With safe beaches, hiking and biking tracks to suit all abilities, a clutch of interactive museums, and lots of fortresses for little adventurers to explore, Croatia offers plenty of entertainment for those traveling with babies, children and teens.

Many of the country's top places to go, such as the city walls of Dubrovnik and Diocletian's Palace in Split, will appeal to children as well as adults. But can you navigate a stroller along stepped lanes and narrow alleys in ancient cities? And is there enough to occupy teens? Here's what you need to know about family travel in Croatia.

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Children and student discounts in Croatia

Family is very important to Croats, and children are welcome in most circumstances. Children’s discounts are widely available in Croatia for everything from museum admissions to hotel accommodations. The cut-off age is often nine, when student discounts kick in. Many attractions offer free entry for the littlest ones.

Eating out in Croatia with kids

Croatia's dining scene is very relaxed, which means that even the more upmarket restaurants will have a kid-friendly pasta, pizza or rice dish on the menu, and children’s portions are easily arranged. However, you won’t often find high chairs for tiny tots, and dining establishments are rarely equipped with nappy-changing facilities. Specific baby-friendly facilities are still thin on the ground, although that is slowly changing. Baby food, disposable nappies and powdered baby formulas are easily found at supermarkets and pharmacies. Discrete public breastfeeding is generally fine.

Top tip for getting around with small children

Using a sling instead of a stroller will help you explore stepped or narrow lanes in older cities such as Dubrovnik and Split. Zagreb, however, has really good infrastructure for strollers.

Best things to do in Croatia with children in tow

Croatia has a lot of open spaces, playgrounds aplenty and pedestrian zones where there’s no danger of traffic. Most seaside towns have a riva (seafront promenade) away from the water’s edge that’s perfect for strolling and letting the youngsters run free. In other cities, the seafront is a gathering place for people of all ages: Zadar, for example, has two nature-powered installations – Sun Salutation and Sea Organ – that toddlers love to race around, particularly at sunset.

Water parks, such as Aquapark Istralandia, are big hits for all the family, and there are some fascinating museums too. Here are some of the best places to go with your family in Croatia.

Kids will love these museums in Croatia

Travelers with children should visit Museum of the Krapina Neanderthal, a brilliant place that explores the history of the universe, earth and humanity, as well as highlighting the story of Krapina 's famous 1899 Neanderthal fossil-bone find through a series of fun, colorful and high-tech exhibits. Budding scientists will be fascinated while exploring the rooms of optical illusions, mirrors and holograms at Zagreb's Museum of Illusions (also with museums in Zagreb and Zadar). The open-air ethnographic museum of Kumrovec Staro Selo Museum, Zagorje offers an entertaining slice of traditional village life in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. If the more recent past is of interest, then the Zagreb 80's Museum allows some hands-on interaction with gadgets, toys and fashion from life in Zagreb in the '80s.

Sandy shallow beaches and happening coastal towns

Some of what are referred to as "beaches" in Croatia are rocky indentations with steep drop-offs. Many of the sandy beaches are extremely shallow: perfect for toddlers but not so great for the teens. The numerous pebbly beaches tend to offer better swimming. Be mindful of sea urchins in the shallows, particularly on rocky beaches; invest in some water shoes for safer playing. Some of Croatia’s smaller seaside towns can be too quiet for fun-seeking teenagers. They (and you in turn) will be a lot happier in the more happening coastal destinations where there are buzzy cafes and seasonal funfair rides.

The sandy bay of Paradise Beach near the village of Lopar on the island of Rab is extremely shallow, and younger kids will happily race between their sandcastles and the warm waters for hours. Baška, Krk Island, and Cres & Lošinj Islands have lots of family-friendly campsites set right by the beach. Crveni Otok, Rovinj, is two connected islets awash with pebble beaches, and the smallest saltwater lake at Mljet National Park, Mljet Island, is warm and perfect for babies.

If you're traveling with teens and looking for somewhere a little more lively, Makarska has a pebbly beach, and a lovely long waterfront promenade. Nearby there are hiking, climbing, paragliding, mountain biking, windsurfing and swimming opportunities (it can get a little raucous at night, though!).

Lakes, waterfalls and mountains

Away from the beach, there are plenty of stunning natural sights to enjoy in Croatia. There are eight national parks across the country, with two standing out as day trip destinations for families. Krka National Park, about an hour's drive from Split, is a magical place of waterfalls and gorges, with the river gushing through a canyon 200m deep, and some designated bathing areas. Plitvice Lakes National Park, a series of turquoise lakes, towering waterfalls and dense forests, is one of Croatia's top natural attractions. It can be reached on a day trip from Zagreb or Zadar, but beware that to make the most of your visit, all of the family will need do a lot of walking.

Lokrum, a forested island a 10-minute ferry ride from Dubrovnik, is a wonderful escape for the day, with a saltwater lake perfect for little ones to swim in. Zagreb’s favorite mountain destination is Mt Medvednica, where there are caves and many forest tracks and trails to explore, ideal for older children and teens.

Where to spot wildlife in Croatia

Croatia's largest zoo is Zoo Osijek, home to around 80 different species. Another option is Zoo Zagreb, which has a modest collection of animals. Beyond the zoos, there are some premier wildlife-watching spots. Croatia is home to brown bears, lynx, wild cats and grey wolves, all of which tend to stay hidden away, but there are plenty of other creatures for young naturalists to look out for.

Nearly 300 species of bird have been seen at Kopački Rit Nature Park, which is a significant wetland on the flood plain of the rivers Danube and Drava. The mighty griffon vulture roosts on the islands of Cres, Krk and Prvić, while Lošinj has centers devoted to the preservation of sea turtles and dolphins. Deer and butterflies are regularly seen at Risnjak National Park, and Učka Nature Park is home to wild boar, roe deer and golden eagles.

Why Croatia should be your next family holiday destination

Scotland is a top destination for long-distance hikes, combing wild beaches, and settling down in a cozy pub. But what if you're traveling with young children whose little legs aren't quite ready for a full-on outdoor adventure, or teens who can be hard to please?

The cities have a lot to offer family travelers. Most things to see and do in Edinburgh are child-friendly, with street theater for kids during the Edinburgh and Fringe Festivals, and a Ferris wheel and fairground rides in Princes Street Gardens in December. Glasgow boasts excellent family attractions and has an extensive public transport system that is easy to navigate with small people. Away from the cities, there are windswept beaches, abundant wildlife, many protected areas and two national parks. From activity centers to kid-friendly museums, here are the best things to do in Scotland with children.

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Is Scotland a good place to visit with kids?

Children are generally well received around Scotland, and every area has some family-friendly attractions and B&Bs. The National Trust for Scotland and Historic Environment Scotland organize activities for all ages at their properties.

Scotland offers a range of child-friendly accommodations and activities suitable for families. Many restaurants and pubs, especially in the cities and more popular tourist towns, have family rooms and/or play areas. However, rules on which pubs children are allowed in varies by premises, so always check with bar staff in advance. Children's menus are common (although not always very imaginative), and most restaurants have high chairs.

You'll find Scotland's top museums in the major cities

Whilst Scotland's best museums are found in the major cities, even smaller outfits usually make an effort with an activity sheet or child-focused information panels. The National Museum of Scotland in Edinburgh has family trails taking you through galleries on natural history, fashion and space. Also in Edinburgh, Our Dynamic Earth is an interactive museum where visitors experience the forces of nature, starting with an earthquake simulator, before learning about dinosaurs and meteorites. Glasgow Science Centre is a world of discovery for all ages that could occupy several hours, and the Riverside Museum is ideal for transport lovers, with a tall ship, trains, steamrollers, fire engines and more. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum makes a special effort to engage kids with informative and entertaining panels on natural history displays and art.

