7 iconic cities, endless family fun

Planning a family vacation can feel like a battle between what’s fun for the kids (cartoon mascots, water slides, kids’ menus), and what those of us actually paying for the trip would prefer (none of the above). But it doesn’t have to be that way. These cities rank among the most satisfying destinations for families, due to the sheer variety of things to do—read on to find something for everyone.

For curious minds and culture vultures

London, England

Kids will love: Interactive museums, huge parks, scones
You will love: Gourmet markets, Theatreland, destination art

Start in Granary Square near King’s Cross—you’ll find world-class shopping, and a fountain that becomes a giant watery playground for kids in summertime (bring a change of clothes). Connected by River Bus, London’s sister galleries—Tate Britain and Tate Modern—are firmly family-friendly, with digital sketch pads and a Play Studio (open Fridays, weekends and school vacations), and countless world-famous works. Find lunch options to please any palate at Borough Market. Budding paleontologists will love a Dino Snores sleepover at the Natural History Museum. Prefer to soak up some history? Head to Trafalgar Square (pictured above and top), where kids will love clambering on the base of Nelson’s Column and meeting the bronze lions; the National Gallery is steps away.

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For foodies and nature lovers of all sizes

San Francisco, CA

Kids will love: Sea lions, park slides, ferry rides 
You will love: Wine country, farm-to-table food, sweeping vistas 

Marvel at the Golden Gate Bridge from a Tiburon-bound ferry and say hello to the sea lions at Fisherman’s Wharf. Spend an afternoon in Golden Gate Park—ride the carousel, zoom down the huge slide and enjoy the Japanese Tea Garden. Join the line for bread and pastries at Tartine Bakery (they’re worth the wait), and sample the food trucks at the Presidio Pop-Up. Get out of town to see the redwoods in Muir Woods National Monument and visit regional wineries—on hot days, the poolside cabines at Francis Ford Coppola Winery are the place to be. 

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For a city stay with beach plays

Barcelona, Spain

Kids will love: Churros, dragon tales, an indoor rainforest 
You will love: Tapas, Catalan modernism, Picasso

Play a game of “spot the dragon gargoyle” on a walking tour of the Gothic Quarter—the perfect introduction to the city (adult shoppers will love the chic boutiques on the route). Visiting Antoni Gaudí’s Sagrada Familia and Park Güell (pictured) is a must, but kids might enjoy the climbing frame on Barceloneta beach just as much—and it’s free. Catch your breath in a churreria (these piped doughnuts are best ordered with chocolate and whipped cream). Rainy day? Head to CosmoCaixa, a science museum with hands-on displays and an indoor rainforest. 

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For adventures on top of the world

New York City, NY

Kids will love: Tall towers, memorable museums, world-class pizza 
You will love: Broadway, art galleries, superb shopping 

It pays to tackle New York one neighborhood at a time. Start with a trip on the Staten Island Ferry for the best views of the Statue of Liberty and lower Manhattan (bonus: it’s free!). Explore Chelsea’s legendary gallery scene and check out the High Line, the elevated park that runs along former rail tracks, stopping for lunch in Chelsea Market (or Saturday’s Chelsea Flea) on the way. The 100-stories-up outdoor sky deck at The Edge in Hudson Yards is the new place to get vertigo; or you could get the classic view from the Empire State Building (pictured). A horse-drawn carriage ride through Central Park is a classic for a reason. Don’t miss the butterflies and insectarium of the Gilder Center at the American Museum of Natural History, and save room for pizza at Patsy’s afterwards.

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For expanding everyone’s horizons

Tokyo, Japan

Kids will love: Cute cats, mind-bending museums, copious candy 
You will love: Design-forward shops, sublime sushi, ashiyus (foot baths) 

From Shibuya Crossing to the quirky snacks, Tokyo can feel mind-blowing for all ages. Lean into the city’s otherworldly vibe with a trip to teamLab Planets, an interactive museum where you can “draw” on the surface of water. Then visit the super-colorful Sensō Ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple (pictured), and Gotokuji Temple, a Buddhist temple surrounded by thousands of waving cat statues (maneki-neko). Enjoy all the sushi and ramen you can handle (we love Iruca Tokyo in Roppongi), and don’t forget to browse convenience stores and confectioners for unique treats—Number Sugar’s caramels are a must.

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For thrill-seekers big and small

Hong Kong

Kids will love: Escalators, junk boats, vertiginous views 
You will love: Tea shops, park walks, beaches 

Explore the traditional tea and spice shops in Sheung Wan, a neighborhood that dates to the 1800s. Afterwards, graze through the dim-sum menu at a branch of Yum Cha, and plot a trip to one of Hong Kong’s theme parks. Burn off energy with a race to the top of the Central Mid-Levels Escalator, the world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system, take a ride on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel (wheelchairs welcome), or get even higher by taking a tram up to Victoria Peak (pictured). Finally, soak up the sunset from a Victoria Harbour cruise aboard a traditional red-sail junk boat, and toast to a memorable trip.

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For water babies and hockey heads

Toronto, Canada

Kids will love: Ferry rides, hockey history, splashable fountains
You will love: The food scene, beaches, friendly locals 

Get your toes in the sand at The Beaches, a relaxed neighborhood with four beaches on Lake Ontario, and a great place to base yourself. Or take to the lake with a ferry ride to Toronto Island Park for bird-watching and boating. Back on land, kids will love Sherbourne Common (pictured), with its skating rink that doubles as a splash pad in the summer. For something drier, footwear fans will love the workshops at the Bata Shoe Museum, while hockey heads won’t want to miss the Hockey Hall of Fame (both fully accessible). Reserve at least a few hours for The Well, a new entertainment and dining complex with a sensory zone for kids and the immersive art installation, Arcadia Earth. Hungry? Dive into Toronto’s multicultural food scene with Chinese restaurants in Kensington Market and Filipino and Uighur cuisine in Scarborough. 

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