Wanted: a holiday 3.5-4 hours away that feels ‘different’ (but safe for kids)

[gertinthebackofthevan]

I'm fortunate to have done a lot of longer distance travelling when younger but now with kids we just don’t have the courage to go for a longer haul flight with a toddler ….my nerves would be shredded.

So

Where are some places that feel culturally different or geographically really different… but aren’t actually that far away (3.5-4 hours flight max) …but that would also be suitable for kids?

Places I’ve been for example that might fit this are:

-Bosnia (felt culturally different)
-Iceland (otherworldly landscapes)

Any other ideas from those more travelled than me?
If it makes any difference we are fairly familiar with eastern Europe already.

Austrian Alps - Zell am See, Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Flachau - or the Italian Dolomites just over the border.

Denmark - Jutland west coast for beaches, Billund, which has direct flights from UK (Legoland, Lego House, Lalandia, WOW Park), Aarhus, Ebeltoft, Silkeborg, Randers Rainforest, Vejle (Okolariet science centre) and Koldinghus Castle. Then over to Copenhagen for "hygge" in the capital, museums, Tivoli and Experimentarium, and the Viking Longboats at Roskilde ...

Madeira would fit the bill! Tropical volcanic paradise!

The Azores would be amazing though slightly longer flight time

Came here to say Iceland but see you’ve been! I’ve been going with my sons since they were tiny, at all different times of year. Short flight, amazing public pools ( avoid the naff blue lagoon when it reopens) so much to do for children depending on time of year.