At Moat Brae in Dumfries, you can wander the house and garden that inspired JM Barrie to write Peter Pan. This is a national center for children's literacy and a great family day out. Also on a literary theme, Birnam village is home to the small, leafy Beatrix Potter Garden; the children’s author, who wrote the evergreen story of Peter Rabbit, spent her childhood holidays in the area. Another great spot to feed the imagination is in Drumnadrochit near Loch Ness, where you'll find Nessieland. It might be more of a miniature theme park than a museum, but it's fun all the same.

Highland Museum of Childhood in Strathpeffer, housed in a former train station, has a wide range of social-history displays about childhood and activities for children. Dinosaur enthusiasts won't want to miss the collection of Jurassic fossils and information about dinosaur sites at the Staffin Dinosaur Museum in Skye.

There is a lot of wildlife to see in Scotland

Scotland's wild places harbor a wide variety of animals, including red deer, otters and 75% of Britain's red squirrels. This is also one of the best places in Europe for seeing marine wildlife. You might go seal-spotting or whale- and dolphin-watching from the Isle of Mull or Moray Firth; spot a puffin and other exciting seabirds at the Scottish Seabird Centre in North Berwick. You can always hope for a monster sighting at legendary Loch Ness, but for guaranteed animal encounters, head to one of many zoos, aquariums and wildlife centers throughout Scotland.

At Edinburgh Zoo you can see the giant pandas and watch the daily Penguin Parade. There's a drive-through safari park and a walk-through at the Highland Wildlife Park near Kincraig, home to polar bears and tigers. Mabie Farm Park, between Dumfries and New Abbey, has petting-and-feeding sessions and donkey rides. See conservation in action at the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, with displays, videos and interactive exhibits on whale and dolphin biology and ecology – it's a great place for kids to learn about sea mammals. The blockbuster aquarium at Deep Sea World, Fife, has sharks and piranhas, as well as seals and touch pools with rays and other sea creatures.

Make the most of the sports and outdoor activity centers as a family

Scotland is one of Europe’s finest outdoor-adventure playgrounds, and many activity centers cater to families, offering shorter sessions and cheaper equipment rental for kids and teens. Bike hire is widely available.

Active teens will find something to occupy themselves at one of Scotland's adventure centers. Fort William is a great base for hiking, climbing, and mountain biking; go sea kayaking off Shetland; skiing in the Cairngorms; surfing in Thurso and white-water canoeing or rafting on the River Tummel and River Tay. Lochranza Centre on the Isle of Arran runs a range of activities, including mountain biking, archery, abseiling and gorge walking with a focus on family-friendly activities. The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre has info about the many walks and cycle routes in and around Queen Elizabeth Forest Park in the Trossachs. Picturesque but busy waymarked trails start from here, ranging from a light 20-minute stroll to a nearby waterfall – with great interactive play options for kids – to a hilly 4-mile circuit.

There are many family-friendly castles and historic attractions

There are castles aplenty throughout Scotland, all of which are welcoming of families. Two of the biggest and best are Edinburgh Castle and Stirling Castle. The Scottish National Trust's flagship property, magnificent Culzean Castle and Country Park (pronounced kull- ane) is one of the most impressive of Scotland's stately homes. The sizeable grounds include a great kids' play area, which replicates the castle on a smaller scale, a deer park and an aviary.

For teens wanting to be immersed in local history, Real Mary King's Close is an atmospheric (and supposedly haunted) underground tour of 17th-century streets of Edinburgh. People's Palace was built in the late 19th century as a cultural center for Glasgow's East End and is packed with child-friendly displays on the city's history. Visit a historic schoolhouse at New Lanark Visitor Centre, where a hologram of a 10-year-old girl guides you around life here in 1820.

You can see some great children's theater shows

There are a handful of theaters across Scotland hosting performances aimed specifically at kids. Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre is an extraordinary mechanical theater in Glasgow, with sculptures performing to moving music. In Aberdeen, the Lemon Tree Theatre hosts occasional children's shows, ranging from comedy to drama to puppetry. Eden Court Theatre, Inverness, is the Highlands’ main cultural venue with a busy program including children’s events. Biggar Puppet Theatre is a well-loved institution that runs shows every couple of days throughout the summer using miniature Victorian puppets and bizarre glow-in-the-dark modern ones over 1m (3ft) high.

Scotland has been the location for many kids' TV shows and films

From a cafe where JK Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books to major filming locations, Scotland has some serious ties to the boy wizard. Scenic Glen Nevis, used as a location in the Harry Potter movies, lies just an hour's walk from Fort William town center. The Jacobite steam train, made famous as the Hogwarts Express, crosses the historic Glenfinnan Viaduct.

The children's TV program Balamory was set in Tobermory, and while the series stopped filming in 2004, regular repeats mean that the town still swarms in summer with toddlers (and nostalgic teenagers) towing parents around the locations. Ask at tourist offices for more information on filming locations.

The best things to do in Scotland with kids: wildlife, castles and outdoor adventures

Camping in Britain is cheap, good for the soul and gives travelers easy access to some spectacular coast and countryside.

England, Scotland and Wales are dotted with thousands of campsites, many with comfortable glamping options as well, all offering nature for next to nothing.

Here are eight of the very best campsites in Britain, taking in Scottish islands, Yorkshire fells and ancient Hampshire woodland.

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Best for beautiful beaches: Treen Farm, Cornwall

Treen, St Levan, Penzance, Cornwall; open April to late October; treenfarmcampsite.com

Way down in West Cornwall, where England tapers to a point and plunges into the Channel, is the wonderful campsite of Treen Farm. Family-run for five generations, it’s long been a favorite for hardy backpackers and rock climbers, as well as surfers and relaxed sand-and-sunseekers.

Nearby is the South West Coast Path, which offers 630 miles of plunging headlands and wildflower meadows, or it’s a much shorter walk to the pristine beaches at Porthcurno. Other nearby attractions include the balancing boulder of Logan Rock and the Minack open-air auditorium, where the sea makes a suitably dramatic backdrop.

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Best for rambling and cycling: Kettlewell, Yorkshire Dales

Conistone Road, Kettlewell, North Yorkshire; mid-March to late October; kettlewellcamping.co.uk

In the heart of the Yorkshire Dales sits the tiny village of Kettlewell, with a range of facilities that belies its size: three pubs, a restaurant, a shop and charming tea room, plus the excellent Kettlewell Camping. On the edge of the village, surrounded by traditional dry-stone walls, this site offers great views of the surrounding fells (hillsides) and has low-carbon underfloor heating in the luxurious shower block.

For ramblers, there are lovely paths through fields along Wharfedale or Littondale, while road cyclists can retrace the route of the Tour de France, which passed through Kettlewell when it visited Yorkshire in 2014.

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Best for isolation: Port a Bhaigh, northwest Scotland

Altandhu, near Achiltibuie, Ullapool; all year; portabhaigh.co.uk

In Scotland’s wild northwest, the lochs cut deep inland and the mountains come down to the coast, then continue out to sea as islands. Set in this otherworldly landscape is Port a Bhaigh Campsite, slap bang on the shore and surrounded by grand peaks.

From the site, walkers can stroll along the beach, or tackle a mountain such as nearby Stac Pollaidh ("Stack Polly"), while sailors, sea anglers and kayakers can launch from the tiny harbor. Finish the day with a drink on the deck of the nearby Am Fuaran Bar, overlooking the frequently sun-kissed Summer Isles.

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Three Cliffs Bay, South Wales: best for clifftop views

North Hills Farm, Penmaen, Swansea; April to late October; threecliffsbay.com

A tranquil landscape of rolling hills, sand dunes and salt grass, the Gower Peninsula protrudes from the South Wales coastline just a short distance (though it feels like a million miles) from Swansea.

Three Cliffs Bay Campsite enjoys a stunning location high above the beach, with an inspiring vista across the sands to the eponymous cliffs, looking for all the world like a set of pyramids. When you get tired of the sea view, you can get in amongst the waves: the Gower’s beaches are famous for surfing, while dry-land activities include hiking and pony-trekking.

