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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.
June 19, 2019
Canada Vacation Ideas for Families
Planning a Trip to Canada With Kids

There are so many great locations for family vacations in Canada. Canada is the world’s second largest country and boasts stunning national parks and large metropolitan areas that attract over 16 million tourists annually. There are great Canada trips for every type of traveler. Even though Canada is our neighbor just to the north, we have not explored it as much as we would like. We asked some of our favorite family travel bloggers to recommend their favorite Canada vacation ideas for families and came up with this amazing list of places to visit in Canada with kids.

British Columbia With Kids

#1: Vancouver With Kids

Breathtaking natural beauty, a super-cool cosmopolitan city, outdoor adventure, foodie paradise and world-class shopping – visit “VanGroovy.” Here’s our suggested three-day itinerary for visiting Vancouver with kids:
- Day 1 – A Little Bit of Everything: Head to Granville Island to explore galleries and quaint stores. For lunch delight in the local specialties at Granville Island Public Market. Visit spectacular Kitsilano Beach and let the kids run around the playground. Check out the Museum of Anthropology with First Nations’ art on the University of British Columbia campus. We loved FlyOver Canada, a thrilling virtual ride taking in Canada’s beauty!
- Day 2 – Explore the North Shore: A must-see is the 450-foot Capilano Suspension Bridge and Park. Feel it sway! Explore the Cliffwalk – walkways hanging over the mountain’s edges! Kids will love the Treetops Adventures offering a walk high in the trees. Hop a Skyride to reach Grouse Mountain, a resort area full of adventure.
- Day 3 – The City Center: Explore the Stanley Park 1,000-acre wilderness oasis! Enjoy colorful First Nations Totem Poles, stroll the Seawall and visit the Aquarium. End with an elevator-ride to the 50th floor for unforgettable views from the Vancouver Lookout.
As one of the most beautiful places on Earth, Vancouver is bursting with family-friendly sights and a laid-back vibe!

Recommended by Lisa Grabelle from Hilton Mom Voyage. Find out more from Lisa about a Vancouver vacation.

#2: Whistler With Kids

Whistler is the largest ski resort in North America, located on the west coast of Canada, a two hour drive along the Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver. Whistler consistently ranks among the world’s best ski resorts and has developed into a year round destination for skiing, golfing, biking and other activities. Whistler makes the perfect destination for outdoor activities with its mountain setting, whether it’s skiing in the winter, or mountain biking and hiking during the warmer summer months.

The world class skiing is the obvious draw in the winter. Whistler Blackcomb has 200 marked runs, offering something for all ages and abilities. Whistler Kids (the Whistler kids’ ski school) is first class, offering every level of ski and snowboard instruction for children from 3-12 years old. There are even playgrounds on the mountainside to break up the skiing. Once in their teens, kids enter the Ride Tribe Program, up to age 18. Teaching throughout the programs is done in a fun and engaging way. For non-skiers opportunities abound, from ice-skating and snow-shoeing, to tubing and zip-lining. Whistler is a perfect winter destination for families who love to ski or snowboard.

Recommended by Nicky Williams from Go Live Young. Find out more from Nicky about Whistler with kids.

Alberta With Kids

#3: Banff National Park With Kids

Banff is one of the most popular places in Canada and for good reason. Set in the Canadian Rockies, the town of Banff is located in a National Park and is ridiculously gorgeous in any season. Located 90 minutes from Calgary, it makes a great weekend escape and is also a great base for a week-long vacation.

There are so many family-friendly activities to do in Banff in summer, although be warned, summer is the most popular time of year to visit. The main street is a great place to start with its cute shops and mountain views. Make sure to include a stop for beaver tails, Canada’s classic pastry and a kid favorite. The Banff Gondola is another fun activity and provides beautiful views over Banff and the surrounding mountains. There are lots of kid friendly hikes nearby including Johnson Canyon. All visitors to Banff need to visit nearby Lake Louise with its turquoise colored lake. For families who enjoy hiking, we recommend the Lake Agnes Tea House hike at Lake Louise. For families with older children, there is great white water rafting to be had, as well as safe climbing at the Norquay Via Ferrata. Families will also enjoy soaking in the Banff Hot Springs and visiting the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.

Winter in Banff is much less busy, but offers so many fun winter activities for active families. There is world-class skiing in the Valley, ice skating on frozen lakes, dog sledding, snow shoeing and even ice castles. After a day full of activity, we definitely felt like we deserved our hot chocolate, poutine and hot tub. No matter which season we visit, we fall in love with the charm of Banff. It’s easy to understand why it is one of Canada’s favorite towns.

Recommended by Dawn from 5 Lost Together. Find out more from Dawn about Banff with kids.

#4: Canmore With Kids

Canmore is one of Canada’s family gems. Often overlooked by its far more famous neighbor Banff, Canmore sits just outside of the National Park, only an hour from Calgary International Airport by car. It is a true natural playground without the same number of tourists. Summers are short but stunningly beautiful. We like to take advantage of the many cycling and hiking trails and pack a picnic to see the hidden waterfall at Heart Creek.   Older kids will enjoy camping and kayaking at Kananaskis and Bow Creek.

Winter brings on frozen lakes, ice skating and sledding. The Nordic Centre, famous for hosting many events at the 1988 Winter Olympics, offers kids opportunities to experience snow shoeing, tobogganing, or the bravest can try fat tire winter biking. A real highlight for our kids’ first visit was taking a dog sled ride on the frozen waters of Spray Lakes. The eerie howling in the foot of the magical snow-capped mountains is something they will never forget.

The township of Canmore is small and flat, easy to navigate with a stroller and provides plenty of cafes to warm hands up before heading out for more outdoor fun! Families will enjoy Café Books with a dedicated kids’ corner – and who doesn’t love ice cream year around – pop into Scoopin’ Moose for a treat.

Recommended by Keri Hedrick from Our Globetrotters.

#5: Jasper National Park With Kids

Located along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in western Alberta, Jasper National Park is known for its majestic peaks, glacier-fed lakes and vast wilderness. Jasper National Park is the perfect place for adventurous families looking for an unforgettable family vacation. The park is massive and the options for outdoor activities are endless!  For the family that enjoys hiking, there are hundreds of miles of hiking trails from which to choose and hikes suitable for all ability levels. Some famous sights, like Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls, can be reached via a short walk from the parking area or extended for families seeking a little more. Maligne Canyon is suitable for even the youngest hikers since several bridges along the trail allow families to customize the length of the hike.

Families who prefer being on the water can take a cruise on stunning Maligne Lake to visit Spirit Island or book a float trip on the Athabasca River. For panoramic views of Jasper and the Athabasca Valley, take the Jasper SkyTram to Whistlers Summit. There’s so much to see and do, we could easily spend a week in Jasper National Park and still not see it all!  With its location just north of popular Banff National Park, Jasper is often overlooked. However, we highly recommend driving up the spectacular Icefields Parkway and adding Jasper to any Canadian Rockies visit!

Recommended by Amy Brahan from Just Go Travel Studios. Find out more from Amy about Jasper National Park.

Manitoba With Kids

#6: Churchill With Kids

Churchill, Manitoba is known both as the “Polar Bear Capital of the World” and the “Beluga Capital of the World.” Summer is Beluga Season and the bulbous critters swim up the Churchill River from the Hudson Bay to calve. In October and November, polar bears gather on the shores of Hudson Bay waiting for sea ice to form so they can hunt seals after a long fast. I’ve visited in August and October and seen both belugas and polar bears on the same trip.

In summer, my family likes walking around town, visiting a couple shops, exploring the Eskimo Museum and hiking on the tundra. In Bear Season, caution has to be taken, because bears wander through town. They just want to get out on the ice and eat, but until it forms, they occasionally satisfy that famous bear curiosity by seeing what’s going on in Churchill. Unfortunately, as the ice forms later in the season and melts earlier, due to climate change, the bears’ fasting period is extending.

There is plenty to do in Churchill for families with a couple days to spare. Our kids loved riding in the Tundra Buggies in search of bears. Since the floor is 12-feet above the ground, the bears can’t reach in, even when they stand on their back feet. Frontiers North guides are great with kids and might even let them drive. They also offer boat tours to see belugas in the summer, as well as guided hikes. To get to Churchill, it’s possible to fly from Winnipeg or take the train from Thompson Falls. There aren’t any roads to the 1,000-person town, so flying or taking the train are the only ways to get there.

Recommended by Mel Harrison from Traveling Mel. Find out more from Mel about Churchill with kids.

#7: Winnipeg With Kids

Winnipeg, a Canadian prairie city and capital of the province of Manitoba, was our hometown and home base for almost 25 years. From a local’s perspective, Winnipeg is a very family friendly city. Its size is very manageable, and the most important sights can easily be visited within a couple of days. However, families planning a longer stay will not run out of amazing and unique things to do.

Families can fly to Winnipeg from any Canadian city and from many US cities. And in the summer, there are direct flights from London available. We highly recommend staying in downtown Winnipeg. The number one, family focused place in the city, and located right downtown, is The Forks, which has been a trading place for First Nations people for over six thousand years.

At The Forks in the summer, families can eat some delicious food, listen to buskers singing, take a boat ride or dance salsa outdoors. In the winter, we love to skate on the frozen Assiniboine River – one of the longest skating trails in the world! For the youngest visitors, don’t miss the Manitoba Children’s Museum located right at The Forks. It’s a giant indoor playground filled with many educational opportunities. If your kids like theater, take them to the Manitoba Theatre for Young People.

And any time of the year, we enjoy visiting the Winnipeg Zoo or several of Winnipeg’s world class museums. Don’t miss the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. It’s never too early to learn about this important topic. Also visit the Manitoba Museum to learn about this province’s history, geography and its people. And for an amazing nature preserve right in the city, we recommend Fort Whyte Alive any time of the year.

But don’t just stop at Winnipeg. Manitoba boasts over 110,000 lakes, where families can fish or just relax on the beach. And northern Manitoba’s subarctic region is home to the largest polar bear population in the world.

Recommended by Bea from PackYourBags. Find out more from Bea about visiting Manitoba.

Ontario With Kids

#8: Niagara Falls With Kids

Niagara Falls is one of my all time favorite places to visit in Canada because it is so versatile. The falls themselves attract many tourists throughout the year, but the area itself is vibrant, fun and easy. Both sides of the falls offer amazing attractions. We loved walking under the falls in the Cave of the Winds experience and particularly enjoyed the Maid of the Mist or Hornblower boat that took us into the falls itself.

Families looking for a bit more adventure can book a jet boat and whizz along the rapids of the Niagara River. For a fun filled day, stay on the Canadian side and visit the family orientated museums such as Ripley’s Believe it Or Not or the hilariously BAD wax museum. For a quieter, more peaceful experience, we enjoyed strolling around the Niagara Falls State Park on the American side.

For evenings, we enjoyed the many bars and restaurants found on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls and for a special romantic splurge, we headed up to the top of the Skylon Tower. We also loved taking the evening boat into the falls to watch the fireworks and see the falls lit up – a nightly event that added something special to our trip.

Recommended by Katie from Creative Travel Guide. Find out more from Katie about Niagara Falls.

#9: Niagara-on-the-Lake With Kids

Niagara-on-the-Lake is not be confused with Niagara Falls, as it’s the Napa Valley of Canada and most vineyards are kid friendly. While in Niagara Falls, we decided to continue our drive to Niagara-on-the-Lake which is located approximately 12 miles from Horseshoe Falls. This picturesque town epitomizes old town charm and is a direct contrast to its much more commercial neighbor. The proximity to Niagara Falls means that it’s easy to go back and forth between the locations and truly enjoy everything that this town located on the shores of Lake Ontario and the mouth of the Niagara River has to offer. While the town is known for its wineries, it has many family friendly activities. We highly recommend the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours, which combines a thrill ride with historical information regarding the Canadian Underground Railroad. Families can pack food and enjoy a picnic and views at Queen’s Royal Park, followed by Anne of Green Gables – PEI inspired soda and ice-cream at COWS Ice Cream Shop on Queens Street.

Recommended overnight accommodations: Oban Inn & Spa. Additional must do experiences in Niagara-on-the-lake include: Fort George National Historic Site, Walkers Country Market, explore the Prince of Wales Hotel and take strolls around Queen Street.

Recommended by Ruth Mendes from Have Kiddos Will Travel. Find out more from Ruth about the Whirlpool Jet Boat Tours.

#10: Toronto With Kids

Our family isn’t usually big on tourist hot spots when we travel, but the CN Tower in Toronto is hands-down our favorite thing to do in Ontario’s largest city.  Glass elevators rocket up to the Look Out Level at 1,136 feet high and the panoramic views of the city of Toronto are simply unbeatable.  On clear days, you can see all the way to Niagara Falls!  One floor below is the Glass Floor, where those daring enough can walk out on the glass floor panels where it looks as if you’re walking on Toronto.  Our boys are always brave enough to try it, but mom and dad have to really work up the courage!  The grounds around the CN Tower are also a beautiful place to explore.  The outdoor Toronto Railway Museum is right at the base of the CN Tower and is popular with young train lovers.  Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is also located right at the base of the CN Tower and you’re only a short walk from the beautiful waterfront- so it’s easy to spend an entire day exploring this part of Toronto!

Recommended by Lissa from Roots Wings and Travel Things.

Quebec With Kids

#11: La Malbaie With Kids

As part of a summer road trip in Canada, I decided to spend a night in the town of La Malbaie with our family. Fortunately we had friends who own a house in La Malbaie and graciously offered to host us for the evening. I packed up our kids from our last night in Quebec, and we got in the car to make our two-hour drive to La Malbaie. La Malbaie is a town in the countryside of Charlevoix. It literally means “bad bay.” Charlevoix is a gorgeous provincial strip nestled between the Laurentian mountains and the St. Lawrence River.

I planned a stop at the Chutes Sainte-Anne along the way to visit the waterfalls. The entire circuit took 45 minutes consisting of pathways, stairs, and bridges above the falls. There were many areas to stop and snap a photo of the falls. About 20 minutes outside of the town of La Malbaei is the Maritime Museum, where we learned about the rich maritime history of the area. I took the family to explore schooners, tug boats and a sawmill as well as exploring the shores of the Saint Lawrence River.

In the morning I woke up everyone for a whale watching experience with Croisieres AML. They offer a zodiac boat or a boat cruise. We all wanted to do the zodiac, but there are age restrictions and our youngest was too young. He and my husband took the boat cruise and I went with the older two kids on the zodiac. We saw humpbacks and plenty of minke whales. The entire excursion lasted three and a half hours.

We spent the afternoon at Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park. We took a nice relaxing hike at The Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre and spent an hour or so looking out at the Saint Laurence while relaxing and enjoying the views. I insisted on a visit to the Fairmont hotel in La Malbaie; A Chateau-styled hotel overlooking the Saint Lawrence River. We parked and walked in to check out this former Canadian National railroad palace. I took the kids into the Vergers Pedneault shop in the hotel, which makes some of the best artisanal cider in Quebec. We stocked up on apple jams, cider vinegar, and elegant (grownup) ciders, including an amazing dessert cider. Before leaving La Malbaie, we also picked up some terrific pastries and great coffee at Pains d’Exclamation for the ride home.

Recommended by Ali Netzer from Five Family Adventurers. Find out more from Ali about 24 hours in La Malbaie.

#12: Montreal With Kids

For families who want to be transported to another country and culture and want to give kids a European experience without the transatlantic flight, definitely visit Montreal for a weekend, week or longer!  It is easily to fly to Montreal from all points in the United States or take the Amtrak from New York City (and connecting east coast cities) or, as we did, drive into Canada as Montreal is less than an hour from the NY-Canada crossing on I-87.

A visit to Montreal affords traveling families great sight-seeing – we recommend visiting Jardin Botanique or Insectarium, hiking on Mont Royal, taking the funicular to the top of the Tour Olympic, eating dinner in Vieux Montreal, cruising on the river from the Port of Montreal, touring the Notre Dame Basilica and exploring one of the many Montreal museums.  A trip to Montreal made us feel like we had been transported to a quaint French city.  Although everyone we met was bilingual, French language was definitely the default. The food, architecture, culture and life felt far more European than North American. For my kids, this was a great first trip abroad, a chance to practice some French and begin to learn that not everyone lives like them! We had so much fun exploring Montreal!

Recommended by Harmony Skillman from Momma to Go. Find out more from Harmony about kid friendly things to do in Montreal.

#13: Quebec City With Kids

Families looking for a winter destination to visit with kids should look no further than Quebec City, Canada. With its European charm (without the jet lag), amazing French food and unique history as a walled city, there is plenty to visit and keep the kids engaged. Quebec City International Airport makes arrivals easy with its close location to the city.

We timed our visit to coincide with the German Christmas markets and snow fun, including a toboggan ride in front of the famous Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. Families looking for more snow adventure can head over to the Valcartier resort, only 30 minutes from the city for its indoor water park and over 20 snow tubing tracks. The historic walled city is easy to explore by foot and that adds to its charm with beautiful streets filled with shops and places to eat. Be sure to stroll along Rue du Petit Champlain and enjoy a nice meal at the kid-friendly restaurant Le Lapin Sauté. From there, head a couple blocks over to the Museum of Civilization where kids can let loose while exploring a mystical forest, testing out their STEM lab and exploring the exhibit OBSERVE, where not everything meets the eye!

Recommended by Chelsea Kelly-Sipe from Pack More Into Life. Find out more from Chelsea about Quebec City with kids.

