It’s a common dilemma. How do you organize a stimulating family-friendly trip to a US city that will satisfy activity-hungry children but also be interesting enough for accompanying adults? The short answer: visit Seattle.

Seattle is where glass orbs and second-hand chewing gum pass as intergenerational art, and squabbling families can find common ground in museums dedicated to pinball and pop culture.

Is Seattle good for kids?

Take it easy, overworked parent. Seattle will entertain, pacify and often educate your energetic kids without their even realizing it. The city is well set-up for small visitors, but watch out for Seattle's ultra-steep hills if you're pushing a stroller or have kids on scooters. Bathrooms in larger stores and venues will usually have changing tables. Kids often qualify for discounted metro bus and ferry fares.

Best things to do in Seattle with kids

Some of Seattle's kid-friendly attractions are obvious, such as a children's theater and a zoo. Others are more serendipitous: don’t miss the pinball museum or the exciting urban theater of Pike Place Market. ParentMap has child- and family-friendly activity listings around the city.

Seattle Center

The Seattle Center has the most concentrated stash of kid-friendly activities, including the professional Seattle Children’s Theater and the Children’s Museum, which is great for under 10s. In the summer, balloon-twisters, singers and dancers entertain the crowds alfresco. Aside from the interesting and educational permanent displays, the Pacific Science Center has some excellent touring exhibits. Past shows have included Harry Potter movie memorabilia and King Tutankhamun’s jewels. In the Museum of Pop Culture, you could fill an afternoon in the Sound Lab, where adults and kids can requisition drum kits, guitars and keyboards, and even form their own band for the special "On Stage" feature.

Top 23 things to do in Seattle

Space Needle

To satisfy all tastes, hit the Space Needle, where speedy elevators zip visitors to the top of the iconic tower that adorns practically every Seattle postcard. This streamlined, modern-before-its-time tower built for the 1962 World’s Fair has been the city’s defining symbol for more than 50 years. The needle anchors the Seattle Center and draws more than one million annual visitors to its flying saucer–like observation deck and pricey rotating restaurant. Kids will be suitably entertained by the multitude of push-button devices at the summit, including powerful telescopes.

The best time to go to Seattle

Chihuly Garden and Glass

Reinforcing Seattle’s position as a leading city of the arts, the exquisite Chihuly Garden and Glass showcases the life and work of dynamic local sculptor Dale Chihuly. It's possibly the finest collection of curated glass art you'll ever see, and Chihuly uses his playful imagination to cut seamlessly across age boundaries. Wander through Chihuly's creative designs in a suite of interconnected dark and light rooms before being deposited in an airy glass atrium and – finally – a landscaped garden in the shadow of the Space Needle. Glassblowing demonstrations are a highlight.

Woodland Park Zoo

Woodland Park Zoo is considered one of the best zoos in the USA, and it's home to 300 species, including snow leopards, lions and tigers. It was one of the first in the country to free animals from their restrictive cages in favor of ecosystem enclosures, where creatures from similar environments share large spaces designed to replicate their natural surroundings. Feature exhibits include a tropical rainforest, two gorilla exhibits, an African savanna and an Indian rhino reserve.

Seattle Aquarium

Situated on Pier 59 in an attractive wooden building, the Seattle Aquarium is a handy distraction for families with itchy-footed kids. The entry lobby instantly impresses with a giant fish-filled tank called "Window on Washington Waters," and background music is sometimes provided by live string quartets. The aquarium houses harbor seals and resident sea and river otters, which float comically on their backs. An underwater dome on the lower level gives a pretty realistic glimpse of the kind of fish that inhabit the waters of Puget Sound, and the daily diver show is the best of the aquarium's live events. For kids, there are plenty of hands-on exhibits, including a pool where they can stroke starfish and caress sea urchins.

Seattle Pinball Museum

Got kids? Got kid-like tendencies? Love the buzzers and bells of good old-fashioned analog machines? Lay aside your iPad apps and become a pinball wizard for the day at the Seattle Pinball Museum, a fantastic games room in the International District, with machines from 1960s retro to 2020s futuristic. Admission buys you unlimited games on everything from a 1963-vintage Gottlieb to a 2012 AC/DC-themed Stern that blasts out tinny versions of "Back in Black." Stools are provided for vertically challenged youngsters while bottled beer from the local Elysian brewery will quench parents' thirst.

Pike Place Market

A cavalcade of noise, smells, personalities, banter and urban theater sprinkled liberally around a spatially challenged waterside strip, Pike Place Market is Seattle in a bottle. In operation since 1907 and still as soulful today as it was on day one, this wonderfully local experience highlights the city for what it really is: all-embracing, eclectic and proudly unique. Incidental market entertainment includes charismatic fish throwers who lob scaly salmon back and forth with the dexterity of baseball pitchers and buskers who spin hula hoops while playing guitar. Even shopping here can be passed off as kid-friendly. Aspiring magicians and pranksters should head to Market Magic, which sells fake dog poop, stink bombs, water-squirting rings and magic tricks. Elsewhere, the spooky apothecary of Tenzing Momo looks straight out of Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books. An obligatory lunch stop is Beecher’s Handmade Cheese, an artisanal cheesemaker that stirs curds in a street-side window.

25 free things to do in Seattle

Gum Wall

Seattle's famous gum wall, a communal art project open to any passing adult or child with their mouth full of chewing gum, is one of those cultural monuments you can smell before you even see it. The sweet aroma of chewed gum wafts from this strip of Post Alley, which is completely covered in the stuff. It's a popular selfie spot, and is worth a peek for the sheer magnitude of it alone. It cannot be emphasized enough just how much gum there is!

Olympic Sculpture Park

Olympic Sculpture Park, an ingenuous feat of urban planning, is an official offshoot of the Seattle Art Museum and bears the same strong eye toward design and curation. There are more than 20 sculptures to stop at and admire in this green space that sprawls out over reclaimed urban decay. You can also enjoy them in passing while traversing the park's winding trails.

Alki Beach

Alki Beach has an entirely different feel from the rest of Seattle: on a sunny day this 2-mile stretch of sand could be confused for California. It's ideal for sandcastle building and all of those other age-old seaside pleasures. There’s a bike path, volleyball courts on the sand, and rings for beach fires. Look for the miniature Statue of Liberty, donated by the Boy Scouts. There are good tide pools further west around the lighthouse.

The 11 best beaches in Seattle

Where to eat with kids in Seattle

Most restaurants in Seattle are kid-friendly. The only places you’re likely to see "No Minors" signs are pubs, gastropubs and dive bars, though many pubs will serve families as long as you don’t sit at the bar. Some places introduce a no-kids policy after 10pm.

Pike Place Market has the widest selection of cheap, immediately available food and is a fun place to hang out and eat. You’ll struggle to find anyone (kid or adult) who doesn’t fall instantly in love with the mac 'n' cheese cartons sold at Beecher's Handmade Cheese or the flaky pastries rolled before your eyes at Piroshky Piroshky. Belltown’s La Vita é Bella is a traditional family-friendly Italian trattoria. Every youthful visitor to Seattle should be allowed at least one treat from Top Pot Hand-Forged Doughnuts, preferably for breakfast. Ivar’s Acres of Clams makes a good post-aquarium fish-and-chips lunch. Watch out for the hungry seagulls!

This article was originally published in December 2014.

You might also like:
The Space Needle: get to know this Seattle icon
A guide to Seattle's Alki Beach
The 8 best day trips from Seattle

Best things to do with kids in Seattle

Isolated, volcanic, beautiful, culturally significant. Hawaii is many things. From soaring over scalloped mountains to strolling along iconic beach resorts, or from learning to hula to exploring the fiery legends of Pele, each island has its own unique charms and experiences.

Whatever island you decide to visit, Hawaii's charms are plentiful and profound. Here are the Aloha State's top experiences.

Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Big Island

Set on the sloping flanks of the world’s most active volcano – whose latest eruption ended in 2021 – this extraordinary park is a dramatic reminder that nature remains very much alive and in perpetual motion. Incredible hiking trails take in lava flows and tubes, steam vents and wild beaches, while a long, winding downhill drive leads past several major sights.

Introducing Hawaii's national parks

Na Pali Coast

The Na Pali Coast deserves to top every Kaua‘i visitor’s to-do list. Admire it from a cruising catamaran, or pit your paddle and kayak against the elements. Hikers can see it close-up on the demanding 11-mile Kalalau Trail. Whether you’re on a day hike or a backpacking expedition, you’ll encounter a place like no other, where verdant cliffs soar above the waterfalls of wilderness valleys.

Road to Hana, Maui

A white-knuckle roller-coaster of a ride, the Hana Highway in Maui twists through dense jungly valleys and skirts beneath mighty cliffs, curling around 600 twists and turns along the way. Fifty-four one-lane bridges cross nearly as many waterfalls ­– some eye-popping torrents, others soothing and gentle. Driving is only half the thrill. Get out and swim in a Zen-like pool, hike a ginger-scented trail and savor fresh guava and coconuts.

