Best Destinations For Kids Who Love Harry Potter

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A family of five is dressed in Harry Potter-inspired costumes for Halloween. — Photo Courtesy: Samantha D’Onofrio

If you have children who are avid fans of the world-famous wizarding series, booking a trip to one of the best destinations for kids who love Harry Potter is an absolute must! Whether you want to explore a recreation of Diagon Alley in Universal Studios, Orlando, or visit Edinburgh to see Victoria Street, the real shopping area that inspired J.K. Rowling, there are options for all kinds of Harry Potter family vacations. From exploring the iconic wizarding school of Hogwarts to riding on broomsticks, these destinations offer endless activities to transport your young wizards into a realm where dreams become reality. Between young kids, tweens, teens, or adults, we’ve also divided our article by age so you can decide the best options for your family. Keep reading to plan your next Harry Potter-themed adventure!

Best Harry Potter Destinations In The United States For All Kids

You’re never too young to start nurturing your love of Harry Potter! If you’re planning a family trip and have young Harry Potter enthusiasts in tow, then look no further than the following best destinations in the United States for all ages who love Harry Potter!

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter (Universal Studios + Islands of Adventure)

A Harry Potter-themed roller coaster races around a track to face a three-headed dog. — Photo Courtesy: Universal Orlando Resort

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is one of the best places to ignite your child’s imagination and bring the magical world of Harry Potter to life! With two dedicated areas in Orlando – Diagon Alley at Universal Studios and Hogsmeade at Islands of Adventure – children will feel as if they have stepped right into the movies. Plus, since many families visit Orlando for its various theme parks anyway, it’s a great way to introduce young kids to Harry Potter. Aspiring wizards can wander through Diagon Alley and visit shops like Ollivanders. They may even be chosen by their very own wand! Then, hop on the Hogwarts Express, a train ride between both parks that simulates how the students felt arriving at King’s Cross in London.

In Hogsmeade, kids can explore iconic places such as Honeydukes and Three Broomsticks Tavern while taking in the views of Hogwarts Castle. There are also exciting rides like “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey,” which take you through the castle. Little ones as tall as 48” can soar alongside their hero through fantastic realms filled with mythical creatures and epic battles!

The Wizarding World Of Harry Potter, one of the best Harry Potter places to visit, also has locations in Osaka, Japan, and Universal City, California – both are places for kids to immerse themselves in all things Harry Potter!

Use the Families Love Travel booking site to reserve discounted rooms in Orlando! Sign-up is free!

New York City

Three children standing beneath the sign for Harry Potter and The Cursed Child on Broadway.

Three young girls standing by the self-service tickets at the Harry Potter Store in NYC.

Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

New York City is not only one of the most iconic cities in the world, but it also offers an array of experiences for kids who love Harry Potter! From magical locations to immersive activities, this bustling metropolis presents some of the best destinations for young wizards and witches seeking to step into the wonderful world created by J.K. Rowling.

For ages 8 and up, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child offers an immersive Broadway experience that follows Ron, Harry, and Hermoine on an adventure 19 years after their time at Hogwarts. Through January 2024, The Harry Potter Exhibition also transports families into the series through an extensive collection of authentic props and costumes from the iconic films. From seeing intricate sets like Hagrid’s Hut or Snape’s potions classroom to magical creatures like Buckbeak and Dobby, this interactive exhibit will make you feel like you’re actually there! Then, fans can check out the Harry Potter Store near the Flat Iron Building. Spanning multiple floors, this whimsical wonderland offers a shopping experience that feels straight out of Diagon Alley itself!

Where To Stay In New York City With Kids

Need family-friendly hotels in New York City? If you’re staying in Lower Manhattan, you’ll love the Millennium Hilton Hotel in the Financial District or the trendy Greenwich Hotel in Tribeca. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Midtown Manhattan, try the Loews Regency New York or Omni Berkshire Place, which also has a Kids’ Club. Check out our list of the best hotels in NYC for families to learn more!

Best Harry Potter Destinations In Europe For All Ages

If you have little witches and wizards in your family who are absolutely enthralled by the magical world of Harry Potter, then you must uncover the best destinations for kids who love Harry Potter. From Edinburgh to Tokyo, these best Harry Potter places to visit offer attractions for fans young and old alike. Keep reading to find out more about Harry Potter family vacations!