Nova Scotia With Kids

#14: Bay of Fundy With Kids (New Brunswick and Nova Scotia)

The Bay of Fundy is home to the highest tides in the world, and its a perfect vacation destination for outdoor-loving families. It is located between the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, Canada. The world-famous tides can fluctuate between 29 and 52 feet. In some places, the tides recede more than three miles from shore during low tide, allowing visitors to explore the ocean floor. One of our favorite places to explore Fundy’s tides, as well as an abundance of recreational opportunities, is in Fundy National Park.

Fundy National Park encompasses 80 square miles (206 km) of rugged coastline and Acadian forest, where families can find more than 60 miles (100 km) of hiking trails, four front-country campgrounds, beautiful cascading waterfalls, freshwater lakes, and even a heated, saltwater swimming pool.

We stayed at the relatively quiet Point Wolf campground, which was a great base camp for exploring all that Fundy National Park has to offer. Highlights of a trip to Fundy National Park include hiking the Matthew’s Head Loop trail, which is a 2.8-mile coastal trail that is perfect for kids, eating super fresh seafood in the nearby town of Alma, and kayaking the bay with Fresh Air Adventure Tours. The nearest airport is in Halifax, which is a four-hour drive from Fundy National Park. The area surrounding the park is quite rural, so the best bet is to rent a car to have the freedom to explore.

Recommended by Tara Schatz from Backroad Ramblers. Find out more from Tara in her Fundy National Park Camping Guide.

#15: Halifax With Kids

Halifax is the capital city of the province of Nova Scotia, located on the Atlantic coast of Canada. This second smallest Canadian province is often overlooked by visitors to the country, but traveling families should make it a priority to visit. It’s possible to fly direct to this province from several Canadian and US cities. And, it is easy to get here from Europe, especially from the UK. Nova Scotia (meaning New Scotland) has daily flights to and from Great Britain.

Halifax is great for families for several reasons. For one, it is a great place for those who like a perfect mix of city and nature. When hiking in the city, we feel like we’re in a forest. Here is our list of favorite things to see and do in Halifax with kids:
- Walk along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk
- Have a lobster chowder
- Visit Halifax Seaport Farmers Market
- Climb aboard HMSC Sackville, a naval ship from World War II
- Visit the Citadel Historic Site
- See the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
- Take a ferry from Halifax to Dartmouth
- Visit the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
- Visit Peggy’s Cove (45 minute drive from Halifax) to see the iconic lighthouse
- Visit the town of Lunenburg (1 hour, 15 minute drive from Halifax), a UNESCO World Heritage site
- Go to the beach. Our favorite is Crystal Crescent Beach.
Halifax is a foodie’s paradise and wonderful vacation destination for families.

Recommended by Bea from PackYourBags. Find out more from Bea about great places to eat in Halifax.

Family Travel to Canada

Inspired to plan a family trip to Canada and looking for Canada family vacation ideas? Check out our list of posts about Canada with kids.
February 17, 2019
Family Weekend Getaways in California
We love taking family getaways in California! With a handful of major metropolitan areas, the Pacific Ocean, national parks, wine country and plenty of sun, there are endless destination options. We have spent many weekends traveling around California but are always looking for new places to explore. We asked fellow family travel bloggers to share their favorite California family weekend getaways and came up with this amazing list:

#1: Death Valley National Park

Death Valley National Park is an amazing destination to visit with kids of all ages. From the lunar looking landscapes to the massive sand dunes and expansive salt flats, kids of all ages will be mesmerized!

The top thing to do on any family itinerary at Death Valley is to spend some time at Mesquite Flats Sand Dunes. The furthest, tallest dune is about two miles out; however, families will have fun exploring the different dunes no matter how far they go. While visiting on this side of the park, take a detour to the only interpretive trail in Death Valley, the Saltwater Creek Trail. This is home to the elusive pupfish that families will enjoy searching for along the boardwalk trail. The best bet for pupfish sightings is during the spring. Heading deeper into the park, Badwater Basin is another must visit on any trip to Death Valley. This expansive salt flat sits 200+ feet below sea level and is considered the lowest point in North America.
There is so much to do in the park, but no visit is complete without a stop (or two) at Zabriskie Point, which offers the most iconic views in Death Valley. View it from the top before heading out the Badlands Trail to see it from within as well!

Recommended by Karilyn Owen from No Back Home. Find out more from Karilyn about Death Valley with kids.

#2: Disneyland

Disneyland is just 40 minutes from Los Angeles International Airport and is a must-do family two-night getaway. Sure, there are plenty of crowds and high-priced expenditures that come with this particular holiday. But, a visit to the dreamland that Walt originally built also brings with it a sort of magic. Here’s our recommended itinerary:
- Disneyland: Day One
  - Book the Character Dining Breakfast at Plaza Inn. It gets you inside before the crowds, and kids can bust a move with beloved characters while enjoying a decent buffet.
  - Visit original attractions from opening day (1955) like Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, Disneyland Railroad, Jungle Cruise and Mad Tea Party.
  - Meet Mickey & Minnie in Toontown before or after a home tour.
  - Book lunch at Blue Bayou inside the world of the Pirates of the
    Caribbean and dinner at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
    for live music, adult drinks and NOLA cuisine in Downtown Disney. (Note: Until the Star Wars Bar opens summer 2019, the general public can’t buy alcohol on property.)
- Disney California Adventure (DCA): Day Two –
  - Casually stroll the boardwalk-themed waterside. Explore Cars Land.
  - Grab a cocktail. Enjoy rides as you come upon them. The feel is completely different here and can be done at a slower pace.
We recommend staying at Sheraton Park Hotel, an off-property hotel that is a short 15-minute walk from the entrance. Guests get a break from the hustle and bustle and get more bang for their buck. Families who book a Fireworks View Room on the Concierge Floor won’t regret it.

Recommended by Brandy from Kid Allergy Travel.

#3: Hollywood

Hollywood is an amazing city to visit with kids. We spent an afternoon to exploring Hollywood after visiting Warner Brothers Studios.  We parked on Hollywood Boulevard and walked the hall of fame listing all the Hollywood stars and took great delight in pointing out any Australians that made the cut. We briefly stopped at the Chinese Theater for a few photos. Next up was the famous Hollywood sign. We choose to view it from the Hollywood Bowl. The gates were open and we walked around and took some photos from the very rear seating area.

Warner Brothers Studios is a great tour, visitors see behind the scenes of many different sitcoms we have come to know and love. We did a quick skit on the Friends set sitting on the couch in the Central Peaks Cafe. Kids thought that was brilliant. Universal Studios was also a big hit with the kids. Especially popular was the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and all the new 4D thrill rides. The Back Stage tram ride took us around many of the sets for different films that we recognized from some of Hollywood’s blockbuster movies. Last but not least, we took a drive through Beverly Hills and down Rodeo Drive. Would have been nice to kick back in a convertible Mustang but our trusty Ford Mondeo hire car was more than fine!

Recommended by Sally Lucas from Our 3 Kids v the World. Find out more from Sally about Universal Studios with kids.

#4:  Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park

Visiting the world’s tallest trees in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park with our family was like stepping into another planet. In fact, our kids often found themselves looking for Ewoks hiding among the massive tree trunks and head-high ferns during our visit. We later learned that George Lucas filmed his Endor scenes from Return of the Jedi right here in the Redwoods. Coastal redwood trees, which can grow up to 360 feet tall, are only found on the California coast, from Big Sur up to the Oregon border. There are plenty of redwood forests in California, but in our opinion, the best place to explore with children is Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park.

The trails in Redwoods are very accessible for kids, and there are interpretive programs that provide a closer look at the area’s wildlife and ecosystems. During our three-day visit, we camped under the canopy of massive trees and were able to explore many of the trails without ever getting in our car. We spent our mornings hiking through the fog, and our afternoons swimming in the gloriously cold and clean Smith River — seriously one of our top five swimming spots in the whole USA. The park is also just a short drive from the ocean in Crescent City, where we witnessed some of the most beautiful sunsets we’ve ever seen. Our weekend in the Redwoods is a trip we still talk about, and we can’t wait to go back.

Recommended by Tara Schatz from Back Road Ramblers. Find out more from Tara about Redwoods with kids.

#5: Joshua Tree National Park

Joshua Tree National Park is often described as ‘otherworldly’ and indeed, its peculiar landscape makes it one of the most unique and distinctive places in California.

Located about 3 hours by car from LA, Joshua Tree National Park lies where two different desert systems meet: the Colorado and the Mojave. The park is famous for the ‘Joshua trees’, big yucca plants stretching their arms to the sky, and giant boulders that erosion has carved into elaborate shapes that act as refuge for desert wildlife.

Despite the inhospitable climate, Joshua tree is fantastic to visit with kids. Several hikes such as Skull Rock discovery trail and Cholla cactus garden are suitable even for the youngest explorers and the rangers organise excellent kids activities such as the Dr Seuss inspired ‘I speak for the tree’ events about conservation.

The best way to visit Joshua tree is to drive to the area and spend a couple of days exploring different trails. Make sure not to miss the junior ranger program.

Recommended by Marta Correale from Learning Escapes. Find out more from Marta about visiting Joshua Tree with kids.

#6: Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe‘s laid-back vibe and abundance of outdoor activities make it my favorite place to visit with kids during any season. With stunning views of blue water and snow-capped mountains, the area is purposely underdeveloped to protect and maintain a pristine lake. In the winter, Tahoe is a wonderland. There are several ski resorts around the lake. For families, I recommend Northstar, Heavenly, or Squaw Valley. All have excellent ski schools, plus activities such as ice skating, sledding, snow tubing, bungee trampolining, shopping, dining, and even crafts like candle- and pottery-making.

The resorts are also popular spots in the summer, offering zip-lining, ropes courses, climbing walls, and gondola rides. But there’s so much more Tahoe offers in the summer. Every time we visit, we try to hike a new trail – and there are tons to explore! Tahoe also has beautiful beaches and every water sport imaginable. We have camped, kayaked, hiked, and biked. And Kings Beach on the north shore of Lake Tahoe has one of the best mini golf courses we’ve ever played!

We also love exploring by car. Driving around the lake, with its winding roads and incredible vistas, is quite an experience! Driving non-stop takes about three hours, but we stopped at all the beaches and scenic viewpoints we could find. At each stop, we took pictures and collected cool rocks or some of Tahoe‘s gigantic pine cones!

Recommended by Shannon Entin from the TV Traveler. Check out more of her California adventures.

#7: Los Angeles

Visitors could easily spend a week or more in Los Angeles with kids, however, it’s still a worthwhile trip for families who only have a few days. Weekend visitors will just have to be selective as to what they do. International visitors will most likely fly into LAX, and it may even be their first stop before moving on to explore other parts of the USA. LA is also the official end of the famous Route 66, so this a good place to start or end a road trip as well.

As to family friendly attractions in LA, they are endless! Some of the more popular attractions include Universal Studios and the Warner Bros Studio Tour.   Other places I recommend for families are the Grammy Museum (great for music fans), Broad Museum (great for creative kids) and the Natural History Museum of LA County (great for little dinosaur fans).

For free activities, spend some time on Santa Monica beach and stroll down to Venice Beach to watch the buskers. For families who love to shop, check out the Grove a lovely outdoor mall and the Farmers Markets next door is great for lunch.

Recommended by Melissa Delaware from of Thrifty Family Travels. Find out more from Melissa about Los Angeles with kids.

#8: Malibu

Looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of LA? Look no further than, Malibu, LA’s closest neighbor to the north. Stretching 21 scenic miles along the Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu is the stuff California dreams are made of. Malibu’s Mediterranean climate means warm dry summers and moderate winters. There are gorgeous beaches, world famous surf spots, fishing, hiking and plenty of dining, shopping, and museums to keep families occupied no matter the time of year. The best way to experience Malibu is in a car.

Experienced fisherman and first timers will both find the pier to be a great place to enjoy a day of fishing. We’ve been a few different times and have had great luck even enjoying an evening meal with our catch of the day. The Malibu Sport Fishing Pier is located at 23000 Pacific Coast Highway and is open daily from 6:30 am to sunset. Fishing permits are not required, and fishing rods, bait and tackle are available for rental on the Pier.

Zuma Beach, located at the northern end of Malibu, is one of LA’s most popular beaches. The drive to Zuma is spectacular in itself, and there are almost two miles of soft clean sand, a wide variety of beach activities, restaurants, public restrooms and plentiful parking.

An entire glorious day could be spent at Leo Carrillo State Park where activities at the park are many and include, exploring the tide pools, swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing, and beach combing. There are also caves and reefs for exploring, hiking trails, picnic tables and camping. Leo Carrillo is located at 35000 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu and is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. The entrance to the park is on the East side of the Pacific Coast Highway. There are bathrooms and pay showers on site.

I love the beach, but I don’t love eating in the sand, which makes Neptune’s Net, located just a few miles north of Leo Carrillo State Park, a great place to grab a bite to eat prior to hitting the beach. Since 1956 it’s been a favorite of motorcyclists, surfers, locals and anyone else looking for a delicious basket of golden fish and chips. Expect a crowd, especially on weekends.

Recommended by Hilary from Hilary Style. Find out more from Hilary about Malibu with kids.

#9: Marin County

Marin County is a wonderful location for a family weekend. It is separated from San Francisco by the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge but offers many great kid-friendly activities. Our favorite is definitely Muir Woods National Monument. This magical redwood forest features the Sequoia sempervirens, the Earth’s tallest living things. These trees are around 250 feet tall and hundreds of years old. A walk through these woods is nothing short of awe-inspiring. We also enjoy visiting Point Reyes. Point Reyes is the windiest place on the Pacific Coast and the second foggiest place on the North American continent, so it’s no surprise that its famous lighthouse had to work overtime and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Another great place to visit during a weekend in Marin County is the Marin County Civic Center, which was designed by one of our favorite architects, Frank Lloyd Wright. Marin County is a great destination for a weekend trip.

Recommended by We Go With Kids. Find out more about Muir Woods with kids.

#10: Mendocino

Mendocino is a fantastic city for families to visit in California. It is located just off the Pacific Coast Highway, three hours north of San Francisco. As a coastal small town, Mendocino boasts access to beautiful beaches, state parks and outdoor fun. Families can kayak through sea caves, bike or swim in Mendocino State Park, visit a museum downtown or hike Russian Gulch State Park. Those with smaller children may just enjoy wading in the Pacific Ocean. The dramatic cliffs make for a spectacular backdrop and one of the unique features here is that there are two rivers that meet the ocean – the Little River and Big River. Walking along the river bank and watching how the freshwater interacts with the salt water is fascinating.

For those who prefer a more wooded area, Jackson State Park and Mendocino National Park are within 30 min to an hour away. Here families can enjoy camping, boating, and walking among the redwoods. Families looking for a continued adventure further north than Mendocino can check out the Pacific Northwest.

Recommended by Margie from DQ Family Travel. Find out more from Margie about visiting the Pacific Northwest with kids.

#11: Monterey

Monterey is one of California’s most unsung treasures. Located just two hours south of San Francisco, Monterey is the perfect getaway for families traveling with children. On a recent trip, my family of four was blown away by the breadth of activities in Monterey – everything from California history, amazing marine life, hiking, and wine tasting is available!
Every trip to Monterey should be anchored by the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Located on the bay, the aquarium is the perfect place to spend hours discovering and exploring marine life. We enjoyed, in particular, the amazing jellyfish exhibits, the beautiful views of Monterey Bay, and, the abundant marine themed play spaces for children, which came in particularly handy on a rainy morning.

In addition to Monterey Bay Aquarium, families should absolutely take advantage of California’s beautiful outdoors. Visit the Dennis the Menace Playground and take a paddle boat ride on Lake El Centro. Take a walk alongside the Asilomar State Beach, where the boardwalk meanders along 25 acres of restored sand dunes. And if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, Jacks Peak Park is an ideal location for families looking to hike with young children as it is perfectly manageable for little legs and the heavy forestry provides abundant shade and cool on warm days.

If time permits, be sure to check out an integral part of California history – the Carmel Mission. Built in 1770, the Mission provides a quick primer of California’s rich Spanish missionary history and is also the final resting place of Juniper Serra, the priest who founded the first missions in California.

Recommended by We Go With Kids. Find out more about Monterey with kids.

#12: Napa Valley

When we planned a family vacation to Northern California, my husband and I did not want to miss an opportunity to visit some of the country’s best wineries just because we were traveling with our two young sons. We regularly visited Grand River Valley wine country in Ohio with them, and the rare treat of drinking grape juice even more when it was served in wine glasses. While none of the wineries served grape juice in wine glasses and only one offered them Capri Sun, they enjoyed taking winery tours and riding an aerial tram at Sterling Vineyards, watching grape stomping at Grgich Hills Estates, frolicking in the vineyards at Andretti Winery, picnicking at V. Sattui and even taking a nap during a tasting at Beaulieu Vineyard. But, their highlight was really our suite at the Meritage Resort and Spa. Napa Valley may not be welcoming, but we would definitely plan a repeat trip next time we are in the area. The scenery itself is breathtaking.

Recommended by We Go With Kids. Find out more about Napa with kids.

#13: San Diego

San Diego might be one of the best family-friendly destinations in the U.S. It’s great for a weekend stay – or longer. There are both unique activities and attractions as well as beautiful scenery and beaches. For animal loving families, it’s an ideal location with the world-famous San Diego Zoo, San Diego Safari Park, and whale watching boats.

