When many of us think of city breaks, we think of romantic getaways for couples, or fun-packed weekends with the girls or guys; we don’t often think of city breaks as being the ideal family holidays really, but you know what? They absolutely can be if you do them right.
That being the case, let’s take a look at some top tips to ensure that your next family city break is really great.
Pack, Pack and Pack Some More
Gone are the days of throwing a few pairs of socks and a toothbrush into a bag. Now you’ve got to cater for every eventuality. Kids have the uncanny ability to need things at the worst possible times. Be it snacks (when you’re nowhere near a shop), plasters (when they graze their knee five minutes after leaving the hotel), or their favourite teddy (which you know will get lost at least once during the trip).
Pro tip: Pack everything. And then pack some more. But don’t worry about lugging it all around once you’re there – this is where luggage storage, swoops in to save the day. Drop your bags at a convenient spot (most cities have these magical services dotted all over the place), and enjoy a hands-free stroll. Just don’t forget where you left them.
Embrace the Snack Wars
City breaks are like some twisted endurance test, and the key to survival is snacks. Lots of them. Even if you’ve just had breakfast, the moment you step out of the hotel, the inevitable chorus of “I’m hungry” will begin. Don’t try to reason with them. No amount of logic will help. Simply arm yourself with a variety of treats and dole them out like rewards in a reality TV show. Bonus points if you manage to sneak in something vaguely healthy without them noticing.
“Wow, Mum, these crisps are delicious!” “Yes, darling, those are actually dried kale chips. Welcome to adulthood.”
The Art of Distraction
Long queues? Crowded museums? Waiting for your luggage storage locker to open? Children do not cope well with waiting. (To be fair, most adults don’t either, but we’re better at pretending.) The trick is to distract them with random facts or games that involve a minimal amount of your energy.
Consider inventing new games like “Spot the Statue,” “Who Can Be Quiet Longest?” or “Let’s Count the Pigeons.” (Spoiler: the pigeon game never ends.) Alternatively, if your patience is running low, there’s always the iPad. We’re not judging.
Plan Like a Military Operation (But Be Flexible)
Before setting out on your city break, plan your itinerary like you’re plotting an elaborate heist. Know where the best family-friendly cafes are, the most interesting landmarks, and, most importantly, the nearest public toilets. But, as any seasoned parent will tell you, flexibility is key.
You will miss out on something you wanted to see because your kid insists on spending 45 minutes staring at a busker. Or worse, you’ll get stuck in a shop because they suddenly “need” a novelty keyring shaped like a rubber duck. It’s OK. Just roll with it. The best family memories often come from the moments you didn’t plan for – like that time your toddler insisted on dancing in the middle of Trafalgar Square.
Split Up (in a Totally Non-Divorce Kind of Way)
It’s OK to divide and conquer. In fact, it’s highly recommended. Let’s be real: not every family member is going to want to do the same thing. Your 10-year-old might be obsessed with dinosaurs, while your teenager would rather take selfies outside trendy cafes. If you’ve got two adults in your party, consider splitting up for a couple of hours so everyone gets to do what they want (and no one has to hear anyone moan).
If solo parenting for an hour sounds terrifying, think of it this way: when you meet back up, you’ll have a smug story about how you successfully navigated the Natural History Museum with two kids while the other adult barely made it through a coffee queue.
Take in a City Tours or Two
Here’s the thing about kids: they have a time limit when it comes to walking. One minute they’re excitedly skipping down the street, the next they’re slumped on a bench, declaring that they can’t possibly walk another step. Enter city tours. Whether it’s a hop-on-hop-off bus, a boat ride, or even a pedicab, these tours let you see the city without wearing out your feet (or your patience).
Pro tip: Some of these tours come with headphones and commentary. Let the kids listen to fun facts about the city while you tune out and pretend you’re on a quiet beach somewhere. Everyone wins.
When in Doubt, Hit the Park
No matter how much history and culture you try to stuff into your trip, there will come a point where your kids just need to run. A city park is your secret weapon. Not only does it give them a chance to burn off energy, but it’s also free. Plus, you can sit down and have a breather while they chase squirrels, pigeons, or their own tails.
Many cities have surprisingly beautiful parks, and they often come with a playground or some kind of climbing frame. Let them run wild for an hour, and you’ll all be happier for it.
Food: The Great Negotiation
Finding a restaurant that pleases everyone is pretty difficult, right? Some kids won’t touch anything that isn’t a chicken nugget, while others might insist on spaghetti with no sauce, cut into exactly 3.5 cm pieces. Rather than stressing out over finding the perfect place, aim for spots that are loud (so no one notices when your child knocks over a glass of water) and quick (because, well, kids).
Oh, and always carry emergency snacks. Yes, again. The battle never ends.
Take Breaks. All the Breaks.
City breaks can quickly become city marathons if you’re not careful. Every once in a while, stop for a break. Whether it’s grabbing an ice cream or sitting in a café for a quick coffee (for you) and hot chocolate (for them), a 15-minute pause can do wonders for everyone’s mood. Remember: tired children are grumpy children, and grumpy children lead to stressed parents. It’s a vicious cycle, but it can be broken with timely cake.
Lower Your Expectations
And finally, the golden rule of any family city break: lower your expectations. You’re not going to have the same experience as you did when you were child-free. You’ll see fewer museums and more toy shops, fewer historical sites and more public restrooms. And that’s OK. The goal isn’t to tick every tourist attraction off your list, but to enjoy the time you spend together.
If you manage to come back with everyone still talking to each other, consider the trip a success.
