Founded in 1626, just six years after the Mayflower arrived at what became Plymouth Colony, Salem is one of the oldest settlements in New England.
17.09.2023 - 11:29 / lonelyplanet.com
Sometimes called "the Paris of North America," Montréal is a captivating city that straddles two worlds: there’s a hint of old Europe, with French accents, Québécois cuisine and cobblestone-lined neighborhoods, but plenty of familiar North American food and shops as well. Montréalers tend to have a soft spot for kids, and families are generally given the royal treatment.
Most children have a blast in Montréal. There are many kid-friendly attractions, from hands-on science museums to amusement park rides within easy reach of downtown. There are spaces where you can look for rainforest creatures, take a trip to the stars and gaze at creepy crawlies all within easy reach of the metro. More active adventures range from cycling, boat rides, and amusement parks. Much-loved parks and green spaces give kids the chance to have some unstructured downtime.
However, it’s not always smooth going in Montréal. The narrow sidewalks and cobblestone lanes of Old Montréal are a challenge for stroller navigation, while the lack of public toilets can lead to frustration. The weather is also no small consideration, with long, cold winters and short, steamy summers – plus a late spring that sometimes means snow is still falling in early April.
Old Montréal steals the show, with a number of top kid-approved sites. This is the place for pirate-themed exhibits, ghost tours and waterfront activities (zip lines, jet boats, a Ferris wheel). When hunger strikes, the streets have plenty of bakeries, cafes and other spots for snacking. If you need a break from sightseeing, head up to Parc du Mont-Royal for walking forested trails, picnicking and enjoying some free time by the lake. Another big draw for children is the Olympic District, where you’ll find a biodome, planetarium, insectarium and botanical gardens.
Built for the 1967 World’s Fair, this massive geodesic dome houses a playful environmentally themed museum with lots of fun interactive features for young visitors. Check out nature-themed films designed for youngsters, grab a seat for story time (ideal for ages 5 and under) or head to the ecolab to peer through microscopes. Afterwards, get some fresh air on nearby woodland paths. The Biosphere sits on an island in the St Lawrence, and is an easy metro ride from Old Montréal.
Out in the Olympic District, the Biodome is a futuristic building that houses five different areas, each dedicated to a different ecosystem brimming with plant and animal life. Watch penguins gliding through the water in the sub-arctic section, then warm up in the humid rainforest as parrots squawk overhead and capybaras scurry beneath the undergrowth. Amid the Laurentian maple forest, keep an eye out for river otters, porcupines and a majestic lynx.
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Founded in 1626, just six years after the Mayflower arrived at what became Plymouth Colony, Salem is one of the oldest settlements in New England.
Milwaukee, Wisconsin is a city on the rise; so much so that it just joined our Readers’ Choice Awards list of the best big cities in the US, ranking third—just behind San Diego and Chicago. Long considered nearby Chicago's little sibling, Milwaukee has finally come into its own by growing amongst younger people for its affordability over the Second City, allowing people to buy homes and rent better apartments. Not to mention the growing restaurant scene, new infrastructure increasing walkability, and enough city amenities for the Midwest gem to truly feel desirable—it’s no longer just a small town. And with so many local colleges and a venerated art museum, there is strong curiosity and willingness to embrace the new.
With mountains in west Texas, beaches along its Gulf Coast, and the Hill Country at its heart, the Lone Star State covers such varied terrain that sometimes it feels like a country all its own. And it was, from 1836 until 1845. Today visitors flock to America’s second-largest state to learn about its fight for independence, spot neotropical birds, chow down on barbecue or Tex-Mex food, or hike mountains and deserts.
Renowned for its jaw-dropping architecture, world-class museums and mouth-watering street food (did some say deep-dish pizza?) it's no wonder Chicago was voted the second-best city in the world by media and hospitality giant TimeOut.
A burger and fries by the beach in San Diego, California. (Photo Credit: sophia_ross/iStock Editorial/Getty Images Plus)
For decades, authors, artists and presidents have all been drawn to the Hudson Valley in New York.
Every season is a great season to visit Vermont. In addition to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, outdoor enthusiasts can hike, bike and fish in the warmer months. Year-round, the state has a thriving cultural scene with performing arts, museums and galleries.
Do you focus on food when you plan your travels? According to Tripadvisor, as the latest seasonal travel data indicates, food is the most exciting factor of upcoming trips – over two-thirds of travelers will prioritize food (67%) during their fall travels.
Ecuador offers some of the most incredible outdoor experiences on earth, from surfing on beautiful beaches to treks through the Amazon jungle. The fourth-smallest country in South America offers experiences to rival anything in Brazil, Argentina or Chile, all packed into a small space that's easy to explore by bus, boat or plane.
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The Eagles in the fall, the South 9th Street Italian Market Festival in the spring, ice skating at Dilworth Plaza in the winter or strolling Independence National Historical Park in the spring – Philadelphia is a city graced with all four seasons.
The City of Brotherly Love has a rich history and a thriving art scene, much of which can be enjoyed for nothing at all. From free museums to fun neighborhoods to explore – and some very famous steps to run – here are 17 of the best free things to do in Philadelphia.