Ecotourism means connecting with the destination, understanding and feeling its vibe. It is a unique way to combine discovering nature with adventure and education, that offers both captivating and personally enriching vacations.

This type of tourism emphasizes respect for the environment and active learning, involving both adults and children in exploration and discovery activities. Romania, with its diverse attractions, thus becomes an ideal destination for families with children through ecotourism, offering memorable experiences. Here are some recommended places for ecotourism, including the Destination of the Year: Pădurea Craiului, Țara Hațegului and Țara Dornelor.

A successful example of ecotourism is the "edu-venture" concept, initially developed in the Pădurea Craiului Mountains in Bihor County. This concept offers an educational and active experience for all ages, especially for families with children, combining physical activities with nature exploration.

The area is renowned for its vast and diverse network of caves, where visitors can explore mysterious galleries and unique karst formations. Besides cave tourism, Pădurea Craiului is famous for various ways to safely enjoy the height of vertical walls, such as via ferrata routes or thematic trails that turn hikes into learning experiences. Activities are guided by specialists and are designed to be accessible and safe for all types of clients, particularly families with children. Additionally, there are other adventure activities with infrastructure and specialized guides: bike trails, rafting on the Crișul Repede River, horseback riding or even pottery workshops.

Casa Vulcanilor, located in the UNESCO International Geopark Țara Hațegului, allows visitors to become geological and paleontological explorers. Here, children and parents learn about prehistoric volcanoes and participate in exploration activities using research tools, discover fossils in the "Little Paleontologist's Box", experience a volcanic eruption, engage in sensory and imaginative activities, hike through the forest and reach a volcanic cone to collect volcanic rock samples. They can also follow the traces of the smallest dinosaurs that ever existed on Earth.

Țara Dornelor is an ideal destination for active families in nature. The Călimani National Park Visitor Center provides a geological view of the entire area’s formation, while the thematic trail "Tinovul Mare Poiana Stampei" reveals the unique natural environment of a bog. "Natural" also refers to the exceptional quality of milk, cheese and sour cream from cows grazing on meadows with extraordinary floral diversity. "Active" means an invitation to explore the area on foot, by bike or by paddle. Easy-Rafting on the Bistrița River, available from May to October, is an exciting activity suitable for all ages, adding a boost of adrenaline and joy to the family. Horseback riding or biking are vacation options that can be tried for relaxation and enjoyment for the whole family.