San Francisco has the distinction of being one of the most visited cities in the world. Well-known for its cultural diversity, Vidya tells us more about its child-friendliness.

Hi Vidya! Please tell us about yourself.

I am a mom of twin toddler boys, enjoying the roller-coaster ride of parenthood, and trying to integrate work and family fun.

What are some of your suggestions for parents visiting with young kids to do in SFO?

The SFO Bay Area is a very diverse place and offers something for [...]]]> In the Women’s Web ‘Travel The World With Kids’ series, we talk to mums from all over the globe who are interested in exploring their backyard attractions with their tiny tots! We hope you find them useful, if someday you choose to visit their part of the world. Presented in Q&A format, this one is with Vidya from San Francisco (SFO). You can find her on Twitter.

San Francisco has the distinction of being one of the most visited cities in the world. Well-known for its cultural diversity, Vidya tells us more about its child-friendliness.

Hi Vidya! Please tell us about yourself.

I am a mom of twin toddler boys, enjoying the roller-coaster ride of parenthood, and trying to integrate work and family fun.

What are some of your suggestions for parents visiting with young kids to do in SFO?

The SFO Bay Area is a very diverse place and offers something for everyone – the usual tourist attractions such as the Golden Gate Bridge, Crooked Street, Fisherman’s Wharf, Cable Car Rides, Sausalito, Ghirardelli Square, a boat cruise to the Alcatraz Island etc are sure to be fun for all. Besides that, there are a few kid-friendly museums. The California Academy of Sciences is a great place to visit with kids – it’s the only place on the planet with an aquarium, a planetarium, a natural history museum, and a 4-story rainforest all under one roof.

The Children’s Discovery Museum is one of the largest hands-on museums in the nation; it is sure to keep everyone from toddlers to older kids engaged!

What have been some of your favourite outings in SFO with your kids?

We love going on picnics to the Golden Gate Park. The park has a wide open play area – The Koret Children’s Quarter, with a carousel ride which is a must-do!

On a bright sunny day, we also enjoy going to the beach. My kids can play with their sand toys on the beach for hours, while we relax on the warm sand, gazing out into the blue Pacific Ocean.

For tourists visiting SFO for the first time, do you have any particular tips? 

I would suggest planning for atleast a week in the area. There is a lot to do, and it works better to space the activities out, especially the little kids. Also, dress in layers  -  as Mark Twain once asserted “The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”

Are there any particular restaurants in SFO that you think kids will enjoy?

The SFO Bay Area is such a melting pot of cuisines from around the world; it’s a great place to introduce your little ones to new tastes and textures. It’s really hard to pick one or even a few restaurants, given the multitude of options but  here goes –  the Pier 39 area has several dining options with outdoor seating that works great with kids. The Ferry building, which is another great place for tourists to hang out also has some unique dining options that are fun to check out with kids . The Ghirardelli square is a do-not-miss for both kids and those of us who are kids-at-heart – you can make a meal out of their world-famous desserts.

Are there any particular shopping areas in SFO that you think kids will enjoy?

The Union Square area is a vibrant shopping destination with a wide variety of options for all budgets. You can select from luxury brands, local boutiques or nation-wide department stores. You can also enjoy a stroll along the charming Maiden Lane– a pedestrian only walkway. The Union Square Park, located at the heart of the shopping district, is a great place to picnic with the kids between shopping activities. Check out their summer events calendar for live music and other fun activities.

Any kid-friendly day trips out from SFO?

Monterey – Carmel area is a two hour drive away. Along with Monterey Bay Aquarium and Point Lobos, the Carmel area hosts several kid-friendly activities, check this out for more information.

Thanks Vidya!

*Photo credit: Vidya

Previous Interviews In The ‘Travel With Kids’ Series: 

Diana from Toronto

Brooke from Hong Kong

Ellen Schmidt from New York

Anusha from Seattle

Neera from Chicago

Jo-Lynne from Philadelphia

Tiffany from Frankfurt

Subha from Zurich

Shalini from Norway

Nora from Morocco

Laylah from Riyadh

Lisa from Dubai

Sarah from New Zealand

Toni from Manila

Maid In Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur

Uma from Chennai

The Mad Momma from Delhi

Lakshmi from Hyderabad

Sunayana from Kolkata

Sunita from Pune

Anuradha from Mumbai

Artnavy from Bengaluru

Leonny from Singapore

Near the shores of Lake Ontario is Toronto, Canada’s largest and most populous city. Big, beautiful and bustling, what does Toronto have in store for families with kids?

Hi Diana! Tell us about yourself.

I am an elementary school teacher and a multi-tasking mother of two children aged six and four.

What are some of your suggestions for parents visiting with young kids to do in Toronto?

When visiting in the summer, there are many fun places to take the kids while enjoying the [...]]]> In the Women’s Web ‘Travel The World With Kids’ series, we talk to mums from all over the globe who are interested in exploring their backyard attractions with their tiny tots! We hope you find them useful, if someday you choose to visit their part of the world. Presented in Q&A format, this one is with Diana Mancuso who blogs about Toronto life, kid-friendly products and more at Toronto Teacher Mom.

Near the shores of Lake Ontario is Toronto, Canada’s largest and most populous city. Big, beautiful and bustling, what does Toronto have in store for families with kids?

Hi Diana! Tell us about yourself.

I am an elementary school teacher and a multi-tasking mother of two children aged six and four.

What are some of your suggestions for parents visiting with young kids to do in Toronto?

When visiting in the summer, there are many fun places to take the kids while enjoying the sunshine. Take a ferry ride to Centre Island and bring a picnic basket with you. Not only are there plenty of rides for the kids to enjoy at Centreville Amusement Park such as a carousel, pony rides and wading pools, there is also plenty of green space which is ideal for a stroll, a bike ride or a casual picnic. A family all-day ride pass for 4 can cost about $91 plus the cost of the ferry ride.

For those who love animals, check out Riverdale Farm. With more than 7 acres of greenland located in downtown Toronto, it is accessible via public transit and there is no cost for admission. Children will enjoy exploring the trails, munching on homemade treats at the historic Simpson House and seeing the horses, cows, sheep, goats, chickens and more.

If museums are more up your alley, then the Royal Ontario Museum is a definite must-see. Open seven days a week, the ROM is home to one of Canada’s largest permanent collections of dinosaurs. It also houses a super cool bat cave simulation and their fabulous Food Studio Café which offers several delicious meals made from fresh organic and seasonal ingredients. To make admission more affordable for families, the ROM has recently reduced their prices and infants 3 and under still get in for free.

The CN Tower is also a great place to bring the kids. Take a ride up in a glass elevator and enjoy an incredible 360-degree view of the city or stand on the glass floor as you stare 1,815 feet below.

What have been some of your favourite outings in Toronto with your kids?

