South Africa is a country rich in history, culture and wildlife. No matter what your interests, you and your family will find a life changing adventure to embark upon here. Whether it be spotting the Big 5 in the Kruger National Park or hiking up Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain, there are so many things to do in South Africa with kids. Mark and Mila, the dynamic duo behind Mountain IQ, are avid mountain hikers and, as native of South Africa, Mark is here to share his invaluable list of Top Five Family Friendly Activities in South Africa.
Top Things To Do in South Africa
#1: Hike the Challenging and Beautiful Table Mountain in Capetown
View from the top of Table Mountain
When you think of things to do in Cape Town, it’s likely that the first thing that comes to mind is Table Mountain – Cape Town’s number one tourist attraction. But there are so many different trails you and your family can choose to go up the mountain.
The trails are of varying lengths and difficulty. If you have younger children it may be better to take the cable car to the top and then walk across the top of the mountain to Maclean’s Beacon. This is a relatively short walk, but it offers spectacular views of the city and the Atlantic Ocean. If you are planning on taking the cable car, be sure to book in advance to skip the lines. Since the Table Mountain cable car is such a popular attraction, it is also worth getting there early to avoid the crowds. Children under four can ride for free!
If your children are slightly older, you can take the popular Platteklip Gorge or the Skeleton Gorge Trails, amongst many others. Make sure to pack lots of snacks, water and cover up to protect yourselves from the dangerous local sun.
The views from the Table Mountain summit are incredible, you may even be lucky enough to spot a dassie, which are small mammals that live in the rocks and are simple adorable. There is also a restaurant atop the mountain for you and our family to get refreshments once you have completed your hike.
Cape Town is known to have unpredictable weather, so check the weather forecast to avoid being stuck in the wind, rain or fog. The fog is what gives the mountain its name – when the clouds descend on it, they make it look like a tablecloth. If you are planning a few more adventures around the region, here are some more great hikes around Africa.
#2: Enjoying the Adorable and Happy Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach in Capetown
Penguin Colony at Boulders Beach
Boulders Beach is located 40 minutes outside of Cape Town and offers the unique opportunity to see a large number of wild African Penguins. You and your family can spend the day watching these adorable creatures frolic amongst the waves at this beautiful beach, and, if you are brave enough to hop into the frigid Atlantic Ocean, you can even take a swim with the penguins. Although, it may be prudent to rent a bodysuit to enjoy the experience more.
It is important to remember that although cute, the penguins are still wild animals, and you absolutely should not touch them as they have razor sharp beaks and will defend themselves if they feel threatened. The penguins call Boulders Beach home all year round, but South African summer (November till March) is the best time to visit to see them in large numbers. If visiting in January, you may even get to see some baby penguins moulting on the beach!
In order to gain access to the boardwalks, which is the best spot to view the penguins, there is a small conservation fee. Individuals who are not citizens of South Africa pay a bit more, but at ~$11 for adults and ~$6 for children, it is well worth the expense. For information on fees for all South African parks, visit this official site.
#3: Mesmerizing Wildlife of the Kruger National Park
Kruger Lion
Everyone dreams of going on an African Safari, and what better place to go than the Kruger National Park? With nearly 2.2 million hectares of diverse South African landscapes, the Kruger National Park is the most famous wildlife reserve in South Africa and arguably in the world.
The wildlife in the park is plentiful, and visitors are almost most guaranteed to see all of the Big 5 most dangerous animals – buffalo, elephant, rhino, lion, and leopard. There are a number of options for accommodation, whether you are looking to camp or perhaps even enjoy the luxury of a private game lodge, where game rangers take guests on game drives where they explain the local game and wildlife. Summers in the Kruger can get pretty hot, so it may be worth finding accommodation with a pool, in order to cool down during the day.
Hermanus, a once small fishing town located 90 minutes from Cape Town, is a great spot to take the family whale watching. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) has voted Hermanus as one of the 12 best whale watching destinations in the world. The Telegraph also named Hermanus as one of the best destinations worldwide to watch marine mammals.
The best time to go whale watching is between July and November with the months of September, October and November being the absolute best time. This is the period when the Southern Right Whales begin mating. Hermanus’s famous Whale Watching Festival also takes place in September, when the normally quiet town becomes bustling with tourists eager to get a glimpse of these spectacular creatures. Visitors can choose to whale watch from land, boat or even a scenic flight. Those who are feeling particularly brave can even rent a kayak and paddle around Walker Bay as the whales breach, but be prepared to get wet along the way!
Sea sickness can also be an issue for those who have never been kayaking in an active ocean before. So consider taking first timers on a taster ride before the adventure and, if needed, you can purchase anti-motion sickness pills, which need to be taken two hours in advance.
#5: Educational Visit to the Cradle of Humankind
The Protea Flower: The National Flower of South Africa
For those looking for something a little more educational, the Cradle of Humankind is a fantastic option that will be enjoyed by both adults and children. The Cradle of Humankind is one of South Africa’s 8 World Heritage Sites. The main attractions are Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves, located just a short one hour drive outside of bustling Johannesburg.
It is here where humankind is believed to have originated. Look around the exhibitions in Maropeng and then travel down into the Sterkfontein caves where there are excavation sites as well as an underground lake. Caves’ tour is an amazing experience, and it is actually better for kids, as they fit into narrow passages much easier than adults and will most probably find those the most fun!
There are plenty of things to see and kids will definitely remain entertained the entire day. After working up an appetite, there is a variety of restaurants in the area for refueling. Tickets to access both Maropeng and the Sterkfontein Caves are ~$8 for adults, ~$5 for children between 4 -14, and free for children under 4 years.
Nancy’s Note: South Africa is near and dear to my heart as it is where my husband and I chose to celebrate our 10 year anniversary (without kids). It’s also the vacation that spurred the creation of We Go With Kids!
Thanks to everyone who participated! The giveaway has ended and Joanne is our winner. We will reach out shortly with instructions for receiving your item.
We Go With Kids is thrilled to announce a new giveaway!
As busy parents, getting our kids to and from locations safely is high on our list of priorities, particularly when traveling. Today, we are thrilled to announce that in partnership with WhizRider, we are giving away one WhizRider Child Car Seat! The WhizRider Car Seat:
exceeds all U.S. federal safety standards, so parents don’t have to choose between convenience and safety.
is an approved car seat option in all 50 states
weighs less than a pound and folds up to be smaller than a medium coffee!
is ideal for Uber trips and spontaneous car rides, which is exactly why WhizRider founders, Andy and Dani, invented it.
To enter:
(1) Join our list of email subscribers to receive updates on new posts and WGWK happenings, including exciting giveaways such as these; and
(2) Leave a comment below before noon EST on Monday, June 17 with your summer travel plans!
Winner will be chosen at random and will be able to select color (pink/blue) and size (small/large). Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
We are often asked for recommendations for great travel books for children. My kids truly love seeing new places and all enjoy reading fiction and nonfiction books about places we have visited or are on our never ending “list.” My kids have had a love of travel and books from a young age, so books about travel have always been popular at my house. We are regulars and our local libraries, and my children used to attend multiple story times each week before preschool. My four year old is an emerging reader and can sit for hours listening to stories. My eight and eleven year old boys spend hours cuddled up in their beds turning pages of their current book.
We have come across quite a few books that inspire us to visit new places or help us reminisce about recent trips. Our list of best travel books for kids includes a range of reading levels and interests.
13 Architects Children Should Know is part of the 13 Things Children Should Know book series, which has truly inspired our travel experiences. We were first introduced to these books when my middle child brought home 13 Architects Children Should Knowfrom his school’s library as a Kindergarten student. He closely examined every page and was excited to find Christopher Wren’s St. Paul’s Cathedral that we had visited in London the summer before. But, the two architects he was most interested in were Gustave Eiffel and Frank Lloyd Wright.
He was not at all familiar with Frank Lloyd Wright before reading 13 Architects Children Should Know but fascinated by pictures of Fallingwater. He had no idea where Fallingwater might be in proximity to our home, but asked me after I finished reading the description, “Mommy, will you take me there?” Fallingwater happens to be just a three hour drive from our home in Cleveland, and I readily promised him that we would plan a trip. Within six months, we toured Fallingwater with my college roommate and her daughter, and my six year old son had a permanent smile on his face the whole time. After checking Fallingwater off his bucket list, my son focused his efforts on the Eiffel Tower for two years until we took a family trip to Paris. – CMD
Maurice Sendak’s 1963 Where the Wild Things Are has inspire young travelers for more than 50 years. Young Max dreams he is visiting an island inhabited by enormous beasts. After playing with the “wild things”, Max decides to return home for dinner. This classic does not include an actual destination or weave in historical, cultural or artistic concepts. However, it embodies the desire explore new places and then head home to recharge. – CMD
Paddington Bear first appeared in Michael Bond’s 1958 A Bear Called Paddington. Paddington is a bear from Peru who is adopted by the Brown family after they meet him in London’s Paddington station. The book series includes over 20 books, and several television and film adaptations. Paddington, the 1998 reissue of the classic story, is a frequent bedtime story for my four year old daughter. She has a vague recollection of our 2015 visit to London, which included a train ride from Kings Cross station and double decker buses that are also featured in this children’s picture book.
All three of my children also enjoy watching the recent film adaptations, Paddingtonand Paddington 2. The films feature well-known London hot spots, including the National Museum of Natural History, Portobello Road, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Notting Hill and Paddington Station. The Paddington books and films remind my children of their time in London but can serve as inspiration for travel to London. – CMD
Before our family trip to Italy in July 2018, I requested Olivia Goes to Venice from our local library to introduce our daughter to Venice. Olivia is a young pig who is always ready for adventure, and this 2010 book features Olivia’s spring break trip to Venice. Author and illustrator Ian Falconer combines illustrations with photographs of the Church of the Most Holy Redeemer, Doge’s Palace, the Grand Canal, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Rialto Bridge and the Bridge of Sighs. Olivia enjoyed a gondola ride and chasing pigeons in St. Mark’s Square just like our daughter.
Olivia Goes to Venice introduced our daughter to the canals and buildings that we saw in Venice. Now, she enjoys reading the book and remembering our time in the City of Canals. – CMD
Andrea Lynn Beck’s Good Morning Canadais an excellent introduction to Canada for any child. Our copy was gifted to us by one of our children’s favorite nannies who left us and moved to Saskatchewan. This 2014 picture book features Canadian landscapes and national classics, including the Mounties, maple trees, hockey and common animals such as the beaver, moose and goose. Our copy is extra special because our former nanny annotated it with sticky notes. – CMD
James Mayhew’s Katie and the Mona Lisa features the story of Katie and her grandmother visiting the Louvre. Katie is entranced with Mona Lisa’s smile. In the 1998 picture book, Katie is walks right up to the Mona Lisa and while she is examining the painting, she notices her grandmother has fallen asleep on her comfortable chair at the end of the gallery and climbs into the frame and into the picture where she finds Mona Lisa seated in the corner of a grand room. Mona Lisa is sad because she is very lonely, so Katie takes her out of the picture and back into the museum. The pair climb inside several different paintings in the Louvre. Mona Lisa enjoys their adventure so much that she assures Katie she now has something to smile about inside her painting.
