What to do in a city like Paris, Barcelona, Vienna, Brussels or Copenhagen to amuse and interest children?
What are the activities not to be missed?
Less highlighted than the major museums or monuments of these cities, the offers for children and teenagers are numerous and often very interesting for parents.
Amusement parks, swimming pools, zoos, aquariums or interactive experiences can make the stay fun for the whole family!
Here is our selection of the best cities to discover with the family.
Read alsoFamily getaway: what if we spent the night at the zoo?
Barcelona, the colorful
Parc Güell, Tibidabo, Museu Olimpic... So many places to visit with the family in Barcelona.
Luciano Mortula-LGM
It's difficult to come with children to Barcelona and not go up to Tibidabo, the oldest amusement park in Spain, some rides like the Ferris wheel of which date from its creation.
To get there, the most practical is to take the funicular, the experience will be complete.
Located by the sea, Barcelona has many beaches with sanitary facilities and playgrounds and even a skate park.
The further you get from the city center, the more the atmosphere is family.
To motivate sporting vocations, visits to the Museu Olimpic or other facilities of the 92 Olympic Games, such as the stadium, are essential.
Read alsoWhere to sleep in Barcelona for less than 150 euros per night?
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Ancient Rome
A tip: buy your Colosseum tickets in advance to avoid the long lines.
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Of course, you can make a wish at the Trevi Fountain and visit Saint Peter's Basilica as a family, but more unusual visits such as those to the catacombs with children and teenagers are often more successful.
To rest the tired feet of young and old, the excursion by river boat on the Tiber allows you to discover the city of Rome without getting tired.
Another activity that will leave children with fond memories: becoming a gladiator.
After visiting the Colosseum, a 2-hour practice session is offered to budding warriors, in period dress and sword in hand.
Read alsoStopover in Rome, futuristic and unique city
New York, the bright
Parks, museums, culinary discoveries... Visiting New York with children will leave lasting memories for young and old alike.
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The show is everywhere for children in this huge city: fire trucks, police car sirens, the lights of Times Square... and the hamburgers, fries, giant ice creams that we have the right to eat at all time since we are on vacation!
With the children, on the list of visits, here are some suggestions: the vertiginous Empire State building, a ride in Central Park in a horse-drawn carriage, the Statue of Liberty or even the Museum of Natural History of New York, which children and parents know well from the film "Night at the Museum".
Read alsoThe ten most beautiful views of New York to gain height
Paris, the energetic
Between cultural and historical heritage, unusual activities and walks, Paris is ideal for families to visit on a weekend or during a week's holiday.
saiko3p
To do with the youngest between 2 and 7 years old in Paris, (reservations essential), the Cité des enfants at the Cité des sciences et de l'industrie.
The space, playful and educational, is divided into five themes: I discover myself, I know how to do, I identify myself, I experiment, All together.
For budding scientists, a quick trip to the Palais de la Découverte and the Grande Galerie de l'Évolution and National Museum of Natural History is a must.
On the museum side, Grévin is generally a great family success, as is Head in the Clouds, a space entirely dedicated to games that caters to all audiences with more than 130 attractions.
To get some fresh air in a bucolic setting, a break at the Jardin d'Acclimatation, in the heart of the Bois de Boulogne,
or a visit to the Paris Zoological Park in Vincennes are welcome.
Without forgetting one or more days at Disneyland Paris.
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Copenhagen, the Nordic
Passing through Copenhagen with the family, stroll along the harbor and visit the Tivoli Gardens.
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A must in the Danish capital, the Tivoli Gardens amusement park is one of the oldest in Europe.
With its thrill rides, theaters and varied shows, this mythical place attracts young and old.
Denmark's National Aquarium is one of the largest marine centers in Northern Europe, with over 50 aquariums populated by thousands of exotic animals.
And of course, the Viking Ship Museum, located in the port of Roskilde, which allows you to discover the life of the Vikings.
Did you know ?
And if you have some time left in Copenhagen, drop by HC Andersen's fairy tale house at Ripley's Museum.
Read alsoWhere to sleep in Copenhagen for less than 150 euros per night?
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Prague, a city made for children
Prague was elected this year the most welcoming city in Europe for holidays with children.
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The Czech capital was elected in 2022 the most welcoming city in Europe for holidays with children.
Ideal for toddlers, there are playgrounds everywhere as well as “kids” corners in the restaurants.
The city's low pollution rate and its very safe aspect were also underlined, that counts!
Then the historic streets, the castle and the zoo of Prague are yours.
Read alsoCreative or gourmet, 20 addresses to discover Prague like a local
Madrid, the royal
On a family trip to Madrid in the summer, take the time to relax and cool off in Retiro Park.
Alex Segre
The Retiro Park with its green spaces and refreshing ponds, attractions and activities for children of all ages offers a good refuge when visiting Madrid, especially in summer.
Between two museums, you can plan a trip to one of the best karting circuits in Europe, the Karting Carlos Sainz Center, located just 2 kilometers from the center of Madrid.
Teenagers will love exploring the city on a Segway.
Otherwise churros, ice cream and tapas…
Read alsoMadrid in summer: seven secret gardens to catch your breath
Brussels, the surprising
Tintin fans will not be able to miss the Comic Strip Museum and the many street art works to discover along the cobbled streets of Brussels.
SCStock
When we go to visit Brussels, we think of visiting the chocolate museum and "greeting" the Manneken-Pis who always makes children laugh, but comic book fans will not be able to miss the Comic Strip Museum and works by Hergé, inventor of Tintin.
Another original idea, the Mini-Europe park presents more than 300 scale models of European monuments in an open-air space.
Located next to the Atomium, you kill two birds with one stone.
If you have time, Train World is an interactive museum presenting Belgian locomotives and wagons.
Not to mention the chocolates and ice creams to enjoy during breaks!
Read alsoGourmet and arty getaway in Brussels
Vienna, the sumptuous
In the heart of the city of Vienna, the Prater and its Ferris wheel is home to the oldest amusement park in the world.
saiko3p
The Prater and its permanent funfair is one of the essential stops in Vienna with children.
If you had to choose a castle to visit with your family, Schönbrunn is the obvious choice.
The castle park also contains several gardens, a labyrinth open in fine weather and even a zoo in the middle of which sits the emperor's breakfast pavilion.
The puppet theater alone is worth the trip (remember to book).
At Christmas, the city turns into a big Christmas market.
Read alsoVienna: five unsuspected museums to discover in the Austrian capital
Edinburgh, the medieval
Less than two hours by plane from Paris, Edinburgh seduces families with its typical Harry Potter atmosphere, its green spaces and its castles.
Richie Chan
We take the height to embrace the Scottish capital.
We go to the medieval castle of Craigmillar, the children love it.
To let them let off steam, head to the Royal Botanic Garden, before discovering the very original Camera Obscura museum which presents a hundred optical illusions, some interactive.
And impossible to visit Edinburgh without getting on one of the famous red double-decker buses.
You can also leave the city to go to the Dean Village, a picturesque and quiet place.
