Just a few days ago I read a post from my partner Lucy Ortega, where I defended the idea of traveling with our children since they were young, even against the theory used by many to not do it because "The children will not agree."
I can't agree more with her. My children are used to getting on a plane to go on vacation since they were three months old and have become curious travelers with a much more real, close image of the world. Of course, not all destinations are valid to go with young children, and less in summer when the heat squeezes and runs out.
I have a rule: Vacation trips should be 70% to the taste of children and 30% of cultural views. As the children grow, the proportion is equalized. But if we don't want them to hate 'the stones', better leave them their space.
So if you are seduced by the idea of going abroad with your children this summer, but you are still not sure where to go, you may be interested in our selection of the best European cities to visit with children in summer. I assure you that with my children, they all worked. And if you still doubt, remember that experts say that it is better to travel with your children than to buy toys.
Paris France)
A classic in European cities to visit with children. The big culprit: the Disneyland Paris theme park, with which children dream since they were little.
As long as they don't grow a few years to travel to the theme park paradise in Orlando, this brother at your fingertips will meet all your expectations and more.
Not only will they be able to greet their favorite characters, photograph themselves with them and collect all their autographs, but they will also enjoy the beauty of the park's shows. By the way! This year they have recovered that of the Lion King. I saw it a few years ago with my daughter and we enjoyed the beautiful.
But Paris has much more to offer the kids. My bet went up to the Eiffel Tower and see the picture of the Mona Lisa in the Louvre Museum, what she asked me with seven years.
In Babies and moreThe 19 best theme parks in Europe to go with childrenThen we venture a little more with a boat trip on the Seine, walk through the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe at dusk Notre Dame Cathedral "to see with his own eyes where the hunchback lived" (Although after the recent fire now it does not shine in all its splendor) and we even visited the rooms dedicated to Egypt in the Louvre, until it was sold out. Since then, she is an egyptologist forofa.
But in addition Paris offers many more children's attractions: Asterix Park, Playmobil Fun Park and the City of Children... There are ideas for all tastes.
And one last tip: if possible, book a night for dinner one chocolate fondue or some crepes. They will be remembered for a lifetime as something very special they did the first time they went to Paris with their parents!
- More information: Paris Tourist Office
Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain)
Any of our islands is perfect to visit in summer with children. But among all of them, Tenerife is one of my favorites.
My son was only two months old when we decided to bet on the beaches of Tenerife, since we had been without them before and it seemed like a good destination.
The reasons? Beaches to choose from with all the services and hotels very prepared for families, so we could spend the hottest hours in the aparthotel while the older one had fun at the Children's Club.
With an average year-round temperature of 24 degrees, it has beaches suitable for children, in which there is no danger of currents or waves: Las Teresitas (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), and Las Américas, Los Cristianos or Playa Colón, in Arona.
Another option in the same Port of Santa Cruz is the Lago Martiánez pool complex, with seven swimming pools with sea water and a large lake, which delight the kids.
But it is also that, with a little imagination, any visit can become a great adventure, with ideas designed for the smallest of the house.
We bet on a catamaran trip to enjoy the marine fauna, especially the dolphins and calderones that live between the south coast of Tenerife and the neighboring island of La Gomera. What a nap the little boy stuck with the sea breeze while his sister kept laughing with the dolphins jumps!
Impossible not to climb until Teide, the highest peak in Europe and accessible to children thanks to its cable car: in a few minutes the more than 1,200 meters high between the base of the volcano and La Rambleta are saved, a small platform in the upper station, just 200 meters away from the highest peak in Spain. The views are spectacular and the ride on the cable car is an experience for children, who for the first time can step on a volcano.
And, of course, a visit to Parrot park (also in Puerto de la Cruz), which I remembered for having gone with my parents as a child and that overcame my memories. This zoo combines wildlife display and its conservation through programs such as the recovery of abused animals in other centers or the reintroduction plans of endangered species in their natural habitat. Children love the aquarium and the Antarctic habitat.
And if you still want more adventures, it is well worth a visit on Museum of Science and the Cosmos from La Laguna, an interactive center where children discover the secrets of science and the cosmos through experimentation. In addition, specialized in astrophysics, it includes one of the best planetariums in Spain.