Waikiki, O‘ahu

Hawaii's most famous resort, adjoining Honolulu, had become a haven for tacky plastic lei, coconut-shell bikini tops and motorized, hip-shaking hula dolls. But real aloha and chic-modern style have returned. Beach boys and girls surf legendary waves by day, and after sunset tiki torches light up the sand. Every night hula dancers – backed by slack key guitars and ukuleles – sway to ancient and modern rhythms at oceanfront hotels, open-air bars and even shopping malls.

The 14 best beaches in Hawaii

Haleakalā National Park, Maui

As you hike into Haleakalā, the first thing you notice is the crumbly lunar landscape. Then comes the eerie quiet – the only sound is the crunching of volcanic cinders beneath your feet. The trail continues through a tableau of stark lava, rainbow-colored cinder cones and ever-changing clouds. In the park’s coastal section, waterfalls tumble into brilliant pools flanked by trails, viewpoints and a bamboo forest.

The 10 best hikes in Hawaii

Merrie Monarch Festival

Ever seen a resort luau (Hawaiian feast) show? Entertaining, for sure. But, to see authentic hula – performed to invoke gods and legends through chant and dance – attend this prestigious hula competition held in Hilo every Easter week. The catch? You must book tickets a year in advance. Fans fly in from around the world for this one. Even without tickets, you can enjoy a parade, craft fair and free performances.

Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor © Pung / Shutterstock" data-embed-button="images" data-entity-embed-display="media_image" data-entity-embed-display-settings="{"image_style":"","image_link":""}" data-entity-type="media" data-entity-uuid="088e4f68-d995-496b-b846-4c272657fe19" data-langcode="en" title="The USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor">

Pearl Harbor

Pearl Harbor is best known for the 1941 attack on the USS Arizona, now a sobering memorial that still draws many veterans, tourists and military history buffs to Oʻahu. But the history of this place, and many of Hawaii's active US military bases, goes back much further, even before the colonization and annexation of the islands in the 20th century as a growing United States flexed its imperial muscle. The very name "Pearl Harbor" is a translation of the Native Hawaiian name Wai Momi. Nearby, military history buffs can clamber around inside the USS Bowfin submarine, tour the aircraft hangars of the Pacific Aviation Museum and stand on the decks of the "Mighty Mo" battleship, where Imperial Japan formally surrendered in 1945.

What you need to know about traveling to Hawaii this summer

Hanalei Bay, Kaua‘i

Repeatedly voted among the USA's very best beaches, this crescent-shaped bay on Kaua‘i’s North Shore delights lazy sunbathers and active beachgoers alike. Surfers can charge massive (and some beginner) waves, while onlookers amble along the golden sands. Surf lessons take place near the pier, and every afternoon locals and visitors fire up barbecue grills, crack open cold brews and watch the daylight fade.

Molokini

Hawaiian legend says that Molokini was a beautiful woman turned to stone by a jealous Pele, goddess of fire and volcanoes. Today Molokini is the stuff of legends among scuba divers and snorkelers. The crescent-shaped rock, only a few miles off the South Maui coast, is the rim of an ancient volcanic crater that has eroded over eons and sunk back beneath the ocean's surface. The shallow waters cradled within are a more than hospitable spot for coral and a calling card for more than 250 species of tropical fish.

ʻIolani Palace

No other place evokes a more poignant sense of Hawaii’s history. The palace was built under King David Kalakaua in 1882. At that time, the Hawaiian monarchy observed many of the diplomatic protocols of the Victorian world. The king traveled abroad, meeting with leaders around the globe, and received foreign emissaries here. Although the palace was modern and opulent for its time, it did little to assert Hawaii’s sovereignty over powerful US-influenced business interests, who overthrew the kingdom in 1893. Two years after the coup, the former queen, Liliʻuokalani, who had succeeded her brother David to the throne, was convicted of treason and spent nine months imprisoned here, her former home.

Surfing Oʻahu's North Shore

When giant rollers come crashing in, head to Oʻahu's North Shore for a glimpse of Hawaii's surfing rock stars (you can also spot them riding pro-worthy waves at Maui's Hoʻokipa Beach and Kauaʻi's own North Shore). No need to pull out a camera lens larger than a howitzer – you can practically look these surfers in the eye as they paddle into monster surf. Or experience the adrenaline rush for yourself by learning to ride da kine (the best kind of) waves. Hang loose, brah!

When to visit Hawaii

Waimea Canyon

Carved by aeons of erosion and the collapse of the volcano that formed Kauaʻi, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" stretches 10 miles long, 1 mile wide and more than 3600ft deep. Roadside lookouts along the sinuous scenic drive survey russet cliffs, towering waterfalls and endless abysses. Steep trails lead hikers down to the canyon floor, out to coastal headlands, and deep into the mountaintop swamps.

Waipiʻo Valley, Big Island

A mysterious green bowl filled with ghosts and legends. A sacred site. A retreat from the outside world. Waipiʻo 's special distillation of all these makes it irresistible. Some simply snap their photos from the panoramic overlook, one of the Big Island’s most iconic views. Others trek down to the valley floor with a local guide to stroll a black sand beach and peer at distant waterfalls while hearing the stories and legends of the surrounding region.

Why Hawaii may be the world’s best place to see rainbows

Night Diving & Snorkeling with Mantas

The alien wonders of the ocean become accessible to all on the Big Island. Take a night snorkeling or scuba diving trip near Kailua-Kona and come face to face, eye to eye and sometimes belly to belly with enormous Pacific manta rays. These graceful giants glide like dark angels beneath you, dancing a shadowy ballet that is heart-wrenchingly beautiful and utterly fascinating. Best of all, you don't need to be an expert in the water to enjoy this unforgettable adventure.

Mauna Kea, Big Island

In Hawaiian tradition, the summit of the islands’ tallest mountain, Mauna Kea on the Big Island, is the point where the earth and the heavens meet. Contemporary astronomers feel much the same way, and have in the last fifty years taken advantage of the clearest air on the planet to erect ever more powerful observatories – in many cases meeting with hundreds of Native Hawaiian protestors, who hold the mountain sacred. While science and spirituality remain at loggerheads, visitors can still join mountaintop stargazing sessions.

Honolulu, O‘ahu

In Hawaii's cosmopolitan capital on O‘ahu's southern shoreline, you can eat your way through the pan-Asian alleys of Chinatown, gaze out to sea from the landmark Aloha Tower and explore the USA’s only royal palace, where Hawaii’s last monarch languished under house arrest. Browse at the world's largest open-air shopping center, then pay your respects at Pearl Harbor.

Moloka'i

More than half of Moloka‘i ’s people have Indigenous heritage, and locals favor preservation of land and culture over schemes promoting tourism. Yet visitors find a genuine welcome, and the aloha spirit is everywhere. As well as the forbidding, spectacular Kalaupapa Peninsula, island sights include the end-of-the-road Halawa Valley, home to hundreds of sacred taro patches, ancient temples and waterfalls pounding into swimmable pools.

Kihei & Wailea, Maui

Famed for phenomenal swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and sunny skies, the beaches of South Maui are world class. In winter, whales congregate immediately off shore, while snorkel cruises head out year-round. The further south you go, the more magnificent the beaches become, culminating in superb, mile-long Big Beach. If you’re not staying in exclusive Wailea, thank Hawaii’s beach-access laws, which allow you to visit these beautiful strands anyway, with dedicated public parking lots.

You might also like:
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is still a hot destination
How to visit Hawaii on a budget
The top 7 places to dive with sharks

17 best places to visit in Hawaii

Travelers are enchanted by Colorado's diversity, beauty and grandeur, not forgetting the lure of its endless powder runs and surprisingly cosmopolitan arts and dining scenes.

The best-known Rocky Mountain state has granite behemoths that rise abruptly, crinkled and snowcapped out of the Great Plains. It's adventure central, with world-class skiing, biking, rafting, hiking, wildlife watching and more to be enjoyed. It also offers up its fair share of both high and low culture, and is home to Red Rocks, one of the best amphitheaters in the US, as well as a host of microbreweries.

Here are some of the great things to do and places to go to make the most from your trip to Colorado.

Garden of the Gods

The Garden of the Gods public park is an absolute must-see for visitors to Colorado. Designated a National Natural Landmark in 1971, the gorgeous vein of red sandstone at the park is about 290 million years old, and its mountain backdrop is particularly striking. Things to do there include exploring the network of paved and unpaved trails, enjoying a picnic and watching climbers test their nerve on the sometimes flaky rock.

Bear in mind that scrambling up the rocks is prohibited, and a permit is required for climbing and bouldering. Rock Ledge Ranch, a living history museum near the park entrance, is worth a visit for those interested in the lives of Native Americans and 19th-century homesteaders in the region.

Rocky Mountain National Park

With elk grazing under granite walls, alpine meadows set afire with wildflowers in the summer, and a glorious mountain road winding its way over the Continental Divide, the natural splendor of Rocky Mountain National Park packs a wallop. To really see the park, leave the main road behind, lace up your boots and head into the backcountry.

