If there is someone who enjoys everything about going on a vacation – from packing to hopping from flight to flight to reach half way across the world – it is kids! Although you might not always appreciate the idea of shepherding your kids through airports or crowded attractions, at the end of the day, exploring these great places to go with kids can be a life-changing experience. Be ready to look at the world from a different angle!
Although every city in this world has something unique to offer, these handpicked cities are perfect to take your kids along.
Rome
Rome is not a place your kids will forget in a hurry. To be a part of Rome’s history, its colorful cacophony of people, the aimless loitering around its coffee shops and a taste of Italy’s very own gelato will an experience like no other for your child. The best way to start tours of Rome is by hopping on a hop-on-hop-off bus. This helps your children have an overview of the place they are going to explore. Start your day with a visit to St. Peter’s Square and the Vatican. If your kids are up to it then take the elevator to the cupola summit and enjoy the incredible view. Make sure you have enough time for the Sistine Chapel and Raphael Rooms. Head to Piazza Navona where your kids will certainly have a nice time running around the place exploring its fountains and cafes. Give them a history lesson with a visit to the Colosseum and the Pantheon. Finish your Roman exploration by making your way through the different varieties of Italian Gelato. Your kids will love you for this.
Machu Picchu
It might be a bit of a twist on a ‘city break’ but a visit to Machu Picchu – the lost city of the Incas – will be interesting, mysterious and educating at the same time. Start the visit by hiking the Inca trail to Machu Picchu’s significant structure – the Intiguatana – to look awestruck at the remains of this mysterious structure that sits on a spot that is high up in the clouds. Although most of the place is now in ruins, about one third of it has been reconstructed making it easier for us to guess at the original construction. Make sure you point at the stone structure of Andean Bird at the Temple of Condor, and don’t miss spotting the Serpent Window at the Temple of the Sun. By the way, while you on the way down let your children know that a kid was instrumental in discovering this place!
Istanbul
Istanbul, and Turkey in general, is a great place to visit with your kids. Although you might not think of it as a kid friendly destination at first sight, Istanbul has a lot to offer to its miniature guests. First off is the world’s largest miniature park called the Miniaturk. Located on the banks of the beautiful Golden Horn, this park houses more than a 100 scale models of old Istanbul, Ottoman and Anatolian structures. Specially designed to attract the kids, the park has a life-sized chessboard, lots of labyrinths, and a playground. While at the Golden Horn, pay a visit to the Rahmi M Koc museum. Your kids will love looking at the vintage cars, ride in a submarine and sit in a plane’s cockpit. Check out the Princess Islands in a horse and carriage or rent a bike to explore the place. In all these, don’t forget to hop on to any of the nostalgic trams at Istiklal Caddesi stretch.
Paris
Think Paris, think fashion, romance and a lot of adventure. Now, you need to think again! Although not mentioned by many, Paris is also very kid friendly. Your kids will certainly like the Eiffel Tower, although they might not be very interested in climbing to the top! If climbing is a problem, then appreciating the Tower from the Champ-de-Mars Park is a good idea too. Once in the park, check out its many swings, pedal cars, merry-go-around and other kids oriented attractions. Ride up and down the river Seine in water taxi – batobus – and stop at the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Notre Dame Cathedral. Check out the Pompidou Center for a break from history or simply enjoy the music of street performers to the hilt.
Marrakech
Camel rides, scavenger hunts in markets, snake charmers and a lot more is what Marrakech offers you and your kids. This tiny former French colony in the middle of Morocco is where you can find sophisticated cars running alongside horse and cart rides. Take your kids to the Jemma el-Fna during the evenings so that they can enjoy watching snake charmers and various street dancers charming you. Take a horse ride to the Koutoubia Mosque and enjoy a walk in the Cyber Park next door. Finish your visit by going on a shopping spree at Marrakech Souk and top it off with a stay in one of Marrakech’s opulent luxury hotels or riads.
Some of the best family vacations are those that have something for everyone to enjoy and appreciate, these 5 cities certainly offer that.
Connect with us