Some of our favourite outings in Toronto include the Ontario Science Centre that is not only educational but tonnes of fun. Enjoy a movie at the IMAX theatre or take the kids to the Kidspark for hands-on workshops. There is so much to see and do!

We also enjoy visiting the Toronto Zoo, especially in the warmer months when you can go for a ride on the Zoomobile, visit the Kids Zoo or hang out at the splash pad. One of my personal favourites is Casa Loma, an amazingly large historic castle located near the downtown core. The gardens here are beautiful!

For tourists visiting Toronto for the first time, do you have any particular tips? 

If you plan on visiting Toronto for more than a few days, I highly suggest purchasing a Toronto CityPASS which will save you 42%, giving you admission to the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, Casa Loma, the Toronto Zoo and the Ontario Science Centre. Also, I suggest bringing a backpack filled with water bottles and snacks for the kids. Concession stands in tourist areas can be quite expensive. Further, do some research before you plan your trip as there are often weekend street closures during the warmer months, making it difficult if you plan on driving into town.

Are there any particular restaurants in Toronto that you think kids will enjoy?

Dining with the little ones is always an adventure. My kids and I recently had a chance to try the Old Spaghetti Factory in downtown Toronto and the kids loved it. But beware, the portions are very large! Another favourite is Jack Astor’s where they will happily provide you with a DVD player to keep the kids entertained while they wait for their food.

Are there any particular shopping areas in Toronto that you think kids will enjoy?

One of my favourite places to take the kids shopping is the newly built Shops at Don Mills, Toronto’s first open-air mall.  The kids love wading in the fountain and running around in Town Square.

Any kid-friendly day trips out from Toronto?

If you’re willing to make the trek, check out Canada’s Wonderland located just outside Toronto in the city of Vaughn. They have an entire area dedicated to kids along with a large outdoor water park.

Thanks a lot Diana!

*Photo credit: Diana Mancuso

Previous Interviews In The ‘Travel With Kids’ Series: 

Brooke from Hong Kong

Ellen Schmidt from New York

Anusha from Seattle

Neera from Chicago

Jo-Lynne from Philadelphia

Tiffany from Frankfurt

Subha from Zurich

Shalini from Norway

Nora from Morocco

Laylah from Riyadh

Lisa from Dubai

Sarah from New Zealand

Toni from Manila

Maid In Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur

Uma from Chennai

The Mad Momma from Delhi

Lakshmi from Hyderabad

Sunayana from Kolkata

Sunita from Pune

Anuradha from Mumbai

Artnavy from Bengaluru

Leonny from Singapore

Hong-Kong, a city state with multi-cultural influences is one of the most vivacious places in South-East Asia. This is a place where elegant and upscale restaurants thrive as much as bustling street food stalls and designer malls vie for attention alongside crowded local markets. Brooke explains to us the kid-friendliness of Hong Kong.

Hi Brooke! Do tell us about yourself.

I am a mother to 2 boys, a 2 year old and a newborn. We are originally [...]]]> In The Women’s Web ‘Travel The World With Kids’ series, we talk to mums from all over the globe who are interested in exploring their backyard attractions with their tiny tots! We hope you find them useful, if someday you choose to visit their part of the world. Presented in Q&A format, this one is with Brooke Chenoweth from Hong Kong (HK), who blogs about life as an expat at A Mummy In A Strange Land.

Hong-Kong, a city state with multi-cultural influences is one of the most vivacious places in South-East Asia. This is a place where elegant and upscale restaurants thrive as much as bustling street food stalls and designer malls vie for attention alongside crowded local markets. Brooke explains to us the kid-friendliness of Hong Kong.

Hi Brooke! Do tell us about yourself.

I am a mother to 2 boys, a 2 year old and a newborn. We are originally from Sydney, Australia, and we moved to Hong Kong 5 years ago. I am a trained teacher and spent some time teaching in primary schools here before starting a family. After my first son was born I wanted to find a way to work from home and moved into freelance writing.

What are some of your suggestions for parents visiting HK with young kids to do?

The most obvious, and most popular, destination for families is Hong Kong Disneyland, and a stay at one of the resort’s hotels is highly recommended.

Ocean Park, on the south side of Hong Kong island is the only place you’ll see pandas in HK, and the giant aquarium and interactive exhibits are a big hit. There are 2 separate parts of the park, one with a playground for children under 5, and one for older kids. There’s also a cable car and train to get you from one end to the other and these are always the highlight for my son!

A trip up to the top of Victoria Peak is a must for anyone visiting HK, and again, getting there is half the fun when you take a ride on the Peak Tram.

For more general info on things to do when visiting Hong Kong, see my post!

What have been some of your favourite outings in HK with your kids?

Just outside the main gates of Disneyland is Inspiration Lake. There is a great playground, beautiful gardens and a track around the lake for walking/cycling. You can also rent paddle boats out on the lake. Entry is free and it’s a lovely place to spend an afternoon. We love taking the kids there on sunny afternoons, as parks like it are very rare in the city.

Every year the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts holds a month-long Kids Fest, in association with Dymocks booksellers. Each performance is based on a popular children’s book and this year we took our son along for the first time, as they were featuring an adaptation of his favourite book. It was a great production and he was completely entranced by it all. 

For tourists visiting HK for the first time, do you have any particular tips? 

One of the things I still struggle with is the pace of life here. Most shops, businesses and attractions don’t open in the morning until 10 or 11, which can be frustrating if you’re out and about early! Then all of a sudden the mid-day rush hits and it can be quite overwhelming if you’re not used to crowds. With small children we often find the best time of day to go out is usually early in the afternoon, to avoid queues and crowds.

Depending on the time of year you visit you might also encounter extreme weather. Typhoons and torrential rain are quite common in the summer, and it does get cold in the winter, especially around Chinese New Year. Even when it’s very hot and humid outside, it can be freezing in the air-conditioned buildings, so I am always prepared for all seasons, and you should never leave home without an umbrella!

Are there any particular restaurants in HK that you think kids will enjoy?

There are actually more than you would expect. Posto Pubblico and Linguini Fini (both in Central) offer great Italian food with an emphasis on homemade ingredients and local produce, and they are favourites of ours. Heirloom Eatery (Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan) has a great family friendly menu and a playground across the street. Frites Belgian Pub (Quarry Bay) has cooking classes and special activities for kids on weekends, as well as a tasty menu. Starbucks, Pacific Coffee, Pizza Express and Pret a Manger are easy, go-to options with various locations across town. For a more comprehensive list see here.

Are there any particular shopping areas in HK that you think kids will enjoy?

Shopping is the national pastime! There are a number of mega-malls here with entertainment areas, movie theatres, ice skating rinks, playgrounds and amusement zones. For a complete list and details of the city’s malls check this out.