- More information: Spain Tourism
Valletta (Malta)
It is one of our most recent family trips and not because it is less attractive, but more unknown. The most attractive? For me its crystal clear beaches, protected from wind and currents by small entries in the earth. The best beaches of fine sand are Golden Bay, Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, Ghadira Bay, Paradise Bay and Gnejna Bay.
The island, according to my point of view, is an ideal place to combine leisure and culture, since you can enjoy its beaches and theme parks and, at the same time, get to know the Mdina medieval town Y Valletta, and dinner for example in the beautiful fishing village of Marsaxlokk, where to admire its famous gondolas (Luzzu), used for fishing throughout the archipelago.
There are many tourist areas on the island with hotels adapted to families, such as Saint Julian's (very well connected by public transport) or St. Paul's Bay (to the north of the island), but perhaps the capital is the best center of operations from where to move to other nuclei of interest. If you decide to visit its great monumental wealth during the day, do not forget to approach the St. George's Square, so that children can cool off with water jets emanating from the ground.
It is worth taking a tourist boat or the ferry that connects Valletta with Sliema and the three cities and thus be able to see them from the sea. A wonderful way for children to discover Baroque Europe without getting tired.
They will feel protagonists of a pirate movie when visiting the San Elmo Fort, built by the order of the knights of San Juan to keep the port of Valletta safe. In addition, from there you have a vision of almost 360 degrees of the two bays.
The Mediterranean Marine Park, on the main road of the coast, it houses a wide variety of marine species that promotes interactive participation between people and animals. Children can swim with dolphins, feed the parrots and enjoy the dolphin or sea lion shows, which try to raise awareness about the environment and the fauna of the sea.
Another option is the theme park Popeye Village Fun Park (in Mellieha Bay), on a cliff, scene where Popeye's movie was recorded.
But they will also feel like great archaeologists in the sea caves of Blue grotto, where you can access with some old fishing boats. You can do this in the morning and, in the afternoon, come to visit the megalithic temples of Hagar Qim, older than the Egyptian pyramids, a World Heritage Site.
And if you feel strong, you can't miss taking a ferry and visiting the gozo island and spend a full day in its water and natural sites.
Just one detail: remember if you are going to rent a car, that they drive on the opposite side to us, like the English, and that most of the roads are one-lane in each direction, so even though the distances between the points of interest They are not very long, travel times are longer than expected.
- More information: Travel Malta
Copenhagen (Denmark)
The treasures of this European capital familiy friendlyThey are very numerous for traveling with children. It is quiet and tidy, bicycles are the queens of the streets and their inhabitants live in a quiet and safe environment. In addition, it is a beautiful city in which to get lost and enjoy a walk through its streets or its parks.
Impossible to get bored in the capital of the country that invented the Lego. Of course, keep in mind that Legoland is not in the capital, but 250 kilometers away by car, so if the visit is short or the children are very small, better leave it for another time.
Because Copenhagen has enough leisure options without having to go outside. From the eyes of the children, maybe I would keep the original playgrounds, which are scattered throughout the city.
One of my favorites is The Tower Playground, inside Fælledparken, the largest park in the city. They are replicas of the towers of the most famous buildings in the city: the town hall tower, the tower of the Church of Our Savior, the Round Tower, the dome of the Marble Church and the tower of the Stock Exchange. All of them are even play places include new technologies, sounds and a small planetarium.
So if you travel with your children, I advise you to enter the website of the design studio Monstrum, author of all of them, and make an itinerary with the most beautiful, to combine leisure and visit.
And if you are looking for nature, the Kongens Have (Garden of the King) in the Rosenborg Castle, the oldest (and busiest) park in Copenhagen. It is common to see families having a picnic and you can entertain with a large collection of sculptures and different temporary exhibitions.
And, of course, you have to find a place to visit the famous Little mermaid, which will blow your imagination, or the Tivoli gardens, the number one attraction in Copenhagen.
Also, if the day does not accompany, you can take the opportunity to visit Experimentarium, a museum dedicated to science and technology with dozens of activities and workshops dedicated to them to discover and experience playing.
Or the Circus Museum (Cirkusmuseet) largest that exists, and also fully interactive, with thousands of pieces in its collection. Children can touch everything, press buttons, open secret hiding places ...