Trails cater to every ability and ambition, from epic outings up Longs Peak to family-friendly romps in the Bear Lake area. And with a little effort, you can have the place to yourself.

Read more: The 5 best hikes in Rocky Mountain National Park

Denver

No trip to Colorado would be complete without exploring its capital, Denver. It's one of the fastest growing cities in the US, and was also chosen as a top city in Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2020. Expect great weather, good restaurants, even better bars, and a pretty lively arts and music scene.

The entire city is connected through a fabulous series of bike paths and parks. Explore unique neighborhoods, get lost in museums or just connect with the eclectic mix of people that are building a new take on Rocky Mountain living.

Mesa Verde National Park

Ancient culture, natural beauty and the imagination collide in this one-of-a-kind archaeological site, which was accredited as the 100th International Dark Sky Park in 2021. You don't just walk into the past at Mesa Verde National Park, the site of 600 ancient cliff dwellings. You scramble up ladders, scale rock faces and crawl through tunnels.

The superb Cliff Palace can be seen on an hour-long ranger-led tour that should be reserved in advance and requires visitors to climb down a stone stairway and four 10ft ladders. The tour retraces the steps taken by the Ancestral Puebloans who lived in the cliff dwellings and vacated the site in AD 1300.

Dude Ranches

With wide-open ranges, wildflower meadows and snow-kissed peaks, seeing Colorado from the saddle is an atavistic experience perfect for the whole family. Dude ranch experiences range from the real and rustic charm of herding cattle on a bona fide ranch in South Park to venturing out to a remote bison ranch with green credentials, or riding horses in the luxuriant Rocky Mountain retreat of Devil’s Thumb.

If you decide to saddle up for overnight adventures in Colorado's dude ranches, accommodation ranges from five-star refurbished log cabins with mod cons to starlit camps with an eye on the Milky Way.

Read more: How America's premier dude ranch spurred a century of wild west vacations

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park

For sheer drama, you can't beat the arresting sights of the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. A massive cleft in the landscape, the deep, narrow abyss unexpectedly opens from the subdued undulations of the surrounding tablelands.

The sheer walls of the Black Canyon – so called because daylight only briefly illuminates the narrow canyon floor – are dizzying in height, scored with eerie crevices and pinnacles, and veined with multicolored mineral deposits. It's the place to go to see important and pretty cool geologic features.

Sup in microbreweries

Colorado consistently ranks among the top three states for microbreweries per capita, and craft brewing has been elevated to a high art throughout. Hop-heavy brews, pH-changing sours and light lagers are all produced with passion in long-established and start-up operations. Among the state’s many masters, Great Divide Brewing Company consistently stands out and offers free family-friendly tours of its downtown Denver brewhouse.

Each September, Denver hosts the Great American Beer Festival, luring in 780-odd brewers and over 60,000 enthusiastic drinkers. Whatever town you're visiting, from tiny Del Norte to beer-centric Fort Collins, you won't go thirsty at any time of the year.

Aspen

Aspen takes on new shades and personalities with the seasons, and it is singular in its beauty, style and riches. Put quite simply, it's one of the world's best mountain resorts. In the summer, you can enjoy outdoor concerts and amazing hikes, while the four unique ski hills bring speed and exhilaration when the snows come and cover the resorts with champagne powder.

Entertainment comes in the form of fancy restaurants, rip-roaring clubs and more. This is where the beautiful people go to be seen. And yet, there's a touch of those frontiersman roots that bore this city. And that's where the magic is found.

Colorado National Monument

The Colorado National Monument is the crown jewel of the Western Slope, where the setting sun alights otherworldly red-rock formations. Hike its starkly beautiful landscape or watch from camp as lightning storms roll across the distant plains.

These canyons rise from the Uncompahgre Uplift of the Colorado Plateau, 2000ft above the Grand Valley of the Colorado River, to reveal a stunning view. Once dinosaur country, this 32-sq-mile scenic wonder is one of the most rewarding side trips possible from an interstate highway, well worth a detour by car but even better for backcountry exploration. Open all year, the Monument is an exceptional area for hiking, camping and road biking.

Boulder

Whatever you do, don't miss a day in Boulder. Tucked up against the signature Flatirons and the sudden swell of the Front Range, the beauty of this little village on the edge of Eden will take your breath away.

The lively epicenter is the pedestrian-only Pearl St Mall – ideal for street theater, shopping and dining out – but it's the surrounding outdoors that really captivates. Best of all, Boulder has experimental theater, fine arts centers, symphonies, street art and interesting foodie scenes that are evolving beyond Colorado's traditional frontiers attitude to the culinary arts.

Drive the Million-Dollar Highway

Deep in the San Juan Mountains, the Million Dollar Highway is one of Colorado’s most mind-blowing scenic drives. Driving this asphalt sliver between the towns of Ouray and Silverton positions drivers on the outside edge, a heartbeat from free fall.

Much of it is cut into the mountains and gains elevation by switching back in tight hairpins and S-bends. The brooding mountains loom large and close, snow clinging to their lofty, mist-shrouded peaks even in high summer. In good weather the road is formidable; in drizzle, rain, fog or snow, it can be downright scary. Be sure to take advantage of pullouts; the Red Mountain Pass (11,018ft) is a favorite for its 360-degree views.

Fort Collins

Fort Collins is worth a trip because it is unassuming, direct, free-loving and gorgeous. The core downtown areas feature a world-class university campus, raucous nightlife, playful Victorian houses and tree-bordered avenues. A growing food scene, some fun galleries and arts exhibits, and Colorado's best collection of microbreweries add icing to the cake.

Simply walking through campus or the old town is fascinating, and from there, you could go out for a ride on one of the area's many bike trails, a tube on the Poudre River or climbing adventures at Horsetooth Reservoir.

Coors Field

The Colorado Rockies play baseball at the highly-rated Coors Field from April to September. If you want to be close enough to smell the freshly-cut grass, buy tickets at the club level. If you're on a budget, you can't beat the Rockpile, located right behind centerfield, where admission costs less than $10 and the fans are their most exuberant. Tours of the stadium are available year round and include access to the field and Press Club.

Marijuana

Colorado was the birthplace of legal weed in the US and Coloradans have taken the 'High Arts' to new levels. There are cannabis tour buses, hotels and clubs and even a church - the International Church of Cannabis. While flower can’t be consumed on the premises unless you’re a member and it's a special event, the rainbow-hued nave is a sight to behold.

Bus and limo tours by Colorado Cannabis Tours include stops at a grow operation, up to three different dispensaries, a glass-blowing demo and, of course, a grub-run at Cheba Hut, a cannabis-themed sandwich shop. Tours leave from a designated spot near Denver's Union Station.

Read more: A guide to the best cannabis dispensaries, lodging and experiences in Denver

Durango

The cultural capital of southwest Colorado, Durango is a lovely town, rich in history yet elegantly modernized. The central precinct dates back to the 1880s, when the historic mining town was founded. Still tastefully authentic, it's a great base for exploring the San Juan mountain range and Mesa Verde National Park.

The town offers the perfect combination of easy access to adventures by river, bike and ski, super-cool locals and a fun nightlife scene powered by the local college kids. There's also plenty of great eateries, drinking holes and boutiques to check out.

Farm-to-fork dining

Colorado takes great pride in sustainable dining, and it's not uncommon to sit down to grass-fed burgers at a local pub that brews its own ale. The abundance is apparent at city farmers markets and gourmet food halls, where aspiring chefs test their recipes and new concepts.

From handcrafted ice cream sold from carts to the auteur restaurant with an amuse-bouche like a first kiss, Colorado dares to feature top-quality local ingredients as the new gold. Treat your taste buds at the Kitchen, with locations in Boulder and Denver.

Great Sand Dunes National Park

Ringed by mountain peaks and glassy wetlands, Great Sand Dunes National Park is both eerie and amazing. Sculpted by wind and seemingly straight out of Arabia, these 55 sq miles of sand dunes appear out of nowhere. Watch as angles of sunlight form shifting shadows and the wind wipes clean your footprints.

The most dramatic time is day’s end, when sunset puts the dunes in high contrast. Most visitors limit their activities to the area where Medano Creek divides the main dune mass from the towering Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The remaining 85% of the park’s area is designated wilderness: not for the unfit or fainthearted.

Rafting the Arkansas River

Those daring enough to try white water rafting should head to the most popular river in Colorado - the Arkansas River. Running from Leadville down the eastern flank of Buena Vista, through Browns Canyon National Monument, and then rocketing through the spectacular Royal Gorge at class V speeds, it's the most diverse, the longest and arguably the wildest river in the state.

The National Monument includes one of the most beloved stretches of whitewater – class III-IV rapids that are perfect for all skill levels. Views of granite rock formations and abundant wildlife are sure to make for an unforgettable adventure.

Vail

Darling of the rich and sometimes famous, Vail resembles an elaborate amusement park for grown-ups, where every activity has been designed to send a tingle down your spine. Indeed, this is one of Colorado’s best resorts, with 5000-plus acres of powdery back bowls, front-side mogul runs and wickedly fun terrain.

