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  • Best Things to Do in Cleveland With Kids

    Best Things to Do in Cleveland With Kids

    Thank you to the Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Goodtime III, the Nautica Queen, the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, the Cleveland Museum of Art the Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland, and the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, for each providing complimentary tickets for my family.  All opinions are my own.

    While our family loves to travel internationally and explore the world, we are based in the Cleveland, Ohio, and many of our adventures take place close to our Midwest home.  Cleveland is rich with history, art and culture and has so many opportunities for young families.  While it may not be at the top of every traveler’s bucket list, Cleveland offers so much for traveling and local families to explore, and we always have plenty of options whenever we have a day off.  Our list of the best things to do in Cleveland with kids includes something for everyone and also several free activities.

     

    Family Attractions in Downtown Cleveland

     

    #1:  Great Lakes Science Center With Kids

    The Great Lakes Science Center opened next to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1996 to support STEM learning.  Its North Coast Harbor location on the shore of Lake Erie is a picturesque setting.  We have visited the Great Lakes Science Center many times, and our kids particularly love the hands-on exhibits in the main exhibition space on the second level.  My kinesthetic learner and his two siblings could spend hours trying out everything.

    Great Lakes Science Center hands-on exhibits
    Hands-on exhibits

    Watching films in the six-story Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater is always a highlight.  We’ve recently seen Rocky Mountain Express and Natural Parks Adventure.  The IMAX photography really makes us feel like we’re seeing the scenery ourselves, and National Parks Adventure particularly reminded me of my trips to Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon.

    Great Lakes Science Center - Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater
    Cleveland Clinic Dome Theater

    The NASA Glenn Visitor Center has been housed at the Great Lakes Science Center since 2010.  The highlight of this exhibit is the 1973 Skylab 3 Apollo Command Module.  Visitors can try out a nearby replica capsule, which, even with the door removed, was so small that it screamed claustrophobia and made me wonder how the astronauts handle such confined spaces.

    1973 Skylab 3 Apollo Command Module
    1973 Skylab 3 Apollo Command Module

    Another favorite exhibit is the Cleveland Creates Zone, which offers various activities for kids to invent, design and tinker.  Each area includes all the materials needed to create and test designs.  My kids enjoy the Creates Zone every time we visit the Great Lakes Science Center and could spent hours testing and refining their rockets and parachutes for hours.  On our last visit, we watched a special physics program in this area that focused on force and motion and absolutely captivated my boys.

    Cleveland Creates Zone - Physics Demonstration on Force and Motion
    Physics Demonstration on Force and Motion

    Additionally, the William G. Mather is docked outside the Science Center, but we always seem to visit in the winter when it is closed.  A visit to the Mather is one of the few items still on our Cleveland bucket list.

    William G. Mather
    William G. Mather

    My kids love hands-on opportunities to explore science, technology, engineering and math and are always asking to visit the Great Lakes Science Center.

    Find out more about the Great Lakes Science Center.

    • Great Lakes Science Center Admission:  Adult admission costs $16.95, admission for children ages 2-12 costs $13.95, admission for seniors over age 65 costs $14.95, and admission for college students costs $15.95.  Children under age two are free.
    • Great Lakes Science Center Hours:  The Science Center is typically open from 10 a.m. to 5. p.m. every day during the summer and Tuesdays through Sundays during the winter.  Note that due to its proximity to FirstEnergy Stadium and the large number of tailgating revelers in the area, the Great Lakes Science Center is closed on the Browns’ regular season home game dates.
    • Great Lakes Science Center Parking: Parking at the Great Lakes Science Center is conveniently available in the 500-car attached garage, and visitors receive a reduced $8 rate with validation.  I paid for parking at the Box Office and avoided looking for a pay station or fumbling with my credit card when exiting.  Visitors entering through the parking garage arrive on level 0.  There are also meters in front of the Science Center, but the two-hour limit really does not provide enough time to fully explore.

     

    #2:  Rock & Roll Hall of Fame With Kids

    Cleveland was chosen as the site of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1986, and the Rock Hall opened in 1995.  The Rock Hall definitely draws tourists to the area, and I am fortunate to have one of Cleveland’s claim to fame just across the street from my office.  I’ve always loved the I.M. Pei design that incorporates a glass pyramid and reminds me of the Louvre.

    Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
    Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

    Our family last visited in December 2017.  We started our tour at the Legends of Rock permanent exhibit, which includes artifacts such as handwritten drafts, instruments and costumes.  The British Invasion exhibit is the world’s largest artifact-based collection of the Beetles.  The Rock Hall also has always featured a standing Elvis exhibit with many artifacts and an exclusive 14-minute Elvis video.   The kids particularly enjoyed the costumes. It’s always surprising to see first-hand how small many of the musicians are in real life.  I did feel really old when my younger son asked if Michael Jackson was a basketball player and realized that the King of Pop actually died before he was born.

    Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - Michael Jackson's jacket
    Michael Jackson’s jacket

    The boys were pretty excited to find costumes of musicians they recognized like Lady Gaga and Taylor Swift.  We are all still amazed that Lady Gaga actually wore this contraption.

    Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - Lady Gaga outfit
    Lady Gaga outfit

    We noticed more families with young children touring the Rock Hall than we expected.  While our kids are not familiar with most of the featured musicians, they enjoyed the multi-media exhibits.  My husband and I could have easily spent a few more hours perusing the exhibits, but our shorter highlight tour was a perfect Rock Hall introduction for our kids.

    Find out more about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

    • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Admission:  General Admission to the Rock Hall costs $26 for adults, $16 for kids age 6-12 and $24 for seniors over age 64.  Children ages five and under are free.
    • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Hours:  The Rock Hall is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays all year around and on Wednesdays through Saturdays during the Summer months.  The Hall of Fame is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
    • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Parking:  Parking is available at the Great Lakes Science Center garage, and Rock Hall visitors receive a $2 discount with validation.

     

    #3:  Goodtime III With Kids

    In June 2018, our family spent an amazing summer afternoon cruising on Lake Erie and the Cuyahoga River aboard the Goodtime III, Cleveland’s largest sightseeing vessel.  The ship’s four decks offer indoor and open air seating for up to 1,000 passengers to enjoy the view of Cleveland’s skyline, its many bridges and all the new development at the East Bank of the Flats.  The Narrated Sightseeing Tour is especially kid-friendly and a great way for visitors (and residents!) to learn about Cleveland’s downtown from a unique perspective.  A ride on the Goodtime III with kids is a particularly good first boating experience for young passengers, and the views of downtown Cleveland just can’t be beat.

    Goodtime III at the dock
    Boarding the Goodtime III

    Because there were only about 150 passengers on our mid-week afternoon cruise, we had plenty of seating options throughout the ship.  The kids excitedly tried out a half a dozen views before we even left the dock.

    Goodtime III Ninth Street Pier
    Checking out the views while docked on the Ninth Street Pier

    The ship departed exactly as scheduled, and visitors need to arrive in time to board before departure or will be stuck on shore.  We enjoyed an hour of narration about Cleveland’s history, buildings, bridges and trivia and then a second hour of music on the ship’s sound system, which was fun to listen to while watching the ever-changing views.

    View of the Cleveland Flats
    Cleveland Flats

    At the end of cruise, my daughter took full advantage of the dance floor to try out some of her moves.  We were lucky to take advantage of a beautiful summer afternoon and truly enjoy our hometown from a new perspective.  Our kids would love to make an afternoon on the Goodtime III an annual tradition, and I’m sure they would see and learn different things on each cruise.

    Find out more about the Goodtime III.

    • Goodtime III Admission:  General admission for the two-hour Narrated Sightseeing Tour costs $18 for adults and $10 for children, and reservations are available online for a small booking fee.   Children under five are free, but need a ticket to board.  Advance reservations are required for special events and any trip that includes a meal.
    • Goodtime III Hours:  Exact timing for the seasonal cruises varies by day.  Check out the online schedule for details.
    • Goodtime III Parking: Parking is conveniently located at the East Ninth Street Pier Parking lot and costs $10 for 2-3.5 hours.

    #4:  Federal Reserve Bank Learning Center and Money Museum With Kids

    The Federal Reserve Bank Learning Center and Money Museum opened in 2006 and was a huge hit with my kids.  The Federal Reserve Bank Building’s exterior was designed to resemble an Italian Renaissance palace.  Creation of the Money Museum was a brilliant way to use the former bank teller windows that were vacated after the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.

    Federal Reserve Bank in Cleveland
    Federal Reserve Bank in Cleveland

    The Money Museum is a unique history and learning center that offers multi-media experiences and activities to teach visitors about the history of currency.  Through the Follow the Yellow Brick Road exhibit, we learned that many consider L. Frank Baum’s Wizard of Oz an allegory about money policy.  We’ll never look at the Yellow Brick Road in quite the same way.  The kids loved the interactive exhibits and the two-story money tree.  Make sure not to forget to design your own dollar bills before leaving.

    Federal Reserve Bank Learning Center and Money Museum money tree
    Money Tree
    • Money Museum Admission:  There is no admission fee to visit the Money Museum.
    • Money Museum Hours:  The Money Museum is generally open Mondays through Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. but closed on all bank holidays.
    • Money Museum Parking: Parking is available at a number of downtown garages.

     

    #5:  Cleveland Public Library With Kids

    The Cleveland Public Library‘s Main Library is known as the People’s University and a wonderful place to visit with children.  The historic Main Library Building is almost 100 years old and resembles a museum.   The research library has a vast collection, and the kids loved the Superman statue.

    Cleveland Public Library Superman statue
    Superman statue

    We visited the special exhibit,  The World of Puppets: From Stage to Screen, which occupied a stunning cathedral-like space on the first floor.  The museum-quality exhibition reminded us of the puppet exhibit at COSI that we enjoyed a few months earlier.  In addition to the many puppets on display, there was a puppet show area where my daughter produced her own show.

    Cleveland Public Library The World of Puppets: From Stage to Screen
    The World of Puppets: From Stage to Screen
    • Cleveland Public Library Admission:  There is no admission fee to visit the Cleveland Public Library.
    • Cleveland Public Library Hours:  The Cleveland Public Main Library is generally from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mondays through Saturdays.
    • Cleveland Public Library Parking: Parking is available at a number of downtown garages.

    #6:  Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument With Kids

    The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is dedicated the veterans of the American Civil War from Cleveland and Cuyahoga County.  It opened on July 4, 1894 and is celebrating its 125th anniversary in 2019.  The Monument is located in the southeast quadrant of Public Square and features a 125-foot column with a statue of the Goddess of Liberty on top.

    Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument
    Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument

    Inside the Monument, the names of 9,000 Civil War veterans from the area are listed on marble tablets affixed to the walls.  We also learned that body of Abraham Lincoln was placed in this same quadrant of Public Square on April 28, 1865, and tens of thousands of mourners paid their respect to the assassinated President.

    Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument interior
    Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument interior
    • Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument Admission:  There is no admission fee to visit the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument.
    • Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument Hours:  The Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during the summer months.
    • Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument Parking: Parking is available at a number of downtown garages.

     

    Family Attractions in the Flats

    #7:  Nautica Queen With Kids

    The Nautica Queen is Cleveland’s dining cruise ship that departs from the West Bank of the Flats for lunch and dinner cruises.  Our family took a lunch cruise on the day before my kids started a new school year in August 2019, and it was an amazing way to end a lovely summer.  While the forecast showed rain a day or two before our cruise, we ended up with picture perfect blue skies and an ideal 75 degree temperature.

    Cleveland Nautica Queen
    Nautica Queen

    As soon as we embarked the ship, we were directed to our table on the middle level.  We ordered sodas and explored the top deck before the buffet lunch was served.  Our meal included salad, beef, pasta, fish, chicken, oven-roasted potatoes, seasonal vegetables, dinner rolls, cheesecake, coffee, tea and ice tea.  And, our lunchtime view was unbeatable as we cruised on the Cuyahoga River and Lake Erie while passing historic bridges and all the sights of Downtown Cleveland.

    Lunch on the Nautica Queen
    Lunch on the Nautica Queen

    My favorite part of the cruise was definitely the view from the top deck.  We spent most of our time up there after finishing our lunch.  The railings were high, and I felt very safe for even my youngest child.  My daughter particularly loved the dance floor and kept asking to return for a song or two.  While I may have missed the wind blowing through my hair while accompanying her on the inside deck, the view most definitely never disappointed.  We were all sad to disembark at the end.  There probably is not a better way to really feel like a visitor in our hometown other than spending an afternoon on a cruise.

    View from the Nautica Queen
    View from the Nautica Queen
    • Nautica Queen Admission:  Rates vary by day but as of August 2019, two-hour weekday lunch cruises with gratuities generally cost $29.65 for adults and $18.95 for children under 12 and two and a half hour weekday sunset dinner cruises with gratuities cost $35.59 for adults and $22.52 for children under 12.  Sunday brunch cruises and Friday and Saturday dinner cruises cost more than weekday cruises.
    • Nautica Queen Hours:  The schedule for Nautica Queen cruises is available online.
    • Nautica Queen Parking:  Parking is available in an adjacent cash-only parking lot for generally $3-6.  There is also free street parking on nearby streets.

     

    #8:  Greater Cleveland Aquarium

    The Greater Cleveland Aquarium opened in its current location in the Flats’ FirstEnergy Powerhouse in 2012 and remains Ohio’s only free-standing aquarium.  The Powerhouse building was originally constructed in 1892 as a power station and is a unique setting for an aquarium.  My prom was held in this building, and I absolutely love how this space has been repurposed and renovated.  We last visited in December 2017 and headed straight to the diver presentation in the shark tank when we arrived.  Watching the diver feed the aquatic life was the highlight of our visit.  A special microphone allowed the diver to talk directly to the audience.  During the presentation, we learned that most shark bites are really caused by mistaken identity.  Sharks explore the world with their mouths, and surfers often look like fish from below.

    Greater Cleveland Aquarium - Shark Tank
    Diver in the Shark Tank

    The 230,000 gallon Shark SeaTube includes four species of sharks, stingrays, angelfish, a giant barracuda and a whole host of other ocean creatures.  Visitors can literally walk under the tank to get a whole new perspective.  If you want to take a peek into the shark tank in real-time, check out the shark cam.

    Greater Cleveland Aquarium Shark SeaTube
    Shark SeaTube

    The Aquarium has more than 50 exhibits, 250 species and 1,450 animals from Lake Erie and all across the globe.  Some of our favorite animals included the turtles, lion fish and clown fish with the stunning anemone.

    Greater Cleveland Aquarium turtle
    Turtle hanging out

    My son particularly enjoyed the Invertebrate Touch Pool where he got the chance to feel a starfish with the official “two-finger” technique.  The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is an amazing place to learn about aquatic animals and get a glimpse of life under the sea.

    Find out more about the Greater Cleveland Aquarium.

    • Greater Cleveland Aquarium Admission:  Admission to the Greater Cleveland Aquarium costs $19.95 for visitors age 13-99 and $13.95 for children age 2 to 12.  There is no admission fee for visitors under age 2 and over 99.
    • Greater Cleveland Aquarium Hours:  The Greater Cleveland Aquarium is generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas.
    • Greater Cleveland Aquarium Parking:  Parking is available in an adjacent cash-only parking lot for about $3-6.

    University Circle Attractions for Families

    #9:  Cleveland Museum of Art

    Cleveland Museum of Art is the art museum we frequent most often.  We’re so lucky to have one of the world’s best free art museums practically in our backyard.  A massive expansion project was completed at the end of 2013 and increased floor space by 65% and included the glass-roofed Ames Family Atrium.

    Cleveland Museum of Art - Ames Family Atrium
    Ames Family Atrium

    The Cleveland Museum of Art has a permanent collection of 45,000 works and significant Egyptian and Asian galleries.  The Armor Court the ArtLens Gallery are our kids’ favorite exhibits.

    Cleveland Museum of Art Armor Court
    Armor Court

    We always make sure to spend a few minutes sitting on the bench in front of Monet’s Water Lilies (Agapanthus).

    Monet’s Water Lilies (Agapanthus)
    Monet’s Water Lilies (Agapanthus)

    Rodin’s Thinker, which sits outside the front entrance, was partially vandalized by a bomb in 1970, and the statue’s lower legs were destroyed and have not been restored.  We love spending time outside the Cleveland Museum of Art and walking around the Wade Lagoon.

    The Cleveland Museum of Art features rotating special exhibits.   Some of our favorites over the years were Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse, Yayoi Kusama: Infinity Mirrors and PROOF: Photography in the Era of the Contact Sheet.

    Find out more about the Cleveland Museum of Art.

    • Cleveland Museum of Art Admission:  Admission to the Cleveland Museum of Art is free, but there are fees and sometimes advance reservations required for special exhibits.
    • Cleveland Museum of Art Hours:  The Cleveland Museum of Art is generally open daily on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The Museum is closed on New Year’s Day, the Fourth of July, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
    • Cleveland Museum of Art Parking:  Parking is available in the attached indoor garage, and the maximum daily rate is $16.  There is also metered street parking available nearby.

    #10:  Cleveland Botanical Garden With Kids

    The Cleveland Botanical Garden features the Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse, a 17,000 square foot conservatory that features two biomes – the desert of Madagascar and the cloud forest of Costa Rica.  Together, these biomes house over 350 plant species and 50 animal species.  We visit the Cleveland Botanical Garden almost every year.

    Cleveland Botanical Garden Costa Rica exhibit
    Costa Rica exhibit

    We enjoy visiting the Botanical Garden’s annual holiday tradition, Glow, an exhibit featuring holiday-inspired trees, gingerbread house displays and crafts.  Admission to the Garden is often free during the Circle Fest in early December

    Cleveland Botanical Gardens Glow
    Glow

    The Hershey Children’s Garden was the first children’s garden in Ohio.  It is open from March 31 to October 31 during regular Botanical Garden hours and a great place for kids to explore nature.

    Cleveland Botanical Garden Hershey Children's Garden
    Hershey Children’s Garden
    • Cleveland Botanical Garden Admission:  Admission to the Cleveland Botanical Garden costs $12 for adults and $8 for children ages 3-12. Children age 2 and under are free.
    • Cleveland Botanical Garden Hours:  Cleveland Botanical Garden is generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays.  The Cleveland Botanical Garden and until 9:00 p.m. on Wednesdays and from noon to 5:00 p.m. on Sundays.
    • Cleveland Botanical Garden Parking:  Parking is available in the attached indoor garage, and the maximum daily rate is $16.  There is also metered street parking available nearby.

     

    #11:  Cleveland Museum of Natural History With Kids

    We were members of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for many years.  Our kids especially enjoy exploring the planetarium, the dinosaur exhibit, the gemstones, the toddler-friendly Smead Discovery Center, and the Shafran Planetarium & Mueller Observatory.  Like many natural history museums, the dinosaur exhibit is a favorite for our family.

    My daughter has a special fondness for Lucy,  a paleontology icon.  The 3.2 million year old Australopithecus afarensis partial skeleton was discovered in 1974 by team led by former Museum curator, Dr. Donald Johanson, and we never miss saying “hello” to her replica.

    Cleveland Natural History Museum - Lucy exhibit
    Visiting Lucy

    The outdoor Perkins Wildlife Center opened in 2016, drastically expanding the Museum’s outdoor animal exhibitions.  There is a new exhibit around each of the winding pathways, including Ohio’s famous bald eagle.

    • Cleveland Natural History Museum Admission:  Admission to the Cleveland History Center costs $17 for adults and $14 for seniors age 62 and over, college students with identification and youth age 3-18.  Children under three and are free.
    • Cleveland Natural History Museum Hours:  Cleveland History Center is generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
    • Cleveland Natural History Museum Parking:  Parking is available in the attached indoor garage, and the maximum daily rate is $16.  There is also metered street parking available nearby..

     

    #12:  Cleveland History Center With Kids

    The Cleveland History Center is the headquarters of the Western Reserve Historical Society and features collections that cover community and family history.  The History Center features the Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum, the Hay-McKinney Mansion, the Kidzibits Hands-on Gallery and the Euclid Beach Park Grand Carousel.

    History Center carousel
    Carousel

    My kids’ love the antique car collection and learning about the evolution of the automobile.  The Crawford Auto-Aviation Museum’s impressive collection of automobiles includes more than 170 antique automobiles.

    • Cleveland History Center Admission:  Admission to the Cleveland History Center costs $10 for adults, $9 for seniors age 62 and over, $7 for veterans and $5 for children ages 3-12.  Children under three and active military are free.
    • Cleveland History Center Hours:  Cleveland History Center is generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays.
    • Cleveland History Centers Parking:  Parking is available in the attached surface lot off Magnolia Drive and costs $8 for two hours with a $15 daily max.  There is also metered street parking available around University Circle.

    #13:  Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland With Kids

    The Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland (MOCA) is one of only 20 modern art museums in the United States.  MOCA opened its new facility in $27.2 million building designed by Farshid Moussavi in 2012.  The main exhibition space on the fourth floor is a wide-open space that is very different from the typical gallery in traditional art museums with paintings and sculptures.  The exhibit we saw during our January 2018 visit did not have any barriers.  While the exhibition featured in this space changes several times a year, it is probably best suited for children over five.

