Mayana Voyage

Author: mayanavoyage

  • Car seat on the plane in Canada: do you need one, by age, the CARES harness and Air Canada, WestJet and Porter rules

    Car seat on the plane in Canada: do you need one, by age, the CARES harness and Air Canada, WestJet and Porter rules

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Flying from Canada with a baby or a toddler and wondering if you need a car seat on the plane? Here is what you need to know: when your child needs their own seat, which car seats are approved for aircraft, what the CARES harness is, and the car seat rules at Air Canada, WestJet and Porter, checked on their own sites and on Transport Canada’s site in October 2026, plus what we actually do with our car seat.

    Do you need a car seat on the plane?

    In Canada, a child under 2 can fly on your lap, so a car seat on the plane is a choice and the rules do not force it. Transport Canada says child restraint systems are not mandatory on Canadian flights, and they have been allowed since 1990. Transport Canada also quotes the international aviation position that the safest option for a young child is the right sized, approved car seat in their own seat, and Air Canada recommends a restraint device for babies under 2.

    To be honest with you, I have never used a car seat in an airplane. With a baby, I use a baby carrier through the airport and on the plane, and my babies would always sleep in it. On our Etihad flight from Abu Dhabi to London, UK, we checked the car seat and the stroller and kept only the baby carrier for a comfortable sleep on the plane. On Emirates, they gave us a bassinet for free. Here are my tips for flying with a 2 to 4 month old baby.

    You know your children better than anyone, so take the tips and do what feels right for your family. More on that in the conflicting advice on how to travel with kids.

    When does a child need their own seat on a plane in Canada?

    Air Canada, WestJet and Porter all follow the same simple line: under 2, your child can be a lap infant, and from age 2, your child needs their own seat.

    • Under 2: a lap infant needs a ticket, but on Air Canada flights within Canada there is no charge, between Canada and the US only the taxes apply, and on international flights the lap infant pays 10% of the adult fare. WestJet and Porter do not charge a base fare or taxes for a lap infant on most routes, although some fees can apply on flights to the US and some international destinations.
    • One lap infant per adult: Transport Canada does not allow one person to be responsible for more than one infant on board, so twins need 2 adults aged 16 or older.
    • From age 2, or under 2 with a car seat on board: your child needs a paid seat.

    If your baby turns 2 during the trip, WestJet says you buy the return flight at full fare, Porter lets you buy a seat for the return only, and Air Canada asks you to call Air Canada Reservations on an international trip. A lap infant still needs their own passport for an international flight, so here is how to get a baby passport in Canada, step by step.

    Car seat on the plane by age: baby, toddler and 2 to 4 year old

    The airlines go by weight and by the limits printed on your car seat more than by age.

    A baby on the plane

    A rear-facing infant seat is made for the smallest babies. Transport Canada describes infant restraint systems as rear-facing and meant for babies under 10 kg (22 lb), and Air Canada says rear-facing devices are generally for babies under 9 kg (20 lb). Your baby can also fly on your lap in a carrier, or in a bassinet if your airline has one.

    A toddler or a 2 to 4 year old on the plane

    Air Canada says forward-facing devices are generally for children from 9 kg to under 30 kg (20 to 65 lb), always within the limits on the seat itself. From about 10 kg (22 lb), the CARES harness becomes an option, and from age 2 your child can also just use the aircraft seatbelt. Booster seats are the one thing you cannot use on board.

    Which car seats are approved for airplanes? Look for the sticker

    Look for the labels on your car seat before you go to the airport, because the airline will ask for an approved seat.

    • A car seat made in Canada: it needs the National Safety Mark showing CMVSS 213 for a child seat or CMVSS 213.1 for an infant seat. A Canadian seat with a label saying it is not certified for use in aircraft is not accepted.
    • A car seat made in the US: it needs the FMVSS label and the label saying “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft”. Air Canada describes that second label as red.
    • A car seat made in Europe or the UK: it needs the ECE R44 or R129 approval and a label saying it is for use in aircraft.
    • A car seat made in Australia or New Zealand: it needs the AS/NZS 1754 label and the green aircraft label.

    The seat also has to fit between the armrests and be installed with the aircraft seatbelt. Porter gives about 17 inches wide as general guidance, so measure your seat before you fly.

    Booster seats and booster cushions are not allowed on board at Air Canada, WestJet or Porter, and Transport Canada says boosters are not approved as a child restraint in an aircraft. A combination seat has to be used with its own harness, says Air Canada.

    What is the CARES harness, and is it approved in Canada?

    CARES is a harness made by AmSafe that goes around the back of the aircraft seat and works with the seatbelt, so your child is strapped in without a car seat. It is FAA approved for aircraft use only, so it does not work in a car.

    Transport Canada reviewed the CARES device and accepts it on Canadian aircraft, for children between 10 and 20 kg (22 and 44 lb) and 100 cm (40 in) tall or less. Using it with a baby under 2 needs a national exemption, which the airline has to confirm.

    • Air Canada: accepted for children who can sit upright, but never in Signature Class, and it does not easily fit on the Dash 8-100 and Dash 8-300.
    • WestJet: accepted with the CARES and FAA approved label, always with the seatbelt.
    • Porter: accepted for children aged 1 and older.

    If you choose CARES, you still need a car seat at the destination if you are driving, so think about the whole trip before you choose.

    Air Canada, WestJet and Porter car seat rules

    Air Canada

    • Child restraint devices are not permitted in Signature Class, with some exceptions, so call Air Canada Reservations if you are flying in that cabin.
    • You can bring the restraint device on board in addition to the infant’s carry-on only if you bought a seat for the child.
    • One car seat or booster seat per child up to age 11 can be checked for free, on top of your baggage allowance, and it cannot have other items inside.
    • One stroller per child flies free. Small strollers, folded no larger than 25.5 cm by 92 cm, can be checked at the counter or at the gate, and a gate-checked stroller comes back to you at the aircraft door.

