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Yes! Amsterdam IS for Kids!

Thursday, September 9th, 2010

When people find out I live in the Netherlands with my family, the question they usually ask is, “Is it alright to travel with kids to Amsterdam?” While the city is known more for lascivious activities than family-friendly fare, there are plenty of parks, museums, and attractions to keep children’s curious minds and rambunctious bodies entertained. At the same time, parents can discover the treasures of this Dutch metropolis.

Here are 10 of my favorite family-friendly sites and activities in Amsterdam…

Science Center NEMO fountain
My girls in front of the Science Center NEMO having “buckets” of fun!

1. Opened in 1998, the Science Center NEMO is the biggest science museum in the Netherlands. Housed in a ship-shaped building, there are five floors full of hands-on activities, in both English and Dutch, to engage four of the five senses. Go into the Age Machine to get a glimpse of what you’ll look like in a few decades or wander into the Wonder Lab to blow a few things up.

2. Learn about Amsterdam’s history at sea on the 18^th century VOC (Dutch East India Company) ship, The Amsterdam. Located next to the Science Center NEMO, this replica of an original ship sailed from the Netherlands to the Far East with cargo for the VOC settlements. On its return, a storm in the North Sea resulted in damage to the ship and it was beached off the coast of England, where it later sank. Look inside the vessel to see the cramped quarters where 200 sailors slept. You can also take a peek at the pantry and cook’s quarters as well as the surgeon’s cabin, which is stocked with antiquated medical supplies.

3. With more than 10 million annual visitors, Vondelpark is the most popular park in Amsterdam. This 120-acre public park has several play areas, an open-air theater that stages free children’s shows on Wednesday afternoons, a film museum that has performances for children on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons, and several cafés. The Blauwe Theehuis (Blue Tea House) is a national monument that is often used for theater performances and festivals. Stop by Snoephuise (Candy House) to enjoy a Dutch pannekoek (pancake).

VOC replica ship, The Amsterdam
VOC replica ship, The Amsterdam

4. A stone’s throw from Vondelpark is the Museumplein, which includes Amsterdam’s world famous Rijksmusuem. Although the museum is currently under construction, there are a few exhibitions and works of art still on display. There are also daily children’s workshops related to the museum’s current exhibitions on weekends and daily during school summer break.

5. Also located at the Museumplein is the Van Gogh Museum. In addition to an audio tour for children aged six to twelve and a scavenger hunt through the museum, there are weekend children’s sessions that begin with a tour of the museum and end with your little artists creating their own work of art.

6. Next to bikes, trams are the most popular mode of transportation in Amsterdam. Visit the Tramway Museum to learn more about the Netherlands’ preferred method of public transportation and see trams from other European cities such as Vienna and Prague. After you’ve explored the museum, take a spin on the museum tram. This 90-minute trip will take you on a historic ride through Amsterdam and bring you to the doorstep of the Amsterdamse Bos (Amsterdam Forrest).

NEMO Science Museum in Amsterdam
Hands-on learning on the Science Center NEMO

7. Amsterdamse Bos is a large recreational park on the outskirts of the city. Grote Vijver (Big Lake) is accessible via footbridges and extensive rope courses that meander through the trees and vary in height and difficulty levels. Add to that an adventure playground, and this park is definitely worth the trip.

8. Take your children to Amsterdam’s Muziekgebouw for a wonderful music workshop for kids at the Klankspeeltuin (Sound Garden). This real life school of rock allows children to learn about music with the sound installations in residence at the Muziekgebouw. The Xenax, with its drawing boards, pens and flashing lights, allows children to “draw” sounds. The Omni recalls the 1970s game “Simon” and has colored squares that trigger sounds. The Kosmix is a cosmic dance floor. The workshops are in Dutch, but since music is a universal language, children will probably have little trouble adjusting.

9. The Artis Royal Zoo is the oldest zoo in continental Europe. This is not your typical zoo since many of the animals are not separated by bars but by a moat. Artis is also home to an aquarium, botanical garden, and planetarium, plus zoological and geological museums. After your children have fully examined those facilities there is a playground and an ateliers workshop with classes for children from age six.

10. Before you leave Amsterdam, “drop” into the Oud-Hollandsche Snoep winkeltje (Old Holland Candy store). Go Dutch in this old-fashioned candy store that carries sweet and salty drop (licorice), cinnamon sticks and other Dutch favorites.

When visiting Amsterdam be sure to get the Iamsterdam Card for free entrance to the Science Center NEMO and the Van Gogh museum as well as a discount to VOC Ship Amsterdam and discounts to a number of Amsterdam’s other venues, attractions and restaurants. The card can be purchased online or at several Tourist Offices of Amsterdam Tourism & Convention Board.

