We are trying to finalize plans for our family vacation to Europe in June and wanted to try and get some help, suggestions, and confirmations on the itinerary. The wife and I have been to Europe several times for both business and pleasure and now want to take our five kids (11 through 17; 1 girl, 4 boys)and find the planning a little harder than we anticipated. Currently, we are planning the following tentative schedule.

Fly to London and go straight to Bath for two nights. Do the Bizarre Bath tour, maybe a mad max tour, but leave the remaining time to wander and get the "vibe" of the city and surrounding area. I must say, all but one of our kids have stated that they would prefer fewer museums and more get out and go activities.

Next, we will go to London for three or four nights. We will do the standard fare (Tower, Westminster Abbey, London Eye, walks, Street fairs and gardens)but would like some good suggestions on some tried and true adventures/activities for teens.

Finally we will head to Paris for 5 or 6 nights. Here again, the kids have stated they would like to just spend time strolling around looking at things, and do the touristy things. We thought we would do a day trip or two to some close cities with some ties to either WWI or WWII for the boys while the girls shop in Paris. Again, any suggestions on good activities (fat tire bikes, etc.) would be helpful.

Thanks in advance for suggestions.

Hi Pjcpa,

You've got a lucky bunch! I've done a few trips with my four kids (ages 9 through 18, sometimes with a friend, so five kids is familiar to me) although I've neer taken them to the UK (we're going in March). My suggestions: Consider getting apartments instead of hotels (although most apartments have a 4 or 5 night minimum)-- not only will you wave some money, there is often a washing machine-- cutting down on luggage and keeping you out of laundries. In Paris my kids liked Versaille as a day trip. The grounds are huge and we walked for half a day. I think that you can rent bicycles there (although I could be mistaken about that). My kids also thought the catacomb tour in Paris was wonderfully creepy and were oddly impressed with a tour of the Paris sewers (go figure, for some reason I can't remember we had free passes to that one). Since your group sounds active, walk up the Eiffel tower-- at least as far as they'll let you. It's far more satisfying than the elevator. Walking up the bell tower of Notre Dame would be fun too -- particularly if your kids liked the Disney movie.

My last bit of advice with a group of kids this size -- get a good feel for what you are going to do before going. Otherwise, too much time is wasted trying to make decisions. Kids on trips tend to appreciate a dictator.

Good luck, your kids are lucky!

LG

Go to Versailles and rent boats for the kids to row on the lake. Tour the Chateau. Have dinner in Versailles before returning to Paris. Boating is always fun, especially if they are doing the work. I think the kids would really enjoy Versailles.

We liked the Mad Max tour, but it is long. You do see Stonehenge and a bit of the Cotswolds though - very pretty. The Bizarre Bath tour was kind of hokey. A really good tour was the free one given in the morning where you meet just outside the pump room. The Roman Baths were the best thing - just amazing. Those two things are very interesting and really worth your time.

In London, what about a play at the Globe? Perhaps a boat trip down the canal from Little Italy to Camden.

I might consider a modest change. While I personally love Bath - it will have a LOT less of interest to you teens than London does.

Bath is a beautiful city and has the amazing Roman Baths. But otherwise, your kids might (just possibly) be bored to tears. If any of the kids are into costume and fashion - there is also the Museum of Costume. But except for design students and Jane Austen fans, the museum usually isn't a big draw for teenagers. Plus it takes much longer to get to Bath from LHR than into central London - and w/ 5 jet lagged kids

In your situation, I'd plan on going straight into London after arriving at LHR. Then <i>maybe</i> do Bath as a day trip from London. Of course I don't know your kids -- but my guess is 3 or 4 days in London will not be NEARLY enough for a family of 7.

When in paris with Teenagers, the catacombs are very highly recommended. For us that have gone beyond college, we'll never get this. But for teenagers, it is always the high point of any visit to Paris.

Hi pjcpa; Laura suggested an apartment and that's a good idea. try vrbo.com/vacation-rentals/europe/france/ile-de-france/paris A good location would be the 4th 5th or 6th arr., all with good subway connections. For WW I you could consider visiting a cemetery just outside of Paris abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/su.php ENJOY Iris

pjcpa,

If you are interested in WWII do not miss the Imperial War Museum and the Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms esp. in London.

We are not all history buffs but I will say we all enjoyed these museums.

The Imperial War Museum is free. A plus with 5 kids...

gruezi