One of our family’s favorite things to do in San Diego was spying on seals and sea lions and inspecting the tidal pools at La Jolla Cove. Legoland California is a must-do for theme park junkies and is perfect for kids under 12. A trip via ferry (or by car) to Coronado Island offers a beautiful beach, but I’d also check out the grand old Hotel del Coronado and the cute seaside restaurants and shops. Gaslamp Quarter offers some great restaurants, and don’t forget to eat some fish tacos!

Recommended by Lori from Maps, Memories and Motherhood.

#14: San Francisco

San Francisco is an amazing family destination because there are endless things to do – literally. Our list of things to experience in San Francisco keeps growing because new places are popping up all the time! We live here, but if anyone wants to get here, families can fly into San Francisco or Oakland airport, or there are trains from all over the country into Emeryville, right across the Bay Bridge. It is about a 7-hour drive from Los Angeles area.

In San Francisco, families can visit kids museums, aquariums, see sea lions at Fisherman’s’ Wharf, visit Alcatraz, eat the best dim sum in Chinatown, roam around the Golden Gate Park and spot bison. There are special events happening all year round – holidays are big here in San Francisco. Also, traveling families may not consider San Francisco as a budget-friendly city, but there are over 200 free things to do with kids in San Francisco! So don’t let the average hotel price is $397 per night scare you from coming. That’s not all – there are national parks and kid-friendly wineries in every direction within an hour of a drive!

Recommended by Emily Jenks from Henry and Andrew’s Guide. Find out more from Emily about San Francisco with kids.

#15: Santa Barbara

With it’s beautiful coastline, perfect Mediterranean climate and gleaming white mission style buildings Santa Barbara is one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, coast city in California. Throw in great shopping, its many fascinating sights, including the Mission, botanic gardens, a renowned natural history museum and an adorable zoo with ocean views, it’s pretty much the perfect place for a relaxing family weekend. Just two hours from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara can also make a great day trip.

My boys really love Santa Barbara’s many playgrounds. Many of them have fun interactive statues, great climbing trees, and there is even a beachside carousel.

The Santa Barbara Mission is located within acres of beautiful gardens overlooking the city of Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean. Guided or self guided tours are available we enjoyed exploring the grounds on our own. I was most excited about visiting the final resting place of the heroine from one of my favorite childhood books, the Island of the Blue Dolphins.

The city’s Natural History Museum may be small, but it packs a lot of punch. surprised to learn that 150,000 people visit the Museum every year. We really enjoyed our afternoon here.

The Santa Barbara Zoo is an absolutely lovely little zoo with a fabulous ocean view. The gardens are beautiful and finding your way around is relatively easy. There are many unique animals and if you’re interested you can even feed the giraffe.

Santa Barbara is relatively compact and many activities are within easy walking distance of one another, including the zoo. However, the Santa Barbara Mission, Natural History Museum and Botanical Gardens are a bit further out and require transportation

Recommended by Hilary from Hilary Style. Find out more from Hilary about Santa Barbara with kids.

#16: Santa Cruz

“Keep Santa Cruz Weird” is a bumper sticker or t-shirt slogan often seen in the Central Coastal California region advertising this quirky Monterey Bay beach town. But is Santa Cruz really that… strange? Bring your kids for a weekend and find out!

A family weekend in Santa Cruz is probably going to start out with a trip to the famous Boardwalk. Here there is a small amusement park, arcades and every fried food imaginable and its right on the beach! Be sure to try the Giant Dipper coaster, which has been in operation since 1924.

After riding the rides, head north along West Cliff Drive (Beautiful homes and stunning views) to my favorite Santa Cruz beach, Natural Bridges State Park. Relax in the sand, or take a dip in the {probably very cold} Pacific.

After a beautiful sunset at Natural Bridges, head into town to browse the funky shops, eat at one of the cafes (I love the Saturn Café for all things vegetarian) or grab a treat or ice cream on Pacific Avenue. My kids also loved eating at Pizza My Heart, not just for the pizza, but to look at all the surf memorabilia and to score a $10 t-shirt! For families spending more time in Santa Cruz, take a surf lesson (or watch the surfers at Cowell Beach), head to the Lighthouse at Seabright Beach, tour the campus at UCSC or hit up the famous Mystery Spot, which is a silly tourist destination, that well, I guess is a little weird!

Recommended by Harmony Skillman from Momma to Go. Find out more from Harmony about Santa Cruz with kids.

#17: Ventura County

One of my family’s favorite places to visit in California is Ventura County. We get to play in the ocean, hike in the mountains, visit islands, and learn about California history.

Weekend visitors to Ventura County should make sure to visit Channel Islands National Park on one day. The boat leaves from Channel Island Harbor, and it takes about one hour to get to Anacapa Island. During the journey, it is possible to see whales, seals, and other marine wildlife. Once there, families can explore this tiny island on foot, easily covering the two miles of trails before the boat ride back.

On the other day, we recommend visiting the San Buenaventura Mission and learning about the Spanish influence in this state. Ride your bike (or rent one) along the bike path next to the beach, or stroll through Ventura Harbor Village and enjoy the shops, restaurants, pedal boat rentals, and Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center. Make sure to get ice cream, too!

Recommended by Melynda Harrison from TravelingMel.com.

#18: Yosemite National Park and Sequoia National Park

Our family loves U. S. National Parks and decided to take a detour to two of California’s most visited parks during a recent family road trip. These parks are massive, and visitors could easily spend a week at each. With proper planning and research, it’s possible to enjoy many of the amazing views while bringing little ones along. Our family of six embarked on a family trip along the California coast and decided to maximize our cross-country flights by starting our adventure by visiting both Sequoia and Yosemite National Parks. We were not disappointed. A key to successfully taking on these national parks in one weekend is extensive advance planning. Key accommodation decisions are whether to stay onsite or offsite in a nearby town and at a hotel or camping. Advance lodging reservations are a must, especially during peak season.

Our itinerary: We arrived in LA on an early morning cross-country flight from Boston and drove to Sequoia, making a pit stop at Salty’s BBQ for lunch). At Sequoia, we visited the Giant Forest and hiked the family-friendly Big Trees Trail. We left Sequoia after sunset and drove to Fresno for the night. The next day, we spent a full day at Yosemite with an early start (a must to secure parking in the park) and visited Yosemite Falls and Half Dome. Lastly, we drove to San Francisco for the night. Pro tip: pack water, snacks, sunblock and insect repellent and arrive early or late as mid-day is crowded and can be particularly frustrating with cranky children.

Recommended by Ruth Mendes from Have Kiddos Will Travel. Find out more from Ruth about Yosemite or Sequoia.

Ready to plan a weekend trip in California? Check out all of our posts on the Golden State.
January 6, 2019
Best Places to Visit in England With Kids
England is a great country to visit with kids. It’s particularly near and dear to our family’s hearts as my husband and I both lived there. His family moved to London before he started high school, and England was his home until he finished college. I studied abroad at the University of York for a semester of my junior year. We’ve visited five times as a couple, and three times with kids. Because we have family and friends in London and a connection to York, we tend to stick to these two cities during our return trips to England. However, with its beautiful beaches, idyllic country side, stunning Gothic cathedrals and world-renowned landmarks, England really has something to offer visitors of any age. England might be known for its frequent rain, but the weather is all part of its charm. We asked some of our favorite family travel bloggers for suggestions on locations for fun family weekend getaways and now want to hop the next plane to start checking out more of these best places to visit in England with kids.

Best Places to Visit in England With Kids

Bath With Kids

Bath is a fantastic city in England to visit, and it’s perfect for a weekend getaway, as just one day isn’t really enough. The entire city center is a World Heritage Site, and its Georgian architecture is worth exploring. Visitors can take a free walking tour from outside the cathedral. Those who explore on their own should make sure to visit the Royal Crescent and the Circus. Bath was once a Roman city called Aquae Sulis due to its hot spring (the hottest in the UK). The Romans built a public bath and temple to the goddess Minerva. The baths are still here, and they still work, so a highlight of going to Bath is looking around the fantastic museum. Visitors who want to bathe in the hot springs have to book into the Thermae Bath Spa (ages 15+).

There are many brilliant museums to look around; the museum at No.1 The Royal Crescent where kids get an explorer backpack is a favorite with our kids. Other interesting museums include the Jane Austen Centre and the Bath Assembly Rooms and Fashion Museum. For families looking for a more low key weekend can check out some of Bath’s green spaces. There’s an enormous playground in Victoria Park, as well as a botanical garden; alternatively head up to Prior Park gardens and the Bath skyline for great walks and views over the city. Bath is in the south west of England and is a two hour train journey from London, with direct trains running from London Paddington.

Recommended by Emily Cole from Kids and Compass. Find out more from Emily about visiting Bath with kids.

Birmingham With Kids

Currently undergoing massive regeneration, Birmingham, in the center of England is a fabulous city for a weekend break with kids. It’s just a couple of hours on the train from London, and is small enough to be completely walkable.

The National SEA LIFE Center is a favorite of my daughter’s, and we can spend hours visiting the penguin enclosure. If we’re feeling creative, we’ll head to the Ikon gallery, a small and friendly contemporary art gallery which holds hands on family sessions on weekends and during the holidays or to one of the family music events at Birmingham Symphony Hall. For a culture hit, the Birmingham Museum of Art is totally free and features a lovely interactive area for kids, or Thinktank, Birmingham Science Museum allows children to get hands on with their learning. The new LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham will also appeal to most ages.

For eats, there are loads of chain restaurants in Brindley Place where visitors can eat overlooking the canals or the Digbeth Dining Club, which is street food style eating and open Thurs-Sat evening. Birmingham has many theaters and concert venues so if possible, take in a show. The performance is always great, and it’s so much cheaper than the West End!

Recommended by Karen Quinn from Are We There Yet Kids. Read Karen’s out more from Karen about UK destination guide.

Brighton With Kids

England has some wonderful seaside towns, but none are quite like Brighton. One of the country’s coolest cities, it’s perfect with teens but has plenty to tempt families with kids of all ages. My daughter, aged six, has been several times. A short train journey away from London, it has a very walkable city center and buses available along the coast and through the city. Note that parking isn’t great in the central area.

Start at the seafront and walk along the pebble beach spotting the old pier, little galleries and quirky stalls, to the entertainments of Brighton Pier or the SEA LIFE Brighton for rainy days. The best views come from the 162 meter i360 observation tower. In the summer, the Volks electric railway trundles between the pier and the marina. Or amble through the Lanes, with its vintage shops and kitschy souvenirs, as well as family-friendly shows at Komedia comedy club and the Painting Pottery Café.

Brighton’s iconic landmark is the Royal Pavilion, an extravagant royal seaside escape, created by George IV. With Indian and Chinese influences plus plenty of opulent décor inside, the fairy tale feel is just as fun for kids. There’s also a trail to spot animals dotted throughout the rooms, including dragons, and you’re encouraged to lie down on the carpet in the music room to appreciate the ceiling. Add in a variety of other attractions, from the toy museum to the old police cells, plus a street art bike tour, and visitors won’t have any trouble whiling away a few days.

Recommended by Cathy Winston from MummyTravels. Find out more from Cathy about Brighton with kids.

Bristol With Kids

Bristol is a city straddling the River Avon in the southwest of England with a prosperous maritime history. Its former city-center port is now a cultural hub, the Harbourside. The harbor’s 19th-century warehouses now contain restaurants, shops, art galleries and the M Shed museum, which explores local social and industrial heritage. There’s no need to spend a fortune visiting Bristol as many of the big-hitters are free to visit. These include the M Shed, Leigh Woods National Nature Reserve, Blaise Castle Estate and the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge, for visitors on foot.

There are three attractions however, definitely worth paying for: the SS Great Britain, the newly opened Being Brunel Museum, and the We Are The Curious science center. These attractions are fully interactive and loved by children of all ages. Bristol is easy to visit without a car and can be reached via train or bus from many other UK cities.

Recommended by Nicky from Go Live Young. Find out more from Nicky about Bristol with kids.

Cambridge With Kids

Beautiful Cambridge is just a short train ride from London’s Kings Cross station and a great place to spend a few days as a family. The university city is compact and full of attractions. A perfect first stop is a punting tour (a chaufferred river tour) of the River Cam. While gliding past the famous colleges and under the Bridge of Sighs and Mathematical Bridge, the guide will share stories of the university and its renowned alumni. Two of the most famous alumni are Charles Darwin and Sir Isaac Newton, who serve as inspiration for your budding students. After the punting tour, explore the colleges on foot. Make sure to spend time admiring King’s College Chapel, a masterpiece built-in the Tudor era with a soaring vaulted ceiling.

Cambridge is a market town with pedestrianized cobbled streets perfect for exploring. If the weather is cold and wet, the fascinating Fitzwilliam Museum features works by Da Vinci and Rembrandt.

Recommended by Katy Clarke from Untold Morsels. Find out more from Katy about Cambridge with kids.

Chipping Camden With Kids

Chipping Campden is one of many charming small towns in the Cotswolds, but its location makes it the perfect home base for exploring the area. The best way to get around is certainly by car, but we cheated a bit and took the train from London to Stratford-Upon-Avon and picked up a car there. The town’s centerpiece is an old market hall on its main thoroughfare that dates to 1627. There are several pubs and local shops worth exploring, and many hikes that are easily accessible from town. We rented a self-catering apartment on the main street that allowed us to explore once the tourists left for the day.

Our day trips included Stratford-Upon-Avon where we toured Shakespeare’s family homes and took a boat ride along the river. We also toured Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Winston Churchill and one of the most beautiful estates in England. Kids will not find it boring with its butterfly house, hedge maze, and miniature train. Warwick Castle was a fan favorite and an easy drive from Chipping Campden. The kids loved dressing up like knights and watching the trebuchet shoot fireballs across the lawn. The Cotswolds shouldn’t be missed on any trip to England.

Recommended by Kirsten Maxwell from Kids are a Trip. Find out more from Kirsten about England with kids.

Devon With Kids

Devon is a county in southwest England. Visitors definitely need a car when visiting with kids as public transportation is not readily available in England‘s third largest county. This area has so much to offer, including red cliff beaches that join the South West’s Jurassic Coast, traditional sandy seafronts and rocky Atlantic coastlines. The Hartland Point and Lighthouse (pictured) offers an amazing panoramic view. Inland Devon has two National Parks – Dartmoor and Exmoor – which are ideal for family hikes, rock climbing and river water sports. There is also an abundance of family attractions ranging from medium-sized theme parks and zoos to historic houses and fortifications dating back to medieval times. Devon has two major cities, Exeter and Plymouth that each offer chain and boutique hotels. But to experience the real Devon, we recommend finding a holiday cottage or campsite in a picturesque coastal town like Dartmouth or nestled in Dartmoor’s dramatic landscape.

Recommended by Claire Hall from Tin Box Traveller. Find out more from Claire about Dartmouth with kids.

Lake District With Kids

The Lake District wasn’t awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status for no reason. I defy anyone who visits Cumbria not to be blown away by the sheer and epic beauty of the surrounding landscape. We spent a week exploring the Lake District in our car – from taking a steamboat gondola on Lake Coniston and learning why it is the inspiration for the children’s book Swallows and Amazons, to paddling in several of the 16 lakes – our favorites included Wastwater, Buttermere and Ullswater. We even climbed up a waterfall at Aira Force and caught newts in the grounds of a grand castle at Sizergh. And with so many activities aimed at families from the Beatrix Potter Museum to caves and eerie manor houses and sprawling gardens – it’s the perfect destination for an adventure holiday in England. Plus, the cream teas and ice creams are pretty wonderful, too…

Recommended by Ting Dalton from My Travel Monkey.

Liverpool With Kids

Liverpool was a city that I hadn’t really thought about visiting with kids until a few years ago. When we did visit for a weekend break, I had very low expectations about what to expect when we got there. Well, it turned out to be one of those family travel experiences that really changed my perception of the location, and I urge families looking for places to visit in England to put Liverpool on that list.

Liverpool is easily reached by car or train, and it’s a city that is easy to navigate by foot, even with children. Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture in 2008, and this gave the city a real boost in terms of family-friendly tourist attractions. We had no trouble at all filling our time with visits to the World Museum, complete with aquarium and natural history exhibits, the Walker Art Gallery, with its interactive zone dedicated to young artists, and the Museum of Liverpool which helped us appreciate Liverpool’s long standing history with music and popular culture. As well as being fascinating places to visit with kids, they were all free to enter too! The city also has some incredible architecture and a fascinating dock where family visitors will enjoy taking the ferry across the River Mersey.

Photo credit – Pixabay.

Recommended by Zena from Zena’s Suitcase. Find out more from Zena about Liverpool with kids.

London With Kids

London is one of the best cities for families in the world! London has something to offer visitors of any age. As a major transportation hub, London is easy to access by train or plane. Accommodations can be expensive, so make sure to reserve well in advance.

Some of our favorite attractions are:
- its amazing parks (we absolutely loved Regents Park for the squirrels!)
- free entry world-famous museums, like the Natural History Museum or Tate!
- family-friendly plays (when we were there, The Cursed Child, Aladdin, and The Lion King were all playing!
- fun-filled shopping districts like Camden Market for the teens or Hamley’s Toy Store for all ages! Hamley’s is enormous, and it’s the oldest toy store in the world!
- lots of Harry Potter filming locations
- and the classics, of course! Don’t miss the Tower of London, Big Ben Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace.
Public transport on the Underground (aka the Tube) is efficient, and the double decker buses are iconic and easy to use. Kids under 12 ride for free, and kids over 12 receive discounted fares. The only problem with a weekend getaway in London is that it’s not long enough to fully explore all the city has to offer!

