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Best City Breaks with Kids – #8 Is a Hidden Gem!

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City breaks with kids? Yes, it’s possible – and it can be amazing! Forget the idea that cities are only for grown-up sightseeing – there are tons of family-friendly city destinations packed with adventure, fun attractions, and kid-approved experiences.

Whether you’re looking for interactive museums, exciting parks, or mouth-watering food stops, we’ve got the ultimate guide to city breaks with kids, plus some top tips to make your trip stress-free! And if you want everything planned for you, check out our TUI page for family-friendly city breaks that make travel easy!

Why Choose a City Break with Kids?

woman with a back pack

City breaks are perfect for families because they offer:

  • Short Travel Times – No long-haul flights, just quick getaways! We have the best family destinations based on flight times on our TUI page!
  • Loads of Attractions – Museums, parks, aquariums, theme parks, and more!
  • Year-Round Fun – No need to wait for summer; city breaks are great in any season!
  • Something for Everyone – Whether you love history, adventure, or food, cities have it all!

Sounds good? Let’s dive into the best city breaks with kids that the whole family will love!

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1. Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona is a vibrant, exciting city with beautiful beaches, amazing food, and plenty of space for kids to run around! This walkable city has everything to entertain the family. From a historic centre and the stunning Sagrada Familia church to plenty of family activities like the Urban Jungle and a chocolate museum!

Top Things to Do:

  • Park Güell – A colourful wonderland designed by Gaudí – kids will love the wavy benches and mosaic lizards!
  • Camp Nou Stadium Tour – Explore the Leo Messi area – perfect for little football fans!
  • Barceloneta Beach – A city break with a side of beach fun!
  • CosmoCaixa Science Museum – Hands-on exhibits that make science super fun!

📍 Top Tip: Check out our TUI page for family-friendly hotels near the beach and main attractions!

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amsterdam tulips

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam is one of the easiest cities to explore with kids – it’s walkable, packed with family attractions, and has amazing food (hello, pancakes and stroopwafels!). Plus, if you have older kids who are into their history, you’ll find plenty of museums here, including Anne Frank House!

Top Things to Do:

  • NEMO Science Museum – A huge hands-on museum where kids can experiment and play!
  • Canal Boat Ride – Explore the city from the water in a fun, family-friendly boat tour.
  • Artis Royal Zoo – One of Europe’s oldest zoos with beautiful gardens and exotic animals.
  • Bike Rentals – Cycling is the best way to get around (they even have kid-friendly bike seats!).

📍 Top Tip: Visit in spring to see the tulip fields in bloom – a magical sight for the whole family!

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rome colosseum

3. Rome, Italy

If your kids love gladiators, pizza, and gelato, Rome is the perfect city break! It’s packed with history but still fun and exciting for little explorers. Why not check out the smallest sovereign state in the world – Vatican City? It’s home to stunning architecture and art like Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo’s ceiling.

Top Things to Do:

  • Colosseum – Pretend to be gladiators in one of the world’s most famous arenas!
  • Explora Children’s Museum – A fun, interactive museum made just for kids.
  • Make Your Own Pizza Class – Learn how to make authentic Italian pizza (and eat it too!).
  • Throw Coins in the Trevi Fountain – Legend says throwing a coin means you’ll come back to Rome!

📍 Top Tip: Avoid peak summer months (July & August) when it’s super hot and busy – spring and autumn are much better!

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reichstag berlin

4. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is full of unique attractions, making it one of the best city breaks with kids! It’s affordable, packed with history, and has plenty of parks and green spaces to explore.

Top Things to Do:

  • Berlin Natural History Museum – See real dinosaur skeletons!
  • Berlin Zoo & Aquarium – One of the best zoos in Europe, home to pandas, elephants, and more!
  • Trabant Safari – Hop in a quirky Trabant car and drive around Berlin’s top sights!
  • Tempelhofer Feld – A former airport turned into a giant playground, picnic spot, and cycle track!

📍 Top Tip: Check out TUI for family-friendly hotels in Berlin, close to the city’s best attractions!

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blue mosque

5. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is an incredible city break for families, offering a mix of history, culture, and exciting kid-friendly experiences. With stunning palaces, delicious food, and plenty of open spaces to explore, this city will keep the whole family entertained! Istanbul’s mix of old and new, history and adventure, makes it a fantastic city break with kids.