London, England

London offers a ton of magical experiences to captivate young fans of the beloved wizarding world! From Platform 9¾ to Harry Potter bus tours, it’s also home to numerous iconic sites that have left an unforgettable mark on the hearts of fans around the globe.

A visit to the Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter is an absolute must. Children can explore the actual sets used in the movies, including Diagon Alley and Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry itself. They can even try their hand at flying on broomsticks or wearing wizard robes while wandering among iconic props like Hagrid’s motorcycle or Dumbledore’s office! Then, don’t miss an iconic photo opportunity at Platform 9¾ located within King’s Cross Station. It’s recreated down to every last detail from J.K Rowling’s novels. Families can also stop at Leadenhall Market, which also served as inspiration for Diagon Alley in several films. For older fans, House of MinaLima in SoHo showcases some props from the movie, plus Harry Potter-inspired merchandise you can buy!

A hand holding a ticket in front of Warner Bros Studio near London. — Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros. Studio Tour London

Want more Harry Potter places to visit in London? The Wizards London Bus Tour also takes families through London to some of Harry Potter’s most iconic filming spots, including the Leaky Cauldron which Harry visits in the first and third films. Plus, you’ll also get to pass Big Ben, London Bridge, and other famous landmarks while learning more about the movies!

Book your Harry Potter vacation to the Must-Visit: Harry Potter Studio Tour in London!

Where To Stay In London With Kids

Need somewhere to stay in London with kids? Families who want to stay in Central London can check out Covent Garden, home to hotels like ME by Melia, Strand Palace, and The Covent Garden Hotel. For an iconic luxury stay, check out posh neighborhoods like Mayfair and book a room at Brown’s Hotel, 45 Park Lane, or London Marriott Hotel Park Lane. South Kensington is also home to The Resident Kensington. For more suggestions, check out our list of 23 London Hotels That Families Will Love or Where To Stay In London With Kids By Neighborhood!

Alnwick, England

Alnwick is a hidden gem destination for Harry Potter lovers! Located in Northumberland, this charming town is home to Alnwick Castle, which served as the set for the iconic Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry in the film series.

Families with kids of all ages will enjoy exploring the property, where you can see recognizable spots from Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone and Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. In The Outer Bailey, for example, Harry and his fellow Hogwarts classmates learned to fly broomsticks with Madam Hooch, alongside the rules of Quidditch. At certain times throughout the year, the castle also offers 25-minute broomstick training lessons, where fans can learn the basics of mastering a broomstick! Kids can also walk through the same courtyards where Hogwarts staff and students went about their daily lives. And, you can see the Inner Bailey, where Harry and Ron crashed the Weasley’s flying car. Don’t forget to snap a picture of The Lion Arch, used in the movies as a way in and out of Hogwarts towards Hagrid’s cabin and the Forbidden Forest!

Use Expedia to find a hotel near Alnwick here!

Best Harry Potter Destinations In Europe For Teens/Adults

While Harry Potter undeniably appeals to fans of all ages from around the world, there are certain experiences better suited for tweens, teens, or adults in general, since they may not be as interactive or more focused on history. From LARP-ing in Poland to exploring filming locations in Lacock, England, here are some of the best Harry Potter destinations in Europe for teens and adults!

Lacock, England

Sheep grazing in the grass in front of Lacock Abbey in England, one of the best Harry Potter destinations for kids. — Photo Courtesy: Lacock Abbey

Harry Potter fanatics visiting Lacock, England can’t miss a chance to see Lacock Abbey! Nestled in the countryside of Wiltshire, this historic site might seem familiar to avid fans. It features cloisters that served as a filming location for multiple iconic scenes from the famous movie series!

While there isn’t much of an interactive aspect here for kids, it’s still a great place for older Harry Potter fans who also love history. Teens or tweens may also like spotting the corridors that inspired the movie, as well as other places like The Sacristy or the Warming Room. In the town of Lacock, there are also some spots where some of the movies were filmed. For example, the house at the end of Church Street appeared as Harry’s parents’ house during a flashback in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Use Hotels.com to book a hotel near Lacock now!

Edinburgh, Scotland

The Potter Trail by the Edinburgh Castle in Scotland. — Photo Courtesy: The Potter Trail

Edinburgh is one of the best destinations for kids who love Harry Potter! Brimming with history at every corner, this enchanting city also served as an inspiration to J.K. Rowling while she wrote her famous wizarding series, and it’s not hard to see why.