- More information: Copenhagen info
London, United Kingdom)
Without a doubt, the English capital is always worth a visit, at any time of the year. Particularly, with children, I prefer spring and summer, because you don't have to start removing layers of clothes every time you enter an enclosed space. And it is one of those capitals close to home where the heat does not drown you, as can be Rome. So it is perfect to visit with our children, but better without the suffocating summer heat.
Why will they like it? For all. From the bus with two floors, the red cabins, the black cabs with the doors that open upside down, the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace (daily until August)… But also the Royal Guard uniforms, the tower of London or the views of the city from London Eye.
Even if it's just a little while, until they get tired, you have to encourage them to visit the British Museum and the Museum of Natural History, with free tickets. If the dinosaurs are a sure hit with the kids, the Egyptian part of the British also draws attention to them (I say this with knowledge of the cause).
But you can not miss the walk through the iconic Hyde park, where children can eat the squirrels and see the statue of Peter Pan. And, without a doubt, the magic bet: the discovery of harry potter world For the magician's geeks. There are companies that make thematic tours around the city, showing the buildings, streets and venues that inspired J.K. Rowling But you can also discover the places for yourself, such as the Kings Cross Station. The most advisable (in my humble opinion) and the age of the children, is to devote a day to the Warner Bros, Studios Tour London, where much of his famous films were recorded.
Summer is also an ideal time to give you a boat trip on the river Thames. My son really liked the London Duck company, an amphibious vehicle that takes a tour of the main streets of the city and then submerges in the water. But the alternatives are very numerous.
- More information: Visit London
Barcelona, Spain)
The city of Barcelona brings together all the attractions that a family is looking for in summer: beach, children's leisure and attractive monuments for the whole family. And best of all, we have it very close.
Either as a single destination, or as a stop to another vacation spot, it is always worth a visit. The incredible thing is that I have already been to Barcelona a lot of times and on each visit I discover something new that surprises me.
Although each family will discover their favorite places, perhaps I would recommend starting in the morning, before the sun is warm, by the Guell park, as a way of introducing them to this cosmopolitan city, where Gaudí left his mark. If you want to see the Dragon Staircase, the Hypostyle Hall, the Nature Square or the Gardens of Austria, I recommend you buy the ticket online, to save queues and money.
A big surprise where to laugh as a family in a privileged outdoor place, which seems taken from a fairy tale, is the Laberint d'Horta. It is the oldest neoclassical garden in Barcelona (18th century). Beware of getting lost in the cypress maze!
A good option to spend the central hours of the day, when the heat tightens, is CosmoCaixa, 50,000 m2 of permanent spaces and exhibitions such as the planetarium, the Geological Wall or the spectacular Flooded Forest, which bring us closer to science. Admission is free for children under 16.
Maybe later, you want to take a dip in the Barceloneta beach, easily accessible by subway and then a walk on the Ramblas, where you will enjoy the beautiful with living statues, stopping at the Boqueria Market to drink a natural juice, or visit the attractant Gothic Quarter and all its monuments. If you have time, I recommend you pause the Abracadabra bookshop, specialized in children's and youth literature. His selection of national and international titles, educational toys and unique objects, falls in love and brings him closer to reading.
But not everything is seen in a day, much less. There is still the obligatory visit to the Holy Family, recommended in the morning, when the kids are rested. And, buying tickets online, to avoid queues. You will be surprised to discover the towers of the temple and know that it began to be built 132 years ago and is still unfinished.
And then, depending on the days of stay, you can make room for the many leisure activities for children: from the Tibidabo Amusement Park, which can be climbed by funicular and offers magnificent views of the city; he Chocolate Museum, with workshops to literally suck your fingers; he Ciutadella Park, which even has a lake with small boats and many charming corners, such as the greenhouse, or the exotic birds and palm trees in which they live.
- More information: Barcelona Tourism
Porto (Portugal)
Another attractive destination for Harry Potter lovers, since there is the Livraria Lello and Irmao, a historic and spectacular building, which inspired J.K. Rowling to describe the Florish & Blotts bookstore. Founded in 1869 and has been named more than once 'the most beautiful bookstore in the world'.
In Babies and more The 11 most spectacular bookstores in the world, to discover as a family and encourage children to readBut this Portuguese city, a great unknown and always in the shadow of Lisbon, has its particular charm, and is a good first urban destination abroad to go with children. It is close to Spain, very accessible by car or plane (at very cheap prices), quiet and easy to travel on foot.