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Seal Shore, Arran: best for island life

Kildonan, Isle of Arran, Ayrshire; mid-March to late October; campingarran.com

The island of Arran is often dubbed "Scotland in miniature", thanks to its northern mountains, southern hills and central dividing glen. Just a 55-minute ferry ride from Ardrossan on the mainland, it’s also a beacon for local wildlife, including basking sharks, seals and dolphins.

On the coast road between Lamlash and Lagg is the idyllic Seal Shore Camping Site, offering a private beach and views across the sea to Ireland. Palm trees thrive in the garden thanks to the warm waters of the Gulf Stream. If sleeping under canvas gets too much, you can go for a cozy wooden camping pod.

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Red Shoot Camping Park, Hampshire: best for family freedom

Linwood, near Ringwood, Hampshire; early July to late November; redshoot-campingpark.com

Established as a hunting ground in 1079, the New Forest is now a national park. With the highest concentration of ancient trees in western Europe, the woodland is interspersed with vast swathes of heather, gorse and grassland, giving the area some big-sky vistas and a great feeling of openness.

This sense of space continues at Red Shoot Camping Park, a perennial family favorite with wide pitches, an outdoor children's play area, and sheep nibbling the grass at the camp edges. The forest walks and cycling trails that start from the campsite entrance are perfect for junior bike rides. Plus the family-friendly Red Shoot Inn, a pub with its own on-site brewery, is literally on the doorstep.

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Great Langdale, Lake District: best for mountain activities

Great Langdale, near Ambleside, Cumbria; all year; nationaltrust.org.uk

The Lake District is England’s foremost mountain area, where long lakes and deep valleys radiate from the central peaks like spokes on a wheel. Great Langdale Campsite is at the head of one of these valleys with the soaring Langdale Pikes towering over the tents, which means instant access to the high ground for walkers and a ready supply of tracks and byways for mountain bikers.

The site is run by the National Trust, the organization that protects the local landscape, so your fees go to a good cause. If you don’t have your own tent, you can hire a wooden camping pod complete with heating (ideal after a winter hike or rainy bike ride), or check into a yurt or tepee.

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Glottenham Farm, East Sussex: best for simple exclusivity

Bishops Lane, Robertsbridge, East Sussex; April to early October (glamping only in 2020); glottenham.com

It feels like a riches to rags story, but in the 16th century, a medieval castle stood on this wonderful slice of the High Weald near Battle, which is now a 60-acre working farm. Indeed, the fort’s moat and raised mound still survive, but today the wealth is in its abundance of nature: the coppiced woodland, the babbling streams, and the farm’s restored wetlands.

It’s all remarkably simple too with composting toilets, open-air showers and a forest school encouraging foraging, wild cooking and bushcraft skills. For those after a touch of luxury, there are eco-friendly yurts and Geodomes available.

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More information on camping in Britain

The Camping and Caravan Club has a directory of over 2000 campsites across the UK. There are useful websites for Forestry Commission campsites and for camping in protected landscapes and other special locations through the National Trust.

9 common mistakes to avoid while hiking and camping

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Nearly 30 years after The Armistice was officially declared, formally ending World War I, a veteran named Raymond Weeks suggested turning the relatively new national holiday dedicated to world peace into Veterans Day to honor all US service members. President Dwight D. Eisenhower, himself a World War II veteran and five-star general, officially signed the observance of Veterans Day on November 11 into law in 1954.

Veterans Day joined Memorial Day, established in 1868, and Armed Forces Day, first observed in 1950, as opportunities for Americans to honor the men and women who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force and National Guard. But you don't have to wait for a national holiday to learn more about the contributions of veterans to US history – indeed, there are numerous museums, memorials, national parks and national cemeteries around the country dedicated to telling the story of the country's military.

These are 11 cities from Philadelphia to Honolulu where you can engage with the history of military service members and thank veterans for their sacrifices.

Honolulu, Hawaii

The US Navy has had a significant presence in Hawaii for 200 hundred years, particularly on the island of Oʻahu where the Pearl Harbor naval base was developed in 1899. When the infamous Japanese attack on December 7, 1941 drew the United States into World War II, it cost 2403 US personnel their lives and another 1000 were wounded.

Today you can learn more about the history of the US Navy in Hawaii, and honor the casualties and veterans of Pearl Harbor at several sites throughout Honolulu, including the USS Bowfin Submarine Museum Park, the USS Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor National Memorial, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Battleship Missouri Memorial and USS Oklahoma Memorial. There are also numerous tours you can take that combine several of these sites together with expertise from a local guide – and even offer line-hopping privileges so you can stay focused on the history at hand.

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Window Rock, Arizona

Native Americans enlist in the military at five times the national average, with the highest per-capital participation of any other population group in the country and a history of service that dates back to the first days of the United States' existence. Learn more about the contributions of Indigenous veterans at the Navajo Veterans Memorial Park, which honors the Dine code talkers who were the backbone of Marine Corps efforts to use Indigenous languages to create secret, uncrackable transmissions during World War I and World War II.

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Kansas City, Missouri

Kansas City is home to the National World War I Museum, selected in 1921 in part because the city's rail station had proved quite the crossroads for thousands of soldiers criss-crossing the country as they prepared for, shipped out to, and returned from the front.

Indeed, the handsome art deco Liberty Memorial Tower sits right across from Union Station. But it's the museum itself where you can really linger – rather than focusing only on the US troops, the museum's collection includes items from every nation which participated in World War I and is one of the largest collections of WWI artifacts in the world.

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Houston, Texas

In 1866, Congress passed the Army Organization Act, allowing for the formation of four regiments of Black calvary who initially served out of Fort Leavenworth, Kansas and soon spread across the western frontier. The men serving in these units soon came by the nickname "Buffalo Soldiers" when they encountered Native Americans across the plains, and the name stuck to the 10th Cavalry from the Civil War through numerous other conflicts, including the Spanish American War and Philippine-American War and on through the Korean War.

Some of the most famous Buffalo Soldiers include boxing great Joe Louis and ground-breaking baseball player Jackie Robinson. Even after the traditional regiments were effectively disbanded and integrated with white troops, their legacy lived on in songs by musicians like Bob Marley, The Flamingos and Quincy Jones. You can learn more about the proud and complex history of these tenacious troops at a museum dedicated to their achievements in Houston, Texas – the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum.

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Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg remains an important touchstone for Americans even 157 years after one of the most crucial battles of the Civil War was fought here and President Abraham Lincoln's famous address on national unity. At the Gettysburg National Military Park museum, you can learn more about why it was such a significant – and bloody – campaign that cost 8000 soldiers their lives.

Take a tour of the battlefield itself, whether self-led, with a park ranger, or on a guided bus tour, and pay a visit to Dobbin House, an important stop on the Under Ground Railroad in the region and the oldest surviving home in the area. Last but certainly not least, pay your respects to the 3500 Union soldiers who are interred at the Gettysburg at the National Cemetery.

While it's just an hour and a half from Washington, DC to Gettysburg, you can make a day trip or a weekend of it by booking a stay nearby. You can actually rent abolitionist Thaddeus Stevens' log home – built in 1790 and beautifully restored as a vacation rental – which is close to numerous historic sites like the Shriver House Museum and Jennie Wade House.

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Chicago, Illinois

Best known as the home of the Chicago Bears, it's sometimes easy to forget that Soldier Field is a memorial to those service members who gave all in World War I. But that's not all Chicago has to offer veterans or those who want to learn more about service members' contributions.

Pay a visit to the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, founded by Colonel Jennifer N. Pritzker, IL ARNG as a non-partisan institution dedicated to increasing public awareness and understanding of military history and the many individuals who played a part.

You can also visit the National Veterans Art Museum, which for 35 years has collected over 2500 artworks by those who have served in combat, not only in the US, but around the world. The powerful works in the collection range from paintings and sculptures to intermedia pieces and installations that reflect on themes from PTSD to portraiture, reentry to revolution.

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New Orleans, Louisiana

You might be surprised that the National World War II Museum is in New Orleans rather than, say, Washington DC. But it was Louisianan workers who designed and constructed the amphibious Higgins Boat landing craft that helped US soldiers succeed in campaigns like the famous storming of Normandy on D-Day.