    My kids’ favorite part of our visit to MOCA was the Marjorie + Anselm Talalay Classroom on the third floor where visitors can create their own art.  My kids had so much fun creating works inspired by the exhibition that I invested in in a colored tape dispenser for their use at home.

    MOCA Marjorie + Anselm Talalay Classroom
    Marjorie + Anselm Talalay Classroom

    MOCA is a great resource for Cleveland families and encourages children to use their imaginations to create art in non-traditional ways.

    Find out more about MOCA.

    • Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland Admission:  General admission to MOCA is now free.
    • Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland Hours:  MOCA is generally open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
    • Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland Parking:  Metered parking and garages are available nearby.

     

    Family Activities in Midtown

    #14:  Children’s Museum of Cleveland With Kids

    The Children’s Museum of Cleveland reopened, in November 2017, in the former Stager-Beckwith Mansion, one of the four remaining mansions still standing on Millionaire’s Row.  The Millionaire’s Row mansion in Midtown had most recently served as the main campus for Myers University and an elegant banquet hall.  We had been members of the Museum at its previous location in University Circle when my oldest son attended preschool nearby and love the larger and updated space.

    Although my boys both are beyond the target age for any children’s museum, they have fun exploring the Children’s Museum with their young sister when we visited in January 2018 and August 2019  I think their favorite exhibit was the Wonder Lab, an industrial science laboratory with water tables, whirlpools and jets. My sons largely ignored the water features but spent most of their time building ball tracks on the magnetic wall.

    Adventure City is located in what was the ball room of the Stager-Beckwith Mansion and Myers University.  One of my best friends hosted her wedding reception in this space that now features an amazing indoor two-story climber with a construction site theme.  The space also recreates the much-loved grocery store, doctor’s office, nursery and kitchen that were featured in the Museum’s prior location and also adds an auto shop.  This indoor play area is constructed from smooth wood not suitable for outdoor playgrounds.

    This climber was enormous
    Serious grocery shopping

    Making Miniatures features a collection of dollhouses created by local artist, Cathy Lincoln, and completely entranced my daughter.  Each house was placed on a pedestal and enclosed with a plastic casing.  Children could get up close by standing on small step stools and carefully explore the houses with available flashlights.  My boys were less enthusiastic about dollhouses, but they enjoyed searching for the tiny CMC logos hidden in each house.

    She carefully examined each and every dollhouse

    Arts & Parts is a bright art studio with different prepared art projects for children to create.  My kids loved that they could tinker, glue and hammer.  I loved that all the materials had been prepared for creating, and clean up was easy.

    The Museum also features a Sensory Friendly Room for children who get overwhelmed in loud and crowded spaces and the Meadow for infants and toddlers.   While only vending machines are available on site, the Café offers tables and a microwave for families packing lunch.  There are also party rooms.

    The Museum is geared for visitors aged birth to eight.  My nine and eleven year old boys accompanied their sister and enjoyed the Wonder Lab and Adventure City.  But, there were times where they were a bit bored – especially in the Making Miniatures and Art & Parts exhibits.  If the youngest child in your group is over eight, this may not be your ideal activity or, perhaps, plan only a short visit.  The former Stager-Beckwith Mansion is an ideal setting for the Children’s Museum of Cleveland, and my kids had so much fun exploring, imagining and creating.

    The new home of the Children’s Museum of Cleveland

    Find out more about the Children’s Museum of Cleveland.

      • Children’s Museum of Cleveland Admission:  Admission costs $12 for all visitors over 11 months.  Children 11 months and younger are free.
      • Children’s Museum of Cleveland Hours:  The Children’s Museum of Cleveland is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.  The Museum is closed on Independence Day, Labor Day, Christmas and New Year’s Day.
      • Children’s Museum of Cleveland Parking: Free parking is available in an adjacent surface lot.

    Family Activities in Old Brooklyn

    #15:  Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

    The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is one of the Cleveland area’s most popular attractions and hosts more than one million visitors annually.  The Zoo features the Australian Adventure, African Savanna, Northern Wilderness Trek, the Rosebrough Tiger Passage, the Primate, Cat & Aquatics Building, Waterfowl Lake, the RainForest and Asian Highlands.  When our kids were young, we were Zoo members for years, and our kids learned first-hand about elephants, giraffes, lions and kangaroos from our visits.  We still enjoy a Zoo trip at least once a year.

    We have watched as new exhibits such as the Elephant Crossing and Asian Highlands, the Rosebrough Tiger Passage and Asian Highlands have opened and always enjoy a visit to the Zoo.

    • Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and RainForest Admission:  Adult admission costs $16.95, admission for children ages 2-11 costs $12.95 and admission for seniors over age 62 costs $14.95.  Children under age two are free.  Tickets can be purchased online for a savings of $2 each.  Admission to the Zoo only is free on Mondays for residents of Cuyahoga County and Hinckley Township with identification.
    • Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Hours:  The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m and stays open until 6 p.m. on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during the summer months.  The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is closed on New Year’s Day and Christmas Day.
    • Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Parking: Free parking is available in an adjacent surface lot.

    Find Out More About Cleveland With Kids

    There are so many kid-friendly things to do in Cleveland, an up and coming destination.  These five amazing museums are just the tip of the iceberg.  Spending time in Northeast Ohio, check out our favorite activities in Cleveland with kids.

  • Best Paris Art Museums For Kids

    Best Paris Art Museums For Kids

    Paris is often considered as one of the world’s art capitals.  Not only is the Louvre located along the Seine River, but Impressionism originated with a group of Paris-based artists during the late 19th century.  It is generally quite affordable for families to visit art museums in Paris because kids under 18 are almost always free.  It astounded me that our admissions fees to these world-renowned museums was a fraction of what our family pays to attend local museums.  As a family of art lovers, our three children have been visiting art museums since birth and love exploring galleries.  Several of Paris’ art museums were on our must-see list during our last visit, but we were only able to visit three.  We reached out to fellow bloggers to get the inside scoop on the ones we missed so that we could create this comprehensive guide to the best Paris art museums for kids.

     

    #1:  Louvre

    The Louvre is the largest and most visited art museum in the world. As the world’s premier art museum housed in the Louvre Palace that dates back to the 12th century, it and may not seem likely to be child-friendly, but it is actually one of the most stroller-friendly museums we have ever visited.  Families with strollers automatically skip the often long entry line and are ushered directly to an elevator and are permitted to use elevators throughout the Louvre that are reserved only for disabled visitors and their accompanying parties.

    The building could be considered a work of art in its own right.  In addition to the Louvre Palace and all of its additions, Louvre Pyramid is an iconic glass and metal pyramid that was designed by the Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei and completed in 1989.  The Louvre collection includes over 400,000 works and could take months to closely examine even the works currently on display.  During our lovely visit with our three children last summer, we prioritized the most famous three works, Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace and spent about three hours meandering through the Louvre’s highlights.  Mona Lisa is much smaller than anyone expects (only about 21 inches by 30 inches!), and her paparazzi was overwhelming.  Nevertheless, we still all wanted to get as up close to her famous smile as we could.

    I think it’s safe to say that no visit to Paris would be complete for me without a visit to the Louvre.  While I would aim to get in as soon as it opens next time and beeline for the Mona Lisa gallery first, I would never hesitate to bring kids.

    • Louvre Hours: The Louvre is generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except that it is open from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays and closed on Mondays, May 1 and December 25.
    • Louvre Admission:   Pre-booked time-entry tickets cost €17 or adults, and general adult admission costs €15 at the door.  Kids under 18 are free.
    • Closest Metro Station: Palais-Royal Musée du Louvre and Pyramides

    Recommended by Catherine D’Cruz from We Go With Kids.  Find out more from Catherine about visiting the Louvre with kids.

    #2:  Musée d’Orsay

    The Musée d’Orsay houses an impressive Impressionist collection of French art featuring Manet, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh Degas, Cezanne and many more.  Paris was the birthplace of impressionism, and impressionist artists regularly gathered in Montmartre during the late 19th century.  I sure would love to have been a fly on the wall of one of these meetings, and I felt privileged to grace the halls of these magnificent art works.

    The Museum opened in 1986 in the former Gare d’Orsay, which was constructed for the 1900 World’s Fair, and the station’s three enormous clocks are spectacular works of art in their own right.  Our family really loves Impressionism, and my personal favorite painter is the brilliant but troubled Vincent van Gogh, and my kids share my appreciation of his paintings.  The d’Orsay was a particularly treat because it houses one of the largest collections of Van Gogh’s works outside of the Van Gogh Museum with 24 paintings.  Our favorite was Starry Night Over the Rhone.

    Edouard Manet, who was one of the first to incorporate blurred backgrounds and contrasting colors into his painting, is often credited as the first Impressionist artist.  Several of his seminal paintings are exhibited at the d’Orsay, including Olympia and Luncheon on the Grass.  Other favorites impressionist artists include Edgar Degas, who known for his focus on dance and theater.  The Dance Class was a favorite of my budding ballerina.

    The d’Orsay features more than 80 paintings by Claude Monet and Pierre-August Renoir each.  Many are recognizable, and I can’t pass one without smiling.  Both were very talented and prolific artists, so most major art museums around the world feature a handful of paintings by each, and including variations of similar paintings.  While we focused on the paintings, there is also quite a significant sculpture exhibition.  With such an extensive collection, it’s no surprise that the Musee d’Orsay is the 10th most visited art museum in the world with about 3.5 million visitors annually.

    • Musee D’Orsay Hours: The d’Orsay is generally open from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except that it is open from 9:30 a.m. to 9:45 p.m. on Thursdays and closed on Mondays, May 1 and December 25.
    • Musee D’Orsay Admission:   General admission costs €14 for adults, €18 if purchasing a combined admission to Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie or €21 if purchasing a combined admission to Musée d’Orsay and Musée Rodin.  Kids under 18 are free, and the d’Orsay is free on the first Sunday of each month.
    • Closest Metro Station:  Solferino

    Recommended by Catherine D’Cruz from We Go With Kids.  Find out more from Catherine about visiting the Musée d’Orsay.

     

    #3:  Musée de l’Orangerie

    Musée de l’Orangerie is located between Place de la Concorde and Tulleries Gardens, just a short walk from the Louvre.  The l’Orangerie features impressionist and post-impressionist art.  The main attraction is unquestionably the two oval shaped rooms featuring Monet’s Nymphéas (Water Lilies).  Monet helped design these two rooms in the 1920s but unfortunately died before the installation was completed.  In the 1960s, a second floor was added above these galleries and obstructed natural light.  Fifty years later, the l’Orangerie spent over $36 million to construct a lower level to move the exhibits on the upper floor below ground and add skylights to these ground floor galleries.

    The eight curved panels built into the walls of these two galleries pop from the crisp, white walls.  As a viewer, I truly felt as if I was part of the installation.  My ten year old announced that these were his two “favorite rooms of art in the world.”

    After exploring the Water Lilies galleries, we spent about an hour and a half exploring the other impressionist works, including works by Cézanne, Matisse, Modigliani, Picasso and Renoir. Renoir’s Jeunes Filles au Piano reminds me of my sister and me, and I was thrilled to find one of the variations on display.  The l’Orangerie might be a bit of a hidden gem, but it is definitely at the top of our must-see list for Paris.

    • Musée de l’Orangerie Hours: Musée de l’Orangerie is generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily, except that it is closed on Tuesdays, May 1, the morning of July 14 and December 25.
    • Musée de l’Orangerie Admission: Admission costs €9 for adults or €18 if purchasing a combined admission to Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie within three months of first entry.  We purchased a combination ticket and visited the two museums on separate days.   Kids under 18 are free.
    • Closest Metro to Musée de l’Orangerie:  Concorde

    Recommended by Catherine D’Cruz from We Go With Kids.  Find out more from Catherine about visiting the Musée de l’Orangerie.

     

    #4:  The Centre Pompidou

    With an entire floor dedicated entirely to kids, the Pompidou Center is one of our favorite museums for kids in Paris. The Pompidou Center houses France’s national library and the museum of modern art and provides an introduction for children to the works of artists from the 20th and 21st centuries including Matisse, Picasso and Warhol. In the Galeries des Enfants special trails, workshops and exhibitions aim to bring the art alive for children with creative use of digital and hands on activities.  And, it is not just the kids galleries that make the Pompi (as it is affectionately called) worthwhile. The building itself is fun to explore thanks to the iconic exterior escalators and modern architecture.  Outside in the Place Stravinsky families can explore the fountains and watch performances by street artists.

    Image by pixabairis from Pixabay

    • Pompidou Center Hours: The Pompidou Center is generally open from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. daily, except that it is closed on Tuesdays and May 1.  Certain exhibits are open until 11:00 p.m. on Thursdays.
    • Pompidou Center Admission: General admission costs €14 for adults.  Kids under 18 are free, and the Center is free on the first Sunday of each month.
    • Pompidou Center Visitor Tip:  There are strollers available for young children to use during their visit, which makes it easy to wheel around tired little legs.
    • Closest Metro Stops to the Pompidou Center:  Rambuteau Hotel de Ville or Chatelet

    Recommended by Katy Clarke from Untold Morsels.  Find out more about Paris from Katy.

     

    #5:  The Rodin Museum

    Our first visit to Europe included a fantastic five days in Paris. Our three kids were young at the time, just 5, 7 and 10. We had no idea that those little ones would love the museums of Paris. Each day, we’d visit one, sometimes large, sometimes small, and each time, they found something special to enjoy. Their favorite was a museum that I hadn’t heard much about before researching our visit: The Rodin Museum. We only visited the Sculpture Garden, but it remains one of their favorite European museums. With incredible sculptures intermixed in beautiful rose gardens, this park-like setting turned into a mini photo shoot of our three little one’s trying to recreate Rodin’s creations with their little bodies.  It started on arrival as our three littles sat in front of The Thinker and recreated the famous pose. It continued as we wandered through the beautiful gardens with each and every life-size sculpture. Incredibly, many of Rodin’s pieces include three people, just like them! It was so much fun that we spent hours there, moving from one new piece of art to another, enjoying time on a bench or roaming the gardens along our way.   For families looking for a relaxing few hours where the kids, of any age, can learn to enjoy and interact with artistic works, this is an ideal place. Just don’t forget a camera!!

    • Rodin Museum Hours: The Rodin Museum is generally open on daily from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. except that it is closed on Mondays, January 1, May 1 and December 25.
    • Rodin Museum Admission: General admission costs €12 for adults.  A combined ticket with the Musee d’Orsay costs €21.  Kids under 18 are free, and the Center is free on the first Sunday of each month.
    • Closest Metro Stops to the Rodin Museum:  Varenne or Invalides

    Recommended by Joanne Norman from Sunsets and Roller Coasters.

     

    #6:  Musée de Cluny – The National Museum of the Middle Ages

    The Cluny Museum in Paris is one of the most underrated museums in the city. Also known as the Musée de Cluny – The National Museum of the Middle Ages, this museum has everything from Roman artifacts to Medieval tapestries. The collection is housed inside a 15th century mansion in the Latin Quarter and the building itself is as much of an attraction as the relic inside.

    We visited with our three kids as part of a Context Travel Paris tour uncovering Roman history in Paris. Inside the Cluny Museum are the most magnificent Roman baths and frigidarium dating to the 2nd century. The collection also includes the famous tapestry “The Lady and the Unicorn”, Gothic Rooms, the Abbot’s Chapel, a treasury, and beautiful outdoor gardens to explore. I would highly recommend booking a family friendly tour at the Cluny as there is a ton to take in, but it is definitely worth a stop on a family visit to Paris.

    • Cluny Museum Hours: The Cluny Museum is generally open from 9:15 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. daily, except that it is closed on Tuesdays, January 1, May 1 and December 25.
    • Cluny Museum Admission: Admission costs €9 during temporary exhibitions €5 outside of temporary exhibitions.  Kids under 18 are free, and the Cluny Museum is also free on the first Sunday of each month.
    • Closest Metros to the Cluny Museum:  Cluny-La Sorbonne, Saint-Michel or Odeon
    Recommended by Kirsten Maxwell from Kids Are A Trip.  Find out more from Kirsten about Context Tours in Paris.
    #7:  Musée du quai Branly

    Quai Branly Museum in Paris is a space dedicated to arts of non-Western civilizations. Designed by the famous French architect Jean Nouvel, it displays artifacts, costumes and precious handcraft objects of the main civilizations divided by continents. Quai Branly Museum also has a theater, a reading room, a cinema, two restaurants, and a bookstore. It also proposes interesting temporary exhibitions regularly. This museum is great for families because of the exciting design of the building and the surrounding spaces and also for its educational side. After crossing its famous vegetal wall facing the Seine River, the building is located in the heart of a wooded savanna. From there, visitors have a great perspective of Haussmannian apartments, and kids can explore the hidden treasures of the garden. The spaces inside are linked by a spectacular ramp, a kind of spine for the building,  which makes the arrival to the main exhibition space very exciting. The collections are very interactive and utilize different media, which is great for keeping the kids interested and entertained at the same time.

    • Quai Branly Museum Hours: The Quai Branly Museum is generally open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m and generally closed on Mondays.
    • Quai Branly Museum Admission: General admission costs €10 for adults.  Kids under 18 are free, and the Center is free on the first Sunday of each month.
    • Closest Metro to the Quai Branly Museum:  Alma-Marceau

    Recommended by Elisa from World in Paris.  Find out more from Elisa about hotels with a view of the Eiffel Tower.

     

    #8:  Paris Atelier des Lumières  

    Paris Atelier des Lumières is one of the most kid-friendly museums in Paris. It offers a very creative way to appreciate the art masterpieces from famous artists like Van Gogh, Monet and others.  The whole museum spreads over with over 30,000 square feet of gallery space equipped with modern multimedia tools to create the stunning effects on the way artworks appear to the stage. Once stepping into this museum, kids do not only feel movement of the painting but also indulge in the sounds of nature like they are witnessing the real landscape.

    From one corner to another, all the changes are carefully designed to make sure even the less artistic-genre person still feel attracted. Atelier des Lumières is simply a perfect choice for an educational visit. Families will not feel regret with their dedicated exhibition!

    Recommended by Tan Bang from Travel to Work.

    #9:  Dalí Paris (Formerly known as Espace Dalí)

    I remember the huge impression that l’Espace Dalí made on me when I visited at the age of 15, but I was easy game.   I was already in love with Salvador Dalí’s quirky paintings and sculpture at that time. Some 25 years later, I brought my girls to the recently refurbished and renamed Dalí Paris, and sure enough, they loved it too, just as I had. The Dali Museum houses the biggest collection of his work in Paris, including some fabulous bronzes with my favorite Space Elephant and of course his melting clocks.

    Dalí Paris is located on Montmartre, just a few steps from the main square with its open air displays of paintings.    We recommend visiting Sacré Coeur Basilica first, then wander the Montmartre streets and save Dalí for the climax.

    • Dali Museum Hours: The Dali Museum is generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. during June, July and August.
    • Dali Museum Admission: General admission costs €12 for adults and €9 for visitors age 9-26.  Kids under 8 are free.
    • Closest Metro Stations to the Dali Museum: Anvers, Abbesses or Lamarck-Caulaincourt

    Recommended by Ania from The Travelling Twins.

    Paris is an art-lover’s dream with so many art museums.  These museums may not seem child-friendly, but kids are truly welcome and find delight in the beauty of some of the world’s most famous masterpieces that span from antiquities to impressionism to contemporary art.  As an added bonus, kids are free at almost all of these museums.  Find out more about visiting Paris with kids.

  • Best Free London Museums For Kids

    Best Free London Museums For Kids

    London may not be known as a budget city for travelers but offers seemingly infinite free attractions.  In addition to iconic landmarks like Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Nelson’s Column, Tower Bridge and Buckingham Palace, there are many free museums, including four that are among the world’s top ten most visited museums each year.  Exhibits in these museums include the Rosetta Stone, the Parthenon frieze, Apollo 10, Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, Darwin’s specimens, the world’s largest portrait collection and the remains of the London Wall from about 200 A.D. With so much variety, there really are free museums in London for everyone.  Our family barely scratched the surface of London’s museums during our three trips there with kids but have been lucky to visit a few of London’s amazing museums as a family without paying any admissions fees.  To round out our list, we asked some fellow travel bloggers for recommendations for the best free London museums for kids:

    Free Museums in South Kensington

    #1:  London’s Natural History Museum 

    My kids really enjoy natural history and have visited natural history museums in Chicago, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C.  London’s Natural History Museum definitely did not disappoint.  The cathedral-like building in South Kensington is stunning, and we were greeted by Dippy, a diplodocus skeleton featured in Hitze Hall, the main hall of the museum.  This dinosaur reminded us of Sue, the T-Rex featured in the Field Museum’s main hall.  We were excited to learn that the cast of Dippy was a gift from Andrew Carnegie at the request of Edward VII.  Since our visit to London, we’ve seen the original skeleton on display at Pittsburgh’s Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

    Replacing iconic main hall dinosaurs seems to be a recent trend in natural history museums.  Just as Sue was replaced at the Field Museum with a cast of Maximo, a titanosaur, and the world’s largest dinosaur skeleton in 2018, Dippy was replaced with Hope, a blue whale’s skeleton in 2017.   While Dippy was quite a centerpiece, one of the biggest takeaways from our trip to London’s Natural History Museum was that the blue whale is the world’s largest animal.  So, my boys would probably approve of the change.  Admittedly, it must be easier to photograph Hope, who is suspended from the ceiling, without getting scores of other visitors in the shot as we found when trying to photograph Dilly.  We can’t wait to see Hope, whose installation is shown on this time-lapse video.