My daughter loved the views of the Ribeira, with its colorful stacked houses, declared a World Heritage Site. But above all he enjoyed the walk along the Douro in a Rabelo, the typical boat of the area, to see the six bridges.
We were also surprised by the cable car, in Vilanova de Gaia, although particularly it seems a bit expensive to me: since the journey only covers 600 meters and lasts six minutes. Of course, the views are spectacular.
The afternoon walk through the Ribeira is irreplaceable, full of terraces and market stalls, and a visit to the São Bento train station. I didn't know where to look through so much old blue tile!
A short walk from the Lello bookstore and the Clérigos Tower is the Crystal Palace Park, a small oasis with views over the river and a playground. There are concerts, book fairs ...
But the green king of Porto is the Cidade Park, the main meeting point of the locals, with lakes, trees of all kinds, ducks, geese, frogs and birds, and that reaches the sea.
In addition, after the most cultural visits, Porto also offers beaches. They are not as spectacular as those in the Algarve, but they also have their charm. In the area known as Foz, There are rocks, which protect from the wind and create smaller hotter pools for children to play.
In Matosinhos, The beaches are more open and without rocks. But if you feel like spending a day at the beach, I recommend you go with the children to Aveiro, known as the Portuguese Venice. You will spend a great day riding a bike through the small town with its colorful painted houses, boating in one of the typical boats, some very colorful gondolas, and you can bathe in one of its beautiful sandy beaches. Half an hour away by car or train from Porto, it is worth a visit.
And if you have time, I recommend the train visit to the nearby town of Guimarães, historical and very pleasant walking walks. He has managed to perfectly preserve his illustrious past as the hometown of Alfonso Henriques, the first king of Portugal. Children will feel like walking knights among medieval buildings, such as the Castle or the Palace of the Dukes of Bragança.
- More information: Tourism in Portugal
Rovaniemi (Finland)
Finland is a small hidden gem far north of Europe, one of the countries with the cleanest air in the world and with unrepeatable landscapes, full of lakes and forests.
Also its capital, Rovaniemi, can give the impression by its density of being very small, but with 8,000 square kilometers of extension, it is one of the largest municipalities in Europe.
I think that the alternatives in the city center are very limited to museums (unattractive to children). The most attractive is Arktikum, which has a permanent exhibition on Lappish history. But it is enough to move a few kilometers to enjoy a unique atmosphere.
Also, although the Arctic Circle It is the dream destination of the kids at Christmas, because Santa Claus lives there, personally I think that you even enjoy the same or more in summer, when the temperature is much more pleasant, there are fewer people and prices are cheaper.
And, Santa Claus continues to receive letters and visits from children in his Santa Village, where it is also found Santa park, a small theme park aimed at the smallest of the house, which includes an elven school where you can learn skills from the magical helpers of Santa Claus, a workshop where you can see them work and even a tahona, also elvish.
By the way! Look at the white line printed on the ground that crosses the village in half: it indicates that you are crossing the Arctic Circle on foot.
And back to Rovaniemi, it's time to enjoy 24 hours of light, full of activities, since the sun never sets here. Although the midnight sun period officially runs from the beginning of June to the beginning of July, the nights are white throughout the summer.
There is time and occasion for hiking (recommended on Ounasvaara complex), a boat cruise by the river, canoe and kayak rides with dad and mom, and different nature excursions to see the midnight sun or watch moose.
You will hit full if you take them to visit any reindeer or huskies farm.
- More information: Visit Rovaniemi
Berlin Germany)
Arrived in this city, I have to recognize that perhaps I am not very objective in describing its virtues. I love Berlin and there I feel at home, although with a fundamental difference: it is easier to travel by bike, with less traffic and flatter than Madrid.
And from there, on each visit you have to choose what plans to do with the kids. I say choose, because there are so many options that we have to opt for what we know that most appeals to our children.
In our particular case, we live a total immersion in art, visiting the museums of the Museum Island (Museumsinsel), World Heritage. This architectural complex houses extraordinary works such as the legendary bust of Nefertiti, the Altar of Pergamum or the imposing Ishtar Gate. They leave you with your mouth open.
And just off the island, next to the river, the Museum of the German Democratic Republic. I never thought they were going to have so much fun trying on clothes, uniforms or helmets, driving iconic cars, trying to figure out how phones without buttons were used or typing a phrase in a typewriter! They didn't want to get out of there.