Whether it’s your first time on a snowboard or you’re flashing perfect turns, this might very well be the ski trip of your dreams. Sun seekers will be surprised at the excellent biking and hiking in the summer.

Dinosaur National Monument

One of the few places on earth where you can literally get your hands on a dinosaur skeleton, Dinosaur National Monument is tucked into the far northwest corner of Colorado, stretching across state lines to Utah. Among the largest dinosaur fossil beds in North America, it was discovered in 1909.

Explore desert trails, examine ancient rock art or raft the Yampa River through the serene landscape of its twisting red-rock canyons. The visitor center overlooks thousands of bones in the Dinosaur Quarry.

Breckenridge

Every mountain town in Colorado has its own distinct personality, but when it comes to the overall youngest, coolest and most in-your-face fun? That might be historic Breckenridge, where you'll find quirky museums alongside youth hostels, funky restaurants rubbing shoulders with kick-back breweries, and so many peaks outside of town they were numbered instead of named.

A short spin from Denver, Breck offers the perfect introduction to the Colorado high country: gold-panning history, hiking, cycling, clear mountain streams and, of course, lots and lots of snow.

Hike Colorado's fourteeners

Pikes Peak is the most famous of Colorado's 54 fourteeners - peaks that rise more than 14,000 feet above sea level - and more than half a million visitors climb it every year. There are various ways to ascend the peak the Ute tribe originally called the 'Mountain of the Sun.' It's a demanding hike as it's 13.5 miles straight up, but well worth it for the amazing views.

Whether you decide to hike a short trail – just 3 miles to Quandary Peak near Breckenridge – tackle a multiday route to Longs Peak in Rocky Mountain National Park or make a run at Mt Elbert – the tallest of them all – one adage holds true: no pain, no gain.

Read more: The great Colorado 'fourteener' road trip

Mountain biking in the Southwest

Although singletrack enthusiasm is ubiquitous in Colorado, the trails zigzagging the red-rock landscape around Fruita are truly world class. Sure, it’s in the middle of nowhere, but the fanatical riders here wouldn’t have it any other way.

Other hot spots for mountain biking are the sagebrush hills and aspens around Crested Butte, the epic Monarch Crest Trail outside Salida and the lesser-known desert trails near Cortez. Nearly every ski resort now has a mountain-bike park. A spectrum of technical difficulty presents opportunities. Check at local bike shops for trail info.

Denver Art Museum

Delve into one of the richest art collections in the state at the Denver Art Museum. Home to one of the largest Native American art collections in the US, it puts on special multimedia exhibits that vary from treasures of British art to Star Wars costumes.

Ride steam trains

You don’t have to be a train-spotter to appreciate a good belch of vintage coal-powered steam, the whine of steel on steel and a narrow-gauge train rolling slowly through dynamite-cut tunnels and along ridges blessed with some of the most stunning mountain vistas and canyon drop-offs imaginable. The best of the bunch is the impossibly scenic 45-mile Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, and there are railroad museums at both ends of the line.

The Georgetown Loop and Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad are other worthwhile rides, and modern-day riders will love the Amtrak runs to Winter Park and Glenwood Springs. A much-loved treat comes in the shape of the Broadmoor Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world's highest cog railroad. It reopened in 2021 and brings visitors on a scenic train journey up Pikes Peak.

You might also like:

Top 21 things to do in Denver
Best free things to do in Colorado
Top 5 best hikes in Colorado

Top 25 things to do in Colorado

The island of Hawaiʻi, nicknamed the Big Island, is both the largest and youngest island in the Hawaiian archipelago, and it owes its size and age – to say nothing of its deepest cultural bedrock and even very existence – to its iconic volcanoes.

The soil of the Big Island is laced with minerals uplifted from the earth via volcanic activity, and the dirt incubates the island’s agricultural bounty. Its world-famous beaches are white and sometimes scattered with black volcanic sand, while the coast was formed by a ballet duet danced between the ocean and spewing lava.

The mana of magma in Hawaiʻi

The Hawaiian culture has always detected a rich vein of mana – admittedly reductively explained as "vital energy," but there's no good English translation of this Polynesian concept – that infuses the island. This life force is omnipresent and fierce, and it manifests in everything from the surreal overgrowth jungle of Puna to the indigo and ocher desert intensity of the Kohala Coast.

And yet we cannot consider the raw creative power of lava without acknowledging its destructive potential. The volcanic energy of the island of Hawaiʻi creates life, but it can also manifest itself in lava flows that destroy homes, shut down roads and, if approached too closely, threaten bodily harm. The sheer power of Hawaiʻi’s volcanism is something to be fascinated by, but it also deserves solemn respect. Indeed, federal, state and local authorities exercise and advise a degree of circumspection at the island’s main volcano sites, such as in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park.

Natural wonders of the Big Island

The landscape of the island of Hawaiʻi takes form in the great vine-laced forests of Puna and Kaʻū and the emerald valleys of the Hāmākua Coast. But it also manifests in the sunburned deserts of the Kohala Coast, studded with a moonscape of lava rock fields and dusty yellow grass. All of this land is the byproduct of volcanic activity, and that activity stems from five of the island’s most recognizable features: the shield volcanoes of Maunakea, Maunaloa, Hualālai, Kohala and Kīlauea.

Pele, the Polynesian deity of fire and creation, is said to live in Kīlauea’s Halemaʻumaʻu crater, which was dramatically reshaped by lava activity in lower Puna in 2018. Pele is capricious and creative, and this dual capacity to both burn a home and leave the dark lava that the island grows out of is still in her. A good way to honor Pele is to visit and marvel at her volcanic home, which is the centerpiece of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. Halemaʻumaʻu crater, Pele’s home, dramatically expanded in size and depth, and in doing so, destroyed the old overlook parking area.

You can still see wide swaths of the moonscape ash and stone uplands that make up the park’s unique landscape. Chain of Craters Road winds 20 miles and 3700ft down the southern slopes of Kilauea Volcano, ending abruptly at the East Rift Zone on the Puna Coast. Along the Sulphur Banks Trail, a wooden boardwalk weaves between misty, rocky vents stained chartreuse, yellow, orange and other psychedelic colors by tons of sulfur-infused steam rising from deep within the earth. Nearby is an artists' colony known as Volcano; many of the artists who live here claim direct inspiration from Pele herself.

Valleys of the Kings

Like furrows dug by the fingers of a great Polynesian deity, a series of erosional valleys claw out the northeastern coast of the island of Hawaiʻi. Two of these, Pololū Valley and Waipiʻo Valley, can be viewed from their lookouts. Both valleys were, and still are, vital to the culture of past and present Native Hawaiians. Their fecund soil is a byproduct of volcanic activity, and from this dark dirt grew great fields of kalo (taro), which were foundational to Polynesian culture and caloric intake. It was this boundless fertility, to say nothing of the valley’s natural defensibility, that led to Waipiʻo’s position as capital and seat of power of Hawaiʻi’s early ali ʻ i (kings).

The sheer energy that seems to emanate from the valleys can be traced to the island’s volcanoes, and this power, to some, still has magical, mystical connotations. Even today, the valleys are said to be home to the island’s menehune, a magical race of little people of Hawaiian legend. While the slopes of Hualālai volcano, which overlooks Kona, do not have the royal associations of Pololū and Waipiʻo, they share the same fertile volcanic soil. The high mineral concentrations embedded in the jungly dirt of South Kona feed the coffee harvest of the island of Hawaiʻi. The Kona-grown coffee, perhaps this island’s iconic agricultural product, owes its existence to local volcanoes.

Landscape of lava

The dry zone of the Kohala Coast is hot. This is not the jungle tropical paradise you may imagine when you think of Hawaii; this is a lava desert riven with great veins of lava rock, the evidence of previous lava flows. Lava is divided into two camps: p ā hoehoe and ʻ aʻ ā. P ā hoehoe lava pours in thick, liquid ropes, drying into the same ripples and folds like a bar of melted chocolate. It is smooth to walk on, and in direct sun, the black rock breaks the light into pinpoint silicate rainbows.

In some ways, all you need to know about ʻ aʻ ā lava (pronounced "ah-ahh") is its name. The joke goes the Hawaiians named the rock for the sound one makes when it is stepped on. ʻ Aʻ ā lava is full of gas bubbles, and when the liquid cools into rock, the result is a light, yet painfully spiny stone that is more fun to admire from afar than next to.

Lonely Planet has produced this article for The Hawaiian Islands. All editorial views are those of Lonely Planet alone and reflect our policy of editorial independence and impartiality.

This article was originally published in October 2018.

Exploring the volcanic wonders of Hawaii's Big Island

Whether you’re a free-spirited nature lover or simply a sophisticated city dweller who appreciates a daily dose of sunshine, the inhabitants of Los Angeles can all agree that one undeniable draw to living in the City of Angels is its near-perfect weather all year round. With reliable blue skies, ocean breezes, and consistent comfortable temperatures, L.A. takes a lot of pride in offering unique outdoor spaces and leisurely activities for locals and tourists alike--and at the top of that list is its stunning city parks.