Now that you’ve learned about Amsterdam’s family-friendly side, I hope you won’t let the Red Light District and Holland’s lenient attitude towards drugs deter you from visiting this lovely city. In fact, visiting with children may help you move beyond the haze of the coffee shop, and allow you to see Amsterdam in a different (non-red) light!

Monique is a native Californian who moved to the Netherlands with her husband 12 years ago. When this mother of two daughters isn’t dragging them around the world, she writes about Netherlands Travel & Lifestyle for the online magazine examiner.com, blogs about her life in the Netherlands as her personal alter ego Ms. Wooden Shoes, and creates itineraries and organizes tours.

Would you consider a trip to Amsterdam with your children? Why or why not? Leave a comment below!

The Best & Worst of Barcelona with Kids

Sunday, May 30th, 2010

Barcelona, the departure city for our 10-night Disney Mediterranean Cruise, just may be the friendliest city I have ever visited. Would I recommend a visit? Definitely! Would I go again? Probably not.

To make the most of our costly air tickets we decided to extend our stay by a few days before and after the cruise. This really gave us a chance to explore this welcoming Spanish town. Barcelona is pretty widespread so be prepared to do a lot of walking and take a cab or two!

Barcelona is the capital of the Catalonia region of Spain. Catalan is one of its official languages, which sounds to me like a mixture of French, Spanish, and Portuguese. I always like to make an effort to speak at least a few words of the native language wherever I visit. Since everyone speaks Spanish too, I didn’t bother tackling Catalan and instead got by with un poquito d’Espanol.

La Boqueria food market along La Rambla

La Rambla
Barcelona is perhaps most famous for La Rambla, the city’s main street which is filled with vendors and street entertainers as well as a live bird fair. My favorite part is La Boqueria, the food market along La Rambla. You can pull up a stool at one of the grills or grab a cornucopia of fruits, veggies, nuts, breads, meats, and cheeses for your own little picnic at Citadel Park. I love a good open air market, and this is one of the best I have ever visited. It is like the world’s best candy store for grown-ups. The burst of colors, scents, flavors, and upbeat energy – it’s overwhelming in its beauty. To me, this is THE best part of Barcelona.

chocolate museum finding nemo sculpture
My daughter, Karissa, posing beside a “Finding Nemo” chocolate sculpture at the Museu de la Xocolata

Chocolate Museum
Any trip to Barcelona with children should include a trip to the Museu de la Xocolata! There are some descriptions of how chocolate came to be eaten and how it is made, but mostly my family browsed through various sculptures made of chocolate in forms like a bull fighting scene, Mickey Mouse, and then two-and-a-half-year-old Karissa’s favorite, Finding Nemo. Afterwards, you can (and should!) purchase a chocolate treat or two at the café!

Rental row boats at Citadel Park

Citadel Park
Barcelona felt a bit stifling due to its lack of greenery. To get your nature fix, take the kiddos to Citadel Park. Rent a rowboat and take a spin around a tiny green lake. Be warned that there were no life jackets available when we visited, which made me a wee nervous while paddling about with a wriggling toddler. Karissa swung on the swings and dug in the sand at a crowded playground here. Visiting a park is one of my favorite things to do when traveling anywhere; kids make friends easily no matter the language barrier and it gives a nice glimpse into the everyday lives of locals.

A day at a Barcelona beach

Beach
If visiting during the summer, you’ll probably want to hit one of Barcelona’s beaches. Bring along some water shoes or pop into one of the shops to get an inflatable ring for kids spoiled by sand beaches who, like my daughter, might whine about their uncomfy tootsies on a pebble beach. Karissa liked digging with her bucket and shovel best; I liked soaking up some Mediterranean sunshine. And the hubs? Well, as an American dude, he was thrilled to get his first peek at a few topless sunbathers. (Sheesh…men!)

Picasso Museum
Phil and I took turns trying to keep Karissa from destroying precious works of art at the impressive Museu Picasso. Pablo Picasso grew up in Barcelona and this museum contains the most extensive collection of his early works. This isn’t necessarily the most kid-friendly destination but it is definitely worth a visit, especially if you are a big fan of Picasso.