In Babies and moreThe 19 best family hotels to go on vacation with children in EuropeBut Berlin has many more interesting museums: around 170, many of them designed for children, and it is impossible to see them all. A good first approach to the history of the city is a visit to the German History Museum and the Jewish Museum, although it was very hard for my children to learn about so many tragic stories, so we decided not to take them to the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, half an hour by train from Berlin.
If you have time, you can not miss the Spy Museum, very close to the Potsdamer Platz. You will discover curious objects used to spy from the Cold War to the present. We loved being able to photograph ourselves together dressed as secret agents and try to pass (unsuccessfully, I have to recognize) the spy-proof laser maze.
He Checkpoint Charlie Museum It is dedicated to the Berlin Wall and to those who were trying to cross the most famous border crossing between East and West Berlin, Checkpoint Charlie. And there one is surprised by checking the ingenious hiding places and methods devised by the inhabitants of East Berlin to cross to the other side, as hidden in the engine, or under the cover of a seat. On the street, in front of the museum, you can still see the exact place where the famous American checkpoint was, where children will surely want to take a picture.
The children (and older, everything must be said) learn and surprise us through the subsoil of the city. In the underground city of Berliner Unterwelten, the bunkers and tunnels built during the German decline in World War II are visited to protect themselves from bombing. And during the Cold War they acquired special importance and were improved and prepared for a possible conflict.
And since not everything has to be museums, you have to take time to approach us walking or cycling to the Television Tower and climb to enjoy its stunning views, photograph yourself with the famous Brandenburg Gate and visit the Reigstag building. The visit at night, at the top of the impressive dome, is free.
And much more to see. How to resist walking by the East Side Gallery, most of the Berlin Wall that is still standing, decorated with murals by 100 artists from around the world? Photographing in front of the kissing mural between former USSR leader Leonid Brezhnev and GDR head of state Erich Honecker is a classic.
But also the visit to the nearby monumental city of Postdam, former residence of the Prussian kings and German Kaisers, listed as a World Heritage Site. Only 20 kilometers from Berlin, children will live the history closely when visiting the Cecilienhof Palace, a huge English country house, the one that was written by the Potsdam Conference. Or the Sanssouci Palace, often considered the German Versailles.
And more, much more ... Berlin deserves many visits.
- More information: Visit Berlin
Brussels, Belgium)
Ghent, Bruges, Antwerp, Leuven ... They are some of the cities of Flanders that are presented as a perfect option to spend a few days with family and make your first 'road trip'. All are easy cities to walk on foot and, as they are within easy reach of each other, allow you to move between them by car or train.
If you allow me some advice, I would arrive in Brussels by plane and rent a car at the airport to move. With children it is the most comfortable and least tired option.
We stayed to sleep in Witches, as 'operations center', for me the most beautiful and quiet of all, in a boat from where children could feed the ducks.
In addition, its squares and alleyways seem out of fairy tales and it is wonderful to navigate its canals or stroll along its banks.
And from there, we visited Brussels, reference of the European Union. They will like to visit the Parlamentarium and discover through interactive tools how the European Parliament works, which is so much on the news of the TV.
Mandatory visit is the Atomium, one of the two symbols of Brussels and monument product of the Universal Exhibition of 1958, which can be climbed by tubes and spheres. If you have time, at your feet is MiniEurope, 300 models to travel through the main European monuments in just a few hours.
You can not miss the Grand place, the city center, a completely cobbled square surrounded by historical monuments. And just after leaving it, you have to look for the Manneken Pis, a statue of just over 50 centimeters that shows a naked boy peeing in a fountain and that has become a symbol of Brussels.
And, to relax, a walk through the comic book route, where you can see painted on the facades, scenes of Tintin, Asterix, Lucky Luck ...
Another city not to be missed is Ghent. If you decide to visit it, you can climb the Belfort Towers (with fantastic views of the city), visit the Cathedral of St. Bavon and the church of St. Nicholas. Children love the castle of the counts of Flanders.
A little tip! If you want the trip to be unforgettable for them, let them try some of the wonderful Belgian chocolates. You will love the chocolate fountains where you can bathe pieces of fruit and the fondues! And if there is time, get closer to Antwerp and to its Chocolate Nation Museum, among other interesting visits.
