this summer we will be in paris, with our four kids. want to take a couple of days at another destination, was thinking of either amsterdam or cologne. interested in museums, food, shopping. kids travel very well and are used to sightseeing all day, with alot of walking. kids ages are young teenagers.

I think Amsterdam has way more to do and several interesting day trips. Cologne is interesting - but more limited.

Cologne has an amazing cathedral that was miraculously spared destruction by bombs in WWII, while everything surrounding it (72% of the city) was leveled and rebuilt fast and generically in its commercial city center. It does have all the major shopping chains, but Amsterdam has rich character and fiddly-bit architecture around every corner, as well as all the major shopping chains and is world-class unique, and vibrant. Unless you know people to share good times with in Cologne, or are looking for a certain aspect of fun Koelnisch culture, I can't quite see making it a primary destination.

On your way from Paris to Amsterdam I suggest stopping in The Hague for a day. See Madurodam for a couple of hours and then spend the rest of the day and evening at Duinrell in Wassenaar, just north of The Hague. Your kids will love them both. Mine did. Make a late arrival in Amsterdam, or to save trouble stay in Haarlem. There is a bus from Duinrell to Haarlem.

Thanks for the info.

Much as I enjoy climing Cologne's cathedral tower, I'd say Amsterdam and its canals will make a more memorable trip, and a visit to Anne Frank's House may help with their history!