    The Dinosaur Gallery one-ups the other dinosaur exhibits we have visited by adding animatronics.  The enormous animatronic Tyrannosaurus Rex is the highlight of the exhibit.  Visitors stand in a line (which is known as a queue in London) that eventually inches past the T-Rex.

    The Natural History Museum was originally designed to house the British Museum’s natural history collection, particularly Charles Darwin’s samples, so there are plenty of animal specimens.  My younger son got up close and personal with the lion exhibit.  We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and highly recommend London’s Natural History Museum for kids of all ages.

    • London’s Natural History Museum Admission:  There is no general admission to visit London’s Natural History Museum, but some temporary exhibits do require an admission fee.
    • London’s Natural History Museum Hours:  London’s Natural History Museum is generally open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:50 p.m.
    • Closest Underground Stop to London’s Natural History Museum:  South Kensington

     

    #2:  London’s Science Museum

    Kids who have a passing interest in space travel, experiments, technology or transport would love London’s Science Museum. It’s the best London museum for kids, and visitors can explore free exhibits including some of the most iconic objects created over the past 250 years – from Apollo 10 to the first Apple computer as well as the first submarine.   While the Museum is free, visitors can also purchase tickets for the WonderLab to take part in live experiments at the Chemistry Bar or watch 3D IMAX movie features on space travel and natural phenomena. The Science Museum is a great place to visit on a cold and rainy day thanks to the play area for smaller kids on the lower level. 

    • London’s Science Museum Admission:  There is no general admission to visit London’s Science Museum, but donations are welcome, and tickets are required for special exhibits and the IMAX cinema.
    • London’s Science Museum Hours:  The Science Museum is generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and closed December 24-26.
    • Closest Underground Stop to London’s Science Museum:  South Kensington

    Recommended by Katy Clarke from Untold Morsels.  Find out more from Katy about 3 days in London.

     

    #3:  Victoria and Albert Museum

    The Victoria and Albert Museum, one of South Kensington’s Big Three free museums, is purely dedicated to art and design. It’s not as immediately child-friendly as its neighbors, the Natural History Museum and Science Museum.  There are no dinosaurs or flight simulators here, but it does have daily free activities and events for children.  Kids age 5 to 12 can borrow a backpack of activities to help them explore the Museum’s while paper trails and hands-on discovery areas help to bring the exhibits to life. Pop-up performances and making sessions appear on weekends and school holidays, too.  But another important feature is the John Madejski Garden, an outdoor courtyard in the heart of the Museum. On sunny days, families gather around the pond to eat packed lunches and relax or purchase ice-cream and refreshments in the Garden Café.  If it’s a less sunny day, the V&A’s main café is a historic work of art in its own right!

    Photo Credit Mummy Travels

    • Victoria and Albert Museum Admission:  There is no general admission to visit the Victoria and Albert Museum, but there is a separate admission charge for some exhibitions and events, which may require advance booking.
    • Victoria and Albert Museum Hours:  The Victoria & Albert Museum is generally open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. and 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Fridays.  The Victoria & Albert is closed December 24-26.
    • Closest Underground Stop to the Victoria and Albert Museum:  South Kensington
    Recommended by Nancy from Map and Family.  Find out more from Nancy about the things to do with teens in London.

     

    Free Museums in Trafalgar Square

    #4:  London’s National Gallery

    London’s National Gallery is located in Trafalgar Square and houses a relatively small collection of about 2,300 paintings, almost all are world-famous and on permanent display.  The National Gallery is the fourth most visited art museum in the world with over six million visitors annually.  The Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the British Museum are the only more popular art museums.

    The Gallery’s entrances are located off of Trafalgar Square.  We used the side entrance, which is more stroller friendly than the beautiful main entrance.  Our focus was the Impressionist Gallery that holds some of the world’s most famous paintings by Claude Monet, Pierre Renoir and Vincent Van Gogh.  Monet’s paintings on exhibit here include Gare St. Lazare and The Water-Lily Pond.  Van Gogh’s Sunflowers is one of the most recognizable paintings on exhibit.  Van Gogh only created about 800 oil paintings in his life, including several variations of these sunflowers.  Similar versions are displayed in the Van Gogh Museum and Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Museum of Art, which purchased Still Life: Vase with Fifteen Sunflowers for about $40 million in 1987, which was a record at the time.  When considering those amounts, it’s hard to believe that Van Gogh relied on his brother for financial support during his lifetime.

    Our budding artist was very interested in Van Gogh's Sunflowers
    Our budding artist was very interested in Van Gogh’s Sunflowers

    Our boys were particularly fascinated by Georges Seurat’s massive Bathers at Asnières.  Seurat masterfully uses pointillism, a painting technique that uses small, distinct dots of varying colors to form an image.  It’s much harder to see how the patterns of dots form an image when observing the painting up close, and the boys learned to step back to see the image more clearly.  While we were not able to explore the entire National Gallery, this is definitely a museum that we could visit again and again.

    • London’s National Gallery Admission:  There is no general admission to visit the National Gallery, but some temporary exhibits do require an admissions fee.
    • London’s National Gallery Hours:  London’s National Gallery is generally open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays.  The National Gallery is closed on January 1 and December 24-26.
    • Closest Underground Stops to London’s National Gallery:  Charing Cross and Leicester Square

     

    #5:  London’s National Portrait Gallery

    When London’s National Portrait Gallery opened in 1856, it was the world’s first portrait gallery.  The National Portrait Gallery now contains the world’s most extensive portrait collection with approximately 200,000 works.  The collection most notably includes portraits of important, famous and royal Brits, including members of the royal family, celebrities, politicians, artists and writers.  Visitors have the chance to view history through portraits, photographs and sculptures arranged chronologically from 1500s to modern-day.

    King Henry VIII is one of the most infamous Brits and is featured in the center of the bottom row below.  After their visit to the Tower of London, our boys were particularly excited to check out this royal portrait wall.

    We loved learning about history and art at London’s National Portrait Gallery and recommend it for all family travelers.

    • London’s National Portrait Gallery Admission:  There is no general admission fee to visit London’s National Portrait Gallery, but some temporary exhibits do require an admissions fee.
    • London’s National Portrait Gallery Hours:  London’s National Portrait Gallery is generally open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Fridays.  The National Gallery is closed on December 24-26.
    • Closest Underground Stops to London’s National Portrait Gallery:  Charing Cross and Leicester Square

     

    Free Museums in Bloomsbury

    #6:  British Museum

    The British Museum allows visitors to journey through time and around the world, without leaving London. While most people visit for the Ancient Egyptian exhibit and to see the Rosetta stone, there’s much more. Visitors can use the regular audio-guide for a more formal experience or the interactive family guide to play games throughout the Museum. With either guide, everyone will love learning about the burial rituals of Egypt, seeing hundreds of natural history specimens in the library and looking up at the Maori from the mysterious Easter Island. This is a museum where visitors could spend days properly discovering it all or skim the surface in only a few hours.

    Parthenon frieze

    Image by Tasos Lekkas from Pixabay.

    • British Museum Admission:  There is no admission charge for the British Museum.
    • British Museum Hours:  The British Museum is generally open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and on Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.  The British Museum is closed on January 1 and December 24-26.
    • Closest Underground Stations to the British Museum:  Barbican and St. Paul’s

    Recommended by Kyla from Where Is The World.

     

    #7:  Museum of London

    The Museum of London is a fascinating and beautifully presented introduction to the city itself.  It is located north of St. Paul’s Cathedral, and its permanent galleries describe a timeline from prehistory to the present day, and special temporary exhibitions take angles – recent and current examples range from the story of London’s secret rivers to the impact that animals from lions to bees have had in the city’s story.  We learned that London was the richest and most populous city in the world one century ago.  

    My kids were of course fascinated by the disgusting “Fatberg!” story of London’s sewer blockage, and my husband loves the Museum mostly because it is in the Barbican, which is either a wonderful icon of architectural history or the most repugnant set of concrete tower-blocks on the planet, depending on the viewer.  

    • Museum of London Admission:  There is no admission charge for the Museum of London.
    • Museum of London Hours:  The Museum of London is generally open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    • Closest Underground Stations to the Museum of London:  Barbican and St. Paul’s

    Recommended by Ania from The Travelling Twins.

    Free Museums in the South Bank

     

    #8:  Tate Modern

    The Tate Modern is the sixth most visited art museum in the world and houses modern and contemporary art from the 20th and 21st centuries in a former power station.  Unlike most art museums, which are presented chronologically, the Tate Modern is organized by themes.  We last visited in 2015, and a 10-story addition opened two years later in 2017.

    Displays change frequently, and many exhibits come from the Tate Collection, which includes the United Kingdom’s national collection of British Art.  The expansive Turbine Hall can showcase large-scale work.  London’s Tate Modern is an extremely kid-friendly art museum.  The website has a special page dedicated to visiting families that explicitly states that women are welcome to nurse wherever they feel comfortable – which is exactly what I did while the boys explored the interactive building area.

    Amazing interactive building exhibit

    The view of St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Thames and the Millennium Bridge from the balcony should not be missed.  The Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian bridge that was completed in 2000 to connect the Tate Modern to St. Paul’s Cathedral, but an unexpected sway required it to close almost as soon as it was opened and undergo almost two more years of additional modifications.

    • Tate Modern Admission:  There is no general admission to the Tate Modern, but donations are welcome.
    • Tate Modern Hours:  The Tate Modern is generally open Sundays through Thursdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily and Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.
    • Closest Underground Stop to the Tate Modern: Southwark and St Paul’s
    Free Museum in Forest City
    #9:  Horniman Museum and Gardens

    Opened in 1901, the Horniman Museum and Gardens in Southeast London is a brilliant free and child-friendly museum. The Horniman houses artifacts procured by Frederick John Horniman on his world travels in the 19th century. Aside from the aquarium and special exhibitions, all galleries and parks are free to enter.

    Toddlers will love the music room where they can beat African drums and experiment with unusual Asian instruments. The main gallery contains hundreds of taxidermy animals from across the world. Children especially adore the famous gigantic stuffed walrus. It’s an amazing place to learn about other cultures and to inspire a love of nature.

    Every day, free workshops for children are offered to those who register at the front desk. The attached Horniman Gardens are beautiful with views over London, farm animals, a music laboratory for children and a stunning conservatory. In the summer, it’s easy to spend a whole day in the museum and gardens.

    • Horniman Museum and Gardens Admission:  There is no admission charge for the Horniman Museum and Gardens.
    • Horniman Museum and Gardens Hours:  The Horniman Museum is generally open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and closed December 24-26.  The Horniman Garden closing times vary by season.

    Recommended by Kirsty from World for a Girl.

     

    Free Museums in Chelsea

    #10:  Saatchi Gallery

    My favorite place to visit whenever we’re in London is the Saatchi Gallery on King’s Road. This area is great with its many restaurants and upscale shopping, and it’s the perfect place to house a contemporary art gallery.  I find that modern art is easier to keep the kids’ attention than the more traditional galleries, it’s bigger, brighter and sometimes they can touch it! My daughter loves visiting the Saatchi as much as I do to see its ever-changing exhibits.

     The Saatchi sometimes holds child friendly workshops and talks, their ethos is to make modern art accessible to all so children are very welcome.  Previous exhibits have included Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, and the Saatchi in constantly showcasing, new, little known artists. Just think, it’s possible to introduce kids to the next big thing in the art world! Some exhibits are not so child friendly so I would check the website before visiting and avoid these areas.   Most exhibits are not roped off so keep an eye on young children to ensure they’re not touching the artwork although some pieces are interactive such as the multimedia installations.

    Because the rooms are spacious and clean, it’s easy to get around the Saatchi with a stroller. There’s also a lovely open space at the front of the Gallery for the kids to burn off some energy either before or after a visit.

    • Saatchi Gallery Admission:  There is no general admission to the Tate Modern, but donations are welcome.
    • Saatchi Gallery Hours:  Generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    • Closest Underground Stop to the Saatchi Gallery: Sloan Square

    Recommended by Karen from Are We There Yet Kids.

     

    So Many Amazing Free London Museums for Kids

    When considering a family trip to London, remember that many of the most popular attractions are free to visit, including London’s museums of art, science and history.  This London museums list can create the perfect family itinerary for London.  Also check out our posts on Planning a Trip to London With Kids, the Best Places to Visit in England With Kids, Top Attractions in London for Families, Best London Parks With Kids and the Tower of London with Kids.

  • Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh With Kids

    Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh With Kids

    Thank you to the Carnegie Science Center, the National Aviary, the Andy Warhol Museum, the Duquesne Incline, the Senator John Heinz History Center, the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art, the Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, The Frick Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium for providing complimentary tickets for my family and to the Drury Inn for hosting our stay.  All opinions are my own. 

    Pittsburgh is known for its steel production, bridges and sports teams.  It’s only about two hours from our home in Cleveland and where my college roommate lives, so we regularly visit several times each year. In the 19th century, Andrew Carnegie became one of the richest people in the world by modernizing steel production in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, where the Monongahela River joins the Ohio River.  Now called the “Steel City,” Pittsburgh used to be known as the “Smoky City” because of so much pollution from the mills. Very little of its industrial past remains in this city now known for its hills, bridges, parks and biking and jogging trails.  In our many visits, we have found so many gems.  Here are some of the best things to do in Pittsburgh with kids:

    Best Things to Do in Pittsburgh’s North Shore

    Pittsburgh’s North Shore boasts picturesque views of Pittsburgh’s downtown, sports venues and world-class museums.  It’s just a short drive (or even walk) from downtown.

     

    #1: Carnegie Science Center With Kids

    The Carnegie Science Center is my boys’ favorite museum, and they’ve been to dozens all over the world.  While the “science” portion of the Carnegie Science Center is pretty impressive, the real draw for my kids is Highmark SportsWorks®, which is housed in an adjacent building and uses more than 30 interactive sports exhibits to show how physics, anatomy, biology and chemistry control sports.

    We visit the Carnegie Science Center several times a year and generally aim to arrive right at the 10:00 am opening and head straight to the Ropes Challenge in Highmark SportsWorks® because the line can get quite long by mid-morning.  The Ropes Challenge consists of a series of challenges, including a rope bridge, rolling logs and a horizontal net and culminates with a zip line.  I think it’s the zip line that makes this my boys’ favorite “exhibit” ever.  The Ropes Course is for children who are at least 48 inches, but the SkyTykes Ropes Course offers younger kids an age-appropriate version that my daughter loves.  Other highlights in the sports complex include a 24-foot rock climbing wall (which even my four year old daughter tried out), a batting cage, a 10-meter dash and various challenges for endurance and balance.

    Roboworld is considered the world’s largest permanent robotics exhibition and features more than 30 interactive displays.  Our favorites include a robot who shoots baskets with impressive precision and another who challenges visitors in air hockey.

    The Miniature Railroad & Village is a fun but unexpected exhibit at the Science Center.  This enormous village with model trains includes scenes of western Pennsylvania from the 1880s to the 1930s and includes over 250,000 trees.  Of course, our favorite miniature was Fallingwater.

    Much of the Carnegie Science Center is geared for kids age six and up, but there are many fun exhibits for toddlers and preschoolers, especially the Little Learner Clubhouse.  My daughter has visited numerous times between the ages of one and four and always has a blast with her brothers.  We recommend the Carnegie Science Center as one of the most fun things to do in Pittsburgh for kids.

    Find out more about the visiting the Carnegie Science Center.

    • Carnegie Science Center Facts:  The E-motion cone, which is a large inverted cone on top of the Science Center was installed in 2000.  It is lit up at night with colored lights that signal the weather forecast for the next day.  Red means warmer, blue means cooler, and green means no change.  The cone flashes when precipitation is expected, and the color yellow indicates severe weather.
    • Carnegie Science Center Hours:  The Carnegie Science Center is generally open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Because of its proximity to the Steelers’ Heinz Field, the Carnegie Science Center is closed when the Steelers have home games with 1 pm or 4 pm kickoff times and may close early for evening games.
    • Carnegie Science Center Admission:  General admission costs $19.95 for adults, $14.95 for seniors and $11.95 for children ages 3-12.  Children under three and ASTC members are free.
    • Carnegie Science Center Parking:  Parking is available in the lot in front of the Carnegie Science Center for $5.

    #2:  National Aviary With Kids

    The National Aviary in Pittsburgh is home to over 500 birds from more than 150 species and a fun thing to do in Pittsburgh with kids. The National Aviary offers walk-through habitats that allowed us to see the birds up close.  My kids, who were not sure what an aviary was when I told them about our planned trip, learned so much about different bird species. I was thrilled to find two bald eagles in the first habitat.  

    The African penguins were definitely a highlight of our visit. Because African penguins are used to a temperate climate, they live in their outdoor habitat all year. Visitors can view them through windows from the inside of the National Aviary. As an added bonus, kids can reach special windows to see the penguins up close by climbing through tunnels.

    Each penguin has a band with his or her name. There are daily penguin presentations for visitors to learn more about these amazing birds.

    My oldest son particularly enjoyed the wetland habitat. He was fascinated by how the flamingos marked their territory by spreading their wings. We also saw peacocks and other birds wandering on the pedestrian path with us.

    We were excited to participate in the lorikeet feeding. We each got a dish of nectar and entered the habitat to feed. While this was something that pushed me out of my comfort zone, it was pretty amazing to hold a lorikeet on my wrist and watch it eat. I barely felt its feet on my wrist, and it quickly polished off the nectar in my bowl.  A limited number of tickets are available at each entrance for the feedings. We arrived just before the 11:30 a.m. feeding and took our place at the end of the line. We only had to wait a few minutes for our turn, but the birds were “slowing down.”  Next time, we’ll make sure to arrive at least five minutes early.

    My boys each had a turn on Birdly, a full-body immersive virtual reality flying simulator that allowed them to experience flying like a bird in Manhattan for 2.5 minutes. After a quick demonstration, they learned how to maneuver up and down and turn and really felt like they were flying.  This was probably the most unique part of our visit to the aviary, and they would love more opportunities to fly.

    • National Aviary Facts:  The Helen M. Schmidt FliteZone Theater was part of the National Aviary’s 2009 $17.5 million expansion project and is the world’s first only indoor theater constructed for the presentation of live, free-flight bird shows.
    • National Aviary Hours:  The National Aviary is generally open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
    • National Aviary Admission:  Admissions costs $17 for adults and $16 for seniors and children 2-12.  Children under 2 are free.
    • National Aviary Parking:  Parking is available in the lot behind the Aviary and costs $5.  Metered parking is available in front of the National Aviary.

     

    #3:  Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh With Kids

    The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is an interactive museum for kids that we have visited several times with kids ages 1 through 10.  It’s geared for the eight and under crowd, but my oldest enjoyed visiting the Museum with his brother and sister and creating on draw bots in the MAKESHOP®.  The project involved hot glue, tape, boxes, motors and a lot of trial and error to anchor markers to a motor and make them move on their own.  This was definitely my boys’ favorite exhibit at the Museum.  My daughter was too young to create a draw box on her own, but she enjoyed spectating and working on a draw bot with one of the Museum guides (who did most of the heavy lifting).

    Other hands-on opportunities for creation are available at the Studio, which is housed in a former planetarium and is a beautiful and bright space to inspire creative juices, and smocks are available.  Many craft projects are available for kids who love art and parents who appreciate prepared projects and easy clean up.

    Find out more about the visiting the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh.

    • Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Facts:  Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood was filmed in Pittsburgh from 1968 to 2001, and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh maintains some great memorabilia.
    • Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Hours:  The Children’s Museum is generally open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
    • Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Admission:  Admissions costs $16 for adults and $14 for children 2-18.  Children under 2 are free.
    • Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh Parking:  Parking is available in the lot behind the Museum and costs $6 for non-members.

     

    #4:  The Andy Warhol Museum With Kids

    Our children love art museums, and we’ve visited over a dozen around the world, but none dedicated to the works of a single artist or pop art.  The Andy Warhol Museum is the largest museum in North America that is dedicated to a single artist and is one of the Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.  Andy Warhol was a Pittsburgh-born pop artist who died in the 1987.  The Museum opened in 1994 in a renovated warehouse and now contains an extensive collection of paintings, prints, sculptures, photographs and films.