- More information: Travel to Belgium
Alghero, Sardinia (Italy)
Although any time of the year is fantastic to visit the island of Sardinia with children, without a doubt summer is the peak, if you like the beach.
And if they enjoy splashing in the sea, they will not want to leave here. Small coves scattered all over the coast, blue and turquoise colors completely transparent, without waves, with sea beds full of fish, sponges, worms, molluscs, crustaceans ... that, with shallow depth, can even be seen without the need to submerge the head in Water.
Without a doubt, this is the snorkeling paradise with the children and that they learn to enjoy the inhabitants of the sea. If they are still small for the glasses and the tube, you can opt for the Decathlon snorkel mask, which does not let the water pass and breathe without problems.
Difficult to choose a particular calita, because there are many options. My recommendation is to stay near Alghero (Alghero) or Cagliari, destinations where the ferry arrives from Spain. And, among them, I prefer the first one to go with children, younger, with a very interesting and pleasant monumental center to walk around.
In Babies and more Holidays with children: five magical routes in Europe to do by car or motorhomeTherefore, although in my opinion it is worth traveling around the island to step on some of the most spectacular coves (such as Spiaggia di Liscia Ruja, one of the best beaches of the famous Emerald Coast), I would stay with coves near Alghero, which are also incredible.
Some options to go with children: Playa della Speranza, Capriccioli, Lazzaretto. But you can also ask where you are staying (good campsites, many B & Bs), rental apartments ... There are so many coves, it's hard to choose
It is going to be difficult for you to get the kids away from the warm and uncovered water, almost natural pools, but if you succeed, I recommend you approach the Porto Conte natural park, with the magnificent Capo Caccia (cape) and Punta del Giglio; or the Sierra de Linas (near Cagliari), with the valleys of Castangias, Coxinas or Narti, the waterfall of Spendula Sa, with its three jumps, or those of the Irgas Pool.
In one of the cliffs of Cabo Caccia, just 24 kilometers from Alghero, you can not miss the Grotta di Nettuno or the Grotta Verde. La única pega: 600 escalones paar entrar a la cueva. Si quieres salvarlos, puedes coger un pequeño ferry en el puerto de Alghero que, tras una travesía de unos 45 minutos bordeando la costa, te deja en la misma entrada.
Y museos, tesoros arquitectónicos, como la ciudad romana de Ostia, los miles de Nuragues dispersos por toda la isla, las Tumbas de Gigantes (Tombe dei giganti)…
- Más información: Viajar Cerdeña
Oslo (Noruega)
La capital noruega es una de esas ciudades fáciles de visitar con niños pequeños, muy accesible y segura. Pero además, tiene muchas cosas que ver y disfrutar.
Los peques no querrán salir del Museo Fram, donde se exhibe el barco polar Fram, al que puedes subir a bordo para conocer de primera mano todas sus estancias y cómo vivían los exploradores en sus expediciones a los rincones más gélidos del planeta. El museo tiene experiencias interactivas especialmente para los niños (y no tan niños)…
Pero también disfrutarán en el Museo de los barcos vikingos, muy cerca del anterior. Se exhiben modelos reales de más de mil años, que se encontraron en el fiordo de Oslo y sirvieron como barcos funerarios. También se exponen trineos, tejidos, objetos domésticos y un carro vikingo.
En la misma península de Bygdøy, se encuentra el Museo al aire libre del pueblo noruego, donde se exponen 155 casas tradicionales de toda Noruega. Durante el verano también hay actividades para los niños, bailes tradicionales y una pequeña granja con animales domésticos.
Y para que experimenten y toquen todo, el Museo Norsk Teknisk, el Museo Nacional de tecnología, industria, ciencia y medicina. 10.000 metros cuadrados de exposiciones sobre tecnología, industria, comunicación, energía y salud, que apuesta por el aprendizaje interactivo y los juegos. Además, incluye un centro de Robots y Planetario.
At Parque Vigeland, los niños (y grandes) se sorprenderán con las 200 estatuas gigantescas que reproducen personajes que realizan escenas de la vida cotidiana. Y cuando se cansen de verlas, pueden divertirse en una zona de juegos infantiles, que incluye un castillo y toboganes.