Today, the World War II Museum has a slew of artifacts in their collection, from preserved documents and footage to a restored watercraft, aircraft, submarines and more.

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Fort Lee, Virginia

While women weren't officially allowed to join the military until the Army Nurse Corps was created in 1901, countless women served served their country since the American Revolution – and some like Cathay Williams even disguised themselves as men to get into active combat. You can learn more about the long history of women in the military at the the US Army Women's Museum in Fort Lee, Virginia.

This unique institution first got its start in 1955 in For McClellan, Alabama, but has since lived a few different lives in a few different locations before settling down in Fort Lee Virginia in 1999 and expanding in 2018. Today, it's home to over 1.5 million documents, as well as uniforms, photographs and other artifacts that paint a vivid picture of the oft-overlooked heroines of the US military.

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Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Go back to the beginning of US military history at the Museum of the American Revolution in Philadelphia. It's one of the most popular attractions in a city already packed with history, and goes beyond what you might have read in your elementary school textbooks to include the stories of women, African-Americans and Native Americans.

You can get a broad overview of the Revolution and how it unfolded, as well as more personal, in-depth look at figures like Richard St. George, who is the focus of a new exhibit called Cost of Revolution: The Life and Death of an Irish Soldier.

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Washington DC

Last but certainly not least, the nation's capital is, naturally, full of sites honoring veterans lives and contributions. From the National World War II Memorial to the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Vietnam Women's Memorial to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, many are well-known, thoughtfully designed tributes to those who lost their lives fighting for their country.

Others, like the American Veterans Disabled For Life Memorial, honor a different sort of sacrifice, while the United States' oldest and best-known resting place for veterans endures at Arlington National Cemetery. There are also tours that combine some of the city's most significant memorials and give you a chance to hear their stories in detail from a knowledgeable guide.

But there are numerous museums, too, where you can learn about US military history and the veterans who took part. The African American Civil War Museum tells the story about the men for whom military service was not just an act of patriotism, but also a path to freedom. For a particularly moving experience, opt for an African-American history city tour of DC that includes a stop at this unique museum.

The National Guard Memorial Museum encompasses nearly 400 years of this unique wing of the Department of Defense – and you can even take a virtual tour, too. American Sailors are honored with their own collection, too, at the National Museum of the US Navy. And, of course, the National Air & Space Museum and National Museum of American History have much to offer those interested in military history, too.

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London is an expensive city to visit and one that’s large and sometimes difficult to navigate. But, it's also packed with fascinating historic sights, bags of culture, world-class museums, parks and wide-open spaces with excellent playgrounds, and plenty of things to occupy kids of all ages.

The permanent collections at many museums and art galleries are free to enter (donations welcome) and they generally offer some kind of audio guide or experience aimed specifically at families. For older children, London’s Harry Potter connections tend to be popular, and with so many different exhibitions and theater performances, there is something to align with the passions of every teen.

Here's everything you need to know for the perfect family day out in London.

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Getting around London with young children isn't always easy

As with any large city, dragging small kids around in London can be exhausting for everyone. Staying realistic about how much you can see in a day and being flexible with your schedule is the key to keeping everyone happy.

Unfortunately, London is not particularly easy to navigate with a stroller or for anyone with accessibility needs. Even Tube stations with step-free access often still have a huge gap between the train and the platform, and you can walk a long way through the underground network before reaching the platform you need. The buses are likely to be better options for getting around central London. Better still, divide your visit into neighborhoods and walk between sites to minimize your time fighting the often frustrating transport system. Children under 11 travel for free with a fare-paying adult; ask about free and discounted Visitor Oyster cards for children aged up to 16. Children aged 16 and over pay adult rate.

There's action for all ages on the South Bank

London’s South Bank offers endless family entertainment. The London Eye provides high-up views over the river to Big Ben and beyond, and the Sea Life London Aquarium, with a shark tunnel and penguin area, is particularly popular with younger kids. Shrek’s Adventure is a 90-minute theme park experience centered around the fairy tales in the Shrek movies. If you have teens who enjoy being scared, they will get a kick out of the creative presentation of gory historical events at the London Dungeon. Learn about the role HMS Belfast played in WWII while climbing down below the river’s water level and shuffling along tiny corridors (not easily done with toddlers or babies in prams). In the summer months bring a change of clothes, as your kids are likely to make a beeline for Southbank Centre 's fountains. When you get hungry, head to Borough Market, packed full of food options from kid-friendly fish 'n' chips and ice cream to paella and oysters.

Have a hands-on experience in the Science Museum's best galleries

The Science Museum in Kensington brings themes such as space, flight and climate change to life with a series of hands-on exhibits and virtual displays. Get close to a space module, track the history of aviation, and learn about the importance of ice in the Antarctic. For younger children aged three to six, head to The Garden in the basement. This free interactive gallery allows for construction with blocks and cranes, and sensory exploration with sound, touch, and water play. Those age six and above will be enthralled by the liquids, magnets, smoke and light that they can play with in the different zones of Wonderlab on the top floor. Science Museum "Explainers" will merrily chat with youngsters about anything from how a bubble is formed to how planets move around in the solar system, as well as running live demos and experiments showing science in action.

Tour London's top parks and playgrounds

London is a surprisingly green city, with a lot of large open spaces. Regent’s Park is the biggest and most elaborate of central London’s many Royal Parks. Among its many attractions are London Zoo, Regent’s Canal, an ornamental lake, and grass pitches where locals meet to play sports. Rent a pedal boat on the Serpentine in Hyde Park, and run free in one of London’s best playgrounds, Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground, in nearby Kensington Gardens. Here kids will be delighted by the large pirate ship, waterplay, and sandpits. A wander through St James’s Park is worthwhile for its lovely gardens and great views of London icons, such as the London Eye and Buckingham Palace. Teens and older children may enjoy the thrill of abseiling or sliding down the ArcelorMittal Orbit, a 115m-high sculpture in Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

Come face-to-face with a dino at the Natural History Museum

The Natural History Museum is a colossal and magnificent building housing 80 million specimens from the natural world, with displays on everything from the human body to rare fossils and gems. Hintze Hall, at the center of the museum, is home to an awe-inspiring blue whale skeleton that hangs from the ceiling. This is also where pre-schoolers seek out Andy's Clock, the magical time-traveling device from CBeebies TV show Andy's Prehistoric Adventures. The Dinosaur Gallery is packed with info and skeletons of many different dinosaurs, and is a big hit with families. The absolute highlight here is the animatronic T-rex that swings its colossal tail and flexes its jaws while roaring at the gathered crowd (beware: it can be genuinely frightening for little people). The museum is also home to the ever-popular Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit, showcasing the fragile natural beauty of our planet through 100 photos.

Take a boat ride along the Thames

Be sure to take a ride along the Thames to spot some of London’s icons. If you’re looking for thrills, Thames Rockets has rigid inflatable boats that zip along the river and back from the London Eye Pier. For a more leisurely approach to sightseeing, take the Thames Clipper, a riverboat commuter service stopping at piers throughout the city. Admire the Houses of Parliament, speed under the Millennium Bridge (destroyed by Death Eaters in the opening scenes of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince) and catch a glimpse of St Paul’s Cathedral. As you pass the Tower of London, look for Traitors’ Gate at river-level where prisoners entered the Tower, before whizzing underneath the impressive Victorian Tower Bridge.

See wax creations of your fave celebs at Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussauds, packed with waxwork likenesses of all kinds of famous people – from royals to sports personalities – is kitschy and pricey, but makes for a fun-filled day. Music-loving teens will want to grab photo ops with top current singers, including Lady Gaga, Beyoncé, Ed Sheeran, Rihanna, and One Direction, and even legends such as Bob Marley and Freddie Mercury. Young movie fans may want to visit the heroes and villains of Star Wars, stand with Katniss Everdeen, or see E.T. up close. Book online in advance for the best rates, and then look out for your favorite celebrity.