Recommended by Thais Saito from World Trip Diaries. Find out more from Thais about London with kids.

Peak District With Kids

Green rolling hills, dry stone walls, quaint country cottages and old pubs serving real ale in front of a roaring fire. This is the England that I love. The Peak District, nestled between the big cities of Manchester, Sheffield and Derby, is a place I have been visiting since I was a young girl and because we love the area so much, we have just moved here! With the kids dressed in puddle suits and wellies, we love nothing better than a long family walk in the Peaks. Our favorites are the Nine Ladies Circle through Stanton Moor Peak or the walk starting next to The Robin Hood pub in Baslow, with spectacular views from Birchen Edge. These walks are each only 2 kilometers long, perfect for little legs. Alternatively, we enjoy hiring some bikes and riding the Monsal Trail or Tissington Trail. We often visit Blaze Farm in Wildboarclough for a free walk around the farm and a taste of the scrumptious A2 ice-cream or head over to Chatsworth House to play in one of the best playgrounds around! However, if Mum and Dad are needing a drink (the fantastic pubs are part of the Peaks’ charm), we suggest stopping by The Bulls Head Inn, Monyash, which has a wonderful playground for the kids behind the garden. Public transport is available around the Peaks, but it’s very infrequent. The best way to get around is to hire a car.

Recommended by Jenny Lynn from Travelynn Family. Find out more from Jenny about family walks in the Peaks.

Salisbury/Stonehenge With Kids

For our family’s trip to Stonehenge, we opted for a guided, private tour with Stonehenge Tours at sunrise that let us INSIDE the inner circle with private access only granted to 16 people per day. A small van picked us up from our apartment in London at 4:30 a.m. so we arrived in time to catch the sun popping up over the English countryside and through the monoliths. We met our archeologist guide who had studied Stonehenge for decades. Through our special access, we could walk in between the stones, learning the geology, history, and mystery. The archeologist guide was a masterful educator, holding the attention of my 7- and 9-year old boys. There is a visitor’s center and some outdoor exhibits that show how the prehistoric people who built Stonehenge may have lived.

After our Stonehenge tour, we then headed to historic Salisbury Cathedral (15 minutes away), which is home to one of the four copies of the Magna Carta. Salisbury itself is a cute English town worth exploring or at least visiting some shops and stopping for lunch. Our private tour wasn’t inexpensive (around US $600), but compared to the bus tours we could have done, it was well worth the expense and an awesome way to visit Southeast England. We enjoyed Stonehenge and Salisbury so much that we’d definitely recommend it as a destination for a weekend getaway.

Recommended by Lori LeRoy from Maps, Memories and Motherhood.

Scarborough With Kids

Scarborough is a popular seaside resort in North Yorkshire on the north eastern coast of England. It’s a perfect place to stay as a family, especially just for a couple of nights. There is so much to see and do. For families who enjoy historical places, a visit to Scarborough castle is a must. Down by the harbor, there are amusements, boat rides and a mini fairground. Further down there is a beach with donkey rides and a lovely view over to the Spa and out to sea. If you hop on a tourist bus you can take a ride up to the north beach. Here it is a little less chaotic with beach chalets and just a short walk away there is the popular Peasholm Park with boats to hire. Plus, a miniature steam train over the road which takes you up to Scarborough Seacliff entre. There are plenty of choices for accommodation and we love the family friendly resort The Sands, with luxury self-catering apartments.

Recommended by Suzy McCullough from Our Bucket List Lives.

South Downs With Kids

The South Downs National Park is England’s newest national park. It covers the area mostly along the coast from Eastbourne to Winchester. Train access is available to Eastbourne or Winchester, but renting a car allows visitors to get the most out of the South Downs.

Eastbourne is a seaside resort that had its heyday in Victorian times. The Georgians would take the waters at spa towns like Bath. The Victorians preferred the seaside which started the trend for our current love of beach holidays. Much of the architecture reflects this Victorian heritage including the buildings that line the waterfront and the famous Eastbourne Pier. It’s a totally British thing to eat fish and chips by the seaside. Although Eastborne is a pebble beach, kids still enjoy.

From one end of Eastbourne, visitors have direct access to South Downs National Park. It’s not too far to the Seven Sisters Cliffs (white chalk cliffs that drop pretty vertically straight into the English Channel) or Birling Gap, a National Trust property. Erosion of the cliffs is visible at Birling Gap. The national park is great for walking and cycling through farmland, valleys and cliffs. It also encompasses a handful of postcard-perfect English villages.

Recommended by Shobha George from Just Go Places Blog. Find out more from Shobha about the South Downs with kids.

Staffordshire With Kids

The middle England County of Staffordshire is not the most obvious weekend getaway destination – no mountains, no beaches, and very few holiday parks. But, Staffordshire offers acres of beautiful English countryside, quaint villages and a whole heap of history. It’s where the famous Anglo-Saxon Staffordshire Hoard was discovered a few years ago which is worth over £3m and is now on show at the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Stoke-on-Trent.

Staffordshire is home to multiple stately homes, each with its own fascinating history. Many hold family-friendly events over the holidays, and all have extensive grounds to explore. We love Sudbury Hall with its Museum of Childhood and Shugborough Hall for its grounds. Getting outside in Staffordshire is practically compulsory, whatever the weather. There’s Cannock Chase, a 3,000 acre country park, which is a family favorite. We also love the Gruffalo trail, spotting deer and other wildlife, and the Go Ape tree top adventures if we’re feeling brave. There’s also the monkey forest at Trentham Gardens where you can walk around the grounds with real life monkeys! Thrill seekers are spoiled for choice with Alton Towers, Drayton Manor and the Snow Dome all fantastic family days out. Public transport is available to the major towns and cities, but a car is necessary to explore the countryside.

Recommended by Karen Quinn from Are We There Yet Kids.

Trevone Beach With Kids

Trevone Beach in North Cornwall is the perfect place to get away from it all and have a family & friends’ gathering. Different holiday agencies and bed and breakfast providers offer great accommodations. Don’t worry about the British weather, this beach offers an activity no matter what. On the left side of the bay, there are great rock pools ideal for keeping the whole family occupied by naming or should I say, trying to name, all the different creatures living in there. During the warmer months, a man-made pool provides a safe swimming area for the ones that do not mind the cold Cornwall seawater.

A great large sandy beach with little alcoves provides a playground for all ages is located on the right side of the bay. Families can easily spend hours down at the beach. During low tide, take your picnic, a few chairs if necessary, some sand buckets and shovels, and I can guarantee any visitor will forget busy city lives instantly. Beautiful walks around to the blowhole or along the coastal path will make you realize how beautiful the North Cornwall coast is. Careful it gets quite addictive… once Cornwall always Cornwall.

Recommended by Corina Swan from Packed Again. Find out more from Corina about North Cornwall Beach with kids.

York With Kids

York is the perfect weekend getaway in England! Easy to get to either by car or train from most major UK cities, York is very accessible! There are tons of family friendly things to do whatever the weather, such as the fabulous National Railway Museum, river cruises and the yummy chocolate story museum. For older children why not learn some more about York’s gruesome history on a ghost walking tour or a trip to York Dungeons! But for the budget conscious, a trip to York doesn’t have to be expensive for families with plenty of free activities such as walking the historic city walls and taking a trip to the Shambles!

York is full of historical gems that no visit is complete without! Firstly, be sure to visit the York Minster and marvel at the stained glass. With older children, climb the tower for unrivaled views across the city! Clifford Tower is another gem that explores some of York’s more unpleasant history! And, at any time of year, children will love the Museum Gardens! My little one especially loves a visit York during Christmas to see the beautiful illuminations!

A Visit to England For Kids

Recommended by Leona Bowman from Wandermust Family. Find out more from Leona about York with kids.

Looking for the more of the best places in England for kids? Check out all our posts about visiting England with kids.
October 18, 2018
Off the Beaten Path in Italy With Kids
During our family vacation to Italy this past summer, we followed the classic itinerary and visited Venice, Florence and Rome. We were not disappointed by these bucket list destinations in any way, but it was clear from our few detours off the beaten path that Italy has so much more to offer to tourists. We’re already dreaming of a return trip to Italy, which will definitely include more stops off the beaten path in Italy. We asked our favorite travel bloggers to recommend their favorite places off the beaten path spots in Italy and came up with this amazing list (which included a few of our own favorites):

Northern Italy With Kids

#1: Cittadella With Kids

Cittadella is a beautiful walled city located between Vicenza and Venice. Our favorite part about Cittadella was being able to walk all the way around the 13th century walls, where we enjoyed amazing views of the city.

We stayed in Vicenza for my husband’s work conference, so it was a quick 30 minute drive away. There is plenty of parking on the ring road around the walls. I wouldn’t recommend driving into the walled city. Try to find a parking place close to one of the four gates for easy entry. Cittadella is a quaint city that doesn’t require more than a 1/2 day to explore. We arrived in the late afternoon and stayed until dinner.

After entering through the south gate, we grabbed some ice cream at Gelateria Antica Porta before making our way to the entrance to climb the walls. The entrance is located near the north gate and is easily accessible via the stairs (don’t bring a stroller). We paid our entrance, grabbed an informational paper and began our walk. The walk is pretty safe for children with some guard rails, but keep an eye on toddlers. After our walk, we descended and headed to dinner at Birreria Torre S.N.C. Cittadella is great for kids because it features a medieval wall, a huge playground near the south gate and ice cream shops. The city is not pedestrian only (so watch the kids near the road), but the sidewalks are wide, and it’s easy to navigate.

Recommended by Chelsea Kelly-Sipe from Pack More into Life.

#2: Como With Kids

Small Italian towns don’t come quainter than Como, on the southern tip of Lake Como. We visited for one day, but I think three days is probably ideal. It’s easy to reach by train, 30 minutes from Milan, and the walk down to the Lake takes visitors through the gorgeous old town. Stop for a coffee outside the Duomo or the Basilica di San Fedele, a beautiful 10^th century church.

Kids will love the funicular ride into the surrounding hills and adults will love the breath-taking views from above. If it’s hot, there’s a cute little play area with some splash fountains – remember to bring a swimsuit and towel. Visiting families will be spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants, with so many available on the left side of the Lake. Most will be open for lunch, closing at around 3 and opening again for dinner at seven.

Como is a great base to explore the other lakeside towns and to find some lake beaches. There are regular steam boats and ferries visitors can use to get around. Another option is to hire a car and head into the hills, but make sure it’s a small one, the streets are pretty narrow. And no, we didn’t see famous residents, Amal and George, but there’s always next time….

Recommended by Karen from Are We There Yet Kids.

#3: Lucca With Kids

One of our favorite family destinations in all of Italy is the lovely town of Lucca. Located in northern Tuscany, less than two hours from Florence by train, Lucca dates back to medieval times and has a timeless charm that makes it perfect both as a base to discover the area and as a stop during a Tuscany road trip.

We first visited Lucca with the kids when they were 3 and 5. The town can be visited in a matter of hours, but it is worth taking a few days as it is really easy to enjoy with children. The city still retains its medieval walls, and this means a large section of its center is car free. Our kids loved running around its small streets and were charmed by the many musicians fillings the air with beautiful notes: Lucca is the home town of composer Puccini, and his legacy is very much alive! Older kids are likely to enjoy cycling along the city walls, and visitors of all ages will love Lucca’s many restaurants that offer delicious Tuscan fare.

Recommended by Marta Correale from Learning Escapes. Find out more from Marta about Lucca with kids.

#4: Milan With Kids

Last year we spent six days in Milan with our little boy, who was 3.5 at the time. Compared to flights to Rome or Venice, the flight from Amsterdam to Milan was very cheap, and Italy was still on our bucket list, so that was an easy choice. The city is easy to navigate with public transport and very family friendly. Like the flights, accommodation is also a lot more affordable in Milan. It’s still a big city, so don’t expect ‘Asia cheap,’ but we managed to find a one bedroom apartment for €53 per night. We looked at hotels too, but with our little one in tow, a separate bedroom was a big plus. And to save some money, I cooked us dinner a few nights. We really enjoyed riding the old trams and visiting Sforzesca castle. Don’t forget to plan at least a half day for a visit to the Museo Nazionale della Scienza e della Technologia (Science and Technology Museum). San Siro Stadium, the ‘Temple of Soccer’ is worth a visit if you kids are soccer fans, and for race enthusiasts there is the Autodroma Monza. While not the obvious choice for a city trip to Italy, Milan really is a nice place to visit with kids.

Recommended by Lisa from FlipFlopGlobetrotters. Find out more from Lisa about great things to do with kids in Milan.

#5: Orvieto With Kids

Orvieto is just off the highway that connects Rome and Florence, yet many visitors pass right by on their rush to get to Tuscany. Yet this medieval, Umbrian city is much quieter than its hilltop counterparts in Tuscany. With so much to do for kids, it deserves at least a pit stop, if not an overnight stay. The Orvieto Cathedral is simply stunning, a rival to the Duomo in Florence (minus the magnificent dome). Those who don’t mind a little adventure can climb down into St. Patrick’s well or take a tour of the Orvieto Underground. Even without visits to the museums and attractions, kids will love running through the park and exploring the cobblestone streets in the evening. Parents can enjoy wine tasting at a sidewalk table while kids play in the piazza with locals and finish off the evening with a gelato.

Recommended by Tamara from We 3 Travel. Find out more from Tamara about Orvieto with kids.

#6: Panzano With Kids

Panzano is a quaint picturesque Italian town and is located in the Chianti/Tuscany region between Siena and Florence. Easily reachable by rental car, visitors will find it roughly equidistant from Bologna in the north (2 hours) or Rome in the south (2.5 hours). We recommend using this hilltop village as a base for at least four nights to explore the sites and tastes of the Italian countryside. Some of our favorite things to do in Panzano include taking a family cooking class at Toscana Mia, sampling offerings from the 7th generation butcher Dario Cecchini, visiting one of the many Renaissance villages and abbeys within a 30 minute drive, dining at one of the world-renowned wineries, and enjoying gelato or espresso in the town square. We recommend spending your nights at Villa Le Barone, a 16th century villa that is loaded with charm and history. The Independent Apartment is a perfect space for families and features a double bed plus two single sofa beds and offers privacy and a beautiful view of the rolling Chianti Hills. We enjoyed spending time on the property as the pool, tennis courts and bicycle and walking trails give visitors an opportunity to get the kids outside and immerse themselves in this breathtaking countryside.

Recommended by Brandy Morgan from Kid Allergy Travel.

#7: Pisa With Kids

The Leaning Tower of Pisa is one of Italy’s most recognizable landmarks because of its unintended tilt. Even though it isn’t the only leaning tower in Italy or even Pisa, it is world-renowned because of the degree of its tilt, the beauty of its architecture and the fact that Galileo used it in experiments that showed that objects of different mass fall at the same rate. We spent a night in Pisa staying at a hotel across the street from the Leaning Tower when driving from Bologna to Florence. The view of the Tower from our room was amazing. While we planned to arrive late and head out after breakfast and a walk around the Field of Miracles, we extended our stay to tour the Cathedral and Baptistery and climb to the top of the Leaning Tower.

Recommended by Catherine D’Cruz. Find out more from Catherine about Pisa with kids.

#8: Riomaggiore With Kids

Cinque Terre or Five Lands is a string of five picturesque fishing villages in the Liguria region of Italy. The five villages are: Monterosso al Mare, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore. We were lucky enough to visit Riomaggiore several years ago on a road trip through Liguria and parts of Tuscany. Riomaggiore really took our breath away with its colorful houses perilously perched on the rocky cliffs off the Mediterranean coast. We were so taken with the undeniable beauty of this place that we vowed to return in the future and properly explore all five villages.

It is not possible to drive into Cinque Terre. To get there, we parked our car in the town of La Spezia and hopped on a train that takes visitors to all five villages. The train ride from La Spezia to Riomaggiore is only 10 minutes and is very affordable. The ride between each of the rest of the towns is only 5 minutes or less. Since we had very little time to explore, we only visited Riomaggiore. But visitors who have enough time to visit all five should buy a Cinque Terre card to save money and gain access to hiking trails and museums. Make sure to validate your ticket at one of the yellow machines at the train station before boarding the train! Exploring by train rather than foot is easier for those who have difficulty with their mobility or have very young children. Just be aware that the train is very crowded during high season. We felt like sardines in a can. Also, once in the towns, be prepared for lots of stairs and elevation changes when exploring. Because of the terrain, a super thorough sightseeing may not be for everyone.

When we return to explore Cinque Terre in the future, we would love to hike from village to village and stay in each for a couple days, or perhaps even longer.

Recommended by Bea from PackYourBags.Org. Find out more from Bea about Italy’s Liguria region.