    WestJet

    • A child in a car seat needs a purchased seat, and WestJet asks you to call them so they can prepare your reservation for a car seat.
    • Car seats cannot be used in the Business section.
    • Rear-facing seats usually go by a window, and children in car seats cannot sit in over-wing exit rows or bulkhead seats. The child sits next to a guest aged 12 or older.
    • You can check 2 pieces of infant or child equipment for free, like a stroller and a car seat, and gate check them. If you use a car seat on board, you get one more piece of equipment on top of that.

    Porter

    • Lap infants are from 7 days old to under 2.
    • Porter does not supply car seats. If you bring one on board, you buy a seat for your child.
    • The car seat goes by a window, with an adult aged 16 or older beside it, and never in an emergency exit row.
    • A car seat and a collapsible stroller are checked for free, on top of your baggage allowance.

    Rules change, so open your airline’s car seat page again the week you fly. Here is how I rate airlines for a family trip in economy.

    Should you check, gate check or bring the car seat on board?

    Your baby gear flies free on most airlines: the stroller and the car seat are usually checked for free, so do not pay extra, just ask at check-in. We have checked our car seat and stroller for free on Air Canada, Emirates and Etihad.

    On our weekend trip to Atlanta, Georgia, I gate checked our YOYO stroller and checked the toddler Diono car seat. On our Flair Airlines flight from Toronto Pearson to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, kids got 2 free gate-check items, like a stroller or a car seat. Here is our weekend guide to Atlanta with kids.

    Checked at the counter, your hands are free and the car seat goes through the full baggage system, so it needs a bag. Gate checked, you keep it until the door of the plane. On board, you need a paid seat and an approved car seat. If you are flying solo, here is how to travel alone with your kids, and my 10 airport tips for flying with kids.

    Do you need a car seat bag for flying?

    I saw way too many broken strollers and uncovered car seats at baggage claim, so if you are checking a stroller or a car seat, protect it. A proper travel bag protects it from dirt, scratches and rough handling, and you spot it faster at baggage claim.

    For infant car seats, I usually recommend the brand’s own bag when the company offers one, because damage to a car seat is not always visible right away. For our trip from Toronto to New York and then to Abidjan, Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), our car seat and stroller went in their UPPAbaby travel bags, and we got them back at our destination.

    Our car seat in its travel bag on the check-in belt at the airport in Abidjan, Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire)

    All my tips are in how to protect your stroller and car seat when flying with kids, and the bags and accessories I use are in my car seat and stroller accessories list on Amazon.

    Car seats at your destination: rental cars, taxis and airport transfers

    When we went to Abidjan, Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire), we had a car waiting for us when we left the airport, and we brought our own car seat from home. Here is my full guide to Abidjan with kids.

    • Airport transfers: book a private transfer from the airport to the hotel, because kids are usually tired after a flight. When you book a transfer on Kiwitaxi, you choose the type of child seat in the booking form: an infant seat up to 10 kg, a child seat for 9 to 18 kg or a booster for 15 to 36 kg. Child seats cost extra, every child counts as a passenger, and Kiwitaxi says the driver can refuse the transfer if you did not book a seat.
    • Taxis: ask before you count on a taxi having a car seat,. In Jamaica, for example, ask for one when you book your transfer or bring your own. Here is my guide to Jamaica with kids and to Montego Bay airport with kids.
    • Rental cars: ask the rental company about a car seat when you book, and check the seat and its labels when you pick up the car, or bring your own. In Nassau, Bahamas, we used taxis from the airport, and they drive on the left there, so think twice before renting a car with a baby seat for a short stay. It is all in our 3 day Nassau itinerary with a baby.
    • Renting baby gear: some families rent the car seat, the stroller and the crib at the destination to travel lighter. Here is why you might rent baby equipment at your destination.

    If you are heading somewhere sunny for March break, here is my guide to March break 2027 with kids from Toronto, including why I book a private transfer from the airport to the resort.

    Tips for installing a car seat on the plane

    • Book the window seat for the car seat, with your seat right beside it. Transport Canada recommends the window and says a car seat should never block an exit or the way out for the people next to it, so the aisle seat and the exit rows are out.
    • Call the airline after you book. WestJet asks you to call so they can prepare your reservation for a car seat.
    • Read the aircraft instructions on your car seat and practise installing it with a lap belt only, since the aircraft seatbelt has no shoulder strap. Transport Canada says top tether straps are not used on aircraft, so stow them the way the manufacturer explains.
    • Use family boarding if your airline offers it, so you have time to install the car seat before the aisle fills up. We always use it.

    If the plan is for your kids to sleep, here is how I get my kids to sleep on a plane in economy, and what is in our carry-ons for an overnight flight.

    What I pack for trips like this

    The things I actually use are in my Amazon store: my packing essentials list and my electronic must-haves for travel list.

    If you are flying with a car seat soon, my pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, and it is free. You can get it here.

    Flying with your kids and a car seat soon? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me where you are going.

  • Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December with kids: weather, what to do and where to stay

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December with kids: weather, what to do and where to stay

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Planning Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in December with kids? We have been to Dubai 3 times with the girls, in October and November 2022, in February 2024 and again in November 2025, so always in the same cool season that December sits in. Here is what the weather is like, what to do in Dubai in December with kids, the Dubai Shopping Festival and New Year’s Eve dates, where to stay, how to get around, and how to add a day trip to Abu Dhabi.

    If you want the full list of attractions, my Dubai city guide has them all, and my Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary for families puts them day by day. This post is about December: what changes, what opens and what to book early.

    What is the weather like in Dubai in December?

    December is winter in Dubai, and for families it is one of the most comfortable months of the year. Days are warm and sunny, with highs of about 26°C, and evenings cool down to about 16°C. The sea stays at about 24 to 25°C, so the kids can still swim. My own city guide already says the best time to visit Dubai is November to March, and December is right in the middle of it.