Follow the family trails to treasure in the British Museum

The displays at the British Museum spark imaginations for visitors of all ages, with displays of Egyptian mummies, buried treasures from Anglo-Saxon times, and Samurai armor. There are various worksheets, activities and trails designed specifically for young visitors covering different themes within the museum. Follow the Twelve objects to see with children trail for a whistle-stop tour of the key exhibits.

Learn about conservation at London Zoo

Regent’s Park is home to the oldest zoo in the world, dating from 1828. The emphasis nowadays is firmly on conservation, breeding and education, with fewer animals and bigger enclosures. Highlights include Land of the Lions, Gorilla Kingdom, Night Life, Penguin Beach and the walk-through In with the Lemurs. There are regular feeding sessions and talks; various experiences are available, such as Keeper for a Day; and you can even spend the night in one of nine Gir Lion Lodge cabins.

Go to family-friendly theater shows

Big productions aimed at families include Matilda the Musical at Cambridge Theatre, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at Palace Theatre, and Disney’s The Lion King at Lyceum Theatre. Tickets need to be booked well in advance, especially if you're on a budget. It’s often easier to get tickets to smaller productions at theaters away from the West End. Consider Unicorn Theatre near the South Bank or Little Angel Theatre in Islington, where all performances are aimed at youngsters. The Southbank Centre also runs family performances, particularly during local school holidays.

Greenwich is a good neighborhood for family activities

Greenwich in southeast London is a small area with good options for kids of all ages. It can be reached by train or DLR, but it’s much more fun to take the Thames Clipper from central London to Greenwich Pier. Younger kids are likely to love the massive adventure playground in Greenwich Park, with sand, water play, and plenty to climb on. Learn what life was like on board a 19th-century tea clipper at the Cutty Sark. For even more naval experiences, head to the National Maritime Museum (there’s a great gallery aimed at children aged seven and under called Ahoy!). The Royal Observatory on the hill offers a chance for older kids to explore space and time. Grab lunch at a stall in the food market, or head for one of the many chain restaurants.

The V&A Museum of Childhood is being transformed

Housed in a purpose-built Victorian-era building, this branch of the Victoria & Albert Museum is aimed at both kids (with play areas, interactive exhibits and dressing-up boxes) and nostalgic grown-ups who come to admire the antique toys. From teddies, doll’s houses and dolls to Meccano, Lego and computer games, it’s a wonderful toy-cupboard trip down memory lane. The V&A is currently closed for refurbishment, but expects to reopen with new galleries showcasing over 2000 objects.

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Dubai has a reputation as a playground for the rich – and ought to have one as a playground for little ones, too.

This gleaming city is surprisingly family-friendly. Its desert climate means that most activities are indoors, but there is no shortage of running room for even the most energetic mini travelers. Here are the best things to do in Dubai with kids.

Is Dubai good for kids?

Traveling to Dubai with kids can be, well, child’s play, especially if you keep a light schedule and involve them in day-to-day planning. This famous pleasure destination offers plenty to do, from water parks and playgrounds to theme parks and activity centers. Most beach resorts operate kids’ clubs, and children under five travel free on public transport.

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The best things to do in Dubai with kids

Dubai has started to bill itself as the theme park capital of the world, and its action-packed adventures will thrill older kids. An ideal itinerary combines these fun excursions with a few choice sights and activities with some educational content, for a trip that will be memorable for children of all ages.

Take the plunge at Aquaventure Waterpark

From paddling-pool initiates to the most adventurous adrenaline junkies, kids of every age will dive right in at Aquaventure Waterpark. Aquaventure is likely to be a highlight of any kid’s visit to Dubai – though since some of the rides can be downright terrifying, we’d recommend taking things slowly and working your way up rather than risk getting freaked out by the craziest rides right at the beginning.

Older children will rave about rides that test the bravery of even the most courageous. Drifting in a tube around the River Ride is a great way for the whole family to ease into the water. Even if this lazy river seems too slow, “flash floods” every 30 seconds will spin you along and get you into the flow.

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Choose your own adventure at IMG Worlds of Adventure

IMG Worlds of Adventure is the world’s biggest indoor theme park, with a mind-boggling variety of attractions spread across an area the size of 28 football fields. There are four zones in the complex: Marvel, Lost World (a dinosaur-themed area with animatronic beasts), IMG Boulevard and Cartoon Network (great for the littlest ones), plus a 12-screen cinema complex that shows 3D IMAX films and promises “seven-star” comfort. Cartoon Network offers a world of imaginative activities for smaller children (although most rides are suitable for kids taller than 4ft): you can help the Powerpuff Girls protect Townsville, save the town of Elmore from a chaotic school science project or take a flight through the Land of Ooo.

Discover a rainforest in the desert at Green Planet

Only in Dubai could an entire tropical rainforest ecosystem be created amid 115°F desert heat. The Green Planet houses more than 3000 plants and animals, including monkeys, iguanas and hornbills, in a glass dome surrounding a 82ft-tall, man-made fig tree. Visiting the biodome is ideal for slightly older kids with an interest in wildlife, though the Green Planet’s suspended walkways and rope bridges provide a taste of adventure that will excite younger children. The Green Planet has highly trained and enthusiastic guides, making for a top-notch educational experience even for adults – and the kids are likely to have so much fun that they might not even notice how much they’re learning.

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Refine your dance moves at Bollywood Parks Dubai

Made up of five different zones based on Mumbai’s legendary movie industry, Bollywood Parks is a great place to ham it up to the colorful, joyous and oh-so-kitsch soundtrack of Indian blockbusters. There are stunt shows and plenty of rides, but to enjoy the experience to the full be sure to take in a few of the dozens of live performances that take place each day. “Stars on Steps” is a live song-and-dance show that takes place against massive LED screens that bring to life the magic of India’s temples and palaces. “Show Me Your Jalwa” offers a hilarious chance for the whole family to work on their Bollywood dance steps while the “Kids Korner” concentrates on pint-sized choreography.

Ice skate, then spot fish, at Dubai Mall

With 1200 outlets, Dubai Mall is the world’s biggest shopping center. It’s also an experience in its own right, with an ice rink and a giant aquarium to keep you entertained even if you don’t happen to be a dedicated shopper. The Toy Store and the famous Hamleys are favorites with the kids, and most of the internationally known children’s clothing brands are represented here. The mall is so astonishingly huge that it helps to do a little advance research and know where you want to go to avoid mid-shopping-spree tantrums.

Go on Hollywood-inspired rides at Motiongate Dubai

Motiongate Dubai is the region’s biggest Hollywood-inspired theme park. The Smurfs Village offers great rides for small kids, while teenagers might manage to muster their nerve for a dramatic rollercoaster inspired by The Hunger Games. Apart from a whole selection of rides for kids, Motiongate also has several “edutainment” areas, such as Flint’s Imagination Lab, where kids can unleash their inner mad scientist among science-themed slides and in a laboratory maze.

Catch the winds at Kite Beach

The kitesurfers who once dominated Kite Beach have moved farther along the coast, and the balmy, rippling waves here are now the exclusive preserve of local families, expats and just a handful of in-the-know travelers. It’s particularly pleasant in the early morning to stroll along the 1.25-mile-long waterfront promenade with the iconic sails of Burj Al Arab looming above the skyline ahead of you. A big hat and lots of sunscreen are crucial – even by 10am, it can be roasting.

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Enjoy the powder at Ski Dubai

Snow bunnies can carve some gentle turns – and take a few harmless tumbles – on Ski Dubai ’s learner slopes while budding ski-champs can tackle the 1300ft (200ft drop) advanced run. With the desert sun melting the tarmac in the car park outside, it’s an irresistible novelty to be able to suit up for a winter wonderland and chill-out in a delightful 25°F.

