Under-the-radar theme park in France offers a full day of amusement for kids and perks for parents as well.

Boulderhalle E4, a climbing gym in the heart of Nuremberg, is a great place to stay active as the weather gets colder. With more than 32,000 square feet of intricate walls, it’s one of the largest bouldering centers in Germany.

The Henkerhaus, or hangman’s house, offers visitors glimpses into one of medieval and Renaissance Europe’s darkest professions. It was home to the municipal executioner until 1806.

Hidden adventure lurks in Southwestern Germany’s Palatinate Forest. The town of Ludwigswinkel is the gateway to a hike with a fascinating blend of history, nature and outdoor relaxation.

The French village of Betschdorf, which has been producing its signature salt-glazed, gray-and-blue pottery for hundreds of years, is a great destination if you’re curious about how the pottery is made and want to pick up a few pieces while there are still artisans around to create them.

The Odenwald Felsenmeer – about an hour drive from Wiesbaden – makes for a challenging hike that combines history and myth.  

The Bärensee, a lake in a forested park with two other little lakes and an extensive network of hiking trails, is a popular destination year-round. In the warmer months, the forest provides a shady canopy for long hikes. And in the fall, the changing leaves make the area one of the prettiest places in Stuttgart.

Leave the summer crowds behind and head to Agropoli for some fun off the beaten path. Aside from the beach, there are opportunities for hiking, biking, sea kayaking, horseback riding and other outdoor activities. And history lovers can explore Agropoli’s medieval city center.

Named after Frankfurt’s favorite son, the sightseeing Goetheturm rises 142 feet above the ground below. What awaits is probably the best view of the Frankfurt skyline.

The Patton Memorial Pilsen in the Czech Republic is one of two museums in Europe to bear the Patton name and stands as a testament to the city’s liberation from the Nazis. It features more than 800 items dating back to Europe’s liberation, from GI uniforms, tools, first aid supplies and food rations to beach obstacles and pieces of felled aircraft. It also contains some of Patton’s personal items that were donated by his descendants.