    The cool evenings are the thing to pack for. My tip for a desert safari with a baby is a blanket and long sleeves for the evening, and in December you will want a light sweater or jacket for everyone after sunset, especially in the desert and at outdoor shows.

    Is December a good time to visit Dubai with kids?

    Yes, and that is also why it gets busy. December is the start of the winter season, and families from everywhere arrive for the school holidays. Book flights and hotels early, especially for the weeks around Christmas and New Year.

    2 dates to know: UAE National Day, also called Eid Al Etihad, is expected on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December 2026, with celebrations, fireworks and flags across the city, and the Dubai Shopping Festival starts on Friday 4 December 2026. Both bring more people out, so plan the big attractions on weekday mornings when you can.

    If you are still deciding where to go this winter, read how to choose your family’s Christmas break destination, or compare with Paris, France in December with kids.

    What to do in Dubai in December with kids

    The best part of December is that the outdoor attractions are all open again after the summer, and you can be outside all day without the heat.

    Global Village

    Global Village is on my list of places not to miss in Dubai, and it is one we did with the kids. It is a big outdoor park with pavilions from countries around the world, food, shopping, rides and shows, and it only opens in the cooler months. Season 31 opened on Wednesday 14 October 2026 and runs until May 2027. It opens in the late afternoon and stays open until midnight, later on weekends, so it is a good evening plan when the kids have had a quiet afternoon. Scooters and bicycles are not allowed inside.

    Dubai Miracle Garden

    Dubai Miracle Garden is also on my must-see list and in my Dubai itinerary. It is a flower garden with millions of flowers shaped into arches, hearts and giant figures, and it is only open in the cool season. Season 15 opened on Thursday 8 October 2026 and runs until Monday 31 May 2027, with a new theme every week. Go in the morning, when it is calmer and the light is softer for photos.

    Expo City Dubai

    Expo City Dubai is the site of Expo 2020 Dubai, and today it is a neighbourhood with attractions, parks and events. Other families love Al Wasl Plaza, which is free, the Surreal water feature, the Garden in the Sky observation tower and the playgrounds, Rashid’s Adventures Playground and Taqa Island. The red metro line runs all the way to Expo 2020 station. Check the Expo City Dubai website before you go, because the opening hours of each attraction change during the year.

    Dubai beaches in December

    On our last trip, in November 2025, we kept it simple: beach, pool, food and family time. In December the sun is softer, so the beach is easier with kids than in the hot months. Kite Beach in Jumeirah, with the view of the Burj Al Arab, and JBR beach are on my list of places not to miss. Other family friendly beaches are Al Mamzar Beach Park and Jumeirah Beach. Bring sun protection anyway, because the sun is still strong in the middle of the day.

    Desert safari

    December is a good month for a desert safari, because the afternoons are warm and the evenings are cool. We have done it twice, once with a baby in a carrier. Here is my full post on the Dubai desert safari with a baby and kids, with how the day goes and our tips. Book it for the late afternoon so you see the sunset, and bring layers for the evening. To compare options, you can look for Dubai desert safaris on Viator.

    Old Dubai, Al Seef and the souks

    For a slower afternoon, I recommend Old Dubai at Al Seef. Take a traditional abra boat ride across Dubai Creek from the Gold Souk, explore the markets for crafts and spices, and let the kids walk around in the open spaces. The family washrooms there are very clean and have changing tables. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood is close by.

    For the Deira souks, the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Textile Souk and Perfume Souk, take the metro to Al Ras station. Bring cash in dirhams, and if you have a baby, a carrier works better than a stroller in the crowded alleys. Here is how I choose between them in stroller or baby carrier for travel.

    The Camel Farm Dubai

    If you want something calm and close to the animals, the Camel Farm Dubai is about 30 to 40 minutes from the city. There are camels, rabbits, cows, goats, sheep, turtles and donkeys, with shaded areas to sit and washrooms. You need a car to get there, and an SUV is better, because the last stretch is sandy. We actually got stuck and had to push the car. They reply fast on WhatsApp for bookings, and a weekday visit is calm and not crowded.

    Simple days count too

    My motto is simple: if kids live there, we can visit. On our third trip we had already done the tourist spots, the desert safari, the boat ride, the souk and the Abu Dhabi mosque, so it was a chill visit to see family. We did the things we would do at home: the mall, groceries, the beach, the pool, restaurants and simple walks. We even did the Dubai Run as a family, which was more a walk. I made a list of tons of things to do, and the reality is that most of the time we wanted to do chill stuff. You can enjoy Dubai on a budget too.

    The kids walking together, seen from behind, on a warm evening in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Other ideas for the cool season are the Dubai Fountain show at the Burj Khalifa, a yacht afternoon in Dubai Marina, which we did as a family, and the Museum of the Future. If you want to book tickets ahead, you can look for Dubai tours and attractions on Viator.

    When is the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 to 2027?

    The 32nd Dubai Shopping Festival runs from Friday 4 December 2026 to Sunday 17 January 2027, according to the organisers, Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment. That is 45 days of sales in the malls, concerts, shows and events around the city. If you travel in December, you will be there for it. My tip is to download the Dubai Mall app before you go, because the mall is huge and it helps a lot to plan your visit. The Entertainer app also has deals on dining and activities.

    New Year’s Eve in Dubai with kids

    New Year’s Eve in Dubai means the fireworks at the Burj Khalifa, and it is one of the busiest nights of the year. The Thursday 31 December 2026 plans are not out yet, so here is what happened last year. Downtown Dubai had free viewing zones with screens, but entry was first come, first served, and the gates closed once they were full. Roads around Downtown closed and the metro ran longer hours. Families with young kids who wanted something easier went to Global Village, which has several countdowns through the evening for different time zones, or to Expo City Dubai, which had an earlier countdown and more open space. Check the official plans in December, and if you go to Downtown, arrive in the afternoon with snacks, water and layers for the kids.

