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