Cities can be wonderful for children. There are trains to ride, animals to watch, museums built for pressing buttons and parks around every corner. They can also be tiring, crowded and full of long walks between sights. The difference between a happy family city trip and an exhausting one usually comes down to pace, base and a few practical decisions made in advance.
Set the right pace
The single most useful rule is to plan one main outing per day, with something easy before and after it. A morning at a museum, lunch, then a playground or a park works far better than three attractions back to back. Children, especially younger ones, need time to run around, eat and rest, and adults on a family trip usually do too.
- Start early. Many children are at their best in the morning, and popular sights are quieter at opening time.
- Schedule downtime in the hotel or a park in the early afternoon, especially with toddlers who still nap.
- Let older children choose. Giving a child or teenager one activity of their choice each day makes them invested in the trip.
Choose a family-friendly base
Look for a hotel close to transit and, ideally, near a park or open space. Rooms with two beds, suites or apartments with a kitchenette make mornings and evenings easier, and a fridge for milk and snacks is useful at any age. Check room sizes carefully; standard rooms in older city hotels can be very small for a family. In San Francisco, the waterfront around Fisherman's Wharf is popular with families; in Boston, areas within walking distance of the Common and the waterfront work well.
Getting around with children
Public transit
Children often ride free or at reduced fares on city transit, with age limits that vary by system; check the current rules for BART, Muni and the MBTA. Strollers are allowed on trains and buses, but crowded rush-hour services are hard work, so travel outside peak times where you can. Elevators at stations sometimes go out of service, and some older stations have limited step-free access.
Strollers and hills
A light, folding stroller is easier than a large one on transit and in crowded museums. San Francisco's steep hills are tough with a stroller; plan routes along the flat waterfront and use transit for the climbs. A baby carrier is a good backup for stairs and cable cars.
Car seats
US states require car seats for young children in cars, and most taxis and ride-hail cars do not provide them. If you plan to use cars, bring a travel car seat or check whether a car service offers one. For road trips, our guide to renting a car in the US has more.
Food
Eat early. Restaurants are calmer and more relaxed about children at five than at eight. Food halls and markets let everyone choose something different, and picnics in parks save money and give children room to move. Always carry snacks and water; a hungry child can end an outing faster than anything else.
Sights children love
In San Francisco, cable cars, the sea lions at Pier 39, the hands-on Exploratorium and the California Academy of Sciences are reliable hits; see San Francisco with kids for more. In Boston, the Swan Boats in the Public Garden run in the warmer months, and the bronze ducklings from the classic children's book are nearby. The New England Aquarium, the Museum of Science and the Boston Children's Museum are all good choices, and the Freedom Trail works well in short sections; see Boston in two days.
Safety in crowds
- Take a photo of each child in the morning, so you know exactly what they are wearing.
- Agree on a meeting point at each attraction in case you get separated.
- Give younger children your phone number on a wristband or a card in their pocket.
- Teach them who to ask for help: staff in uniform, or a parent with children.
Packing
Bring layers for everyone, especially in San Francisco, where summer days can be cold and windy. Comfortable shoes, a small first-aid kit, any regular medication and a favorite toy or book for bedtime are essential. Our guide to packing a carry-on has tips for traveling light.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best age for a city trip?
Any age can work. Toddlers enjoy parks and animals; children from about six upward get more from museums and history.
How many days should a family city trip last?
Three to five days lets you keep an easy pace without running out of things to do.
Are strollers allowed in museums?
Usually, though some exhibits or busy days have restrictions. Check each museum's rules before you go.