City breaks are not just for grownups. They’re also excellent for kids and toddlers who want to relax, learn new things, and at the same time have fun with their loved ones. The world packs a myriad of thrilling family-friendly destinations. Adventure breaks and beach breaks offer the most memorable experiences. Let’s focus on Europe for now, because it truly is a heavenly destination for kids. The multi-cultural cities feature great attractions, amusements parks and activities that will leave toddlers speechless. Here’s a sneak peak at five best city breaks with toddlers.
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Berlin
There’s a lot of hype about Berlin’s wild nightlife; although the city is also one of Europe’s best travel destinations for kids. Kindercity, for example, is an extraordinary play & learning centre. Encourage toddlers to take driving school classes, and then let them put their skills to the test by taking miniature Mercedes cars for a spin.
Another great attraction for the whole family is The Legoland Discovery Centre. Located at Potsdamer Platz, this fascinating playground has lots of industrial landscapes toddlers can check out, as well as medieval castles and even a miniature version of Berlin. There are numerous additional playgrounds spread throughout the city, including city beaches, skateboard parks, and theatre & puppet shows. Plan the best itinerary and your trip to Berlin will be one of the best city breaks with toddlers you’ve ever taken.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Berlin you might want to try:
Berlin Gorki Apartments, a 5 star Apartment style hotel
Casa Camper Berlin a 4 star hotel in a fantastic location
Paris
Paris is a wonder city for honeymooners and lovers. But it’s also a great spot for a city break with the family. The secret to a successful holiday is to be organised. Paris is vast, so you won’t have time to see everything. Set some priorities and take toddlers to see Paris’s finest kid-friendly attractions.
Begin with the city’s milestone – The Eifel Tower. The view from the top is spectacular! Continue your city break with a visit to Tuileries Gardens, and if you can spare some more time, check out the interactive exhibitions at Parc de la Villette. Save the best for last, and take the kids to Disneyland. The fabulous amusement park has everything your kids need to have the time of their lifetime in Paris. The thrilling rides, the exciting attractions and the funky Disney characters will keep them entertained for hours. There’s also a Chocolate Tasting Tour available at Saint-Germain-des-Pres Enjoy the sweetest, most delicious 3 hours of your life; try out fabulous Parisian pastries, chocolates and breads, and make your city break to Paris a memorable experience.
For family friendly accommodation in Paris, we recommend:
Hotel Fabric, with fantastic staff and family sized rooms.
Le 10 Bis Hotel a boutique style hotel with smart phones to use in the room.
Want to know more? Check out my guide to planning a family trip to Paris.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a kid’s paradise! The city is not just about adult attractions, bars and pubs. There are lots of places of interest for kids as well. Amsterdam has the coolest infrastructure. Populated by bridges and canals, local bikers and breathtaking surroundings, the city will exceed all your expectations.
Check out the NEMO Science Museum first, and head to the roof-top area; it has waterfalls, palm trees and urban beaches toddlers will love to explore. The goal is to keep them engaged so that you can relax and enjoy the experience too. Most of Amsterdam’s museums feature kid-friendly tours. Rijksmuseum, for example, has free entrance for visitors with toddlers.
Since most children love to run around, you need to find a place that can help burn out all that energy. Vondelpark is a great recreational area for families. Stop by the adjoining cafe, Het Groot Melkhuis. Here, parents can sit back and relax while the kids take full advantage of the nearby playground. Finish off your city break with a visit at Amsterdamse Bos, an adorable farm for kids who love animals?
For somewhere to stay in Amsterdam with kids:
Pillows Anna van den Vondel, great location with a cute garden
Hotel Sebastian’s, a quirky boutique style hotel, some rooms have canal facing patios.
Want to know more? Check out our destination guide to Amsterdam
London
City breaks with toddlers in London are the best! There’s something for everyone here, so you don’t have to worry that the kids will get bored. The city is dominated by double-decker buses, glorious parks & playgrounds and family-friendly museums. Start with a laidback trip to the parks. Hyde Park, for example, is London’s finest recreational areas for families. It spans 350 acres and it includes lots of engaging activities and sights for the kids. Serpentine Lido has a paddling pool toddlers can take advantage of from May to September; there’s also a sports centre, a horse riding area, and a relaxation zone – the Royal Diana Memorial Fountain.
Move on to the big attractions and visit the Tower of London, British Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and don’t forget about Madam Tussauds Museum. For some more entertainment, toddlers will love spending time at the London Zoo and Unicorn Theatre for Children?
If you’re looking for family friendly hotels in London, you might want to try:
The Montague on The Gardens, a friendly hotel with extra sofa beds in the rooms for kids within walking distance to all the London sights.
The Devonshire, great customer service just 5 minutes walk from Paddington Station.
Want to know more? Check out our destination guide to London.
Copenhagen
Last but not least, we have Copenhagen; a city with fairytale castles, brilliantly coloured edifices, stirring landscapes and truly exciting activities for toddlers. Copenhagen houses two of the world’s oldest and most entraining amusement parks, as well as an excellent aquarium (the biggest in Northern Europe), a zoo, a science centre and a children’s museum. The city’s landmarks are glorious!
Start your city break with Tivoli Gardens to admire the lush gardens and beautiful lakes, and then take toddlers to try out the Star Flyer (the tallest carousel in the world). Bakken is a must-see when in Copenhagen; it is the city’s most adventurous and thrilling amusement parks. Go back in time for a few minutes at the Children’s Museum; take them to explore the Viking replica ship and dress them up as Vikings to instil a curiosity in European history.
For family friendly accommodation in Copenhagen you could try:
71 Nyhavn Hotel, a fantastic location with connection rooms for larger families.
Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers, a beautifully designed hotel with a fantastic onsite restaurant.
Europe is a fascinating travel destination for families with kids. The cities are fun and engaging, and the activities will exceed all their expectations. Make some time for your loved ones and enjoy the greatest city breaks with toddlers. Choose your destination and let the fun begin!