This book definitely takes some artistic license to teach children about Renaissance art. The depiction of the Louvre is completely unrealistic, and the other paintings included are not actually exhibited in the Louvre. The size and location of the Mona Lisa are completely wrong, and the painting is hidden behind bullet proof glass and protected by a handful of guards. Even with a bit of fantasy thrown in, this book is still a fabulous introduction to Italian Renaissance for even the youngest artists. – CMD
Rome Reconstructedis a gem we found in the gift shop of the Basilica of Saint Mary in Cosmedin in Rome. Our eight year old picked it up and asked if it could be his souvenir. This archeological guide uses cardboard flaps overlaid on top of pictures of existing structures to depict the original Roman buildings, most of which are at least 2,000 years old. These layered illustrations really help kids visualize what ancient Rome looked like.
After we visited Palatine Hill, the Roman Forum and the Colosseum, our children focused on the portions of the book featuring these sights. The short descriptions of each building are easy to read and provide informative historical information about each sight. We are heavy library users and typically only buy books that we think will be read again and again. However, we are glad that we added this book to our personal collection and know our kids will enjoy the pictures and explanations for years to come. – CMD
The Harry Potterseries is hands down one of the most delightful reading experiences I have ever shared with my children. When my older son was in second grade, I wanted to encourage him to read and so I urged him to start reading the Harry Potter series. To sweeten the pot, I agreed to read along with him and further agreed that we would watch the companion movie after he finished each book in the series AND that we would go to Universal Studios Orlando upon completion of the series. Much to my surprise, my son not took on the challenge, but he ended up voraciously reading through the Harry Potter series and we ended up having a fantastic weekend exploring the Wizarding World of Harry Potter the following October. – NKC
My boys also devoured the Harry Potter series last year while I followed along listening to the audio books. While we have not visited Universal Studios, the London locations specifically reminded us of our 2015 trip to London. Filming locations for the companion movies include St. Paul’s Cathedral, Millennium Bridge, Piccadilly Circus, and the iconic telephone booths are also featured. – CMD
Anyone who didn’t attend fourth grade in California probably has not heard of the Island of the Blue Dolphins, a sad yet beautiful story about a young Indian girl who ends up spending 18 years alone on an island before she is rescued by Spanish missionaries. I won’t spoil the details, but the girl-turned-woman ended up living her life at the Santa Barbara Mission. Having read and fallen in love with the book at a young girl, I not only made Santa Barbara Mission a point of interest to visit once I was older and could dictate my travel schedule, but I have now also introduced family and friends to the Santa Barbara Mission and shared with them the story of the Indian girl buried on the grounds. I’m thrilled that my son is in fourth grade and will be reading this book later this year. – NKC
My eight year old son recently discovered Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series, which features the adventures of a Percy Jackson, young demigod who lives in New York City. Percy discovers at age 12 that he is the son of Poseidon. He and his friends have an odyssey that takes them around the United States of their own that spans over the five Percy Jackson books and then extends into Riordan’s Heroes of Olympus series. The series intertwines the stories of Greek mythology with Percy’s quest to save modern civilization. Some cities featured in the series include New York, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C. and Las Vegas. Not surprisingly, Athens is now on my son’s bucket list. – CMD
These are some of our to 10 travel inspiration books for our kids. What family favorite books have we missed?
There are so many great locations for family vacations in Canada. Canada is the world’s second largest country and boasts stunning national parks and large metropolitan areas that attract over 16 million tourists annually. There are great Canada trips for every type of traveler. Even though Canada is our neighbor just to the north, we have not explored it as much as we would like. We asked some of our favorite family travel bloggers to recommend their favorite Canada vacation ideas for families and came up with this amazing list of places to visit in Canada with kids.
British Columbia With Kids
#1: Vancouver With Kids
Breathtaking natural beauty, a super-cool cosmopolitan city, outdoor adventure, foodie paradise and world-class shopping – visit “VanGroovy.” Here’s our suggested three-day itinerary for visiting Vancouver with kids:
Day 1 – A Little Bit ofEverything: Head to Granville Island to explore galleries and quaint stores. For lunch delight in the local specialties at Granville Island Public Market. Visit spectacular Kitsilano Beach and let the kids run around the playground. Check out the Museum of Anthropology with First Nations’ art on the University of British Columbia campus. We loved FlyOver Canada, a thrilling virtual ride taking in Canada’s beauty!
Day 2 – Explore the North Shore: A must-see is the 450-foot Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park. Feel it sway! Explore the Cliffwalk – walkways hanging over the mountain’s edges! Kids will love the Treetops Adventures offering a walk high in the trees. Hop a Skyride to reach Grouse Mountain, a resort area full of adventure.
Day 3 – The City Center: Explore the Stanley Park 1,000-acre wilderness oasis! Enjoy colorful First Nations Totem Poles, stroll the Seawall and visit the Aquarium. End with an elevator-ride to the 50th floor for unforgettable views from the Vancouver Lookout.
As one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Vancouver is bursting with family-friendly sights and a laid-back vibe!
Recommended by Lisa Grabelle from Hilton Mom Voyage. Find out more from Lisa about a Vancouver vacation.
#2: Whistler With Kids
Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America, located on the west coast of Canada, a two hour drive along the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver. Whistler consistently ranks among the world’s best ski resorts and has developed into a year round destination for skiing, golfing, biking and other activities. Whistler makes the perfect destination for outdoor activities with its mountain setting, whether it’s skiing in the winter, or mountain biking and hiking during the warmer summer months.
The world class skiing is the obvious draw in the winter. Whistler Blackcomb has 200 marked runs, offering something for all ages and abilities. Whistler Kids (the Whistler kids’ ski school) is first class, offering every level of ski and snowboard instruction for children from 3-12 years old. There are even playgrounds on the mountainside to break up the skiing. Once in their teens, kids enter the Ride Tribe Program, up to age 18. Teaching throughout the programs is done in a fun and engaging way. For non-skiers opportunities abound, from ice-skating and snow-shoeing, to tubing and zip-lining. Whistler is a perfect winter destination for families who love to ski or snowboard.
Recommended by Nicky Williams from Go Live Young. Find out more from Nicky about Whistler with kids.
Alberta With Kids
#3: Banff National Park With Kids
Banff is one of the most popular places in Canada and for good reason. Set in the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff is located in a National Park and is ridiculously gorgeous in any season. Located 90 minutes from Calgary, it makes a great weekend escape and is also a great base for a week-long vacation.
There are so many family-friendly activities to do in Banff in summer, although be warned, summer is the most popular time of year to visit. The main street is a great place to start with its cute shops and mountain views. Make sure to include a stop for beaver tails, Canada’s classic pastry and a kid favorite. The Banff Gondola is another fun activity and provides beautiful views over Banff and the surrounding mountains. There are lots of kid friendly hikes nearby including Johnson Canyon. All visitors to Banff need to visit nearby Lake Louise with its turquoise colored lake. For families who enjoy hiking, we recommend the Lake Agnes Tea House hike at Lake Louise. For families with older children, there is great white water rafting to be had, as well as safe climbing at the Norquay Via Ferrata. Families will also enjoy soaking in the Banff Hot Springs and visiting the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Winter in Banff is much less busy, but offers so many fun winter activities for active families. There is world-class skiing in the Valley, ice skating on frozen lakes, dog sledding, snow shoeing and even ice castles. After a day full of activity, we definitely felt like we deserved our hot chocolate, poutine and hot tub. No matter which season we visit, we fall in love with the charm of Banff. It’s easy to understand why it is one of Canada’s favorite towns.
Recommended by Dawn from 5 Lost Together. Find out more from Dawn about Banff with kids.
#4: Canmore With Kids
Canmore is one of Canada’s family gems. Often overlooked by its far more famous neighbor Banff, Canmore sits just outside of the National Park, only an hour from Calgary International Airport by car. It is a true natural playground without the same number of tourists. Summers are short but stunningly beautiful. We like to take advantage of the many cycling and hiking trails and pack a picnic to see the hidden waterfall at Heart Creek. Older kids will enjoy camping and kayaking at Kananaskis and Bow Creek.
Winter brings on frozen lakes, ice skating and sledding. The Nordic Centre, famous for hosting many events at the 1988 Winter Olympics, offers kids opportunities to experience snow shoeing, tobogganing, or the bravest can try fat tire winter biking. A real highlight for our kids’ first visit was taking a dog sled ride on the frozen waters of Spray Lakes. The eerie howling in the foot of the magical snow-capped mountains is something they will never forget.
The township of Canmore is small and flat, easy to navigate with a stroller and provides plenty of cafes to warm hands up before heading out for more outdoor fun! Families will enjoy Café Books with a dedicated kids’ corner – and who doesn’t love ice cream year around – pop into Scoopin’ Moose for a treat.
Located along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in western Alberta, Jasper National Park is known for its majestic peaks, glacier-fed lakes and vast wilderness. Jasper National Park is the perfect place for adventurous families looking for an unforgettable family vacation. The park is massive and the options for outdoor activities are endless! For the family that enjoys hiking, there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails from which to choose and hikes suitable for all ability levels. Some famous sights, like Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls, can be reached via a short walk from the parking area or extended for families seeking a little more. Maligne Canyon is suitable for even the youngest hikers since several bridges along the trail allow families to customize the length of the hike.
Families who prefer being on the water can take a cruise on stunning Maligne Lake to visit Spirit Island or book a float trip on the Athabasca River. For panoramic views of Jasper and the Athabasca Valley, take the Jasper SkyTram to Whistlers Summit. There’s so much to see and do, we could easily spend a week in Jasper National Park and still not see it all! With its location just north of popular Banff National Park, Jasper is often overlooked. However, we highly recommend driving up the spectacular Icefields Parkway and adding Jasper to any Canadian Rockies visit!
Recommended by Amy Brahan from Just Go Travel Studios. Find out more from Amy about Jasper National Park.
Manitoba With Kids
#6: Churchill With Kids
Churchill, Manitoba is known both as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World” and the “Beluga Capital of the World.” Summer is Beluga Season and the bulbous critters swim up the Churchill River from the Hudson Bay to calve. In October and November, polar bears gather on the shores of Hudson Bay waiting for sea ice to form so they can hunt seals after a long fast. I’ve visited in August and October and seen both belugas and polar bears on the same trip.