#9: San Gimignano With Kids

We spent a lovely afternoon in San Gimignano. While driving from Pisa to Florence, we wanted to explore a typical Tuscan town and were so glad we chose this beautiful walled, hill town. We could see the 14 medieval towers miles before we reached the outskirts of town and parked just outside the wall and walked into the city center and quickly came to Piazza del Duomo. The adjacent Piazza della Cisterna, which is named for the cistern that was accessed from the center of the square, was the perfect place for a glass of wine (for the adults) and some gelato (for the kids). The line at the world-famous Gelateria Dondoli was too long, and we desperately needed to sit in the shade, so we choose Le Terrazze instead. After we were all refreshed, we decided that we couldn’t miss a 360 degree hilltop view and took a short walk to the Rocca. San Gimignano is a beautiful medieval hill town, and it was a refreshing break on a trip spent mostly in large metropolitan tourist centers to spend a few hours in this quaint town.

Recommended by Catherine D’Cruz. Find out more from Catherine about San Gimignano with kids.

#10: Santa Margherita Ligure With Kids

Just a short walk from ritzy Portofino, Santa Margherita Ligure is the perfect base for families wanting to explore the Italian Riviera. Santa Margherita is a small port, fishing town and a popular resort with Italians. Its shingled shoreline boasts a couple of beach clubs, and the sea front is lined with cafes, restaurants and of course gelateries.

Visitors strolling along the pretty cobbled streets stumble upon a magnificent baroque church and a castle with impressive views of the Ligurian Sea. On summer evenings, the town lights up with free entertainment and dancing.

Santa Margherita is well serviced by public transport or families can drive from the closest airport at Genoa. To explore the Ligurian coast, visitors can walk to Portofino or take a day trip by train to the Cinque Terre. In summer, a ferry service hops along the coastal towns of the Italian Riviera. After spending a week in Santa Margherita, visitors will return home with that la dolce vita aura Italians are famous for.

Recommended by Katy Clarke of Untold Morsels. Find out more from Katy about the Italian Riviera with kids.

#11: Siena With Kids

We stayed near Volterra, so the drive to Siena was just over an hour away, but perfectly worth it. Siena has the wow factor with medieval architecture, a beautiful elaborate (yet unfinished) cathedral and symbolic neighborhoods, which even today people take heed of.

To make the most of visiting the beautiful medieval city of Siena with kids, I would highly recommend paying for a walking tour. We went with ‘Ariana and Friends’ who can tailor and pitch the tour exactly to your needs. We learned that Siena is comprised of 17 historic neighborhoods, each with its specific symbol showcased outside. Look out for dragons, caterpillars, geese, wolves, porcupines and more! Each family belonged to a neighborhood based on their profession or status.

Not to be missed are the Basilica San Domenico and the Duomo, or a run around the Piazza del Campo and soak in the sights. There is a small exhibition for children inside the Santa Maria Della Scala (located opposite the Duomo) with several interactive opportunities too.

For families visiting during the hot summer months, the swimming pool in Acquacalda may appeal. There are two outdoor pools: a large one with space for both swimming and relaxing and a smaller one for children.

Recommended by Carrie Bradley from Flying With A Baby

#12: Trentino Region With Kids

We have been to Italy multiple times and have to admit that it’s an extremely kid-friendly place to travel. However, there are more towns, churches, or museums than any child can handle – not to mention the huge crowds in the popular tourist destinations. This summer we took our kids to the Trentino region in Northern Italy, and it became our favorite place for a family vacation in Italy. Trentino has it all: spectacular mountain landscapes, quaint little towns, authentic Italian feel, and an incredible variety of family-friendly activities.

Visitors can enjoy activities ranging from hiking to mountain-biking; spend a day at an adventure park, try bouldering, or explore the exhilarating yet family-friendly Via Ferrata trails. There are even special canyoning opportunities that are suitable for families with kids from five years and up. Not into that much action? No worries. There are animal parks, petting farms, playgrounds, and plenty of beautiful mountain lakes where visitors can row a boat or go for a swim. One thing that is lacking in Trentino is the crowds. It’s the perfect place for a truly family-friendly Italian vacation off the beaten path.

Recommended by Jurga from Full Suitcase. Find out more from Jurga on the best things to do in Trentino with kids.

#13: Treviso With Kids

Treviso is a quiet, much less touristy and a little less beautiful version of Venice. We arrived with our rental car and stayed for one day and night before continuing to its famous neighbor. Walking through the city with our toddler, we loved the colorful buildings on the many waterways. There are of course a lot of restaurants, and because Treviso is not a touristy city the meals are very affordable. Romano is known for having the best ice-cream in town. So be prepared to stand in line, but after that you will enjoy some of tastiest Italian ice-cream ever. They provide a bib for kids and adults.

There are many low-key attractions in town. Cycling fans will want to check out the Pinarello shop with the bike Froome used for his Tour de France wins. We also found a great playground on the Vialo Bartolomeo d’Alviano in one of many parks in Treviso. While Treviso does not host any special child friendly museums or theme parks, the laid-back atmosphere and friendly people makes it very suitable for families with young children. I do suggest bringing a stroller as the city center is rather big.

Recommended by Tikva from GezinOpReis (Dutchtravelfamily). Find out more from Tikva about Treviso with kids.

#14: Volterra With Kids

Volterra is one of the most picturesque small towns in Tuscany. Located just over an hour from both Florence and Siena, this medieval town is best reached by car, but trains and buses are also an option. We would recommend a stay at a local agriturismo, as there are plenty in the area, and they are great options for families. We stayed at a lovely vineyard, Fattoria Corzano e Paterno, and drove to Volterra for the day.

Volterra dates back to Etruscan times, and visitors should spend time exploring the remains of the 4th century city walls, the Etruscan Museum and Porta all’Arco, one of the town’s main gates built by the Etruscans. Kids will love exploring the Roman Theater ruins, one of the best preserved in Italy. Dating to the 1st century BC, the site includes the remains of the stage, seats, a forum, and even baths.

After the ruins, spend time wandering the medieval streets of Volterra. Be sure to shop at the local alabaster shops, and make a stop at Piazza dei Priori, the main square, and home to the oldest town hall in Tuscany. Don’t miss the sandwiches at Panineria Al Vicolinio and gelato at L’Isola del Gusto before heading home for the day.

Photo credit: Creative Commons

Recommended by Kirsten Maxwell from Kids Are A Trip. Find out more from Kirsten about Tuscany with kids.

South Italy With Kids

#15: Matera With Kids

In Matera, Italy, visitors can stay in a cave! That by itself was a highlight for our kids, but there are many other things to do in this UNESCO Heritage Site. Visiting families can ride a tuktuk-style taxi around town to get a nice tour, visit a free museum of miniature replica of the town, or have gelato in one of the charming town squares.

We stayed in Matera for three nights, three days and spent two days exploring the town and a day trip out to the Bari Coast on the third. Matera is about a two hour drive from Naples, an hour and a half from Bari, and five hours from Rome. There are several cave hotels around town, but we stayed at the Residence San Pietro Barisano and had an amazing time! The rooms are right in front of the restaurant, so on one of the nights, we got to go outside our room and have a romantic dinner overlooking the town after the kids went to bed. We would recommend going to Matera with kids in a heartbeat!

Recommended by Emily Jenks from Henry and Andrew’s Guide.

#16: Ostuni With Kids

We love Ostuni in Puglia! Known as the white city, it can be seen for miles around, shining in the hilltop! We flew into the nearby town of Brindisi, but Ostuni can be also reached by plane from Bari or via cruise ship. Out five day stay was perfect giving us time to explore Ostuni and the surrounding area, including the UNESCO world heritage site Alberbello and also allowed for plenty of beach time! I recommend staying with kids in a trulli house. These traditional dry stone huts with conical roofs are common in the region and offer added authenticity that visitors won’t find anywhere else.

Recommended by Leona Bowman from Wandermust Family. Find out more from Leona about Puglia with kids.

#17: Salve With Kids

Salve is located in the province of Lecce, Apulia region and entirely within the Salento peninsula, often called the “heel” of the Italian “boot”. The village is set in the countryside amidst olive groves and native Mediterranean scrub. Perfectly nestled for easy reach to the sea-front fortified gems of Otranto and Gallipoli and Leuca, the luxurious seaside town, and Lecce, the capital of the province and a Baroque masterpiece town.

White fine sand with shallow and crystal-clear water provide some of the most acclaimed beaches of the Ionian Salento Coast which are ideal for families with younger kids. On the Adriatic side you find breathtaking cliffs, caves and alcoves. Hidden and secluded tiny beaches among these cliffs provide excellent swimming and snorkeling stops for families with older children. Visitors can also rent a small boat and explore this beauty at their own pace.

During summer peak season, Salve and the surrounding area is a very lively place with kids as there are fun fair rides along the beach promenade and plenty of good restaurants to choose from. For families who prefer a quieter time and don’t mind if some of the activities are already shut down for winter, September is a great month to visit. Easiest way is to arrive by air directly to Brindisi – Salento airport – from where you can rent a car and drive about one hour south.

Recommended by Corina Swan from Packed Again.

#18: Siracusa With Kids

Our last trip to Italy brought us to a city many visitors ignore: stunning Siracusa. Located on the East coast of Sicily, Siracusa dates back to Greek times and now mixes seamlessly ancient history, medieval charm and a modern vibe.

The city has two main areas of interest for visitors: the old city center, Ortigia, and the archaeological park. It is possible to visit both in one day, but we recommend you schedule at least a couple of days to appreciate Siracusa’s splendor.

Ortigia is the part of the city we loved the most. There is a plethora of beautiful buildings. The main duomo overlooks a large square perfect for kids to run around, and just a short walk down the road is the famous fountain of Arethusa and its resident ducks! Older kids are likely to enjoy the archaeological park where they can visit the infamous Latomie and the largest Greek theater in the area, truly a sight to behold. Nearby, inventors in the making can experiment to their heart content in the museum of Archimedes’ inventions, which pays homage to the city’s most beloved son.

Recommended by Marta Correale from Learning Escapes. Find out more from Marta about Siracusa with kids.

#19: Sorrento With Kids

My family and I traveled from Rome to Naples on a train for 1 hour and 20 min. Once we arrived we had a private guide, Lovely Amalfi Coast Tours, drive us down to the Amalfi Coast where we toured Ravello and Amalfi, had lunch in Positano and ended in Sorrento! We stayed in Sorrento for two nights in a very nice four star hotel called the Grand Hotel De La Ville that overlooked Sorrento and Mt. Vesuvius. This hotel has two rooftop pools with the best views in town! Across the street is a wonderful children’s park, Parco Giochi Don Luigi Verde for families with small children that has plenty of slides, swings, rides, trampoline and a refreshment and snack bar for a quick bite to eat. Another attraction near the hotel is a lemon orchard, Giardini Di Cataldo. This orchard has lemon trees growing all over, and while the adults sample the famous limoncello, the little ones can run around wild and let out their wiggles out. Heading into the town is a must and is only about a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Venturing through the charming cobblestone streets and vendors is all part of the adventure. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and gelato to keep the whole family happy!

Recommended by Vanessa Salomon-Perez from Travel Chic Fam.

#20: South Tyrol Region With Kids

Our family recently discovered a wonderful place in Italy, truly off the beaten path. We have been to Italy several times, to places, like Rome, Florence and Venice – the usual suspects. But this time, we wanted to cool off in the Italian Alps, as the summer in Europe has been unusually hot. Before we set off on our road trip, we thought we knew what to expect from the Italian Alps, but we were in for quite a surprise. For our one-week camping and hiking excursion, we chose the region of South Tyrol (or Alto Adige in Italian). This is the home of the Dolomites, which are part of the Southern Limestone Alps. As we soon discovered, not all European Alps were created equal. We’ve been to the Alps in France, Switzerland, Austria and other parts of Italy, but the Dolomites just took our breath away. No wonder, the Dolomites are on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. Not only are these mountains beautiful, the towns picturesque, lakes out of fairy tales, but also, we were surprised to find out that in this part of Italy, German is widely spoken by the local population, as well as Italian. In fact, all names of places in this region have both an Italian name and a German name.

During winter the Dolomites are very popular with skiers, but since we were there during the summer, here is what we did:
- We slept in a tent at the Camping Olympia in the town of Dobbiaco (Toblach in German).
- We hiked around one of the most beautiful lakes on the planet, Lago di Braies (Pragser Wildsee in German).
- We explored the picturesque towns of Dobbiaco (Toblach) and Villabassa (Niederdorf in German) on bicycle.
- We stuffed our faces with a local dish named “knodel” (“canederli” in Italian). I think I found my new favorite food.
- We explored the bucolic countryside.
So, for visitors looking for a different experience in Italy, with no crowds, surrounded by nature, with pristine lakes and a slower pace of life, look no further than the South Tyrol region in northern Italy.

Recommended by Bea from Pack Your Bags.

Best Places in Italy

With this list of the best places to visit in Italy for kids, we can’t wait to go back. Check out all our posts on Italy for kids.
September 25, 2018
Best Science Centers in the World
Science museums offer interactive and hands-on exhibits to inspire excitement for STEM learning. Many science museums also participate in the ASTC Travel Passport Program, which provides members of participating museums free reciprocal admission to hundreds of natural history, science and children’s museums around the world. We asked some of our fellow family travel bloggers for favorite science museums they’ve visited and came up with this list of the best science centers in the world (asterisked museums are participants in the ASTC Travel Passport Program).

Best Science Museums for Kids

#1: Arizona Science Center With Kids* (Phoenix, Arizona)

There are two things that make for a great science museum: interactive exhibits and engaging explanations. We found both of those in spades at the Arizona Science Center! We visited with our 3 and 5 year old children and found meaningful, hands-on stations to suit everyone in the family along with easy-to-understand signage everywhere. There’s almost an entire floor dedicated to the human body, a huge section on mechanics and even a large area covering extreme weather (perfect for my Storm Chasers-loving husband). The Center always shows interesting and age-appropriate films at its IMAX theater and has a fantastic cafe on-site that offers food that is both healthy and fun. A visit to the Arizona Science Center is the perfect way to escape the Phoenix heat with kids, and bring your ASTC member card for free admission!

Recommended by Melissa Conn from The Family Voyage. Find out more from Melissa about great family activities in Phoenix.

#2: California Academy of Sciences With Kids (San Francisco, California)

The California Academy of Sciences is both a natural history museum and a science museum all in one! The Academy has a rain forest, aquarium (with a touch and feel tide pool), planetarium, living roof, and a section where they provide African wildlife exhibits – including real penguins! The playroom is a favorite with our 1 and 3 year old children, too. Visitors can’t forget the albino alligator, Claude, who lives in the swamp of the Academy. We’ve had a membership to this museum since before we had kids, and we now continue to renew it because there is truly something for everyone. It’s located in a central part of the Golden Gate Park, so it’s a perfect spot to stop while you are exploring San Francisco.

Recommended by Emily Jenks from Henry and Andrew’s Guide. Find out more from Emily about San Francisco with kids.

#4: Cite des Sciences et de l’industrie With Kids (Paris, France)

Housed inside a giant concrete block, the Cite des Sciences is the largest science museum in Europe. It has several permanent exhibits featuring sciences, mathematics and technology. Visitors can explore the human brain, learn about the origins of the universe and see how man has developed technology, among other things. Don’t miss the Geode at the back of the museum; this enormous reflective globe contains a state of the art IMAX and virtual reality cinema.

Children will be especially interested in the Cite des Enfants (Children’s City) where they can join a 90 minute session and explore experiments and interactive tasks, while learning about their bodies and the physical world. Older children can also play in a TV studio and a garden. The sessions are split by age: ages 2 – 7 and 5 – 12. Kids don’t want to leave!

After exploring the exhibits in the museum, take a walk in the Parc de la Villette behind the museum to see its modern, industrial architecture. The Cite des Sciences is a little off the main tourist trail in Paris, but it’s reached easily enough from the Gare du Nord. There’s no general admission fee, but individual exhibits do require admission, and pre-booking the children’s city is a good idea to avoid the long queues.

Recommended by Emily Cole from Kids and Compass. Find out more from Emily about Paris with small kids.

#5: The Franklin Institute With Kids* (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

The Franklin Institute is a science and technology center in Center City in Philadelphia. It’s named for Philadelphia’s beloved citizen and Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, who wore many hats but most notably as a scientist and inventor. When we go to Philadelphia to visit family in the suburbs, my children always insist on visiting the Franklin Institute.

Visitors can easily spend an entire day at this center because there is so much to do. The Institute has special exhibits that rotate regularly. For example, we have enjoyed exhibits on Pompeii and the Terracotta Warriors. There is an IMAX theater, a planetarium and many interactive exhibits. For example, there is a giant human heart that visitors can walk both around and through, while exploring the different parts of the organ. Even though the Institute is very popular, it never feels crowded because it is so large. It’s easily one of the best science centers we have ever visited.

Recommended by Shobha George from Just Go Places Blog.

#6: Luray Caverns With Kids (Luray, Virginia)

Luray Caverns is basically the Geology Hall of Fame. Located in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia, Luray is the largest and most visited caverns in Eastern America. This one of a kind attraction combines geology, chemistry and even music. Admission tickets include a guided tour, which departs every 20 minutes after 9 a.m., and access to the The Luray Valley Museum, the Car and Carriage Museum and Toy Town Junction. Families can also buy additional tickets to the Rope Adventure Park and Garden Maze. The guided tour leads visitors through well lit, paved walkways to view and explore towering stone formations and natural wonders. Our family stopped at this one of a kind center on a road trip to Georgia, and I literally had to drag my kids out of there. My science and history loving children were in awe of the enormous chambers filled with towering stone columns, draperies and crystal-clear pools. For visitors looking for a unique science museum that offers hands on and experienced based learning in a stunning environment, Luray Caverns should be on your East Coast itinerary.

