Q – Lauren L. of New York City writes: We are traveling with our 7 and 9-year-old boys to Spain in June and need help with kid-friendly cultural activities in Barcelona, the Costa Brava and over the French border into the Pyrenees.
School-age kids will find plenty of entertainment as well as learning activities on a visit to Spain, including a chance to practice their Spanish language skills. You can start your trip planning by reading FTF’s Barcelona account, written by a member who visited recently: “Barcelona: Ciudad Sagrada“ Although she did not travel with children, it certainly sounds like kids would have plenty to enjoy, so you’ll want to decide soon how much time to spend in the city.
In addition to her ideas, you might consider the Museu de la Ciencia (Science Museum) which offers “Clik del Nens,” a playground of science designed specifically for children, in addition to a wide variety of interesting hands-on exhibits to interest the whole family. There is also a great Zoo and a Maritime Museum.
The Poble Espanyol in the Parc de Montjuic was built for the 1929 World’s Fair and is a recreation of a Spanish village containing over 100 reproductions of monuments and buildings beginning from the 10th century. It sounds something like Williamsburg, Virginia, with artisans demonstrating their crafts. Several restaurants and cafes are available within the complex. Also in the Parc de Montjuic, you can find amusement park rides, outdoor music concerts and other festivities during the days and the evenings.
The Costa Brava can be quite crowded during July and August, but your travel dates in June means you may avoid this. The medieval city of Girona is the capital of this region. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes so that you can climb almost 100 steep steps to reach the fabulous Cathedral which dates from the 14th century. Tapestries, paintings an manuscripts are viewed amidst the incredible architecture, including a trapezoidial-shaped cloister.
If your family are museum lovers, you can choose between an art museum, a history museum and an archeological museum. Restored 12th century Arab baths can be visited in the old quarter of the city, with examples of both hot and cold pools, and the history of the Jewish community, which was expelled in 1492, can be explored.
In Tossa de Mar, be sure to visit the walled neightborhood Vila Vella, and relax on the beach es Mar Gran and La Bauma. This town is still vey charming despite the popularity of the region, unlike Lloret de Mar which has grown into an overgrown resort town.
Just before crossing over the France, quiet, pristine and unspoiled Cadaques offers spectacular scenery and beaches. If your family is at all interesed in Salvator Dali’s life and surrealist art, spend some time exploring Figueres where he was born and died in 1989, and where there is a museum dedicated to his work.
The kids migh enjoy Terra Mitica, an amusement park near Valencia. Look at FTF for “Spain’s Mythical Place“ for more info.
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Great advice. I took my girls to camp, and it was an amazing experience for all of us, as I had never been to camp as a child.
Luxembourg is well known for its cultural life and traditions. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions. So if you want to explore this city, rent a car, take a map and go places.Luxembourg Car hire will offer a wide variety of cars to suit your rental preferences.
Is that for real? That is the most beautiful thing that I ever seen. Really great. I think the first picture is really exotic. You still have time to capture this photo during your day? Awesome.
Yes nice place for faimly vacation
You explain your trip so wonderfully that i decided to go for it with my family on coming weekend.
Although it might a be a good time to go in winter, I prefer Vancouver in Winter days!!
Thanks very much for these tips, they are really helpful for me!!
Being a Harry Potter fan, I guess I will have to go to Great Britain to explore more….
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Ohh nice movie to watch with faimly..
The type of travel chronicled here might be too hardcore for most families, but this kind of travel could offer a greater bonding experience. There are several Guide services that run this river in rafts. making it much easier and safer for families.
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JW Marriott has the distinction of excellence and I suspect that this location is no different to the other Marriott owned hotels and resorts.
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On June 4, 2011, American Hiking Society’s National Trails Day will bring together outdoor enthusiasts across the country for the 19th annual celebration of America's magnificent trail system and its countless supporters and volunteers.
See http://www.AmericanHiking.org for details on one of the 2,000 events near you.
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Colombia is a great country. We have a very rich and diverse culture. It is a modern city where you can find everything you would in any other touristic spot. Bogota has lots of museums, parks, and universities, thus it is called "The Athens of South America". Everyone is so welcome to come!
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Hi; We are looking to do a family reunion this summer for 20 adults and 13 kids. The last two weeks in July are the best weeks. We are looking at a 5 to 7 day stay. Do you have any availability?
Thanks
Tom
Wow! My girls thought the dog sledding looked really cool and the cable gliding too. Wish we were there with you guys!
Cybele
Yeah.. Its great i am planning for my next vacation and it's looking that i am at the right place.
omg
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I really enjoyed this article. As a cold weather hating person in a family split between winter/summer weather lovers, this article and video have inspired me. The cold stuff actually looks FUN for once, and the water park at the end will make up for it in case it's not… Thanx for the tip off!
Railing across Europe is the only way to travel! Convenient, cheap, and easy with kids!
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What a great story about the butterfly hatching; that is so much like the Belizean love for nature.
I love this place too. It is unique and quiet, and with so much to do. Menno was great–he knows so much about the medicinal plants and that knowledge is disappearing from many of the caribbean Islands. In some it has been actively discouraged by telling people it is "black magic." Pharmaceutical business interests guarding a monopoly more likely.
Has anyone been back since Tomas in Oct. 2010? I have a few articles on my HubPages site, but from before the destruction of Hurricane Tomas.
Great page! That is what I need. Thanks very much!
Look….How cute he is looking Mikel …..We Really missed him.
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Upon checking in, a staff member brought us a little box house with a pupa, which would hopefully hatch into a butterfly during our stay, and which we were instructed to set free
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This is insanely beautiful! I regret so much that I've missed it!!!
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I couldn’t agree more with this article, these days holidays are really a luxury and by vacationing in a place like New Rock City will keep the kids wildly entertained but won’t hurt the wallet.
When you are taking in the sights in Barcelona city go to the Carrer de l'Hospital road and there is a Tapas bar there that welcomes kids. From there all other attractions are within walking distance.
2011 and there is still fantastic bargains across the world. Regardless of budget and type of travel there is something for everyone.
Go to http://www.ridebrightside.com and discover Barcelona cruising on a Sidecar motorcycle!
Your private guide will take you on an amazing journey into the city’s famous attractions, the authentic Mediterranean lifestyle and hidden secrets, away from the touristic areas.
The Aegean is spectacular. It is really amazing to see so many blindingly white buildings that have such striking historic relevance in Mykonos.
The Aegean is amazing! The white buildings of Mykonos will blind you on a sunny day and the elegance and age of it is truly spectacular.
What a special gift to take your grand children on a cruise and show them such striking destinations.
I have been through the whole content of this blog which is very informative and knowledgeable stuff, So i would like to visit again.
Your idea to post the required documents information for the 10 most popular travel countries is a great one, but unfortunately, that information might change depending on where the family was coming from and going to each of those 10 countries.
For American citizens, the U.S. Dept of State website at http://travel.state.gov is still the best and most up to date resource, as you can search their Country Guides for the one you will be visiting, and read the latest regulations.
Citizens of other countries should check their own foreign ministry to determine what is required in terms of visa and childrens permission documents.
I would have to admit that any location in South America is a great option for a family vacation. The lifestyle, the culture, the weather and the variety of activities will leave you all wanting more.
I like this direct no nonsense article and it is accurate and how it should be. I just hope this is taken seriously in all countries.
Great story, going to bring my daughter up now!