Tips for Visiting Cities with Kids

Cities are a natural magnet for travelers, filled with attractions and experiences that are uniquely urban. But the thought of navigating a city while keeping kids interested and engaged can be intimidating. Try these tips to take some of the stress out of your family’s city vacation.

Planning is Important
Deciding what to see before you even choose a hotel can save you a lot of travel once you arrive. Learn a little about the city’s transportation, and choose a hotel close to places you want to visit or with good transit connections. Also, in these days of overtourism, many popular attractions now require or encourage advance ticketing to be sure of space and avoid long lines. Checking this ahead of your trip can save disappointment.

But Don’t Over-Plan
Leave some room for new discoveries and spur-of-the-moment experiences. If kids are really enjoying a place, don’t schedule so tightly you can’t stay to enjoy it longer. Leave time to stop in a park for kids to run off steam or in a café for a pick-me-up snack.

Don’t Overlook Museums
Children’s museums are a natural choice for families, but other museums are worth investigating before your trip. You might not think kids will be interested in art or city museums, but you’ll find excellent programs for children in the larger ones (and some smaller museums, as well). They often have scavenger hunts through exhibit halls featuring things of interest to kids. Some use special symbols kids can look for to find exhibits designed to spark their imagination or encourage them to interact. Check ahead to see if a museum has special packets for kids with games and puzzles relating to the subject.

Science museums are always a good bet with kids, filled with hands-on and interactive programs and exhibits. Again, check ahead for scheduled programs and activities that might require advance ticketing.

Save Steps with Public Transport
Most kids are fascinated by trains, streetcars, trolleys and subways, so riding on them is entertainment. If you plan to use them frequently, check for family passes to save money on fares; young kids ride free in many cities. Do avoid using these at rush hours, which can be stressful with kids. Take advantage of hop-on-hop-off trolley and bus tours to get an overview and for travel between attractions.