L.A. is a sprawling metropolis with a wide range of eclectic neighborhoods and cultural attractions, so it’s no surprise that the best city parks are just as vast and extraordinary. Whether you’re looking for a flat outdoor space to let the kids roam free and play, or perhaps a more rugged environment to hike the hills with pets and take in some inspiring views, the best public parks in Los Angeles have something for everyone.

Echo Park

Summer in Echo Park is undeniably beautiful, the geyser fountains gush to the sky, the lotus flowers bloom and the lake glitters with the reflection of the surrounding palms. The park is surrounded by shingled craftsmen homes that rise with the steep streets and looming hills to the north, and blessed with keyhole Downtown views to the south. This fountain lake park is patronized by cool rockers, laid-back vatos (dudes), flocks of ducks and crows and is home to wild, wind-rustled palms.

Soak up the scenery and kick off summer with a ride in one of the dreamy swan boats available to rent, and be sure to pay your respects to the elegant Lady of the Lake statue while in the area. For those looking to feel the burn, there’s also over two dozen sets of stairs located around Echo Park, including the set at 1501 Baxter St. that ends at 2101 Park Drive. This 231-step ascent rewards you with spectacular views of the downtown skyline, the Griffith Observatory, and the Hollywood Sign.

The city recently poured $1.1 million in improvements to the former reservoir turned public recreation area, including trimming trees, renovating the boathouse, enhancing the kids’ play area, and removing a reported 35 tons of trash from the lake. Included in the renovation was the forced removal of over 200 people who were living in the park while experiencing homelessness, which was met with criticism from locals and advocates alike.

Elysian Park

Across the street from Echo Park and nearby Dodger Stadium is L.A.’s oldest park: Elysian Park. Founded in 1886, it is big and beautiful and the epitome of an urban park, boasting iconic palm tree groves, open grassy areas, ball fields, tennis courts, and even a dog hill, for canine owners to have a field day with their four-legged friends. For hikers, the Wildflower Trail here clocks in at just under three miles and less than 200 feet in elevation, making it one of the easiest ways to get a glimpse of a variety of beautiful wildflowers. Wildflower Trail offers views of downtown L.A., the L.A. River and the back of Mount Washington, as well the pleasant setting of a community garden.

Exposition Park

Possibly one of the most charming hidden gems in Los Angeles is Exposition Park, located near the University of Southern California campus. Immerse yourself in the fragrant rose garden blossoming amongst gazebos, a beautiful central fountain and historical brick buildings and stately museums, reminding us of a romantic era of years past. After you enjoy your time outdoors, skip over to a few of the city’s must-see museums including the California African American Museum, California Science Center, and Natural History Museum to round out your exploratory afternoon. No need to worry about entry costs for these attractions, all of these museums offer free admission.

Grand Hope Park

Dubbed as “the park for everyone,” this small but peaceful park in downtown L.A. is decorated with pleasant water features and mosaic tiled buildings. Throughout this urban oasis visitors can find open spaces not only for casual sitting and leisurely strolling, but also for civic gatherings. Grand Hope Park offers amenities ranging from a restored historic Arthur J. Will Memorial Fountain with a new wade-able membrane pool, an inviting performance lawn for concerts, a grand event lawn, and a community terrace with an ample display of flora and fauna for all to enjoy.

Griffith Park

World-famous Griffith Park is possibly the most well-known and beloved public park in all of L.A. and for good reason. This massive outdoor space is one of the largest urban parks in the country and offers over 70 miles of crisscrossed hiking and biking trails, several mountain peaks, three golf courses, and endless attractions for visitors of all ages. There’s The Greek Theatre, Griffith Observatory, and Amir’s Garden, plus the Old Zoo, Travel Town, The Southern Railroad, Walt’s Barn and pony rides for the younger set. If there’s one park to see in SoCal, it’s arguably this iconic one.

Polliwog Park

Kids of all ages will absolutely love Polliwog Park, the largest park in the South Bay. Three well-shaded play areas include a lighthouse structure, countless swings, a playground, and so much more. Nearby, you’ll find a picnic area with plenty of tables and barbecues for entertaining purposes, as well as three gazebos, a nine-hole disc golf course, an exercise area, and an amphitheater! There’s also the city’s historical museum, a dog run, and a large pond, where you can admire a handful of adorable ducks and geese, as well as a wildlife refuge. It’s no surprise that this family-friendly park is quite popular all year round.

Hancock Park (La Brea Tar Pits)

Most people know Hancock Park as a ritzy residential neighborhood in the middle of the city, but this legendary outdoor space (more commonly referred to as the La Brea Tar Pits) in the heart of the Mid City neighborhood of L.A. also goes by the same name. Here, visitors can explore the expansive park, where archaeologists have unearthed fossils from saber-toothed cats to mammoths for more than a century, for free. This family-friendly spot is a terrific option for anyone looking to unwind, explore and uncover a fascinating time in history, picnic outdoors, or simply take a breather in between museum visits. There’s also the very Instagrammable Urban Light sculpture in front of the LACMA that’s not to be missed.

Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Park

If you’re exploring the westside of L.A., don’t miss this incredible park. Of course it offers the usual list of amenities like barbeque areas for entertaining, gazebos, trees, and benches; but this spacious park (located near Culver City) also has a hummingbird garden, a lotus pond, a fishing lake, bridges, and a sand volleyball court. Enjoy seven miles of fantastic walking and hiking trails through the Baldwin Hills, with views of almost every corner of the L.A. Basin—from the South Bay and the Pacific Ocean to Downtown and the San Gabriel Mountains.

Lake Balboa Park

If you find yourself in the valley, definitely stop by Lake Balboa Park. Visitors often gush about how this spot has everything a park enthusiast could wish for: free parking, clean lakes, tennis courts, a golf course, a dirt bike path, paved trails, swan boats, benches, and adorable ducks, to name a few.

Los Angeles State Historic Park

After a three-year renovation project, this impressive park is a testament to the power of community. This space combines both the long history and diverse communities of the neighborhood into its design, and features art installations from local talent. With 32 acres of ample open space directly adjacent to Chinatown, L.A. State Historic Park boasts an amazing view of downtown and also hosts a steady rotation of cultural and community events like craft fairs and live music performances throughout the year. Upon its reopening in spring 2017, the park redesign added drought tolerant landscaping, a charming overlook bridge, and fragrant orange grove trees to sweeten the experience.

10 quintessential Los Angeles city parks

At first glance, it might seem that apart from Brackenridge Park and the Mission Trail, San Antonio is short on places to enjoy the great outdoors. The close proximity to Hill Country can steal the show, as can the aquatic wonderlands of New Braunfels, Gruene and San Marcos north on I-35, where you can go swimming and tubing to your heart's content on local rivers and at amusement parks.

Take a closer look, however, and you'll see San Antonio has more to its park system than golf courses and colonial architecture. Here you'll find botanical gardens, hiking trails, paddling put-ins, and Indigenous history, not to mention plenty of places to cycle in a town that loves to tool around on two wheels. These are some of the best parks in San Antonio:

1. San Pedro Springs Park

There's a lot of history in San Pedro Springs Park. For one, this was home to various Indigenous tribes for over ten thousand years and most recently the site of an Indigenous Payaya village. With the arrival of European colonizers, San Pedro Springs became the first settlement of what would become San Antonio. This is also the oldest city park in Texas, and one of the oldest in the United States, and was briefly used as a prison camp during the Civil War and a training ground for the famous Buffalo Soldiers who had an instrumental role in colonizing the Western United States and policing early national parks.

Over the past century and a half, San Pedro Springs has also been home to a zoo, a race track, a bandstand, and a baseball diamond. Today, there's a swimming pool where the springs once bubbled up, a skate park, a tennis court, a softball field, a library, and the San Pedro Playhouse.

2. Comanche Lookout Park

A tall hill overlooking the Gulf Coastal Plain, Comanche Lookout Park is the fourth highest elevation in the county, used by generations of Indigenous travelers and later European settlers to get a vantage point on the journey ahead. The Royal Road of Texas, which crossed from San Antonio to Nacogdoches and is now a National Historic Trail, followed old Apache and Comanche trails through the area, including to the top of what is now this city park.

Today you'll find a series of short walking trails, including one that's paved in concrete and has slighter grades, making it more accessible for those with mobility limitations. You can also see a curious stone tower that would look more at home in County Clare, Ireland than Texas Hill Country. It appears medieval or like a relic of the Spanish American War, but it actually wasn't built until the 1920s, when Comanche Lookout was owned by a retired US Army Colonel named Edward R. Coppock, who had plenty of money and fanciful taste.

3. Brackenridge Park

North of downtown near Trinity University, 343-acre Brackenridge Park is a great place to spend a family day. As well as the San Antonio Zoo, you'll find the Kiddie Park, the San Antonio Zoo Eagle miniature train ($4), an old-fashioned carousel ($2.50) and the Japanese Tea Garden. Biking or strolling around Brackenridge Park, along the Mission Trail and along the River Walk makes for a nice outing when the weather is mild. Check www.visitsanantonio.com for a list of suggested cycling routes.