In summer, my family likes walking around town, visiting a couple shops, exploring the Eskimo Museum and hiking on the tundra. In Bear Season, caution has to be taken, because bears wander through town. They just want to get out on the ice and eat, but until it forms, they occasionally satisfy that famous bear curiosity by seeing what’s going on in Churchill. Unfortunately, as the ice forms later in the season and melts earlier, due to climate change, the bears’ fasting period is extending.
There is plenty to do in Churchill for families with a couple days to spare. Our kids loved riding in the Tundra Buggies in search of bears. Since the floor is 12-feet above the ground, the bears can’t reach in, even when they stand on their back feet. Frontiers North guides are great with kids and might even let them drive. They also offer boat tours to see belugas in the summer, as well as guided hikes. To get to Churchill, it’s possible to fly from Winnipeg or take the train from Thompson Falls. There aren’t any roads to the 1,000-person town, so flying or taking the train are the only ways to get there.
Recommended by Mel Harrison from Traveling Mel. Find out more from Mel about Churchill with kids.
#7: Winnipeg With Kids
Winnipeg, a Canadian prairie city and capital of the province of Manitoba, was our hometown and home base for almost 25 years. From a local’s perspective, Winnipeg is a very family friendly city. Its size is very manageable, and the most important sights can easily be visited within a couple of days. However, families planning a longer stay will not run out of amazing and unique things to do.
Families can fly to Winnipeg from any Canadian city and from many US cities. And in the summer, there are direct flights from London available. We highly recommend staying in downtown Winnipeg. The number one, family focused place in the city, and located right downtown, is The Forks, which has been a trading place for First Nations people for over six thousand years.
At The Forks in the summer, families can eat some delicious food, listen to buskers singing, take a boat ride or dance salsa outdoors. In the winter, we love to skate on the frozen Assiniboine River – one of the longest skating trails in the world! For the youngest visitors, don’t miss the Manitoba Children’s Museum located right at The Forks. It’s a giant indoor playground filled with many educational opportunities. If your kids like theater, take them to the Manitoba Theatre for Young People.
And any time of the year, we enjoy visiting the Winnipeg Zoo or several of Winnipeg’s world class museums. Don’t miss the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. It’s never too early to learn about this important topic. Also visit the Manitoba Museum to learn about this province’s history, geography and its people. And for an amazing nature preserve right in the city, we recommend Fort Whyte Alive any time of the year.
But don’t just stop at Winnipeg. Manitoba boasts over 110,000 lakes, where families can fish or just relax on the beach. And northern Manitoba’s subarctic region is home to the largest polar bear population in the world.
Recommended by Bea from PackYourBags. Find out more from Bea about visiting Manitoba.
Ontario With Kids
#8: Niagara Falls With Kids
Niagara Falls is one of my all time favorite places to visit in Canada because it is so versatile. The falls themselves attract many tourists throughout the year, but the area itself is vibrant, fun and easy. Both sides of the falls offer amazing attractions. We loved walking under the falls in the Cave of the Winds experience and particularly enjoyed the Maid of the Mist or Hornblower boat that took us into the falls itself.
Families looking for a bit more adventure can book a jet boat and whizz along the rapids of the Niagara River. For a fun filled day, stay on the Canadian side and visit the family orientated museums such as Ripley’s Believe it Or Not or the hilariously BAD wax museum. For a quieter, more peaceful experience, we enjoyed strolling around the Niagara Falls State Park on the American side.
For evenings, we enjoyed the many bars and restaurants found on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls and for a special romantic splurge, we headed up to the top of the Skylon Tower. We also loved taking the evening boat into the falls to watch the fireworks and see the falls lit up – a nightly event that added something special to our trip.
Recommended by Katie from Creative Travel Guide. Find out more from Katie about Niagara Falls.
#9: Niagara-on-the-Lake With Kids
Niagara-on-the-Lake is not be confused with Niagara Falls, as it’s the Napa Valley of Canada and most vineyards are kid friendly. While in Niagara Falls, we decided to continue our drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake which is located approximately 12 miles from Horseshoe Falls. This picturesque town epitomizes old town charm and is a direct contrast to its much more commercial neighbor. The proximity to Niagara Falls means that it’s easy to go back and forth between the locations and truly enjoy everything that this town located on the shores of Lake Ontario and the mouth of the Niagara River has to offer. While the town is known for its wineries, it has many family friendly activities. We highly recommend the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, which combines a thrill ride with historical information regarding the Canadian Underground Railroad. Families can pack food and enjoy a picnic and views at Queen’s Royal Park, followed by Anne of Green Gables – PEI inspired soda and ice-cream at COWS Ice Cream Shop on Queens Street.
Recommended overnight accommodations: Oban Inn & Spa. Additional must do experiences in Niagara-on-the-lake include: Fort George National Historic Site, Walkers Country Market, explore the Prince of Wales Hotel and take strolls around Queen Street.
Recommended by Ruth Mendes from Have Kiddos Will Travel. Find out more from Ruth about the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours.
#10: Toronto With Kids
Our family isn’t usually big on tourist hot spots when we travel, but the CN Tower in Toronto is hands-down our favorite thing to do in Ontario’s largest city. Glass elevators rocket up to the Look Out Level at 1,136 feet high and the panoramic views of the city of Toronto are simply unbeatable. On clear days, you can see all the way to Niagara Falls! One floor below is the Glass Floor, where those daring enough can walk out on the glass floor panels where it looks as if you’re walking on Toronto. Our boys are always brave enough to try it, but mom and dad have to really work up the courage! The grounds around the CN Tower are also a beautiful place to explore. The outdoor Toronto Railway Museum is right at the base of the CN Tower and is popular with young train lovers. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is also located right at the base of the CN Tower and you’re only a short walk from the beautiful waterfront- so it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring this part of Toronto!
As part of a summer road trip in Canada, I decided to spend a night in the town of La Malbaie with our family. Fortunately we had friends who own a house in La Malbaie and graciously offered to host us for the evening. I packed up our kids from our last night in Quebec, and we got in the car to make our two-hour drive to La Malbaie. La Malbaie is a town in the countryside of Charlevoix. It literally means “bad bay.” Charlevoix is a gorgeous provincial strip nestled between the Laurentian mountains and the St. Lawrence River.
I planned a stop at the Chutes Sainte-Anne along the way to visit the waterfalls. The entire circuit took 45 minutes consisting of pathways, stairs, and bridges above the falls. There were many areas to stop and snap a photo of the falls. About 20 minutes outside of the town of La Malbaei is the Maritime Museum, where we learned about the rich maritime history of the area. I took the family to explore schooners, tug boats and a sawmill as well as exploring the shores of the Saint Lawrence River.
In the morning I woke up everyone for a whale watching experience with Croisieres AML. They offer a zodiac boat or a boat cruise. We all wanted to do the zodiac, but there are age restrictions and our youngest was too young. He and my husband took the boat cruise and I went with the older two kids on the zodiac. We saw humpbacks and plenty of minke whales. The entire excursion lasted three and a half hours.
We spent the afternoon at Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. We took a nice relaxing hike at The Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre and spent an hour or so looking out at the Saint Laurence while relaxing and enjoying the views. I insisted on a visit to the Fairmont hotel in La Malbaie; A Chateau-styled hotel overlooking the Saint Lawrence River. We parked and walked in to check out this former Canadian National railroad palace. I took the kids into the Vergers Pedneault shop in the hotel, which makes some of the best artisanal cider in Quebec. We stocked up on apple jams, cider vinegar, and elegant (grownup) ciders, including an amazing dessert cider. Before leaving La Malbaie, we also picked up some terrific pastries and great coffee at Pains d’Exclamation for the ride home.
Recommended by Ali Netzer from Five Family Adventurers. Find out more from Ali about 24 hours in La Malbaie.
#12: Montreal With Kids
For families who want to be transported to another country and culture and want to give kids a European experience without the transatlantic flight, definitely visit Montreal for a weekend, week or longer! It is easily to fly to Montreal from all points in the United States or take the Amtrak from New York City (and connecting east coast cities) or, as we did, drive into Canada as Montreal is less than an hour from the NY-Canada crossing on I-87.
A visit to Montreal affords traveling families great sight-seeing – we recommend visiting Jardin Botanique or Insectarium, hiking on Mont Royal, taking the funicular to the top of the Tour Olympic, eating dinner in Vieux Montreal, cruising on the river from the Port of Montreal, touring the Notre Dame Basilica and exploring one of the many Montreal museums. A trip to Montreal made us feel like we had been transported to a quaint French city. Although everyone we met was bilingual, French language was definitely the default. The food, architecture, culture and life felt far more European than North American. For my kids, this was a great first trip abroad, a chance to practice some French and begin to learn that not everyone lives like them! We had so much fun exploring Montreal!
Families looking for a winter destination to visit with kids should look no further than Quebec City, Canada. With its European charm (without the jet lag), amazing French food and unique history as a walled city, there is plenty to visit and keep the kids engaged. Quebec City International Airport makes arrivals easy with its close location to the city.
We timed our visit to coincide with the German Christmas markets and snow fun, including a toboggan ride in front of the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Families looking for more snow adventure can head over to the Valcartier resort, only 30 minutes from the city for its indoor water park and over 20 snow tubing tracks. The historic walled city is easy to explore by foot and that adds to its charm with beautiful streets filled with shops and places to eat. Be sure to stroll along Rue du Petit Champlain and enjoy a nice meal at the kid-friendly restaurant Le Lapin Sauté. From there, head a couple blocks over to the Museum of Civilization where kids can let loose while exploring a mystical forest, testing out their STEM lab and exploring the exhibit OBSERVE, where not everything meets the eye!
Recommended by Chelsea Kelly-Sipe from Pack More Into Life. Find out more from Chelsea about Quebec City with kids.
Nova Scotia With Kids
#14: Bay of Fundy With Kids (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia)
The Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides in the world, and its a perfect vacation destination for outdoor-loving families. It is located between the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada. The world-famous tides can fluctuate between 29 and 52 feet. In some places, the tides recede more than three miles from shore during low tide, allowing visitors to explore the ocean floor. One of our favorite places to explore Fundy’s tides, as well as an abundance of recreational opportunities, is in Fundy National Park.
Fundy National Park encompasses 80 square miles (206 km) of rugged coastline and Acadian forest, where families can find more than 60 miles (100 km) of hiking trails, four front-country campgrounds, beautiful cascading waterfalls, freshwater lakes, and even a heated, saltwater swimming pool.
We stayed at the relatively quiet Point Wolf campground, which was a great base camp for exploring all that Fundy National Park has to offer. Highlights of a trip to Fundy National Park include hiking the Matthew’s Head Loop trail, which is a 2.8-mile coastal trail that is perfect for kids, eating super fresh seafood in the nearby town of Alma, and kayaking the bay with Fresh Air Adventure Tours. The nearest airport is in Halifax, which is a four-hour drive from Fundy National Park. The area surrounding the park is quite rural, so the best bet is to rent a car to have the freedom to explore.