Some kids may prefer the laneways and markets, for a unique shopping experience. We took my 11-year-old nephew to Stanley Markets when he visited and he loved the cheap souvenirs and traditional Chinese handicrafts. The Ladies Market and Temple Street Night Market in Mong Kok are similar and are great places to pick up kids clothing, bags and shoes, as well as electronics, toys and souvenirs. Older kids might also like the chance to try out their bargaining skills!

Any kid-friendly day trips out from HK?

There are too many to list here! When most people picture Hong Kong they don’t normally think of beaches and country parks, but there are many on Hong Kong island itself and across the area known as the New Territories. We live on Lantau Island, which is the largest island in the HKSAR and also home to the airport and Disneyland. What most people don’t know is that we also have the longest beach in the territory, and 90kms of hiking trails, including 2 of the tallest peaks in the region. There’s the Ngong Ping Village, Tian Tan Buddha and a cable car to get you there. The rustic fishing village of Tai O is worth a look and Cheung Sha beach is a very popular spot with locals and tourists in the warmer months.

The islands of Lamma, Cheung Chau and Peng Chau are also great day trips. To the north on the Kowloon side (towards the Chinese border) there are numerous country parks and attractions like the Hong Kong Wetland Park and Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden.

The Special Administrative Region of Macau is only an hour and a half away by ferry and is a fascinating part of the region. On one side there are dozens of gaudy, Vegas-style casinos and resorts. The Venetian Hotel is a spectacle in itself, and its Cirque du Soleil show Zaia is on daily, and well worth the trip. The older part of the city houses the ruins of St Paul’s Cathedral, the old Macau Fort, and the Plaza De Senado are beautiful examples of Portugese architecture. To see it all you might want to spend a weekend, but it is easily done in a day. 

How easy/difficult is it travelling around with kids in HK?

Sometimes the adventure is in getting to where you want to go. Public transport is great and taxis are cheap, so getting around is very easy. My son loves a ride on the Star Ferry or the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), whether we’re going anywhere exciting or not! Unfortunately it’s not a “stroller-friendly” place and most of the time we find it’s easier to go out without one, unless we’re going very far.

Public toilets are few and far between, especially those with nursing/change facilities, so it helps to know where you’re going and where those kinds of things will be before you venture out with small children. I wrote a blog post a couple of years ago about my first experience of taking my son out in town on my own. It was a bit of a disaster, and fortunately we’ve refined things since then, but it’s a good example of the kind of trouble you can get yourself into if you’re not prepared!

Thanks a lot for sharing your experiences Brooke!

*Photo credit: Brooke Chenoweth 

Previous Interviews In The ‘Travel With Kids’ Series: 

Ellen Schmidt from New York

Anusha from Seattle

Neera from Chicago

Jo-Lynne from Philadelphia

Tiffany from Frankfurt

Subha from Zurich

Shalini from Norway

Nora from Morocco

Laylah from Riyadh

Lisa from Dubai

Sarah from New Zealand

Toni from Manila

Maid In Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur

Uma from Chennai

The Mad Momma from Delhi

Lakshmi from Hyderabad

Sunayana from Kolkata

Sunita from Pune

Anuradha from Mumbai

Artnavy from Bengaluru

Leonny from Singapore

When one thinks of the most famous cities of the world, New York City (NYC) would easily make it to the top. A city which buzzes with life and energy at all times of the day, let’s find out what temptations it holds for the kids! 

Hi Ellen! Tell us about yourself.

I’ve lived in NYC for the last eleven years. My life has changed quite a bit in that time, from the single gal who first [...]]]> In the Women’s Web ‘Travel The World With Kids’ series, we talk to mums from all over the globe who are interested in exploring their backyard attractions with their tiny tots! We hope you find them useful, if someday you choose to visit their part of the world. Presented in Q&A format, this one is with Ellen Schmidt from New York City who documents the highs and lows of urban parenting on her blog, Baby Meets City. 

When one thinks of the most famous cities of the world, New York City (NYC) would easily make it to the top. A city which buzzes with life and energy at all times of the day, let’s find out what temptations it holds for the kids! 

Hi Ellen! Tell us about yourself.

I’ve lived in NYC for the last eleven years. My life has changed quite a bit in that time, from the single gal who first arrived after college to the now married mama of two — but I wouldn’t have it any other way!

What are some of your suggestions for parents visiting with young kids to do in NYC?

This is a great age for children to visit the Big Apple! I love the American Museum of Natural History. Everyone knows about the dinosaur wing, but the African room (filled with animal replicas from the continent) is a delight for kids.

You could spend an entire day in Central Park. My favorite activities there are exploring Belvedere Castle, renting a row boat and taking it for a spin at the Loeb Boathouse or going for a ride on the old-fashioned Carousel.

Despite the long lines and crowds, I still think there’s not much that beats the view from the Empire State Building. It’s truly amazing to see the city from this angle, where taxi cabs look like ants and the skyscrapers in every direction are all the more awe-inspiring.

What have been some of your favourite outings in NYC with your kids?

We used to live in Chelsea, and I loved taking my toddler for a walk on the Highline – the former above ground railroad is now a gorgeous walking path which runs from the Meatpacking District through Chelsea. The path is an architect’s dream and fun for kids too! Grab lunch at Chelsea Market and eat outdoors while taking in views of rooftops on one side and the Hudson River on the other.

For tourists visiting NYC for the first time, do you have any particular tips?

I suggest anyone coming to NYC for the first time to be aware of their surroundings. I have always felt very safe here, but there’s nothing wrong with being alert to everything around you!

While there are plenty of hotels to choose from around Times Square and midtown, I suggest staying elsewhere for a more authentic NYC experience, like the Upper West Side, Chelsea or Tribeca.

Are there any particular restaurants in NYC that you think kids will enjoy?

Wow. There are so many restaurants in NYC, picking just a few can be overwhelming! Once again, we love strolling through Chelsea Market and picking up food from the many options offered there. Other favorites are Bubby’s in Tribeca, Good Enough to Eat on the Upper West Side and the unhealthy but delicious burgers at the Shake Shack in Madison Square Park.

A great resource is Mini Munchers, which lists all restaurants in the city that offer kids’ menus!

Are there any particular shopping areas in NYC that you think kids will enjoy?

Dylan’s Candy Bar in Midtown East is a hit for kids and adults alike. The brightly-colored store is literally filled with every type of candy you could possibly imagine, and I challenge you to come out empty handed!

In addition, don’t miss FAO Schwartz, which is just a few blocks away. The mega toy store is so much fun to explore, and don’t miss the life-sized floor piano that Tom Hanks used in the movie “Big!”

Any kid-friendly day trips out from NYC?

Cold Spring, NY is a beautiful small town less than two hours from New York City. Grab Metro-North from Grand Central Station, which snakes along the Hudson River – a gorgeous ride on its own! The station at Cold Spring is right in town, so a rental car isn’t necessary. Cold Spring is filled with antique stores, fun gift shops and family-friendly restaurants.

Thanks a lot Ellen!