4. Friedrich Wilderness Park

This 600-acre park near Six Flags Fiesta Texas is just for hikers. It has 10 miles of walking trails in a Hill Country landscape that are especially worth a detour when wildflowers are blooming in spring. Close to the Balcones Escarpment, you can see hints here of Texas' geologic history – this fault zone runs along I-35 from Dallas to San Antonio and includes the remnants of an ancient, ground down range called the Ouachita Mountains.

5.  San Antonio Botanical Gardens

This expertly tended, 38-acre garden complex showcases native Texas flora. There's also a rose garden and a wonderful conservatory, with a bit of everything from equatorial rainforest to desert plants. Call or go online to the San Antonio Botanical Gardens website for a calendar of special events – from concerts under the stars and yoga classes to bird walks and summer classes for children.

The strolling garden was designed and created by a 26th-generation gardener and one of Japan's living national treasures from the island of Kyūshū – specifically the city of Kumamoto, which is also home to one of Japan's most revered traditional gardens, Suizenji Park. A few of that famous garden's elements appear here.

6. McAllister Park

For a taste of the Hill Country without venturing outside the city limits, head to this 976-acre park. It has about 7 miles of trails for walking and cycling; one of the trails is also wheelchair-accessible. Also has a 1.5-acre dog park, picnic pavilions, and accessible restrooms. There is also a public workout station near the Turkey Roost Trailhead in case you want to get your sweat on and don't have guest privileges at a local gym.

7. San Antonio Missions National Historic Park

Spain's missionary presence can best be felt at the ruins of the four missions south of town: Concepción (1731), San José (1720), San Juan (1731) and Espada (1745–56). Religious services are still held in the mission churches and the mariachi Mass at noon on Sunday at San José church is a San Antonio tradition.

From downtown, VIA transit bus 42 goes to Concepción and San José. Bus 36 runs from downtown to Mission San Juan. Alamo Trolley tours (www.thealamotrolley.com) visit San José and Concepción. Otherwise, rent a bicycle or drive. From downtown, take St Marys St south until it becomes Mission Rd, then follow the brown signs indicating the direction to the missions.

8. Roosevelt Park

A former gravel pit turned city park, Roosevelt has been part of San Antonio since the 1920s. It has picnic pavilions, a tennis court, and a swimming pool, as well as a playground and rock climbing wall for kids. Adults will enjoy a brand-new paddling trail which stretches 8 miles along the San Antonio River from Roosevelt Park to a take-out near Mission Espada, with numerous access points along the way. For kayak rentals and shuttles, try Mission Kayak.

9. Confluence Park

In between the Blue Star Arts Complex and Mission Espada, a grove of parabolic concrete pavilions marks Confluence Park, a relative newcomer to San Antonio's collection of greenspaces. Designed not only for recreation but also for scientists to conduct ecological research, the park sits at the confluence of the San Antonio River and San Pedro Creek. It's home to spans of native grassland, a grove of oaks, and even some rescued trees that were successfully transplanted here from another site under development. Public art decorates features like a pedestrian bridge and also highlight different aspects of the San Antonio natural environment, making this a fun destination for all ages to learn about how rivers and land interact in new ways.

10. Olmos Basin Park

San Antonio is a favorite golf destination, thanks to the region's mild year-round climate. Rates vary from $26 to tote your own bag around a public course to more than $112 to play at a private resort. On the cheaper end of the spectrum, there is a popular municipal golf course is located in Olmos Basin Park, about 7 miles north of downtown. It's good for all levels of players. If nine irons aren't your thing, there's a lot else to do at Olmos Basin – it's full of sports fields of all sorts, from baseball diamonds to soccer greens.

The best city parks in San Antonio

Chicago is the USA's third-largest city, so public transportation makes most neighborhoods easily accessible for visitors. That means Chicago's top sights and experiences like Millennium Park and its metallic "Bean," a baseball game at Wrigley Field, or storied music venues like Buddy Guy's Legends are all within reach. The L, a system of elevated and subway trains, is the main way to get around Chicago.

Buses are also useful for navigating the city. Here are the best ways to travel around Chicago.

L trains

The L, short for "elevated," is fast, frequent and will get you to most sights and neighborhoods in Chicago. Two of the eight color-coded lines – the Red Line and the Blue Line to O'Hare airport – operate 24 hours a day. The other lines run from roughly 4am to 1am daily, departing every 10 minutes or so. The standard fare is $3 (except from O'Hare airport, where it costs $5). Transfers cost an additional 25 cents. Pay for rides using a Ventra card, which can be purchased at train stations and drugstores.

Metra trains

Metra commuter trains operate 12 routes serving the Chicago suburbs from four terminals around the Loop: LaSalle Street Station, Millennium Station, Union Station and Richard B. Ogilvie Transportation Center. Some Metra train lines run daily, while others operate only during weekday rush hours. Buy tickets from agents or machines at major stations.

Bus

Chicago's city buses cover areas that the L trains miss. Most buses run at least from early morning until 10pm; some go later. Some don't run on weekends. The fare is $2.25 ($2.50 if you want a transfer). You can use a Ventra card or pay the driver with exact change. Buses are particularly useful for reaching the Museum Campus, Hyde Park and Lincoln Park Zoo.

Transport passes

The Ventra card is Chicago's rechargeable public transportation pass. It has a one-time $5 fee that gets refunded once the card is registered. Using a Ventra card knocks around 75 cents off the cost of each bus and train ride. Ventra cards can be purchased at train stations and drugstores. Unlimited ride passes are a handy option, which cost $10 for one day, $20 for three days or $28 for seven days.

When is the best time to go to Chicago?

Route planning

For maps and route planning, check the Chicago Transit Authority's website. The "Trackers" section tells you when the next train or bus is due to arrive at your station. Navigation apps such as Google Maps and CityMapper are also helpful.

Car

Driving in Chicago is no fun. Traffic snarls not only at rush hours, but also just about every hour in between. Especially for short trips in town, use public transportation to spare yourself the headache. If you do decide to rent a car for day trips or staying in the suburbs, you can find all major car rental agencies in Chicago. Rates fluctuate radically, but in general, it's more expensive to rent at the airport than downtown. To rent a car, you typically need to be at least 25 years old, hold a valid driver's license and have a major credit card.

The car-share service Zipcar is popular in Chicago. Zipcar's hourly rate is $11, or $91.50 per day, which includes gas, insurance and good parking spaces around town. You need to become a member first, which costs $7 a month or $70 annually plus a $25 application fee).

Top 7 day trips from Chicago

Boat

A water taxi is an interesting alternative to walking or taking the bus. Water taxis travel along the Chicago River and the lakefront and offer a fun way to reach the Museum Campus or Chinatown. There are two water taxi lines in Chicago: Chicago Water Taxi, aimed mainly at commuters, and Shoreline Water Taxi, which connects some major tourist sights.

Shoreline Water Taxi operates three different lines from late May to early September. The Lake Taxi transports you from Navy Pier to the South Loop’s Shedd Aquarium. The River Taxi connects Polk Bros Park (just west of Navy Pier) to Willis Tower (via the Adams Street Bridge’s southeast side). Prices depend on the day of travel, but a one-way adult ticket is $8 to $10 (child $4 to $5). Weekends are peak travel times. There's also a Commuter Taxi that runs from the Michigan Avenue Bridge (northeast side, near the Tribune Tower) to Willis Tower/Union Station.

Chicago Water Taxi runs from March to October. It plies the river from the Michigan Avenue Bridge (northwest side, by the Wrigley Building) to Madison Street (near the Metra Ogilvie Transportation Center), stopping at LaSalle Street en route. In summer, it continues on to Chinatown. A one-way ride is $5 on weekdays, $6 on weekends. An all-day pass is $9 on weekdays, $10 on weekends.

Bicycle

Chicago is a cycling-savvy city with a well-used bike-share program. Riders can take bikes free of charge onto L trains, except during rush hour (7am to 9am and 4pm to 6pm Monday to Friday). Most buses are equipped with a bike rack on the front that accommodates two bikes at a time. Bike-share service Divvy has some 5800 sky-blue bikes at 580 stations around Chicago and neighboring suburbs. The $15 day pass allows unlimited rides in a 24-hour period, up to three hours each. Or opt for a $3.30 single-ride pass for 30 minutes. Both are available for purchase at station kiosks or via the Divvy app. Rates rise fast if you don't dock your bike in the allotted time. Having the Divvy app makes life much easier for finding docks, checking availability and paying.

Bike rentals for longer rides (with accoutrements such as helmets and locks) start at around $8 per hour. Try Bike & Roll, near Millennium Park, or Bobby's Bike Hike. They also rent children's bikes and offer discounts if you book online.