    The Factory on the Museum’s underground level also provides kids an opportunity to try watercolor painting, blotted-line drawing, acetate collage and silkscreen printing.  There is also a children’s play area for the youngest guests to explore and create.

    During our visit to The Andy Warhol Museum, we learned about the life and works of Andy Warhol.  Our children particularly enjoyed the bright colors and the portraits.  The portraits reminded me of my visit to Casa Lever, a New York restaurant that features a collection of original Warhol portraits.  A few months after our visit, my sons identified Andy Warhol in a Burger King commercial during the Super Bowl.

    • Andy Warhol Museum Facts:  The Museum’s 17 galleries contain 900 paintings, almost 2,000 works on paper, more than 1,000 prints, 77 sculptures and 8,000 photographs, films and videotaped works.
    • Andy Warhol Museum Hours:  The Andy Warhol Museum is generally open Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 am to 10 pm on Fridays.  The Museum is closed on Mondays.
    • Andy Warhol Museum Admission:  Admissions costs $20 for adults, $10 for students, children and seniors.  Children under three are free.  Admission is half price on Fridays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
    • Andy Warhol Museum Parking:  Parking is available in the lot behind the Museum and costs $6 for non-members.

     

    #5:  Water Steps With Kids With Kids

    The Water Steps are a popular attraction in the North Shore Riverfront Park on the bank of the Allegheny River.  The Water Steps are a perfect location for kids to cool off during the summer months and enjoy Pittsburgh’s beautiful cityscape views.  We visited with local friends who gave us the heads ups to bring swimming attire and towels for the kids.

    It was a bit of a trek along the waterfront from the Carnegie Science Center, but the kids loved splashing around with their friends in the water, which reaches about 18 inches deep in parts.

    Great way to cool off
    • Water Steps Facts:  Over 1,500 pieces of sandstone from a Butler County quarry were used to construct the Water Steps.
    • Water Steps Admission:  There is no admission charge to visit Water Steps.
    • Water Steps Parking:  We walked to the Water Steps from the Carnegie Science Center.  The best bet for parking is to find a meter nearby or use one of the lots near Heinz Field.
    • Water Steps Kid Warning:  My three year old was able to easily climb up and down the stairs on her own, so I was able to watch from the side of the Steps.  However, young toddlers would probably need hovering parental presence in the water.

     

    #6:  Tribute to Children With Kids

    We visited Tribute to Children, including the Fred Rogers Memorial Statue, during our walk from the Water Steps to the Carnegie Science Museum.  Our kids are not really familiar with Mr. Rogers, who was a Pittsburgh native, but were intrigued by this statue of a man who was part of our childhood.  I also tried to explain the tenuous connection to Daniel Tiger, a favorite television show of my daughter’s.  This 2009 statue by Robert Burks was created after Fred Roger’s 2003 death from stomach cancer and depicts him tying his shoes.  The statue is located on the River bank in front of the arch of pier with a keyhole design.

    Fred Rogers Memorial Statue

    • Tribute to Children Facts:  Tribute to Children was a gift from the people of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County honoring children and celebrating the life of children’s entertainer, Fred Rogers.
    • Tribute to Children Admission:  Admission is free to visit Tribute to Children.
    • Tribute to Children Parking:  We walked to Tribute to Children from the Carnegie Science Center.  The best bet for parking is to find a meter nearby or use one of the lots near Heinz Field.

     

    #7:  PNC Park With Kids

    PNC Park is the home stadium of the Pittsburgh Pirates.  This Major League Baseball field is located along the Allegheny River.  A baseball game is fun, family activity and great for kids of all ages.  Few baseball stadiums have a comparable cityscape view.

    Photo credit:  David Mark from Pixabay

    We’ve visited Pittsburgh twice on Opening Day and watched the excitement from our downtown hotel.

     

    Things to Do in Pittsburgh’s South Shore

    #8:  Duquesne Incline With Kids

    The Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh is an amazing example of living history that combines a trolley ride up Mount Washington, engineering genius and an amazing city view.  The beautifully detailed original trolley cars sit on platforms that keep them level while transporting Pittsburghers and visitors up and down Mount Washington without a driver.  The 794-foot wooden track is not only an engineering masterpiece but also a work of art.

    At the station at the top, there are historical exhibits that provide an overview of the history of Pittsburgh and its inclines.  The David H. Miller Working Museum offers visitors the chance to see the Incline’s hoisting machinery up close.  The Incline still uses its original hoisting equipment that features giant cogs with wooden gear teeth.

    The highlight of the Incline is the magnificent view of Pittsburgh’s “Three Rivers” – the confluence of the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River, which together form the Ohio River and the Pittsburgh’s “Golden Triangle” central business district.  Other highlights include views of the outline of Fort Duquesne, the Steelers’ Heinz Field, the Pirates’ PNC Park, the Carnegie Science Center and many bridges (up to 18 can be visible).

    For more details, check out our Spotlight feature on the visiting the Duquesne Incline.

    • Duquesne Incline Facts:   USA Today recently named the Duquesne Incline as one of the 10 great streetcars, trams and funiculars.
    • Duquesne Incline Hours:  The Duquesne Incline is open every day (including Thanksgiving Day when we visited).  The Incline is open on Monday through Saturday from 5:30 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and on Sundays and Holidays from 7:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.
    • Duquesne Incline Admission:  Adults tickets cost $2.50 each way and tickets for children ages 6-11 cost $1.25 each way.  There is no charge for children under 6 and seniors over 64. The Duquesne Incline accepts only Port Authority bus tickets or cash and requires exact change.
    • Duquesne Incline Parking:  There is free parking available at 1197 West Carson Street and paid parking at the Station Square lot across from the lower entrance.

    #9:  Point of View Park With Kids

    We somehow missed Point of View Park when we visited the Duquesne Incline.  Point of View Park is a short walk from the Duquesne Incline’s Upper Station.  It’s a favorite spot of a friend of mine who has family in Pittsburgh.  He proposed to his wife, took wedding pictures and announced his first child at this scenic overlook.  Point of View is a bronze sculpture depicting a 1770 meeting between George Washington and Seneca leader Guyasuta in which they were examining land for settlement.  We’ll definitely be making a stop here on our next trip to Pittsburgh.

    Photo credit:  Bryant Eckert

    • Point of View Park Facts:   The landmark public sculpture was created by James A. West
    • Point of View Park Hours:  Point of View is open 24 hours.
    • Point of View Park Admission:  There is no admission fee to visit Point of View Park.
    • Point of View Park Parking:  There is no dedicated parking lot for Point of View Park but street parking available nearby.

     

    Things to Do in Pittsburgh’s Downtown

    #10:  Senator John Heinz History Center With Kids

    During our August 2019 trip to Pittsburgh, we visited the Senator John Heinz History Center, which is associated with the Smithsonian Institution.  We thoroughly enjoyed our lovely morning at the Heinz History Center.  It was a quiet and somewhat dreary morning at the end of summer when we arrived at the renovated warehouse in Pittsburgh’s Strip District.  We walked from our hotel in the central business district.   We started in the Great Hall where the kids loved the Heinz Hitch, a horse drawn wagon that traveled to national events and the street car.

    The Heinz Hitch
    The Heinz Hitch

    My daughter spotted the slide from across the Hall and found her way to the Kidsburgh exhibit in a loft overlooking the Great Hall with stairs leading up and a slide to return to the Great Hall.  She would have been content to stay in the Kidsburgh exhibit for the entire morning and rode the slide countless times before we set off to the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum.

    Heinz History Center Kidsburgh Slide
    Kidsburgh slide

    My boys are sports enthusiasts, but they don’t particularly follow Pittsburgh sports.  Unlike most Clevelanders, we harbor no ill will against Pittsburgh’s sports, either.  Because we have close friends from Pittsburgh, we regularly support area sports teams when they aren’t competing against Cleveland.  My boys closely examined the exhibits in the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum and gained a new respect for the Steelers, the Penguins and the Pirates.  My older son commented, “I didn’t realize how good Pittsburgh sports teams really were.”  Clevelanders may have waited for decades to win a national championship, but it happens fairly regularly for Pittsburgh, especially in football and hockey.  Without a doubt, the table hockey game was the highlight of the Sports Museum.  My boys came back for a second round at the end of our visit.

    The Discovery Place offered many opportunities for hands on learning and exploring at different innovation stations.  My favorite was a pattern challenge.

    Heinz History Center Discovery Place
    The Discovery Place

    We learned all about Heinz ketchup in the Heinz exhibit, which features the world’s largest collection of Heinz artifacts.  We now know the significance of the 57 and the famous ketchup is celebrating 150 years.  The 11-foot ketchup bottle created from 500 individual bottles was also memorable.

    My favorite exhibit was Mister Roger’s Neighborhood.  The famous children’s show I remember from my childhood was filmed in Pittsburgh, the hometown of Fred Rogers.  This exhibit featured sets, puppets, props and other artifacts.  I felt like I was stepping back 35+ years and right into the Mister Roger’s set.  My kids are not familiar with Mr. Roger’s, but my daughter is a fan of Daniel Tiger, a 21st century spinoff of the famous children’s program.

    Mister Roger's Neighborhood Exhibit - King Friday XIII’s Castle
    King Friday XIII’s Castle

    We had a memorable visit to the Senator Heinz History Center and learned a great deal about Western Pennsylvania.

    • Heinz History Center Hours:  The History Center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and closed for New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas each year.
    • Heinz History Center Admission:  As of August 2019, Admission for adults costs $18, for children ages 6-17 and students with a valid school identification costs $9 and for senior citizens over 61 costs $15.  There is no admission for children age five and under.
    • Heinz History Center Parking:  There are several options for nearby parking with daily rates as low as $3.
    • Time Spent at the Heinz History Center:  We spent about 2.5 hours, including lunch at the Cafe.

    #11:  Point State Park With Kids

    The Point State Park (aka the “Point”) is a state park in downtown Pittsburgh located on 36 acres at the point of the confluence of the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River form the Ohio River.   The Point is the tip of Pittsburgh’s “Golden Triangle.”  We walked to the Point from our downtown hotel and also viewed the Point from along the edges of the Three Rivers, and we have spotted it from the Duquesne Incline, the Carnegie Science Center, the Fred Rogers Memorial Statue and the Water Steps.

    At the Point, stones are used to depict the outline of Pittsburgh’s oldest structures, Fort Pitt and Fort Duquesne, which were used in the French and Indian War.  The fountain in Point State Park sprays water up to 150 feet during the warm weather months.  The kids enjoyed the view of the area bridges, the Duquesne Incline, the Carnegie Science Center and Heinz Field from the tip of the Point.

    Walking on the Fort Duquesne outline.
    • Point State Park Facts:  Fort Duquesne was originally built by the French.  Its occupants burned and abandoned the Fort before the British seized it.  The British built Fort Pitt near the destroyed Fort Duquesne.
    • Point State Park Kid Warning:  The Point abuts rivers on all sides without a barrier, so it’s important to keep a close eye on young children.
    • Point State Park Hours:  The Park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
    • Point State Park Admission:  There is no admission charge to enter the Point State Park.
    • Point State Park Parking:  Point State’s parking lot is located along Commonwealth Place across from the Post Gazette building.

     

    Things to Do in Oakland

     

    #12: Carnegie Museum of Natural History With Kids

    The Carnegie Museum of Natural History has a premier dinosaur collection, Dinosaurs in Their Time, which features a Diplodocus carnegii fossil discovered in 1899.  This dinosaur exhibit also includes two Tyrannosaurus Rex skeletons and a triceratops skeleton and is the world’s largest collection of Jurassic dinosaurs.

    One of two Tyrannosaurus Rex skeletons

    During our last visit, we attended the Live Animal Encounter at the Earth Theater and enjoyed seeing live animals up close.  Another favorite is the 1,300 gemstone specimens in the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems are artistically displayed and fascinated my kids.

    Find out more about visiting the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.

    • Carnegie Museum of Natural History Facts:  Carnegie gifted a cast of its diplodocus skeleton to England at the request of Edward VII, and “Dippy” was featured in  Hitze Hall of London’s Natural History Museum for many years before being replaced by Hope, a blue whale skeleton, in July 2017.
    • Carnegie Museum of Natural History Hours:  The Museum is generally open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and from 10 am to 8 pm on Thursday.  The Museum is closed on Tuesday.
    • Carnegie Museum of Natural History Admissions:  Admission for adults is $19.95, seniors 65 and over is $14.95 and children ages 3 to 18 and students is $11.95.  Children 2 and under are free.
    • Carnegie Museum of Natural History Parking:   The Carnegie Museum of Natural History shares a building the with Carnegie Museum of Art, and adjacent surface-lot parking is available.  Museum weekday visitors receive a voucher to reduce the cost of parking, which is currently $7 for 2-4 hours.  Evening and weekend parking costs $7.

     

    #13: Carnegie Museum of Art With Kids

    The Carnegie Museum of Art was founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1895 and is housed in the same building in Oakland as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.  The most unique feature of the Carnegie Art Museum is the Hall of Architecture, which is the one of the world’s largest collection of plaster architectural casts.  Andrew Carnegie financed a tinted cast of the West Portal of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, which may be the world’s largest architectural cast.  The Hall also includes almost 140 other full-size plaster casts.  After our recent visit to Paris and Italy, we particularly enjoyed examining the plaster casts of the Venus de Milo, the Winged Victory of Samothrace and other icons that reminded us of architecture and sculptures we saw on our trip.

    Like most major art museums, its impressionist gallery includes paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet.  Van Gogh’s Wheat Fields at Auvers Under Clouded Sky is one of his famous series of wheat field paintings.

    Our favorite sculpture was Phyllida Barlow’s 2012 untitled:  upturnedhouse, 2.

    Find out more about the Carnegie Museum of Art.

    • Carnegie Museum of Art Facts:  The Hall of Architecture contains the largest collection of plaster casts of architectural masterpieces and the third largest in the world (behind the Victoria and Albert Museum and Musée national des Monuments Français).
    • Carnegie Museum of Art Hours:  The Carnegie Museum of Art is generally open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday.  The Museum is closed on Tuesday.
    • Carnegie Museum of Art Admissions:  Admission for adults is $19.95, seniors 65 and over is $14.95, children ages 3 to 18 and students is $11.95.  Children 2 and under are free.
    • Carnegie Museum of Art Parking:   The Carnegie Museum of Art shares a building the with Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and adjacent surface-lot parking is available.  Museum weekday visitors receive a voucher to reduce the cost of parking, which is currently $7 for 2-4 hours.  Evening and weekend parking costs $7.

     

    #14:  Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens With Kids

    Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens was an amazing gift to the city of Pittsburgh from real estate magnate Henry Phipps.  It was the perfect destination for extra doses of oxygen and vitamin D.  The pathways through the different rooms made it easy for me to keep an eye of all three kids simultaneously, and we didn’t mind making our way at my daughter’s snail’s pace. 

    The kids were all awe-struck by all the beautiful gardens and truly enjoyed each and every room.  The indoor and outdoor gardens were all beautifully curated and maintained.  A few of our favorites include:  the Cuban taxi (an unexpected but joyous find at a conservatory, especially because of the sign encouraging kids to hop inside), the Butterfly Forest, the Serpentine Room and the Desert Room.

    Butterfly picture captured by my 10 year old son

    The Phipps includes several glass chandeliers by artist Dale Chihuly, whose work was featured in a special exhibit in 2007 to 2008.  The Phipps purchased several chandeliers from the exhibit for its permanent collection, including Goldenrod, Teal and Citron located in the Welcome Center and the Desert Gold Star, located in the Desert Room.  The Chihuly pieces usually located in the Palm Court had been removed during the renovation.

    Desert Room and Chihuly’s Desert Gold Star glass chandelier
    • Phipps Conservatory Facts:  The Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens was founded in 1893 and is celebrating its 125th anniversary this year.
    • Phipps Conservatory Hours:  Free parking is conveniently located in the center island on Schenley Drive.
    • Phipps Conservatory Admission:  Free parking is conveniently located in the center island on Schenley Drive.
    • Phipps Conservatory Parking:  Free parking is conveniently located in the center island on Schenley Drive.

     

    Things to Do in Point Breeze

     

    #15:  The Frick Pittsburgh With Kids

    The Frick Pittsburgh is an art and historical center that includes several museums and historical buildings surrounding the Frick family’s 19th century residence.  The Frick Pittsburgh includes the Frick Art Museum, the Car and Carriage Museum, the Scenic Gardens and Greenhouse and the Clayton mansion, the Frick family’s 23-room historic mansion.

    The main impetus of our visit to the Frick Pittsburgh was the impressive special exhibit Van Gogh, Monet and Degas:  The Mellon Collection of French Art from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, but we also we also toured the permanent art collection.  Our favorite was the Bust of Henry Clay Frick.

    My boys are really love cars and found the Cars & Carriages Museum very exciting.  The 1914 Ford Model T Touring was a highlight. The Frick’s car collection is so large that only about half of its cars are exhibited at any one time.

    Ford Model T Touring

    After spending the morning at the Phipps Conservatory, the kids were also excited to check out the Frick Greenhouse. This active greenhouse is a renovation and reconstruction of the greenhouse used by the Frick family from 1897 until the 1970s.

    The Greenhouse at the Frick Pittsburgh

    My college roommate recommends the tea at the Café at the Frick, and we’ll definitely have to try some during our next visit.  Find out more about the visiting the Frick Pittsburgh.

    • Frick Pittsburgh Facts:  Industrialist Henry Clay Frick and his wife, Adelaide Howard Childs Frick lived at Clayton with their four children from 1883 to 1905.  Their daughter, Helen Clay Frick guided preservation efforts at Clayton and returned to live here shortly before her 1984 death.  The property opened to the public in 1990.
    • Frick Pittsburgh Admission:  There is no admission charge to enter the Frick Art Museum, the Car and Carriage Museum or the Scenic Grounds and Greenhouse.  Tours of Clayton cost $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and students, $8 for children 16 and under.  Babies in arms are free.  Admission fees are charged for special exhibitions.  Tour and tours of Clayton.
    • Frick Pittsburgh Hours:  The Frick Pittsburgh is generally open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
    • Frick Pittsburgh Parking: Free parking is available in the adjacent lot located off of Reynolds Street.

    Things to Do in Highland Park

     

    #16:  Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium With Kids

    The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is one of the few major zoo/aquarium combinations in the U.S. and is a great place for kids to learn about mammals and aquatic life.   The Pittsburgh Zoo includes more than 10,000 animals (including 1,000 bats) and 20 threatened or endangered species.  We have visited the Pittsburgh Zoo twice – once when my boys were age two and four and a second time when our three kids were age five, nine and eleven.  The Pittsburgh Zoo is enormous, but my five year old was a real trooper and had a work out walking quite a few miles on her little legs.

    The African Savanna was one of our favorite areas of the Zoo.  As always, my daughter was thrilled by the flamingos as we entered the Savanna.  We were lucky that the black rhinoceros were very active.  The black rhinos, which are actually light gray, are an endangered species, but several calves have been born in recent years in Pittsburgh.

    Black rhino at the Pittsburgh Zoo
    Black rhinos

    We moved on the the African elephants, the largest mammals that live on land and the Masai giraffe, the tallest mammals living on land.  While exploring the African Savanna, we worked up enough of an appetite that we decided to take a break and eat some sundaes from Swahili Ice Cream.  It was the perfect late morning snack.

    Kids Kingdom was another highlight of our visit.  My daughter could have spent hours at the Animal Connection playground and was particularly ecstatic to crawl through all the tunnels like the naked mole rats.  I could never find her when she was actually in the tunnels, but we chatted back and forth while she explored.

    Pittsburgh Zoo Kids Kingdom Animal Connections playground
    Animal Connections playground

    My kids really enjoy getting a good view of aquatic animals.  The sea lion exhibit was a highlight, and the indoor aquarium was the perfect place to end our Pittsburgh Zoo visit.  By the time we reached the PPG Aquarium, the August sun was beating down, and the air conditioning was glorious.  My kids spent a long time at the side of the touch tank.  My boys each carefully touched the sting ray several times.  My daughter desperately wanted to but always pulled her hand out of the water just when the sting ray got close enough.

    Sea lions at the Pittsburgh Zoo
    Sea lions

    The Pittsburgh Zoo was definitely a great outing with kids.

    • Pittsburgh Zoo Facts:  The Zoo had a very rare elephant born in captivity (less than 20 have been born since 1995) in 2017, but the calf unfortunately died at three months.
    • Pittsburgh Zoo Hours and Admission:  The Pittsburgh Zoo’s hours and admission varies by season.
    • Pittsburgh Zoo Parking:  Parking is available at the Pittsburgh Zoo is free for visitors.