*Photo credit: Ellen Schmidt 

Previous Interviews In The ‘Travel With Kids’ Series: 

Anusha from Seattle

Neera from Chicago

Jo-Lynne from Philadelphia

Tiffany from Frankfurt

Subha from Zurich

Shalini from Norway

Nora from Morocco

Laylah from Saudi Arabia

Lisa from Dubai

Sarah from New Zealand

Toni from Manila

Maid In Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur

Uma from Chennai

The Mad Momma from Delhi

Lakshmi from Hyderabad

Sunayana from Kolkata

Sunita from Pune

Anuradha from Mumbai

Artnavy from Bengaluru

Leonny from Singapore

Seattle, home to industry giants such as Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks & Amazon among others, is often associated with pouring rains and gloomy skies. But Anusha dispels such notions and tells us about the kid-friendly activities in Seattle – no matter the weather!

Hi Anusha! Do tell us about yourself.

I am grateful for the second chance to experience the wonder that is life, through the eyes of my two young boys. When I am not pondering over what it all means, I look for [...]]]> In the Women’s Web ‘Travel The World With Kids’ series, we talk to mums from all over the globe who are interested in exploring their backyard attractions with their tiny tots! We hope you find them useful, if someday you choose to visit their part of the world. Presented in Q&A format, this one is with Anusha Rao from Seattle, who reviews kids’ literature for Saffron Tree.

Seattle, home to industry giants such as Microsoft, Boeing, Starbucks & Amazon among others, is often associated with pouring rains and gloomy skies. But Anusha dispels such notions and tells us about the kid-friendly activities in Seattle – no matter the weather!

Hi Anusha! Do tell us about yourself.

I am grateful for the second chance to experience the wonder that is life, through the eyes of my two young boys. When I am not pondering over what it all means, I look for books to read to my kids and the next travel destination. I love the lively community in the Seattle area and the natural beauty in the Pacific Northwest region.

What are some of your suggestions for parents visiting with young kids to do in Seattle?

The Seattle region is a haven for nature lovers, and no, it is not always raining and yes, it is as beautiful as you can imagine! The city of Seattle is cradled among the Cascade and Olympic mountain ranges, and surrounded by Lake Union and Lake Washington. The Pacific Ocean is about a 100 miles away from the city and the waters of the Pacific surround the city through the Puget Sound. There are endless activities in and out of the city for families with young kids.

Beginning of the year, the mountains get abundant snow and are the perfect destination for snow tubing and beginner skiing. Spring is fantastic for bird watching, as is hiking the numerous trails. Summer truly awakens the region – sailing, berry picking, camping are just a sample of the feast that summer brings. Fall is perfect for visiting pumpkin farms, for apple picking and for marveling at cranberry bogs, all of which are within a few hours of drive from the city.

And those are just the outdoor activities. Kids here are spoilt for choices for things to do indoors – among the independent music bands (Recess Monkey, Caspar Babypants, Juggletunes) that offer several free shows all around town, family concerts by the Seattle Symphony which also has a Soundbridge Discovery Center to make classical music accessible to the youngest in the family and live theater (Seattle Children’s Theater, Second Story Repertory, Storybook Theater) that produce interactive shows appealing specifically to the toddler/elementary age group. Kids with interest in aviation will have a field day at the Museum of Flight and kids four feet and above can take a tour of the Boeing factory to see planes being constructed live.

What have been some of your favourite outings in Seattle with your kids?

One of our most memorable outings was to Ballard Locks. It is a system of locks that were designed in 1917 and is now maintained by a division of the US Army. The best way to visualize the Ballard Locks is to imagine an elevator system for boats that cross between two water bodies which are at different elevations. We love visiting here for the sheer fun of watching boats rising up and down because of water pumped in and out. We are always thrilled to spot crabbing and fishing boats making their way out to the Northern Pacific. Surrounding the Ballard Locks is a large picnic area, a lush botanical garden and an underground viewing area to see the region’s salmon migrate back and forth (best seen in July-August).

We have also loved every single trip on the Washington State Ferries. The northwest region of the state is an archipelago of islands, and the only transportation is by water. A favorite pastime is to sit by the ferry terminal, watch the cars load into the ferry, await the sound of the horn eagerly and watch them take off into the blue Puget Sound. Even more memorable are the times we visited an island with no agenda but to take the ferry across.

For tourists visiting Seattle for the first time, do you have any particular tips?

Don’t pack an umbrella! Seriously. Seattle hardly ever gets torrential rains and almost every restaurant and public place have free umbrellas for short trips to the car, so unless you’re going to be relying heavily on public transportation, and you don’t mind a light drizzle or two, you may not miss the rain gear. Visitors from the Midwest or from Southwest US typically find the temperatures cool and moderate, visitors from hotter climates will find it similar to a ‘hill station’. July and August are the most ideal for outdoor activities. For maximizing your trip, check Parentmap and Red Tricycle for events when you visit. Larry Gets Lost in Seattle is a children’s book that can acquaint young kids with the city before arrival.

Are there any particular restaurants in Seattle that you think kids will enjoy?

Because of the choice of ethnic food available, Seattle would be a great place to introduce children to cuisines from around the world. Be it Vietnamese pho, Korean kimchi or Chinese dim sum, options are aplenty, and majority of these are kid-friendly. There are plenty of eateries catering to specific dietary restrictions like vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free, but a few like the Twirl Cafe and Tot Spot Cafe stand out for having designated play areas.

Are there any particular shopping areas in Seattle that you think kids will enjoy?

Bellevue Square Mall, a 20 minute drive east of Seattle, is popular among families for Kid’s Cove, a play area on the top floor which kids under 5 are happy to play in with supervision.

For young bibliophiles, a trip to one of the independent book stores (Mockingbird Books, Secret Garden) is recommended, as well as the selection of toys that kindle the imagination at Top Ten Toys and Magic Mouse.

Any kid-friendly day trips out from your Seattle?

The opportunities can fill several guidebooks! We’ve enjoyed driving down south on the scenic Highway 101 along the Oregon Coast, hugging the Pacific Ocean; and up north to Vancouver, Canada, for its aquarium and Stanley Park, and east, past the Cacade mountains to Lake Chelan for water sports.

For kids looking for a bit of thrill, Wild Waves and Great Wolf Lodge are popular water parks and the latter is indoor and open year round. Junior Ranger programs at the Mt. Rainier National Park educate older children about the ecosystem in the area and instill in them the pride and responsibility of preserving the beauty that the region is blessed with.

Thanks a lot Anusha!