Taxi

Taxis are plentiful in the Loop, north to Andersonville and northwest to Wicker Park and Bucktown. Hail them with a wave of the hand. Fares are meter-based and start at $3.25 when you get into the cab, and then it's $2.25 per mile. The first extra passenger costs $1; extra passengers after that are 50 cents apiece. Add 10% to 15% for a tip. All major companies accept credit cards. Reliable companies include Checker Taxi and Flash Cab.

The ridesharing companies Uber, Lyft and Via are also popular in Chicago. They can be a bit cheaper than taxis.

Accessible transportation in Chicago

Most museums and major sights in Chicago are wheelchair accessible, as are most large hotels and restaurants. All city buses are wheelchair accessible, but about one-third of L stations are not. Easy Access Chicago is a free resource that lists museums, tours, restaurants and accommodations, and provides mobility, vision and hearing accessibility information for each place. The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities can answer questions about the availability of services in the city.

Click here to download Lonely Planet's free Accessible Travel guide.

You might also like:
Scouting out Chicago's changing Wrigleyville
Your backstage pass to Chicago's best festivals
First-time Chicago: a starter guide to the Windy City

How to get around in Chicago

Chicago is practically tailor-made for family getaways, offering a wealth of interactive museums, fabulous parks and jaw-dropping architecture without the aloof attitude or supersized footprint that make some big cities feel like no-fly zones for tiny tourists.

Is Chicago good for kids?

From tots to teens, there’s something for every child in the Windy City. For kid-friendly happenings, see Chicago Parent and Chicago Kids. Children under age 7 ride free on the L train and public buses; those age 7 to 11 pay a reduced fare.

Best things to do in Chicago with kids

Ferocious dinosaurs at the Field Museum of Natural History, an ark's worth of beasts at Lincoln Park Zoo, lakefront boat rides and sandy beaches are among the top choices for visiting Chicago with kids. Add in magical playgrounds, fun tours and family-friendly food, and it's clear that Chicago is a kid's kind of town.

Skyscraper viewing decks

An up-close encounter with Chicago’s legendary architecture is a don’t-miss for visitors of all ages. Wee daredevils will delight in the city’s pair of high-altitude viewing decks: 360° Chicago on the 94th floor of the 875 N. Michigan Avenue building and the 103rd-floor Skydeck at the Willis Tower . As if the observatories’ heights weren’t dizzying enough, glassy viewing alcoves reward brave little ones with the sensation of being suspended over the city. Not sure which to pick? Skydeck scores points for sheer loftiness, while lakeside 360° Chicago has the edge in the panorama department.

Top things to do in Chicago

Chicago boat tour

For a ground-up view of the skyline and a boat ride to boot, treat tweens and teens to the Chicago Architecture Foundation ’s river tour, which delivers an overview of the city center’s most important buildings from aboard a double-decker cruiser. If your children are too young to know their Burnham from their van der Rohe, forego the formal tour and hop on the Shoreline Water Taxi . In addition to serving up spectacular lakefront scenery, the service links two of the most popular ports of call for visiting families: Navy Pier and the Museum Campus.

When is the best time to go to Chicago?

Art Institute of Chicago

Over at the Art Institute of Chicago – free for under-14s – a real-life audience with some of the most recognizable paintings in the Western canon (think American Gothic , Nighthawks and A Sunday on La Grande Jatte ) may stir your child’s inner Picasso. Dollhouse fans will be enchanted by the tiny universe of the Thorne Miniature Rooms. The Ryan Learning Center provides interactive games, such as puzzles of famous works, and art-making activities. Even the most jaded teen will crack a smile for selfies with the iconic stone lions that stand sentry on the museum’s front steps.

25 best free things to do in Chicago

Field Museum of Natural History

Bring on the dinosaurs! The sprawling Field Museum of Natural History captures little imaginations with colossal dino fossils. The Crown Family PlayLab on the ground floor lets kids excavate bones and make loads of other discoveries. The Field Museum houses some 30 million artifacts and includes everything but the kitchen sink – beetles, mummies, gemstones, Bushman the stuffed ape – all tended by a slew of PhD-wielding scientists, as the Field remains an active research institution. The collection's rock star is Sue, the largest Tyrannosaurus rex yet discovered. She even gets her own gift shop. The museum is vast, so get a map at the desk and make a plan of attack.

Museum of Science and Industry

For an interactive experience to suit a broad range of ages and interests, it’s hard to top the Museum of Science and Industry . Families could spend a week here and not see it all. Big kids will get a kick out of descending into a coal mine, transmitting secret messages in the whispering gallery and playing astronaut at the Henry Crown Space Center, while little ones will love peeping at the adorable hatchery chicks and catching their reflections in the mirror maze.

Lincoln Park Zoo

Wildlife enthusiasts are in for a treat at Lincoln Park Zoo , where chimps swing from the trees and Japanese macaques chill in hot springs. With its relaxed pace, the adjacent Farm-in-the-Zoo is geared to the littlest visitors. Be sure to stroll the boardwalk that links the two, where you’ll find an otherworldly honeycomb-like pavilion that makes the ultimate Chicago family photo op. Perhaps best of all for parents, the whole experience is free – even parking, if you’re lucky (or patient) enough to score a spot on Stockton Drive, just steps from one of the zoo’s main entrances.

Just up the street, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum earns high marks with youngsters for its butterfly haven, a light-filled indoor garden that’s home to 1000 winged beauties.

Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park

When the kids are looking to let loose, Chicago is at the ready with miles of lakefront and a plethora of parks. With its vertiginous crow’s nests, climbing wall and wintertime skating ribbon, the Loop’s Maggie Daley Park is a crown jewel in the city’s park system, though parents of tiny tots should note that an abundance of boisterous big kids and hiding spots can make it a bit nerve-jangling. The wide-open spaces of nearby Grant Park, best known for pretty Buckingham Fountain , may be a better match for small ones. Millennium Park , home to super-photogenic interactive sculpture Cloud Gate (better known as "the Bean"), is a winner with kids of all ages.

Top 12 parks in Chicago

Chicago beaches

Come summer, more than two dozen lifeguard-manned beaches beckon. Waves are typically pint-sized – perfect for pint-sized swimmers. Tucked behind the Museum Campus, 12th Street Beach gets props for its manageable size, proximity to the Loop and cool view of the Adler Planetarium. At North Avenue Beach , gutsy teens can test their balance on a stand-up paddleboard. This beach is the most crowded, but the selling point is the location near both downtown and Lincoln Park Zoo. The steamboat-shaped beach house is totally kid friendly, serving ice cream and burgers, and it has bathrooms and lockers.

The 9 best beaches in Chicago

Garfield Park Conservatory

When the weather tanks, Garfield Park Conservatory offers a year-round burst of balmy air and verdant greenery. Built in 1907, these two acres under glass are a lovely spot to while away a few hours sauntering around rooms of palms, ferns, orchids and koi-filled ponds. Between May and October the 10 acres of outdoor grounds are open, including the lily pool, a carnivorous plant bog and the Monet Garden, which is based on the Impressionist painter’s flower patch at Giverny, France. Kids can get dirty with roots and seeds in the indoor Children’s Garden.

Navy Pier

Amusements abound on Navy Pier, a half-mile-long wharf. A giant whirling swing, the sky-high Ferris wheel, a musical, hand-painted carousel, remote-control boats, fountains to splash in are all here, and then some. Popcorn, ice cream, burgers and other treats add to the carnival atmosphere. The Chicago Children's Museum is also on Navy Pier, as are several boat-cruise operators. Polk Bros Park, at the pier's entrance, has a fountain you can splash in and performance lawns for free concerts and movies.

Where to eat with kids in Chicago

Just about all but the most exclusive restaurants will accommodate children without batting an eye, though for your family’s own comfort you might find it best to have your doggie bags in hand by 6:30pm, when dinner crowds can make maneuvering strollers and high chairs awkward. Adventurous eaters will love slurping noodles beneath the pagodas of Chicago's Chinatown and digging into enormous dosas amidst the sari shops and Indian candy stores of Devon Avenue : both neighborhoods offer a spoil of dining spots that are casual and easy on the wallet.

Certain restaurants go the extra mile to welcome little guests. Lincoln Park’s retro RJ Grunts soothes post-zoo fatigue with kid-sized shakes and burgers along with a complimentary stroller valet, while over in hip Ukrainian Village, Quad Cities-style pizza spot Roots encourages tiny diners to play with their food, distributing dough balls to be squashed and stretched while dinner’s in the oven. Grown-up topping options like duck sausage and a lengthy Midwestern beer list will keep parents happy too.

Kids get the royal treatment each afternoon at the Drake Hotel ’s Little Prince and Princess Tea, an elaborate spread of dainty nibbles served up in the hotel’s grand Palm Court. Fanciful decorations and carolers make holiday season visits here particularly magical. Parents and rugrats alike will be sweet on the inventive ice cream at West Town’s Black Dog Gelato and the rich hot chocolate at Logan Square’s Katherine Anne Confections.