An upclose look at one small portion of Barcelona’s famous La Sagrada Familia Cathedral

La Sagrada Familia Cathedral
Construction of La Sagrada Familia Cathedral began in 1882 and is still underway today. This unique cathedral was designed by Antonio Gaudi, one of Barcelona’s most famous residents, for whom the wordy gaudy was coined to describe things that are overly ornate. The cathedral should reach completion within the first third of the 21st century. Promise the kids you’ll stop for ice cream at the park across the street in exchange for good behavior at this one-of-a-kind architectural feat.

park guell fountain
My daughter and the hubs in front of a fountain at Park Guell

Park Guell
Gaudi designed Park Guell as a high-end residential area for the Barcelona elite. Today it is a tourist attraction filled with lovely paths, some breathtaking architecture, and a great view of the city. There isn’t a whole lot to “do” besides walk around and it is a bit of trek to get here so if you are on a tight schedule, this one can be skipped.

paella in barcelona
A Catalonian lunch of Paella

The Food
I have friends who traveled to Barcelona (without children) who rave about the array of tapas bars. The Travel Channel’s Anthony Bourdain has called Spanish cuisine, “the best food in the western world” and here’s a video of Samantha Brown enamored with a garlic-slathered piece of fish along Barcelona’s harbor (I think I ate at this very restaurant!). Our experience, however, was quite different from theirs.

Karissa hated all Spanish food. She refused to eat anything – even items she loves at home like pasta with red sauce, a fried egg served with french fries, and bread with a mild cheese from La Boqueria. While in Barcelona, she lived off of healthy snacks brought from home, fruit, ice cream and chicken nuggets purchased on a daily trek to McDonald’s in an attempt to get some protein into her belly.

I wasn’t a big fan of the food in Barcelona either. I found tapas to be confusing – tacos were white bread served with cheese and a crepe was a plain egg omelet. Or they were too dang greasy since many tapas items came deep-fried. The paella was decent but filled with too many odd creatures from both land and sea for my comfort. My favorite meal in Barcelona actually took place at an Italian restaurant! Now, the Crema Catalunya was a different story. It was like a cross between flan and crème brulee. Muy delicioso!

The rooftop pool at the Grand Marina Hotel

Where to Stay
Eurostars Grand Marina Hotel was recommended to passengers by the Disney Cruise Line and it certainly did not disappoint! We were given a free upgrade to a one-bedroom suite both on our pre- and post-cruise stays, just for asking. (And this was before I was a travel writer so it’s not like we got special treatment!) The staff was beyond courteous, the décor at once modern and elegant, and the location convenient. Every time the staff saw Karissa they cooed at her and handed her a candy; we finally had to ask them to stop offering lollipops to our little one! Plus, our room was HUGE, especially considering European standards. One of my favorite memories of our stay in Barcelona was splashing about in the hotel’s rooftop pool with its stunning view of the harbor spread out before us.

The Verdict
The best thing about Barcelona is its people. Barcelonans are sweet and genuine and they go out of their way to make sure you have a good time in their town. And, as you can see, there is plenty to experience in this vibrant city. Would I recommend a visit? Definitely!

Would I go again? Probably not. I’ve been to Barcelona twice and that’s enough for me. The food was not my family’s favorite and I felt a little nature-starved here. Plus, I feel like I’ve already seen what I wanted to explore and the world is filled with places I have yet to see! Having said that, Disney Cruise Line is setting sail from Barcelona to tour the Mediterranean again this summer. I would happily return to Barcelona for a dip in the Grand Marina’s rooftop pool and several servings of Crema Catalunya before sailing the Med with Mickey again!

What are your thoughts about Barcelona? I know some of you must think I’m nuts for poo-pooing Barcelona’s food. Go ahead…add a comment below!

New York City’s Best Sites, Activities, and Restaurants for Kids

Sunday, November 15th, 2009

I was so impressed after reading Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids that I set up an interview with the book’s author, Meryl Pearlstein. This mom, food critic, traveler, and New York aficionado gave me her picks for her all-time favorite child-friendly sites, activities, and restaurants in the Big Apple. Read on to learn how to win one of nine copies of the Fodor’s guidebooks!

The Brooklyn Bridge with a view of the Manhattan Skyline

Best Museum for Children of All Ages
About the American Museum of Natural History, Meryl said, “What kid doesn’t love dinosaurs? The girls go crazy for the Hall of Gems and all of the diamonds. And there are the kitschy dioramas of animals from when the museum first opened. It’s a museum that every single kid loves!”

Most Child-Friendly Live Entertainment
The New Victory Theatre specializes in performances for families with children such as plays, puppet shows, dance performances, musicals, and juggling acts.

The Conservatory Garden, located in Central Park

Hidden Gem for Families
Central Park’s Conservatory Garden is a free botanical garden that provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. There are three formal gardens with flora, fauna, and fountains that Meryl promises all ages will find interesting.