Previous Interviews In The ‘Travel With Kids’ Series:

Neera from Chicago

Jo-Lynne from Philadelphia

Tiffany from Frankfurt

Subha from Zurich

Shalini from Norway

Nora from Morocco

Laylah from Riyadh

Lisa from Dubai

Sarah from New Zealand

Toni from Manila

Maid In Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur

Uma from Chennai

The Mad Momma from Delhi

Lakshmi from Hyderabad

Sunayana from Kolkata

Sunita from Pune

Anuradha from Mumbai

Artnavy from Bengaluru

Leonny from Singapore

*Photo credit: Simonds (Used under the Creative Commons Attribution License)

Chicago, the ‘windy city’ is one of America’s most famous cities. The hub of the Midwest, Chicago has a lot of attractive kid-friendly activities, says Neera. Let’s talk to her!

Hello Neera! Do tell us a little about yourself.

I am a stay at home mom to two adorable kids. Stay at home at first out of no choice but now by my own choice and loving it. We love to wonder, imagine, create, travel and explore and do much more, having a [...]]]> In the Women’s Web ‘Travel The World With Kids’ series, we talk to mums from all over the globe who are interested in exploring their backyard attractions with their tiny tots! We hope you find them useful, if someday you choose to visit their part of the world. Presented in Q&A format, this one is with Neera from Chicago who blogs about her travel tales at Our Almost Everyday Blog

Chicago, the ‘windy city’ is one of America’s most famous cities. The hub of the Midwest, Chicago has a lot of attractive kid-friendly activities, says Neera. Let’s talk to her!

Hello Neera! Do tell us a little about yourself.

I am a stay at home mom to two adorable kids. Stay at home at first out of no choice but now by my own choice and loving it. We love to wonder, imagine, create, travel and explore and do much more, having a lot of fun in the process, not to mention learn while it’s all fun.

What are your suggestions for parents visiting Chicago with young kids ?

Chicago is a fabulous city with lots to offer to do/see with kids. It has some of the best museums, great theater watching opportunities for kids if you are visiting in extreme weather and great beaches, water parks and zoos during fair weather.

Winter time activities include:

- Adler Planetarium

- Shedd Aquarium

- Field Museum

- The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum

- Museum of Science and Industry

- Garfield Park Conservatory (Free!)

- Emerald City Theater Productions for kids – Performances at Apollo Theater

- Victoria Biograph Theater

- Children’s Museum at Navy Pier (Free on Thursday evenings)

- Kohl’s Children Museum in Glenview

- Legoland Discovery Center in Schaumburg

Actually all the museums mentioned here are awesome and can be done on summer days too!

Summer time activities/things to do:

- Beaches along Lake Michigan – our favorite isFosterAveBeach

- Millennium Park – has a series of concerts for kids and adults all through summer

- Navy Pier – live music entertainment almost throughout the day, several boat tours, free trolley to downtown Chicago, Pepsi Skyline Stage

- Lincoln Park Zoo (Free! You pay for parking)

- Brookfield Zoo

- Santa’s Village AZOOsment Park

- Chicago Botanic Garden (Free entry but parking is $20 per vehicle. There’s a Metra parking a mile from the Botanic Garden where parking is $1.50 if you are willing to walk the mile.)

- Morton Arboretum

- Exploring Chicago on foot and the CTA bus and trains in the city, the daily pass for which comes at a very reasonable price.

What have been some of your favourite outings in Chicago with your kids?

We do a lot of traveling in the summers and are thrilled to find new places to go to almost every weekend without any repetitions. Foster Ave Beach on Lake Michigan was a hit with us as also with all the friends we recommended it to. As opposed to the more popular beaches which come with a price tag (either entry or parking), this one was just $1 an hour for parking and not overly crowded.

Chicago Botanic Garden was another hit with the kids primarily because of the Model Railroad Garden. One can walk through the outdoor exhibition and pass by familiar miniature American landmarks. All while mini trains crisscross on tracks past the landmarks. There are mini waterfalls, bridges, old country homes and mini landscapes. I have written about both the above outings here.

Santa’s Village AZOOsment park which is a small zoo and a small amusement park all rolled into one, is especially great for younger kids because it’s not a very big area – making it easier for younger kids to enjoy without getting too tired. There is a small petting zoo where the kids love to pet lambs and meet llamas. And an aviary where the kids can go inside the netted area and watch the birds up close. Many of the rides are geared towards 2-7 year old kids.

Garfield Park Conservatory is a must visit for nature lovers or in my opinion for all kids. They have great DIY activities going on every weekend every 15 minutes and maintenance of the absolutely great variety of plants requiring different growing conditions is awesome. To top it all, it’s free and open 365 days a year. A gem in ways more than one!

If you give a Cat a Cupcake at  Apollo Theater, Chicago. We also loved exploring the city on foot, eating at the local eateries, taking the CTA train to China Town. We parked our car at Navy Pier and first spent some time there. Then we took the free trolley to the closest CTA station at Union Square and traveled back and forth with no particular agenda in mind other than the fact that ‘we wanted to have fun!’

For tourists visiting Chicago for the first time, do you have any particular tips? 

If you are renting a car, be very particular about following the rules – completely stopping at stop signs, stopping before making a free right turn on red, returning at the right time at the parking meter – for if you make a mistake, you can be sure you’ll be fined for it!

Downtown Chicago is extremely happening and thus expensive in terms of accommodation. There are great suburbs within a 20 mile radius where you’ll get much better rooms for a much cheaper price. Even if you rent a car, take it to the city and pay for parking for one whole day at a parking lot, the whole deal comes out to be cheaper. If you do decide to stay in the city, I feel that you can do without a car because you’ll be paying for parking separately and not even using the car to go around in the city. 

Are there any particular restaurants in Chicago that you think kids will enjoy?

Oh how much Mc Donalds rules! I don’t have to tell a parent that! The indoor play area is charming if you don’t go there too often. If your child is interested in trying out new cuisines, yelp.com is your best bet when looking for a specific cuisine in an area. We have particularly enjoyed Chinese/Korean at Moon Wok in Glenview where the kids like to put their own veggies in noodles/rice, add the interesting sauces and then give it to the chef to cook!

Are there any particular shopping areas in Chicago that you think kids will enjoy?

Well to be honest, ours don’t! But I recently got to know about a new kids’ area – Yu Kids Island at the Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.

Any kid-friendly day trips out from your city?

Though we haven’t been there ourselves, Lake Geneva is a good one day trip for some moderate water sports to be enjoyed in the lake with the kids.

Devil’s Lake State Park which is about 2-1/2 hours drive is a beautiful state park and has trails which can be easily hiked with kids for beautiful views of the lake and for just enjoying the serenity and marveling at Mother Nature.

Thank you Neera!

*Photo credit: TBoard (Used under the Creative Commons Attribution License)

Previous Interviews In The ‘Travel With Kids’ Series: 

Jo-Lynne from Philadelphia

Tiffany from Frankfurt

Subha from Zurich

Shalini from Norway

Nora from Morocco

Laylah from Riyadh

Lisa from Dubai

Sarah from New Zealand

Toni from Manila

Maid In Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur

Uma from Chennai

The Mad Momma from Delhi

Lakshmi from Hyderabad

Sunayana from Kolkata

Sunita from Pune

Anuradha from Mumbai

Artnavy from Bengaluru

Leonny from Singapore

Philadelphia has earned the epithet “Birthplace of America”. Jo-Lynne takes us through the kid-friendly places in Philly!