Where to stay with kids in Chicago

Home-sharing sites offer rental apartments scattered around Chicago’s vibrant neighborhoods. If self-catering’s not your family’s thing, you’ll find a bevy of boutique hotel options, as well as all the usual chain suspects, clustered around the Loop, Streeterville and River North neighborhoods – all good bases in terms of proximity to many of the city’s top kid-centric attractions.

Some hotels make a point of rolling out the red carpet for little ones. Up in quirky-cool Andersonville, the lovely Guesthouse Hotel offers spacious kitchen-equipped suites and a thoughtful menu of free-to-use kid essentials that run the gamut from car seats to sippy cups.

Top neighborhoods to explore in Chicago

How to get around with kids in Chicago

Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available, but rather than scrambling to stash strollers and secure child seats in an unfamiliar vehicle, consider riding the L, Chicago's system of elevated trains and subways . Most major sights are within an easy walk from an elevator-equipped station, indicated on system maps by an accessible icon. Tickets can be purchased at station kiosks.

Attractions tend to be quietest first thing in the morning. Some spots, like the Shedd Aquarium and the Field Museum of Natural History, have designated stroller and wheelchair entrances, where lines are often significantly shorter. If you plan to hit more than a couple of signature attractions, consider a CityPass , valid for admission to your choice of five out of seven major sights. In addition to saving your brood a few bucks, it also includes fast-track entry to spots like the Willis Tower's Skydeck – no small thing when little legs grow tired and crankiness looms.

This article was originally published in April 2018.

You might also like:
Food fight: Who makes the best pizza - New York or Chicago?
Best museum sleepovers in the US
Chicago’s best homegrown junk food

Best things to do with kids in Chicago

Mexico City is a sprawling urban area that almost 9 million people call home. The sheer scale of it can feel like a chaotic jolt to the system but only in the best possible way.

Recently, there has been a push for revamped public spaces and an invigorated cultural and nightlife offering. This renaissance has also been focused on making it easier to navigate the city for both locals and tourists alike. The city's status as the largest in North America means it can often produce some legendary traffic problems and this is the reason many locals opt for the cheap and easy-to-use public transport systems. From the metro to buses and bikes, here's your guide to getting around Mexico City safely.

Metro

The metro system offers the quickest way to get around Mexico City. Used by around 4.4 million passengers on an average weekday, it has 195 stations spread across 14 lines. Trains arrive every two to three minutes during rush hours. At M$5 a ride, it’s one of the world’s cheapest subways.

All lines operate from 5am to midnight weekdays, 6am to midnight Saturday and 7am to midnight Sunday and holidays. Platforms and cars can become alarmingly packed during rush hours (roughly 7:30am to 10am and 3pm to 8pm). The metro is also chaotic during heavy rain. With such crowded conditions, it’s not surprising that pickpocketing occurs, so watch your belongings. Family-like groups have been known to 'accidentally' bump into victims.

The metro is easy to use. Lines are color-coded and each station is identified by a unique logo. Signs reading ‘Dirección Pantitlán,’ ‘Dirección Universidad’ and so on name the stations at the end of the lines. Check a map for the direction you want. Buy a rechargeable smart card for M$15 at any station and then add credit (the card also works for all metrobús lines). Additionally, the metro sells boletos (tickets) at the taquilla (ticket window). Feed the ticket into the turnstile and you’re on your way. When changing trains, look for ‘Correspondencia’ (Transfer) signs. Maps of the vicinity around each station are posted near the exits.

Tip for the metro during rush hour: At the busiest times the forward cars are reserved for women and children, and men may not proceed beyond the pink ‘Sólo Mujeres y Niños’ gate.

Buses

Mexico City’s thousands of buses and peseros operate from around 5am till 10pm daily, depending on the route. Electric trolleybuses (trolebús) generally run until 11:30pm. Only a few routes run all night, notably those along Paseo de la Reforma. This means you’ll get anywhere by bus and/or metro during the day, but will probably have to take a few taxis after hours.

Pesero

Peseros (also called microbúses or combis) are gray-and-green minibuses operated by private firms. They follow fixed routes, often starting or ending at metro stations, and will stop at virtually any street corner. Route information is randomly displayed on cards attached to the windshield. Fares are M$5 for trips of up to 3 miles (5km), and M$5.50 for 3 to 7 miles (5-12km). Add 20% to all fares between 11pm and 6am. Privately run green-and-yellow buses charge M$6 and M$7 for the same distances. A useful resource for route planning with the confusing number of peseros is the ViaDF website.

Metrobús

The metrobús is a wheelchair-accessible long bus that stops at metro-style stations in the middle of the street, spaced at three- to four-block intervals. Access is by prepaid smart card, issued by machines for M$10 at the entrance to the platforms, and rides cost M$6. The rechargeable cards, which can also be used for the metro, are placed on a sensor device for entry. During crowded peak hours, the metrobús is a favorite for pickpockets. The front of the bus is for women and children only, marked out with pink seating. Most metrobús lines run from 5am to midnight.

Top tip for the metrobús: Línea 7 is a red double-decker that rides along Paseo de la Reforma from Plaza Garibaldi, passing key sights like Monumento a la Revolución, Zona Rosa and Reforma, El Ángel, Bosque de Chapultepec, Castillo de Chapultepec, Museo Tamayo and Museo de Antropología, terminating a stop after Auditorio Nacional. Closed on Sundays 6:30am to 2pm between Chapultepec and Auditorio (including Antropología), as the avenue becomes a bicycle-only zone for the Paseo Dominical.

Trolebús

Municipally operated trolebúses (trolleybuses) and full-sized cream-and-orange buses (labeled ‘RTP’) only pick up at bus stops. Fares are M$2 (M$4 for the express) regardless of distance traveled and they only accept preloaded travel cards (as used on the metro and metrobús), no cash. Trolleybuses follow a number of the key ejes (priority roads) throughout the rest of the city. They generally run until 11:30pm. Route maps are on the trolleybus website.

Bike

Bicycles can be a viable way to get around town and are often preferable to overcrowded, recklessly driven buses. Although careless drivers and potholes can make Mexico City cycling an extreme sport, if you stay alert and keep off the major thoroughfares, it’s manageable. The city government has encouraged bicycle use, with more bicycle-only lanes, and it’s definitely catching on.

Bikes are loaned free from a kiosk on the west side of the Catedral Metropolitana. You’ll also find booths at Plaza Villa de Madrid in Roma; at Fuente de Cibeles on Durango in Roma; at the intersection of Mazatlán and Michoacán in Condesa; and several along Paseo de la Reforma, near the Monumento a la Independencia and Auditorio Nacional. Leave a passport or driver’s license for three hours of riding time. The kiosks operate from 10:30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday, and 9:30am to 4:30pm on Sunday.

Ecobici

The Mexico City government rents commuter bikes through Ecobici to visitors on a daily and weekly basis. The bicycle share program works with smart cards and allows you to ride for up to 45 minutes between docking stations. To avoid paying a fine for exceeding 45 minutes, simply exchange the bike at a different station. Ecobici is a great option for exploring downtown, Roma and Condesa, neighborhoods with the greatest concentration of stations. You'll need a Visa or MasterCard for the deposit and a passport or driver's license for ID.

Car

Touring Mexico City by car is strongly discouraged, unless you have a healthy reserve of patience. Even more than elsewhere in the country, traffic rules are seen as suggested behavior. Red lights may be run at will, no-turn signs are ignored and signals are seldom used. On occasion you may be hit with a questionable traffic fine. Nevertheless, you may want to rent a car here for travel outside the city.

Taxi

Your hotel can call you a taxi - called radio taxis, taxis de sitio or taxis autorizados - or if you have a device with internet, you can use the popular apps Cabify, Didi or Uber. Ride shares in Mexico City are cheap and efficient and the best way to get around if you need a car. Use your common sense - don't accept a ride if has been cancelled in the app and don't accept food or drinks from any driver.  We don't recommend hailing a taxi from the street.

Accessible transportation in Mexico City

Travelers with mobility issues will unfortunately find that Mexico City is full of unmarked holes in the street and generally unfriendly to universal access. A growing number of hotels, restaurants, public buildings and archaeological sites provide wheelchair access, but sidewalks with wheelchair ramps are still uncommon.

Metro stations don't have elevators and only a few have escalators. There are no ramps to help with boarding trains, although the carriages are usually at the same level as the platforms and any gaps are very small.

Metrobus facilities are better for disabled passengers – bus floors are level with the platform at Metrobus stations, ramps and elevators are provided at most stations, and there is a designated wheelchair space on board each bus.

Related articles:

Best day trips from Mexico City

Best things to do in Mexico City

Top 13 free things to do in Mexico City

All Stories

Best things to do with kids in Seattle

17 best places to visit in Hawaii

Top 25 things to do in Colorado

Exploring the volcanic wonders of Hawaii's Big Island

10 quintessential Los Angeles city parks

The best city parks in San Antonio

How to get around in Chicago

Best things to do with kids in Chicago

How to get around in Mexico City

Featured in Best in Travel 2021

County Clare

Ireland

Region

Ethiopia

Africa

Country

Rwanda

Africa

Country

Medellín

Colombia

City