Halifax is the capital city of the province of Nova Scotia, located on the Atlantic coast of Canada. This second smallest Canadian province is often overlooked by visitors to the country, but traveling families should make it a priority to visit. It’s possible to fly direct to this province from several Canadian and US cities. And, it is easy to get here from Europe, especially from the UK. Nova Scotia (meaning New Scotland) has daily flights to and from Great Britain.
Halifax is great for families for several reasons. For one, it is a great place for those who like a perfect mix of city and nature. When hiking in the city, we feel like we’re in a forest. Here is our list of favorite things to see and do in Halifax with kids:
Walk along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
Have a lobster chowder
Visit Halifax Seaport Farmers Market
Climb aboard HMSC Sackville, a naval ship from World War II
Visit the Citadel Historic Site
See the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Take a ferry from Halifax to Dartmouth
Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Visit Peggy’s Cove (45 minute drive from Halifax) to see the iconic lighthouse
Visit the town of Lunenburg (1 hour, 15 minute drive from Halifax), a UNESCO World Heritage site
Go to the beach. Our favorite is Crystal Crescent Beach.
Halifax is a foodie’s paradise and wonderful vacation destination for families.
We Go With Kids is excited to announce that we have received a Liebster Award. We were nominated by Sydney from A World in Reach. We are honored that Sydney reached out and acknowledged our fledgling blog. It is definitely exciting to be nominated by one of our peers, especially as two hobby bloggers who work on this blog in our nonexistent free time.
Photo credit – The Global Aussee
What is the Liebster Award?
The Liebster Award is an award given to bloggers by other bloggers. In German, “liebster” means sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved, lovely, kind, pleasant, valued, cute, endearing, and welcome. So, the Liebster Award is given to bloggers who convey this meaning across their blog! If you want to learn more about the Liebster Award, check out the official rules.
We are two lawyers by trade by who met at a law firm in 2005 – well before either had kids. Thanks to the wonders of social networking, we have stayed in touch as each of our families have grown. With five kids and more than two dozen countries traveled between the two of us, we decided to launch this website in July 2017 after returning from trips to Iceland and Africa!
Our hope is to not only share our adventures and trips on traveling with kids, but also to inspire others to “go with kids” when traveling both near and far! As a side benefit, blog posts help us record and remember details of our family vacations. Our own kids enjoy reading and reminiscing. Some of them bemoan the fact that we regularly choose not to post pictures of their faces, but due to scary facial recognition technology and safety concerns, We Go With Kids noticeably includes countless photos showing the silhouettes of our wee ones.
Sydney’s Questions:
1. What is the most important lesson you’ve learned during your travels?
Catherine: Flexibility is key! There will inevitably be a few bumps along the way, so don’t let delays, increased costs or basic mistakes negatively effect the trip.
Nancy: As a young couple, traveling without kids, my husband and I made every effort to maximize every single minute of any vacation or trip. When traveling with kids, it’s important to adjust expectations and perhaps even spend an afternoon resting at the hotel instead of visiting yet another site. Remember: the important thing is that we’re traveling together as a family!
2. What’s your favorite part of traveling? Least favorite?
Catherine: I love seeing new places and eating amazing meals. I endure long flights and regular delays for that luxury.
Nancy: I love experiencing new foods and cultures and definitely make every effort to find something that is a “local gem” versus geared towards tourists. Travel delays and the logistics of hauling kids and baggage is my least favorite part of traveling, but a necessary evil.
3. Do you collect any souvenirs from your travels?
Catherine: I collect turtles. It’s totally random but all started when a small stone turtle caught my eye on Bavaro Beach in Punta Cana way back in 2005. There were hundreds of similar turtles at every souvenir shop, but I wanted only one. My husband haggled a bit and walked away when he was unsatisfied with the price. Ultimately, I did bring it home.
Nancy: Just photos and memories!
4. What is the most unique experience you’ve had with a local while traveling?
Catherine: I was an exchange student at the University of York in my junior year of college and lived as a local for six months. I was occasionally mistaken for a local myself.
Nancy: In July 2017, my husband and I visited a Ndebele homestead during a trip to Zimbabwe. We were able to tour the family home and have lunch, cooked on site.
5. If you could travel with one person you’ve never traveled with before, who would it be?
Catherine: It would be super fun to do a two family trip with Nancy and her crew.
Nancy: I would love to visit China with my grandmother, who was born in China, left in her teens, and has never been back!
6. How did you come up with your blog name?
Catherine: I’d have to pull up the insanely long Facebook messenger discussion, but it involved lots of online research and consultation with my favorite trademark attorney. Nancy secured gmail and social media accounts for a slightly different name before we settled on We Go With Kids. My husband takes full credit.
Nancy: Ditto what Catherine said! I definitely give Catherine and her husband full credit for the final name we chose!
7. What tip would you give to a new blogger?
Catherine and Nancy: Don’t wait 18 months to start learning SEO techniques.
8. Is there a book or a movie that has inspired your wanderlust?
Catherine: Not really, but I’d really do like watching movies set in cities I’ve visited and really want to re-watch Under the Tuscan Sun.
Nancy: Not really. Occasionally, a movie will inspire me to visit a particular destination, but my desire to travel has always been present.
9. What are the top 3 things on your bucket list?
Catherine: Currently, Thailand, Argentina and an African safari are the big three, but I’m also hoping to make it to my last eight states before I turn 50.
Nancy: I’d like to take my youngest to Hawaii for his first time, but I’d also like to visit Hong Kong and a country in the Middle East, where I’ve never been.
10. What is your biggest travel regret?
Catherine: I wish I took a year off before law school and traveled around the world. If only travel blogging was a thing a million years ago.
Nancy: Apropros Catherine, I didn’t spend enough time traveling in my younger days. I wish I had taken more time off and dedicated more resources to travel, but then again, I didn’t really have the resources until I grew up and got a real job so I’m not sure how far I would’ve gotten!
Our Liebster Award Nominations
We have been following a number of other family travel bloggers over the past year and a half. While we haven’t met any of these wonderful blogging parents personally, we are encouraged and inspired by them as we all strive to open doors for our children around the world. All of these bloggers have shared travel stories and tips on We Go With Kids, and we love following their journeys.
When people think of visiting Los Angeles, beaches and Hollywood immediately come to mind. It’s a rare person who thinks of visiting wild animals and despite having grown up in Los Angeles, I never thought much of the local zoo, favoring the San Diego Zoo and then, of course, being partial to the National Zoo while living in DC. This past summer, I was delighted to not only discover the LA Zoo and Botanical Gardens with my kids for the very first time, but I was thrilled to learn that it’s a well managed zoo that offers opportunities and experiences that are not available at other zoos!
The LA Zoo is much larger than I expected an in fact, one of the more delightful discoveries was not only that the zoo has giraffes (which are noticeably missing from the National Zoo), but that for a $5 fee, visitors can participate in daily feedings of the giraffe between certain hours!
This hungry guy was happy to accept our offerings!
My three year old son, always the adventurer, was thrilled to engage in the activity and we were both startled when the giraffe’s big black tongue reached out to snag the branches we had ready for him!
A close second favorite experience at the LA Zoo was the petting zoo, called Muriel’s Ranch. Free with admission, the petting ranch offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with the zoo’s residents goats and sheep. I was thrilled to be handed a brush on our way into the petting area and my three year old and I had a great time, brushing the very docile and friendly goats.
In addition to our giraffe and goat experiences, we were enjoyed the general layout of the zoo as well. Despite visiting during record hot temperatures in the high 90s, we found plenty of shaded pathways and even indoor exhibits, which offered much needed respite from the relentless heat.
The indoor reptile house.
The Australia house where, even though it was hard to see the hidden marsupials, we delighted in the cool air.
Although technically outdoors, this exhibit provided some much needed shade and entertainment for my three year old, who enjoyed hiding behind corners.
Finally, in addition to the normal panoply of zoo animals, the LA Zoo also has a “Botanical Garden” component which I initially dismissed but soon discovered was severely underrated.
I appreciated the the opportunity to not only visit animals that visit the rainforest with my kids, but to also show them the rainforest and provide a small visual of how the rainforest has changed over the years.
Moreover, although not quite the same scope as Arashiyama bamboo forest in Japan, this mini bamboo forest right in the middle of Los Angeles was a real treat, especially for my three year old who has only visited Arashiyama in utero.
Fun artistic displayed littered throughout the zoo.
Pro Tips for those considering an LA Zoo visit with kids:
Parking is ample and free, but I hear that the lot can get extremely congested during the weekends as the parking lot is shared with a number of nearby attractions such as the Autry Museum of the American West.
There are quite a few dining options, although, as expected, pizza and burgers, and chicken tenders are the general fare. There is one cafe that offers Mexican options and another that offers gourmet pizza and craft beer, so be sure to keep and eye out for whatever suits your fancy!
In addition to the giraffe feeding experience, the LA Zoo offers a few other animal experiences for an additional fee. For instance, there is the Flamingo Mingle, which is $25 per person and offers the opportunity for guests to “mingle with flamingos.” There’s also the hippo encounter, which allows guests to get up close to a hippopotamus.
The LA Zoo also offers “attractions” such as a carousel ride for $3 per ride, and a “safari” ride around the zoo, which is essentially a tram that drives around and unloads at various spots. We did not experience the carousel, but we did opt for a safari ride at one point when we were extremely tired and hot.
“Safari” ride around the LA Zoo.
The LA Zoo is located at 5333 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles and is open to the public seven days a week, from 10am – 5pm, 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day).
Be sure to check out our entire category of posts on things to do and places to visit in Los Angeles with kids! And, be sure to visit the LA Zoo with kids!
Every so often, we encounter a place that is so fabulous for those traveling with kids that it is worthy of being featured on its own. For more fun locations, please check out our other Spotlight features!
England is a great country to visit with kids. It’s particularly near and dear to our family’s hearts as my husband and I both lived there. His family moved to London before he started high school, and England was his home until he finished college. I studied abroad at the University of York for a semester of my junior year. We’ve visited five times as a couple, and three times with kids. Because we have family and friends in London and a connection to York, we tend to stick to these two cities during our return trips to England. However, with its beautiful beaches, idyllic country side, stunning Gothic cathedrals and world-renowned landmarks, England really has something to offer visitors of any age. England might be known for its frequent rain, but the weather is all part of its charm. We asked some of our favorite family travel bloggers for suggestions on locations for fun family weekend getaways and now want to hop the next plane to start checking out more of these best places to visit in England with kids.