Hello Jo-Lynne! Tell us something about yourself.

I am a brand ambassador, freelance writer, and connector of people. I am also a founder of the Philly Social Media Moms, a vibrant networking group.

What are some of your suggestions for parents visiting Philadelphia with young kids?

The Please Touch Museum is great for young kids, and the Constitution Center should not be missed. Also, the Betsy Ross House is fun, [...]]]> In the Women’s Web ‘Travel The World With Kids’ series, we talk to mums from all over the globe who are interested in exploring their backyard attractions with their tiny tots! We hope you find them useful, if someday you choose to visit their part of the world. Presented in Q&A format, this one is with Jo-Lynne Shane from Philadelphia, the blogger behind the award-winning lifestyle blog Musings of a Housewife.

Philadelphia has earned the epithet “Birthplace of America”. Jo-Lynne takes us through the kid-friendly places in Philly!

Hello Jo-Lynne! Tell us something about yourself.

I am a brand ambassador, freelance writer, and connector of people. I am also a founder of the Philly Social Media Moms, a vibrant networking group.

What are some of your suggestions for parents visiting Philadelphia with young kids?

The Please Touch Museum is great for young kids, and the Constitution Center should not be missed. Also, the Betsy Ross House is fun, and the Liberty Bell is a must-see although younger children won’t see the charm. Franklin Court is really neat too. For older kids, Independence Hall is a wonderful experience, and Congress Hall is a great place to stop too.

What have been some of your favourite outings in Philadelphia with your kids?

We took a day last summer and toured the Liberty Bell and the Constitution Center, and we took a carriage ride around historic Old City Philadelphia.

For tourists visiting Philadelphia for the first time, do you have any particular tips?

You can’t do it all in a day. Plan at least two days to see the historic sites. Also, if you want to visit Independence Hall, you will need to get tickets in advance. They sell out fast.

Are there any particular restaurants in Philadelphia that you think kids will enjoy?

We always enjoy going to Jones.

Any kid-friendly day trips out from your Philadelphia?

Yes, definitely. Lancaster is a great day trip. Also the New Jersey Aquarium in Camden is a wonderful experience for children, and it’s just across the river. Sports fans can tour the stadiums too.

Thank you Jo-Lynne!

*Photo credit: Jo-Lynne

Previous Interviews In The ‘Travel With Kids’ Series: 

Tiffany from Frankfurt

Subha from Zurich

Shalini from Norway

Nora from Morocco

Laylah from Riyadh

Lisa from Dubai

Sarah from New Zealand

Toni from Manila

Maid In Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur

Uma from Chennai

The Mad Momma from Delhi

Lakshmi from Hyderabad

Sunayana from Kolkata

Sunita from Pune

Anuradha from Mumbai

Artnavy from Bengaluru

Leonny from Singapore 

The financial and business centre of Germany, Tiffany tells us that Frankfurt has more to it than just being the industrial hub of Europe. This is a city which gives much importance to arts and history as well as to nature and wildlife. Let’s hear Tiffany talk about kid-friendly activities in Frankfurt.

Guten Tag Tiffany! We’d love to know more about you. Do tell us!

Hi! I’m originally from Texas, [...]]]> In The Women’s Web ‘Travel The World With Kids’ series, we talk to mums from all over the globe who are interested in exploring their backyard attractions with their tiny tots! We hope you find them useful, if someday you choose to visit their part of the world. Presented in Q&A format, this one is with Tiffany from Frankfurt, who blogs at No Ordinary Homestead about a whole range of things from food and books to travel and expat life in Germany.

The financial and business centre of Germany, Tiffany tells us that Frankfurt has more to it than just being the industrial hub of Europe. This is a city which gives much importance to arts and history as well as to nature and wildlife. Let’s hear Tiffany talk about kid-friendly activities in Frankfurt.

Guten Tag Tiffany! We’d love to know more about you. Do tell us!

Hi! I’m originally from Texas, in my early-30’s and I’ve been blogging for over 5 years. About 10 years ago, my husband and I (recent college graduates) decided to move to Germany from Miami, Florida. My husband was offered a job in Frankfurt and what we thought would be a quick 2-3 year “experience” quickly transitioned into us buying an old farmhouse, learning how to renovate it ourselves, adding a daughter and a dog to our family and quite a few adventures along the way.

What are your suggestions for parents visiting Frankfurt with young kids?

Frankfurt has a lot of museums and art galleries located downtown, and there are often festivals and events going on along the river, most of which are very kid friendly. If you are in Frankfurt shortly before Christmas, the Christmas market is not to be missed. But go earlier in the day if you prefer to avoid the crowds because it can get very full after dark. 

What have been some of your favourite outings in Frankfurt with your kids?

On my daughter’s 3^rd birthday, we went on an outing to the Senckenberg Museum of Natural History, which we all absolutely loved. They have a great collection of dinosaur fossils, amazing real stuffed animals and fascinating displays. Plus it’s all housed in a lovely old villa in Frankfurt. The only downside is that there is no parking on the premises but you can get there fairly easily with a tram.

Frankfurt is also home to two zoos. The Frankfurt Zoo (within the city limits) is always a fun outing which can easily be reached by public transport. There is also a parking garage down the block. There you will find a varied array of wildlife from bears to wild cats to seals (our daughter’s favorite) to monkeys. And if the kids need to power down a bit, they also have a great playground in the middle of the zoo.

Frankfurt’s second zoo, The Opel Zoo (in pic) is located further outside the city and is built on a slope, so you’ll get some exercise at the same time! Most of the zoo is outdoors with very few animal houses to tour, giving it a much more natural feeling. You can also feed nearly all of the animals there, which tends to make them very animated, and there’s a separate petting zoo as well.

Our family also enjoys going to the Palmengarten which is a large botanical garden located in the middle of Frankfurt. There is a beautiful waterfall in one of the buildings and often special exhibits with all sorts of exotic plants as well as other events going on. You can even bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy throughout the gardens. 

For tourists visiting Frankfurt for the first time, do you have any particular tips?

Frankfurt has a great public transportation system and one of the best ways to get around in the city is via the subway. You can buy day tickets for groups which are really economical and allow you to travel by subway, tram or bus all over Frankfurt. And the ticket machines can be switched to English so you know what you’re buying. The main train station does have its sketchy areas, but nothing you need to be overly concerned with.

Frankfurt is a very international city, so a large portion of the population speaks English well. If you are a photographer, all of the places I’ve mentioned are very photo friendly and it’s not uncommon to run into people with tripods and backpacks of photo equipment at Frankfurt Zoo or Palmengarten.