Avoid the zombie apocalypse at Hub Zero

It’s open season for zombie hunting at Hub Zero, where many of the virtual-reality challenges are directed at exterminating swarms of snail-paced attackers. Fun racing games are stacked alongside dramatic simulator rides (note that many of the games involve a fair amount of gun play). While there’s little here to entice small children, this is a sort of doomsday heaven for older kids with a taste for electronic games and virtual-reality thrills. The emphasis is definitely on action: the Mission Impossible challenge has participants twisting through a room webbed with laser alarms, which you can tackle it alone or in a family team.

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Watch sharks swim at Lost Chambers Aquarium

Far from being “lost,” Lost Chambers Aquarium is justifiably one of Dubai’s most popular calling cards for families. The centerpiece of this vast aquarium complex set in Atlantis The Palm is the 3-million-gallon tank known as the Ambassador Lagoon. Little children are invariably thrilled to watch sharks swimming gracefully and giant rays swooping like spacecraft. (Naturally, it won’t take long before you’re playing “find Nemo.”) While there’s enough educational info around the countless smaller tanks to make the experience unforgettable for older kids, the concentration level might start to wane after an hour or so. For a great family day out that will appeal to everyone, combine Lost Chambers with a visit to Aquaventure Waterpark, located in the same complex.

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Explore the sands on a desert safari

Racing in a 4WD across the billowing dunes just outside the city – almost a roller-coaster ride in itself – is an unmissable part of a trip to Dubai, and the wilderness is surprisingly accessible. Happy Adventures Tourism offer an evening dune-driving excursion that includes a range of activities such as sandboarding, camel riding, henna painting and a buffet barbecue dinner with live performances. You’re likely to return to your hotel after 9pm, so morning excursions might be better suited to younger children. Arabian Adventures offer more exclusive morning dune drives – farther away from the package crowds – that feature a wildlife safari in the Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve.

Where to stay with kids in Dubai

Sheikh Zayed Road is the main artery of the city, running through Downtown Dubai. Many of the city’s major kid-friendly hotels are on this strip and are ideally situated for easy travel connections to either the main tourist sites (to the south) or the old town ( Deira and Bur Dubai, to the north).

Fairmont Dubai is ideally located within an easy taxi-hop of most sights and just across the road from World Trade Centre metro station. The hotel can arrange babysitting for toddlers, and there are two kids’ pools where the little ones can cool down. Room rates are great value for money and include wonderful breakfast buffets that will set the whole family up for a day exploring.

Shangri-La, also in downtown Dubai, is a great choice for families, with kids’ fitness classes, karate, zumba, ballet and even ballroom dancing. The hotel has a special offer for guests that allows up to two children (under the age of six) to eat free at the Dunes Cafe all-day dining buffet.

Where to eat with kids in Dubai

For a fun dining adventure for kids of all ages, check out Rainforest Café in Dubai Mall. You’ll feast amid tropical showers and even occasional thunderstorms while keeping an eye peeled for mechanical butterflies, jaguars, crocodiles, orangutans and gorillas.

Noire is a unique spot where you dine in complete darkness. Although it might be far from ideal for toddlers (although at least you can’t see the mess!), this, um, visionary concept features waiters in night-vision goggles and is sure to brighten mealtimes for older kids. “Have you finished what’s on your plate?” you might ask. Who knows?

Getting around Dubai with kids

Zipping around town with families is a breeze. Taxis are comfortable, efficient and relatively inexpensive (about US$4 for a 2-mile ride). A taxi from the airport to a downtown hotel will cost about Dhs60 (US$16.60). The Dubai Metro is well run and child-friendly and connects most of the major sights. Children under five travel free on public transport, and there are specially guarded carriages reserved for women and families.

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Wednesday, May 18 is International Museum Day, a global event that promotes the cultural and social significance of the world’s museums.

To celebrate International Museum Day 202 2 we have picked 20 under-the-radar museums from around the globe.

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Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (Humlebæk, Denmark)

Louisiana’s collection of modern art is so incredible it’s almost intimidating. Luckily, even visitors who don’t know much about – or care for – contemporary works can get something out of a visit. The glass-heavy modernist building allows art and nature to blend together.

Top tip: On a clear day, pack a lunch and sit on the water’s edge, looking across to neighboring Sweden (while saving yourself a few kroner).

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Hong Kong Museum of History

This excellent (and free) museum does away with tedious displays of out-of-context artifacts and has you literally wandering through the fascinating history of Hong Kong. You'll stroll through the city's recreated streets from 1881, board an early 20th-century tram and learn about HK's troubled World War II occupation. It's an engaging overview of this incredible city from its founding to the Handover.

Top tip: As a reward for all that culture-vulturing, check out nearby bar Lee Family Chicken where meat and beer are the perfect restoratives.

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Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum (Boston)

Walking around Isabella Stewart Gardner’s former home, you can’t help but be gobsmacked by both her exquisite taste and her thorough pillaging of world art. Works by Botticelli, da Vinci and Titian – to name but a few – vie for space, while priceless statues from ancient Greece and Rome are casually strewn across the magnificent courtyard.  The museum is the subject of the recent Netflix documentary series, This is a Robbery: The World’s Biggest Art Heist.

Top tip: Be sure to plan ahead and purchase your tickets in advance online.

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Little Museum of Dublin

The Little Museum of Dublin tells the story of the Irish capital in a quirky, relatable way. Set in a Georgian townhouse location, it takes you through history from Alfie Byrne (former Dublin Lord Mayor and the city's most popular politician of the 20th century) to U2.

Top tip: Wander across the road to the oasis of tranquility that is St Stephen's Green afterward to feed the ducks.

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Speculum Alchemiae (Prague)

This museum of alchemy is intimate but intricate, focusing on a little slice of history that can be devoured and enjoyed in under an hour. A genuine alchemist's lab, it was only discovered in 2002 and sheds light on Prague's history of occultism. Explore secret tunnels full of curios, including labs where alchemists worked futilely to create gold.

Top tip: Don’t confuse it with the Museum of Alchemists and Magicians of Old Prague across the river. This one is tucked away in the Jewish Quarter.

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Islamic Arts Museum (Kuala Lumpur)

Enter the Islamic Arts Museum and be fascinated by the incredible scholarship, innovation, exploration, creativity and mashup of styles between Indigenous cultures and the Islamic world. It's hard not to fall in love with the beautiful mathematical designs, the architecture and the storytelling here.

Top tip: Stay for lunch at the tasty Middle Eastern restaurant on-site.

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Horniman Museum (London)

The Horniman is the astonishing collection of tea merchant John Horniman, housed in a lovely art-nouveau building. It's worth a trip to just to see the 100-year-old overstuffed walrus that takes centre stage (it even has its own Twitter account). It's surrounded by ageing cabinets that contain all sorts of questionable taxidermy specimens; elsewhere there's art and musical instruments from all over the world.

Top tip: Outside in the surrounding farm and gardens, visit real-life animals that have escaped being stuffed and enjoy a breathtaking view of the London skyline.

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DDR Museum (Berlin)

The DDR Museum is ideal for anyone wanting a hands-on experience of history. Drive a simulated route in a Trabant (East German car), take a seat in a typical DDR tower-block flat, rummage through a collection of books and tapes and fiddle around with digital displays; all to get a feel for life in former East Germany under the Stasi regime, a sector of the government that kept its citizens cut off from the rest of the world.

Top tip: For more history, cross the river to visit the Cathedral Museum in the spectacular Berliner Dom.

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California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco)

This fun, interactive place bills itself as the world's only aquarium-planetarium-rainforest-living museum. The albino alligator is particularly memorable, as is the 'living roof' of wildflowers, earthquake simulator and the opportunity to climb into the canopy of a rainforest.

Top tip: The museum offers 'nightlife' tickets so you can explore the exhibits with a cocktail in your hand.

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Garden Museum (London)

The Garden Museum is a hidden oasis. Housed in a Victorian church, visitors journey through exhibitions focusing on quirky gardening histories, alongside contemporary artworks. The best bit is the tranquil, leafy courtyard – grab a deckchair and forget you're in the heart of London.

