Smart Tips to entertain children in Europe
My children are young adults now, but I remember how it was to take them to Europe in different ages. When they were in single digits, was our travel consumed with basic survival issues, such as eating and sleeping. When they entered their teens, became the great challenge of our trips educational and fun.
Europe is rich with fantastic museums, churches and art. But unlike you, the children do not appreciate the magnificence of a Michelangelo statue or significance of an ancient temple. Yet there are ways to liven up the major sights.
At Notre Dame, Quasimodo replay's stunt and climb up the tower. Children love to be on such a lofty perch, face to face with a gargoyle. Using ArtStart computers in London's National Gallery, the children in their interests (cats, sea battles and so on) and print a customized tour map for free.
Audio guides are great for older children. My kids liked them because they can choose what they wanted to learn about. For young children, hit the gift shop first so they can buy postcards and have a scavenger hunt to find the pictured artwork. When boredom sets in, try "I Spy" games or get them to count how many children or pets that they can discover in all the paintings in the room. Whenever possible, go early or book ahead for major attractions to avoid long lines.
Find kid-friendly museums. London's Natural History Museum offers a wonderful world of dinosaurs, volcanoes, meteors and bugs. You will not find "Do not touch" signs at Florence Leonardo Museum, where kids can use their energy to power modern reproductions of da Vinci's inventions.
Getting nowhere could be more fun than the target. Kids love the subway maps, train schedules and plotting routes. Paris Metro is particularly appealing, as many stations have boards that light up the road when you press the button for your destination.
Fun boat ride and bus tours can also be a hit. Your son may not care about the crown jewels, but he can go nuts to ride a double decker bus to get there. Boats are also memorable, for example, a ride on a Venetian vaporetto or glide down the canals of Amsterdam.
European parks, a wonderland of fun. Paris Luxembourg Gardens is one of my favorite places mixing Young business with pleasure. There are cafes and watch people for parents, and a playground full of fanciful slides, swings, climbing frames and play chess for children. You will also find a carousel, pony rides, toy rental sailboats in the main dam and Guignol (French puppet shows).
Copenhagen's Tivoli Gardens is a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale, with games, bands, shows and rides ranging from vintage cars to a Ferris wheel that looks like a clock. The newly opened Petzi's World, based on a popular Danish cartoon bear, offers a cuddly variety of tours and activities.
Of course, costs can add up quickly. There are kiddie discounts – but you have to ask. In some places you can find the family discount on sightseeing passes. Train rides are free for infants and young children (and sometimes school-age children) and sometimes museums offer free admission for children under a certain age.
Go to the rapid foodEating at European restaurants is a cultural experience, but it can be stressful, because the service is much slower than at home. Dinner can easily take two hours, so bring something to occupy children while waiting. These self-service cafeterias and bars (children are welcome) by 7 pm to miss the adult audience. At fast food restaurants, kids can move around without disturbing others.
More from TODAY.com
Departing Vieira: My husband "is in good health '
In a press conference Monday, Meredith Vieira said her husband, Richard Cohen, "is in good health" and denied That his multiple sclerosis was the reason she is departing her TODAY anchor post in June.
Lethal Ladies: seven novels about killer women Which summer movie Have the best toys? Stranded Whales rehabilitated, release dann Curry's distinguished career at TODAY
Another fun (and inexpensive) option is to get take-away food, such as bratwurst, crepes or sandwiches from a street stand. Or visit a market or grocery store and have your child together a picnic. You can eat your meals in a square, a park or on the upper deck of a tour bus
In housing, avoid B & B, which usually meets passengers who want peace and quiet. Many major hotels have spacious family room. London's budget hotel brand, allows two children to sleep for free in the already affordable rooms. Bonus: They sometimes have a swimming pool.
Story: 9 ways to save on summer flights to Europe
Instead of picking up and moving every few days, some families prefer to settle in an apartment or house, using it as their base, then side trips to nearby destinations. Self-catering apartments rented by the week, eg Apartments in France and villas in Italy, to give families a home on the road.
The key to a successful European family vacation is to contain and limit expectations. Do not overdo it. Tackle one or two major attractions every day, mix in a healthy dose of fun activities and take long breaks when needed. If done right, you take home happy memories that you will share a lifetime.
© 2011 Rick Steves … Distributed by Tribune Media Services, Inc.
More Source:
Smart tips to keep the kids entertained in Europe - Travel ...Rick Steves' Europe: Stretch Your Dollar With the Best Tips for Smart ...
France Travel Information and Travel Guide - Lonely Planet
StudentUniverse | Smart deals for students: Travel discounts ...
Related News:
- 5 one-night easy for children
- Enjoying Venice with children
- Enjoying Venice with children
- Enjoy Venice with children
- Finding healthy food for children while driving
- DHS to unveil a new policy of airport security for children
- Find a healthy meal for children during the trip
- Finding healthy food for the children while traveling
- Finding healthy food for children when traveling
- Finding a healthy dining for children traveling
Details :
Submited at Tuesday, May 10th, 2011 at 6:00 am on Family by samantha
Comment RSS 2.0 - leave a comment - trackback