Get off the well-trod tourist path and experience the Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia that local Spanish families see; with discounts for kids and grandparents.
Spain is bursting at the seams with delicious food, mid-day siestas and notorious late-night partying. For a multi-generational family vacation, however, you might be in search of a little more than the world’s best paella (although you can never go wrong with the traditional Valencian rice dish!). Here’s how to make the most of your visit with school age children.
Barcelona for Kids
Parc Guell
Ronder General Mitre 226
08006, Barcelona
34 (0) 93 413-2400
This park, now a World Heritage Site (designated by UNESCO), was designed by Antonà GaudÃ. The stunning architecture pulls visitors into a different world. Be sure to check out the famous mosaic dragon. Also keep an eye out for the Room of a Hundred Columns, with 84 crooked pillars of glass and ceramic mosaic, and the Gran Placa Circular, a balcony of brightly colored mosaics that also offers a spectacular view.
Poble Espanyol (Spanish Village)
Av. Marques de Comillas, 13
08038, Barcelona
34 (0) 935 086-300
The Poble Espanyol was built in 1929 as part of the Barcelona International Exhibition and can still be visited today. It includes a 12-acre open-air museum with architecture from Andalusia, Catalonia and Aragon. This “museum” depicts a Spanish village – with 117 buildings, streets and squares it is a “village within a city.” The Children’s Village has craft workshops and kid’s shows games and storytelling; check the website for a calendar of events. Reduced admission for seniors, students with ID, and children ages 4-12. Ask about family discounts as well.
Tibidabo
Pl. De Tibidabo, 3-4
08035, Barcelona
34 (0) 93 211-7942
This famous amusement park sits on top of a hill at the highest point in Barcelona. It can be accessed by the last remaining trolley in the city, the Tramvia Blue. A four-dimensional movie theatre, amusement park rides and Robot Museum are sure to provide hours of entertainment for the family. Reduced children’s admission based on height. The Tibidabo is open daily from 11 am between early March and early December.
Toy Museum of Catalonia
Carrer de Sant Pere, 1
Hotel Paris Figueras
17600, Catalonia
34 (0) 97 2504-585
The Toy Museum of Catalonia boasts more than 4,000 objects, including dolls, puppets, miniature theatre sets, tricycles and more. You can chart toys through time, and many are accompanied by old photos showing children playing with the toys. Several objects in the museum had famous owners, such as Salvador Dali, Federico Garcia Lorca and Joan Miro. This fun museum has extended hours in summer.
Madrid for Kids
Parque del Buen Retiro (Retiro Park)
Plaza de la Independencia, s/n
Madrid, 28001 Spain
34 (0) 91 588-8790
Family members of all ages will be delighted and amused by the street performers in Retiro Park. Here they can also ride in horse-drawn carriages, rent a rowboat to go out on the lake, or watch the puppeteers perform shows. This is the most popular park in Madrid, so it is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the local environment and get a feel of what life is like there.
Museo del Prado
Ruiz del Alarcon 23
28014, Madrid.
34 (0) 91 330-2800
Housing European art from the 12th through 19th century curated by notable scholars including Pablo Picasso himiself, the palatial Museo del Prado was founded as a museum for paintings and sculpture. Today it houses thousands of drawings, prints, coins, medals, and decorative art. Entrance to the permanent collection only is free Tuesday-Saturday from 6-8 pm, Sunday from 5-8 pm and on certain Spanish holidays. Children under age 18 are always free.
Madrid Zoo and Aquarium
Casa de Campo
s/n 28011, Madrid
34 (0) 90 234-5014
The zoo has more than 5,000 animals from 5 different continents, and the aquarium has more than 500 species. A big crowd-pleaser at the zoo is the panda collection; two baby pandas arrived in December 2010. If you’ve got antsy young travelers with you, check out some of the great hotel/zoo package offers that grant families a room and breakfast, plus free admission to the zoo, aquarium and nearby Warner Bros. theme park.
Safari Park at Aldea del Fresno
Carretera de Extremadura N-V
KM32, Madrid
34 (0) 91 862-2314
The Safari Park offers an opportunity to see animals like elephants, rhinos, hippos and giraffes not native to Europe. Its prime location is close to a lake and the Alberche River. The safari aspect – viewing the animals from a car – offers a different experience than the typical walk-around zoo and makes for a fun day outing. Reduced admission for children ages 3-10; under 3 free. The park is open daily year round from 10:30am to sunset.