    Where to stay in Dubai with kids

    We stayed in the Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) neighbourhood, and everything we needed was within walking distance: the beach, restaurants and shops. It is very family friendly. The only downside is that it is extremely busy, and in December it will be even busier.

    The family friendly areas I recommend are JBR, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Al Barsha near the Mall of the Emirates, and Downtown near the Burj Khalifa. Choose a hotel if you want full service and daily housekeeping, or an apartment if you want a kitchen and more space for the kids. Read the reviews on Google and TripAdvisor before you book. Atlantis The Palm is the luxury choice, with the Aquaventure waterpark next door.

    You can search Dubai hotels and apartments on Booking.com or compare Dubai hotels on Hotels.com. For December, book early, because the best family rooms go first.

    Getting around Dubai with kids: metro, taxi and apps

    The Dubai Metro is one of the cleanest transit systems I have seen. There are cabins only for women and children, and a Gold Class cabin with a Gold card or ticket. You pay with a Nol card, and the RTA app shows the routes and schedules. The metro is great for Downtown, the Dubai Mall, the souks in Deira and Expo City.

    For taxis, I use Careem, which is my favourite all-in-one app and generally cheaper than Uber in Dubai. It also does grocery delivery, and once it delivered groceries to our door at 3:15 AM after ordering at 3 AM. Talabat is the app for food delivery. For the Camel Farm, the desert and Abu Dhabi, a car or a booked driver is easier.

    From the airport, you can book an airport transfer with Kiwitaxi, so a driver is waiting when you land. For maps and taxi apps from the moment you arrive, you can get an Airalo eSIM for the UAE before the trip.

    A day trip to Abu Dhabi from Dubai

    Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is about 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes from Dubai by car, and it is an easy day trip in December. We visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque as a family. There is no entrance fee and there is parking. Women need a modest outfit or an abaya and a headscarf, and everyone needs shoulders and knees covered. Children are welcome but must stay close, and we used our Babyzen Yoyo stroller because there is a lot of walking. Check the visiting hours and prayer times before you go, and wear comfortable shoes.

    If you have more time, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan palace, Ferrari World, Warner Bros World and Yas Waterworld are all in my Dubai and Abu Dhabi itinerary. Abu Dhabi also has its own airport, and Zayed International Airport is clean and bright, with family check-in counters. If you are combining cities or countries on one trip, here are my multi-destination travel with kids tips.

    Flying to Dubai with kids

    We have flown to Dubai with Emirates, including from Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), and back from Dubai to Toronto. The crew gave the kids toys and goodies, the entertainment was good, and they checked our car seat and stroller at no extra cost. I share how I compare airlines in choosing an airline for a family trip, and for the long flight, read how kids sleep on a plane in economy and my tips for jet lag with kids.

    At Dubai International Airport (DXB), we once used the Marhaba arrival service, because I was travelling alone with the kids and a lot of luggage. They met us at the plane, took us through immigration with golf carts and helped with the bags. The terminal also has free strollers for travellers. If you are flying alone with your kids too, here is how to travel alone with your kids, and here is how we use airport lounges with kids.

    What I pack for trips like this

    The things I actually use are in my Amazon store: my packing essentials list and my electronic must-haves for travel list.

    If you are planning Dubai in December, my pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, and it is free. You can get it here.

    Planning Dubai with your kids this winter? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me when you are going.

  • Montreal, Quebec (Canada) in winter with kids: things to do when it is cold

    Montreal, Quebec (Canada) in winter with kids: things to do when it is cold

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Planning Montreal, Quebec, in winter with kids? I have been to Montreal in winter twice, in December 2018 and in January 2025, and my last trip was a 24 hour winter trip to see my sister while she was visiting. It was cold, short, and still worth it. Montreal in winter is a city trip, so the secret is to plan a mix of indoor stops and a few outdoor moments, and to dress for the cold. Here are the things to do in Montreal, Canada, in winter with kids, the festival dates for 2026 and 2027, how to get there from Toronto, where to stay and what to wear.

    Is Montreal worth visiting in winter with kids?

    Yes, as long as you plan for the weather. I will be honest, I prefer indoor or summer activities, and summer is my favourite time to visit Montreal. But Montreal, Quebec, is a city that keeps going in winter. There are Christmas markets in November and December, free outdoor skating rinks, snow tubing on Mount Royal, winter festivals in January and February, and a whole underground network downtown, so you can move between malls, metro stations and the train station without going outside.

    Canada is known for its snowy winters, especially in cities like Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec City, and the temperature can drop below -20°C. The good news is that most indoor places put the heat on in winter, so with the right layers you can spend a day outside, warm up inside, and go back out again.

    When is the best time to visit Montreal in winter?

    It depends on what you want to see. Each part of the winter has its own events, so pick your dates around the one your family would enjoy most. These are the dates listed for the 2026 and 2027 season when I checked in October 2026. Some of them are still marked as to be confirmed, so check the official site before you book.

    • Christmas markets, from late November to early January: Le Grand Marché de Noël runs at Place des Festivals downtown, with free admission, and listings give opening dates in mid to late November 2026 through 3 January 2027. The Village de Noël sits near Atwater Market and is listed from 26 November to 24 December 2026.
    • Igloofest, from 14 January to 6 February 2027: the outdoor winter music festival in the Old Port. It is for adults 18 and over, so this one is for a night out if you have a babysitter.
    • Fête des neiges de Montréal, in January and February: the snow festival at Parc Jean-Drapeau. Past editions ran on weekends from mid January to early February. The 2027 dates were not out yet when I checked, and the program is usually announced in December.
    • Montréal en Lumière, listed for 18 to 28 February 2027: the winter festival in the Quartier des Spectacles, with a free outdoor site, light installations, rides and entertainment for children. The 2026 edition ran from 27 February to 7 March, so confirm the 2027 dates before you plan around it.

