Discover 7 Surprisingly Child-Friendly Cities for Family Adventures
Planning a city break with kids? Skip the predictable choices like London or Rome. Lonely Planet locals share seven unexpected family-friendly destinations, featuring unique attractions and activities that refresh your routine and delight children of all ages.
Hit the beach in Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, rooftop bars, and upscale restaurants, yet it's deeply family-oriented, with mishpacha (family) at its core.
Its 15km of sandy, safe-swimming beaches sizzle year-round, complemented by ice cream parlors and playgrounds like seafront Independence Park, ideal for picnics. For indoor fun, visit the Steinhardt Natural History Museum or Safari Ramat Gan.
Where to stay: Northern Tel Aviv offers proximity to cafes, parks, and beaches. City-center Abraham Hostel provides affordable, well-maintained family suites and friendly staff.
Dan Savery Raz, a Tel Aviv-based writer and father, shares expert tips. Follow him on Twitter at @dansaveryraz.
Climb over giants and cycle through parks in Valencia
Spain adores children, and Valencia welcomes families with open arms, including late dinners at kid-friendly eateries.
Flat terrain makes biking easy along Jardines del Turia, a lush park through the city center. Parque Gulliver lets kids climb a massive Gulliver statue and slide down. End at the City of Arts and Sciences with its interactive museum, aquarium, and futuristic architecture.
Where to stay: Options near the City of Arts and Sciences provide access to beaches and Parque Gulliver.
Robert Kidd, a Valencia-based writer and paella expert. Follow him on Twitter at @rob_kidd1.
See curiosities, cats and vintage video games in St Petersburg
St Petersburg, Russia's top tourist spot, excels for families with reliable public transport and taxis.
The State Hermitage Museum captivates kids with the Peacock Clock, Egyptian mummies, and resident cats. Nearby, the Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines offers vintage games like Morskoi Boi (Battleships) and strength-testing veggie pullers.
Where to stay: Solo Sokos Hotel on Vasilyevsky Island, in a historic building, features family-friendly spa facilities.
Andrei Muchnik, Moscow-based journalist traveling Russia. Follow him on Twitter at @amuchnik.
Pair sword fights with boat tours in Dubrovnik
Dubrovnik's Old Town, rich in history and stairs, hides kid appeal. Visit early to avoid crowds, stage rampart sword fights, and enjoy ice cream at Peppino's.
Uvala Lapad offers playgrounds and water parks. Boat to car-free islands like Lopud (beaches) or Lokrum (rabbits).
Where to stay: Valamar Club Dubrovnik on Babin Kuk features pools, kids' clubs, and teen entertainment.
Vesna Čelebić, Dubrovnik copywriter and tour guide. Follow her on Twitter at @Dubrovnikguided.
Sample sweet treats in Chiang Mai’s food markets
Affordable Chiang Mai suits family budgets, with pools, ethical elephant sanctuaries, and hilltop temples.
Markets tempt with sweets (and veggies), restaurants entertain kids, and Loi Krathong festival dazzles with lanterns.
Where to stay: The old city walls offer restaurants, shops, temples, and transport.
Alana Morgan, Seattle native now in Chiang Mai. Follow her on Twitter at @alana_morgan.
Enjoy outdoor activities in Cape Town
Cape Town, the Mother City, buzzes with family activities like Table Mountain hikes, Springbok Experience, and nearby Big Five safaris.
Wineries offer kids' menus, playgrounds, and activities while adults sip Pinotage.
Where to stay: Tintswalo at Boulders near Simon’s Town penguins includes the kid-focused Penguin Room.
Lucy Corne, Cape Town writer exploring with her family. Follow her on Twitter at @lucycorne.
Blow the kids’ minds in the frenetic souks of Fez
Moroccans adore children in this family-centric society, where kids stay up late.
For ages 5+, explore the American Fondouk, craft workshops at Craft Draft, or souks for bartering and senses overload.
Where to stay: Medina-center riads like Dar Malika or pool-equipped Riad Laaroussa suit families; use slings for hills.
Helen Ranger, Fez resident for 14 years. Follow her on Twitter at @helenranger.