Madrid SnowZone
Puerto Navacerrada (Xanadu) 4
28939 Arroyomolinos, Spain
34 (0) 902 361-309
For a day of winter fun (even in the summer), check out Madrid SnowZone. The adventurous among you can tube down 800-foot slopes, and the calmer in the bunch can play in the snow. Building snowmen, making snow angels and even having a good ‘ol-fashioned snowball fight is a great way to relax from the stress of your travels and bond with the family. It’s also totally refreshing in Madrid’s humid summers. Staying in town awhile? Sign the kids up for their ski racing team.
Valencia for Kids
L’oceanografic at City of Arts and Sciences
Junta de Mars i Valls
Valencia 46013
34 (0) 90 210-0031
Europe’s largest marine park has 500 species of animals and 45,000 fish within a large science center complex. There are seven aquariums with different environments, underwater tunnels with sharks, and a dolphin aquarium. A contact pool allows you to get into the water and touch some of the animals. Regular activities such as Saturday morning music classes aimed at parents with children up to 4, in which music and stories about the sea are shared, as well as Shark Sleepovers, can be found on their website. L’oceanografic also has several restaurants where you can stop in to reenergize before you check out the rest of the facilities. This futuristic “city within a city” also has a Hubble telescope and rotating exhibits, a planetarium, science museum and performing arts center. Reduced general admission price for kids ages 4-12; group rates available as well.
Terra Miticia
Autopista A7, Exit 65A
Benidorm, Alicante
34 (0) 90 202-0220
Located on the Mediterranean coast south of Valencia, this large theme park offers a variety of rides and nearly 80 shows a day. Count on hours of family-friendly entertainment, including water rides for those notoriously hot days. Major rides have smaller replicas for young children. Grab the kids and go for a ride on the Magnus; Colossus, the longest wooden coaster in Europe! The attractions are divided into themed areas representing Rome, Greece, Iberia, The Islands, Ocionia and Egypt, so get ready to explore! Inquire about their reduced admission with the Family Pass; open seasonally.
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People who choose to book trips for summer or further out should do so with caution; the coronavirus pandemic is unpredictable. And many reservations may claim flexibility. Amid so much unknown, there will be one certainty: the headaches of rescheduling and canceling.
With a rugged interior featuring 286 peaks topping 3,000 meters Taiwan’s railway system is shoehorned onto the coastal margins where most of Taiwan’s cultural life is concentrated. Whether you ride the high-speed service from Taipei City to the second city of Kaohsiung or spend a week slowly circumnavigating the island by local train, all journeys are within eyeshot of either the cobalt-blue Pacific Ocean, flatlands of verdant rice-paddies, or towering mountainsides
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Amazing Post! about Amsterdam
There’s one street in Baltimore that’s more festive than the rest. Every holiday season, the neighborhood of Maryland’s miracle on h Street is decked out in Christmas lights and festive displays. From a tree made of hubcaps to classic candy cane fixtures, each house is uniquely decorated.
Considering Northeast Ohio has plenty of breweries, as well, Thomann was asked if it’s more likely we’ll find the members of Dorfrocker touring different venues tasting beers or visiting the Rock Roll Hall of Fame?
Covid-19 certainly affects travels plan…Not long ago my friends were among passengers of the British cruise ship Braemar. And how could the US refuse to help the ship and close the borders?? Unlike the US, Cuba showed its humanity and friendship! Thank you Cuba
Would you like to stay in the gorgeous area around Keukenhof? You can! We have a broad range of great hotels and bed and breakfasts for you. Accommodations in Haarlem, Leiden or Amsterdam are also good options.
I will reach Amsterdam only on 19 May morning, the last day of the flower exhibit. Is it still worthwhile to go Keukenhof Gardens? Will there still be many flowers to be seen?
Tulips and other flowers mainly bloom during spring. March through May is therefore the best time to visit the Netherlands if you want to watch them in bloom. The world’s most beautiful spring park, the Keukenhof, is open during this time.
If a court order states that one parent can travel abroad with the child without the consent of the other parent, what documentation is required? We recommend carrying a copy of the court order stating that the other parent’s consent is not needed to travel abroad with the child. Any questions about the wording of the court order should be directed to a family lawyer.