    March break also works well. March break 2027 in Ontario runs from 15 to 19 March, and my March break 2027 guide from Toronto has Montreal as one of the close to home ideas, along with sun and snow trips.

    How do you get from Toronto to Montreal in winter with kids?

    You have 3 good options: the train, the car or the plane. You may want to compare the prices, because I have found that sometimes it is cheaper to drive.

    Toronto to Montreal by train

    VIA Rail runs trains between Toronto Union Station and Montreal Central Station, and the trip takes about 5 to 5.5 hours depending on the train. VIA prices change with demand, so booking ahead usually gets you a better fare. In winter, it helps that Montreal Central Station is connected to the Underground City, so you can arrive with the kids and the bags and stay inside all the way to the metro or to a connected hotel. Check viarail.ca for child fares and current offers before you book.

    Toronto to Montreal by car

    Driving between Toronto and Montreal takes about 5 hours without stops, and more with kids and winter roads. A car is easy for the luggage and the snow gear, but check the weather before you leave, plan your stops, and remember that parking downtown Montreal is paid. Quebec requires winter tires on cars registered in Quebec from 1 December to 15 March, including rental cars, and winter tires are worth having on your own car for this drive too.

    Toronto to Montreal by plane

    The flight from Toronto to Montreal is about 1 hour 15 minutes, and Air Canada, Porter, WestJet and Air Transat fly the route. For my 24 hour trip in January 2025, I flew in and out of Montreal-Trudeau airport (YUL). If you are flying with little ones, Montreal airport has a fun play area for kids, and when we had a layover there on our way to Lyon, my eldest loved playing the airport piano.

    Samira with her carry-on at Montreal-Trudeau airport (YUL) in January, after a 24 hour winter trip to Montreal, Quebec

    From the airport to downtown, a taxi or an Uber is the simplest with kids. If you want it booked before you land, you can book a Montreal airport transfer with Kiwitaxi. Here are my tips on choosing an airline for a family trip and on protecting your stroller and car seat when flying. If you are going without your partner, here is how to travel alone with your kids.

    Where to stay in Montreal with kids in winter

    In winter, location matters more than in summer, because every walk is a cold walk. These are the 2 areas I would look at.

    • Downtown Montreal: close to the Underground City, the Eaton Centre, Place des Festivals and the Esplanade Tranquille rink. If a hotel is connected to the underground network, it usually says so in its listing, and that is worth looking for with kids in January.
    • Old Montreal (Vieux-Montréal): cobblestone streets, the Old Port and the Montreal Science Centre close by, and the most beautiful area to walk in the snow. It is a little further from the downtown malls, so plan on the metro or a taxi.

    You can search hotels in downtown Montreal and Old Montreal on Booking.com or compare Montreal hotels on Hotels.com. Hotels in Canada can be more expensive around the winter holidays, so book early if you are going in December.

    Things to do in Montreal in winter with kids

    Balance is everything in winter. Plan one outdoor activity, then an indoor one, then food, and you will have a much better day than if you try to stay outside the whole time.

    Montreal Underground City (RÉSO)

    The Underground City, now called RÉSO, is about 32 km of tunnels and indoor walkways that connect downtown buildings, shopping centres, metro stations and Central Station. It links places like the Eaton Centre, Place Ville Marie, Complexe Desjardins and Place des Arts, so on a very cold day you can walk, shop, eat and take the metro without going outside. With kids, it is the easiest way to get around downtown in January.

    Montreal Biodôme, Planetarium and Insectarium

    The Montreal Biodôme is a kids’ favourite, and it is a good indoor stop in winter. It recreates different ecosystems under one roof, so you can go from a tropical forest to the polar world in the same visit, and it is warm inside while it snows outside. The Biodôme and the Planetarium sit side by side at the Olympic Park, and the Insectarium and the Montreal Botanical Garden are right across the street, so you can do 2 of them in one day. They are all part of Espace pour la vie. Children under 4 are free (checked October 2026), and it is worth booking your time slot online before you go, especially during the holidays and March break.

    Montreal Science Centre and the Old Port

    The Montreal Science Centre is another indoor stop, right at the Old Port. It is hands-on, with a space for the youngest kids and experiments for the older ones, plus an IMAX theatre. La Grande Roue observation wheel is also at the Old Port, and it is on my list of indoor things to do in Montreal. One thing to know if you remember the old skating rink at the Old Port: it closed for good in 2025, so plan your skating at one of the rinks below.

    If you want to book some activities ahead, you can look for Montreal tours and activities on Viator.

    Old Montreal in the snow

    Old Montreal is beautiful in winter, with its stone buildings and cobblestone streets, and a short walk along Rue Saint-Paul is enough with kids before everyone needs to warm up. For the indoor part, Notre-Dame Basilica, the Pointe-à-Callière Museum and Château Ramezay are all in or next to Old Montreal. Keep the walks short and plan a warm stop every hour.

    Ice skating in Montreal: Mount Royal and Esplanade Tranquille

    Outdoor skating is a classic Montreal winter activity, and the 2 rinks below are free to skate on.

    • Beaver Lake (Lac aux Castors) on Mount Royal: a big refrigerated outdoor rink next to the Beaver Lake Pavilion, run with Les amis de la montagne. Entry is free if you bring your own skates, and you can rent skates on site. The 2026 to 2027 season is listed from 12 December 2026 to 8 March 2027, weather permitting.
    • Esplanade Tranquille in the Quartier des Spectacles: a free outdoor rink downtown, at the corner of Sainte-Catherine West and Clark, close to Place-des-Arts metro. You can rent skates and helmets on site, and at night a projection lights up the ice. It usually runs from November to April.

