What to do with a bunch of penguins in July?

[princessofpenguins]

Well, a trip to the US fell through and with the way things are now, we really don't want to go anyway.

So what to do now? I'm feeling so uninspired. July isn't the best time of year for South Africa. We prefer waiting until the mini penguins are older before going to Namibia or Botswana. It seems like most of Asia is in hot and rainy season in July. Or...?

So Europe... but where in Europe would be good for three weeks? It can be one or several countries, we can drive or take trains to get around (for longer distances), interested in nature/wildlife watching, parks, places where the kids can swim, kid-friendly museums, good food and drink, places where we can just chill out, the usual... the fewer crowds the better but we know that since it's July... well...

Not interested in Turkey or Malta, so please do not suggest these.

[tzarine]

san sebastian/donostia

took the 3 year old tzarevich there.
great food - affordable molecular gastronomy + all the traditional pintxos
absolute fav place to eat. the owners & staff are gems
www.afar.com/places/bar-zeruko-san-sebastian
great beach, esp for kids
www.sansebastianturismo.com/en/to-do/plans-in-san-sebastian/discover-city-its-neighborhoods/what-not-to-miss/the-concha-bay
lovely old school amusement park, accessible by funicular
www.monteigueldo.es/home
there's an aquarium

hong kong is great as well
let me know if you want kid friendly stuff

[scicaro]

We easily filled 2 weeks in Croatia last year and there was plenty we didn't see. We drove around with a car and a tent. It was a bit too hot by the coast in July for us (35-37), I don't know what temp you guys like.

[Phar Lap]

If you came Downunder, you could either have nice and warm in Darwin and the Top End where it's dry season, pleasant and quite warm (peak season is June/July/August), or cooler, wintery weather elsewhere.
If you chose the former, you'd be in sleeveless or short sleeves, sunscreen and hats, if you visited the latter, it'd be scarves, gloves and beanies.

[princessofpenguins]

We're going down under when the minis get a little bit older. I think they'd appreciate it more then...

[princessofpenguins]

Thanks for the tips!

Looks like we're in all likelihood going to Finland and Estonia...

[kraken]

Happy to chip in with pointers if needed where I can. You'll definitely going to want to hire a car in Finland unless you're already planning on driving across?

[princessofpenguins]

We're debating whether or not to take our own car. I guess we better look at driving times/distances and what would be the most cost effective solution...