Y si el calor aprieta, nada mejor que coger el ferry a alguna de las islas del Fiordo de Oslo, como la isla de Hovedøya, a solo 10 minutos de la ciudad. Reserva natural, su flora y su fauna están protegidas, y es un remanso de paz para disfrutar de un día en una de sus playas, en plena naturaleza.
Pero si lo de tu familia es la montaña y la aventura, podéis animaros a acercaros hasta Holmenkollen, a las afueras de la ciudad, donde se encuentra el trampolín de saltos de esquí de Oslo y desde donde se pueden sacar las mejores fotografías panorámicas del fiordo. Y aunque en verano no hay nieve, sí que podéis sentiros igual que los saltadores, gracias a su simulador de esquí y ¡la tirolina de 361 metros!
Y si aún queda tiempo y ganas, la oferta no termina: Parque de escalada de Tryvann, Parque de Atracciones TusenFryd (con zonas de baño), el Museo Internacional de Arte Infantil, el centro del Premio Nobel de la Paz y, por supuesto, la Fortaleza Akershus, a la que se accede por un puente levadizo. Aquí los niños se sentirán como auténticos caballeros. La entrada es gratuita, así que se convierte en un recinto ideal para pasear y descansar a caer la tarde.
- Más información: Visit Oslo
Marrakech (Marruecos)
No me he vuelto loca. Sé que no queda en Europa, pero es muy accesible desde España y está más cerca que muchas otras ciudades europeas. Y te aseguro que la visita supondrá un nuevo mundo de olores, colores y sabores para tus pequeños.
Eso sí, hay que procurar no visitar los monumentos a las horas más calurosas del día y si es posible, evitar el mes de agosto. Por suerte, lo más atrayente son sus estrechos zocos, protegidos del sol. Y si admites un consejo, me decantaría por alojarme en un Riad con piscina para que no tengan que renunciar a sus chapuzones diarios. Lo cierto es que hay mucha oferta donde elegir, con precios asequibles.
Pero si hay un lugar donde los niños (y los adultos) disfrutan a lo grande es en las Cascadas de Ouzoud, a 150 kilómetros de Marrakech. Son las más espectaculares del norte de África, con una caída de agua de unos 110 metros de altura. Os podéis bañar en la base de la cascada y disfrutar de un entorno privilegiado, donde incluso te reciben los monos. Puedes comer en un restaurante regional con vistas a la cascada y con precios muy razonables.
Y, por la noche llega la visita ineludible es la Plaza de Jemaa Fna, declarada Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO. Les fascinará la vida de la plaza, con vendedores de pastillas de frutos secos y miel, puestos callejeros para comer, corrillos de cantes y bailes, cuenta-cuentos, juegos simples, encantadores de cobras, aguadores, músicos gnawas…
Pero si quieres que entiendan mejor el país y la zona, puedes decantarte por una excursión al desierto, con paseo en camello hasta el campamento y durmiendo al aire libre (dos días son suficientes para los niños). Aunque las dunas no son tan espectaculares como las del Sáhara, contemplar el cielo será una experiencia inolvidable para todos.
De camino al desierto pasaréis por Ouarzazate, conocida como la puerta del desierto, que alberga el estudio cinematográfico Atlas, el Hollywood del desierto, donde se puede entrar para ver los decorados de películas que se rodaron allí como Lawrence de Arabia, Alejandro Magno, La Momia, Star Wars, La Joya del Nilo, Gladiator o El Reino de los Cielos.
Pero la visita estrella de la excursión al desierto es la kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, un espectacular pueblo de adobe y arcilla, todavía habitada, Patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO y escenario perfecto de películas como Gladiator o Lawrence de Arabia.
También desde Marrakech puedes acercarte a alguna de su playas. La más bonita quizás sea la Essaouira, una larguísima playa de arena blanca a dos horas en coche de la ciudad roja, y abierta al Atlántico.
Pero estas son solo algunas posibilidades para las familias muy ruteras. Si preferís unos días más tranquilos, no necesitaréis salir de la ciudad para que los niños se lo pasen en grande. Y si al final optáis por alguna excursión, regatear antes de contratarla y no os fiéis de los 'precios oficiales. ¡Los descuentos pueden ser superiores al 50 por ciento!