    Snow tubing and snowshoeing on Mount Royal

    If your kids love the snow, Mount Royal Park has snow tubing on the slopes above Beaver Lake, snowshoe and cross-country ski rentals, and lessons for children. The slopes only open when conditions are safe, so check lemontroyal.qc.ca on the day. The Beaver Lake Pavilion has a café inside to warm up after, and Mount Royal is the same park that is on my summer list for the sunset views.

    Christmas markets in Montreal

    If you are going in December, Le Grand Marché de Noël at Place des Festivals is the big downtown one, with free admission, and the Village de Noël near Atwater Market is a smaller one in the Saint-Henri area. They are an easy way to see the city in its holiday lights. If you love Christmas markets, here is my guide to Paris, France, in December with kids, and my tips to choose your family’s Christmas break destination.

    Fête des neiges and Montréal en Lumière

    These are the 2 winter festivals for families. The Fête des neiges at Parc Jean-Drapeau is the snow festival, held on winter weekends, and Montréal en Lumière in the Quartier des Spectacles has a free outdoor site with lights, rides, skating and shows. Check the dates above and plan your weekend around one of them if you can.

    What to wear in Montreal in winter with kids

    The winters are cold, and I was not prepared for that when I moved to Canada. Bundle up and wear layers, because most indoor places put the heat on in winter, and you will be taking things off and putting them back on all day.

    • Layers for everyone: a base layer, a warm sweater and a winter coat, so the kids can take a layer off in the Underground City or the Biodôme and put it back on before going outside.
    • Snow pants, warm waterproof boots, a hat and mittens for the kids, especially if you are skating, tubing or going to a festival. A spare pair of mittens and socks in the bag helps when one pair gets wet.
    • A big scarf: I bought mine in 2017 and I still take it on every trip, because it works as a blanket when someone gets cold on the plane or at the hotel, and as a stroller cover when we are exploring.
    • For travel day, the kids wear the same airport outfit every time: long pants and closed-toe shoes, because airports and planes are always cold.

    Pack the hats, mittens and pyjamas for the first night in the carry-on, so you can land or arrive and go straight out, or straight to bed, without opening the big suitcase.

    Getting around Montreal in winter

    The STM runs the Montreal metro and buses, and the metro is a good option for the central areas, especially in winter when you can go from station to station through the Underground City. Uber and taxis are easy too, and with kids and a stroller in the snow, a short taxi ride is often worth it. Sidewalks can be icy and full of snow piles, so a stroller is harder to push than in summer. For a baby, a carrier can be easier for the outdoor parts of the day.

    Quebec is mainly French-speaking, so knowing a few basic French phrases helps. Sales taxes are not included in the prices, and in Quebec you pay about 15% in taxes at checkout, so expect to pay more than the price you see on the menu or the tag. If you are visiting Canada for the first time, here is what you need to know before your first trip to Canada.

    Montreal in winter or in summer?

    Both, if you can. Montreal during the summer is amazing, and it is still my favourite time to visit, with Jean-Talon Market, the Lachine Canal and the outdoor festivals. My guide to things to do in Montreal in summer has the full list. In winter the days are shorter and the walks are colder, but you get the Christmas markets, the skating and the snow, and the Biodôme and the Science Centre work in every season.

    If you want more winter ideas close to home, here is my Toronto, Ontario, with kids guide, with skating and the holiday markets, and my family guide to Blue Mountain Village for skiing, tubing and skating 2 hours from Toronto.

    What I pack for trips like this

    The things I actually use are in my Amazon store: my packing essentials list and my electronic must-haves for travel list.

    If you are planning Montreal in winter, my pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, and it is free. You can get it here.

    Planning Montreal with your kids this winter? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me when you are going.

  • Paris, France in December with kids: Christmas markets, lights and what to do

    Paris, France in December with kids: Christmas markets, lights and what to do

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Thinking about Paris, France in December with kids? I am French, I was born and grew up in Lyon, and I go back to France most years, so Paris at Christmas is a trip I know well. We spent the Christmas holidays in Paris in December 2021 and January 2022, and the photos in this post are from that trip. This guide covers the Christmas markets in Paris, the Christmas lights on the Champs-Élysées and at Galeries Lafayette, ice skating, Disneyland Paris at Christmas, what to do on a rainy day, the weather and what to wear, what closes on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, and how to get around Paris with kids in winter.

    If you are planning Paris for the first time, start with my 5 day Paris itinerary with kids, which works all year. This post adds everything that is special about Paris in December.

    Is Paris a good idea in December with kids?

    Yes, if you plan around the short days and the cold. The city is decorated from mid-November to early January, the Christmas markets are open, the department store windows are made for children, and Disneyland Paris runs its Christmas season. Days are short, though: around mid-December the sun sets before 5 pm, so the lights come on while the kids are still awake, and that is a big part of the magic.

    One date to know: the French school Christmas holidays in 2026 run from Saturday 19 December 2026, and classes start again on Monday 4 January 2027. Paris families are off school during those 2 weeks, so museums, ice rinks and Disneyland Paris get busier. If your dates are flexible, the first 2 weeks of December are calmer.

    Christmas markets in Paris with kids

    Paris Christmas markets are easy to fit into a day with kids, because each one sits next to something else you will want to see. Here are the ones families look for most.

    The Tuileries Christmas market

    The Tuileries market, also called La Magie de Noël, sets up in the Jardin des Tuileries, right next to the Louvre. It has wooden chalets with food and gifts, plus fairground rides and a big wheel, so it is the one most families pick. Listing sites give different dates for 2026, and the official dates were still not published when I checked in October 2026, so look at the organiser’s page before you plan your day around it. It pairs well with the Louvre in the morning.

    La Défense Christmas market

    La Défense, on the edge of Paris at the end of metro line 1, has one of the largest Christmas markets in the Paris area. Paris La Défense says it runs from mid-November to the end of December. It is a good option on a cold day because the shopping centre is right there when the kids need to warm up.

