Slovakia is full of gems waiting to be discovered. For families with children, traveling by car is the best choice to enjoy flexibility, comfort, and the freedom of exploration. If you're looking for inspiration on where to go on a trip with children, we've prepared a list of ten proven family destinations that are guaranteed to delight both young and old adventurers. Forget the worries of public transport or limited space and embark on unforgettable experiences with a vehicle that allows you to customize every moment. Car rental services such as car rental for flexible travel open the door to discovering even the most remote corners of our country. Whether you need a spacious SUVs for family adventures in the mountains, or a comfortable combi for longer journeys, the right vehicle is the foundation of a successful trip.
How to choose the ideal car for your family adventure?
Choosing the right vehicle is crucial for a carefree family trip. When traveling with children, you will especially appreciate space, safety, and comfort.
Space and comfort: Family combi cars and minivans for every expedition
For families, spacious vehicles such as combi cars are ideal, offering plenty of room for a stroller, child carriers, luggage, and all necessities. If you are traveling with a larger family or group, consider minivan rental, which will ensure comfort for everyone. Modern combi cars for rent are designed to maximize comfort even on long journeys.
Safety first: Child car seats and modern features
Safety is a priority when traveling with children. Always ensure your vehicle is equipped with appropriate child car seats for the age and weight of your children. Reliable cars are equipped with modern safety features that contribute to a peaceful ride. For complete peace of mind, you can also choose full coverage car insurance, which will protect you from unforeseen events.
Flexibility for spontaneous discovery
With a rented car, you gain the freedom to change plans according to the weather, children's mood, or to discover places that interest you along the way. No public transport time limits, no crowded trains or buses - just you, your family, and the open road ahead.
TOP 10 family destinations in Slovakia worth the journey
We have prepared ten tips for trips with children that are easily accessible by car and offer many activities for the whole family.
Western Slovakia: History, animals, and views
- Bojnice: Castle, ZOO and Seagull in the Clouds (Trenčín Region) Bojnice is an ideal place for day trips for children. Bojnice Castle enchants with its romantic atmosphere and fairy-tale tours. Right next door is the National ZOO Bojnice, where you can admire almost 3000 animal species and enjoy interactive experiences with keepers. For panoramic views, head to the Seagull in the Clouds observation tower with a toboggan and a Smurf village for the little ones. Nearby, you will also find Dinono Park with 120 life-sized dinosaurs and a Mirror Maze. Parking is available in several places in Bojnice near the attractions.
- Little Carpathians: Katarínka and Red Stone Castle (Trnava/Bratislava Region) In the forests of the Little Carpathians, you will find the ruins of the ancient Church and Monastery of St. Catherine of Alexandria, known as Katarínka. It is an ideal place for easy family hiking with the possibility of grilling. Children will also be interested in the forest railway with wagons. Nearby stands the majestic Red Stone Castle, accessible by car, which offers tours of the grounds, gardens, and museum. Children will especially love the Falconry Court with falconry demonstrations. For those looking for a reliable car, Skoda for rent models are a common choice for family trips around Slovakia.
Central Slovakia: Mountains, valleys, and fairy-tale places
- Liptov: Kvačianska Valley and Oblazy Mills (Žilina Region) Kvačianska Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys in Slovakia and offers a pleasant walk in a picturesque mountain environment. Along the way, you will be enchanted by impressive rock formations and viewpoints. At the end of the valley, you will discover the picturesque Oblazy Mills, where you can see two real mills, one of which is still functional, and learn about the milling craft. The route is suitable for older children or children in a hiking carrier. Parking is available at the starting point.
- Orava: Orava Castle and Orava Village Museum (Žilina Region) Orava Castle is one of the most beautiful castles in Slovakia and offers shorter and longer tour routes, adapted to the age of children. In Zuberec, there is the Orava Village Museum, which is a perfect example of folk architecture and the life of Oravians in the past, with more than 50 buildings and domestic animal breeding. Parking is available at both the castle and the museum.
- Terchová: Jánošíkove Diery and cable cars (Žilina Region) Jánošíkove Diery are a classic Slovak destination with attractive hiking trails, footbridges, ladders, and chains that lead through gorges with waterfalls and bizarre rock formations. The small circuit is also suitable for smaller children. From Terchová, you can take a cable car to Chleb with a view of the Vrátna Valley. For young climbers, there is the Dinopark Terchová rope park. Parking is available at the entry points to the diery and at the cable car.
- Donovaly: Fun Arena and Donovalkovo (Banská Bystrica Region) Donovaly is a popular recreational village with many attractions for families. Fun Arena Donovaly offers entertainment such as a bobsled track, rope park, and trampolines. For the little ones, there is Myšiačik's children's park. Donovalkovo, the city of professions, immerses children in the atmosphere of a small town with 23 mini-houses where they can try out various professions. Parking is well secured in Donovaly.
