Half term is just a few weeks away, which means it’s a great excuse to pack your bags and get away for a few days with the family.
So if you’d like to enjoy a break one more time before Christmas perhaps, here are five city break destinations that are guaranteed to give the kids something to write about when they get back to school.
Prague is all about the architecture but wandering around looking at buildings is not going to impress the kids too much. There are however some pretty cool things to see here such as the Astronomical clock, the Dancing House and Charles Castle. Taking the funicular railway to the Petrin Observational Tower to enjoy the mirror maze there is always a hit with kids, while a river cruise can also be good fun.
Separated by the River Danube, Budapest is dominated by the magnificent Buda Castle that can be seen from many miles away. City Park (Városliget) in district XIII of the city is the main place to hang out for families travelling with children. There you’ll find the Grand Circus which has various shows and performances throughout the year, an adventure park with go-karts, puppet shows and a maze and one of the world’s oldest zoos. The Szécheniy Baths are also located here with its thermal pools and saunas set in beautiful surroundings.
Rome is a city that offers loads of things to do with the kids, and any child is likely to be fascinated by the famous Colosseum here. Avoid the crowds and the heat of the midday sun by getting there early, and it’s always worth joining a tour to get the full experience. The centre of the city is full of piazzas giving you the chance to listen to buskers, watch street performances or grab a bite to eat – the pizzas here are amazing! And of course, no trip to Rome is complete without throwing a coin into the Trevi Fountain.
Berlin is one of the greenest cities in Europe meaning there are plenty of places for families to hang out with a picnic. One such place is the Tiergarten, a huge space with a lake in the middle and plenty of areas to explore. A visit to the German Museum for Technology (easily recognisable by the huge aeroplane on its roof) is popular with children and ideal for a rainy day, while Berlin Zoo is the oldest zoo in Germany, offering a wide range of animals. There’s also some wall in the city that you should probably take a look at!
If you fancy taking the family to Spain during half term, Barcelona is an excellent option. Daytime temperatures in October average over 20˚C so it’s a good chance to get some last minute sun before winter hits us. Anyone looking for a relaxing break can stay near the beach, while the city centre also offers plenty to see including street performers along Las Ramblas, unusual architecture and the largest aquarium in Europe. Any football fan should take a tour of the famous Nou Camp stadium, home to FC Barcelona.