     

    Things to Do in West Mifflin

    #17:  Kennywood Park With Kids

    Our family had so much fun at Kennywood Park, a traditional amusement park located about 20 minutes southeast of downtown Pittsburgh in West Mifflin.  Kennywood opened in 1899 and is one of two parks in the country that has been designated as a National Historic Landmark because it features rides and structures that are more than 100 years old. Kennywood made me nostalgic for Geauga Lake, an amusement park outside of Cleveland that I visited annually when I was young.  Our family loved our day at Kennywood Park in Pittsburgh and hopes to make this trip an annual tradition.

    Kennywood's Wave Swinger
    Wave Swinger

    Our visit to Kennywood Park was a marvelous, nostalgic day spent riding rides together.  It was only about a 2.5 hour drive from Cleveland and very affordable for Ohio visitors.  A current promotion for Ohio residents offers $34.99 admission. We added visits to several area attractions during our three-day, two-night stay in the Steel City and had a lovely time.  While we did not ride the new Steel Curtain roller coaster on this visit, there were no shortage of thrill rides for our family.  Even though I get nauseous on any ride that spins or sways, but I still do love that feeling of my stomach dropping.  I particularly enjoyed the Thunderbolt, a classic wooden coaster that is almost 100 years old and last renovated over 50 years ago.  The Thunderbolt offered the perfect thrill level for my two boys and me, and we rode it twice.

    Kennywood's Thunderbolt
    Thunderbolt

    With kids in all three major height categories – under 48 inches, under 54 inches and over 54 inches, we appreciate that Kennywood offers some fun rides that we can enjoy as a family, including the Merry-Go-Round and several family rides in Kiddie Land and Thomas Town.  Auto race was a particular favorite, and the five of us piled into three separate cars and rode around the track one after another.

    Journey With Thomas ride at Kennywood Park
    Journey With Thomas

    My daughter would have been happy to spend our entire day at Kiddie Land, which featured 15 classic rides for kids under 48 inches and Thomas Town, Kennywood’s new 2018 theme area.  My daughter rode with her two arms stretched high into the sky on almost every ride.  She’s still a little nervous about kiddie coasters, though and skipped Lil’ Phantom.  Maybe next year….

    Kennywood's Orbiter
    Orbiter
    • Kennywood Hours:  Kennywood hours vary by month and day, and the Kennywood calendar is available online.
    • Kennywood Admission:  Kennywood gate prices range from vary for weekday and weekend visits and are available on the Kennywood website.  Kennywood discount tickets are available on the website and at Giant Eagle grocery stores.
    • Time Spent at Kennywood:  We spent about 7.5 hours at Kennywood Park.  It was nonstop fun, but we were definitely exhausted at the end.
    • Kennywood Height Requirements:  Each ride has its own posted height requirements.
    • Kennywood Weather:  It’s always important to check the weather and be prepared before visiting Kennywood.   Don’t forget to apply and reapply sunscreen.
    • Kennywood Events:  Kennywood Park offers a variety of events throughout the season.  The Fall Fantasy Parade occurred during our visit.  We caught a bit of the parade but on our way to take advantage of the short line for Thunderbolt.
    • Kennywood Park Map:  Make sure to pick up a map before setting off to explore Kennywood.

    Where to Stay in Pittsburgh With Kids

    Drury Inn Pittsburgh Airport Settlers Ridge With Kids

    When we planned a last minute trip to Pittsburgh over Thanksgiving weekend last year, we booked a night at the Drury Inn & Suites Pittsburgh Airport Settlers Ridge because we scored a great deal through Priceline.  Airport hotels are rarely memorable, and we were really just looking for a hotel with last minute availability that had a pool and didn’t break the bank.  We didn’t realize that the Drury Inn Settlers Ridge was a newly constructed hotel that had just opened in May 2018, and we were wowed when we entered the lobby that featured ultra-modern decor.  Hotel renovations are common, but with renovated hotels, there are often vestiges of dated interiors somewhere on the property.  At the Drury Inn Settlers Ridge, everything is clean and neat.  We really felt as if we were staying at a luxury hotel.

    Drury Inn lobby
    Lobby area

    Drury Inn Guest Room

    Our double queen room featured two comfortable beds, granite counter tops and modern interior.  We particularly closely examined all the framed Pittsburgh-inspired wall art.  Our room also had a refrigerator, which was perfect for our left overs.  Everything was clean and fresh, and the beds were oh so comfortable.

    Drury Inn guestroom
    Our guestroom

    The bathroom featured a large granite vanity with plenty of space for everyone’s toiletries, tiled floor and enormous mirror.  There were dispensers in the shower with shower gel, shampoo and conditioner that eliminated the unnecessary waste that usually comes with those trial sized bottles.  While I’m often fumbling around in the dark trying to find the bathroom light switch without waking the rest of the family, the motion sensing light in the bathroom was the perfect solution.  Towels, tissues and a hair dryer were all easily accessible and well-organized.

    Drury Inn Pittsburgh bathroom
    Drury Inn bathroom

     

    Drury Inn Kickback

    We checked in as the Kickback was beginning.  All Drury Inn properties host a nightly happy hour with free food and beverages between 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  Daily menus are available on the Drury Inn’s website.  My husband and I each received drink vouchers and drink cards to purchase additional drinks for a whopping $.75 each.

    Drury Inn Kickback voucher
    Drury Inn Kickback voucher

    The quality and quantity of the heavy appetizers and drinks was unexpectedly good, and there was plenty of space for the crowd in the dining room.  We planned to have a quick snack before heading to the pool but ended up having seconds and thirds at our trendy circular booth.  After removing decades old wall paper in two homes, I found myself kind of coveting the printed geometric patterns and trying to figure out where I might be able to add a papered accent wall at home.  The kids were so excited about the Kickback and the indoor pool that they decided that they didn’t want to leave the hotel and convinced us to order pizza instead of going out for dinner.  For Drury Inn visitors who decide to do the same, we recommend Vocelli Pizza in Robinson.  Vocelli will deliver to the Drury Inn, but we opted for carry out.  Just remember to ask for paper plates and napkins.

    Drury Inn Pittsburgh dining area
    Dining area

     

    Drury Inn Pool

    After dinner, it was pool time.  Our neighborhood pool had closed for the season several months earlier, so the kids were ecstatic to get wet and dip their toes in the hot tub.  Unlike most hotel pool decks that seem to always be desperately in need of a renovation, I was happy to chaperone my kids in this new pool with beautiful tiles.

    Drury Inn pool
    Drury Inn Settlers Ridge pool

    The Drury Inn keeps its popcorn, soda and coffee machines running until late in the night, and water is always available.  Drury Inns also offer all guests daily hot breakfasts.  We were truly amazed by the value that this hotel offered and have recommended it to several friends.

    Drury Inn breakfast
    Breakfast

    We were thrilled when Drury Inn offered to host our return visit to its Settlers Ridge location in August 2019.  After a long day at Kennywood Park, we missed the Kickback and were too exhausted for a swim, but we thoroughly enjoyed our double queen suite.  The bedroom area was set up virtually identically to our double queen room.  The two room suite and extra pull out couch better accommodated our family of five than the standard room.  There were also flat screen hotels in each room and a large sitting area.  We thoroughly recommend the Drury Inn Settlers Ridge and are certain to return.

     

    Find Out More About Pittsburgh Family Activities

    We recommend a visit to Pittsburgh with kids.  Interested in finding out more about Pittsburgh kids’ activities?  Check out our other blog posts about Pittsburgh and nearby Fallingwater.

    Updated August 2019

  • Tips for Visiting the Louvre With Kids

    Tips for Visiting the Louvre With Kids

    The Louvre in Paris is the largest and most visited art museum in the world with 400,000 art works and a permanent collection of about 35,000 on display.  It is housed in the Louvre Palace, a former royal palace that dates back to the 12th century.  The Louvre became a museum in 1793 during the French Revolution and has been expanded and renovated many times over the past 800 years.  The Louvre may not seem like a museum that welcomes children with open arms, but it is actually one of the most stroller-friendly museums we have ever visited.  So, there is no reason to skip it when traveling with children.  Here are our top 10 tips for visiting Musee du Louvre with kids:

    A Visit to the Louvre For Kids

     

    Tip #1:  Buy Skip the Line Louvre Tickets Online in Advance

    We booked a 9:30 am entry on our first morning in Paris directly through the Louvre’s website.   Pre-booked adult tickets cost €17 each, which is just slightly more than the €15 entrance fee for tickets purchased at the museum.  All visitors under age 18 are free.  Considering admission for our family of five to almost any US museum seems to cost at least $75, €34 to visit the Louvre seemed like an absolute bargain, and we didn’t think twice about the extra €4 necessary for advanced booking.

    Tip #2:  Eat Before Arriving at the Louvre With Children

    The Louvre requires a good bit of walking.  It is important to arrive with children who are well rested and well fed.  We stopped at Franprix for a delicious breakfast of freshly squeezed orange juice and amazing bread and pastries.  We didn’t stop to eat at one of the Louvre’s cafes or restaurants during the three hours we spent there, choosing not to risk long lines and instead enjoyed lunch at a British pub during England’s Quarterfinal World Cup match afterwards.

     

    Tip #3:  Arrive at the Louvre Early or Late

    Our flight arrived in Paris in the evening, and in hindsight, it may have been a bit ambitious to plan a 9:30 am museum arrival the next morning. But, we had a full night of sleep and arrived at the Louvre on time.  We definitely noticed that the Louvre became much busier by late morning.   The Louvre is also open until 9:45 p.m. on Wednesdays and Fridays, and it is typically less crowded during those evening hours.   When planning a Paris itinerary, note that the Louvre is closed on Tuesdays, January 1, May 1 and December 25.

    We entered through the Louvre Pyramid, the iconic glass and metal pyramid that was designed by the Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei and completed in 1989.  The Pyramid and underground lobby were created so that the Louvre could better accommodate its increasing number of daily visitors.  The Pyramid was designed for 4.5 million annual visitors, and the underground lobby had to be redesigned between 2014 and 2017 when the number of annual visitors rose from 4.5 million to over 8 million.  We talked about how I.M. Pei also designed the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’s pyramid in Cleveland as we entered.

    View from inside the Louvre's Pyramid
    View from inside the Louvre Pyramid

    Tip #4: Bring the Stroller to the Louvre

    Even though it was necessary at times to carry our stroller up or down a flight of stairs, it’s understandable considering the building dates back to the late 12th century.  Nonetheless, the Louvre Museum gets high marks for being stroller friendly.   When we arrived at the Pyramid, we noticed separate lines for pre-booked tickets and visitors needing to purchase tickets from the box office, but neither had much of a line when we arrived.  It didn’t matter because as soon as the guard saw our stroller, he ushered us through the middle of the two entrances to wait for the next circular open air hydraulic elevator into the museum.  Our kids thought this was the coolest elevator we have ever been inside of and thought it looked like it belonged on a futuristic spaceship.

    Strollers are welcome throughout the museum, and we rarely felt crowded.  Elevators in the Louvre are reserved for the disabled (including children in strollers) and their accompanying parties.  This is in stark contrast to Versailles where we had to check our stroller at left luggage before entering the Palace and the Vatican where wall to wall visitors in many galleries made it extremely hard to maneuver the stroller and where we were not permitted to use the elevators, which were reserved for those in wheelchairs only.

    Tip #5:  Don’t Forget the Louvre Map

    The Louvre exhibits are seemingly endless.  It’s absolutely massive and not possible to explore every exhibit in a single day. It is essential to bring a map and formulate a game plan.  We should have downloaded and printed the Louvre interactive floorplan in advance, but we picked up a map underneath the Pyramid first thing.

    Tip #6:  Use Rick Steves as a Tour Guide at the Louvre

    We traveled with Rick Steves’ Paris guide, which includes a 30 page annotated tour of the Louvre.  This guide was perfect for us.  I read Steves’ descriptive overviews about an exhibit or selected major works for my husband and kids and found that it provided the perfect nugget of information to help enhance the experience for our whole family.  We otherwise would not have noticed the S-curve in Venus de Milo‘s back and the seam at her hips.  We also made sure to examine the glass case next to Winged Victory of Samothrace with her outstretched thumb and finger, which was discovered in the 1950s.

    Tip #7:  Prioritize the Big Three at the Louvre

    I vividly remember visiting the Louvre on my college backpacking trip and following pictures directing me to Mona Lisa, Venus de Milo and Winged Victory of Samothrace.  These seem to be on everyone’s Louvre must see list.  Because the Louvre is enormous, it takes some time to just navigate to each, but make sure not to rush through the amazing galleries along the way.

    We started in the Sully Wing and first visited the Near Eastern Antiquities, which was impressive and not very crowded at all.  My favorite was the Frieze of Archers from the fifth or sixth century B.C.

    We then visited the Egyptian galleries before reaching the Gallery of Statues with perfect anatomic Greek sculptures in natural poses.   Athena of Velletri stands at one side and Venus de Milo at the other.  Athena of Velletri is a Roman replica of a Greek statue that dates from the 5th century B.C.  Venus de Milo is an ancient Green sculpture created between 130 and 100 B.C.  I love the juxtaposition of the goddesses of wisdom and beauty.

    The statue of Athena of Velletri at the Louvre
    Athena of Velletri
    The statue of Venus de Milo at the Louvre
    Venus de Milo

    We then headed into the Denon Wing to Winged Victory of Samothrace, which dates back to about 190 BC.  This winged-woman standing on a ship commemorated a naval victory.   I love that this massive statue is exhibited in a large open area with high ceilings rather than crammed into a gallery.  We had a discussion about how fragile arms are on ancient statues and how they were often broken and lost.

    Statue of WInged Victory of Samothrace at the Louvre
    Winged Victory of Samothrace

    The Louvre statues were particularly impressive due to their age and preservation.

    Of the “Big Three”, we visited the Mona Lisa last and realized when we saw the crowd that we should have made a b-line for this gallery as soon as we arrived.

     

    Tip #8:  Be Prepared for Mona Lisa‘s Paparazzi at the Louvre

    Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa is virtually synonymous with the Louvre.  This early 16th century Italian Renaissance painting has been on display in the Louvre since 1797.  While the Louvre generally did not seem crowded on our Saturday morning visit, visitors line up to see the Mona Lisa, protected by bullet proof glass and guarded by guards.  It took us several minutes to work our way up to the front of the crowd to get a picture of her famous smirk.

    The word “paparazzi” comes to mind, and yes, Mona Lisa is much smaller than anyone expects (only about 21 inches by 30 inches!).

     It doesn’t help that the Louvre’s largest painting,  Paolo Veronese’s The Wedding Feast at Cana, is displayed on the opposite wall.  I was drawn to Veronese’s massive canvas and surprised at how little attention it received as the visitors focused solely on Mona Lisa.  The unexpected Venetian setting made me more excited about our upcoming trip to Venice a few days later.  The juxtaposition of these two paintings definitely was one of the most interesting parts of the Louvre.

    Even though I saw Mona Lisa 21 years ago, it was simultaneously exhilarating and slightly underwhelming to visit her on this trip.  Nevertheless, Mona Lisa was the most memorable part of our Louvre visit for our kids.  They remember the crowd, her auspicious smile and The Wedding Feast at Cana on the opposite wall.  My son is convinced she’s planning something evil.

     

    Tip #9:  Don’t Forget to Look Up While Visiting the Louvre

    Some of the most memorable art is located on the gallery ceilings.  It’s easy to be so mesmerized by the art on the wall and not fully appreciate the architecture and ceiling art.

     

    Tip #10:  Take Forced Perspective Pictures in front of the Pyramid at the Louvre

    The Louvre’s Pyramid is not only a world-renowned architectural icon but also a great place to take a forced perspective picture.  There are a number of strategically placed pedestals in front of the Pyramid to make it easier to capture the perfect shot, which we most certainly used.

    We loved our family trip to Paris and recommend the Louvre for kids.  Make sure to check out our posts on Planning a Trip to Paris, Top 25 Attractions in Paris for Families, Visiting the Eiffel Tower as well as our other posts about Paris!

  • Visiting Vatican City With Kids

    Visiting Vatican City With Kids

    When we planned to spend five days in Rome at the end of our ten days in Italy, a day in Vatican City was at the absolute top of our must do list.  The Pope resides in Vatican City in Italy, which is generally considered as the center of the Catholic Church.  As Catholics, this was a unique religious pilgrimage.  Vatican City may be the world’s smallest country, but it is chock full of religious, architectural and artistic wows that make it a must-see destination, even for families with young children.  We loved visiting Vatican City with kids.

    The Vatican City attractions are the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica and St. Peter’s Square.  The Vatican Museums are the fourth most visited art museum in the world with 6.4 million visitors in 2017 and the fifth largest art museum in the world.  The Sistine Chapel is part of the Vatican Museums and the chapel of the Apostolic Palace, the official residence of the Pope (although Pope Francis chose to live in the Vatican guest house instead).  St. Peter’s Basilica is the world’s largest church and considered the most renowned example of Renaissance architecture.   The key-hole shaped St. Peter’s Square was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and can hold a whopping 300,000 people.

    A Day in Vatican City With Kids

    Getting to the Vatican With Kids

    The night before our trip to Vatican City, we wondered if passports were necessary.  A quick Google search clearly indicated they were not, and we were relieved to leave them hidden in our Airbnb.  We took the Metro from Barberini to Ottaviano, which was a quick five-stop journey on Line A of the Metro.  From Ottaviano, the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica are each about a 10 minute walk but in different directions.  We had no problem following the crowds toward the Vatican Museums.  Along the way, we were approached by seemingly dozens of tour guides offering tickets and packages but were fortunate to have prebooked our Vatican City ticket and did not have to chance the legitimacy of these tours.

    Vatican City Tickets 

    There are many options for Vatican Museum skip the line tours.  We prebooked our Vatican Museums tickets (which included a guided tour and Sistine Chapel entry) directly through the Vatican Museums’ website, as recommended by our friends at Two Traveling Tots.  Our kids generally enjoy guided tour, and we were not concerned that this wasn’t specifically a Vatican tour for kids.  We arrived in Vatican City more quickly than expected and uncharacteristically one hour early for our 11 a.m. tour.  When we arrived at the Vatican City entrance, we showed our booking voucher to the customer care staff outside the entrance and were told to return at 10:30 a.m., 30 minutes before our 11:00 am tour.  So, we found a bit of shade and stood with all the other early tourists and were grateful that we weren’t standing in the line for visitors arriving without tickets that stretched around the corner and down the street.  A couple at the front of the line told me that they had been waiting for two hours.

    Waiting for our designated entry time

    At 10:30 a.m., we presented our vouchers for the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel tour and were vaguely directed inside to collect our tickets.  We first tried an automated machine in the lobby, but found that it did not work because we had ordered reduced price tickets for our sons.  We stood in line at the ticket counter on the left side of the lobby but discovered that was also wrong.  We ended up finding the correct counters by the door leading from the lobby into the Museums, collected our tickets and headed to the designated meeting point not long before our 11 am tour.

    The correct ticket counters for visitors with guided tour vouchers
    Our designated meeting point

    Our tour guide, Patrick, gave us each a headset.  After the group had assembled, he explained that the tour would be an hour and a half to two hours and end at the Sistine Chapel.  Because silence is required in the Sistine Chapel and tour guide narration is strictly prohibited, Patrick spent about 15 minutes in front of a diagram of the Sistine Chapel located outside of the Vatican Museums describing in detail what we would see when we did reach the Chapel.

    Our first official stop on the tour was the Cortile della Pigna where Patrick talked about the Fontana della Pigna.  This sculpture of a pine cone and peacocks dates back to the 1st or 2nd century and used to be a fountain.  The Pigna was located near the Pantheon until the Middle Ages.

    Fontana della Pigna

    We then proceeded into the Vatican Museums, which contain four miles of displays of one of the world’s best art collections from antiquity to Renaissance.  Our visit to the Louvre, the mother of all art museums, less than two weeks earlier, in no way prepared us for the massive crowds that piled into the Vatican Museums.  With a family of five, including a stroller, it was often a challenge to stay together and with our tour group among the shoulder to shoulder crowd that made me feel like I was perpetually in the Mona Lisa room.  The Tapestry Gallery was particularly crowded, likely because it was air-conditioned to protect the tapestries.  Tapestries from Raphael’s workshop are displayed on the left wall, and the sculpted reliefs on the ceiling are breathtaking.

    This was what the crowd looked like pretty much in every gallery of the Vatican Museums

    The Gallery of Maps features a series of topographic maps commissioned by Pope Gregorius XIII.  The 40 panels were completed by geographer Ignazio Danti between 1580 and 1583.  The ceiling was colorful and memorable.  Apparently, the windows provide a great view of Vatican City, but there was clearly no ability to stop on the day we visited.

    Ceiling of the Map Gallery
    Impressively detailed maps of Italy

    Raphael’s Rooms are four galleries that were previously papal apartments and contain frescoes by Raphael and his assistants completed between 1508 and 1524.  The second room, Stanza della Segnatura, features Raphael’s famous School of Athens, which depicts Aristotle and Socrates.  Leonardo da Vinci appears as Plato, and Raphael appears as himself.  Raphael painted School of Athens while Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and added Michelangelo at the front.