If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether they can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure they meet the size requirements. If you get overwhelmed by all the regulations, there are companies that can help you navigate through the process of flying with a pet.
Is a consent letter mandatory? There is no Canadian legal requirement for children to carry a consent letter. However, a consent letter may be requested by immigration authorities when entering or leaving a foreign country, airline agents or Canadian officials when re-entering Canada. Failure to produce a letter upon request may result in delays or refusal to enter or exit a country.
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2 adults available to drive your car from New Orleans to north suburb of Chicago mid October. Need 3 or four nights. Split the gas,
Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.
Ever dreamed of driving along the cliffs that overlook the Pacific with the windows down? Or wanted to travel the historic Oregon Trail in a car instead of on a computer? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.
Rhonda, from a railman who started his train travel when he was 16, I would strongly suggest a Canadian Train Ride! Via Rail Canada offers four significant rides through wilderness and coastal areas with deluxe, overnight trains from Toronto to Vancouver ( 4 nights), and Montreal to Halifax, Nova Scotia (one night). Both offer a chance to have decent meals enroute, and sleeping car accommodations. Train crews tend to be a bit friendlier than south of the border, Canada, largely uninhabited, offers many scenic vistas with little hamlets few and far between, certainly a wonderful way for both of you to enjoy these new experiences.
Via Rail Canada also offers Railpasses, which enable you to travel on other routes as well for a bit of a price reduction. It’s all up to you!
Their website is http://www.viarail.ca for further information.
My son is a rail fan and we have traveled only in the US but I would love to surprise him with an excursion where he could talk to the train staff and railroad personnel. I would also like to include beautiful scenery as well for Both of us. My son is 16 and I am 59. We love to explore and don’t mind walking and roughing it!! any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won??™t slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
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This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.
7 memorable Tips for Traveling to Mexico
Don stress if you don Mexico is agreeable to English speaking travelers, And there a ton of tips to get to know the country landscapes, terms, And younger culture.
yet still, If you new to traveling or have never been out of the us, A trip to Mexico may be somewhat frightening.
If you interested in learning some tips for traveling to Mexico, Take a look at our 7 easy to remember tips for your journey. We outlined some of the basics that you’d like to learn for your own aventura!
1. Choose the Right Transportation If you traveling to Mexico, You need to decide you might arrive by car, aeroplane, Or liner. It important to know how you want to arrive because it will searching,an extravagance,good to have city you arrive in, How much luggage you results, and so forth.
an individual can find international flights if you prefer to travel by air. instead, There are plenty of cruises to Mexico that you can enjoy if you like the amenities and beautiful views that are included in ship travel!
If you live nearby the border, Or just need to take a bit of a road trip, going down the road by car is always an option as well.
2. Use Pesos When You Can It best if you use the local currency pesos when you can. while touristy areas accept USD, They choose the rate at that they accept it, So it is possible to get a better deal if you just use pesos.
Consider exchanging USD for pesos somewhere in the usa before your trip and dividing up your cash between USD and pesos during your trip.
3. Know bathing room Etiquette In Mexico, The sewage pipes just aren built to handle a lot. this means that people rarely flush their toilet paper. rather than, There will often be a trash bin near the toilet for you to put your used toilet paper in.
further, Men may make of entering a bathroom labeled with an M, let’s assume that it stands for However, The M actually can stand for mujeres, Which is the word for in Spanish. Men needs to look for doors labeled H, Which stands for the Spanish word for men, Hombres.
4. Practice Some Spanish One of the most basic tips for traveling to Mexico is to learn a few Spanish phrases before your trip.
once you know basic things, Like how to ask where the bathroom is or how to order food, Will make your trip to Mexico a lot smoother. sometimes, The locals will appreciate the effort, Even if they undoubtedly speak English as well!
5. Adjust to the Time Whether you are changing time zones while having trip or staying in the same one, You find that Mexico runs on a lot more fluid schedule. Punctuality is less of a concern, So you take pleasure in it a lot more if you can relax and don push a strict schedule.
furthermore, Meals are spaced out a bit distinct in Mexico. You will usually have a large breakfast, associated with the main meal of the day between 2:00 together with 4:00 pm hours. then finally, You will enjoy a smaller meal at dusk.
6. Drink Bottled Water Bottled water can be found on just about any street corner for purchase. Why exactly do you wish to buy bottled water?
let me tell you, Most of Mexico plain faucet water is unpurified. Some hotels may have filtered water, But be sure to go shopping for a sign above your sinks before you test it out!
