If you need a change of scenery and want to take the family with you, here are some family-friendly vacation suggestions that might do the trick.
London, England
The city of London is a perfect trip abroad for families. For starters, there’s no language barrier and much of the food is familiar to kids. (Fish and chips, anyone?) There’s also a lot of history in London that school-aged children may have heard about and will now get to see–like Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square and the big Eye of London ferris wheel. London also has Harry Potter-themed attractions that will be a sure hit with the younger crowd.
Paris, France
When people think of vacationing in the City of Light, they think of romantic getaways for two. Well, Paris turns out to be a great destination for families as well. It’s full of playgrounds with activities like boating on ponds, carousels and puppet shows. And kids can get to see the Notre Dame Cathedral, the setting of the classic French tale The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Landmarks are always a popular draw and the Eiffel Tower is arguably as recognizable as the Statue of Liberty. Taking the stairs up to the observation deck has several advantages. Two of them are avoiding the long line for the elevator and letting the kids burn off some energy.
Sydney, Australia
Visit the Sydney Zoo to see Australia’s native kangaroo and koala bear, and the Sydney Aquarium to observe more than 12,000 varieties of marine life. Sydney also has several, family-friendly beaches thanks to its coastal location and lots of sightseeing, including a scenic walk across the Sydney Harbour Bridge or across the Sydney Skywalk, a glass-floored platform over the city. And the landmark Sydney Opera House doesn’t only show performances of Madame Butterfly, it features many shows and programs geared to a younger audience.
Copenhagen, Denmark
Lego blocks were created in Denmark and a visit to Legoland in Copenhagen will be a real treat for the kids–or for you! Copenhagen is also the site of Tivoli Gardens, an amusement park with the oldest functioning wooden roller coaster, and Bakken, the oldest amusement park in the world. Hop on a bike, like native Danes, and see part of the city on wheels. Be sure to visit Rosenbourg Castle and see the statue of The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen’s harbor. Everyone’s favorite mermaid story was written by Danish author Hans Christian Andersen.
Rome, Italy
Rome is another city where the food (pasta and gelato!) will be familiar to younger taste buds. School-age kids should also recognize many of the popular sightseeing destinations, like the Colosseum, the Pantheon and the Sistine Chapel. At grand cathedrals like the Sistine and in museums, kids may also recognize the names–and now some of the works–of great Italian Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo.