Best Places to Visit in England With Kids
Bath With Kids
Bath is a fantastic city in England to visit, and it’s perfect for a weekend getaway, as just one day isn’t really enough. The entire city center is a World Heritage Site, and its Georgian architecture is worth exploring. Visitors can take a free walking tour from outside the cathedral. Those who explore on their own should make sure to visit the Royal Crescent and the Circus. Bath was once a Roman city called Aquae Sulis due to its hot spring (the hottest in the UK). The Romans built a public bath and temple to the goddess Minerva. The baths are still here, and they still work, so a highlight of going to Bath is looking around the fantastic museum. Visitors who want to bathe in the hot springs have to book into the Thermae Bath Spa (ages 15+).
There are many brilliant museums to look around; the museum at No.1 The Royal Crescent where kids get an explorer backpack is a favorite with our kids. Other interesting museums include the Jane Austen Centre and the Bath Assembly Rooms and Fashion Museum. For families looking for a more low key weekend can check out some of Bath’s green spaces. There’s an enormous playground in Victoria Park, as well as a botanical garden; alternatively head up to Prior Park gardens and the Bath skyline for great walks and views over the city. Bath is in the south west of England and is a two hour train journey from London, with direct trains running from London Paddington.
Currently undergoing massive regeneration, Birmingham, in the center of England is a fabulous city for a weekend break with kids. It’s just a couple of hours on the train from London, and is small enough to be completely walkable.
The National SEA LIFE Center is a favorite of my daughter’s, and we can spend hours visiting the penguin enclosure. If we’re feeling creative, we’ll head to the Ikon gallery, a small and friendly contemporary art gallery which holds hands on family sessions on weekends and during the holidays or to one of the family music events at Birmingham Symphony Hall. For a culture hit, the Birmingham Museum of Art is totally free and features a lovely interactive area for kids, or Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum allows children to get hands on with their learning. The new LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham will also appeal to most ages.
For eats, there are loads of chain restaurants in Brindley Place where visitors can eat overlooking the canals or the Digbeth Dining Club, which is street food style eating and open Thurs-Sat evening. Birmingham has many theaters and concert venues so if possible, take in a show. The performance is always great, and it’s so much cheaper than the West End!
Recommended by Karen Quinn from Are We There Yet Kids. Read Karen’s out more from Karen about UK destination guide.
Brighton With Kids
England has some wonderful seaside towns, but none are quite like Brighton. One of the country’s coolest cities, it’s perfect with teens but has plenty to tempt families with kids of all ages. My daughter, aged six, has been several times. A short train journey away from London, it has a very walkable city center and buses available along the coast and through the city. Note that parking isn’t great in the central area.
Start at the seafront and walk along the pebble beach spotting the old pier, little galleries and quirky stalls, to the entertainments of Brighton Pier or the SEA LIFE Brighton for rainy days. The best views come from the 162 meter i360 observation tower. In the summer, the Volks electric railway trundles between the pier and the marina. Or amble through the Lanes, with its vintage shops and kitschy souvenirs, as well as family-friendly shows at Komedia comedy club and the Painting Pottery Café.
Brighton’s iconic landmark is the Royal Pavilion, an extravagant royal seaside escape, created by George IV. With Indian and Chinese influences plus plenty of opulent décor inside, the fairy tale feel is just as fun for kids. There’s also a trail to spot animals dotted throughout the rooms, including dragons, and you’re encouraged to lie down on the carpet in the music room to appreciate the ceiling. Add in a variety of other attractions, from the toy museum to the old police cells, plus a street art bike tour, and visitors won’t have any trouble whiling away a few days.
Recommended by Cathy Winston from MummyTravels. Find out more from Cathy about Brighton with kids.
Bristol With Kids
Bristol is a city straddling the River Avon in the southwest of England with a prosperous maritime history. Its former city-center port is now a cultural hub, the Harbourside. The harbor’s 19th-century warehouses now contain restaurants, shops, art galleries and the M Shed museum, which explores local social and industrial heritage. There’s no need to spend a fortune visiting Bristol as many of the big-hitters are free to visit. These include the M Shed, Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve, Blaise Castle Estate and the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, for visitors on foot.
There are three attractions however, definitely worth paying for: the SS Great Britain, the newly opened Being Brunel Museum, and the We Are The Curious science center. These attractions are fully interactive and loved by children of all ages. Bristol is easy to visit without a car and can be reached via train or bus from many other UK cities.
Recommended by Nicky from Go Live Young. Find out more from Nicky about Bristol with kids.
Cambridge With Kids
Beautiful Cambridge is just a short train ride from London’s Kings Cross station and a great place to spend a few days as a family. The university city is compact and full of attractions. A perfect first stop is a punting tour (a chaufferred river tour) of the River Cam. While gliding past the famous colleges and under the Bridge of Sighs and Mathematical Bridge, the guide will share stories of the university and its renowned alumni. Two of the most famous alumni are Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton, who serve as inspiration for your budding students. After the punting tour, explore the colleges on foot. Make sure to spend time admiring King’s College Chapel, a masterpiece built-in the Tudor era with a soaring vaulted ceiling.
Cambridge is a market town with pedestrianized cobbled streets perfect for exploring. If the weather is cold and wet, the fascinating Fitzwilliam Museum features works by Da Vinci and Rembrandt.
Recommended by Katy Clarke from Untold Morsels. Find out more from Katy about Cambridge with kids.
Chipping Camden With Kids
Chipping Campden is one of many charming small towns in the Cotswolds, but its location makes it the perfect home base for exploring the area. The best way to get around is certainly by car, but we cheated a bit and took the train from London to Stratford-Upon-Avon and picked up a car there. The town’s centerpiece is an old market hall on its main thoroughfare that dates to 1627. There are several pubs and local shops worth exploring, and many hikes that are easily accessible from town. We rented a self-catering apartment on the main street that allowed us to explore once the tourists left for the day.
Our day trips included Stratford-Upon-Avon where we toured Shakespeare’s family homes and took a boat ride along the river. We also toured Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill and one of the most beautiful estates in England. Kids will not find it boring with its butterfly house, hedge maze, and miniature train. Warwick Castle was a fan favorite and an easy drive from Chipping Campden. The kids loved dressing up like knights and watching the trebuchet shoot fireballs across the lawn. The Cotswolds shouldn’t be missed on any trip to England.
Recommended by Kirsten Maxwell from Kids are a Trip. Find out more from Kirsten about England with kids.
Devon With Kids
Devon is a county in southwest England. Visitors definitely need a car when visiting with kids as public transportation is not readily available in England‘s third largest county. This area has so much to offer, including red cliff beaches that join the South West’s Jurassic Coast, traditional sandy seafronts and rocky Atlantic coastlines. The Hartland Point and Lighthouse (pictured) offers an amazing panoramic view. Inland Devon has two National Parks – Dartmoor and Exmoor – which are ideal for family hikes, rock climbing and river water sports. There is also an abundance of family attractions ranging from medium-sized theme parks and zoos to historic houses and fortifications dating back to medieval times. Devon has two major cities, Exeter and Plymouth that each offer chain and boutique hotels. But to experience the real Devon, we recommend finding a holiday cottage or campsite in a picturesque coastal town like Dartmouth or nestled in Dartmoor’s dramatic landscape.
Recommended by Claire Hall from Tin Box Traveller. Find out more from Claire about Dartmouth with kids.
Lake District With Kids
The Lake District wasn’t awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status for no reason. I defy anyone who visits Cumbria not to be blown away by the sheer and epic beauty of the surrounding landscape. We spent a week exploring the Lake District in our car – from taking a steamboat gondola on Lake Coniston and learning why it is the inspiration for the children’s book Swallows and Amazons, to paddling in several of the 16 lakes – our favorites included Wastwater, Buttermere and Ullswater. We even climbed up a waterfall at Aira Force and caught newts in the grounds of a grand castle at Sizergh. And with so many activities aimed at families from the Beatrix Potter Museum to caves and eerie manor houses and sprawling gardens – it’s the perfect destination for an adventure holiday in England. Plus, the cream teas and ice creams are pretty wonderful, too…
Liverpool was a city that I hadn’t really thought about visiting with kids until a few years ago. When we did visit for a weekend break, I had very low expectations about what to expect when we got there. Well, it turned out to be one of those family travel experiences that really changed my perception of the location, and I urge families looking for places to visit in England to put Liverpool on that list.
Liverpool is easily reached by car or train, and it’s a city that is easy to navigate by foot, even with children. Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture in 2008, and this gave the city a real boost in terms of family-friendly tourist attractions. We had no trouble at all filling our time with visits to the World Museum, complete with aquarium and natural history exhibits, the Walker Art Gallery, with its interactive zone dedicated to young artists, and the Museum of Liverpool which helped us appreciate Liverpool’s long standing history with music and popular culture. As well as being fascinating places to visit with kids, they were all free to enter too! The city also has some incredible architecture and a fascinating dock where family visitors will enjoy taking the ferry across the River Mersey.
Recommended by Zena from Zena’s Suitcase. Find out more from Zena about Liverpool with kids.
London With Kids
London is one of the best cities for families in the world! London has something to offer visitors of any age. As a major transportation hub, London is easy to access by train or plane. Accommodations can be expensive, so make sure to reserve well in advance.
Some of our favorite attractions are:
its amazing parks (we absolutely loved Regents Park for the squirrels!)
free entry world-famous museums, like the Natural History Museum or Tate!
family-friendly plays (when we were there, The Cursed Child, Aladdin, and The Lion King were all playing!
fun-filled shopping districts like Camden Market for the teens or Hamley’s Toy Store for all ages! Hamley’s is enormous, and it’s the oldest toy store in the world!
lots of Harry Potter filming locations
and the classics, of course! Don’t miss the Tower of London, Big Ben Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace.
Public transport on the Underground (aka the Tube) is efficient, and the double decker buses are iconic and easy to use. Kids under 12 ride for free, and kids over 12 receive discounted fares. The only problem with a weekend getaway in London is that it’s not long enough to fully explore all the city has to offer!
Recommended by Thais Saito from World Trip Diaries. Find out more from Thais about London with kids.
Peak District With Kids
Green rolling hills, dry stone walls, quaint country cottages and old pubs serving real ale in front of a roaring fire. This is the England that I love. The Peak District, nestled between the big cities of Manchester, Sheffield and Derby, is a place I have been visiting since I was a young girl and because we love the area so much, we have just moved here! With the kids dressed in puddle suits and wellies, we love nothing better than a long family walk in the Peaks. Our favorites are the Nine Ladies Circle through Stanton Moor Peak or the walk starting next to The Robin Hood pub in Baslow, with spectacular views from Birchen Edge. These walks are each only 2 kilometers long, perfect for little legs. Alternatively, we enjoy hiring some bikes and riding the Monsal Trail or Tissington Trail. We often visit Blaze Farm in Wildboarclough for a free walk around the farm and a taste of the scrumptious A2 ice-cream or head over to Chatsworth House to play in one of the best playgrounds around! However, if Mum and Dad are needing a drink (the fantastic pubs are part of the Peaks’ charm), we suggest stopping by The Bulls Head Inn, Monyash, which has a wonderful playground for the kids behind the garden. Public transport is available around the Peaks, but it’s very infrequent. The best way to get around is to hire a car.