If you be residing in Mexico for a lengthier trip, Consider buying or bring a water filter with you to purify the tap water and avoid buying so much bottled water. You be decreasing costs and plastic consumption!
7. Stray off the Beaten Path While sightseeing attractions and famous beaches are always fun to see, Traveling to lesser known places will offer you a more authentic taste of Mexico.
of which this isn an excuse to be reckless or oblivious to your surroundings. Be mindful of the areas you visiting and research where you will make sure it a safe area.
Now You Armed with all very reputable Tips for Traveling to Mexico Mexico is a diverse country with so much to see and offer.
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As North America’s fastest multi-launch coaster, it’s expected to draw in adrenaline enthusiasts, including those from the group Busch Gardens Williamsburg Fans, which has been updating their Twitter and website with information on the ride.
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Many parents of individuals with an Autism Spectrum Disorder dread traveling or often avoid it altogether. Most people with ASD do better with routine and structure and a break from that (vacation) can often lead to stress and even meltdowns. Additionally, traveling by air can include having to navigate a multitude of unpleasant experiences from airport security procedures, moving sidewalks, and boarding tunnels to cramped seats, unfamiliar noises, and lots of strangers. Experts indicate that preparation and practice is the key to a successful flight and travel. Before your trip, talk with your child about what to expect. Go over the details of the travel: how you’ll get to the airport, wait in line, go through security, find your departure gate, get on the plane, buckle seatbelts, and spend time onboard. Flying to See Janet: A Fun Guide to the Airport Experience is a book you can use to prepare children for the unfamiliar sights and sounds of the airport experience. You can also write your own social story.
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Emily, my coming of age years were the late 1970s, early 1980s at the YMCA. I agree with you about the open showers versus the individual shower stalls. From a guys perspective, I spent many nights and weekends swimming or playing basketball at my local YMCA. Showering with not only my friends, but over the years, dads, neighbors and guys from church. It really makes one comfortable, not in a sexual way, with one self and others. Never had the nude swimming, I think that ended in the 1960s as women/girls joined the YMCA, forcing may YWCAs to close their doors.
Amelie, here in the US a number of Korean Spas have opened. As with Japanese, Korean families bath together (grandmother, daughter, grand-daughter), (dad, son) separated by gender. They are starting to attract a diverse clientele (age, race, etc). So who knows, maybe the nude swimming will return to the Y someday.
The Ski and Snow Vacations for Families article is one of the best I have ever read!
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Note that Global Affairs Canada cannot provide you with advice about the Consent Letter for Children Travelling Abroad beyond what is offered on this website.
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Chicago is a famous place that has many impressive landscapes.
Most visitors like traveling there.
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helo, do you happent allow drive passengers to another state?
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I’m so happy that you enjoyed your experience at the Onsen!
I’ve never been to an Onsen, but I would love to get to visit one some day.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s my mom was the head supervisor at a YWCA in Ohio. I practically lived in the YWCA (not literally, of course) for the 19 years that my mom worked there. I had a part time job at the YWCA for a few years in the 1990s.
One of the great things about spending so much time at the YWCA was that I grew up using the locker room all of the way from a young child to a young woman and being 100% comfortable with both my own nudity and the nudity of all other females.
I feel that it was so much better back then when the Y had one big room full of shower heads on the walls than it is with stalls these days. The group shower setting was great from a bonding experience. I feel that it’s much healthier psychologically speaking that females are exposed to other women’s and girl’s bodies, as opposed to feeling that we need to hide from each other and change clothes in toilet stalls or under towels.
One of the benefits of having a mom who was a supervisor of the Y was that after hours my mom and my sisters and myself could just skinny dip in the pool, and my sisters and I were allowed to have our female friends with us for a skinny dipping session on Friday and Saturday nights.
Also, my aunt and a few of my female cousins would skinny dip with my mom, my sisters and I every once in a while.
My mom said that she had heard that the YWCA used to have one night a week that was for nude swimming back in the 1960s and most of the 1970s. Obviously it was a female only facility at the time.
Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.
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Oh man. I’m so sorry this happened to you. I certainly appreciate your take on this though, a little humor goes a long way. I’m headed to Barcelona in a few days, so I’ll be sure to keep my valuables close. Thanks for sharing.