Younger children need to burn off steam, expend energy, play, be kids. They may not be used to the cramped quarters of smaller European hotels, walking quietly through museums, holding your hand endlessly on busy subways or crowded streets. We found that they stay the happiest when we allow time for them to let loose to be physically active.
While urban parks are common in most American cities, that may not be the case in some older European city centers. Here are some places we used for run-wild time:
- school playgrounds in the evenings and on weekends
- public fountains or sprinkler parks
- fast food indoor playgrounds (bad weather option)
- green areas around museums or monuments (Eiffel Tower)
- shopping centers often have a little playground for kids, but these are not usually in the city centers
- hikes on city nature trails (make sure these are safe areas and watch for cyclists)
- children’s museums usually have a run-wild area
- outside public buildings in addition to stairs, there are often many lovely ramps to race up and down endlessly. Park a parent or sibling at each end, have them deliver very important messages back and forth.
- locate a hard-core indoor play center, take your book and earplugs, spend a few hours
- along riverbanks there are often trails with walls (so your darling doesn’t get wet)
In some cities you will have to get creative, but it’s worth it. After your little one burns off some steam and you have gotten a workout from keeping them safe, go home and take a nice well-earned nap, and you’re good to go to another museum.