Are there any particular restaurants in Frankfurt that you think kids will enjoy?

The Gerbermühle is a nice hotel and restaurant that has a great summer garden by the river. As the name suggests, it’s only open during warmer weather but it’s a nice beer garden where the kids can run around a bit or play nearby while you grab a bite to eat.

What is a vacation without picking up souvenirs to carry back home! Are there any particular shopping areas in Frankfurt that you would recommend?

The largest mall in Germany, Main Taunus Zentrum, is located just on the edge of Frankfurt. All of the stores are covered so it can be fun regardless of the weather. There is a bus stop right at the mall if you’re relying on public transportation to get around. There is also a movie theatre, Kinopolis, which usually has an English language film playing (look for OV on the movie listings). There are several really great farmers’ markets around Frankfurt too, and one of our favorites is in Höchst on Saturday mornings.

Any kid-friendly day trips out from Frankfurt?

Those looking to reflect on a bit of historical architecture will enjoy the Hessenpark. They have moved and reassembled a rather large collection of old houses and other buildings to create a living history museum. Most days there are people there performing tasks as they did in the old days, and they even have a kid’s center where young ones can do arts & crafts while you grab a coffee or a beer at the café across from it.

If you are looking to do some walking, Rüdesheim located on the Rhine River can be a fun excursion. It’s about an hour away by car or train. You can take a gondola up the mountain, overlooking the gently rolling fields below or a little river cruise to see the sights from the valley. There are even combination tickets that allow you to do both and throw in a ski-lift ride down the mountain. The ski-lift is not well suited for small kids, but on a nice day you can also walk down. Because it’s wine country, there is plenty of wine to be enjoyed for the adults. Both of these places can be reached using public transport at an additional fee.

Thanks for your helpful answers Tiffany!

*Photo credit: Tiffany

Previous Interviews In The ‘Travel With Kids’ Series: 

Subha from Zurich

Shalini from Norway

Nora from Morocco

Laylah from Riyadh

Lisa from Dubai

Sarah from New Zealand

Toni from Manila

Uma from Chennai

The Mad Momma from Delhi

Maid In Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur

Lakshmi from Hyderabad

Sunayana from Kolkata

Sunita from Pune

Anuradha from Mumbai

Artnavy from Bengaluru

Leonny from Singapore

Ah Switzerland! A favourite among Indian cinema makers as well as romantic honeymooners, the very mention strikes up images of cozy cabins tucked into snow clad mountains! Is the largest city of Switzerland, Zurich kid-friendly? Over to Subha!

Hello Subha! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

I live with my husband and two daughters (aged 6 and 3) in Zurich, Switzerland. We moved to Zurich from Bangalore 5 years ago. Although it was tough initially to settle down here due to the language [...]]]> In The Women’s Web ‘Travel The World With Kids’ series, we talk to mums from all over the globe who are interested in exploring their backyard attractions with their tiny tots! We hope you find them useful, if someday you choose to visit their part of the world. Presented in Q&A format, this one is with Subha from Zurich, who blogs about her adventures at Boo’s Baby Talk.

Ah Switzerland! A favourite among Indian cinema makers as well as romantic honeymooners, the very mention strikes up images of cozy cabins tucked into snow clad mountains! Is the largest city of Switzerland, Zurich kid-friendly? Over to Subha!

Hello Subha! Could you tell us a little about yourself?

I live with my husband and two daughters (aged 6 and 3) in Zurich, Switzerland. We moved to Zurich from Bangalore 5 years ago. Although it was tough initially to settle down here due to the language issues, we started loving it here. Who wouldn’t fall in love with this gorgeous place with its snow peaked mountains, crystal clear lakes, cheese and chocolates? But the most endearing thing about Zurich is how there is so much to do here with kids!

That’s nice! What are some of your suggestions for parents visiting with young kids to do  in Zurich?

Zurich is mostly used as a stopover by tourists before running off to the touristy Interlaken area. But I would suggest parents to stay here at least a couple of days and explore.

There are two fantastic Zoos; The Zurich Zoo and the Rapperswil Zoo. The latter is a petting zoo which young kids will like. The Zurich Zoo has a penguin parade during winters.

One can picnic in the Zurichhorn or Park Im Gruene with breathtaking lake views. Both have good play areas and restaurants.

The Landesmuseum, Zurich Toy Museum and Zoological Museum are good options on a rainy day!

What have been some of your favourite outings in Zurich with your kids? 

We have an annual pass for the Zurich Zoo so that should tell you something! The kids love it.

Jucker Farm in Seegraben is a hit with kids too. It has something to offer throughout the year like cherry picking, strawberry picking, etc. And from August to October, they have pumpkin patches, prize winning pumpkins on displays and markets and the kids enjoy it very much.

If the sun is shining, then you can find us in one of the many, many parks.

For tourists visiting Zurich for the first time, do you have any particular tips? 

1. Learn a few words in Swiss German and use them in restaurants and shops. The locals greatly appreciate it.

2. Please throw water bottles in the recycle bin marked Pet. You will mostly find them near the trash cans.

3. The transport system truly works like clockwork. Make sure you are well ahead of time wherever you go.

4. Most restaurants are child-friendly and have high chairs for toddlers and a children’s menu and have at least one vegetarian dish.

5. Dress up in layers. While it may be warm in one place, it can get suddenly chilly in another.

Are there any particular restaurants in Zurich that you think kids will enjoy?

1. Hiltl is a speciality vegetarian restaurant. The menu is Indian influenced and of the best quality. It can be a little pricey though. The buffet brunch on Sundays is highly recommended. Kids can enjoy window coloring while parents eat peacefully!

2. Walk into any pizzeria in Zurich and I’m sure you will like it.

3. There is always Mc Donalds, of course. Their veggie burger is delicious. Keep in mind that France, Germany or Italy don’t serve veggie burgers in their Mc Donalds! Only in Swiss!

4. Try Swiss Chuchi restaurant for fondues. Rosti (crispy potatoes) with cheese will be greatly enjoyed by the kids.

Are there any particular shopping areas in Zurich that you think kids will enjoy?

1. Franz Carl Weber is a toy shop in the famous Bahnhofstrasse. Pop in to see if you can afford anything while the kids enjoy the dragon slide which takes them from the ground floor to the basement!

2. Sihl City is a mall with various shops, cinemas, restaurants, etc. It is spacious and there is an outdoor courtyard where the kids can run around!

Any kid-friendly day trips out from Zurich?

The Swiss are so outdoorsy irrespective of the weather. As they say – “There is no such thing as bad weather, just incorrect clothing”! Inspiring, right? Taste a sample of the classic outdoors by going on child friendly hikes like Tierliweg in Elm or Klangweg in Alt St. Johann. I strongly recommend the Rope Park in Atzmannig for older kids.

The Transport museum in Lucerne has lots to offer kids too. Or if your kids like theme parks and thrill rides, Connyland is an option.

