Art & Architecture

The Sears Tower, constructed in 1973, stands well over 1400 feet tall from the eastern entrance all the way up to the 108th floor. This makes it the very tallest building in the United States and certainly the most beautiful view in Chicago. Right in the heart of Chicago’s busy city streets, the monolithic structure simply dwarfs any one building you will see in America—definitely worth a look. Check the voice post below for a first-hand account.

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Wondering what it would be like to travel around Europe with small children? Start by traveling in London- this historic city has plenty to offer for both kids and parents alike!

All the major museums are free, so money is not lost even if you can just squeeze in an hour of your child’s attention span for art. The British Museum is huge and almost impossible to see in one day, but focusing on specific areas your child might be interested in cuts down on time. The mummies in the Egypt exhibit are sure to please, as will the British Museum’s family features such as the Hamlyn family trails through the museum or the free activity backpacks with puzzles, games and activities to do through the galleries.

The Tate Modern and Britain also offer family-fun activities. Modern Art is also incredibly accessible by everyone - while you might not get the artist’s point of the lobster phone, suspended basketballs in a fish tank, etc, these pieces are sure to spurn family discussions. The boat ride between the two galleries is also a fun way to see London from the Thames River. These boats leave about every forty minutes at each gallery and cruise along the river between the two galleries stopping at the London Eye in route. There are family discounts for boat fares and children under five ride for free; this boat ride is also considerably less expensive than other Thames cruises ( £10 for families compared to £24 on other cruises).

Other fun family museum destinations include The Victoria and Albert museum, where children can quite literally play dress up in the old world clothing. For the older children or adults who are children at heart, the James Bond spy exhibit will delight all. For animal lovers, you cannot go wrong with the Natural History Museum or the London Zoo. Whether seeing the animals in the museum including the gigantic woolly mammoth and dinosaurs or live and in-person at the world’s oldest zoo, both activities are fun for the whole family.

To get outside, you can walk toward Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard every day at 11:00 am. Another quick stop for Harry Potter fans is Kings Cross Station for a quick picture at platform 9 ¾. Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park are great for running around. Bring a loaf of bread to feed the ducks along the serpentine or play in the Princess Diana Princess of Wales’ Memorial playground. Another break from museums is riding the London Eye—essentially a giant Ferris wheel operated by British Airways, this thirty-minute ride is one of the best aerial views of London.

If the kids (or adults!) are not too tired by the end of the day, the famous West End theater district has shows that are kid friendly. Billy Elliot, Wicked, High School Musical, The Lion King are just some of the kid-friendly productions in London’s famous theater district.

For more on traveling in London and beyond with the whole family, visit:

London Hotels
Family Travel Ideas

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