Recommended by Ruth Mendes from Have Kiddos Will Travel.

#7: Magna Science Adventure Centre With Kids (Rotherham, England)

We love the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, Yorkshire. It’s based around air, fire, water and Earth with different exhibit areas for each. The Centre is set in an old steel works, and the space is massive and actually a little spooky. There is a big melt every hour with fireworks and other sounds to demonstrate how they used to melt the steel. Each of the pavilions has different interactive displays for young and old to play with and explore. Our particular favourites are watching a tornado of fire ignite in the fire pavilion, playing with pretend rocks and blowing holes in rocks in the Earth pavilion and shooting water canons at targets in the water pavilion. There’s also one of the biggest playgrounds I’ve ever seen that has a splash park in the warmer months. The added cherry on top is that once visitors have paid for one visit they can return as many times as desired for the next 12 months without charge.

Recommended by Suzy McCullough from Our Bucket List Lives.

#8: National Science and Technology Museum Leonardo da Vinci With Kids* (Milan, Italy)

The National Science and Technology Museum Leonardo da Vinci is the biggest science museum in Italy. The outside of the 16th-century monastery that houses the museum is nothing to look at, but the inside is amazing. The Museum has a huge collection of sixteen thousand technical scientific objects, dating back to the 19th century. There’s a gallery with drawings by Leonardo Da Vinci and 130 scale models that are based on his sketches. Furthermore, the Museum has exhibits about energy production, communication, computers, iron and steel industry and space travel. The transportation section takes up a large part of the museum, with various (parts of) ships, a collection of locomotives and train carriages, numerous airplanes and even a full-size helicopter. Our son was also really impressed by the huge military submarine Enrico Toti that sits in the garden. We only spent a morning at the museum with our toddler and did not nearly have enough time to see it all.

Recommended by Lisa van den Berg from Flip Flop Globetrotters. Find out more from Lisa about things to do in Milan with kids.

#9: Nagoya City Science Museum and Electricity Museum With Kids (Nagoya, Japan)

The Nagoya City Science Museum in Nagoya, Japan houses the biggest planetarium in the world. The 30 minute planetarium show about the galaxy and constellations, featuring a highly realistic starry sky, will leave the viewers in awe even though it isn’t dubbed in English. Visitors will also enjoy various exhibits such as the Tornado Lab, Deep Freezing Lab and Electric Discharge Lab.

For Nagoya visitors who love science, the Electricity Museum is a family-friendly attraction in Nagoya, Japan where kids and adults can enjoy learning how electricity works and its importance to the people of Japan. We toured the museum through the Nagoya Sightseeing Tour Bus, and the entrance ticket is free for everyone. It offers hologram images where visitors can see the pioneers in Japanese electricity and there are interactive tools on display and a science plaza where kids can experiment and be familiarized with different science laws. The main attraction of this museum is the OHM Theater where guests can participate in quizzes and competitions as video game characters on their impressive 29-foot screen.

Recommended by Catha Buti-Uy of Team Uy Travels.

#10: Oregon Museum of Science and Industry With Kids* (Portland, Oregon)

The Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (“OMSI”) in Portland, Oregon, is not somewhere visitors might think of bringing a child, and we worried whether our son would enjoy it. We wanted to visit the special exhibition OMSI had about Pompeii, but we were delighted to find lots for kids to enjoy. We were totally blown away by it. The Science Playground was by far our son’s favourite section. Designed for kids ages 0-6, there were water tables, sand pits and lots of different sections for free-play, learning and discovery. The Planetarium was also a hit with our young son, and the rest of the museum was filled with different exhibits for children of all ages. One thing we missed during our visit was USS Blueback, the submarine that was featured in The Hunt for Red October and now permanently docked beside the museum. I was gutted to learn that we had missed it, but it’s a perfect excuse for a return visit!

Recommended by Catherine from Passports and Adventures. Find out more from Catherine about the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.

#11: Perot Museum of Nature and Science With Kids* (Dallas, Texas)

The Perot Museum of Nature and Science is not merely a science center. This awe-inspiring, 160,000 square foot structure is a state-of-the-art experience intersecting the worlds of engineering, science, architecture, nature and sustainability. With eleven permanent exhibits, six learning labs and one traveling exhibit, the sprawling six floors deliver excitement. My fourth-grader loves the Rose Hall of Birds where visitors can build and fly their own bird. The Leap Frog Forest enchants my toddler as kids of all ages can crawl, jump and play life-size leapfrog. Both kids agree that the top attractions are:
- Sports: Practice an athletic move then film yourself in “Motion Lab” or challenge a T-Rex, Dallas Cowboy or cheetah in a timed race at “Run.”
- Life Then and Now: Build your own dinosaur then send it to battle.
- Engineering and Innovation: Lead pre-built robots on missions or program one yourself using visual coding stations.
But, don’t forget to squeeze in some other special engagements. Marvel at the Perot Dinosaur, a new species found by Perot Museum Paleontologists. Crack open an Amethyst Geode that stands 5 feet tall. Visitors can also get their groove on at Harmony Park, watch a 4D Film at the National Geographic Experience Theater or view a real brain and stem at “Being Human.”

Recommended by Brandy from Kid Allergy Travel.

#12: Science World at TELUS World of Science With Kids* (Vancouver, Canada)

Science World at TELUS World of Science is one of the best science museums we have visited. Not only does it stand out in terms of location and architecture, but it also has diverse displays, hands-on experiments and award-winning playgrounds. Most displays are designed to be intuitive, and children and grown-ups are encouraged to try things out and have fun while exploring the museum and learning. Kids can try to weigh a hippo, climb on a rotating climbing wall and crawl through a beaver lodge. There are regular live demonstrations throughout the day, and we planned to visit for 2 hours and end up staying for 4.5. Science World is one of Vancouver’s must-do kid-focused tourist attractions.

Recommended by Jules from Shades of Courage.

#13: Scienceworks With Kids (Melbourne, Australia)

For parents of children constantly asking “why” about everything, Scienceworks in Melbourne feeds the curiosity of young minds. Offering a wide range of kid friendly exhibits with hands on activities, and live demonstrations, this child-focused museum makes learning about science fun and exciting.

For little space lovers, the planetarium teaches kids about planets, constellations, and their home planet Earth through a kid-friendly animated film. With reclining seats and a domed roof, visitors can sit back and enjoy the show. Kids also love the “lightning room” which is a 120-seat auditorium that presents demonstrations to teach children about electricity. Learn about dinosaurs, the ocean, bugs and insects, and much more. For those visiting Melbourne, Scienceworks is a great day out for the whole family.

Recommended by Chontelle from Mum’s Little Explorers.

Best Science Centers For Kids

There are so many of these best science museums in the world that are now on our travel list. For more amazing museums for young scientists, check out the Best Natural History Museums in the World!
June 24, 2018
Best Natural History Museums in the World
Our kids love museums, and we often visit natural history museums while we travel, particularly those that participate in the ASTC Travel Passport Program, which provides members of participating museums free reciprocal admission to hundreds of natural history, science and children’s museums. Natural history museums are a great way to extend classroom learning. We asked our fellow family travel bloggers for their favorites and came up with this list of the best natural history museums in the world (asterisked museums are participants in the ASTC Travel Passport Program):

Best Natural History Museums With Kids

#1: American Museum of Natural History With Kids* (New York City, New York)

The American Museum of Natural History is the largest Natural History museum in the world and is housed in a beautiful building in New York’s Upper West Side, right outside Central Park. It’s crammed full of artifacts from land, sea and space and is super family friendly for visitors with kids. Our favourite section (and I think the favourite for the majority of visitors) is the Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs, which contains a huge selection of dinosaur fossils. There is a T-Rex, a stegosaurus, a triceratops and loads more for any dino fans. But it’s not only dinosaurs, the Museum also has a fantastic oceans exhibit – home to the amazing 94 foot long blue whale model, halls featuring birds and reptiles halls (watch out for the 25 foot python!), exhibits about human origins and cultural diversity and a fantastic section about space. All around the museum are interactive touch screens with more information, and don’t all kids love a touch screen?! General admission for adults costs $23 and $13 for children. The Museum opens daily at 10 am, which is the best time to visit to avoid the crowds.

Recommended by Karen from Are We There Yet Kids.

#2: Denver Museum of Nature and Science With Kids* (Denver, Colorado)

We are privileged to have a world-class nature and science museum in Colorado. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science has something for everyone with an interest in natural science. The Museum has an IMAX Theater and planetarium with various shows. Traveling exhibits include such divergent topics as Vikings, bioluminescent animals, and the Dead Sea Scrolls. The permanent exhibits showcase outer space, animals from around the world, the intricacies of our bodies, Egyptian mummies, and prehistoric dinosaurs.

But we love bling, so our favorite museum exhibit is the gems and mineral showcase. As self-professed rock hounds, we love to see the awe-inspiring collection of minerals and gemstones. Indigenous Colorado gemstones include aquamarine, amazonite, and the very rare rhodochrosite. The largest gold nugget found in Colorado is also on display. We always learn new things about the gemstones and minerals during our visits.

Recommended by Lance Hale from Family Well Traveled.

#3: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa With Kids (Wellington, New Zealand)

Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa (commonly referred to as “Te Papa”) is mind-blowing and an unmissable stop on a New Zealand itinerary. Perched on the waterfront in Wellington, this 6 story building is stuffed with awe-inspiring exhibitions on Aotearoa/New Zealand’s history, it’s natural world and cultural treasures. Te Papa Tongarewa (meaning ‘container of treasures”) is literally packed with hands on, interactive exhibits, which our kids, ages 6 and 3 loved. Far from dragging them around the museum, they ran from exhibit to exhibit excited and totally engaged. The five main collections are Arts, History, Taonga Māori, Pacific Cultures, and Natural History. From impressive native species such as the pygmy blue whale skeleton and the world’s largest specimen of the rare colossal squid (weighing 496 kg!) to more light-hearted exhibits such as Peter Jackson replicas of Orcs to more sobering inclusions such as the current Gallipoli exhibition, Te Papa is, in our opinion, one of the greatest museums in the world. FREE ENTRY apart from specific touring exhibitions. Allow a full day!

Recommended by Mags Nixon from The Family Freestylers.

#4: National Museum of Natural History and Science With Kids* (Tokyo, Japan)

The best museum in Ueno Park for families with kids is the National Museum of Natural History and Science. This is the huge building with a concrete blue whale on one side and a locomotive on the other. That basically sums up what the museum is about – the encounter of people with nature, which in Japanese culture is a continuum rather than a disruption.

The Museum tells the story of how people came to Japan (via Okinawa), and how the islands looked before they came. That part of the museum is pretty conventional, although English explanations are limited. Audio guides are also available.

The coolest part of the museum is the “global gallery”, which goes down three levels into the ground, with dinosaurs in the middle. The cartoon movie explanation of evolution one floor below is also very interesting, a bit tongue in cheek, although everyone looks like an American cartoon from the 1950s. We were entertained by the exhibit representing the smart phone as the peak of evolution.

The upper floors of the global gallery contain exhibits about technology, Japanese technology of course. The upper floors are where kids will get their most lasting memory of their visit in ComPASS, the space for children’s play and communication. It was recently opened after a renovation and is really fun for the kids. It is so popular that visitors have to get a queue ticket at the information desk at the first floor.

Especially on rainy days, the museum can be crowded. Bring a packed lunch and eat it in the lunch space on the basement floor of the old building (the “honkan”). There are two restaurants, but the wait could be as long as several hours to be seated. Except for the dinosaurs, children do need adult explanation of the exhibits but absolutely love exploring this fact-packed museum.

Recommended by Wisterian from Wisterian Watertree.

#5: Natural History Museum With Kids (London, England)

There is so much to captivate children at London’s Natural History Museum whether they’re into dinosaurs and furry owls or giant whales and tiny insects. Visitors can feel the earth move in the Earthquake machine, play detective games around the museum and visit colorful butterflies in the Butterfly House. The hands-on Science Centre is a great place for children to examine specimens from around the world, using microscopes and other instruments.

The most popular gallery is the Dinosaurs, where visitors can get up close to prehistoric specimens, including the skull of a plant-eating Triceratops, an Iguanodon, one of the first species of dinosaur, and of course, the formidable Tyrannosaurus Rex. Hope, a 25 meter long blue whale skeleton, is suspended from the ceiling of the main hall. The Natural History Museum is open daily and admission is free.

Recommended by Nicky of Go Live Young. Find out more from Nicky about London with kids.

#6: Natural History Museum (Vienna, Austria)

Vienna’s Natural History Museum was one of the highlights of our trip to Vienna with our kids, aged 3 and 1 years old. We actually pushed this activity as one of the last, since it isn’t specifically geared towards kids, but we are so glad we didn’t miss it! For kids who love animals, this place is a must. We toured the taxidermy exhibit on the top floor of the Museum, where taxidermy of every kind of mammal imaginable was exhibited 3 times and saw every kind of mammals imaginable! The architecture is absolutely breathtaking, and the Museum is enjoyable for adults too. Even our 1-year-old was amazed at all the animals. Families visiting Vienna with kids should not push this museum off – it’s totally kid-friendly and adult friendly too!

Recommended by Emily Jenks from Henry and Andrew’s Guide.

#7: Natural History Museum of Marseille With Kids (Marseille, France)
There may be countless natural history museums in the world, but not many of them are housed in magnificent 19th century palaces. If you happen to be in the city of Marseille in the south of France, make sure you visit the Natural History Museum of Marseille located inside the Palais Longchamp. Why our family loves this museum:

It contains thousands of zoological, botanical, mineral and fossil specimens, some of them long extinct.

It has four permanent exhibits: Safari Room, Provence Room, Human Earth and Land of the Living.

It has an old-fashioned feel to it. It was founded in 1819, and we felt like we were indeed stepping back to the 19th century when visiting it.

There is a great interactive display for kids.

It has free admission on the first Sunday of each month.

Recommended by Bea from PackYourBags.Org. Find out more from Bea about the Natural History Museum of Marseille.

#8: Smithsonian’s Natural History Museum With Kids* (Washington, D.C.)

We recently traveled to Washington D.C. on our recent White Christmas trip to the U.S., and visiting a few of the Smithsonian Museum’s was top of our list. First up was the National Museum of Natural History, located on the National Mall near Capitol Building. I wasn’t sure how interested the kids would be and had expected that we would whip around this museum in a few hours. How wrong was I, as we took a whole day exploring this Museum, and I still feel that we rushed through some parts of it.

The Museum is reported to be home to approximately 126 million specimens of plants, animals, fossils, minerals, rocks, human remains and human cultural artefacts. The kids most enjoyed the interactive areas, particularly where they were able to place items under a microscope and analysis them. There are a large number of animals from each continent on display, including animals that are now extinct. My son was also very interested in the Egyptian, artefacts including the mummies on display. The museum is huge, and visitors could spend a week here and still not see if all. A full day gave us a good look around and kids enjoyed every minute of it.

Recommended by Sally Lucas from Our 3 Kids v the World.

#9: South Australian Museum With Kids (Adelaide, Australia)

The South Australian Museum is one of the most visited museums in Australia. With five floors of exhibits covering fossils, mammals, Ancient Egypt, special exhibition spaces and more plus Aboriginal and Pacific Cultures collections, the South Australian Museum offers plenty for young and old. With so many interactive hands on activities, kids will absolutely love it here. No doubt they will love checking out the various world mammals, learning about the various South Australian biodiversity and checking out the giant squid that spans across four floors dangling in an elevator shaft!

During the school holidays, the Museum has free school holiday programs attracting more than 5,000 school kids each holiday period. The Discovery Centre Team located on level 1 is more than happy to have a chat about any of the exhibits, and visitors can also see bees making honey, which is sure to keep little, and big kids busy for a while. The Discovery Centre is open from 11am-4pm weekdays, and 11am-3pm weekends and public holidays. The Museum is open every day from 10am-5pm, including weekends and public holidays. Entry is free; however some exhibitions may charge an admission fee.
Recommended by Melissa Delaware of Thrifty Family Travels. Find out more from Melissa about Adelaide with kids.

We love natural history museums with kids and can’t wait to visit all of these world’s best natural history museums. For more amazing museums for young scientists, check out the World’s Best Science Centers With Kids!
June 15, 2018
World’s Best Zoos With Kids

WGWK believes it is safe to say that a day at the zoo is something all kids can enjoy! When traveling, viewing animals in beautiful habitats is a nice break from city sightseeing for the little ones. We asked our fellow family travel bloggers for their favorites world zoos and came up with this list of world’s best zoos with kids:

Assiniboine Park Zoo – Winnipeg, Canada

Hailing from Winnipeg, Canada, we have been to the Assiniboine Park Zoo countless times. Until recently, it was just another zoo. But in mid 2014, after years of hard work, this Zoo got a makeover and a brand new world class exhibit called Journey to Churchill was unveiled. Journey to Churchill focuses on Arctic animals and is the most extensive of its kind in the world when it comes to showcasing northern animal species. It has been dubbed “the Gateway to the Arctic”. The animals in this exhibit are polar bears, muskoxen, Arctic wolves and foxes, to name a few. The exhibit occupies ten acres and recreates the landscape of the animals’ natural habitat of the Subarctic and the Arctic. There are currently nine polar bears living at Assiniboine Park Zoo. Most have been rescued as very young cubs after being orphaned in the Canadian North. We all know that polar bears are endangered species. This exhibit not only serves as a new home to these animals that would have otherwise perished, but it also provides the public with educational opportunities on how to protect them. Our son’s favourite part is observing these animals up close as they swim above his head in the aquarium tunnel called the Sea Ice Passage.  Don’t miss this unique zoo experience when in Winnipeg.

