Cities can be overwhelming for young travellers (and their parents!), but some are as much fun for the kids as the grown-ups. Given below are Lonely Planets top 10 cities to visit with children but we think you have a great time with baby and toddler in tow too.....1.London, United Kingdom Why not keep it local and take advantage of everything vibrant London has to offer? This exciting and buzzing city is right on your doorstep. In the summer months don't miss out on playing in the fountains at Somerset House, visiting the London Zoo, and in the winter take to the ice on the many outdoor ice-skating rinks and winter fairs all around the city.
Toddlers will enjoy visiting the Kids Play Zone at the National Army Museum where they can play (safely) to their hearts content or try the free Museum of Childhood in East London where the little ones can dress up in clothes, rock on beautiful rocking horses and play in the indoor sandpit as well as make use of the designated soft play area for the under 3's. Cheap and cheerful.
2.Lisbon, PortugalWith trams trundling up to a castle, a state-of-the-art aquarium and a fascinating museum that explores Portugal's great seafaring past, this city will captivate the kids. The fairy-tale town of Sintra, too, is a just a short train ride away. Visit the Parque das Nações district which offers much entertainment with several attractions to keep the kids happy- try the Interactive Science Museum, it’s a must!
3.Rome, ItalyThis city is known for its delicious gelato, the impressive Colosseum and Castel Sant-Angelo, spooky catacombs under Via Appia Antica and the green spaces of Villa Borghese, the challenge in Rome is not to do too much. When in Rome do as the Romans do. A must-see when there is the Museo Explora, a museum just for children and in the summer, a trip to the Aquapiper water park is a great way to cool down.
4.Copenhagen, DenmarkThis fabulous city just oozes old-world charm. With a compact city center, a lively waterfront and pedestrian-only zones it’s a great destination for families. Enjoy the thrilling rides at Tivoli Gardens and explore Bakken, the royal palace and museums designed especially for children will keep them- and you- thoroughly entertained.
5.Istanbul,Turkey Istanbul is a city rich with culture. Filled with mosques, palaces, museums, bazaars, multicoloured carpets, food markets, Bosphorus cruises and sweet apple teas, the children will be fascinated and enchanted at every turn. Try the Oyuncak Muzesi, the Toy Museum. Housed in an old wooden house, it’s a magical place for the little ones to explore and on the weekends there is a magic and puppet show. A real treat!
6.Los Angeles, United States of AmericaIf you travelling further afield, the City of Angels is a great pick. There is plenty to do and a must-see is the original Disneyland in Anaheim. Toddlers get in for free and the park is very family friendly. Disneyland has a Baby Center/Lost Children Center with extra diapers, formula and other baby supplies. A visit to Universal Studios is also great to do. The little ones will love the Curious George attraction which has a play area just for kids.
7.Vancouver, CanadaVancouver is frequently named the most liveable city in the world which makes it a great place to travel with children. There's lots of water as well as beaches which make it wonderful to visit in the summer. Take the little ones to Stanley Park where they can enjoy the children’s animal farm and ride on the ponies and play with the goats.
8.Oaxaca, MexicoThis colourful and vibrant Mexican city is pint-sized, charming and fun to explore on foot (and stroller!). A central plaza provides plenty of run-around space for kids and there's a vibrant market.
9.SingaporeSafe, clean and accessible, Singapore is a gentle introduction to the cities of Southeast Asia- and an excellent jetlag-busting pit stop on the long haul between Europe and Australasia and is known for being child friendly.
Toddlers will enjoy the Singapore Zoo, where they can play in the play area with water- don’t forget to bring along a change of clothes and swimwear for the kids and have pony rides. Visit Sentosa Island with its beaches, butterfly park, dolphin lagoon and underwater world has to be seen to be believed. Hotels in the area are very family friendly with babysitting services and activities for the little ones.
10.Sydney, AustraliaIf Sydney’s beaches, swimming pools and numerous ferries aren't enough to entertain the family, there's Sydney Aquarium, Taronga Zoo and the Koala Park Sanctuary, which are all huge hits with the little ones where they can spend time petting the animals, especially the furry koalas. Sydney also offers some of the best beaches in Australia; try Bondi Beach for a fun day out.
Happy travels...