For many parents, nothing quite beats the idea of combining parenthood with travel to explore the world with your little one. Unfortunately, the travel industry is geared towards families, couples and those travelling with friends, which can make it hard to find advice if travelling as a parent and child. If travelling with your child is on your to-do list in 2026, then this article should be a great starting point. We’ve put together some of the world’s best cities to explore as a parent and child, outlining their best features and what makes them super child-friendly.
Sydney, Australia
For the rest of the world, Australia can at times be forgotten about. But not considering Oceania means you’re closing yourself off to some of the world’s best cities. Speaking of the world’s best cities, Sydney certainly makes the list.
Summers in Sydney can be scorching, and the city’s beach culture doesn’t lend itself well to travel with young children. But if you intend on traveling with a young teenager, Sydney could be the perfect location.
For a start, you do not need to worry about keeping kids cooped up indoors, as Sydney lends itself to outdoor lifestyles, which is often great for keeping children entertained. Whether your child prefers a beach or a park, there are some fantastic locations for spending downtime together in Sydney.
In terms of things to do, options range from checking out famous landmarks like the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House to museums, zoos and ferry rides.
Read: Georgia by Car: The Perfect 7–10 Day Road Trip with a Rental Car
Quebec, Canada
For Americans, the idea of travelling around Europe is often appealing. However, the same cannot be said about the long-haul flight. If you are looking for a happy medium, Quebec in Canada could be your best option.
Quebec offers a European feel thanks to its French influence, which is ideal if you want to introduce your child to a different culture than what they are used to. This allows you to open their eyes to a new food scene, as well as exploring historic buildings. These include sites such as Château Frontenac, which can be combined with a brief history lesson if you are looking to make your trip an educational one. When it comes to travelling around Quebec, your little one will definitely appreciate the Old Quebec Funicular, an old-school cable railway that will take you around Quebec’s sloping terrain.
Paris, France
Sticking with the French theme, if France itself is reachable for you and your child, then you should definitely add Paris to your list of cities to explore as a parent and child. While France offers a nice variety, from beach holidays in the South to historic villages in the North, the nation’s capital lends itself well if travelling with a younger explorer.
The Eiffel Tower can be appreciated by everyone, both old and young; its sheer size is likely to take your child’s breath away. If they are a little too young to appreciate landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, you’ll instead want to head to Jardin du Luxembourg, or Luxembourg Gardens as it’s known in English. Featuring miniature boats, top-tier playgrounds and pony riding, it’s likely that your child will want to spend hours exploring Luxembourg Gardens.
If you find yourself visiting Paris outside of summer, you may need to prepare some indoor plans. Children of all ages will enjoy a day at Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, which translates to City of Science and Industry. Here you’ll find interactive ways to learn and a multimedia library.
London, England
Many cities claim to offer something for everyone, but London in the south of England truly does. And regardless of whether you’re travelling the UK with a toddler or a teenager, you’ll find activities for every budget. But the first thing to be aware of is the ever-changing English weather. Make sure you have backup activities planned in the event of a downpour — and this applies to whether you’re travelling in summer or winter!
In terms of things to do, taking in a West End show is a great option if you want to splash out for a special occasion. Showings will vary based on when you are visiting, but you’re likely to find plenty of child-friendly options such as The Lion King and Matilda.
If you’re looking for hidden gems, don’t discount travelling outside the heart of London. There are plenty of urban areas on the outskirts that offer culture and activities without the hustle and bustle of central London. For example, Romford in East London offers ancient architecture and one of London’s oldest outdoor street markets. Not to mention, there are still tonnes of shops and restaurants in Romford, many of which are located inside The Liberty shopping centre.
