| In the past, when couples with young children | | | | in Los Angeles it's the La Brea Tar Pits |
| wanted to go on vacation, they'd often send | | | | which houses the largest and most diverse |
| their kids to grandma and grandpa's house; | | | | assemblage of extinct Ice Age plants and |
| this ensured that they got to spend some | | | | animals in the world. |
| quality 'alone time' together. However, | | | | |
| today's fast-paced world - which often | | | | New York City is another fantastic place to |
| requires both parents to work - calls for | | | | take your family on holiday; kids will be |
| family vacations to include the little ones. | | | | amazed by the tall skyscrapers and can even |
| More and more couples are choosing to take | | | | climb their way to the top of the Statue of |
| their young children on vacation with them | | | | Liberty. Family-friendly attractions in New |
| rather than carting them off to grandma and | | | | York City include the New York Hall of |
| grandpa's. | | | | Science, the Bronx Zoo and the American Folk |
| | | | Art Museum, which offers self-guided |
| However, this means that a lot more planning | | | | scavenger hunts. |
| needs to go into vacations: what sorts of | | | | |
| activities can you and your kids enjoy | | | | Central Park is another popular attraction, |
| together? Many couples envision themselves | | | | offering 800 acres of fun for the whole |
| either stuck amidst a plethora of squealing | | | | family. Favourites for kids include boat |
| children at a carnival, or dealing with their | | | | rides from Loeb Boathouse and the Central |
| kids' boredom when visiting attractions more | | | | Park Carousel. There's even storytelling at |
| suited to 'grown-ups.' Can you and your | | | | the Hans Christen Anderson Statue during the |
| spouse really feel like you're on vacation | | | | warmer summer months. |
| and entertain your kids at the same time? Of | | | | |
| course; and rest assured that there are loads | | | | There are also countless galleries and |
| of family friendly destinations to choose | | | | exhibits in New York which are perfect for |
| from. For starters, why not introduce your | | | | children and parents to explore together: the |
| kids to the splendours of a city tour? | | | | Children's Museum of the Arts, for example, |
| | | | offers hands-on creative activities to |
| A big city like Los Angeles, for example, | | | | encourage the child's imagination, while the |
| has a great deal to offer families with kids. | | | | Brooklyn Children's Museum, started in 1899, |
| Attractions such as Universal Studios and | | | | holds all kinds of wonders to delight |
| Knott's Berry Farm provide perfect daytime | | | | children - from live pythons and elephant |
| leisure activities, such as rides, shows and | | | | bones to musical instruments with which |
| tours that are guaranteed to keep the little | | | | visitors can play. The New York Aquarium on |
| ones entertained. Disneyland is also nearby, | | | | Coney Island is another popular family |
| and is sure to thrill kids and give parents a | | | | attraction, with 10,000 species of marine |
| chance to relive their memories of favourite | | | | life to explore. |
| Disney movies and characters. Griffith Park | | | | |
| is another popular family attraction, | | | | And while in New York, why not take |
| encompasing an observatory, a zoo, a | | | | advantage of the fantastic theatre scene? |
| miniature train and more amidst a 4,000 acre | | | | There are many family friendly musicals to |
| park. Moreover, the beach is never far off: | | | | see, such as Beauty and the Beast, The Lion |
| head to Santa Monica, Malibu, Zuma or Laguna | | | | King or Wicked. With such fantastic |
| Beach to build a sandcastle, swim or catch | | | | attractions, you and your family are |
| some California sun. | | | | guaranteed a memorable trip. |
| | | | |
| If you'd like to incorporate a bit of | | | | When it comes to finding accommodation for |
| culture into your vacation, take your kids to | | | | your holiday, there are countless options to |
| Olvera Street in downtown Los Angeles, where | | | | choose from. Many hotels are specifically |
| they can sample some authentic Mexican | | | | suited to families, with large suite-style |
| cuisine and see the Avila Adobe - the oldest | | | | rooms, and you'll often find special deals on |
| house in Los Angeles. And if there's one | | | | offer. |
| museum you should visit with your kids while | | | | |