Recommended by Jenny Lynn from Travelynn Family. Find out more from Jenny about family walks in the Peaks.
Salisbury/Stonehenge With Kids
For our family’s trip to Stonehenge, we opted for a guided, private tour with Stonehenge Tours at sunrise that let us INSIDE the inner circle with private access only granted to 16 people per day. A small van picked us up from our apartment in London at 4:30 a.m. so we arrived in time to catch the sun popping up over the English countryside and through the monoliths. We met our archeologist guide who had studied Stonehenge for decades. Through our special access, we could walk in between the stones, learning the geology, history, and mystery. The archeologist guide was a masterful educator, holding the attention of my 7- and 9-year old boys. There is a visitor’s center and some outdoor exhibits that show how the prehistoric people who built Stonehenge may have lived.
After our Stonehenge tour, we then headed to historic Salisbury Cathedral (15 minutes away), which is home to one of the four copies of the Magna Carta. Salisbury itself is a cute English town worth exploring or at least visiting some shops and stopping for lunch. Our private tour wasn’t inexpensive (around US $600), but compared to the bus tours we could have done, it was well worth the expense and an awesome way to visit Southeast England. We enjoyed Stonehenge and Salisbury so much that we’d definitely recommend it as a destination for a weekend getaway.
Scarborough is a popular seaside resort in North Yorkshire on the north eastern coast of England. It’s a perfect place to stay as a family, especially just for a couple of nights. There is so much to see and do. For families who enjoy historical places, a visit to Scarborough castle is a must. Down by the harbor, there are amusements, boat rides and a mini fairground. Further down there is a beach with donkey rides and a lovely view over to the Spa and out to sea. If you hop on a tourist bus you can take a ride up to the north beach. Here it is a little less chaotic with beach chalets and just a short walk away there is the popular Peasholm Park with boats to hire. Plus, a miniature steam train over the road which takes you up to Scarborough Seacliff entre. There are plenty of choices for accommodation and we love the family friendly resort The Sands, with luxury self-catering apartments.
The South Downs National Park is England’s newest national park. It covers the area mostly along the coast from Eastbourne to Winchester. Train access is available to Eastbourne or Winchester, but renting a car allows visitors to get the most out of the South Downs.
Eastbourne is a seaside resort that had its heyday in Victorian times. The Georgians would take the waters at spa towns like Bath. The Victorians preferred the seaside which started the trend for our current love of beach holidays. Much of the architecture reflects this Victorian heritage including the buildings that line the waterfront and the famous Eastbourne Pier. It’s a totally British thing to eat fish and chips by the seaside. Although Eastborne is a pebble beach, kids still enjoy.
From one end of Eastbourne, visitors have direct access to South Downs National Park. It’s not too far to the Seven Sisters Cliffs (white chalk cliffs that drop pretty vertically straight into the English Channel) or Birling Gap, a National Trust property. Erosion of the cliffs is visible at Birling Gap. The national park is great for walking and cycling through farmland, valleys and cliffs. It also encompasses a handful of postcard-perfect English villages.
Recommended by Shobha George from Just Go Places Blog. Find out more from Shobha about the South Downs with kids.
Staffordshire With Kids
The middle England County of Staffordshire is not the most obvious weekend getaway destination – no mountains, no beaches, and very few holiday parks. But, Staffordshire offers acres of beautiful English countryside, quaint villages and a whole heap of history. It’s where the famous Anglo-Saxon Staffordshire Hoard was discovered a few years ago which is worth over £3m and is now on show at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent.
Staffordshire is home to multiple stately homes, each with its own fascinating history. Many hold family-friendly events over the holidays, and all have extensive grounds to explore. We love Sudbury Hall with its Museum of Childhood and Shugborough Hall for its grounds. Getting outside in Staffordshire is practically compulsory, whatever the weather. There’s Cannock Chase, a 3,000 acre country park, which is a family favorite. We also love the Gruffalo trail, spotting deer and other wildlife, and the Go Ape tree top adventures if we’re feeling brave. There’s also the monkey forest at Trentham Gardens where you can walk around the grounds with real life monkeys! Thrill seekers are spoiled for choice with Alton Towers, Drayton Manor and the Snow Dome all fantastic family days out. Public transport is available to the major towns and cities, but a car is necessary to explore the countryside.
Trevone Beach in North Cornwall is the perfect place to get away from it all and have a family & friends’ gathering. Different holiday agencies and bed and breakfast providers offer great accommodations. Don’t worry about the British weather, this beach offers an activity no matter what. On the left side of the bay, there are great rock pools ideal for keeping the whole family occupied by naming or should I say, trying to name, all the different creatures living in there. During the warmer months, a man-made pool provides a safe swimming area for the ones that do not mind the cold Cornwall seawater.
A great large sandy beach with little alcoves provides a playground for all ages is located on the right side of the bay. Families can easily spend hours down at the beach. During low tide, take your picnic, a few chairs if necessary, some sand buckets and shovels, and I can guarantee any visitor will forget busy city lives instantly. Beautiful walks around to the blowhole or along the coastal path will make you realize how beautiful the North Cornwall coast is. Careful it gets quite addictive… once Cornwall always Cornwall.
York is the perfect weekend getaway in England! Easy to get to either by car or train from most major UK cities, York is very accessible! There are tons of family friendly things to do whatever the weather, such as the fabulous National Railway Museum, river cruises and the yummy chocolate story museum. For older children why not learn some more about York’s gruesome history on a ghost walking tour or a trip to York Dungeons! But for the budget conscious, a trip to York doesn’t have to be expensive for families with plenty of free activities such as walking the historic city walls and taking a trip to the Shambles!
York is full of historical gems that no visit is complete without! Firstly, be sure to visit the York Minster and marvel at the stained glass. With older children, climb the tower for unrivaled views across the city! Clifford Tower is another gem that explores some of York’s more unpleasant history! And, at any time of year, children will love the Museum Gardens! My little one especially loves a visit York during Christmas to see the beautiful illuminations!
A Visit to England For Kids
Recommended by Leona Bowman from Wandermust Family. Find out more from Leona about York with kids.
Looking for the more of the best places in England for kids? Check out all our posts about visiting England with kids.
During our family vacation to Italy this past summer, we followed the classic itinerary and visited Venice, Florence and Rome. We were not disappointed by these bucket list destinations in any way, but it was clear from our few detours off the beaten path that Italy has so much more to offer to tourists. We’re already dreaming of a return trip to Italy, which will definitely include more stops off the beaten path in Italy. We asked our favorite travel bloggers to recommend their favorite places off the beaten path spots in Italy and came up with this amazing list (which included a few of our own favorites):
Northern Italy With Kids
#1: Cittadella With Kids
Cittadella is a beautiful walled city located between Vicenza and Venice. Our favorite part about Cittadella was being able to walk all the way around the 13th century walls, where we enjoyed amazing views of the city.
We stayed in Vicenza for my husband’s work conference, so it was a quick 30 minute drive away. There is plenty of parking on the ring road around the walls. I wouldn’t recommend driving into the walled city. Try to find a parking place close to one of the four gates for easy entry. Cittadella is a quaint city that doesn’t require more than a 1/2 day to explore. We arrived in the late afternoon and stayed until dinner.
After entering through the south gate, we grabbed some ice cream at Gelateria Antica Porta before making our way to the entrance to climb the walls. The entrance is located near the north gate and is easily accessible via the stairs (don’t bring a stroller). We paid our entrance, grabbed an informational paper and began our walk. The walk is pretty safe for children with some guard rails, but keep an eye on toddlers. After our walk, we descended and headed to dinner at Birreria Torre S.N.C. Cittadella is great for kids because it features a medieval wall, a huge playground near the south gate and ice cream shops. The city is not pedestrian only (so watch the kids near the road), but the sidewalks are wide, and it’s easy to navigate.
Small Italian towns don’t come quainter than Como, on the southern tip of Lake Como. We visited for one day, but I think three days is probably ideal. It’s easy to reach by train, 30 minutes from Milan, and the walk down to the Lake takes visitors through the gorgeous old town. Stop for a coffee outside the Duomo or the Basilica di San Fedele, a beautiful 10th century church.
Kids will love the funicular ride into the surrounding hills and adults will love the breath-taking views from above. If it’s hot, there’s a cute little play area with some splash fountains – remember to bring a swimsuit and towel. Visiting families will be spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants, with so many available on the left side of the Lake. Most will be open for lunch, closing at around 3 and opening again for dinner at seven.
Como is a great base to explore the other lakeside towns and to find some lake beaches. There are regular steam boats and ferries visitors can use to get around. Another option is to hire a car and head into the hills, but make sure it’s a small one, the streets are pretty narrow. And no, we didn’t see famous residents, Amal and George, but there’s always next time….
One of our favorite family destinations in all of Italy is the lovely town of Lucca. Located in northern Tuscany, less than two hours from Florence by train, Lucca dates back to medieval times and has a timeless charm that makes it perfect both as a base to discover the area and as a stop during a Tuscany road trip.
We first visited Lucca with the kids when they were 3 and 5. The town can be visited in a matter of hours, but it is worth taking a few days as it is really easy to enjoy with children. The city still retains its medieval walls, and this means a large section of its center is car free. Our kids loved running around its small streets and were charmed by the many musicians fillings the air with beautiful notes: Lucca is the home town of composer Puccini, and his legacy is very much alive! Older kids are likely to enjoy cycling along the city walls, and visitors of all ages will love Lucca’s many restaurants that offer delicious Tuscan fare.
Recommended by Marta Correale from Learning Escapes. Find out more from Marta about Lucca with kids.
#4: Milan With Kids
Last year we spent six days in Milan with our little boy, who was 3.5 at the time. Compared to flights to Rome or Venice, the flight from Amsterdam to Milan was very cheap, and Italy was still on our bucket list, so that was an easy choice. The city is easy to navigate with public transport and very family friendly. Like the flights, accommodation is also a lot more affordable in Milan. It’s still a big city, so don’t expect ‘Asia cheap,’ but we managed to find a one bedroom apartment for €53 per night. We looked at hotels too, but with our little one in tow, a separate bedroom was a big plus. And to save some money, I cooked us dinner a few nights. We really enjoyed riding the old trams and visiting Sforzesca castle. Don’t forget to plan at least a half day for a visit to the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Technologia (Science and Technology Museum). San Siro Stadium, the ‘Temple of Soccer’ is worth a visit if you kids are soccer fans, and for race enthusiasts there is the Autodroma Monza. While not the obvious choice for a city trip to Italy, Milan really is a nice place to visit with kids.