    Raphael’s School of Athens

    As we left Raphael’s Rooms, our tour guide instructed the group that we would go down a few staircases and then reconvene.  My husband and I somehow got separated in the crowd and each thought the other was in front.  All three kids, including my daughter, who was soundly sleeping in her stroller, were with me.  The two boys and I made sure that she was tightly buckled into her stroller and carefully carried it down several staircases, all absolutely packed with people not particularly willing to give us the extra space we needed.  For some time, I could still hear Patrick talking through my headset but never found him again.  I managed to stay calm during those chaotic 20 minutes even though I did not have cell service, WiFi wasn’t available, and we had no backup plan for meeting if we got separated.  While the art was definitely spectacular, it was my husband who was the most welcome sight when we entered the Sistine Chapel.  We recommend a visit to the Vatican for kids.  The tour was informative, but we will likely arrive with a detailed map and go the self-guided route next time or take a private Vatican tour with kids.

     

    Visiting the Sistine Chapel With Kids

    The Sistine Chapel is the Pope’s personal chapel and where new popes are elected during the Papal Enclave.  It is world-renowned for its ceiling, a cornerstone work of High Renaissance art painted by Michelangelo between 1508 and 1512.  We were glad that Patrick provided historical background and details of the paintings before our tour of the Vatican Museums began.  Pope Julius II commissioned Michelangelo to paint the flattened barrel vault ceiling and envisioned each of the 12 triangular pendentives to contain the image of one of the apostles.  Michelangelo first declined, insisting he was a sculptor rather than a painter, but eventually accepted on the condition that he have artistic license.  Michelangelo was in his mid 30s when he painted these ceiling frescos, which depict nine panels illustrating the Book of Genesis.   He completed the 5,900 square feet of painting almost entirely on his own (in contrast to Raphael, who employed assistants to complete his designs).  The famous center panel features The Creation of Adam and depicts God reaching out to give life to the first human.

    Twenty-three years after completing the Sistine Chapel ceiling, Michelangelo returned to the Sistine Chapel to paint his Last Judgment.  Patrick described how Michelangelo placed Jesus in the center and incorporated the image of an archbishop who was critical of his work naked and in hell.  These memorable stories stayed with us even though we had to wait until the very end of the tour to see the Chapel first-hand.

    While Pope John Paul II was Pope from 1978 to 2005, there have been two Papal Enclaves since his death.  Pope Benedict XVI was elected during the Papal Enclave that occurred in the Sistine Chapel following Pope John Paul II’s death.  After Pope Benedict XVI retired in 2013, Pope Francis was elected during the second Papal Enclave held inside the Sistine Chapel in eight years.

    Photography is strictly prohibited in the Sistine Chapel as is talking, and covered shoulders were a must.  Guards regularly repeat, “Silence” to remind awe-struck visitors that this is a high holy chapel.   After we spent about 20 minutes oohing and aahing, we left the Sistine Chapel and were happy to find both bathrooms and a souvenir shop before continuing to St. Peter’s Basilica about 30 minutes later.

    • Napping in the Sistine Chapel:  As full disclosure, my three-year old daughter slept through our entire visit to the Sistine Chapel.  She never laid eyes on Michelangelo’s ceiling or Last Judgment, and we weren’t concerned.  At age three, she had visited six of the eight most visited art museums in the world and countless cathedrals, basilicas and chapels.  We can’t control when she needs to sleep and wouldn’t dare to purposely wake her in the middle of the Pope’s chapel.  It wouldn’t be a pretty sight for anyone.  She did wake up on her own to fully enjoy St. Peter’s Basilica.
    • Pro tip:  Follow the exit at the back of the Chapel directly to St. Peter’s Basilica.  It is officially for Vatican guides and their groups only and not 100% reliable and meant we missed the stunning double helix Brumante Staircase, but it saved us from waiting in another security line outside of St. Peter’s.

     

    Visiting St. Peter’s Basilica With Kids

    St. Peter’s Basilica is the world’s largest church and the site of St. Peter’s tomb, which is believed to be directly underneath the main altar.  St. Peter was one of the 12 Apostles and moved to Rome and became the first Pope after witnessing the resurrection of Jesus.  He was crucified in about A.D. 65 under Emperor Nero Augustus Caesar.  Emperor Constantine built a church on the site where St. Peter was martyred in the fourth century, but by the 16th century, the Old St. Peter’s church was falling apart.  Construction of St. Peter’s Basilica took about 120 years, 20 popes and 10 architects to complete and then it took another 200 years before the interior decorating was finished.

    View of St. Peter’s Basilica from the Colonnades

    For visitors who do not arrive at St. Peter’s from the special Sistine Chapel exit, there is no admission to enter St. Peter’s, but the security lines can be lengthy at times.  At the far-right entrance to St. Peter’s Basilica, we saw the Holy Door, which is opened in designated Jubilee years that occur every 25 or 50 years (last of which was in 2000) or as specially designated by the Pope.  Pope Francis designated 2015-2016 an Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy and opened the Holy Door out of cycle.  My friend and his wife were able to walk through it during this exciting year.  Because 2018 is not a Jubilee Year, it was closed and even boarded up from the inside but still beautiful to see.  I’m not sure why I’m so fascinated by this door, but I’m secretly planning for Spring Break 2025, the next Jubilee Year.  I am already planning the 2-3 perfectly timed days we’ll spend in Rome when we will secure tickets for a papal audience or papal Mass, visit the Pantheon early in the morning, fully explore the Vatican Museums, show my daughter the Sistine Chapel and find a way to check out the Spiral Staircase and use the secret exit connecting the Sistine Chapel to St. Peter’s Basilica.

    The Holy Door

    We entered St. Peter’s directly from the Sistine Chapel and were overwhelmed by the immense size.  We had just been wowed in the Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo’s painting of the ceiling and Last Judgment, and it’s hard to believe that Sistine Chapel masterpieces could be considered as a prelude to Michelangelo’s work in St. Peter’s.  Michelangelo’s sculpture, Pieta, is a representation of Mary holding Jesus’ body that shows his skills as a master sculptor.  It is unbelievable to me that he completed Pieta, his first major commission that is now displayed at St. Peter’s, at age 24.

    Michelangelo’s Pieta

    Michelangelo not only created paintings and sculptures that would be recognized among the most notable works of art 500 years after his death but also designed St. Peter’s Basilica dome, which rises 448 feet (longer than the length of a football field).  Michelangelo was named lead architect in 1546 and studied the domes of the Pantheon and Florence‘s Duomo before designing his plans.  Michelangelo continued working on the dome until his death in 1564.

    Michelangelo’s dome

    The Basilica’s main altar is made of a marble slab and surrounded by Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s impressive seven-story bronze canopy and located below the dome.   My eight year old photographer made sure to capture the view.

    Bernini’s dove window was one of my favorite ever.  It may not be as intricate or as colorful as medieval stained glass, but I couldn’t take my eyes off this alabaster window.

    The Tomb of Pope John Paul II is located in St. Peter’s below St. Sebastian, his favorite saint.  Pope John Paul II was the Pope of my young life and sainted in 2014.

    Tomb of Pope John Paul II

    Our last stop in St. Peter’s was to visit the crypt, which contains the tombs of many popes, but photography is not permitted, and we also did not sneak any unauthorized pictures.  We spent approximately 45 minutes in St. Peter’s before heading outside into St. Peter’s Square.

     

    St. Peter’s Square With Kids

    St. Peter’s Square is one of the world’s most famous squares.  It was designed by Gian Lorenzo Bernini and includes 284 Doric columns, each 56 feet tall and topped with sculptures of 140 saints.  The square is an elliptical shape to symbolize the arms of the Church welcoming all people.

    Checking out the obelisk

    In the center stands an Egyptian obelisk, which is 2,000 years old and 90 feet tall.  It is made of granite and weighs about 300 tons.

    We spent some time wandering through the covered walkway around the Square, desperate to stay in the shade as long as possible.  We found one of the many Roman water fountains and used it to hydrate and cool off.  After spending about 30 minutes in St. Peter’s Square, we headed off in search of lunch.

     

    Why We Loved the Vatican For Kids

    Our visit to Vatican City was certainly one of the most educational parts of our trip.  We all gained a much deeper understanding of Renaissance art and architecture, developed a newfound appreciation for Michelangelo and learned quite a bit of Catholic history.  It would have certainly been easier to visit without a stroller, but even my three year old enjoyed her time in Vatican City, particularly St. Peter’s Basilica.  We definitely recommend Vatican City for kids.  To find out more about family travel to Italy, check out our other blog posts about Rome, Florence and Venice and our listing of all destinations in Italy.

  • 25 Top Attractions in Paris for Families

    25 Top Attractions in Paris for Families

    Our first family trip to Paris absolutely exceeded our expectations.  It had been 21 years since my last visit, and my husband, who had traveled there more recently for work, was not overly enthusiastic this stop on our family vacation.  But, we all loved the City of Lights.  In our combined five days and five nights spread over two weekends, we did a great deal of walking and saw a lot of amazing monuments, museums and churches.  But, we also had the chance to really explore a few neighborhoods, retrace our steps and enjoy meals at some of the many cafes in the city.   Here are 25 top attractions in Paris for families – make sure to note how many are free!

    Champs-Élysées With Kids

    #1:  Arc de Triomphe

    Napoleon commissioned the iconic Arc de Triomphe after winning the 1805 battle of Austerlitz.  The 165 foot Arc was inspired by Rome’s Arch of Titus and completed in 1836, 15 years after Napoleon’s death.  It is the world’s largest triumphal arch.  The Arc de Triomphe is located on the western end of the Champs-Élysées at the center of Place Charles de Gaulle, the junction of 12 streets.

    • Arc de Triomphe Facts:  La Marseillaise, the relief on the right pillar depicts Lady Liberty rallying tired soldiers onward.
    • Arc de Triomphe Cost:  Free to view.  Admission to climb 284 stairs to the rooftop is €12 for adults but is free for kids aged 0-17.
    • Closest Metro Station to Arc de Triomphe:  Charles de Gaulle-Etoile

     

    #2:  Champs-Élysées

    The Avenue des Champs-Élysées is one of the world’s most famous boulevards.  This magnificent, tree-lined street runs the 1.2 miles between the Place Charles de Gaulle (the Arc de Triomphe’s location) and Place de la Concorde.   The portion close to the Arc de Triomphe is lined with cafes and high-end shops.  We strayed from the Champs-Élysées only to check out the Grand Palace and the Petit Palace.  The Champs-Élysées is the center of Bastille Day and World Cup celebrations (both of which occurred while we were in Italy) and the finale of the Tour de France, which took place one week after our return home.

    • Champs-Élysées Facts:  The Champs-Élysées is the site of the world’s most profitable McDonald’s, which happened to be the only McDonald’s we visited during our European holiday.  Orders are placed on touch screens, and our ice cream was more expensive than any of our daily gelato stops.
    • Champs-Élysées Cost:  Free
    • Closest Metro Stations to Champs-Élysées:  Charles de Gaulle-Etoile (Arc de Triomphe), George V, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Concorde (Place de la Concorde)

     

    #3:  Grand Palace

    The Grand Palace is an exhibition hall that was constructed in the Beaux-Arts style for the 1900 World’s Fair and located just off the Champs-Élysées.

    • Grand Palace Facts:  The Grand Palace will be used for the fencing and Taekwondo events in the 2024 Olympics.
    • Grand PalaceCost: Admission prices vary with each exhibit
    • Grand Palace Tip:  Closed on Tuesdays
    • Closest Metro Stops to Grand Palace:  Champs-Élysées Clemenceau or Franklin D. Roosevelt

     

    #4:  Petit Palace 

    The Petit Palace was built for the 1900 World’s Fair and houses the City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts), which features an extensive collection from Greek antiquities to Art Nouveau, including works of Rembrant, Courbet and Monet.  The featured Temporary Exhibit is currently Impressionists in London, which we would have loved to see, but were unfortunately visiting on a Monday when the Museum is closed.  Instead, the gorgeous entry way and stairs served as a perfect spot to rest before continuing up the Champs-Élysées.

    • Petit Palace Facts:  Architect Charles Girault won a 1894 contest with a late 17th/early 18th century French architectural design.
    • Petit Palace Cost:  Permanent collection is free, fees are charged for special exhibits.
    • Petit Palace Tip:  The City of Paris Museum of Fine Arts is closed on Monday.
    • Closest Metro Stops to Petit Palace:  Champs-Élysées Clemenceau and Franklin D. Roosevelt

     

    #5:  Place de la Concorde

    Place de la Concorde is Paris’ largest public square and is located at the eastern end of the Champs-Élysées.  The 75-foot Luxor Obelisk, which was once at the entrance of Luxor Temple, stands at the center of the square.  This 3,300 year old granite column is decorated with exquisite hieroglyphics.  It’s original gold cap was believed to have been stolen in the 6th century B.C., and the current gold-leafed pyramid cap was added in 1998.

    • Place de la Concorde Facts: Place de la Concorde was the site of over 1,200 executions during the French Revolution, including Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.
    • Place de la ConcordeCost:  Free
    • Closest Metro Station to Place de la Concorde:  Concorde
    • Time Spent at Place de la Concorde:  About 15-20 minutes

     

    Left Bank With Kids

    #6:  Eiffel Tower

    The Eiffel Tower (aka the Iron Lady) is the quintessential landmark.  It was #1 on my middle son’s bucket list eversince he saw the half scale model in Las Vegas at age four.  This wrought iron lattice tower was designed by engineer Gustave Eiffel for the 1889 World’s Fair to recognize the 100th anniversary of the French Revolution.  When constructed, the Eiffel Tower surpassed the Washington Monument to become the tallest structure in the world until the completion of the Chrysler Building in 1930.

    The Eiffel Tower is the most visited monument (with an admission fee) in the world with almost 7.0 million visitors each year.  There are three observation decks.   Visitors who wish to visit the summit should book tickets immediately after flights or as soon as they are available online (about three months in advance).  We were only able to book tickets to the second floor in advance because the summit was fully booked each day we were in Paris.  We took the elevator to the second floor and chose to take the stairs from the second to first floor.  My husband and sons took the stairs from the first floor to ground floor and actually beat my daughter and I taking the elevator.  The light show, which begins after sunset, is a particular treat.  For more information, make sure to read our entire review of our visit to the Eiffel Tower with kids.

    • Eiffel Tower Facts:  The Eiffel Tower was intended to be dismantled after 20 years but maintained after a wireless telegraph transmitter was installed
    • Eiffel Tower Cost:  Elevator tickets to the second floor cost €16 for adults, €8 for youths aged 12-24, €4 for children aged 4-11 and free for kids under 4.  Elevator tickets to the summit cost €25 for adults, €12.5 for youths aged 12-24, €6.3 for children 4-11 and free for kids under 4.

    #7:  Luxembourg Gardens

    The Luxembourg Gardens are 60-acres of lush gardens, fountains and statues, ponds with toy sailboats for rent and the Luxembourg Palace.  This is a haven for children, who particularly enjoy pushing toy sailboats available to rent in 30 minute intervals around the Grand Bassin duck pond.

    Photo credit: Marissa Mayer

    • Luxembourg Gardens Facts:  Marie de Medici built Luxembourg Palace in the early 17th century after the death of her husband, Henry IV.  It was designed as a recreation of her childhood home, Pitti Palace in Florence.
    • Luxembourg Gardens Cost:  Free to enter.

     

    #8:  Musée d’Orsay

    The Musée d’Orsay houses an impressive Impressionist collection of French art featuring Manet, Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh Degas, Cezanne and many more. The Museum opened in 1986 in the former Gare d’Orsay, which was constructed for the 1900 World’s Fair, and the station’s three enormous clocks are spectacular works of art in their own right.  Our family really loves Impressionism, particularly the works of Van Gogh and Monet.  So, the Musée d’Orsay, which includes 24 Van Gogh paintings, was a particular treat. Our favorite was Starry Night Over the Rhone.

    • Musée d’Orsay Facts:  Because the platforms were too short for modern trains, Gare d’Orsay was closed in 1939.  It may not have been able to accommodate trains but now houses the largest collection of Impressionist paintings in the world.
    • Musée d’Orsay Cost:  €12 for adults or €16 if purchasing a combined admission to Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie; kids 0-17 and EU citizens 0-26 are free.
    • Closest Metro Station to Musée d’Orsay:  Solferino
    • Musée d’Orsay Tip:  To avoid ticket lines, purchase tickets online for same day or advance tickets with €1.50 surcharge.  Visits to Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie do not have to occur on the same day.
    • Time Spent at Musée d’Orsay:  About three hours

     

    #9:  Place du Trocadéro

    The Place du Trocadéro is located across the Seine River from the Eiffel Tower and offers a picturesque view of the iconic Tower, along with beautiful fountains.

    • Place du Trocadéro Facts:  The Place du Trocadéro is named after the 1823 Battle of Trocadéro in which France defeated Spain.
    • Closest Metro Station to Place du Trocadéro:  Trocadéro
    • Place du Trocadéro Cost:  Free

     

    Right Bank With Kids

    #10:  Louvre Museum

    The Louvre is the world’s largest and most visited art museum with 400,000 art works and a permanent collection of about 35,000 on display.  It is housed in the Louvre Palace, which was once the world’s largest palace, and includes DaVinci’s Mona Lisa, Winged Victory of Samothrace, the Venus de Milo and so many more of the world’s masterpieces.  This vast museum was not nearly as crowded as the Vatican, except for the room displaying the Mona Lisa, which is a nonstop paparazzi scene.  Read our entire review of visiting the Louvre with kids.

    • Louvre Museum Facts:  The Louvre contains more than 380,000 objects.
    • Louvre Museum Cost: €17 for adults, free for kids 0-17
    • Louvre Museum Tips:  We purchased online tickets directly through the Louvre’s website for 9:30 am on our first full day in Paris.  There really weren’t significant lines for either people with reserved tickets or people purchasing tickets, but we were ushered to the front of both lines because we had a stroller.  There are a lot of stairs in the Louvre, but this museum goes above and beyond to accommodate strollers.  There is a special circular elevator in the pyramid so that strollers do no need to use the escalator, and stroller users have elevator access throughout the Louvre.
    • Closest Metro Stations to Louvre Museum:  Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre and Louvre-Rivoli
    • Time Spent at Louvre Museum:  About 3 hours

     

    #11:  Louvre Palace and Pyramid

    A visit to the Louvre Palace and Pyramid should be on every family’s Paris itinerary.  The Louvre Palace is a former royal palace that dates back to the 13th century but has been expanded and renovated over the past 800 years.  The iconic glass and metal pyramid that serves as the museum’s main entrance was designed by the Chinese-American architect I.M. Pei and completed in 1989.  There are platforms in the courtyard perfect for staging those forced perspective photos that kids particularly love.

    • Louvre Palace and Pyramid Facts:  The pyramid and underground lobby were created so that the Louvre could better accommodate its daily visitors.  The pyramid was designed for 4.5 million annual visitors, and the underground lobby had to be redesigned between 2014 and 2017 when the number of annual visitors rose from 4.5 million to over 8 million.
    • Closest Metro Stations to Louvre Palace and Pyramid:  Palais Royal-Musée du Louvre and Louvre-Rivoli
    • Louvre Palace and Pyramid Cost:  Free

     

    #12:  Montorgueil

    Montorgueil is a quaint pedestrian only neighborhood lined with cafes along its cobblestone streets.  This is a great place to have an evening drink or watch a World Cup match (which we did!).

    • Montorgueil Facts:  Montorgueil means “Mount Pride”.
    • Closest Metro Stations to Montorgueil:  Les Halles, Centre Georges Pompidou, Hôtel de Ville
    • Montorgueil Cost:  Free

     

    #13:  Musée de l’Orangerie

    The Musée de l’Orangerie features impressionist and post-impressionist paintings, including the Museum’s main attraction, two oval rooms custom designed to each display four massive  Nymphéas (Water Lilies) wall murals completed by Claude Monet in his final years.  My ten year old deemed these two rooms the “best rooms of art” he’s ever seen, and he’s visited many art museums.

    • Musée de l’Orangerie Facts:  The Museum completed a six-year, $36 million renovation in 2006 to move the second floor collection underground so that a skylight could be added to the oval rooms featuring Monet’s Water Lilies.
    • Musée de l’Orangerie Cost:  €12 for adults or €16 if purchasing a combined admission to Musée d’Orsay and Musée de l’Orangerie; kids 0-17 are free
    • Musée de l’Orangerie Tip:  Closed on Tuesdays.
    • Closest Metro Station to Musée de l’Orangerie: Concorde
    • Time Spent at Musée de l’Orangerie :  About 1.5 hours

     

    #14:  Opera Garnier

    The Opera Garnier is Paris’ grand theater, which was completed in 1875.  It seats over 1,900 and boasts one of the world’s largest stages.  The Opera Garnier was completed in 1875 and is the home of the Paris Opera.

    • Opera Garnier Facts:  Opera Garnier was the setting for The Phantom of the Opera.
    • Opera Garnier Cost:  Admission for tours is €7-€12 for adults and free for kids 0-11.