Top tip: Don’t miss venturing up the winding medieval tower that rewards with panoramic views of Victoria Gardens and the Houses of Parliament.

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Palais de Tokyo (Paris)

Paris has a reputation for having a somewhat fusty, traditional art scene compared to New York, Berlin and London, but Palais de Tokyo is one of the city's major risk-takers. As a contemporary art museum, it's less commercial than most places in Paris. Whether you truly understand what you see or not, whatever's on display will put your imagination to work.

Top tip: Museum cafe The Readymade is a popular workspace with locals, so bring your laptop if you want to catch up on emails in one of the trendiest places in Paris.

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National September 11 Memorial Museum (New York City)

The National September 11 Memorial Museum, on the site of the World Trade Center, is an interactive experience that pays tribute to the 2,977 people killed in the 2001 terror attacks. The victims' stories are central to this poignant and powerful memorial, which contains thousands of artifacts, videos, images and oral recordings.

Top tip: Book the early access museum tour, before the crowds arrive, for an intimate experience with an expert guide.

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Te Papa (Wellington)

Te Papa (‘treasure box’) is indeed a trove of Māori history and culture, with environmental exhibitions, 'discovery centers' for children and New Zealand's National Art Collection. Given the country's youth, it's fun to see relatively modern items such as Converse and pop culture artifacts included as pieces of history too.

Top tip: Be sure to check out the realistic and thought-provoking earthquake simulator.

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Natural History & Pitt Rivers museums (Oxford)

At the Museum of Natural History in Oxford you're encouraged to touch the taxidermy and fossils, unlike in its London equivalent. Afterward, descend into the basement Pitt Rivers Museum, home to the anthropological collections of the University of Oxford. It's a maze of cabinets filled with sometimes creepy curiosities.

Top tip: Make sure you seek out the Museum of Natural History's very own dodo!

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Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (Phnom Penh, Cambodia)

This former school was transformed into a prison during the Cambodian genocide of the 1970s; most of the rooms have lain largely untouched since the tragedies. Horrifying in its entirety, the museum provides the ambiance required to reflect on the horrendous crimes of its past.

Top tip: Think carefully about what you want to get out of a visit; though an important and powerful museum, this is an extremely sobering place.

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Zeitz MOCAA Museum (Cape Town)

The most important museum to open in Africa for more than a century, the new Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa has been miraculously hewn from the inside of a massive disused grain silo. The sense of space within this state-of-the-art complex is as enthralling as the collection of art it showcases.

Top tip: With more than 80 galleries, it’s a place to lose yourself in. Just make sure you find your way to the rooftop sculpture garden.

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Ghibli Museum (Tokyo)

Nestled in Inokashira Park, the Ghibli Museum is enchanting for kids and adults alike. Here, Hayao Miyazaki's cinematic visions come to life – characters from Studio Ghibli films line stained glass windows and frescoes, and original artwork is on display. You can explore spiral staircases, passages and hidden doorways to your heart's delight, while kids can climb aboard the furry cat bus and discover the robot in a lush rooftop garden. Tickets also grant access to a short Ghibli film, exclusive to the museum, in a gorgeous in-house cinema.

Top tip: Book in advance; this place is no secret!

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Mütter Museum (Philadelphia)

This multi-storey museum echoes a 19th-century circus sideshow, with rare, odd and sometimes disturbing medical specimens from history. It might be one to avoid if you are squeamish, but it's fascinating to see how the human body has developed, adapted and disformed through modern-day medical observance.

Top tip: You can get $2 off admission on Monday and Tuesday.

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Museo Larco (Lima)

The fascinating Museo Larco shows you how long and complex human history really is. This incredible museum houses a massive private collection of Peruvian pre-Columbian artifacts, with pieces reaching back over 5000 years. Peruse the gallery to spot solid gold ceremonial headdresses, incredibly detailed portraits sculpted into pottery and even some, ahem, erotic ceramics.

Top tip: Stop into the on-site cafe to sample Peruvian cuisine while overlooking the atmospheric garden.

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Bicycle Museum of America (Ohio)

Bicycles have come a long way since their mysterious first appearance (there is no verified claim to 'inventor of the bicycle'). From Penny Farthings to BMX, the curators reckon there are over 1000 bikes in the collection, prepare for a lot of nostalgia as you spot your own first bike here.

Top tip: Opening hours are limited, so check them before you go.

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The beaches of Malta tend to be dramatic, rocky and sea-sculpted, with fewer soft and sandy curves of Mediterranean coastline than you might expect. Despite this, the Maltese make the most of every swimming spot, and on these compact islands, water sports abound, and you're never far from the sea.

With crystalline waters, historic wrecks, and interesting underwater formations, Malta is also Europe’s best diving destination, but even snorkeling from the island nation's coastline offers a remarkable insight into an underwater world.

Whether you're keen on splashing around in the waves, spending an afternoon relaxing on the sand, or enjoying a leisurely lunch of local seafood, here are the beaches to head to on Malta, and its smaller sister islands of Gozo and Comino.

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Blue Lagoon, Comino

Best beach for swimming

Beating many strong contenders, Comino’s Blue Lagoon snags the title of Malta's top swimming spot. Ringed by rocks and framed by gleaming white sand, Comino's limpid and sheltered inland sea glows periwinkle bright, and it's a heavenly place to swim. The only caveat is that the Blue Lagoon is definitely not a secret, so in high season you’ll be sharing the pool with a few hundred others. A better option is to skip the hordes by taking a boat trip here in the afternoon after many people have left for the day.

Golden Bay, Malta

Best beach for soft sand

Malta and Gozo don’t offer many big sandy beaches, but there are a few gems. Golden Bay, on Malta’s northwestern coast, arguably the most beautiful, is a wide curve of orange-gold sand that shelves gently into the dark-blue Mediterranean. This is a place to lie down on the island's softest sand, mull over the watersports and boat trips on offer, or peruse the menus of nearby restaurants overlooking the bay.

Mellieħa Bay

Best beach for watersports

You’re never far from a watersports provider in Malta. For variety, Mellieħa Bay is one of the best beaches for messing about on the water, with windsurfing, kitesurfing, waterskiing, canoeing, banana boating or parasailing all on offer. This is Malta’s largest sandy beach and has a reliable northeasterly breeze that makes it ideal for wind-based water sports. Other top choices for water sports include Xlendi, Marsalforn and Golden Bay.

Wied il-Għasri

Best beach for snorkeling

Snorkelers note: Malta is underwater heaven. On the Gozo coast, Wied il-Għasr i is a coastal chasm that creates a narrow river of seawater, finishing in a tiny sand and shingle beach. You access the beach via a staircase hacked into the rock. Some of Malta’s finest snorkeling can be had by launching off into the channel, although it’s best avoided in rough weather. Other prime snorkeling spots include the rocky inlet of Mgarr ix-Xini, the natural sea pool of Għar Lapsi, and Gozo's Blue Hole. If scuba is more your thing, there are plenty of diving centers; a popular spot for diving is the Blue Hole near Gozo's Dwejra Bay.

Fomm ir-Riħ

Best beach for peace and quiet

Fomm ir-Riħ is Malta’s most remote and inaccessible beach, and its name means the ‘mouth of the wind’. It’s accessed from close to the small town of Baħrija on the northwestern Maltese coast. A steep and sometimes tricky path leads down to the beach, a walk of around 20 minutes. Such difficulty brings rewards, however, and if you’re looking for peace and quiet, gin-clear water, and magnificent coastal views, this is the beach for you. If the scramble down doesn’t appeal, you can always approach by boat.

Għajn Tuffieħa

Best beach for sunbathing

Neighbor to popular Golden Bay, and sharing the same lovely outlook and soft, silky, butterscotch-colored sand, Għajn Tuffieħa is a quieter choice for sun-worshipping. Unlike Golden Bay, it's not backed by hotels, and the slightly longer walk to get there also helps to thin out the crowds. When all you want to do is lie in the sun and occasionally cool off in the sea, this is an ideal choice. Other great suntraps include the rocks around St Peter’s Pool and the remote peace and tranquility of Fomm ir-Riħ.