Orvieto is just off the highway that connects Rome and Florence, yet many visitors pass right by on their rush to get to Tuscany. Yet this medieval, Umbrian city is much quieter than its hilltop counterparts in Tuscany. With so much to do for kids, it deserves at least a pit stop, if not an overnight stay. The Orvieto Cathedral is simply stunning, a rival to the Duomo in Florence (minus the magnificent dome). Those who don’t mind a little adventure can climb down into St. Patrick’s well or take a tour of the Orvieto Underground. Even without visits to the museums and attractions, kids will love running through the park and exploring the cobblestone streets in the evening. Parents can enjoy wine tasting at a sidewalk table while kids play in the piazza with locals and finish off the evening with a gelato.
Recommended by Tamara from We 3 Travel. Find out more from Tamara about Orvieto with kids.
#6: Panzano With Kids
Panzano is a quaint picturesque Italian town and is located in the Chianti/Tuscany region between Siena and Florence. Easily reachable by rental car, visitors will find it roughly equidistant from Bologna in the north (2 hours) or Rome in the south (2.5 hours). We recommend using this hilltop village as a base for at least four nights to explore the sites and tastes of the Italian countryside. Some of our favorite things to do in Panzano include taking a family cooking class at Toscana Mia, sampling offerings from the 7th generation butcher Dario Cecchini, visiting one of the many Renaissance villages and abbeys within a 30 minute drive, dining at one of the world-renowned wineries, and enjoying gelato or espresso in the town square. We recommend spending your nights at Villa Le Barone, a 16th century villa that is loaded with charm and history. The Independent Apartment is a perfect space for families and features a double bed plus two single sofa beds and offers privacy and a beautiful view of the rolling Chianti Hills. We enjoyed spending time on the property as the pool, tennis courts and bicycle and walking trails give visitors an opportunity to get the kids outside and immerse themselves in this breathtaking countryside.
The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Italy’s most recognizable landmarks because of its unintended tilt. Even though it isn’t the only leaning tower in Italy or even Pisa, it is world-renowned because of the degree of its tilt, the beauty of its architecture and the fact that Galileo used it in experiments that showed that objects of different mass fall at the same rate. We spent a night in Pisa staying at a hotel across the street from the Leaning Tower when driving from Bologna to Florence. The view of the Tower from our room was amazing. While we planned to arrive late and head out after breakfast and a walk around the Field of Miracles, we extended our stay to tour the Cathedral and Baptistery and climb to the top of the Leaning Tower.
Cinque Terre or Five Lands is a string of five picturesque fishing villages in the Liguria region of Italy. The five villages are: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. We were lucky enough to visit Riomaggiore several years ago on a road trip through Liguria and parts of Tuscany. Riomaggiore really took our breath away with its colorful houses perilously perched on the rocky cliffs off the Mediterranean coast. We were so taken with the undeniable beauty of this place that we vowed to return in the future and properly explore all five villages.
It is not possible to drive into Cinque Terre. To get there, we parked our car in the town of La Spezia and hopped on a train that takes visitors to all five villages. The train ride from La Spezia to Riomaggiore is only 10 minutes and is very affordable. The ride between each of the rest of the towns is only 5 minutes or less. Since we had very little time to explore, we only visited Riomaggiore. But visitors who have enough time to visit all five should buy a Cinque Terre card to save money and gain access to hiking trails and museums. Make sure to validate your ticket at one of the yellow machines at the train station before boarding the train! Exploring by train rather than foot is easier for those who have difficulty with their mobility or have very young children. Just be aware that the train is very crowded during high season. We felt like sardines in a can. Also, once in the towns, be prepared for lots of stairs and elevation changes when exploring. Because of the terrain, a super thorough sightseeing may not be for everyone.
When we return to explore Cinque Terre in the future, we would love to hike from village to village and stay in each for a couple days, or perhaps even longer.
Recommended by Bea from PackYourBags.Org. Find out more from Bea about Italy’s Liguria region.
#9: San Gimignano With Kids
We spent a lovely afternoon in San Gimignano. While driving from Pisa to Florence, we wanted to explore a typical Tuscan town and were so glad we chose this beautiful walled, hill town. We could see the 14 medieval towers miles before we reached the outskirts of town and parked just outside the wall and walked into the city center and quickly came to Piazza del Duomo. The adjacent Piazza della Cisterna, which is named for the cistern that was accessed from the center of the square, was the perfect place for a glass of wine (for the adults) and some gelato (for the kids). The line at the world-famous Gelateria Dondoli was too long, and we desperately needed to sit in the shade, so we choose Le Terrazze instead. After we were all refreshed, we decided that we couldn’t miss a 360 degree hilltop view and took a short walk to the Rocca. San Gimignano is a beautiful medieval hill town, and it was a refreshing break on a trip spent mostly in large metropolitan tourist centers to spend a few hours in this quaint town.
Just a short walk from ritzy Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure is the perfect base for families wanting to explore the Italian Riviera. Santa Margherita is a small port, fishing town and a popular resort with Italians. Its shingled shoreline boasts a couple of beach clubs, and the sea front is lined with cafes, restaurants and of course gelateries.
Visitors strolling along the pretty cobbled streets stumble upon a magnificent baroque church and a castle with impressive views of the Ligurian Sea. On summer evenings, the town lights up with free entertainment and dancing.
Santa Margherita is well serviced by public transport or families can drive from the closest airport at Genoa. To explore the Ligurian coast, visitors can walk to Portofino or take a day trip by train to the Cinque Terre. In summer, a ferry service hops along the coastal towns of the Italian Riviera. After spending a week in Santa Margherita, visitors will return home with that la dolce vita aura Italians are famous for.
Recommended by Katy Clarke of Untold Morsels. Find out more from Katy about the Italian Riviera with kids.
#11: Siena With Kids
We stayed near Volterra, so the drive to Siena was just over an hour away, but perfectly worth it. Siena has the wow factor with medieval architecture, a beautiful elaborate (yet unfinished) cathedral and symbolic neighborhoods, which even today people take heed of.
To make the most of visiting the beautiful medieval city of Siena with kids, I would highly recommend paying for a walking tour. We went with ‘Ariana and Friends’ who can tailor and pitch the tour exactly to your needs. We learned that Siena is comprised of 17 historic neighborhoods, each with its specific symbol showcased outside. Look out for dragons, caterpillars, geese, wolves, porcupines and more! Each family belonged to a neighborhood based on their profession or status.
Not to be missed are the Basilica San Domenico and the Duomo, or a run around the Piazza del Campo and soak in the sights. There is a small exhibition for children inside the Santa Maria Della Scala (located opposite the Duomo) with several interactive opportunities too.
For families visiting during the hot summer months, the swimming pool in Acquacalda may appeal. There are two outdoor pools: a large one with space for both swimming and relaxing and a smaller one for children.
We have been to Italy multiple times and have to admit that it’s an extremely kid-friendly place to travel. However, there are more towns, churches, or museums than any child can handle – not to mention the huge crowds in the popular tourist destinations. This summer we took our kids to the Trentino region in Northern Italy, and it became our favorite place for a family vacation in Italy. Trentino has it all: spectacular mountain landscapes, quaint little towns, authentic Italian feel, and an incredible variety of family-friendly activities.
Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from hiking to mountain-biking; spend a day at an adventure park, try bouldering, or explore the exhilarating yet family-friendly Via Ferrata trails. There are even special canyoning opportunities that are suitable for families with kids from five years and up. Not into that much action? No worries. There are animal parks, petting farms, playgrounds, and plenty of beautiful mountain lakes where visitors can row a boat or go for a swim. One thing that is lacking in Trentino is the crowds. It’s the perfect place for a truly family-friendly Italian vacation off the beaten path.
Treviso is a quiet, much less touristy and a little less beautiful version of Venice. We arrived with our rental car and stayed for one day and night before continuing to its famous neighbor. Walking through the city with our toddler, we loved the colorful buildings on the many waterways. There are of course a lot of restaurants, and because Treviso is not a touristy city the meals are very affordable. Romano is known for having the best ice-cream in town. So be prepared to stand in line, but after that you will enjoy some of tastiest Italian ice-cream ever. They provide a bib for kids and adults.
There are many low-key attractions in town. Cycling fans will want to check out the Pinarello shop with the bike Froome used for his Tour de France wins. We also found a great playground on the Vialo Bartolomeo d’Alviano in one of many parks in Treviso. While Treviso does not host any special child friendly museums or theme parks, the laid-back atmosphere and friendly people makes it very suitable for families with young children. I do suggest bringing a stroller as the city center is rather big.
Recommended by Tikva from GezinOpReis (Dutchtravelfamily). Find out more from Tikva about Treviso with kids.
#14: Volterra With Kids
Volterra is one of the most picturesque small towns in Tuscany. Located just over an hour from both Florence and Siena, this medieval town is best reached by car, but trains and buses are also an option. We would recommend a stay at a local agriturismo, as there are plenty in the area, and they are great options for families. We stayed at a lovely vineyard, Fattoria Corzano e Paterno, and drove to Volterra for the day.
Volterra dates back to Etruscan times, and visitors should spend time exploring the remains of the 4th century city walls, the Etruscan Museum and Porta all’Arco, one of the town’s main gates built by the Etruscans. Kids will love exploring the Roman Theater ruins, one of the best preserved in Italy. Dating to the 1st century BC, the site includes the remains of the stage, seats, a forum, and even baths.
After the ruins, spend time wandering the medieval streets of Volterra. Be sure to shop at the local alabaster shops, and make a stop at Piazza dei Priori, the main square, and home to the oldest town hall in Tuscany. Don’t miss the sandwiches at Panineria Al Vicolinio and gelato at L’Isola del Gusto before heading home for the day.
In Matera, Italy, visitors can stay in a cave! That by itself was a highlight for our kids, but there are many other things to do in this UNESCO Heritage Site. Visiting families can ride a tuktuk-style taxi around town to get a nice tour, visit a free museum of miniature replica of the town, or have gelato in one of the charming town squares.
We stayed in Matera for three nights, three days and spent two days exploring the town and a day trip out to the Bari Coast on the third. Matera is about a two hour drive from Naples, an hour and a half from Bari, and five hours from Rome. There are several cave hotels around town, but we stayed at the Residence San Pietro Barisano and had an amazing time! The rooms are right in front of the restaurant, so on one of the nights, we got to go outside our room and have a romantic dinner overlooking the town after the kids went to bed. We would recommend going to Matera with kids in a heartbeat!