- Más información: Visit Morocco
Rekiavik (Islandia)
Cierto que en verano no es posible apreciar las hermosas auroras boreales, pero también no se puede negar que es más agradable visitar Islandia cuando el frío no aprieta. En junio, julio y agosto los peques (y no tan peques) se lo pasarán en grande en una ciudad que sorprende por su limpieza, seguridad, fácil de recorrer a pie y con accesibilidad a la naturaleza.
Hay muchas actividades interesantes en Reikiavik: ya sea chapoteando en alguna de las 18 piscinas termales de la zona (como las piscinas de Laugardalslaug o la playa geotérmica de Nauthólsvík), probándose una armadura vikinga y conociendo cómo era su forma de vida (en Viking Village de Fjörukráin) o viendo de cerca animales autóctonos de Islandia (Parque Laugardalur).
Si estás pensando ir, pide información, ya que dispone de numerosas instalaciones culturales, de ocio y deportivas, muchas de las cuales tienen secciones y actividades especialmente diseñadas para los niños. Eventos memorables en verano son el Festival Vikingo (13-17 junio), Día de la Independencia (17 de junio) y Noche Cultural de Reykjavík (24 de agosto).
Pero también les gustará el arte callejero que llenará la ciudad (del 29 de junio al 6 de julio), subir a la cima del majestuoso monte Esja, montar a caballo por campos de lava rocosa o avistar ballenas y frailecillos en una excursión en barco desde el antiguo puerto.
En el museo Perlan aprenderán mucho sobre los glaciares, las formas de vida y viajaréis a través de una cueva de hielo. Además, desde la parte alta, se disfrutan de unas vistas 360º de la ciudad. Y ya con la caída del sol, tras visitar la catedral de Hallgrímskirkja, (les sorprenderá por su forma, que recuerda a una nave espacial) es el mejor momento para acercarse al lago Tjörn y permitir que den de comer a los patos, cisnes y gansos que nadan en sus aguas. ¡Las fotos serán de postal!
- Más información: Visit Reykjavik
Amsterdam (Holanda)
Una escapada perfecta de tres o cuatro días, para que disfruten de la magia de pasear en barco por sus canales y de la posibilidad de recorrer la ciudad en bici con total seguridad, aunque sea en la misma que papá y mamá.
Pero esta activa ciudad de los Países Bajos, tiene mucho más que ofrecer a las familias. Un indispensable es la casa museo de Ana Frank, donde los niños se acercarán a uno de los testimonios más cercanos de lo que supuso la persecución a los judíos durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial. Solo un consejo: procura comprar las entrada online antes la visita, para evitar colas interminables que pueden cansar a los pequeños.
Además, Amsterdam está repleta de arte. Una de las visitas favoritas de mi hija en la ciudad fue el Museo de Van Gogh. Se le iluminaban los ojos con los cuadros del famoso pintor holandés y no pudo resistirse a comprar una lámina de 'Los girasoles' para colgarla en su habitación. ¡Y la entrada es gratuita para los menores!
También es muy recomendable visitar el Mercado de las Flores (inaugurado en 1862), y dejarse deslumbrar por los colores de cientos de tulipanes, el símbolo de Holanda. En bici también podéis acercaros al Parque Vondelpark, con una extensión de 45 hectáreas, donde encontraréis numerosos parques infantiles y un teatro al aire libre, con espectáculos musicales y de danza.
Otra visita que nunca falla con mi hijo, son los museos interactivos, que te permiten experimentar y tocarlo todo. En Amsterdam está el Museo de Ciencias NEMO, situado en un edificio con forma de barco. Desde su mirador se disfrutan de unas vistas fantásticas de la ciudad.
Y si el calor aprieta y queréis refrescaros, podéis hacerlo en algunas de las playas. Sí, existen. The playa Strand Zuid se encuentra entre el parque de exposiciones Amsterdam RAI y el Beatrixpark (Europaplein 22), y te ofrece más de 2.000 m2 de playa creada por el hombre. Aunque no dispone de instalaciones para bañarse, sí tiene duchas por si necesitas refrescarte y una amplia variedad de actividades para los niños y cancha de voleibol, mientras los padres se relajan en una hamaca escuchando música o tomándose un coctel.
Y si buscas una playa de baño, Sloterplas. En el lago podréis jugar al voleibol, participar en programas deportivos y de juegos, e incluso asistir a espectáculos y festivales.
- Más información: Guía Oficial de Amsterdam
Photos | iStock y Oficinas de Turismo