Switzerland is safe and fun for kids and will truly be a memorable experience for the whole family!

Truly tempting Subha! We’ll be sure to add Zurich to our “must-see” lists!

Previous Interviews In The ‘Travel With Kids’ Series: 

Shalini from Norway

Nora from Morocco

Toni from Manila

Uma from Chennai

The Mad Momma from Delhi

Maid In Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur

Lakshmi from Hyderabad

Sunayana from Kolkata

Sunita from Pune

Anuradha from Mumbai

Artnavy from Bengaluru

Leonny from Singapore

I have a confession to make. Normally, when my husband suggests an outing with our kids in a friendly tone, my first instinct is to cower in the corner of my sofa, clutching my tea cup in terror. If pushed, I may even whine, “MUST I?” Don’t get me wrong. I love my boys, but going out with two kids with a 4 year age [...]]]> In the Women’s Web ‘Travel The World With Kids’ series, we talk to mums from all over the globe who are interested in exploring their backyard attractions with their tiny tots! We hope you find them useful, if someday you choose to visit their part of the world. Though usually in Q&A format, this time Shalini Frøiland of A Wing And A Prayer, has given free rein to her creative juices and provided us with some wonderful suggestions on kid-friendly things to do in Norway! Over to Shalini!

I have a confession to make. Normally, when my husband suggests an outing with our kids in a friendly tone, my first instinct is to cower in the corner of my sofa, clutching my tea cup in terror. If pushed, I may even whine, “MUST I?” Don’t get me wrong. I love my boys, but going out with two kids with a 4 year age gap between them, presents certain challenges. I find myself staring longingly at random adults and thinking, “I’d take YOU out. You probably wouldn’t subject me to your tantrums, make faces at food and whine that your feet hurt.”

Of course, there are occasions when we are all pleasantly surprised by each other’s company and I’m going to put that down to some great destinations/hangouts. We live in Stavanger in south-western Norway, a small city with a population of 300,000 and a large expat population, given the oil and shipping companies that have a major presence in this region.

What to do with kids in Norway (and especially in Stavanger)

This is a region known for its stunning natural beauty and its proximity to the ocean, the mountains and fjords. If your family loves the great outdoors, this is a great family destination. Summer or winter, rain or shine, there is something for everyone – even if that means going on a skiing trip mostly to drink hot cocoa and feel your fingers come alive again as your grab the cup with both hands. Of course I’m talking about myself.

We both love beaches and regardless of the season we love going there with the boys. The beaches in this region – Sola, Bore, Orre and Hellestø to name a few are unspoilt, uncrowded and simply stunning. On a cold day, bundle up well and head out with a small picnic. The adults can try their hand at surfing or kiting, and if this level of adventure scares the living bejeezus out of you, just dig to China, collect shells, sip coffee and enjoy the wind whipping your hair.

Going outdoorsy with kids in Stavanger

Of course, no trip to Stavanger is complete without a trip to Pulpit Rock. Pulpit Rock is a massive cliff 1982 feet above Lysefjord, opposite the Kjerag plateau – and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Norway. The top of the cliff is approximately 25 square metres and almost flat. If you’re supremely lucky, you could even catch a Tamil film crew, gallivanting at the edge of the precipice. The hike up to Pulpit Rock is approximately 3.8 kilometres, and one doesn’t need to have an impressive level of fitness to manage the incline. This might not sound like a child friendly excursion, but if you have a child who enjoys walking and climbing, and you have solid shoes, it is perfectly doable. My son did his first hike to Pulpit Rock when he was 5. (Norwegian families and daycare centres get kids started early on long walks. If you are doing this with a child under six, make sure he is well rested, well-shod and well-hydrated during the trip. Also make sure he wants to. Promise him a sighting of an exciting troll if you must.)

Another lovely daytrip with kids in the 2 hour hike to Dalsnuten – a peak at 324 metres above sea level with gorgeous views of Gandsfjord. On a sunny day, the view of the fjord and mountains will clean take your breath away. The rule of thumb for the entire family is to dress appropriately, (even if it is a warm day, carry extra layers. You never really know when the wind will pick up!) and carry sensible amounts of food and drink in your backpack.

Most Norwegian families with small kids, carry them in a sling/baby carrier when they go on such hikes. If you possess the level of fitness/mental endurance that will allow you lug 12 kilos of happy/unhappy child up a mountain, please come this way. Allow me to pin this badge of honour on your lapel.

Eating out in Norway

Eating out in Norway (or buying socks for that matter) is exorbitant for most foreigners. The majority of visitors turn a whiter shade of pale, and assume the countenance of one passing a kidney stone when they see the prices in stores and restaurants. If you’re willing to overlook this fact and regularly frolic about in Norwegian kroner in the comfort of your home, there are some amazing child friendly eateries.

Our favourite is Charles & De in Sandnes, where the waiters will happily supply your child with paper and crayons while you wait for their stupendous mussel soup or special burgers. Ostehuset and Bagel Buddy in Stavanger are two other eateries which have a relaxed, child friendly atmosphere, though getting a table can be tough. If you win in Vegas a lot, you’re in luck.

Shopping in Norway

If bargain shopping is your bliss, you might just be in the wrong place. However, both Stavanger and Sandnes have all the regular high street outlets in addition to some edgy, concept stores. If you plan to shop with kids, (at this point I must stop and enquire if you really took your medication and in correct quantities) there are malls like Kvadrat, which have play areas and arcades which will keep your children busy, happy and safe, while you shop.

Getting around with kids, and other Norway tips

Stavanger is a safe city and getting around with children is not difficult. If you are visiting for a few days, unless you’re staying with friends, it is advisable to live in the city centre where public transport is easily accessible. Spend a few leisurely days enjoying what nature offers for free. At some point, plan a 3 hour boat trip through Lysefjord. It will take your breath away. If you want to minimize costs by not eating out so much, shop for food at supermarkets and carry picnic lunches on trips. This is especially advisable if you’re a vegetarian, who does not find her bliss living on onion rings from Burger King. Should you come here during the autumn/winter months, brave frostbite and try the ski slopes. If you (like me) think skis are your enemy, then I strongly recommend sledding with kids. These are easy to rent and your child’s whoops of joy alone will make this worthwhile.

If the great, beautiful outdoors wears you out and leaves you in need of a defrost, come to this warm home. Wrap yourself around this jug of cocoa. You’re welcome.

*Photo credit: seljes (Used under the Creative Commons Attribution License)

Previous Interviews In The ‘Travel With Kids’ Series: 

Nora from Morocco

Toni from Manila

Uma from Chennai

The Mad Momma from Delhi

Maid In Malaysia from Kuala Lumpur

Lakshmi from Hyderabad

Sunayana from Kolkata

Sunita from Pune

Anuradha from Mumbai

Artnavy from Bengaluru

Leonny from Singapore