History in your Hands: Engaging Workshops for Kids & Teens

When traveling, it’s our mission to make your vacation worth the ride. The destination ahead of you is a whole different world with authentic history and culture – it’s a first for everyone. Feeling culturally curious is natural when you’re in a new environment. That’s why you and your family deserve a fully engaging experience.

Picture this: You’re de-boarding the plane after a long flight. Your kids run past you. Once sore from sitting, their legs jump with energy as they race down the jet bridge, giggling. Your teenage traveler idly waddles behind you. Others may not notice at first glance, but as their mother, you can recognize a subtle smirk from miles away. Everybody in your family has different things to look forward to, and we know just how to add variety to your vacation that everyone will enjoy.

Family Twist offers hands-on historical and cultural experiences that add a magical spark to your family vacation. These authentic activities will thrill parents, children, and teens as they venture into Europe. Learning through hands-on workshops makes your trip more than a memory. Instead, the experience becomes a slice of your destination that you can take home. (Isn’t that the best souvenir?)

Here are some magical Family Twist experiences we can add to your next adventure:

France

Notre Dame & Medieval Paris

When hearing the words “Notre Dame,” images of breathtaking cathedrals may race through your mind. The thought may remind your kids of their favorite medieval movies and spark their need for adventure. 800 years of history may seem far away, but Family Twist brings this era to life in its Notre Dame & Medieval Paris Tour.

Travelers can marvel at ancient medieval structures, venture the same narrow streets blacksmiths roamed, and complete a fun-filled game booklet for an exciting reward. The adventure ends with a unique grand finale—an honorable knighting to reward your kids for their bravery and curiosity. This private encounter will leave your kids in awe and make their day (and make an incredible photo opportunity!)

Treasure Hunt At The Louvre

Does your family have a knack for exploration, competition, and historic art? What if we told you that the world’s biggest art museum can get even bigger with this lively treasure hunt? Treasure Hunt at the Louvre challenges young travelers to find history’s most iconic art pieces, such as the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. It’s like a time-travel experience through art! Seeing these iconic masterpieces in person is already a reward, but a special gift is ready for any explorer who completes the hunt.

 An expert private guide will share historical background and cool insider fun facts. (including exclusive shortcuts to skip lines) You’ll leave the Lourve feeling like an exhibit expert. Art is personal and can spark an abundance of different emotions through the eyes of other people. After the tour, it’s the perfect chance to bond as a family, swapping stories about which pieces caught your eye or sparked your imagination. Watch your kids’ creative minds take off as they share their unique takes on the artwork. Even your teen might surprise you when they share their take on a sculpture that spoke to them.

Italy

Become a Silk Painter 

Vacations should be about letting the family recharge – and that includes you! Step into the enchanting world of silk painting in Bellagio. This experience is as relaxing as it is enriching – putting the freedom of creation in your hands. For that, it may end up being your favorite of all the engaging workshops you have discovered in Europe.

A local artist will guide you and your family through artistic techniques passed down for generations. Little ones will dive into an assortment of vibrant colors, while your older kids will take in the educational experiences. As for you? You can unwind and soak in this pocket of peace. Take pride in your hard work when you take your new masterpiece home at the end of your travels.

Design Your Mosaic Masterpiece

Immerse yourself in the Italian art of mosaic making in the heart of Rome. An experienced artist will personally welcome you to her workshop, where she will privately walk your family through the entire process of mosaic art. Everything is in your hands, from cutting tiles to choosing one of many Roman patterns. 

After a day of admiring Italian architecture and art, this experience will be the perfect shift from observation to creation. Teens who crave a creative outlet especially love this experience. Rome’s artistic aura awakens the creativity in everybody.

Spain

Picasso and Modern Art

Embrace the beauty of the world’s most beloved modern artist, Picasso. Your experience will start at the Reina Sofia Museum, where you will meet an experienced private artist. She will guide you on a spectacular private museum tour and give you insight into modern art and its historical impact that even kids will understand. The true highlight of the tour is witnessing the beauty of Guernica, Picasso’s most iconic piece. 

At the peak of your family’s awe, your family will experience the rare opportunity to collaborate on your own Guernica. Millions adore the massive painting, but imagine how much love will go into this something by your own family. The room will erupt with laughter when you share this moment, perhaps even exchanging light-hearted jokes about each other’s artistic talent – but in the end, what matters most is the personal touch each of you brought to the canvas.

Paella Time

It’s been an eventful day of strolling through the streets of Barcelona. You savored every beautiful sight, sound, and especially every smell. You couldn’t miss the scent of mouthwatering Spanish cuisine lingering in the air (perhaps you got a taste of Barcelona’s authentic menu, too). Now it’s your turn to be the chef. 

Family Twist offers an authentic hands-on cooking workshop that awakens your family’s inner chef. Meet your private chef, who will guide you through cooking delicious paella. This cooking course features a full 3-course meal that’ll teach your kids, no matter what age, an important life skill that’ll stick with them forever. What’s the reward for your hard work? Enjoy a whole Spanish dining experience featuring your cuisine creation. 

Final Thoughts

These hands-on workshops offer an interactive experience that brings life to your family vacation. Historical and cultural activities are perfect for curious kids, adventure-seeking teens, and culturally curious parents. Go beyond typical tourist spots with new knowledge, unique souvenirs your family created, and lasting memories.

Europe is ready for you! Start your break from the busy today by choosing your favorite activities and leaving the rest to us.

Who is Christina?

Meet Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists.  After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation too.

She specializes in Disney, Caribbean, Europe and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.