For an immersive adventure, book a Harry Potter-themed walking tour with The Potter Trail. These free walking tours (donations are encouraged) let families explore the narrow winding streets of Edinburgh’s Old Town, including key locations that inspired J.K Rowling. Don’t miss a chance to see Victoria Street, which sits on an incline and also resembles Diagon Alley! If you have teens or tweens who are a bit older, you can also explore Greyfriars Kirkyard, a historic cemetery where you’ll see familiar names like Tom Riddle. The Elephant House, a small cafe on George IV Bridge, is also known as the “birthplace of Harry Potter” because it’s where J.K Rowling wrote some of the series in its early days. Families can stop by for a photo, admire the view of Edinburgh Castle, and also grab some dessert – the cakes are delicious!

Choose Expedia to book your stay in Edinburgh here!

More Harry Potter Destinations In Scotland

The Hogwarts Express traveling through the landscape in Scotland. — Photo Courtesy: Hogwarts Express

Scotland offers some of the best destinations for kids who love Harry Potter, providing a magical experience sure to captivate their imaginations! Beyond Edinburgh, there are also lots of other Harry Potter-related attractions.

Fans who want to ride one of the locomotives used in the movies can hop aboard the Hogwarts Express, aka the Jacobite Train. With two Hogwarts Express trips a day, it runs the 84-mile stretch separating Fort William from Mallaig on the West Highland Railway Line. Though it’s not really interactive, it may be an enjoyable experience for tweens or teens, who will love tracing the route Harry and his pals took! Keep an eye out for when the train stops on the Glenfinnan Viaduct, which overlooks Loch Shiel and the Jacobite monument. Harry Potter lovers will definitely recognize the structure from one of the series’ most famous scenes with The Weasley’s flying car!

Glencoe, Scotland, one of the best Harry Potter places to visit, is also famous for being the set of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban. Families can still see some remnants of the movies here, like Hagrid’s Hut!

Poland

When it comes to immersive experiences for Harry Potter enthusiasts, Poland offers one of the best destinations for kids who love the magical world. Situated in the small town of Lesna, The College of Wizardry at Czocha Castle provides a live-action role-playing (LARP) experience that is sure to delight older teens and adults alike! It happens every March for 3 days, and we also recommend you buy tickets beforehand.

Participants are sorted into houses, like in Hogwarts, where they attend classes taught by actors playing professors. From learning potion-making and dueling skills to solving mysterious puzzles and participating in Quidditch matches, the college carefully crafts every aspect to make attendees feel like genuine wizarding students. With the chance to sleep in a real, 13th-century castle, your ticket also includes three meals a day and a robe and tie to borrow. The college also organizes bus transport from the Berlin Airport.

Best Harry Potter Destinations In Asia For All Ages

Asia is also a unique place to plan your next Harry Potter family vacation. From Universal Studios to Tokyo in Japan, here are the best Harry Potter destinations in Asia for kids of all ages!

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo ranks as one of the best destinations for kids of all ages who love Harry Potter! Offering a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern innovations, the city showcases a variety of unique attractions and activities inspired by the famous wizarding series.

See a Japanese rendition of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child (keep in mind there are no translations) at TBS Akasaka ACT Theater. To get here, you have to take the train to Akasaka Station and exit on a staircase that resembles the Grand Staircase at Hogwarts! Or, check out the Harry Potter Cafe in Akasaka. Here, families can also enjoy a twist on Harry Potter-themed dishes, from cauldron soup to Platform 9¾ beans! For a behind-the-scenes look at the movies, check out The Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter, located just outside the city. Children can see authentic sets, props, and costumes and learn how these captivating movies came to life. Plus, families can visit Mahoutokoro, a Harry Potter-themed store selling merchandise and other goodies.

Use Hotels.com to reserve your stay in Tokyo here!

Happy Travels!

A girl shopping for wands at Universal Studios Orlando. — Photo Courtesy: Gunjan Prakash

We hope you liked this list of the Best Destinations For Kids Who Love Harry Potter! From Scotland to Tokyo, these destinations offer a wide range of experiences for fans of all ages. Enjoy your magical journey through the world of Harry Potter!

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.