- Groundhog Colony near Muráň (Banská Bystrica Region) The Groundhog Colony near Muráň in the Muráň Plain is a popular place where children can observe and feed groundhogs directly from their hands, which is an unforgettable experience for them. It is an ideal tip for a trip with children, combining nature with an animal experience. You can get here by car, and parking is available near the location. For a comfortable family car that can handle the journey to the Groundhog Colony, Hyundai models are an excellent choice.
Eastern Slovakia: Tatra beauties and treetop walks
- High Tatras: Hrebienok and Štrbské Pleso (Prešov Region) You can get to Hrebienok by funicular from Starý Smokovec or on foot along an asphalt road, which is also suitable for strollers. In winter, you can visit the Tatra Ice Dome here. Štrbské Pleso offers walks around the lake, boat trips, a playground, and a squirrel rope park with routes for both children and adults. From Štrbské Pleso, an easy yellow marked trail leads to Skok Waterfall. Parking is available in Starý Smokovec and at Štrbské Pleso.
- Bachledka: Treetop Walk (Prešov Region) The Bachledka Treetop Walk is a popular attraction with children's playgrounds, an educational trail, and adventurous activities. In addition to the walk itself, you will also find the adventurous forest playground Kingdom of the Forest Bachledka with over 25 attractions. You can reach the top by walking from the car park or by cable car. There are plenty of parking spaces nearby. Car rental in Bratislava is an excellent starting point for a trip to Eastern Slovakia.
- Zádielska Valley and Hájske Waterfalls (Košice Region) Zádielska Valley in the eastern part of the Slovak Karst is known for its remarkable cliffs, vertical walls, and rock formations, as well as caves. Hájske Waterfalls, also called Hlboký Jarok Waterfalls, are located in Hájska Valley and offer a pleasant walk in the shade of the forest, suitable even on warm days. Parking is available in the village of Zádiel and at Hájske Waterfalls.
Practical tips for a carefree family road trip
To make your trip as pleasant and stress-free as possible for children, remember a few important tips.
Planning the route and breaks
When planning your route, consider the age of the children and their need for regular breaks. Children tire more quickly and need to run around. Look for rest areas, parks, or playgrounds along the way in advance.
Entertainment for children on the road
For longer car journeys, prepare audiobooks, favorite songs, interactive games, or small toys to keep children entertained. Avoid excessive use of tablets and phones and encourage interaction and observation of the surroundings.
What not to forget in the car (snacks, first aid kit, clothes)
Always have a small snack, plenty of drinking water, a basic first aid kit (with plasters, disinfectant, pain relievers, and fever medication), and spare clothes for each child ready in the car. Wet wipes, tissues, and a small blanket are also useful. Before your trip, also read the vehicle rental terms to be prepared for everything. If you have any questions, you can find answers in the frequently asked questions.
Create unforgettable family memories
Slovakia offers countless opportunities for family trips with children. From historic castles and chateaus, through beautiful natural scenery, to amusement parks full of attractions. Traveling by car gives you the freedom to discover these beauties at your own pace, with maximum comfort and safety. Leave the logistics worries to others and focus on what's most important - shared moments with your family.
Browse our wide range of vehicles and book the ideal car for your next family adventure on our website.
What car is best to rent for a family trip with children in Slovakia?
For family trips, spacious vehicles such as SUVs, combi cars, or minivans are ideal. They offer enough space for all family members, luggage, strollers, and child car seats, ensuring comfort and convenience even on longer routes.
Does BLS offer child car seats for rent and what types are available?
Yes, BLS offers child car seats of various categories as optional equipment for the rented vehicle. From infant seats to booster seats for older children, all with regard to safety and applicable standards.
Can I rent a car from BLS for a one-day trip or only for a longer period?
BLS offers flexible rental options, including short-term rentals for one day or a weekend, as well as long-term rentals. You can thus choose exactly the duration that best suits your trip plans.
What are the main advantages of renting a car from BLS for families with children compared to traveling by your own car or public transport?
Car rental provides families with greater flexibility, comfort, and safety. You don't have to wear out your own vehicle, you get access to newer models with modern safety features and plenty of space. Compared to public transport, traveling by private car is much more comfortable, especially with small children and luggage.
What to do in case of bad weather during a family trip in Slovakia?
In case of unfavorable weather, it is good to have alternative activities in reserve. You can visit museums, galleries, aquaparks, indoor children's centers, or enjoy relaxation in spas. It is always good to monitor the weather forecast and have a plan B.
Are all recommended family destinations in the article easily accessible by car and where can I find parking information?
All destinations recommended in this article are easily accessible by car. Parking information is provided directly in the descriptions of individual places, or is available on the official websites of the respective attractions or municipalities. Most tourist places in Slovakia have well-secured parking capacities.
How can I book a car from BLS for my upcoming family trip and what documents will I need?
You can easily book a car online through the BLS website. You will need a valid driver's license, ID card or passport, and a payment card for the deposit. For detailed information on booking and required documents, visit the "Rental Terms" section on the BLS website.