     

    #15:  Tuileries Garden

    The Tuileries Garden is the royal garden of the Louvre Palace, which is located between the Louvre and the Place de la Concorde.  The portion next to the Louvre includes a ferris wheel and green space, but much of the rest of the length has  more pebbles than grass.

    • Tuileries Garden Facts:  The Tuileries Gardens were designed for Henry II’s wife, Catherine de Medici, in the 1500s as a replica of her family’s Boboli Gardens in Florence.
    • Closest Metro Stations to Tuileries Garden:  Tuileries and Concorde
    • Tuileries Garden Cost:  Free to enter.  Rides are available for a fee.

     

    Montmartre With Kids

    #16:  Montmartre

    The Montmartre neighborhood is located on Paris’ highest hill and the former home of some of the world’s most famous artists.  This is still an artists’ haven with many galleries and working artists ready to paint portraits or caricatures.

    • Montmartre Facts:  Famous Montmartre residents include Pablo Picasso, Vincent Van Gogh, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Edgar Degas, Maurice Utrillo, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Salvador Dalí and Amedeo Modigliani.
    • Closest Metro Stations to Montmartre:   Pigalle and Abbesses
    • Montmartre Cost:  Free

     

    #17:  Sacre-Coeur Basilica

    Sacre-Coeur Basilica, a white Romano-Byzantine cathedral, is located at Paris’ highest point.  The Basilica was completed in 1914 . The mosaic above the altar depicts a 60-foot-tall Christ exposing his sacred heart.  The view from the Sacre-Couer steps is absolutely phenomenal both during the day and at night.  The central mosaic is one of the largest in the world.  It’s definitely worth the two long flights of stairs to reach.  We attended a memorable Sunday Mass here.

    • Sacre-Coeur Basilica Facts:  Architect Paul Abadie was the winner of a design competition for the Basilica.
    • Sacre-Coeur Basilica Cost:  Free
    • Closest Metro Station to Sacre-Coeur Basilica:  Anvers
    • Time Spent at Sacre-Coeur Basilica:  About 1.5 hours – We arrived 15 minutes before Mass, stayed for the duration of Mass and then about explored the Basilica and gift shop for about 15 minutes.

     

    #18:  Wall of Love

    The Wall of Love is a love-themed mural that includes the phrase, “I love you” featured 311 times in 250 languages.  The mural was created in 2000 by Fédéric Baron and Claire Kito.

    • Wall of Love Facts:  While most walls divide people, the purpose of this wall is a place of reconciliation and support.
    • Wall of Love Cost:  Free
    • Wall of Love Closest Metro Station:  Abbesses
    • Time Spent at Wall of Love:  Less than five minutes

     

    Ile de la Cite With Kids

    #19:  Notre-Dame Cathedral

    The Notre-Dame Cathedral is medieval French Gothic cathedral that was one of the first to use flying buttress supports.  Notre-Dame was completed in 1345 and is known for its Rose Window with original medieval glass, gargoyles, two 226-foot towers and of course, the Hunchback of Notre Dame.  Our kids were particularly amused by the statue of St. Denis holding his own head near the left portal.  We attended Sunday evening Mass, and the archbishop presided.

    • Notre-Dame Facts:  Point Zero Paris is a geographic marker located right outside of Notre Dame.  The distance from Paris to all other places is measured from this Point.
    • Notre-Dame Cost:  Free
    • Closest Metro Stations to Notre-Dame:  Cite, Hotel de Ville and St. Michel
    • Time Spent at Notre-Dame:  About 1.5 hours – We arrived 15 minutes before Mass, attended Mass and then walked around the exterior exploring the carvings, gargoyles and flying buttresses.

     

    #20:  Square du Vert-Galant

    The Square du Vert-Galant is a triangular park at the tip of Il de la Cite.  The apex of the Square is shaded by an enormous weeping willow.  We spotted this tree during our Seine River cruise and visited it afterwards and met the picnickers who appeared in my husband’s cruise photos.  This is an amazing spot to watch the sunset.

    • Square du Vert-Galant Facts:  This small public park was named to honor Henry IV, who had been nicknamed the “Green Gallant.”
    • Square du Vert-Galant Cost:  Free (BYOB)
    • Closest Metro Station to Square du Vert-Galant:  Pont Neuf
    • Time Spent at Picnic at Square du Vert-Galant:  About 30 minutes

     

    #21:  Sainte-Chapelle

    Sainte-Chapelle, a 13th century Gothic chapel, is known for the stunning stained-glass windows in its sanctuary.  It is considered as the world’s largest expanse of stained glass.

    • Sainte-Chapelle Facts:  Sainte-Chapelle was completed in just six years and means “Holy Chapel.”
    • Sainte-Chapelle Cost:  €10 for adults, free for kids 0-17
    • Closest Metro Station to Sainte-Chapelle:  Cite
    • Time Spent at Sainte-Chapelle:  About an hour, including security, purchasing tickets and browsing at the gift shop

     

    #22:  Soap Bubbles

    After visiting Sainte-Chapelle, we had a little time before our 9 pm appointment tickets to the Eiffel Tower.  We walked through Place Louis-Lepine and found a street performer creating soap bubbles with accompanying music.  Our kids were absolutely enthralled with the enormous bubbles and joined the pack of kids chasing the bubbles around the square.   There were no long faces or tired faces in the group, and there was a constant clinking of change in the performer’s basket.

    • Soap Bubbles Facts:  The changing colors that appear on the surface of soap bubbles appear because of the interference of light reflecting off the surfaces of the soap film.
    • Soap Bubbles Cost:  Free, but tips appreciated

     

    Family Trip to Paris – Generally

    #23:  Cafes

    Cafes are synonymous with Paris.  Chairs on the patio tables generally face outward so diners can take in the hustle and bustle around them.  Many offer fixed price, three course lunch meals, which we particularly enjoyed.

    • Cafes Facts:  There are 37 bridges in the city of Paris.
    • Cafes Cost:  Varies

     

    #24:  Seine River Cruise

    There are several options for families to take an iconic cruise along the Seine River.  Vedettes du Pont Neuf, Bateaux-Mouches and Bateaux Parisiens all offer similar one-hour boat cruises.  We chose a Vedettes du Pont Neuf cruise because the dock was within walking distance of our Airbnb and had a lovely time listening to the narration and checking out the view of Paris from the River.

    • Seine River Cruise Facts:  There are 37 bridges in the city of Paris.
    • Seine River Cruise Cost:  €10+ for adults, €5+ for kids aged 4-12, free for kids under 4
    • Seine River Cruise Tip:  We purchased our tickets on Vedettes du Pont Neuf’s website for the 8:45 cruise as we were leaving our Airbnb and saved €12 over the ticket office price for our four tickets.  We made good time to the dock and ended up using our 8:45 for the 8:15 cruise with no issue.  Cruises leave promptly, so make sure to arrive at least 10 minutes before the departure.
    • Time Spent at Seine River Cruise:  About 1.25 hours

     

    #25:  Street Art

    Paris is a major art capital, but art is not only displayed in its fine museums.  We found so many street art gems while wandering around the city.  This Guate Mao creation down the street from our VRBO in Montorgueil was definitely our favorite.

    • Street Art Facts:  Parisian street artist Gaute Mao secretly paints portraits around Europe.
    • Street Art Cost:  Free

    Best Family Attractions in Paris

    The Eiffel Tower may have been Paris’ biggest draw for my kids, but we were all wowed by its art, cathedrals and landmarks.  Planning a family trip to Paris?  Make sure to check out our Planning, Logistics and Itinerary blog post as well as our other blog posts about Paris!

  • Pittsburgh With Kids: Five Fun Family Activities

    Pittsburgh With Kids: Five Fun Family Activities

    Thank you to the Carnegie Museum of Natural History, the Carnegie Museum of Art and the Duquesne Incline for providing complimentary tickets and a tour for my family.  All opinions are my own. 

    Pittsburgh is known for its steel production, bridges and sports teams.  It’s only about two hours from our home in Cleveland and where my college roommate lives, so we often get the chance to visit. In the 19th century, Andrew Carnegie became one of the richest people in the world by modernizing steel production in the heart of downtown Pittsburgh, where the Monongahela River joins the Ohio River.  Now affectively called the “Steel City,” Pittsburgh used to be known as the “Smoky City” because of so much pollution from the mills. Very little of its industrial past remains in this city now known for its hills, bridges, parks and biking and jogging trails.

    Accommodations in Pittsburgh With Kids

    My husband often travels to Pittsburgh for business, so I took a few days off over our kids’ recent Spring Break, and the rest of the family tagged along for a two day trip.  We stayed at the Fairmont Pittsburgh and were very fortunate that our room was available when we checked in at 9 am.  It was great to drop off our bags and freshen up before heading off to explore some museums.  The Fairmont offers well-appointed guest rooms and luxurious and bright bathrooms, complete with a bathtub and separate shower area.  There is no pool, but we have never found a hotel in downtown Pittsburgh that offers a pool.  My kids’ only complaint was that the room didn’t have two bathrooms like our suite at the Treasure Island Beach Resort.  Sorry, kids, a hotel room with two bathrooms is not the norm….

    Our room at the Fairmont
    Our bright and beautiful bathroom

    Our trip happened to coincide with the Pirates‘ Opening Day, and we were lucky to have a view of PNC Park from our window.  Our boys enjoyed checking out the festivities while their sister attempted to nap in the afternoon.  Strangely, we couldn’t find the game on television, but score updates from Siri sufficed, and a single firework signaled the Pirates first home win of the season.

    A room with a view of Opening Day

    Food in Pittsburgh With Kids

    The Fairmont is centrally located downtown, but it was pretty cold during our visit, so we didn’t do as much exploring as we would have liked.  We did met my college roommate and a friend around the corner at NOLA on the Square for happy hour.  NOLA nailed the New Orleans vibe, both in its architecture and the art work displayed on the walls.  Because it was a relatively quiet Monday night, our group of seven was seated in the dining area but permitted to order from the pretty amazing happy hour menu.  With $4 cocktails, $4 appetizers and $1 gumbo ya-ya, we’ll definitely be back the next time we are in town.

    After happy hour, we all enjoyed a delicious dinner at Nicky’s Thai Kitchen.  My husband regularly frequents Nicky’s and knows that their 1-5 rating is spicier than most.  Our family often orders our food in the hot category, but three was plenty spicy for us.  My husband once ordered a four and totally regretted it.

    We really enjoyed our quick trip to Pittsburgh with kids and recommend these five fun family activities to other family travelers:

    #1: Carnegie Science Center With Kids

    It’s no secret that my kids love museums.  Of the dozens of museums my 10 year old has visited, the Carnegie Science Center is his favorite.  He’s probably not alone, as this is Pittsburgh’s most popular museum. The “science” portion of the museum is pretty cool, but the real draw for him is Highmark SportsWorks®, which is housed in an adjacent building and uses more than 30 interactive sports exhibits to show how physics, anatomy, biology and chemistry control sports.  The Carnegie Science Center is part of the Carnegie Museums, and members can visit all four on the same membership, but we use our ASTC Travel Passport Program membership for free entry.

    When we visited the Science Center on the day after Thanksgiving, the line for the new Ropes Challenge was too long.  So, on this visit, my sons went straight for the Ropes Challenge line when we arrived.  The Ropes Challenge consists of a series of challenges, including a rope bridge, rolling logs and a horizontal net that culminate in a zip line.  This is probably my boys’ favorite “exhibit” ever, especially the zip line.

    My daughter was pretty excited to try the SkyTykes Ropes Course, located under the Ropes Challenge, while her brothers waited for their turn.

    My little explorer

    Other highlights of the sports complex include a 24-foot rock climbing wall (which even my daughter tried out), a batting cage, a 10-meter dash and various challenges for endurance and balance.

    Father-son climb
    Race against Olympic sprint times

    My kids may not have left the Highmark SportsWorks® with a deeper understanding of center of mass and inertia or reciting facts about physics or biology, but the interactive exhibits are certainly fun and provide some basic exposure to the concept that science is everywhere.  This bright complex is also a perfect place for kids to burn energy, especially on cold or rainy days.

    Inside the Carnegie Science Center, my boys’ favorite exhibit is Roboworld, which is considered the world’s largest permanent robotics exhibition.  Roboworld features more than 30 interactive displays, including a robot who shoots baskets with impressive precision and another who challenges visitors in air hockey.  My kids could spend hours playing air hockey with a robot or comparing basketball precision.

    We also checked out the Little Learner Clubhouse for the first time on our last visit.  Because many exhibits focused on a younger audience have an age limit for participation, we often avoid them even when we have two adults.  However, I was glad that this exhibit is designed for children six and under and their families.  So, my older sons were able to accompany their younger sister, who absolutely loved the water table.   Even though this exhibit was clearly geared for younger children, my boys had fun with the tomato stand.

    The Miniature Railroad & Village is a fun but unexpected exhibit at the Science Center.  This enormous village provides a tour of western Pennsylvania and includes over 250,000 trees.  Of course, our favorite miniature was Fallingwater.

    We’ve had lunch at Center’s River View Café several times.  The Café is currently under renovation and open with only a limited menu, but its convenience is key as there really does not seem to be any other lunch options within walking distance.  My  kids thoroughly enjoyed their hot dog kids’ meals and cheese steak sandwich.  A new wing is also currently under construction, but the exhibits are all open during the renovations.

    E-motion cone
    • Kid Facts:  The E-motion cone, which is a large inverted cone on top of the Science Center was installed in 2000.  It is lit up at night with colored lights that signal the weather forecast for the next day.  Red means warmer, blue means cooler, and green means no change.  The cone flashes when precipitation is expected, and the color yellow indicates severe weather.
    • Pro Tip:  Because of its proximity to the Steelers’ Heinz Field, the Carnegie Science Center is closed when the Steelers have home games with 1 pm or 4 pm kickoff times and may close early for evening games.

    #2: Carnegie Museum of Natural History With Kids

    The Carnegie Museum of Natural History was founded in 1896 by Pittsburgh industrialist, Andrew Carnegie, and gained notoriety in 1899 when its scientists found the fossils of the Diplodocus carnegii.  Carnegie gifted a cast of its diplodocus skeleton  to England at the request of Edward VII, and “Dippy” was featured in  Hitze Hall of London’s Natural History Museum for many years before being replaced by Hope, a blue whale skeleton, in July 2017.  Dippy is currently on tour across the United Kingdom for the next two years.   The original diplodocus skeleton was admittedly a major draw for us to visit the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.  It is housed in a space that oddly resembles a hotel lobby, but the exhibit is still a dream for any young paleontologist.

    The Carnegie Museum of Natural History maintains one of the world’s most prominent dinosaur collections. The Dinosaurs in Their Time exhibit is the world’s largest collection of Jurassic dinosaurs and the third largest collection of mounted dinosaurs in the US and includes two Tyrannosaurus Rex skeletons and a triceratops skeleton.

    One of two Tyrannosaurus Rex skeletons

    My kids are fascinated by gemstones, so the Hillman Hall of Minerals and Gems was a big hit.  Over 1,300 specimens are artistically displayed throughout several rooms.

    I see a few that I’d like

    The Bone Hunters’ Quarry gives kids 10 and under a chance to dig for bones with brushes and chisels.  This interactive exhibit occupied my children for a solid 10-15 minutes until the 10 year old started getting bored.

    • Kid Facts:  The diplodocus skeleton was found on an expedition to the Morrison Formation sponsored by Carnegie. The Morrison Formation in Utah is the most fertile source of North American dinosaur fossils.

    #3: Carnegie Museum of Art With Kids

    The Carnegie Museum of Art was founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1895 and is housed in the same building in Oakland as the Carnegie Museum of Natural History.  One of the most unique features of the Carnegie Art Museum is the Hall of Architecture, which includes the world’s third-largest collection of plaster architectural casts.  Andrew Carnegie financed a tinted cast of the West Portal of Saint-Gilles-du-Gard, which may be the world’s largest architectural cast.  Saint-Gilles-du-Gard is considered one of the most beautiful Romanesque portals.  The Hall also includes almost 140 other full-size plaster casts.

    We were also pretty excited to find the special exhibit, Hiroshige’s Tōkaidō Road, had opened just a few days before our visit.  This series of woodblock prints depicts landscapes and people that master printmaker, Utagawa Hiroshige, encountered when traveling from Tokyo to Kyoto.  We enjoy Hiroshige’s art so much that we have one of his prints at home, but our print is not one of this series.  This special exhibit includes a complete set of 55 prints from the first (Hōeidō) edition of Hiroshige’s Fifty-Three Stations of the Tōkaidō.  Vincent Van Gogh collected ukiyo-e with his brother, and their collection included Hiroshige’s works.   Van Gogh incorporated similar bright colors, natural details and unconventional perspectives into his own works.

    Like most major art museums, its impressionist gallery includes paintings by Vincent Van Gogh and Claude Monet.  Van Gogh’s Wheat Fields at Auvers Under Clouded Sky was one of his famous series of wheat field paintings.  While Van Gogh and Monet are our favorites, we didn’t make it here until well past nap time for my three year old, who found the large bench very comfortable.

    Van Gogh’s Wheat Fields at Auvers Under Clouded Sky
    Monet’s Water Lilies (Nymphéas)

    I love the convenience of two museums in one, which made it logistically possible to visit two museums on the same day we drove to Pittsburgh and still spend most of the afternoon relaxing in our hotel room.  While we did not have a chance to explore all the galleries, the collection was impressive, and we look forward to future visits.

    #4:  Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh With Kids

    The Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh is an interactive museum for kids that is also a member of the ASTC Travel Passport Program.  We visited twice previously before our recent trip, and this is the only museum where I have spent an entire day back when my boys were 1.5 and 3.5.  While most families likely visit for only 2-3 hours at a time, there is definitely enough to occupy kids all day.  We had a wonderful day thoroughly exploring each and every exhibit in detail and spending hours in the Studio creating works of art.

    Our recent visit was during our second afternoon in Pittsburgh and took place after a morning at the Carnegie Science Center.  My daughter didn’t get a nap until we were in the car headed back to Cleveland but was so excited about all the exhibits that she forgot to be cranky.  As soon as we arrived, she headed straight for the two-story climber that thankfully has entrance and exit openings only at the bottom.  Her brothers followed her in but quickly came out, indicating that the climber had a strong odor of feet.  Nevertheless, this climber attracted my daughter like a magnet.  She probably spent a solid 20 minutes climbing all the way to the top and then back down while my boys worked on draw bots in the MAKESHOP®.  She did get a bit stuck at one point, but she got a bit of a boost from a slightly bigger kid and kept moving.  At the very top, kids are out of sight for a few minutes, which was a bit disconcerting at first, but the other parents milling around at the bottom assured me that the same thing happened with their kids.

    A dream climber for kids

    My boys happily worked in the MAKESHOP® just opposite the climber while I hung out at the wall dividing the two areas to keep an eye on all of them.  The kids used household boxes to anchor markers in place and then attached motors to make them move on their own.  The project involved tape, hot glue and a lot of trial and error, and this was my boys’ favorite exhibit at the Museum.  My daughter was too young to create one on her own, but she enjoyed spectating and working on a draw bot with one of the Museum guides (who did most of the heavy lifting).

    The Museum’s Studio offers hands-on creating opportunities for kids of all ages.  Because we were short on time and stayed for a long time at the MAKESHOP®, we did not make it to the Studio this time, but it’s a beautiful multimedia space with wonderful supplies that allow kids to create paint, sculpt and silkscreen.  The Studio is housed in a former planetarium and is a beautiful and bright space to inspire creative juices, and smocks are available.  Because I am not crafty by nature, I really appreciate prepared craft projects.

    The Studio’s ceiling
    Creating in the Studio

    My boys really enjoyed the Waterplay exhibit on our previous visits.  Honestly, I judged other museum waterplay exhibits against this one for years.  Previously, full length rain ponchos and crocs were available for kids to use while exploring in the water.  This time, only smocks were available, and almost all the other kids had changed into swimming attire or had stripped down to their underwear, and it seemed more like a spray park than it had been before.  An ideal day at the museum for me does not involve hauling swimsuits and towels, and even my three year old would not be comfortable wearing only panties in public.  My kids were hesitant because they did not want to get soaked, so this exhibit definitely lost some of its luster this time around.  While the snow table was unique, we all agreed that the Wonder Lab at the Children’s Museum of Cleveland is now our waterplay gold standard.

    All geared up during a prior visit to the Waterplay area

    My daughter was pretty excited to find a puppet of her friend, Daniel Tiger, in the Museum’s Nursery.

    We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and will definitely be back.  While some of the exhibits are more age appropriate for my daughter, her brothers had fun accompanying her as she explored those areas and particularly enjoyed the MAKESHOP®.  I think it’s been offseason or rainy on each of our three visits, but we hope next time, we can check out the Backyard.

