Reading like its own story book, Slovenia is a land of cave dwarfs, knights, baby dragons, volcanoes, noble horses, and more. Families who flock to this special country—whether within its cities or among its magnificent countryside—are met with adventures that create long-lasting memories.

Slovenia’s cities welcome families with attractions that make history fun. Choices can include hearing about cave dwarfs, such as Perkmandlc, while heading down into Anthony’s Shaft in Idrija. See if you spot him as you explore the second largest mercury mine in the world. Perkmandlc was said to tease the miners, but also provide them with luck and the right path to the rich ore deposits in the past. Delight the kids with the story of the Knights of the Lambergar family while in Radovljica. While here, you can visit Kamen Castle where they lived and also their once manor house that is now the Radovljica Mansion and home to museums. Enjoy some sweets too, as the city is also known for its beekeeping and chocolate.

Beyond the city, Slovenia’s hills beckon for families that enjoy the mountain life and outdoor escapades. An hour outside of Ljubljana takes you to the Gorenjska Region, with family-friendly trails around Lake Bled. While here, don’t miss the largest Alpine Lake in Slovenia, Lake Bohinj, and its trail to the Savica Waterfall. Adrenaline and adventure parks throughout Slovenia kick up the excitement with ziplines and ropes courses. The Soča Fun Park in Solkan offers five courses with varying levels of difficulty. Young visitors can enjoy as well with one section dedicated to children ages five to eight. The longest zipline in Slovenia can be found at Geoss Adventure Park in the village of Slivna. Hear about the power of volcanoes at the Vulkanija Adventure Park in the Goričko region during a guided tour by underground expert “Oli the Mole”.

Get to know the animals of Slovenia at city zoos like the Ljubljana Zoo in the nation’s capital city. Tour the Lipica Stud Farm, which has been home to the noble white Lipizzaner horses for more than 400 years, and meet more than 300 of the horses and tour its museums, gallery, and grounds. Stay overnight at one of Slovenia’s tourist farms for an up-close look at rural life. Kids will love sleeping in hay lofts, getting up-close to cows and other farm animals, going horseback riding, dining on homemade specialties from the farm, and having an incredible backyard to play in. In search of dragons? The human fish, the “offspring” of the dragon that is believed to have lived in Postojna Cave, are among the cave animals you can learn about while in Postojna Cave Park. The subterranean adventure through the park features a train ride where “baby dragons” await. Close by, the Predjama Castle is the largest cave castle in the world and home to secret passages and the legend of its 15^th century owner, robber knight Erazem Predjamski.