Many of Europe’s great museums, such as British Museum in London and the Louver in Paris, have worksheets that help keep a child’s mind occupied by providing challenges such as finding the fruit in a selection of paintings or explaining the stories behind classical selection. You can get a little cooperation by promising something more to kids liking after museums, like going to get ice cream afterwards. J

In summer, families should try to get a hotel with a swimming pool.

Most hotels allow no more then two people in a room, but we have a list of hotels which will take a family of four into one room. However, we found that the self-catering apartments work the best. They are becoming very popular with our clients traveling with kids. Prices are very competitive and you will get more space in apartment. And going to the market for food is fun, kids like it. This also eliminates problems with picky eaters. You will sample the local cuisine without drag the small children tot lengthy, late dinners (most dinners in Europe are late comparing in U.S.).

Have a realistic idea what to expect to accomplish on a trip. Make a dream itinerary and be prepared to cut in half. Children notice the small details, like a way siren sounds or the way toilets work. It is a big hit with them. Rent them a wooden boat in Tuleries Gardens and rest at the fountain while the play with the boats and newly found friends. Realistically, parents should plan to psend half thetime doing what they want to do and the rest of the time doing what children need to do, such as napping and other forms of relaxation. City stays are doable too, if you travel off-peak season. And, for art, touring Florence is easy, and because much of its art is outdoors, parents are spared having to drag children to museums.

Avoid visit too many cities. Better to choose one or two bases and take day tips from there.

Parents familiar with structured organized supervised children’s programs in many Caribbean’s and U.S. resorts, will probably no find comparable programs in most European countries. And also private babysitting could be arranged, not every parent will feel comfortable with a caregiver if a language barrier is involved. Families also have to be prepared to spend more money when traveling with children to ensure that their accommodations are comfortable and safe. Families can save money by getting out of cities alltogether. There are excellent untouristy destinations, like the Cinque Terre on Northwest coast of Italy, with its unspoiled atmosphere, easygoing ambiance and recreational activities.

But, no matter, which destination you choose, you should be prepared for the locals to lavish attention on their children.

• Tivoli Gardens, Copenhagen.
  One of the Europe’s oldest amusement parks lives up to its hype. Open from April 24 through September 13. New rides in this 154^th season.
• Roskilde 1,000 year Jubilee.
  Located 20 miles west of Copenhagen, Roskilde will celebrate its heritage all year, especially at its Viking Ship Museum.
• Baken, Klampenborg.
  For more then 400 years, this free-admission amusement park has entertained kids with rides and live theater. Baken’s season runs from March 26 to August 31.
• The Home of Hans Christian Andersen, Odense.
  On April 2, the city will hold exhibitions and activities to mark the birthday of its most famous former resident.
• Legoland, Billund.
  The 18-acre city was created from 44 million Lego bricks. Open from April 4 - October 25.
• Fourth of July in Denmark, Aalborg.
  Denmark has been saluting the U.S. Independence Day since 1912 with a celebration that includes bands, singing and fireworks.
• European medieval festival, Horsens.
  Europe’s largest medieval festival features crafts, costumes and street artists as the entire city center is turned into the medieval playground from August 28-29.
• A night of culture in Copenhagen.
  October 9, visitors can explore 160 museums, galleries, palaces and churches from 6pm to midnight, children are welcomed by musicians and firework displays.

• Antwerp
  Open Year round, the Antwerp Zoo houses an aquarium, a dolphin house, a reptile house and a petting zoo. For those who don’t get their fill of wildlife at the zoo, Antwerp is also home to the Planckendael Wild Animal Park, which boasts more then 1,000 furry friends, and adventure trail for children and a petting farm. The park is open daily year-round.
• Bruges
  The Lamme Goedzak riverboat takes travelers along the canal between Bruges and Damme. There are several daily departures from April through September.
• Brussels
  The Autoworld museums houses a collection of Belgian and imported cars dating to mid-1800’s. Familes visiting Brussels sshould not miss the Belgina Center for the Comic Strip Art. The museum houses a permanent exhibit of comic strips, with the centerpiece being Belgium’s own Tintin. The Natural History museum has been completely renovated and houses fossils, dinosaur skeletons and interactive exhibits.
• Genk
  The most modern planetarium in Belgium, the Europlanetarium takes visitors on an audiovisual journey into space.
• Borkrijk Park
  is an open-air museum where model villages depict how people lived and worked 150 years ago.
• Ghent
  The Castle of the Counts was built in 1180 as a military bas.e The gloomy medieval castle houses dungeons and torture chambers. This attraction might not be appropriate for young children.
• Wavre
  Walibi Adventure Park features a roller coaster and water rides.
• Waterloo
  Older children can recall an important moment in history at the Wellington Museum, which is devoted to the story of the Hundred Days leading up to Napoleon’s defeat at Waterloo.

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