    Notre-Dame and Champs-Élysées

    The Notre-Dame Christmas market is in Square René Viviani, across the river from the cathedral, and it was reported for 26 November to 27 December 2026. A Champs-Élysées Christmas market was also reported to return on 22 November 2026. Both dates come from Paris listing sites, so check them closer to your trip.

    Going late in the afternoon works well with kids: you see the chalets in daylight, and by dinner time the lights are on.

    Paris Christmas lights: Champs-Élysées and Galeries Lafayette

    The Christmas lights are free, and because it gets dark so early you do not have to keep anyone up late to see them.

    The Champs-Élysées lights

    Every year, the trees along the Champs-Élysées are wrapped in lights from the Place de la Concorde up to the Arc de Triomphe. In 2025 they were switched on on 16 November and stayed on until early January, according to the City of Paris. For 2026, the switch-on was reported for 22 November 2026. Walk a section of the avenue rather than the whole thing with small kids, because it is long.

    The Eiffel Tower also sparkles every evening after dark, and in winter that happens early enough for a short walk to Trocadéro before dinner. I share the best photo spots in my Paris itinerary from a French mom.

    Galeries Lafayette and the department store windows

    The Christmas windows of the big department stores on Boulevard Haussmann are animated displays that families come to see every year. Inside Galeries Lafayette Haussmann, a giant Christmas tree goes up under the glass dome. The 2026 windows and tree were reported to be revealed on 12 November 2026, with a theme by the designer Jean-Charles de Castelbajac. Printemps, right next door, also does Christmas windows, so you can see both in one walk. The rooftop terrace at Galeries Lafayette is free and has a view over Paris.

    If the kids would rather sit than walk, other families love seeing the lights from the water. You can look for Seine river cruises and Paris tours on Viator.

    Ice skating in Paris in winter

    Ice rinks open across Paris and the Paris region over the Christmas season. The most famous recent one is the Grand Palais des Glaces, a huge rink set up under the glass roof of the Grand Palais. For the 2025 to 2026 season it ran from about mid-December 2025 to early January 2026. Its 2026 dates had not been announced when I checked in October 2026, so watch the Grand Palais website. During the French school holidays, go when it opens, because the rinks get busy in the afternoon.

    Disneyland Paris at Christmas

    Disneyland Paris runs its Christmas season, Disney’s Enchanted Christmas, from Saturday 7 November 2026 to Wednesday 6 January 2027. The season includes a Christmas parade, the lighting of the big Christmas tree in Town Square, and Santa to meet until 25 December. For 2026, Christmas also reaches the World of Frozen area at Disney Adventure World for the first time, which is the second park, formerly Walt Disney Studios.

    Our first visit to Disneyland Paris was on this winter trip. My daughter liked seeing the characters, but that was pretty much it, and she was jet lagged and slept. We brought our favourite travel stroller, the Babyzen YoYo, plus snacks, water and lots of patience. When we went back on a later trip, the biggest thing I learned is that Disney is a system, so have a plan before you go.

    What made a difference for us:

    • Under 3 is free: no ticket, just walk in.
    • There are 2 parks, and with kids, 1 park per day felt much better.
    • We prefer staying in Paris, because it is easier to mix Disney with real Paris, the food is better, and the RER A train goes straight to the park.
    • Bring a stroller, even for older kids, because the walking adds up fast.
    • Rainy days meant fewer crowds and almost no wait times for us.

    All my tips, from tickets and the app to food and characters, are in my full guide to Disneyland Paris with kids. Book tickets well ahead for the Christmas holidays, since prices change by day and the school holiday weeks are the busiest.

    Museums and things to do in Paris on a rainy day with kids

    December in Paris is often grey and wet, so keep a list of indoor plans ready. These are the ones families with young kids look for the most.

    • The Louvre: book your tickets in advance. I learned this the hard way. Follow it with the Tuileries market if the rain stops.
    • The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie and its Cité des Enfants, an interactive science museum with areas for toddlers and for older kids. Book a Cité des Enfants session ahead during the school holidays.
    • The Jardin des Plantes and its galleries, with the natural history museum and animals.
    • The Aquarium de Paris, near Trocadéro and the Eiffel Tower.
    • A croissant or macaron baking class, which other families love as a rainy morning plan.

    You will find many more indoor and outdoor ideas in my list of kid-friendly adventures in and around Paris, and a longer plan in my 10 day Paris itinerary for families.

    Paris weather in December and what to wear

    Paris in December is cold and damp more than snowy. Average temperatures sit around 3 to 8°C, and rain is common, with only a few hours of sun on most days.

    What works for kids in Paris in winter:

    • A warm, waterproof coat with a hood, so an umbrella is one less thing to carry.
    • Layers underneath, because metro stations, shops and museums are warm inside.
    • Comfortable waterproof shoes for cobblestones and puddles.
    • A hat, gloves and a scarf for the evenings under the lights.
    • A rain cover for the stroller.
    Our daughter in a winter coat, seen from behind, walking through Paris, France on a December evening

    What is open in Paris on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day?

    In France, the big Christmas meal, le réveillon, happens on the evening of 24 December, at home with family. That changes what is open:

    • On 24 and 31 December, many shops close earlier than usual, and many restaurants either close or serve a set holiday menu that you have to book.
    • 25 December and 1 January are public holidays in France. Most shops are closed, and many museums close too, including the Louvre and the Cité des Sciences.
    • Outdoor plans like the Christmas lights, the Eiffel Tower view from Trocadéro and the parks are always there, and Disneyland Paris stays open through the holidays.

    Book your Christmas Eve and Christmas Day meals before you leave home, buy some groceries on the 23rd or the 24th in the morning, and check each museum’s own website for its holiday hours.

    Where to stay in Paris with kids in December

    Stay close to a metro line you will use every day, so you can go back to rest between plans. One thing I always check before booking in Europe is whether there is an elevator. In Paris, our UPPAbaby stroller did not even fit in the elevator at our Airbnb, and I had to fold it every single time we went in or out. Here is what I check before every international trip with kids.