Ramla Bay

Best beach for families

Easily accessible by bus and car, the terracotta-colored sands of Gozo's Ramla Bay are backed by a restaurant that hires out umbrellas and sunbeds. The beach slopes gently into the water, the views up across the hills are delightful, and there’s a scramble up to Calypso’s Cave to consider if anyone’s getting bored. Ramla Bay is one of Malta’s best family beaches, although Golden Bay, Mellieħa Bay and Paradise Bay are also worthy contenders for the title.

Mġarr ix-Xini

Best beach for lunch

Reached via a narrow, winding road, Gozo's Mġarr ix-Xini (Port of the Galleys) was once the island's main harbor for the Knights of St John, and the rocky bay's pebbled beach is now the location of quite possibly Malta's most laid-back beachside restaurant. Service at the ten-table Rew Rew can sometimes be a little too relaxed, but lunch plates overflowing with seafood – including excellent calamari – and salad and homemade potato chips, make the experience all worthwhile. Try to visit on a weekday for a shot at securing a spot in the adjacent car park, or charter a boat around the coast from Xlendi or Mġarr harbor.

St Peter’s Pool

Best natural swimming pool

Natural swimming pools, sea-sculpted from the coastal rock, are a scenic summer highlight in Malta. Located on the southeastern coast, St Peter’s Pool is one of the loveliest – a ladle-shaped scoop out of the rock that forms a sheltered lagoon for a swim, after which you can bask seal-like on the surrounding rocks. Nearby, and usually much quieter, is the swimming hole at Il-Kalanka Bay. Note the platform for jumping into the water at Il-Kalanka is higher than at St Peter's, so extra care should be taken.

Also worthy of special mention is Għar Lapsi, a rocky inlet that lies at the base of Malta's Dingli Cliffs. It's popular with snorkelers, divers, and especially children who like leaping into the sea from the rocks. Offering brilliant views of Għar Lapsi's rocky cove, Carmen's Bar & Restaurant is another top spot for a relaxed meal.

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New York City has something for visitors of all ages – including the youngest ones.

This world capital is home to some of the best museums, inventive restaurants and beautiful parks in the world, which (with a little planning) kids can enjoy as much as adults. Read on for the best things things to do in New York City with children.

Is New York City good for kids?

The city’s hustle and bustle can quickly tucker out children – and parents. Long city blocks can be exhausting to little limbs. Cozy cafes are a tight squeeze for strollers. Yet exploring Gotham with the kids is also a magical experience, one that lets grown-ups experience one of the world’s most famous places through new eyes. Here are a few ways to make your next New York City trip a family-friendly delight.

Gather under the whale at the American Museum of Natural History

You don’t have to be a science buff to enjoy the renowned American Museum of Natural History. From the life-sized dinosaur skeletons (including one of a scary Tyrannosaurus rex) to the galaxy-spanning presentations of the Hayden Planetarium, families could easily spend days at this thrilling museum. Your kids will be especially impressed with the jaw-dropping, 94ft-long hanging blue whale made out of 21,000 pounds of foam and fiberglass.

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Catch a kid-friendly Broadway show at New Victory Theater

Few visitors to New York City can resist its spectacular selection of Broadway shows – but kids don’t always have the stamina for two-hour-plus productions, and the outlay for tickets may not seem worth it if you end up in the lobby with a rambunctious child. Luckily, New Victory Theater, located in the heart of Times Square, is one of NYC’s best-kept secrets: a nonprofit venue that produces shows geared exclusively toward kids and families.

Each play has a suggested target age, ranging from babies to older kids, making it easy for parents to plan. Once the house lights go down, spectators will be captivated by theatrical fare of the highest quality, which might include puppets, fairy tales, magic shows and more – all at an affordable price point. Sensory-friendly performances are often also available.

Take a spin on the SeaGlass Carousel

One of the most mesmerizing attractions to hit the city in recent years, the SeaGlass Carousel is a vision of aquamarine, pink and coral spinning under a spiral-domed pavilion. The fiberglass fish are best seen at night when a light show is projected against the walls,  creating the feeling of being underwater. Kids can choose from a dozen types of fish to ride; instead of moving around a pole, the fish spin on turntables, which adds to the ethereal experience.

Run around in the sunshine in Central Park

The 845-acre urban oasis of Central Park is New York’s most beloved (and most famous) green space. With well-maintained meadows for picnicking, beautiful paths for walking and an unbelievable 21 playgrounds for playing, the park tops most visitors’ lists.

Don’t miss stopping by Wollman Rink, set up for ice skating in the winter and the Victorian Gardens amusement park in the summer. Young park-goers in particular will adore the Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, a fairy tale–like cabin in which audiences take in astonishing puppet productions.

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Enjoy hot dogs and coasters at Coney Island

Taking the subway to Coney Island is a summer rite of passage for New Yorkers of all stripes. Located on the last stop on the D, F, Q and N subway lines in Brooklyn, this only–in–New York spot boasts two amusement parks along a glorious beachfront boardwalk. As you slowly rotate the 150ft-high Wonder Wheel and chow down on a Nathan’s hot dog, you’ll enjoy a bit of urban Americana. Older kids will enjoy riding the Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster that’s been generating screams of (we think) delight since 1927, while younger kids will find thrills in the kiddie rides. Stay late on Friday nights for a weekly fireworks show.

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Savor the flavors of Chinatown

There’s nothing more fun for the entire family than an afternoon in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Numerous attractions here will keep everyone engaged, from family programming at the Museum of Chinese in America to the unexpected flavors on offer at the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.

For a unique brunch experience, families should stop by the spacious and ornate dining rooms of Golden Unicorn in the heart of the vibrant neighborhood. This multi-floor Cantonese dim-sum restaurant is as much as an experience as a place to fuel up. Steaming carts will whiz past tables as customers make their selections, choosing from from dumplings in the shape of pigs, pork buns, sweet sesame balls and more. Even picky eaters will find something to love here.

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Recommended New York City neighborhoods for families

There are countless wonderful neighborhoods in New York, with almost unlimited hotel options catering to all price points and interests. Visiting families often choose to stay on the Upper West Side, which offers easy access to restaurants, museums and glorious Central Park; at the other end of Manhattan, the area around South Street Seaport beckons with historic streets and plenty of playgrounds. One of the more unique areas to stay is Brooklyn’s Dumbo, where cobblestone streets (with few cars) meet the East River under the shadow of the Brooklyn Bridge and Manhattan Bridge overhead.

The opening of the eco-friendly 1 Hotel Brooklyn gives families the perfect spot to rest their weary heads. Kids are welcome all over the hotel, including at the rooftop plunge pool, which offers a view of the Manhattan skyline, and the cafe, which has a kids menu. (Pets are also welcome, so feel free to bring furry little ones, too.)

The hotel is situated on Pier 6, part of Brooklyn Bridge Park Park, a sprawling waterfront green space offering sports fields, playgrounds, expansive lawns and even kayaking. Kids of all ages will love riding the restored Jane’s Carousel, a 100-year-old merry-go-round offering views of Manhattan across the river.

Hungry youngsters can participate in a time-honored New York tradition: finding the perfect slice. Grimaldi’s is a classic coal-brick-oven pizzeria whose pies are so good Frank Sinatra was once rumored to have delivered them by jet to the West Coast. You’ll know you’re there by the line snaking out the door. (Don’t worry; it moves fast.)

How to get around New York City with kids

There’s no better way to get around New York City with kids than riding the subway. It’s also economical, as children under 44 inches can ride the subway for free when accompanied by an adult. Not all subway stops have elevators, so parents with strollers should take heed.

Parents still on diaper duty will be happy to know that since 2019, all new public buildings and gathering spaces like restaurants, retail spaces and movie theaters have been required to provide diaper-changing stations, helping you avoid those bathroom emergencies.

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