We love Ostuni in Puglia! Known as the white city, it can be seen for miles around, shining in the hilltop! We flew into the nearby town of Brindisi, but Ostuni can be also reached by plane from Bari or via cruise ship. Out five day stay was perfect giving us time to explore Ostuni and the surrounding area, including the UNESCO world heritage site Alberbello and also allowed for plenty of beach time! I recommend staying with kids in a trulli house. These traditional dry stone huts with conical roofs are common in the region and offer added authenticity that visitors won’t find anywhere else.
Recommended by Leona Bowman from Wandermust Family. Find out more from Leona about Puglia with kids.
#17: Salve With Kids
Salve is located in the province of Lecce, Apulia region and entirely within the Salento peninsula, often called the “heel” of the Italian “boot”. The village is set in the countryside amidst olive groves and native Mediterranean scrub. Perfectly nestled for easy reach to the sea-front fortified gems of Otranto and Gallipoli and Leuca, the luxurious seaside town, and Lecce, the capital of the province and a Baroque masterpiece town.
White fine sand with shallow and crystal-clear water provide some of the most acclaimed beaches of the Ionian Salento Coast which are ideal for families with younger kids. On the Adriatic side you find breathtaking cliffs, caves and alcoves. Hidden and secluded tiny beaches among these cliffs provide excellent swimming and snorkeling stops for families with older children. Visitors can also rent a small boat and explore this beauty at their own pace.
During summer peak season, Salve and the surrounding area is a very lively place with kids as there are fun fair rides along the beach promenade and plenty of good restaurants to choose from. For families who prefer a quieter time and don’t mind if some of the activities are already shut down for winter, September is a great month to visit. Easiest way is to arrive by air directly to Brindisi – Salento airport – from where you can rent a car and drive about one hour south.
Our last trip to Italy brought us to a city many visitors ignore: stunning Siracusa. Located on the East coast of Sicily, Siracusa dates back to Greek times and now mixes seamlessly ancient history, medieval charm and a modern vibe.
The city has two main areas of interest for visitors: the old city center, Ortigia, and the archaeological park. It is possible to visit both in one day, but we recommend you schedule at least a couple of days to appreciate Siracusa’s splendor.
Ortigia is the part of the city we loved the most. There is a plethora of beautiful buildings. The main duomo overlooks a large square perfect for kids to run around, and just a short walk down the road is the famous fountain of Arethusa and its resident ducks! Older kids are likely to enjoy the archaeological park where they can visit the infamous Latomie and the largest Greek theater in the area, truly a sight to behold. Nearby, inventors in the making can experiment to their heart content in the museum of Archimedes’ inventions, which pays homage to the city’s most beloved son.
Recommended by Marta Correale from Learning Escapes. Find out more from Marta about Siracusa with kids.
#19: Sorrento With Kids
My family and I traveled from Rome to Naples on a train for 1 hour and 20 min. Once we arrived we had a private guide, Lovely Amalfi Coast Tours, drive us down to the Amalfi Coast where we toured Ravello and Amalfi, had lunch in Positano and ended in Sorrento! We stayed in Sorrento for two nights in a very nice four star hotel called the Grand Hotel De La Ville that overlooked Sorrento and Mt. Vesuvius. This hotel has two rooftop pools with the best views in town! Across the street is a wonderful children’s park, Parco Giochi Don Luigi Verde for families with small children that has plenty of slides, swings, rides, trampoline and a refreshment and snack bar for a quick bite to eat. Another attraction near the hotel is a lemon orchard, Giardini Di Cataldo. This orchard has lemon trees growing all over, and while the adults sample the famous limoncello, the little ones can run around wild and let out their wiggles out. Heading into the town is a must and is only about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Venturing through the charming cobblestone streets and vendors is all part of the adventure. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and gelato to keep the whole family happy!
Our family recently discovered a wonderful place in Italy, truly off the beaten path. We have been to Italy several times, to places, like Rome, Florence and Venice – the usual suspects. But this time, we wanted to cool off in the Italian Alps, as the summer in Europe has been unusually hot. Before we set off on our road trip, we thought we knew what to expect from the Italian Alps, but we were in for quite a surprise. For our one-week camping and hiking excursion, we chose the region of South Tyrol (or Alto Adige in Italian). This is the home of the Dolomites, which are part of the Southern Limestone Alps. As we soon discovered, not all European Alps were created equal. We’ve been to the Alps in France, Switzerland, Austria and other parts of Italy, but the Dolomites just took our breath away. No wonder, the Dolomites are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Not only are these mountains beautiful, the towns picturesque, lakes out of fairy tales, but also, we were surprised to find out that in this part of Italy, German is widely spoken by the local population, as well as Italian. In fact, all names of places in this region have both an Italian name and a German name.
During winter the Dolomites are very popular with skiers, but since we were there during the summer, here is what we did:
We slept in a tent at the Camping Olympia in the town of Dobbiaco (Toblach in German).
We hiked around one of the most beautiful lakes on the planet, Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee in German).
We explored the picturesque towns of Dobbiaco (Toblach) and Villabassa (Niederdorf in German) on bicycle.
We stuffed our faces with a local dish named “knodel” (“canederli” in Italian). I think I found my new favorite food.
We explored the bucolic countryside.
So, for visitors looking for a different experience in Italy, with no crowds, surrounded by nature, with pristine lakes and a slower pace of life, look no further than the South Tyrol region in northern Italy.
One year ago today, we officially launched We Go With Kids. We had no idea where this new endeavor might lead, but we were excited to share our family travel experiences. We hoped that this website would encourage others to travel with kids but didn’t realize that We Go With Kids would further inspire our own wanderlust. Despite our respective full-time lawyer gigs, we fit in quite a bit of travel – most notably with Nancy taking her three year old on his first international trip and embarking on her first solo mother-son trip abroad and Catherine booking a 17-day European vacation 5 1/2 weeks before departure. We’ve certainly learned quite a bit about blogging, SEO and social media and also met a whole host of amazing family travelers along the way. And, after 10 years, we also met up for a quick 24 hours of sightseeing at the National Mall and squeezed in a few relaxing hours reminiscing in Gaithersburg. We can’t wait to see what adventures the next year holds and hope we can get our combined five kids together again sooner rather than later.
We are often asked for advice about keeping kids entertained during car journeys and flights. The Boogie Board Jot 8.5 is an LCD eWriter tablet that serves as an endless notepad with many uses, especially for traveling families. Because it is ultra-light and the size of a small notepad, it is super easy to throw into any carry on and can be used for doodling, tic-tac-toe, etc…. As a bonus, it can be erased up to 50,000 times. The Boogie Board Jot also comes in 4.5 inch and 10.5 inch sizes, but we find that the 8.5 inch size is the perfect not to big yet not to small compromise. It’s a screen but not an electronic and not hard to see why the Jot 8.5 is the world’s #1 LCD writing tablet. We’ve both used them and think they are great for traveling kids.
Catherine’s Thoughts:
Our family has been using Boogie Boards since their debut because my brother-in-law’s company, Kent Displays, manufactures Boogie Board eWriter products. My kids often keep a Jot 8.5 LCD eWriter tablet in the car and use it to doodle. The sleek stylus is very easy for my four year old daughter to manipulate, and the LCD pixels are bright. The kids love how easy it is to erase with the press of a button and occasionally ask me to take a picture of creation before erasing and moving on to the next. I’m glad that there’s no worry about pen stains or scraps of paper to clean up.
The stylus is multi-functional and can be used to hold the eWriter in an angled position, but my kids prefer to place the Jot 8.5 on a table or in their lap and do not often use this function.
While my kids have tried out a whole host of Boogie Board products while visiting their cousins, they seem to prefer the sleek Jot 8.5. In addition to a semi-permanent residence in our car, the Jot 8.5 is feather light and can easily be added to a handbag or carry on and provides endless entertainment to kids during flights.
When Catherine mentioned doing a product review for the Boogie Board as something for families to take with them on trips, I was somewhat dumbfounded as who takes ocean equipment when traveling as a matter of course? After clearing up that misunderstanding, I became curious about the Boogie Board and decided to order the Jot 8.5 via Amazon. Upon arrival, both kids immediately begin fighting over who got to play with the device first, but anyone with two kids knows that’s nothing outside of the ordinary. What surprised me was that I immediately took to the Boogie Board. Prior to ordering the Boogie Board, I had considered getting my 3.5 year old a magnetic doodle board or an etch a sketch as he loves to practice writing. But, I wasn’t a fan of either as the writing can be disjointed and the boards don’t always wipe cleanly. I was looking for an e-writing type device, however, because my youngest is such a menace that he simply cannot be trusted alone with any writing implements. Fortunately, the Boogie Board not only captured his attention, but also that of my 9 year old.
As shown in this video, the Boogie Board writes smoothly and erases with one push of a button. My sons have now played with the Boogie Board on an airplane, in the car, and at church during extended announcements post-Mass. My father-in-law was so amused by the Boogie Board that he announced he was going to get one for himself just to tinker around with. As an added bonus, the Boogie Board is so lightweight and thin that it fits easily into my purse and I hardly even know it’s there. The best part of the Boogie Board, however, is that it alleviates all the anxiety I feel when my 3.5 year old gets his hands on a pencil or a marker as the provided stylus provides him with no opportunity to mark up hymnals or clothes or even his toes (yes, we’ve had highlighter and toe nail incidents with my little monkey)!
Depending on which Boogie Board you happen to own, there are different apps available to download onto your mobile device. I downloaded the Jot Mobile App, which allowed me to very quickly turn my son’s masterpiece into a jpg that I could store on my phone and send to his traveling father.
One might wonder whether the Boogie Board is necessary and of course, it’s not. But, it’s a fun and relatively low risk way for me to keep my 3.5 year old entertained and my 9 year old likes it because, as Catherine mentioned, it’s like an electronic device even if it isn’t. At the end of the day, for approximately $20, I’m happy to have it be part of my travel arsenal and would recommend this to anyone looking for a relatively inexpensive item to keep kids occupied during travel. As an added bonus, I have also used it to leave notes for my husband — we rarely keep paper around the house and hardly ever leave written messages anymore now that we can simply text one another. He was highly amused to find the Boogie Board note I left for him one afternoon and I’m sure we’ll continue to utilize the Boogie Board outside of travel as the opportunities present themselves.
Recommended by Lissa from 
A close second favorite experience at the LA Zoo was the petting zoo, called Muriel’s Ranch. Free with admission, the petting ranch offers the opportunity to get up close and personal with the zoo’s residents goats and sheep. I was thrilled to be handed a brush on our way into the petting area and my three year old and I had a great time, brushing the very docile and friendly goats.
Recommended by Kirsten Maxwell from Kids are a Trip. Find out more from Kirsten about 
Recommended by Corina Swan from 
