A Family Travel Guide Inspired by Classic Children’s Books

Imagine a family vacation inspired by some of the world’s most beloved children’s books! This travel guide offers an itinerary based on iconic destinations featured in classic children’s literature. For each stop, we’ll recommend a book, provide family-friendly travel tips, and suggest a fun parent-child activity to connect with the book’s theme. From Paris to London to New York City, these destinations bring to life the settings and stories that have captivated young readers for generations.

1. Paris with Madeline

• Book Recommendation: “Madeline” by Ludwig Bemelmans
• About the Book: Follow the adventures of Madeline, a young girl who lives in a boarding school in Paris and explores the city with her friends.
• Real-Life Travel Tips:
  • Visit the Eiffel Tower – The famous landmark is a must-see for young Madeline fans, and there are plenty of family-friendly areas around for picnics and photos.
  • Take a Seine River Cruise – Kids can enjoy seeing Paris from the water, just as Madeline might have.
  • Explore Luxembourg Gardens – The gardens are a great place for kids to play and explore, complete with a charming puppet theater.
• Parent-Child Activity: Create a “Madeline Day” scrapbook. Let your child take pictures and collect small souvenirs from each location. At the end of the day, compile the memories into a mini scrapbook that they can decorate and add to once home.

2. London with Paddington Bear

• Book Recommendation: “A Bear Called Paddington” by Michael Bond
• About the Book: Paddington, the bear from “darkest Peru,” arrives at Paddington Station and embarks on humorous adventures in London.
• Real-Life Travel Tips:
  • Visit Paddington Station – Start at the station, where you can see the Paddington Bear statue and visit the Paddington Bear Shop.
  • Picnic at Hyde Park – Paddington is known for his love of marmalade sandwiches, so bring a few for a picnic in Hyde Park.
  • Explore Notting Hill – Stroll around this neighborhood, where Paddington’s story unfolds. Kids will enjoy the colorful houses and lively markets.
• Parent-Child Activity: Host a “Paddington Tea Party” in a park or at home. Bring along sandwiches (marmalade optional!), scones, and tea or juice. Practice Paddington’s “polite bear” manners by sharing food and discussing the importance of kindness.

3. New York City with Eloise

• Book Recommendation: “Eloise” by Kay Thompson
• About the Book: Eloise, the lively six-year-old, lives at the Plaza Hotel and goes on all sorts of mischievous adventures in NYC.
• Real-Life Travel Tips:
  • Visit the Plaza Hotel – The Plaza offers an Eloise-themed shop and tea, perfect for young fans of the book.
  • Explore Central Park – Right near the Plaza, Central Park offers endless activities for families, from playgrounds to boat rides.
  • Walk Through Times Square – The bright lights and bustling energy make for a memorable NYC experience, just as Eloise might have had.
• Parent-Child Activity: Have a “New York City Adventure Journal.” Encourage kids to sketch or write about their day in NYC, adding stickers or small souvenirs like ticket stubs to remember their favorite spots.

4. England’s Countryside with Peter Rabbit

• Book Recommendation: “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” by Beatrix Potter
• About the Book: This classic story follows Peter Rabbit as he navigates Mr. McGregor’s garden, capturing the charm of England’s countryside.
• Real-Life Travel Tips:
  • Visit the Lake District – Beatrix Potter’s home region is now a National Park, with family-friendly trails and beautiful landscapes that inspired her stories.
  • Explore Hill Top Farm – The former home of Beatrix Potter is now a museum. Kids will enjoy seeing the real-life setting of Peter’s adventures.
  • Family Nature Walks – Stroll through countryside trails and spot wildlife, allowing children to experience a taste of Peter Rabbit’s world.
• Parent-Child Activity: Organize a “Nature Scavenger Hunt.” Make a list of items for kids to find, like specific flowers, rocks, or insects. Encourage them to take pictures or draw each item as they find it, just like Peter exploring the garden.

5. The Netherlands with The Little House on the Canal

• Book Recommendation: “The Little House by the Canal” by Käthe Recheis and illustrated by Anna Brüggemann
• About the Book: This story gives readers a glimpse into Amsterdam’s canal-side houses and the unique charm of the Netherlands.
• Real-Life Travel Tips:
  • Explore Amsterdam’s Canals – Take a family-friendly canal cruise and see the city from a different perspective.
  • Visit Anne Frank’s House – A moving experience for older children, helping them understand history through the story of a young girl.
  • Cycle Through Vondelpark – Amsterdam is known for its bike culture, and Vondelpark offers safe paths for children to ride.
• Parent-Child Activity: Create a “Dutch-Inspired Art Project.” Using paper and markers, encourage kids to draw their own canal house or windmill. Add fun elements like trees, tulips, and bicycles for an authentic touch.

Interactive Activity: Create Your Own “Classic Book Travel Map”

Materials Needed: Large paper, markers, glue, and small travel souvenirs or photos.

Instructions:

1. Draw a World Map – Sketch a simple world map on the paper or print one out. Highlight the countries or cities that match the books you’ve read, like France, England, or the Netherlands.
2. Add Book Characters – Draw or paste small pictures of book characters near their corresponding locations, like Madeline in Paris or Paddington in London.
3. Place Souvenirs – Glue small souvenirs or add photos from any family travels related to these book locations.
4. Reflect Together – Talk about each location and why it was special. Encourage kids to share their favorite memories and why they’d like to visit other places in the future.

Goal: This map is a wonderful keepsake that celebrates the places they’ve visited and their dreams for future adventures, inspired by classic children’s books.

This family travel guide blends beloved children’s books with real-world adventures, turning literary dreams into meaningful family memories. For families who enjoy both reading and traveling, it’s a perfect way to bring stories to life and inspire curiosity about the world.