How to Have a Successful City Break with the Kids
Travel changes when you have kids in tow. From the beach trips to the weekends away, you adapt to the changes, but that doesn’t mean that it’s not a challenge. Family city trips aren’t the same as a city trip you’d once take as a happy, young couple. When you have younger children, those regular breaks regularly go out the window, but food, fun and relaxation still need to be prioritized. The good news is that you can still put it in first place with the kids – you just need to learn how to do it with kids along for the ride.
Weekend breaks are great to start with and booking furnished apartments Washington, DC instead of a hotel room can make all the difference. You can still take the kids to the space museum and the many parks without having to worry about being squeezed into a hotel room. It’s all in preparation for when you have younger children, so let’s take a look at how you can have a successful city break with children.
- Relax. It’s the hardest thing to do when you’re worried about everyone staying together but you need to relax and enjoy it. This is your trip, too! If you’re relaxed, the kids stay relaxed and you all get to enjoy the break together. Let the kids play in the many parks, let them explore in the museums and be close by if they need you.
- Adjust your expectations. You might absolutely love hotels, but a furnished apartment with multiple bedrooms is a godsend for a larger family. You can have enough bedrooms for everyone, and it’s a home away from home which can be calming for kids. Expect the kids to be hyped up and excited and you’ll not feel like there’s too much overwhelm.
- Do your homework. Learn the city you’re planning to go to and learn what’s available for the kids to enjoy. There will be plenty for you as a culture-seeking adult but you need ways to burn off their energy. Look for playgrounds and theme parks, fun and interactive museums and activities. Some may be free and others will cost but research helps you to budget.
- See what you can. Kids love transport, so book onto some sight-seeing buses and see the cities in a new light. Slow down and soak up the street food, the buskers, the culture. Let the kids immerse themselves in it, too. You’ll see so much more life out there than you imagined and the kids will have an amazing chance to take on board so many new lessons to learn.
- Bring some toys. While you’re on vacation in the city, the kids still need stimulation. Bringing toys and other mini distractions can help when you’re in restaurants or in the apartment afterwards. You need to keep the kids calm and busy and toys can help. Don’t bring the noisy ones, but pack some for the car so that you’re ready to go when you need it.
