula’s Crypt to investigate, and Lego workshops during the summer.

Kids will love: playing with toys from their great-grandfather’s generation.

Nijō-jō – Kyoto, Japan

Although less famous than Himeji or Hikone, Nijō Castle is one of the best-preserved examples of a feudal castle in Japan. It offers a fantastic introduction to the Tokugawa Shoguns, Japan’s last feudal military leaders, who held power for nearly 300 years. The beautifully maintained gardens provide a space for kids to expend some energy, particularly stunning in spring.

Kids will love: learning about the famous uguisubari (nightingale) floors, which emit a warning sound when stepped on.

Castle of Good Hope – Cape Town, South Africa

While lacking the child-focused attractions found in some other castles, the oldest surviving building in South Africa tells its story through a series of exhibitions and museums that won’t overwhelm young minds. After absorbing some information, explore the battlements, take in the view, and contemplate the fact that this inland castle was once situated on the seafront. There are also weekday canon firings to enjoy.

Kids will love: the pomp and ceremony involved in the changing of the keys at 10 am each day.

Schloss Lenzburg – Switzerland

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if your family lived in a castle? Look no further than Schloss Lenzburg, perched atop a leafy hill. This site offers a glimpse into the lives of residents living here from the medieval period to the 19th century. The crown jewel for parents is the thoughtfully curated Kindermuseum on the top floor, where kids can engage in castle-themed crafts and don costumes to explore the replica castle. The bravest among them can even meet the resident dragon Fauchi.

Kids will love: the animatronic dragon and the Dragon Research Station.

Purana Qila – Delhi, India

Delhi’s ‘Old Fort’ might be overshadowed by the city’s famous Red Fort, but for young castle lovers, it offers everything: ramparts, a moat, and a fascinating history encompassing the Mughals, the British, and Independence. There’s ample space for kids to unwind from city chaos, along with an evening Light and Sound show for a touch of enchanting atmosphere.

Kids will love: taking a pedalo on the lake for a unique view of the castle.

Château de Castelnaud – Dordogne, France

The Dordogne region is filled with castles to explore with your kids, but Castelnaud stands out due to its impressive defensive location offering incredible views over the valley. The massive ramparts, the narrow staircases, and the extensive military museum come alive with daily demonstrations, workshops, and events that make the castle’s captivating past truly engaging.

Kids will love: learning about siege tactics in fun demonstrations.