Why cities can work brilliantly for small children
Toddlers are fascinated by things adults barely notice: trams rattling past, pigeons in a square, a fountain, a street musician, a waiter carrying a tray of glasses. European cities are full of this kind of everyday theatre, and much of it is free. The trick is to stop thinking of the city as a list of museums and start thinking of it as a giant, slightly noisy playground.
Compact old towns are especially good, because you can walk between interesting spots in ten or fifteen minutes. Long journeys on public transport are where toddlers tend to lose patience.
One big thing a day
A useful rule is to plan one main activity per day, usually in the morning when everyone has the most energy. That might be a zoo, an aquarium, a boat trip or a castle with a big courtyard to run around in. After lunch, head back for a nap or let your child sleep in the stroller while you sit in a cafe.
Late afternoons are perfect for playgrounds. Most European cities have excellent public play areas, often in parks or tucked into residential squares, and they are a great place to see how local families live. Your child gets to burn off energy, and you get to sit down.
Choosing where to stay
Location matters more with a toddler than at almost any other age. Staying within walking distance of a park and the main sights saves you from long transfers twice a day. Check whether the building has a lift; carrying a stroller and a sleepy child up four flights of stairs gets old very quickly.
Apartments are often a good choice, because you can prepare simple meals and have a separate room for naps. If you prefer a hotel, look for family rooms or connecting rooms.
Strollers, carriers and cobblestones
Many historic centres in Europe have cobbles, steps and narrow pavements. A lightweight, sturdy stroller with decent wheels copes far better than a delicate travel buggy, and a soft carrier is handy for stairs, churches and crowded markets. Plenty of parents bring both.
When flying with AeroVista, the stroller can travel with you to the aircraft door at no charge, and families with children under five board first, so you can settle in without a queue behind you.
Good to know
- Bookmark two or three playgrounds near your accommodation before you arrive.
- Eat lunch early, around noon, when restaurants are quieter and more relaxed about small children.
- Bring a few small new toys or books to produce during waits.