Many parents like to travel to an urban setting, but there are always concerns the kids will be bored or questions as to whether the children will even be safe. The cities on this list have many cool-enough-for-kids attractions and tend to be cleaner and safer than many cities.
Toronto
Toronto is an underrated city that is fun for all ages, whether it’s a child hitting the beach or a fun-filled sports attraction or an adult wanting to shop in a quaint neighbourhood or visit a fabulous farmer’s market. There are several family-friendly attractions, and this is a city that is amazingly clean and safe considering its size and population.
London
London is home to a plethora of landmarks. Big Ben, Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussauds, and Westminster Abbey, to name a few. There are also a number of modern attractions in London, such as the London Eye, The Tate Modern, and the multi-purpose London Stadium. If you want to catch some sport, you could visit when Wimbledon is on or go to watch a football match.
Paris
Forget Paris for romantics. This is also an amazing city that every child should experience, and every parent should see through the eyes of a child. Although French is the native language, English is spoken quite commonly throughout Paris (although it is a good idea to learn a little just to be polite), which makes it an easy way to introduce children to a different culture. There are many fun things for kids to do, and endless options beyond the obvious Disneyland Paris choice.
Chicago
Chicago boasts some of America’s most wonderful museums for children, from the Children’s Museum at Navy Pier (also a great kid-friendly attraction) to the vast Shedd Aquarium. Older kids will enjoy shopping on Michigan Avenue, where teens will dig the mega Apple store packed full of iPods and young girls will love a stop at an official American Girl store. If you will visit in winter, however, pack lots of warm coats, gloves and scarves!
Washington, D.C.
Cool. Free. Museums. Enough said? Besides the whole nation’s capital rich in history thing, Washington, D.C.’s biggest allure for families is the amazing Smithsonian network of museums. Entry to the museums is free, and there are wonderful ones the kids will consider stuffy, but also fun ones for the kids like the zoo and the Air & Space Museum. There are also many other cool attractions, like an entire museum devoted to spies.
Boston
Beantown makes a fun and historic urban destination for families. New York City might have Central Park, but Boston is home to Boston Common, one of the oldest parks in the U.S. and an oasis right in the middle of the city. There are loads of fun themed tours, such as Duck Tours on a ride that transforms from a bus to a boat. This is also a wonderful central location for day trips throughout New England.