I will be traveling alone with my two children, ages 12 and 10, through Amsterdam, Brugge and Brussels before meeting my husband in Paris. I have limited time in each city, so what "must see or do" thing would you recommend and what are some significant architectural sites/buildings of interest? My children are well traveled and any "off-the-beaten path" ideas are welcome.

When you get to Paris visit the Islamic centre (fantastic walls and the coffe shop is good)

Brussels, the tintin museum maybe or the penguin museum

Amsterdam, the canals are of interest if you can find some old maps and see how they were used in the spanish wars

Amsterdam railway station (front in particualar)

bilboburgler, is that the L'Institut du Monde Arabe? I will be in Paris next week with kids more or less the same age.

yep, not a bad position by the seine and evening meals have a great view. Not sure the children will be so interested so its a bit of an in and out. Further South is a mosque which is open to visit might be fun and of course there is the roman ampitheatre leading to some nice gardens

You definately can't miss out on one of Amsterdam's canal trips. This is a way to see a lot of beautiful (and old) buildings in A'dam.

It's also a lot fun to visit the Nemo Museum. Might be a cool thing to visit for the kids... And for you as well!

http://www.e-nemo.nl/en/?id=1

A walk through the centre of A'dam is awesome as well. The 'Kalversstraat' is a nice street to be for shopping. You can find it at Dam's Square.

The Tropenmuseum in Amsterdam is weirdly wonderful.