A Hassle-Free Guide to City Breaks for Children

Amaze little ones with the bright lights of the big city.

A city represents adventure and excitement for children. City breaks are a good way to explore the area at leisure. Introduce your child to the delights of Manchester, London or York with a fun family trip.

Destination
Cosmopolitan cities. Historical cities. Quaint cities. Compact cities. Choose your destination with forethought. Consider how accessible it is from your home. Avoid spending hours on a train or in a car trying to reach it. Pick somewhere that has all the attractions you require.  Museums, parks, canals, and fun-filled activities for all the family. Whatever your personal preference ensure your city can deliver.

City Layout
Some cities are designed to cater for children. Attractions are easily accessible and within easy reach of stations, car parks and park and rides. Tubes, reliable buses and trams make visiting multiple places achievable in one day. Consider the topography of your choice. Places with narrow alleys or cobbled streets are problematic for pushchairs. Steep roads tire small legs. Attractions may be too far apart to do everything in a weekend.

Attractions
Cities are full of attractions and entertainment. Whatever the weather, you are sure to find something to keep your children amused. With so much choice, you can easily waste time deciding what to do! Plan an itinerary of the places you want to visit. Determine how long each will take to do. A thirty-minute hands-on museum or a full day out? Avoid trying to do too much. You’ll end up rushing to fit it all in. You can always plan to return again to revisit the things you didn’t see.

Find out entry fees and opening hours. If you are visiting over Christmas or Easter, for example, open days may be restricted. Decide if the cost of a family ticket represents good value for money. Some tourist places offer a seasonal pass. This can work out cheaper if you plan to return.

Book a Tour
Sightseeing tours are a great way to see all the city has to offer. Many cities operate open-top buses in the summer. A day ticket allows you to hop on and off at will. It’s a good way to cover large distances without expending any energy! Or book a tour of a specific attraction to get the inside track.

Accommodation
Booking your accommodation in advance is sensible during the school holidays. Securing a late booking sometimes yields reduced rates. However, parents vie for places out of term-time, so competition is stiff.

Book a suitable room to fit everyone comfortably. A family room in a hotel or B&B is the standard. Upgrade to a superior suite for a city centre extravaganza. Or try a serviced apartment. These are sleek city flats that offer self-catering facilities.

Food and Drink
Cities are teeming with child-friendly eateries. From cafes to restaurants. Fast-food outlets to foodie stalls. The cost of food and drink in a city is notoriously pricey. Bring a picnic with you to save on costs.

Children are enthralled by the big city. Introduce your little one to the sights and sounds of a city near you.