10 Kid-Friendliest Cities in the World

Not only is Orlando located in the ‘Sunshine State’ of Florida, but it’s also home to some of the biggest and best theme parks in the world. It’s the ultimate family holiday destination, so plan enough time to experience the likes of Walt Disney World Resort and Universal Orlando Resort.

Aside from theme parks, there’s plenty more to keep the kids entertained while on holiday in Orlando. Discover International Drive and take a ride on The Wheel at ICON Park, check out the Orlando Science Center or head just out of town and visit the out-of-this-world Kennedy Space Center.

London is, without a doubt, the place where you’ll find some of the most iconic sights and attractions in the world, which kids of all ages will love. Watch your little ones’ eyes light up as they see Buckingham Palace for the first time, explore the Tower of London, ride the London Eye and come face to face with the ancient dinosaurs at the Natural History Museum.

Be sure to have your photo taken at Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross station. Then why not catch an afternoon showing of The Lion King musical in the world-famous West End theatre district? At dinner, surround yourself with even more wildlife at the incredible Rainforest Café.

A city bursting with culture, Singapore is just the place to introduce the kids to the magic of Southeast Asia. Providing the perfect blend of east meets west, the kids can experience ornate temples and try the most adventurous of street foods while still being able to enjoy the comfort of fantastic hotels and the familiarity of English signage everywhere.

Walk beneath the spectacular solar-powered ‘supertrees’ at the Gardens by the Bay, embark on a nocturnal adventure at the thrilling Night Safari and take the cable car over to the island resort of Sentosa – The State of Fun. There are all kinds of events, attractions and theme parks over here, including Universal Studios Singapore.

Many people automatically assume that Amsterdam isn’t a place for kids, but that couldn’t be any further from the truth. A beautiful city, bursting with history and culture, it’s a fascinating place to take the kids for a long weekend away – not least to indulge in delicious waffles.

Hire bikes and explore the quaint Jordaan district, visit the playgrounds and splash pools at the awesome Vondelpark and take to the waters on a boat tour around the city’s canal network. The Amsterdam Dungeon, world-class museums and the Anne Frank House should be high on your to-do list too. And dare you try Europe’s highest swing?

Adults love Valletta for its fascinating history, beautiful waterfront and stunning ancient architecture, but you might be surprised to hear that’s it’s a popular place to take kids, too. Step back in time at the impressive Fort Saint Elmo, before tucking into a picnic in the grounds of the Upper Barrakka Gardens. Then, give the kids a history lesson to remember at The Malta Experience – an award-winning show.

The temperature gets pretty high in Valletta in summer, so avoid hot and over-tired little ones by taking a tour of the city by horse and cart or on the Malta Fun Train. And, of course, there are plenty of great beaches to visit in the surrounding area.

Antalya is one of the most popular kid-friendly destinations in Türkiye, with a great selection of luxurious family hotels and an array of fun-filled attractions. One of the biggest draws to the resort is the incredible Lara Beach. A 12-km stretch of golden sand, the beach boasts Blue Flag status, meaning it’s both clean and safe for swimming with your water babies.

When you’re not at the beach, you can see the magnificent sculptures at Sandland. The Kaleiçi old town is superb, too, and even kids will love exploring its cobbled streets.

A city surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, Reykjavik is a great place to get out among nature with your kids. Within the city itself, the whole family can learn the history of the country at the National Museum of Iceland or the Arbaer Open Air Museum, but it’s exploring further afield that’ll make this trip so memorable.

Hop on a boat trip for a puffin or whale watching tour, bathe in the geothermal waters of the Blue Lagoon or treat the kids to a late-night adventure and go in search of the mesmerising Northern Lights – Iceland’s got it all. Did we mention it’s also one of the safest countries in the world?

Picturesque Copenhagen is a charming city that’ll have kids feeling like they’ve stepped inside a real-life fairy tale. There are castles to explore, as well as museums to visit, plus no trip would be complete without a tour of the city by boat – all things that children will love.

For other top attractions that are even more geared towards kids, be sure to check out the interactive Experimentarium science centre and the Copenhagen Zoo. Without a doubt, though, the top place to take your kids is the fantastic Tivoli Gardens amusement park, loved by none other than the likes of Hans Christian Andersen and Walt Disney.

There’s so much for kids to do in San Diego, it’s hard to know where to start. Head to Balboa Park where you’ll find great museums. The city’s got its fair share of theme parks, too, such as LEGOLAND California and the classic Belmont Park.

The beautiful coast is lined with a number of family-friendly beaches to check out. The excellent Children’s Pool Beach is so named because of the breakwater that shelters it from the waves. Keep an eye out for seals in their natural habitat here, or head to La Jolla Cove to see sea lions.

For a holiday unlike any other, take your family on a life-changing trip to Costa Rica. Most people travelling to San Jose don’t necessarily stay in the city for the duration of their trip, but it’s where you can start before heading out on tours to discover the wider country.

Costa Rica is leading the way when it comes to eco-tourism. Set off on a family expedition through the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, swim among tropical sea life on the Osa Peninsula or spot sloths in the wild at Cahuita National Park. Is there any better way for children to learn the importance of taking care of our planet than on such a holiday?