10 kid-friendly city breaks in Europe

Going on a city break with kids? Skip Paris-Louvre and Rome-Vatican (too long queues). Pick these 10 cities - fun + cultural for the whole family.

1. Copenhagen, Denmark

Tivoli Gardens (oldest amusement park, since 1843), LEGO Store, Aquarium. Whole city is bike-friendly. Hotels with family rooms.

2. Amsterdam, Netherlands

NEMO Science Museum, Artis Zoo, canal boat tour. Vondelpark for playing. Stroopwafel for everyone.

3. Berlin, Germany

LEGOLAND Discovery, Spy Museum, Reichstag (with kids 6+). Trabant Safari driving experience. Big parks like Tiergarten.

4. Vienna, Austria

Schönbrunn Palace + zoo (oldest in the world). Prater amusement park. Hot chocolate at Demel. Easy public transport.

5. Edinburgh, Scotland

Edinburgh Castle with knight events, Camera Obscura, Dynamic Earth science center. Hike up Arthur's Seat (1 hour, with views).

6. Stockholm, Sweden

Junibacken (Pippi Longstocking museum), Skansen open-air museum + zoo, Vasa ship. ABBA museum for tweens.

7. Lisbon, Portugal

Tram 28 ride, Oceanário (best aquarium in Europe), Time Out Market for everyone's favorite food. Beach 30 min from city (Carcavelos).

8. London, UK

Natural History Museum (free), Tower of London, London Eye. Hyde Park for play. Choose a hotel near a park.

9. Hamburg, Germany

Miniatur Wunderland (world's biggest model railway), Hamburg Dungeon, harbor tour, beach areas. Easy + safe.

10. Krakow, Poland

Cheap (=hotels with family rooms €60), Wieliczka salt mine, dragon legends at Wawel Castle, gentle riverside walks.