How to survive a city trip with kids

 Sure, city trips with kids may involve fewer  cocktails, leisurely meals and lazy mornings than they might do  otherwise, but that’s not to say they can’t be wonderfully fun and  stress-free. Urban environments offer plenty of activities to suit  travellers of all ages and it’s rewarding to see your children getting  as much joy out of a city as you do. 

However, as parents who’ve tried it know, negotiating busy streets  with a demanding entourage – be they toddlers or teens – can be a  challenge. Curb the chaos with these tried-and-tested tips. 

Get to know the city

Before you go, capture your kids’ imaginations with films and books about your chosen city. Paris’   Notre Dame Cathedral will look a lot more interesting to youngsters if they’re on the lookout for its resident hunchback, and the Spider-man series will have them yearning to see New York's skyscrapers for real. 

Once you’re there, look for local guided walks aimed specifically at  kids – tourist offices may offer special family trails. If your kids can  ride (or fit in a child seat) they may prefer to whizz through the  streets on a bike tour. Either way, getting your bearings on arrival  makes navigating your destination during the rest of your stay a lot  simpler. 

Choose the right place to stay

Renting an apartment is often the easiest way to go; you can  self-cater when it suits you, keeping mealtimes simple – and you don’t  have to worry about disturbing other guests. You also have a bit more  space to spread out and relax when you need to take a breather.

 That said, staying in a hotel is often fun too; you can take a break  from chores and children will relish it as a novelty – just watch their  eyes light up when you order room service. If there’s a pool, even  better. 

Whichever lodgings you choose, location is key. Long commutes into  the city eat into precious sightseeing time, so choose somewhere central  or find a nearby bolthole with decent transport links. 

Go with the flow

Don’t be too ambitious when it comes to itinerary planning. With kids  in tow you may not be able to walk as far or as fast as you would on  your own – slowing down and staying flexible should minimise moaning and  prevent burn out.

 Keep kids engaged at museums and galleries with audio guides – many  attractions provide narration specifically aimed at younger visitors. If  your little ones are prone to museum fatigue, you may find that  castles, palaces and monuments hold their attention for longer.

 Kids also love squares with fountains, sculptures, street stalls and  entertainers. Head to these pedestrianised areas to relax, browse stalls  and people watch when you feel the need to slow down. 

Have a bad-weather backup plan

Think about the weather when timing your visit. Cold temperatures are  manageable with the right clothing but being out all day in the rain  can be miserable, and getting stuck indoors away from home may not be  much fun. 

Luckily, many cities are virtually weatherproof, with a positively  splendid wealth of kid-friendly indoor entertainment such as interactive  museums, play centres, ice-rinks, bookshops and theatres. When planning  your trip, keep a few rainy day options up your sleeve to lift dampened  spirits. 

Try out quirky transport

Taking unusual local transport is all part of the adventure in a  city. Hopping on a boat, cable car, funicular, rickshaw or tram can be a  real highlight of your trip and provide a different perspective on a  city. 

If you’re bringing a buggy, make it a small, light, foldaway one,  rather than a monster – it’ll be easier on narrow pavements and for  getting on and off your chosen means of transport. 

Avoid mealtime mayhem

Time often flies when you’re exploring a city – but you don’t want to wait until hunger hits to start thinking about food.

 Weather permitting, picnics are an ideal lunch solution for those who  like to be prepared; you don’t have to stress about disturbing other  diners, taking too long to get served, or finding something the children  like to eat. If you find a local supermarket it’s often cheaper too. 

From German sausage stands to jalebi (syrup-soaked batter spirals) in Delhi, good local street food is another quick and easy way to eat. A  tactically-timed waffle stop can halt tantrums in their tracks, and it’s  always a good idea to keep some emergency snacks in your bag for  on-the-go pick-me-ups.

Indulge your inner tourist

Agree on a small budget for your sprogs to each spend on a souvenir,  then let them select whatever they like – however questionable their  choice. Children usually love browsing street stalls and outdoor markets  and will get a kick out of selecting something to remind them of their  trip. 

Letting the kids get snap happy with an old phone or a disposable  camera can help keep them entertained and give you more of a chance to  linger in places that would get rushed through otherwise. 

Factor in some ‘me time’

If you’re travelling with a baby or toddler who naps, seize this time  as a chance to have a leisurely café break or to wander around a  gallery or museum that could potentially feel like a circle of hell if  they were awake. You can see entire medieval museums or sip whole  glasses of Campari soda on sunlit squares this way, with your little  angel being none the wiser. 

 If you’re desperate for a completely grown-up evening out, many  mid-range or top-end city hotels offer babysitting services. You could  also contact a local, recommended childcare agency so that you get to  see the city after dark, while the children recharge for another day of  city trip adventures.