Enlarge Photo

Returning from a trip to Egypt that included a Nile cruise and special visits in Cairo, an Indagare member was most excited about the customized touring that made the country’s incredible history come to life for her children. She raved: “My kids learned so much and were thrilled by the opportunities we gave them. It was just great.” Exposing children to the world—its people, places and cultures—is one of the great joys of being a parent.

But everyone who has traveled with children also knows that it takes more than a museum, archeological site or famous landmarks to pique—and keep—their interest. At Indagare we often advise members eager to create trip itineraries that strike the right balance between learning and fun for their kids. We’ve helped members plot trips around topics their kids were studying in school (the Roman Empire, ancient Greece and medieval history); recommended immersion language programs and arranged special one-off activities that illuminated the destinations and inspired the next generation of intrepid travelers. Here are some examples of the types of child-friendly activities Indagare can help arrange.

Rome: Gladiator School

Nothing brings Roman history to life like this school, which lets kids experience the life of a gladiator. Private trainers share the secrets of imperial Rome’s gladiator games, and there are lessons in hand-to-hand combat, taught on the ancient Appian Way. Says Indagare founder Melissa Biggs Bradley, whose own children loved the program during her last trip to Rome: “It was interactive and fun for the kids, but they also learned a lot about ancient Rome, making history class back home more interesting as well.”

London: Harry Potter Tour

Fans of the series will love this half-day tour through London, with its many sights taken from the books (make sure everyone has read them before you go). Included are King’s Cross station and “magical” platform 9¾; the clock tower into which Harry and Ron almost collide; the Westminster Tube Station used for the Ministry of Magic in The Order of the Phoenix; and many more. The tour also includes a walk through Leadenhall Market and Borough Market and across Blackfriars Bridge, locations from the Harry Potter movies.

New York City: Michelin-Starred Cooking Class

An Indagare member took advantage of his Relais & Châteaux 5G membership (part of an Indagare membership) to arrange a cooking class for himself and his family at Michelin-starred Aureole restaurant. “We spent just over two and a half hours in the kitchen prepping, cooking, learning and eating, and could have not been happier with the way it all worked out,” he declared. (Read the complete postcard). It doesn’t have to be a Michelin-starred kitchen either: a hands-on cooking class is generally a great way to get kids interested in food by giving them a fun lesson on local ingredients and cultural traditions.

Tokyo: Fashion Street Tour

For families traveling with teenagers interested in fashion, Tokyo is a fantastic—if slightly overwhelming—destination. The city’s famous Harajuku, Shibuya and Daikanyama neighborhoods, especially, showcase many cool stores and even-cooler locals whose cutting-edge fashion styles have been copied worldwide. In Tokyo an insider guide is essential to map out a walking tour of the backstreets and hunt down cool fashion, record stores and
off-the-beaten-path finds. For this tour, our preferred Tokyo specialist works with a local guide who is an expert in street fashion and takes travelers to authentic local boutiques.

Scotland: Outdoor Activities

The Scottish countryside, with its dramatic highlands and moody lochs, provides amazing opportunities for families and offers activities for children of all ages. You can take a lesson in falconry at a property like the renowned Gleneagles, learn how to play the bagpipes with a professional Scottish musician, or tour a private castle with a guide well-versed in the its ghost stories. The fact that you can stay in many of Scotland’s most spectacular private castles adds to the allure.

Beijing: Training with the Athletes

A China trip offers lots of highlights for people traveling with children, but our preferred China specialist can take an itinerary one step further by providing insider access to Chinese culture. Sports fans can sign up for a coaching seminar with a past or present Olympic champion in such disciplines as table tennis, badminton, martial arts, gymnastics and boxing (all sports that the Chinese have traditionally excelled at). In Beijing a visit to the Children’s Palace can be arranged. In this special setting, gifted Chinese children spend their afternoons learning to sing, play musical instruments and dance.

For advice and help with arranging special family activities during your next trip, contact Indagare’s booking team.