Recommended by Bea from Pack Your Bags. Find out more from Bea about Assiniboine Park Zoo.

Auckland Zoo – Auckland, New Zealand

New Zealand’s Auckland Zoo is one amazing zoo! We love it because the animals are well cared for, and a lot of them are rescued animals that wouldn’t survive in the wild. Families who visit during the school holidays will also find something different going on as there are special exhibits and learning experiences, including the opportunity to be a zookeeper for a day (for kids and adults).

Even out of school holidays, it’s great fun. First, we love the vet hospital there, which cares for the zoo animals, but also for injured wildlife. Visitors can see what’s going on through the glass window, and there is usually a zookeeper stationed outside the glass to explain to visitors what is taking happening.  We also love the daily elephant walks that take place every day! As the elephant walks by with its keeper, visitors can view the animals up close. And, of course, in the spring, there is the opportunity to see lots of baby animals! We were lucky to see the red panda cubs, a giraffe calf, and many more during our visit!

Recommended by Thais Saito from World Trip Diaries. Find out more from Thais about Auckland.

Belize Zoo – Belize

The Belize Zoo started off as a conservation center and still has a huge effort in conservation of animals in Belize. All the animals are native to Belize. They may have encountered issues in the wild and have been rescued by the center. For example, they have a jaguar who they rescued as a cub when she got separated from her mother and a jabiru who fell out of its nest and can no longer fly. They also have a center for “problem jaguars” – jaguars who hunt too close to human settlements because they may be old and injured. Instead of being shot and killed, these problem jaguars are brought to the center to be cared for and studied. My kids thought the Belize Zoo was very cool especially seeing the big cats – the jaguars and the pumas. We spent two weeks in Belize but never saw many of the native animals exhibited at the zoo in the wild.

Recommended by Shobha George from Nylon Living.

Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary – Tasmania, Australia

For families with a young animal-lover in their life, a trip to Australia offers the opportunity to see many unique creatures! The Land Down Under has so much more than just kangaroos and koalas. We spent the first day of our epic two-month visit to Australia at Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary in Tasmania, where injured or endangered animals are sheltered and nurtured. During our awesome guided tour (which is included in the admission price), we visited with wombats, echidnas, quolls and the infamous Tassie devil… and of course it was a great opportunity to get up close with koalas and ‘roos as well.

Recommended by Melissa Conn of The Family Voyage. Find out more from Melissa about family travel in Australia.

Chester Zoo – Chester, England

We’ve visited a few zoos with our son, but the Chester Zoo, the UK’s most visited zoo, is one that stands out. Not only is it a very large zoo, at approximately 125 acres, with big enclosures for the many species of animals and birds that can be found there, but it is also highly involved in conservation. The most exciting part for us was the Islands at Chester Zoo. This part of the Zoo, opened in 2015, has areas representing six South East Asian Islands including Bali and Sumatra. It is a truly wonderful part of the Zoo and transports visitors to South East Asia with atmospheric music and explorer huts – a true delight to visit. From Sumatran tigers and orangutans, to Visayan warty pigs, the Islands are not to be missed. Chester Zoo has so much to see and do and is best given a full day to explore. Even then visitors may still miss some of the zoo as it’s that big. This is what makes Chester Zoo one of our favourite zoos of all time.

Catherine from Passports and Adventures.

Cotswold Wildlife Park – Oxfordshire, England

Cotswold Wildlife Park is one of the star attractions in the Cotswolds. The Wildlife Park is just outside the town of Burford in Oxfordshire, in the grounds of a manor house surrounded by beautiful gardens.  The Park is home to some amazing animals and is sure to enchant kids of any age. Visitors can get up close to giraffes in the giraffe house and meet the friendly lemurs and critically endangered Bactrian camels. The Wildlife Park is probably the only place in the world to see a white rhino grazing in front of a Victorian manor house!

Don’t miss the daily talks and animal feeding times – visitors can even sign up to be a keeper for the day. The children’s farm is always a hit as kids can pet some of the more tame animals. There’s also a miniature train ride, which is a great way to get an idea of the park’s layout and appeals to smaller children. The Cotswold Wildlife Park is a charitable trust and part of several breeding programmes for endangered species as well as promoting conservation in the wild. This means visitors can be sure that they are supporting animals worldwide when they visit.

Recommended by Emily Cole from Kids and Compass.

Dujiangyan Panda Base – Shiqiao, China

Pandas are the emblem of China and currently considered a national treasure. Only in China do pandas live outside of captivity, yet seeing any pandas in the wild in China is nearly impossible, because it’s a vulnerable species and there are less than 2000 in the wild. That’s what makes the Dujiangyan Panda Base such a special place. Although the Center may look like a regular zoo at first look, this non-for-profit, government-funded organization is dedicated to saving pandas from extinction through controlled breeding techniques and specially designed wildlife reinsertion programs.

We visited Dujiangyan Panda Base on our trip to Chengdu. At Dujiangyan, along with seeing the pandas up close with few interruptions from other tourists, we learned about the Center’s conservation programs. Best of all, visitors can volunteer for the panda keeper program and spend a day working alongside zookeepers and scientists caring for the pandas.

Recommended by Daniela Kemeny from A Baby Abroad.

Melbourne Zoo – Melbourne, Australia

The Melbourne Zoo’s vision is to be the world’s leading zoo-based conservation organization, and it is well worth a visit. In addition to featuring enclosures with natural habitats where visitors can get close to a wide-variety of international and foreign animals, the park-like grounds are themed to look like different regions of the world. While seeing the elephants and tigers, visitors will think they are wandering through a safari town in India.

The Zoo does incredible conservation work through targeted campaigns to teach and educate visitors about sustainability. The orangutan area has a lot of great information about palm oil products and the threat wild orangutans face from loss of habitat from palm plantations. Another recent campaign entitled “Wipe for Wildlife” encouraged visitors to make the switch to toilet paper made from recycled materials. The Melbourne Zoo is Australia’s oldest zoo and has re-invented itself as a wonderful place to learn about wildlife right in the city centre.

Recommended by Dawn Nicholson from 5 Lost Together. Find out more from Dawn about Melbourne With Kids.

National Zoo and Aquarium – Canberra, Australia

Our local zoo, the National Zoo and Aquarium, is the perfect animal experience for young families as it is packed full of cool and interesting animals but is compact enough for little legs. The Zoo itself is beautifully constructed with pretty walkways and creative gardens and enclosures for all the animals. The Zoo offers great memberships where kids under three are free of charge, so when my kids were little for the price of one adult membership, my two young daughters and I had many outings to the zoo.

Over the last few years the National Zoo and Aquarium has undergone quite a transformation and expansion with the award-winning Jamala Wildlife Lodge opening. Guests can stay overnight in luxury lodgings and be immersed in the wildlife experience as they watch lions, bears and other awesome animals through the floor to ceiling glass windows of their lodges. As for the animals – a favourite is hard to pick. I love the white lions, giraffes and cheetahs. The kids, are always enthralled by the cheekiness of the otters and the meerkats!

Recommended by Karen Buffier of Big Adventures for Little Feet.

Ocean Park – Hong Kong, China

Ocean Park is a part-zoo, part-aquarium, part-theme park and is a favourite day out for Hong Kong’s families. The two biggest attractions here for animal lovers are the Grand Aquarium and the four resident Giant Pandas. The Giant Aquarium has loads of sea creatures to fascinate children – from hammerhead sharks, to manta rays, starfish and lionfish. There’s also a separate three-level Shark Mystique if they want more. Beyond the pandas, there are also penguins, walruses, sea lions and seals to visit, in addition to rainforest creatures such as the sloth, capybaras and giant anaconda.
Unusually Ocean Park mixes up animal viewing with thrill rides. There are rides for everyone here – from the carousel and frog-hopper for the little ones, to the floorless Hair Raiser roller coaster that sends you looping and plunging at
88km/h for the really fearless. Visitors to Ocean Park should not miss the cable car, which offers some of
the best views of the south side of Hong Kong Island.

Recommended by Marianne from Mum on the Move. Find out more from Marianne about Ocean Park.

Singapore Zoo – Singapore

The Singapore Zoo is often rated as one of the top 10 zoos in the world, and once we arrived, we could certainly see why. It is well set out, and all the enclosures are open range with no visible fencing or bars. It is spread over 64 acres in the Mandai Rainforest, 30 minutes taxi ride from central Singapore. Singapore Zoo is so large that there is a shuttle bus system to move the 1.7 million annual visitors around the park, which is great for little ones so they don’t get too tired early in the day.

Singapore Zoo is famous for its orangutan enclosure which is free range and the orangutans move from tree to tree often right above your head. The zoo also offers the opportunity to have breakfast with the orangutans at Ah Meng Restaurant. Visitors sit and enjoy a generous buffet breakfast while the orangutans come to visit and have their breakfast at the same time. After breakfast visitors can stand up close to the orangutans and have their photo taken, but can’t touch them.

There are various feeding times and educational shows about conserving land and looking after endangered animals. My kids really enjoyed the shows and it was nice that they incorporated an educational message while keeping it fun for the kids.

Recommended by Sally Lucas of Our 3 Kids v the World. Find out more from Sally about the Singapore Zoo.

Taipei Zoo – Taipei, Taiwan

The Taipei Zoo features around 300 animals, including those from tropical, rainforest and safari environments for an admission of about 6 USD. Our Taiwan sojourn became extra special because we got to see a 276 pound panda for the first time. Our little one, Sophia, had a chance to get face-to-face with a panda that had acted aloof because of noisy visitors for a couple of hours prior to our visit.

Inside the Zoo, we rode the Maokong Gondola up the mountain, and we were mesmerized with the aerial view of the beautiful forest and the city lights. We were waiting for the Crystal Cabins, the glass-bottom cars where visitors can vividly see the breathtaking views from thousands of feet above ground, but we ended up riding a regular cabin. We still experienced the same excitement when the ride reached the highest peak. So far, this is the best zoo adventure we have ever had, and we’ll definitely come back to this astonishing place.

Recommended by Catha Buti-Uy of Team Uy Travels.

Taronga Zoo – Sydney, Australia

Taronga Zoo Sydney is an iconic Sydney landmark. Sitting on the Sydney Harbour, historic Taronga Zoo was officially opened on 7 October 1916 and has become one of the city’s main attractions. Spread over 69 acres and boasting over 350 different species of animals, Taronga Zoo showcases both native Australian animals and a range of exotic animals including tigers, chimpanzees, giraffes and gorillas. A daily highlight for all visitors is the Free Flight Bird Show, which is not to be missed.

The Taronga Zoo offers visiting families the incredible Keeper for a Day program on weekends and school holidays where children can learn about animal husbandry and the behind the scenes workings of a zoo. Those wanting a once in a lifetime experience can enjoy the Roar and Snore experience at stay at the zoo overnight. One of Taronga Zoo’s highlights every year is its inclusion in the Vivid Sydney festival in May, in which the Zoo is lit up with a number of animal-themed installations around the grounds and accessed in the evening moonlight.

Whilst visitors can drive to the Zoo, the ultimate experience is to catch a ferry from Circular Quay across to the Zoo and enjoy the sights of the Sydney Harbour along the way. The Zoo is a not for profit establishment with all money raised funneled back into the Zoo’s important conservation projects.

Recommended by Leah Smileski from The Kid Bucket List. Find out more from Leah about the Sydney Zoo.

Toronto Zoo – Toronto, Canada

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The Toronto Zoo can be reached with a metro-bus combination from downtown Toronto. With 287 hectares, it is the largest zoo in Canada, and visitors should come prepared to walk a lot. The animals get a lot of space at this zoo, which is nice, but sometimes they are hard to spot, especially for young children. For the past five years the main zoo attraction has been the pandas, but they were moved to Calgary in March 2018. There are still plenty of other animals to see and the Zoo’s Africa Savannah section houses lions, zebras and very cute pygmy hippopotamuses. What made the Toronto Zoo special for us was its large exhibit of Canadian wildlife. We got to see grizzly bears, cougars, elk and other animals without having to travel to Alaska or other more remote parts of Canada.

Recommended by Tikva from Gezin op Reis.

Vienna Zoo – Vienna, Austria

As we wandered aimlessly around the Berlin Zoo looking for the panda we wanted to see, we grew more and more impatient. Soon as we saw a keeper, we asked for directions and were told that the panda was no longer at the zoo. All four of us were so upset that when we added Vienna on our itinerary, there was one place that was top of the list….the Vienna Zoo. Little did we know how amazing the entire Zoo would be for our family.

There was so much to do other than seeing the animals. My daughters were a little younger then and just looking at animals was something that Marley could not always do whereas Willow was amazed by the enclosures and all the different animals that were housed there. Marley could let off some steam in the play areas located all over the Zoo.

The paths were nice and wide for prams with not many hills to tire out those little legs. What I liked the most was that the enclosures were a sight in themselves. They all looked fantastic and really well-kept. We even got to see the pandas at play while we were there! We also found a restaurant just inside the Zoo that had a great menu for us to all sit and have a proper meal after wandering the Zoo for a few hours. No deep-fried stuff…we all had a great main meal at a really good price too.

We went on a cold wintery day, and we didn’t find that we were cold as we were sheltered from the wind by the Zoo. There was little rain, but there were plenty of places to take cover if we needed to. The Vienna Zoo is the world’s oldest zoo, a great place to visit, and kids love it!

Recommended by Bec Wyld from Wyld Family Travel. Find out more from Bec about the Vienna Zoo.

Xcaret Park – Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Xcaret Park has dozens of exhibits, including a huge aviary, a butterfly pavilion, an aquarium complete with big lagoons containing sea turtles, manatees and sting rays as well as Jaguar Island, which includes both black and spotted jaguars. With wildlife around every corner, visitors can spend half the day enjoying the fauna and the other half enjoying the underground rivers, attractions and cultural displays of Mexico. Our family has enjoyed ourselves every time we’ve visited, and the kids always say they want to go back.

Recommended by Charles Kosman from The Barefoot Nomad. Find out more from Charles about Xcaret.

Zoo Berlin – Berlin, Germany

A world-class zoo with respected animal care and preservation programs, Zoo Berlin is “home to the world’s largest variety of species”. The Zoo is extensive and houses nearly 20,000 animals of about 1,400 species, and many of the enclosures appear like the animals’ natural habitat. There is also a petting zoo, a nocturnal house, and a bird house where colorful birds fly freely. Entry to the aquarium portion requires an extra fee.

Millions of annual visitors enjoy learning about animals and conservation at Zoo Berlin, and they can also view daily animal feedings. Most signs are in English as well as German. An interactive app is available to download, with zoo schedules, map features, and animal information. A variety of food and beverages is available at restaurants and kiosks. One restaurant looks onto a large playground with a climbing structure for kids.

Amidst all the activity, there are beautiful, wide, garden-like pathways. These promenades extend along manicured grass and low hedges, interspersed with groupings of roses abloom in summer, and fountains that spout and splash. Plenty of benches invite a rest under the shade of nearby trees. In the big city of Berlin, the zoo offers a peaceful day out.

Recommended by Sandy Nielsen from Sleeps5. Find out more from Sandy about Berlin.

We love visiting zoos with kids, and there are so man of the top zoos of the world that we have not yet visited. If you want to read about more amazing zoos, check out our post on the Best U.S. Zoos With Kids and other zoos we have visited during our travels.

May 23, 2018
Best U.S. Zoos With Kids
Like most kids, my kids love zoos. We have been regular visitors of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo since my oldest was a few months old and even had an annual membership there for years. Zoos are generally great for families – they are a stroller paradise, and even the youngest babies are mesmerized by the animal habitats. They also offer great educational opportunities – my kids learned about many animals by watching them in their habitats. They could identify armadillos as toddlers and knew that giraffes like to eat lettuce because they’ve had the opportunity to feed them on several different occasions. With zoos in almost every metropolitan area in the U.S., we asked our fellow family travel bloggers for their favorites and came up with this list of the best U.S. zoos with kids:

Bronx Zoo – Bronx, New York

A trip to New York City conjures up thoughts of big buildings and the urban jungle. But a short subway ride away, up in the borough of the Bronx, is one of the most iconic, world-famous zoos. The Bronx Zoo is very large with various exhibits and attractions. The Zoo is open year-round and features outdoor animals like bears, sea lions, tigers, and wild dogs along with indoor exhibits such as the aviary, giraffe house, monkey house, world of reptiles and our favorite, the Madagascar exhibit.

In addition to the animals, my family loves the attractions at the Bronx Zoo – from the newly renovated children’s zoo, to the bug carousel and the World Asia Monorail! We have visited the Bronx Zoo often, and always have trouble seeing everything in one day!

Recommended by Harmony from Momma To Go.

Dallas Zoo – Dallas, Texas

The Dallas Zoo includes 100 acres of not only animal exhibits, but educational and interactive exhibits for all ages! This zoo is perfect for kids of all ages! Our family favorites include the Lacerte Family Children’s Zoo and the Wilds of Africa Adventure Safari Monorail. We’ve spent hours in the Children’s Zoo playing, exploring, hand feeding birds, splashing in the creek that runs through the nature playground and petting the farm animals – it’s the perfect spot to let the kids explore! The monorail also provides the perfect break for those tired feet as it gives everyone a birds-eye view of five African habitats that visitors can’t visit by foot. This ride provides amazing views of hippos, chimps, crocodiles, penguins, and many more animals, along with a beautiful ride through a waterfall!

