By Sarah Valek
Take your family to
Europe for a cultural expedition. Traveling to Europe is a great way to expose kids to another culture without having to worry too much about safety or your kids getting bored. Life is much different on the other side of the pond; buildings are older and life is generally more relaxing. But there are still plenty of fun activities for kids. There are too many child-friendly destinations in Europe to list, so here is a sampling of the best places to go.
London
Photo: "Dimitry B." (Flickr)
Children already know about London. After all, this English city is the setting of many childhood fairy tales and songs: "Peter Pan," "Mary Poppins," "Oliver Twist" and the popular song "London Bridge is Falling Down" to name a few. This fabled city does not disappoint. Museums are free, playgrounds are immense, and even farm animals can be found within the city limits. The Museum of Natural History is home to real dinosaur bones. The Diana Memorial Playground in Kensington Gardens features a large wooden pirate ship. The Foundling Museum and Coram's Fields Playground tells the story of London's first home for orphans and has plenty of tall structures to scale. Besides museums, little ones will enjoy a stroll along the Thames to watch street performers and a visit to one of the city's many urban farms. The city offers many annual kids events like June's Trooping the Colour, the Queen's annual birthday parade.
Greece
Photo: "Titanas" (Flickr)
Greece is known for archaeology, mythology and Hercules. Even if your kids balk at the idea of spending two hours at a cultural attraction, they cannot deny the cool factor of visiting the world-famous Parthenon. But Greece is not just about relics. There are many waterparks, pools and kid-friendly resorts to entertain even the most easily-bored child. Greece is home to many spectacular beaches. Just be sure to visit the family beaches so your kids can find playmates, and you can avoid nude or isolated beaches. Popular family beaches include Vatera beach in Lesvos and the shallow (and wave-less) Kamares in Sifnos. The Greeks are known for their love of children, and Greece has even been called the "land of a million babysitters." This means your children can expect lots of random cheek-pinches and kisses.
Paris
Photo: "Dimitry B." (Flickr)
The city of romance is also a great place to take kids. If your children are not scared of heights, take them up the Eiffel Tower for the best city views. Children will love searching for the famous hunchback at Notre Dame and running through the Rodin Sculpture Garden and past the renowned sculpture "The Thinker." For an unusual attraction, take your family to the underground Paris Sewers Museum. Summer months in Paris are busy, and winter months are notoriously rainy. In the summer you can lounge at the man-made Paris Beach and visit ice cream stands. If your kids want a real treat, take them to Parc Asterix.
About the Author:
Sarah Valek has been a writer since 2006. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in writing and art from Ithaca College. Valek's work has appeared in ModernMom.com, "Mommies Magazine" and "Natural Moms Talk Radio."
