Best places to visit with kids
Out of hundreds of stops on our routes, we picked the ones that work best with children: parks to run around in, hands-on museums, zoos and boat tours. Each card takes you to the detailed stop in the city guide.
1. NEMO Science Museum
Discover cause and effect through experiments rather than only looking; also an indoor rainy-day option.
2. ARTIS zoo
An outdoor animal-observation alternative to long galleries; allowing nearly half a day is worthwhile.
3. Vondelpark
Replace ticket schedules with free time, leaving play for our child and rest for adults.
4. Antwerp Zoo
One of the world’s oldest zoos, with historic buildings and many species to fill a whole day for children.
5. Canal boat tour
Bruges reveals its true character from the water: hidden gardens, low bridges and swans.
6. Train World
Real steam locomotives, royal carriages and a train simulator in an old station make one of Europe’s best railway museums.
7. Cinquantenaire Park
A large park of museums and a huge triumphal arch built for Belgium’s fiftieth anniversary.
8. City of Arts and Sciences (Ciutat de les Arts i les Ciències)
Santiago Calatrava’s white futuristic buildings over turquoise pools resemble a science-fiction film.
9. Turia Gardens
The former riverbed, diverted after a major flood, became an enormous nine-kilometre park.
10. Retiro Park
Madrid’s favourite park, with a large boating lake, Crystal Palace, puppet shows and play areas.
11. Park Güell
Gaudí’s mosaic dragon, fairy-tale gatehouses and wavy city-facing bench make Barcelona’s most cheerful place.
12. Ciutadella Park
The city’s main park has a boating lake and the grand Cascada fountain, to which Gaudí contributed.
13. Villa Borghese
A huge park in the city centre, with a lake, rental bicycles and broad lawns.
14. Boboli Gardens
An enormous Renaissance garden behind Pitti Palace, filled with sculptures, grottoes, fountains and city-facing terraces.
15. Rahmi M. Koç Museum
Stepping inside a real submarine, boarding old trams and standing beside aircraft can keep children occupied for hours.
16. Games and Toys Museum
A colourful collection ranging from our grandparents’ toys to dolls from around the world.
Before you go, see our packing list and other travel tips. Have a suggestion? Write to us.