Top 10 Kid-Friendly City Breaks: Family Adventures from Lonely Planet
City breaks aren't just for business travelers or adults seeking a sophisticated escape. In fact, cities are ideal family destinations, even with young children. Compact areas brimming with attractions, activities, dining, and fun public transit make them playgrounds for parents and kids alike.
Drawn from Lonely Planet's Travel with Children, here are our top 10 picks for unforgettable family city breaks:
Oaxaca, Mexico
This vibrant, walkable Mexican gem features a colorful central plaza perfect for kids to play and a lively market full of excitement.
Istanbul, Turkey
Mosques, palaces, museums, bazaars, multicolored carpets, food markets, Bosphorus cruises, and sweet apple tea enchant children at every corner.
London, England
London offers endless family fun—you could discover something new every day for a year. In summer, splash in Somerset House fountains; in winter, enjoy the outdoor ice rink.
Los Angeles, USA
Ideal for teens: original Disneyland, Universal Studios, and Santa Monica Pier. This sprawling city embodies the American Dream with endless sights and adventures.
Vancouver, Canada
Often ranked the world's most livable city, Vancouver boasts beaches, Stanley Park, hiking and biking trails, and the Rocky Mountains just 100 km away.
Lisbon, Portugal
Trams to hilltop castles, a world-class aquarium, and a maritime museum highlight Portugal's seafaring history. Nearby Sintra's fairy-tale charm is a quick train ride away.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Old-world charm meets modern fun in this pedestrian-friendly city with a lively waterfront, Tivoli Gardens rides, Bakken amusement park, a royal palace, and kid-focused museums.
Singapore
Safe, clean, and accessible, it's a gentle intro to Southeast Asia and a perfect jetlag stop. Sentosa Island's beaches, butterfly park, dolphin lagoon, and underwater world amaze.
Sydney, Australia
Beaches, pools, ferries, Sydney Aquarium, Taronga Zoo, and Koala Park Sanctuary thrill young visitors.
Rome, Italy
World-class gelato, the majestic Colosseum, Castel Sant'Angelo, eerie catacombs along Via Appia Antica, and Villa Borghese parks make moderation the real challenge.
Inspire your kids with Lonely Planet's Not For Parents series to create their own dream city list and more.
(P.S. Available on iBookstore: Paris, Rome, London, New York, and The Travel Book.)