    • Kid Facts:  Mr. Rodgers’ Neighborhood was filmed in Pittsburgh from 1968 to 2001, and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh maintains some great memorabilia.
    • Pro Tip:  Try to visit the Studio first so that art masterpieces dry before it’s time to leave.  The Studio is housed in a former planetarium and is a beautiful and bright space to inspire kids’ creative juices.

    #5:  Duquesne Incline With Kids

    The Duquesne Incline in Pittsburgh is an amazing example of living history that combines a trolley ride up Mount Washington, engineering genius and an amazing city view.  We visited on Thanksgiving before our turkey feast with friends.  The beautifully detailed original trolley cars sit on platforms that keep them level while transporting Pittsburghers and visitors up and down Mount Washington without a driver.  The 794-foot wooden track was both an engineering masterpiece and a work of art.

    Interior of the trolley car

     

    Wooden track

    At the station at the top, there are historical exhibits that provide an overview of the history of Pittsburgh, its many inclines and the engineering challenges that the engineers had to overcome to build and operate the Incline.

    Trolley car traveling down the Incline

    Tom Reinheimer’s tour of the Upper Station gave us an overview of the history of Pittsburgh, its many inclines and the engineering challenges that the engineers had to overcome to build and operate the Incline.  Tom then took us to the David H. Miller Working Museum to tour of the Incline’s hoisting machinery.  The Incline still uses its original hoisting equipment that features giant cogs with wooden gear teeth.

    Hoisting equipment

    The highlight of the Incline is the magnificent view of Pittsburgh’s “Three Rivers” – the confluence of the Allegheny River and the Monongahela River, which together form the Ohio River and the city’s “Golden Triangle” central business district.  Other highlights include views of the outline of Fort Duquesne, the Steelers’ Heinz Field, the Pirates’ PNC Park, the Carnegie Science Center and many bridges (up to 18 can be visible).  For more details, check out our Spotlight feature on the Duquesne Incline.

    Find Out More About Pittsburgh With Kids

    Interested in finding out more about visiting Pittsburgh with kids?  Check out our other blog posts about Pittsburgh and nearby Fallingwater.

  • New York City With Kids: Five More Fun Family Activities

    New York City With Kids: Five More Fun Family Activities

    Thank you to One World Trade Center Observatory and the 9/11 Memorial Museum for hosting our visits to those attractions.  All opinions are my own. 

    New York City is one of our favorite cities to visit.  The “City That Never Sleeps” is the largest metropolitan area in the US and boasts Broadway and Wall Street, along with world-famous landmarks and museums.  Nancy previously covered Five Fun Family Activities, but because this is one city that has a seemingly never-ending list of great tourist attractions, I have a few more to add. With so much to see and do, traveling to New York City with kids is a great family vacation.

    Visiting New York City With Kids

    I’ve enjoyed New York City as a tourist and while visiting friends.  My mom and I had a whirlwind weekend in 2005 where we made it to most of the stops on her mile-long must-see list.  My husband and I used to travel to the Big Apple each summer before kids, but we generally spent most of our time with friends and relaxing at the Long Island Beach.  We have visited New York City several times with our kids, most recently in October 2016 as part of a trip to Princeton, New Haven, Amherst and Chautauqua and look forward to future visits to Manhattan as a family.

    Checking out the view of Midtown from Bloomberg’s employee snack bar

    For families who need a break, there are some amazing playgrounds in New York City for kids to explore.  It’s hard to pass up the opportunity to see a Broadway show, and there are options to score cheap Broadway tickets at the last minute.

    Accommodations in New York City With Kids

    While in NYC, I have stayed several times at the Millennium Hilton New York Downtown in the Financial District.  The guest rooms are very comfortable, and the hotel also offers an indoor pool.  But, the highlight for me is the view of One World Trade Center and the Oculus, the World Trade Center Transportation Hub that opened in 2016 with retail and restaurants.  The Millennium Hilton is conveniently located for both business and pleasure.

    Millennium Hilton guest room with view of Oculus
    View of One World Trade Center and Oculus from my room

    Restaurants in New York City With Kids

    New York is also known for amazing restaurants.  Eataly is one of my favorites.  This Italian marketplace includes several restaurants, food and beverage counters and retail stores.  The food counters offer very reasonable but delicious meals, and the retail sections are beautifully curated.

    Eataly’s higher end restaurant, Osteria della Pace is also a great option for lunch or dinner.

    Osteria della Pace

    I also enjoy Casa Lever, an Italian Restaurant that features original Andy Warhol paintings to complement its ultramodern décor.  Casa Lever does not offer a kids’ menu and is not particularly child-friendly in the evening, but the food is superb, and the original Warhol paintings alone are a reason to make me want to go back.

    Original Warhol paintings at Casa Lever

    For breakfast, Stage Door Deli offers overstuffed sandwiches and a classic New York deli experience.  We stopped for coffee and bagels after an early morning flight, and our wrapped bagels were thrown from the back of the store to the register for added flair.  Stage Door is one of only two businesses to reopen on Vesey Street after September 11.

    Here are my five fun family activities in New York City:

    #1:  The Metropolitan Museum of Art With Kids

    The Metropolitan Museum of Art boasts a permanent collection of over two million works and is the largest art museum in the US and the fourth largest in the world.  The Met’s main location is on Fifth Avenue, and we were a few of the Met’s over 7 million visitors in 2016.  Admission to the permanent collection was previously by suggested contribution only, but the Met announced in January 2018 that it would begin charging a fixed admission of $25 for visitors who do not live in New York State.  General admission gives visitors free entry at The Met Fifth Avenue, The Met Breuer and The Met Cloisters for three consecutive days.   It would probably take that long to get through all the exhibits, but we did an abbreviated visit with our three kids, aged 2, 6 and 8.

    The Met has one of the most impressive impressionist collections that we have seen.  Our boys loved Bathers at Asnières at National Gallery, London and were especially excited to find Seurat’s final study for his similar A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte.  

    We are also fans of Vincent Van Gogh’s paintings and were thrilled to see Irises.  I’ve seen his similar Irises still life paintings on display at the Van Gogh Museum, and my kids have seen Van Gogh’s Sunflowers at National Gallery, London and Irises at the Getty Center.We also love Claude Monet’s Water Lilies, so the Met’s Water Lilies, a smaller version than many others we have seen in this series, was a real treat.  We are fortunate to frequently visit Water Lilies (Agapanthus) at the Cleveland Museum of Art and have also seen paintings in this series on display as part of the Painting the Modern Garden: Monet to Matisse special exhibit at the Cleveland Museum in 2015 and also at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, the National Gallery, London, the Art Institute of Chicago and the Carnegie Museum of Art.

    Monet’s Water Lilies

    #2:  Times Square With Kids

    Times Square is the world’s most visited location with about 360,000 pedestrian visitors daily and over 130 million visitors each year.  Excluding residents from the count makes Times Square the second most popular tourist attraction behind the Las Vegas Strip with almost 40 million annual tourists.  The Broadway Theater District is located in Times Square, which is especially known for its billboards.

    Over the years, I’ve visited Times Square a number of times, but until my recent visit, my last photographs were from 2005.  Even before the rise of digital screens, it was still a sensory overload experience.

    Times Square – Summer 2005

    I was absolutely blown away with the transformation of the Square since the development of digital screens on my recent evening visit.  The largest billboard in Times Square was completed in 2014, spans an entire block and features almost 24 million LED pixels.  A pedestrian plaza completed in 2016 offers tiered viewing of the Square, including the humongous new billboard pictured on the right below.  Find out more about things to do in Times Square.

    Times Square – 2018
    • Kid Facts:  The New Year’s Eve ball drop at Times Square has been an annual tradition since December 31, 1907.  However, it was placed on hiatus in 1942 and 1943 because of World War II lighting restrictions.  Over a million visitors celebrate each New Year in Times Square.  The new energy-efficient LED ball installed for the centennial celebration is now a permanent fixture in the Square.

    #3:  National September 11 Memorial & Museum With Kids

    While I am familiar with tragic events like the World Wars, the Pearl Harbor attacks and the Vietnam War from history books, September 11 is one day that is burned in my memory. I had visited NYC for the first time only a few months earlier and spent an entire day exploring the Financial District in the shadows of the famous towers.  On the morning of the terrorist attacks, I was numb as I sat glued to my television and watched the World Trade Center crash to the ground.

    The 9/11 Memorial Museum is a very somber museum that chronicles the World Trade Center’s 1993 and 2001 terrorist attacks.  The Museum honors both the victims of these attacks and also the first responders.  The Museum’s collection includes more than 40,000 images, 14,000 artifacts, 3,500 oral recordings and 500 hours of video.  It may not seem like a family friendly attraction due to its content, and I noticed on my recent Monday morning visit that there were not any young visitors.  I happened to be in the Financial District on business without my children when I visited, but I would not hesitate to take them to the 9/11 Memorial Museum.

    My boys learned about the September 11 terrorist attacks by reading Lauren Tarshis‘ I Survived the Attacks September 11th, 2001.  Tarshis’ series of historical fiction books is brilliant because they tell stories of some of the world’s worst disasters  through the eyes of a pre-teen boy (except one book featuring a female main character) experiencing the situation first-hand.  In I Survived the Attacks of September 11th, 2001, the narrator is Lucas, the son of a New York City fire fighter who happens to visit his dad at work on the morning of the attacks.  My boys are familiar with the events of September 11 because of Tarshis’ book, and a visit to the 9/11 Memorial Museum with them would definitely be meaningful, but might be a quicker overview than the lingering visit I had with my colleague.  The Museum offers a seasonal Youth & Family Tour with an interactive activity and the Art Memorial Cart, which offers age-appropriate self-guided explorations and art activities.

    The Historical Exhibition chronicles the events of September 11, the events leading up to September 11 and the immediate aftermath.  This exhibit includes first-hand accounts, television footage and a variety of items on display.  Photography is not permitted in this exhibit, but is allowed in other areas of the Museum that feature items damaged on September 11, such as a fire engine from Ladder 3.  All 11 firefighters who traveled from in this engine died in the World Trade Center.  Also displayed is a segment of the radio and television antenna on top of the North Tower and the Last Column, which was the last piece of steel to be removed from Ground Zero and is now considered as a symbol of resilience.

    Fire engine destroyed on September 11
    Piece of the radio antenna from the North Tower
    The Last Column

    The National September 11 Memorial located outside the Museum includes two large, recessed pools with cascading waterfalls that are set within the footprints of the original North and South Towers of the World Trade Center.  The bronze parapets that surround the pools are inscribed with the names of those who lost their lives in the attacks.

    September 11 Museum and Memorial
    • Kid Facts:  The Memorial opened to the public on September 12, 2011, and the Museum, which is largely underground, opened on May 15, 2014.  Roses are placed by victims’ names to commemorate their birthdays.

    #4: One World Trade Center Observatory With Kids

    New York City has no shortage of skyscrapers, but One World Trade Center towers over all of them as the tallest in the Western Hemisphere and sixth tallest in the world at 1,776 feet (a reference to the year the Declaration of Independence was signed).  This new structure has the same name as the North Tower of the original World Trade Center and is located on the site of Six World Trade Center, an eight-story office building that was destroyed when the North Tower of the World Trade Center collapsed.   The building opened in November 2014, and the Observatory,  located on floors 100-102, opened in May 2015 and offers visitors a view of NYC from 1,250 feet in the air.

    The experience begins at the Global Welcome Center where visitors are greeted in their native language.  A live counter shows stats related to number of visitors and country of origin.  The next stop is a walk-through montage, which includes personal stories of all the people who helped build One World Trade Center.  The elevator ride to the 102nd floor is a special treat.  Visitors travel 1,250 feet in less than a minute while watching a high-definition time-lapse video on the elevator walls.   After a quick 3D film on NYC, visitors have the chance to check out the real highlight of the Observatory, the 360 degree views.

    View of Midtown from One World Trade Center
    The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

    We did not have time to eat at ONE Restaurant (which requires admission to the Observatory).  Our visit to the Observatory concluded with the high-tech and super-fast elevator ride down, which is as exciting as the ride up.

    • Kid Facts:  The top floor of One World Trade Center is the 104th floor, but the tower actually has only 93 stories, and 103 and 104 are mechanical floors.

    #5:  Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island With Kids

    Liberty Enlightening the World (aka the Statue of Liberty) was a gift from France to the US and is an icon representing opportunity and freedom.  The Statue of Liberty is a 151 foot copper statue located on Liberty Island.  It was designed by French sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886.  It has been maintained by the National Park Service since 1933.

    The statue’s pedestal and base were closed for major renovations in October 2011 and reopened on October 28, 2012, one day before Hurricane Sandy.  The statue did not sustain direct damage due to Hurricane Sandy, but the storm did destroy the ferry dock.  As a result, Liberty Island remained closed until July 4, 2013 for repairs.

    The Statue of Liberty

    Nearby Ellis Island was the busiest immigrant inspection station in the US from 1892 to 1954 and was the gateway to over 12 million immigrants.  The descendants those immigrants now make up almost half of the US population.  After sustaining major damage during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, Ellis Island was closed for one year for extensive renovation.  The Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration is located in the main building on Ellis Island.  About 5,000 immigrants filed into the Registry Room each day for medical and legal examinations.

    Registry Room

    The view of lower Manhattan from Ellis Island is pretty spectacular.

    View of Manhattan from Ellis Island
    •  Kid Facts:  While Ellis Island had been considered part of New York, a 1998 Supreme Court case determined that about 90% of the Island is in New Jersey.  While the land originally given to New York by an 1834 interstate compact remains under the control of New York, land later reclaimed is now under control of New Jersey.

    Find Out More About New York City With Kids

    New York City is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the US but is not just for adults.  This traveler’s mecca offers many wonderful opportunities for families. Make sure to check out all of our posts on NYC before your next trip.

  • Paris With Kids: Five Fun Family Activities

    Paris With Kids: Five Fun Family Activities

    Guest Blogger: Vanessa and Sergio are high school sweethearts from Austin, Texas who love traveling the world and experiencing new cultures and traditions with their daughter. To keep up with this international trio, follow along on Instagram or visit their website, TravelChicFam.

    Our foodra truck ride outside the Musee d’Orsay!

    Paris, France has always been a favorite city of mine. This one city holds the best of the best in art, culture, breathtaking sights and French cuisine.  As the cherry on top, it’s also bursting with romance and, for those traveling with kids, children’s parks perfectly situated through the entire city!

    While pregnant with my daughter, I thought traveling would no longer be possible, but I was wrong! After a year of not traveling, I began experiencing “traveling blues” and decided to plan our first family trip to take place when my daughter would be 20 months old. I excitedly and anxiously began planning our 10-day trip to Paris: flights, transportation, hotel, sites and destinations, family photo shoot, and so much more! Before having a baby, we would have likely booked two or three cities as part of one vacation, but decided to stick to one city for our first family vacation and see how baby girl would travel. As an added surprise, traveling with a child reminded us to slow down, to visit family friendly sites, and to value each moment, laugh, and experience. We also took as many photos as humanely possible so that we could document the experience. Our visit to Paris with a young child was not without challenges, but overall the experience was amazing and life changing. I can confidently say that my now three year old absolutely loves to fly, thrives when she spends quality time with her parents, and enjoys the different sites and children’s parks that we build into our adventures.

    Without further ado, here are my Five Fun Family Activities for Paris With Kids!

    #1. Disneyland Parks

    In the many months I spent planning our trip to Paris, I knew that the one thing I wanted to do was to plan a stop at one of the most magical places on Earth: Disneyland Paris. It was the least we could do for our 20 month old, after dragging her to a different country.  We were visiting in early September, which is considered off-season, so the crowds were minimal and wait times for rides was short.

    Disneyland Paris is comprised of two parks: Disneyland Park and Walt Disney Studios Park. You can pay to visit one park or both parks. For this occasion, we chose to only visit Disneyland Park as our daughter loves princesses, and we knew that the big mid-day parade would be taking place at Disneyland Park. We arrived around 11am and were able to easily purchase tickets and ride a number of rides, including Dumbo the Flying Elephant, Le Carrousel de Lancelot, Alice’s Curious Labyrinth.  We also visited Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, La Tinier du Dragon, Liberty Arcade, and Discovery Arcade. We made sure to stop and watch the famous Disney parade with all the princess characters, and we ate lunch at Au Chalet de la Marionette, which had a decent selection of food for adults and children.

    By the time we left the park at 7pm, we were beyond exhausted. Although we wished we had seen the fireworks, we had a great experience and of course, left with Minnie Mouse ears, a Mickey Mouse balloon, Disneyland souvenirs, and a number of chocolate treats. If I had to do it all over again, I wish we could have arrived a little earlier so that we could visit both parks and stay for the fireworks, but given the one hour distance from our hotel to Disneyland and my daughter’s age, we were just thrilled that she had an amazing experience.

    Pro-Tip: We took a taxi from our hotel to Disney, but you can also take the Metro. We chose a taxi because it was much faster and easier for our little family. Prices vary, depending on location and transit time, so be sure to price check all your options.

    #2: Jardin du Luxembourg

    The Jardin du Luxembourg is a true gem located in the center of Paris. It covers 25 hectares (over 60 acres) of land filled with beautiful gardens, open-air cafes, puppet shows, rides, slides, musical performers, and sailboats in the pond by the Luxembourg Palace. On a sunny day, you can grab lunch and relax on the green or in one of the many chairs sprinkled throughout the park as you watch your little one run around to release some much needed energy.

    Our favorite activity was the miniature sailboats, which are available for rent or purchase if you don’t happen to have your own to bring! There were many vendors located along the pond and we rented a miniature sailboat that came with a large stick, to use to push the sailboat out and onto the pond. My daughter could not push the sailboat on her own, but my husband was happy to oblige and help maneuver the boat. He had just as much fun playing as all the kids. This is a must visit family friendly park for all to enjoy. By the looks of the native French speaking crowd around us, this is local favorite and so a great way to experience real Parisian family life.

    #3: Parc Zoologique de Paris

    The Parc Zoologique de Paris a great place to visit with children, especially if they love animals. Admission is pricey at 20 € per adult / 15 € per child (ages 3-12) but well worth it. The zoo’s landscape is designed to showcase the animals in their native ecosystem and is home to around 180 species and over a thousand animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and invertebrates. During our visit, we saw a variety of birds, monkeys, fish, jaguars, zebras, and giraffes. And, judging by the crowds, this is another spot that most local Parisians take advantage of with their families, and we were again fortunate to have no trouble with crowds.

    #4: Musee de l’Orangeries & Musee d’Orsay

    When one thinks of a museum in Paris, I’m sure the Louvre comes immediately to mind. The Louvre is amazing, but also full of tourists and crowds. Although definitely a place that everyone should visit at least once in their lifetime, I was not sure that it was the best place to take a baby or toddler. For this special trip, we decided to visit the Musee de l’Orangerie and the Musee d’Orsay, which showcase fantastic works by Monet, Van Gogh, and many others, but without the tourist appeal of the Louvre.

    We visited the Musee de l’Orangerie first, where we viewed Claude Monet’s famous painting of the water lilies. The mural and all sides of the walls were so incredibly breathtaking, I had to stop and just enjoy the experience. While I was busy being awed by the beauty of the art, my daughter paced all the rooms of the museum with her daddy. We then went upstairs and enjoyed a quick bite to eat before heading to the Musee d’Orsay.

    At the d’Orsay, we saw Ballet Rehearsal by Edgar Degas, Blue Water Lillies by Claude Monet, Self Portrait by Vincent Van Gogh, and countless others. The museum is large, but we had an idea of what we wanted to see before arriving, which helped make our experience more manageable.

    Pro-Tip: It is 9 € to visit one museum, or 16 € to visit both, so we chose to visit both and save some money.

    #5: Eiffel Tower

    Last, but definitely not least, the most iconic site of all, the Eiffel Tower. Although you can pay to go up to the top of the tower, I personally think the best view is the free one from the bottom. There are two children’s parks at the North side of the tower that are fenced in for security and, happily, there are vendors nearby who sell an assortment of snacks and gelato for the children (and adults!) to enjoy a tasty treat.

    Picnicking on the grounds of the Eiffel Tower.

    While viewing the Eiffel Tower, we spied a carousel across the street, which many children enjoy riding, including my daughter who rode it up to four times! On a beautiful sunny day, be sure to take some time to have a picnic on the green near the Eiffel Tower. It’s easy to pick up a baguette or a tasty sandwich and a bottle of wine and enjoy the beautiful view, while the little ones stretch their legs running around outside. We have a wonderful time and will cherish our memories forever.

    Riding the carousel… for the fourth time!

    Final Thoughts?

    Paris has so many different things to see and do, but these are truly my top Five Fun Family Activities to take advantage of in Paris. As I continue to explore the world with my daughter, I learn more about her personality and try to incorporate her interests and wishes as well. My goal, as a mommy, is to take my daughter to one new country a year. Our first was Paris, and we also have Rome and Barcelona on the agenda. Traveling with a child has its challenges, but seeing their smiles and the memories we create as a family are priceless.