For elephant fans like us, the Giants of the Savannah habitat is a big hit – it’s the only multi-species zoo exhibit in the US to mix elephants with other species like zebras, giraffes, and ostriches, in the same habitat!

Recommended by Ashley Clark from Timeout in Paradise.

Denver Zoo – Denver, Colorado

One of our favorite zoos is the Denver Zoo. We love being able to witness the baby animals. Over the past few years, we have seen infant red pandas, gorillas, bongos and zebras. But, one of our favorite experiences has been watching a baby giraffe growing up. Dobby was a surprise birth. He was born during the time when everyone’s focus was on April the giraffe giving birth in 2017. Surprise! Nobody knew that Dobby’s mom was pregnant until she gave birth in February to the reticulated infant giraffe. We have enjoyed watching the little guy (well, big guy now) growing stronger and taller.

Recommended by Lance Hale from Family Well Traveled.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Orlando, Florida

Disney’s Animal Kingdom is the most unique zoological theme park that we’ve ever experienced! In fact, it is an enriching cultural experience. We have done complete cultural lessons for our “ABCs” (our four children) just by spending intentional time in the themed areas! From admiring the architecture, taking part in cultural traditions, dining on authentic food, and even hearing stories from cast members about their home country, it is full of depth and richness.

As for the amazing animals, they are relatively free roaming in their natural environments. Visitors meet most of them on an open-air safari tour or on exotic jungle trails woven throughout the park. Kids can also take part in a free Wilderness Explorers program where they can earn badges for attending brief lessons about the animals. It is great for engagement, a special souvenir, and is an awesome learning experience.

And then, lastly, there are the world-renowned rides and attractions! Each ride is amazing, and a lot of people come just for the rides. However, we encourage visiting families to spend a whole day there and really take their time exploring the details of the park. There is so much depth and richness to uncover.

Recommended by Danielle Weiden from Traveling ABCs.

Fort Worth Zoo – Fort Worth, Texas

Among the greatest features of Fort Worth Zoo is the “Wilder Vision,” backed by a $100 million project spanning ten years including an additional ten acres of exhibit space, experiential dining, new ways to observe and interact with animals, and conservation efforts. Our favorites activities at the Zoo include:
- Eating With Crocodiles: With only a glass barrier separating visitors and the wild, dine in an underwater viewing area at Crocodile Café.
- Interacting with animals: Feed free-roaming giraffes on the African Savanna, offer cockatiels and parrots birdseed in the walk-through Parrot Paradise Aviary, or cuddle snakes in the award-winning 30,000 square foot indoor/outdoor Herpetarium.
- Splashing in the wild: Play at the 14,000 square foot animal-themed Safari Splash water park.
- Untamed Learning: Kids can participate in formal educational classes taught by certified teachers for all ages including preschool, middle school camps, a high school career camp and full day summer camps. Amy Coslik, Fort Worth Zoo Animal Projects Coordinator and mother of two states: “The camps provide opportunity to learn about and work in all areas of the Zoo, including our one-of-a-kind Nutrition Services department…responsible for feeding all 7,000 animals at the Zoo.” Programs highlight enrichment for animals and conservation while using electronic resources and hands-on techniques.
Recommended by Brandy Morgan from Kid Allergy Travel.

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium – Omaha, Nebraska

Omaha’s zoo, the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, is located just off I-80 and is an easy stop for families heading across the country or spending a little time in Nebraska. Kids will love some of the largest displays of their kind, constant development of new exhibits, and a friendly Midwestern vibe. A large aquarium houses jellyfish, penguins, and a shark tank with a tunnel to walk through.

There’s also a sting ray touch tank for some hands-on time with animals. Another highlight is the new African Grasslands exhibit with elephants and giraffes, part of which is under the “Skyfari” aerial tram that runs across the campus. Then visitors can head over to the world’s largest indoor desert, the Desert Dome, which is an iconic Omaha landmark. There are also cats and apes and sea lions and bugs. For another reason to go, the team at the zoo conducts world-class research and conservation efforts that are truly unique. Visitors’ patronage supports plant and animal restoration locally and abroad.
It’s a must see for anyone passing through Omaha!

Recommended by Joshua from One Good Family Life.

Lincoln Park Zoo – Chicago, Illinois

The Lincoln Park Zoo is a completely free park. Visitors can walk right in at any of the six gates. There’re no turnstiles, no actual gates and no wristbands. We took the CTA bus route No. 151 from the AC Marriott Hotel near the Magnificent Mile and were dropped off right in front of the Lincoln Park Zoo sign. While the indoor buildings don’t open until 10 a.m., the gates open at 7 a.m., which allows for families to view animals when they are most active. A visit to this zoo during our recent 2-night trip to Chicago was a perfect break from the typical Chicago sights. This is a decent sized zoo, with a variety of animals and an amazing view of Lake Michigan and the Chicago skyline. Visitors can spend a few hours or pack a picnic and turn it into a full day visit. Pro tip: Don’t miss the climbing structure or the otters, which are located in the building near the Pritzker Family Children’s Zoo.

Recommended by Ruth Mendes from Have Kiddos Will Travel.

The Maryland Zoo – Baltimore, Maryland

While not possessing the grandeur of the National Zoo, Baltimore’s Maryland Zoo is a kid-friendly and logistically easy day out. Visitors need a car to get to the Zoo, as it is not walkable from downtown Baltimore. Those with young kids should take the shuttle to the main entrance as the walk is long, and kids will tire out. My suggestion is to first head to the Polar Bear Watch, which is near the entrance and gives kids the quick gratification of watching the bears up close, swimming and playing with toys. Afterwards, move on to African Journey, where kids can feed giraffes and watch elephants play in water with one another. Then, on to Maryland Wilderness.

Kids enjoy the nooks and crannies of the zoo, including oversized bird nests for climbing, lily pads to jump across, tree slides, a bat cave and even a petting zoo area. There is also a small merry-go-round for younger kids.

The Maryland Zoo does offer a couple of unremarkable food stands with pizza, hot-dogs, salads, burgers and chicken fingers. A nice alternative is to pack a picnic lunch. The Zoo is nicely shaded and plenty of grassy areas beckon a blanket and a relaxing lunch.

Recommended by Alison Netzer from Five Family Adventurers.

The Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens – Miami, Florida

The Miami-Dade Zoological Park and Gardens, or simply Zoo Miami, is one of our favourites. Here are the reasons why we absolutely love it:
- It is the only sub-tropical zoo in the continental United States. Because of south Florida’s climate, many animals from tropical places feel right at home here.
- Visitors will be hard pressed to find animals in cages. Because of this zoo’s commitment to animal welfare, the displays are mostly open air, yet very safe for the public.
- Visitors can explore the zoo on a Safari Cycle (a pedal-powered bicycle/vehicle that can accommodate up to 8 people). This is a perfect way to see this massive zoo.
- Visitors can watch animal feedings or even feed the giraffes, rhinos, camels, giant tortoises and parrots themselves.
- The zoo is very large (750 acres) and thorough visitors who wish to come back within ten days of their original visit receive reduced admission.
Recommended by Bea from Pack Your Bags.

Philadelphia Zoo – Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The Philadelphia Zoo was the first zoo in the U.S. dating from 1859. Despite its history and architecture, there’s nothing old-fashioned about this Zoo. It has a 4-D Migration Theater and research centres as well as see-through mesh walkways that go above the treetops all throughout the 42-acre facility. My kids loved watching animals (mostly monkeys) scamper overhead on the walkways. It’s easy to get to the Philadelphia Zoo – there’s good parking facilities, which are great for a city-centre zoo. Nearby there is also the 2000-acre Fairmount Park which, is wonderful for a roam when the kids need to let off some steam.

Recommended by Shobha George of Just Go Places. Find out more from Shobha about visiting Philadelphia.

Riverbanks Zoo & Garden – Columbia, South Carolina

With over 2,000 animals, eight different gardens, and even a few historical landmarks, Riverbanks Zoo & Garden in Columbia, South Carolina is one of our favorite zoos! Why? Well, mainly because of a very simple reason: it is so easily walkable. After visiting zoos throughout the United States, we have truly come to appreciate a zoo that has exhibits located close enough together that little feet can walk with ease. Riverbanks Zoo has attractions including train rides, zip lines, and even a splash zone which is always fun for kids of all ages. But, our family favorites are the animal demonstrations like the penguin presentation and feeding the giraffes!

Recommended by Julie from More than Main Street. Check out their family friendly guide to Columbia, South Carolina for more ideas of things to do in South Carolina’s state capital.

San Diego Zoo – San Diego, California

The San Diego Zoo is world famous and for good reason. Not only is this 100-acre zoo huge, but it’s home to more than 3,500 animals representing more than 650 species. The San Diego Zoo offers several options to help visitors see as many animals as possible. For walking, a stroller is a must, and stroller rentals are available on a first-come, first-served basis. To get to the other side of the zoo, there is the Skyfari Aerial Tram, which offers some incredible views at the same time. For tired legs, there’s a double-decker bus that provides guided bus tours that cover most of the zoo, while the Kangaroo Bus is a hop on/hop off bus with four different stops throughout the zoo. Transportation aside, what truly makes the San Diego Zoo exceptional is the host of different animals to see. Not to be missed are the pandas, koalas, orangutans, and polar bears.

In addition to all that, the San Diego Zoo is located within the beautiful Balboa Park. Though the zoo is likely to take an entire day to visit, there is also plenty more to see nearby.

Recommended by Celine from Baby Can Travel. Find out more from Celine about the San Diego Zoo.

Smithsonian’s National Zoo – Washington, D.C.

The Smithsonian’s National Zoo is a family favorite, and it’s a free admission zoo that is open 364 days per year. The 163-acre large park located in Washington, D.C. offers 18 distinct areas and is home to over 2,000 animals, 25% of which are endangered. Not to be missed animals include the endangered Giant Pandas (follow the panda camera from home), The Great Ape House (see the first orangutan born at the National Zoo in 25 years), the American Trail and the Great Cats. We recommend taking public transportation to the National Zoo and enjoying it in the early morning when the pandas and other large animals are most active. The National Zoo is built on a hill, so take that into consideration when planning a trip with young children. While the zoo is free, food is very costly so plan accordingly and visit around meals or bring a picnic and lots of water. Visitors should plan on a minimum of three hours to enjoy this Zoo, but a full day at the massive National Zoo would not be difficult to imagine.

Recommended by Ruth Mendes from Have Kiddos Will Travel. Find out more from Ruth about Smithsonian’s National Zoo.

We love visiting zoos with kids, and there are so many of these top zoos in the U.S. that we have not yet visited. Make sure to check out our post on the Best International Zoos With Kids and other zoos we have visited with kids during our travels.
May 20, 2018
Best Beaches in Central America and South America With Kids

With so many miles of coastline, there are so many breathtaking Central America beaches and South America beaches to visit with kids. As an added bonus, they are pretty accessible for US travelers. We have traveled to Costa Rica but desperately need to explore the region more. Here are some of our fellow family travel bloggers’ recommendations for best beaches in Central America and South America with kids.

Best Beaches in Central America With Kids

#1: Ambergris Caye, Belize

Ambergris Caye is lined with white fine sand beaches. Now slowly being developed, there are some small hotels and residences, rather than a row of large, high-rise hotels and condominiums. The beaches are less crowded and most times, we found only a couple of people relaxing in the shade of the coconut trees. The water is aqua green and filled with sea life. Protected by the world’s second-largest reef, the calm, warm waters are great for kids to wade in and snorkel right off the shoreline. Local vendors sell local hand-made goods, and the general pace of life is very laid back.

Visitors are able to snorkel among nurse sharks, eels, rays, and a variety of tropical fish while appreciating the structures and sights of the coral. Searious Adventures offers packages from half day snorkeling to full day excursions both at sea and on the mainland. A single road that is not well maintained connects the Caye. Visitors can travel around by golf cart, water taxi, or hotel boats. The town of San Pedro, while a bit grimy (but safe), has some solid restaurants and shops, including handmade chocolates and soaps.

Recommended by Alison Netzer from Five Family Adventurers.

#2: Mal Pais Beach – Costa Rica

When it comes to traveling with our young family, the beautiful beaches of Costa Rica have been one of our favorite spots. We loved our adventure in Mal Pais, Costa Rica, which is known as a surf destination on the Costa Rican Pacific coast. The beaches are expansive and great for little ones to wander and play in the sand. Although perhaps not known as a “family destination,” Mal Pais and neighboring Santa Teresa were so welcoming to our little family! This area boasts lot of fun outdoor adventure and has seriously some of the best restaurants I have ever been to!

Of course, as a surf destination, the water is rough, so keep that in mind if you are traveling with kids. We traveled with a 6-month-old and a 3-year-old, so they weren’t doing much ocean swimming. We rented a Villa with a pool to get our water fix. If you have older kids, surfing is a blast! Definitely check out some beginning lessons, which are fun for the whole family.

Recommended by Kate from Tear Free Travel. Find out more from Kate about Mal Pais.

#3: Playa El Coco – San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua

San Juan Del Sur is the most popular beach destination in Nicaragua. It’s a short drive from the Costa Rica border, and conveniently connected to Ometepe Island and Granada. The tourist numbers mean that it is well suited to families, with many cafes and restaurants that line the beachfront. It’s a very wide beach, so there is plenty of space for the kids to run around. There is also a range of affordable accommodation options. Famous for its sunsets, make sure to dine on the beach at least once during your stay.

The best family beach for a day out is a short drive from San Juan Del Sur – Playa El Coco. This beautiful and secluded beach is situated in a U-shape, which means that the waves are much calmer than other nearby beaches. Being a little away from San Juan Del Sur, the beach is not crowded and the wide sand area makes it a perfect family day out, where visitors can enjoy activities such as horse rides, soccer, and beach volleyball.

Recommended by Riki Cribb from Kiwis in Barefeet.

#4: Playa Samara – Costa Rica

Playa Samara is an idyllic, off the beaten path little beach town on the Western side of Costa Rica. It is sheltered by a bay and a large coral reef. Situated where the Pacific Ocean water deepens very gradually, the waves are small and friendly for the littlest swimmers. The sand at Playa Samara is soft and not rocky at all. There is a good variety of hotels and restaurants on and near the beach for convenient access for naps and other mid day breaks (and for a beachy cocktail every now and again for mom or dad!). For visitors who want to get out and about, there are a number of tour companies in Playa Samara that can easily arrange family tours. There are suitable tours for all ages, ranging from adventurous to tame. The town itself is small and there really are no big resorts, so it has a very laid back feel to it. Its small size also makes it easy to get around with kids.

Recommended by Shanna from There and Back Again Travel.

#5: South Water Caye – Belize

There are few places in the world where visitors can feel like they have a pristine beach all to themselves. Those who visit South Water Caye in Belize, a teeny island in the Caribbean Sea dotted with palm trees and soft white sand that a five-year old can circumnavigate in about 20 minutes, will feel like they are the only human beings in the world. The water is clear and shallow near the beach, and it’s easy to sit back and relax and let the kids splash in the cool water and look for crabs in the sand. Those who tire of being in the water can kayak around the island and spot rays and fish. My kids loved the beach at South Water Caye, and it’s high on their list of places they want to revisit one day.

Recommended by Terumi Pong from An Emerald City Life. Find out more from Terumi about South Water Caye With Kids.

Best Beaches in South America With Kdis

#1: Bendita Beach – Cartagena, Colombia

On our last visit to Colombia, we went to Cartagena. Located on the Caribbean coast and hot year-round, the beaches there aren’t the prettiest. But, the Rosario Islands are just a short boat trip away and they boast pristine, warm, and calm water beaches.

We visited Bendita Beach, which is a bit far from the others and still in need of development – but that meant that it was just as it should be: clean, clear, and perfect! It’s a perfect beach for families with kids! There are almost no waves and super calm clear blue waters, filled with little fishes. For newbies at snorkeling, it was just great! When we were there, we were the only ones on the whole island: a paradise!

Recommended by Thais Saito from World Trip Diaries.

#2: Ilha Grande – Brazil

Ilha Grande in the South of Brazil was a pleasant surprise for us. From the very beginning we fell in love with the island. There are no cars on the island, and boats are the main method of transportation. The many Atlantic Ocean beaches are beautiful and sandy with crystal clear warm water and very friendly people. The lush jungle has butterflies and birds flying around.

Unlike some places in Brazil, Ilha Grande is a safe place. Its very clean beaches are great for children as it is covered in soft sand and surrounded by calm warm water. It’s almost like swimming in a pool. There are small fish swimming around, and no dangerous animals. We enjoyed several walking trails on Ilha Grande, both through the jungle and along the beaches. There are several hikes that are short and easy for children, who will enjoy watching small cute monkeys and squirrels in the forest. The island doesn’t have a party vibe, but there are many restaurants and cafes that serve local and European food.

Recommended by Campbell and Alya from Stingy Nomads. Find out more from Campbell and Alya about Ilha Grande.

Visiting Fun Family Beaches With Kids

We’d love to visit these best beaches in South America and Central America with our kids. Ready to hit the beach right now? Check out our Fun Family Beaches in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.

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April 26, 2018