New York’s Most Interesting Public Space
The Highline was an old rusted-out railroad track that has been transformed into what Meryl called, “an experience unto itself.” While it is not appropriate for the stroller set, teens and tweens love exploring this long, narrow elevated park from Gansevoort Street to 20th Street in the Meat Packing District. You can people watch, grab some tasty food, and watch boats on the river.

New York City’s Central Park

Favorite Free Activities in New York
A visit to Central Park costs nothing and gives visitors a real feel for the city. Plus, it’s a great place for kids to run off steam. There are street performers to watch, rocks to climb, and ball games to join. It’s also free to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to take in double breathtaking views: one of the New York skyline and one of Brooklyn. Meryl said, “There’s nothing like the Brooklyn Bridge experience!”

Best Attraction for Babies and Toddlers
Children’s Museum of Manhattan has areas specifically created for little ones to explore. An area called Play Works is an educational play area designed as a mini-city especially for toddlers. Kids also enjoy the museum’s art projects, sing-alongs, storytelling sessions, and a do-it-yourself puppet theatre.

Preferred Places for Preschoolers
Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Zoo is perfect for preschoolers because its exhibits and educational programs encourage hands-on learning about animals. Its smaller size makes it a manageable activity to tackle with young children. Coney Island’s New York Aquarium entertains children with fish and sea creatures galore as well as popular sea lion shows.

Coolest Site for Grade School Kids
Hayden Planetarium, located in the American Natural History Museum, is a favorite destination for grade school field trips, and for good reason. Kids love to come here to learn about planets, stars, and the moon. Plus, according to Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids, “Movies projected on the IMAX screen offer a perfect way to rest tired feet.”

A tree-lined street in Greenwich Village

Best Activity for Tweens & Teens
As the mom of two teenage boys, Meryl knows this age group is happiest when exploring New York’s neighborhoods. She suggests checking out St. Mark’s Place in the East Village or Bleecker Street in the West Village. Visiting a few hip stores is always a hit – like Hollister, the NBA Store, and H&M. An afternoon stop for a scrumptious dessert is a must. Meryl recommends Max Brenner’s world-renowned chocolate shop or Serendipity3, which is famous for its frozen hot chocolate.

Fantastic Family-Friendly Restaurants
As a foodie, it was difficult for Meryl to narrow down all of New York’s restaurants to name her three favorites for families. She recommends Tony’s diNapoli for Italian food served family-style on big platters for everyone to share; Virgil’s Real Barbecue for succulent barbecued chicken wings, hot links, pulled pork, hot dogs and more; and Ruby Foo’s for Asian fusion cuisine served on Lazy Susans in the center of the tables.

Meryl (a Red Sox fan) is pictured above
with her husband, Jim (a Yankees fan)

For more tips on what to see, what to do, and where to eat, buy a Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids or enter to win one below. From reading the book and talking with Meryl, it is clear that she is passionate about New York and that she loves helping others enjoy her adopted hometown. Meryl has been writing Fodor’s New York City guides since 2005. She writes restaurant reviews for Gayot.com and has written for New York Magazine and the Boston Herald. She is the mother of two boys, ages 15 and 19. Read her blog Meryl Pearlstein’s Travel and Food Notes for travel and food observations from around the world and everything New York City.

Enter to win one of nine copies of Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids. Fodor’s provided the giveaway copies as well as one copy that was sent to me to review. Travel Mamas is picking up the tab for shipping the prizes. Winners will be selected at random using RANDOM.org. Five guides will be awarded this week and another four will be awarded next week. Check back on November 23 to find out who won, how to re-enter, and to learn about traveling during the holidays in New York City with kids. You may enter up to three times, using each method of entry listed below once, by November 21, 2009. THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

1) Add a comment about which New York attraction or restaurant recommended above you would most like to visit and why.

2) Sign up to Become a Travel Mama to receive the Travel Mamas bimonthly e-newsletter. Be sure to mention the Fodor’s Family:New York City with Kids giveaway in the questions or comments field on the electronic form. If you have already subscribed to our newsletter, instead post a second comment below about what you like best about TravelMamas.com.

3) Tweet about this contest on Twitter by copying and pasting the entire phrase below. After tweeting, you must post another comment with a link to your tweet!
I love NY! Visit @TravelMamas to win 1 of 9 Fodor’s Family: New York City with Kids http://bit.ly/1p1XGt

For more information on this topic see:

• New York City Holiday Travel Tips for Families

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Tags: aquarium, botanical garden, Central Park, chocolate, museum, New York, restaurants, theatre, zoo
Posted in Family Vacations, Giveaways, Restaurant Reviews | 48 Comments »