Top Things to Do:

  • Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque – Let kids marvel at the breathtaking domes and mosaics of these iconic landmarks.
  • Bosphorus Cruise – Take a relaxing boat ride between Europe and Asia!
  • The Cat City! – Istanbul is famous for its friendly street cats, which kids will love spotting.
  • Miniatürk – A miniature park featuring tiny versions of Turkey’s famous landmarks!

📍 Top Tip: Try a traditional Turkish breakfast—a feast of bread, cheese, olives, and honey that kids will love!

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mom and daughter in front of the eiffel tower

6. Paris, France

While Disneyland is a huge draw, Paris itself is super family-friendly! From world-famous museums and delicious Parisian cafes to beautiful architecture, this European city is one of the best.

Top Things to Do:

  • Climb the Eiffel Tower – An absolute must!
  • Cité des Sciences – A massive science museum for kids.
  • Jardin des Plantes & Zoo – A beautiful park with animals!
  • Louvre for Kids – Discover interactive art trails designed for children.

📍 Top Tip: Visit Parc de la Villette for a giant playground and water games!

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7. Athens, Greece

If your kids love Greek mythology, Athens is a fantastic city break filled with ancient ruins and exciting stories.

Top Things to Do:

  • The Acropolis & Parthenon – Explore one of the most famous landmarks in the world!
  • Greek Mythology Tour – Learn about Zeus, Athena, and the Minotaur with a fun storytelling guide!
  • National Garden of Athens – A peaceful green space with a mini zoo and playground.
  • Museum of Ancient Greek Technology – Discover cool inventions from ancient Greece!

📍 Top Tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and crowds at the Acropolis!

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8. Nuremberg, Germany

If you’re looking for a city break with kids that’s a hidden gem, Nuremberg should be on the top of your list! It’s one of Germany’s most family-friendly cities, filled with medieval castles, toy museums, and Christmas markets. This historic city break destination is perfect for a day trip or longer!

Top Things to Do:

  • Nuremberg Toy Museum – A paradise for kids with vintage toys and hands-on play areas.
  • Nuremberg Castle – A medieval fortress with towers to climb and dungeons to explore!
  • Playmobil FunPark – A hands-on theme park based on famous toys.
  • Christmas Market (Winter Only) – One of Europe’s most magical festive markets.

📍 Top Tip: Visit Dutzendteich Lake, where kids can ride boats and enjoy playgrounds!

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statue of liberty at sunset

9. New York City, USA

If you fancy going further afield, New York is an amazing city break with kids for families that have teens! It’s packed with iconic landmarks, exciting museums, and endless entertainment! Plus, don’t forget the delicious food, art and sports!

Top Things to Do:

  • Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island – A must-see for kids and adults alike!
  • American Museum of Natural History – One of the best dinosaur exhibits in the world!
  • Broadway Shows for Kids – Catch a family-friendly musical like The Lion King or Aladdin!
  • Central Park – Rent bikes, visit the zoo, or take a boat ride on the lake!

📍 Top Tip: Take a ferry to Staten Island for amazing views of the NYC skyline—completely free!

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family looking at dubai

10. Dubai, UAE

Dubai is a paradise for families, packed with thrilling attractions, beaches, and exciting experiences. It’s a city break with kids that the parents will love too. From dancing fountains and magnificent skyscrapers to fun-filled activities like dune jeeping!

Top Things to Do:

  • Atlantis Aquaventure Waterpark – Huge slides, lazy rivers, and a private beach!
  • The Green Planet – An indoor rainforest with exotic animals and interactive experiences.
  • Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo – Walk through a massive glass tunnel surrounded by sharks!
  • Ski Dubai – An indoor ski resort inside the Mall of the Emirates!

📍 Top Tip: Visit Dubai Parks & Resorts, which includes LEGOLAND Dubai, Motiongate, and Bollywood Parks!

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Why City Breaks Are Great for Families

  • Short flights & easy travel ✈️
  • Loads of fun attractions & activities 🎡
  • Plenty of food options (picky eaters welcome!) 🍕
  • Great year-round destinations 🌦️

📍 Top Tip: Want an easy, hassle-free holiday? Check out our top tips and tricks for family-friendly city breaks, complete with kid-friendly hotels and fun-filled itineraries!

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A city break with kids doesn’t have to be stressful – it can be an incredible adventure! Whether you choose the fairytale streets of Copenhagen, the sunshine of Barcelona, or the history of Rome, there’s so much to explore with little travellers.

Now, where will your next family adventure take you? Find all the inspiration you need on our TUI Holidays page!