    Hotel or apartment? On one Paris trip we were jet lagged and the kids were fully awake at 1 am, and in the hotel we were able to move around in the lobby. I explain how I choose in hotel or Airbnb with kids, and the family-friendly neighbourhoods are in my Paris city guide.

    When you are ready to book, you can search Paris hotels on Booking.com or compare Paris hotels on Hotels.com.

    Getting around Paris with kids in winter

    From Charles de Gaulle airport, the easiest start with kids, luggage and a long flight behind you is a booked transfer. You can book an airport transfer with Kiwitaxi, so the driver is waiting when you land.

    In the city, the metro is fast, but many stations have stairs and no elevators. Buses are slower but much easier with a stroller, and in winter they keep everyone warm and dry. All my tips on tickets, passes, apps and the stations to avoid are in getting around Paris, France with kids. For maps and messages from the moment you land, I use an eSIM, and you can get an Airalo eSIM for France.

    The flight from Canada to Paris is overnight, so jet lag is part of the first days. Plan the first evening light, and read my tips for jet lag with kids and how kids sleep on a plane in economy.

    More of France at Christmas

    If you have more time, take the train out of Paris. I share easy ideas in my day trips from France’s most famous cities, and Lyon, my hometown, is about 2 hours away by high speed train. Lyon is famous for its Fête des Lumières, the festival of lights in December, and here is my 5 day Lyon itinerary for families. Still choosing where to go for the holidays? Read how to choose your family’s Christmas break destination.

    What I pack for trips like this

    The things I actually use are in my Amazon store: my packing essentials list and my electronic must-haves for travel list.

    If you are planning Paris in December, my pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, and it is free. You can get it here.

    Planning Paris with your kids this Christmas? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me when you are going.

  • All-inclusive with a toddler: how to pick the right resort in Cancun (Mexico), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) or Jamaica

    All-inclusive with a toddler: how to pick the right resort in Cancun (Mexico), Punta Cana (Dominican Republic) or Jamaica

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Planning an all-inclusive with a toddler and wondering how to pick the right resort? I love all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, and the 3 countries I recommend are Mexico (Cancun and the Riviera Maya), the Dominican Republic (Punta Cana) and Jamaica (Negril and Montego Bay). We have done resorts with a baby and with young kids, and this guide covers what to look at before booking: the kids club ages, the pools and splash areas, the room, the food, the transfer time from the airport, and the questions I ask the resort first.

    Is an all-inclusive worth it with a toddler?

    For us, yes. When I compare a city trip and a Caribbean trip, I say you go to the Caribbean for the setup: a beach, a pool, space for the kids and everything close by. You stay mostly in one place, meals are easier and your days are simpler to manage. With a toddler, that is a lot of the work already done for you.

    Our trip to the Grand Palladium Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic is the one that convinced me. It was the baby’s first trip, it was a short 4 hour flight, and the all-inclusive made everything easier. We had warm weather, slow days, good food, long naps and the kids playing, and it ended up being one of the best trips I have ever taken with my kids. Somehow, I actually came back rested. And yes, I packed as if I were moving there.

    It is also our vacation, not only theirs. Sometimes that looks like putting the kids in the kids club so we can go to the spa, and most moments are for all of us together. If you are still deciding between a resort and a city, here is how I choose between Europe and the Caribbean with kids, and why I think you should pick an all-inclusive resort for a family vacation.

    All-inclusive kids club ages: what to check with a toddler

    Check the kids club ages first, because many kids clubs start at 3, 4 or 5 years old, and a 2 year old may not be able to join. Resorts split their clubs by age, and the toddler group is the one that changes the most from one resort to the next.

    • At the Palladium resorts in the Riviera Maya, Mexico, the resort lists a Baby Club for children from 1 to 3 years old, with a play area and cribs, and a Mini Club for kids from 4 to 12 (checked on the Palladium website in October 2026).
    • Beaches Resorts, including Beaches Negril in Jamaica, list a Kids Camp with a nursery for babies and separate groups for toddlers and older kids. Some toddler groups ask for children to be potty trained, so check that before you count on it.
    • If the club at your resort starts at 4 or 5, your toddler stays with you all day, and that can be completely fine if you know it before you book.

    We tried the kids club a few times, and it is a great way for the adults to have some free time while the kids are entertained. Ask the resort what age the club starts, whether a parent has to stay with toddlers, whether there is a cost, and what the opening hours are.

    Our daughter, seen from behind, looking at the family pool at the Grand Palladium in the Riviera Maya, Mexico

    Pools, splash pads and water parks for toddlers

    With a toddler, the pools often matter as much as the beach. Look for a shallow kids pool, a splash pad or splash area, and shade close by.

    The Grand Palladium Riviera Maya, my favourite resort in the Cancun area, has 9 pools including family-friendly ones and adult-only ones. When we spent the day at Beaches Negril in Jamaica on a day pass, there were pools, a lazy river, a water park and splash areas for kids. If you are curious, here is how the Beaches Negril day pass works, and it is a good way to try a resort before you book a full stay.

    In Punta Cana, the baby went in the shallow pool in a baby float with a sun canopy.

    Beach or pool: which matters more with a toddler?

    Both, but check the beach before you assume it works for little ones. In Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Mexico, the beach at the Grand Palladium is beautiful, but be prepared for lots of seaweed. Seaweed changes with the season, so look at recent reviews and photos for the month you are going.

    Negril in Jamaica has Seven Mile Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen. When you are choosing, match the beach to your family: the crowds, how safe it is, and the amenities right there.

    The room: cribs, space and a fridge

    A resort room with a toddler is where you nap, change, snack and sleep, so it has to work for all of us. When I look at a hotel, I want at least 2 beds, space for the kids to move around, a pool and a real breakfast buffet.

    • Ask for a crib when you book, and confirm it again before you arrive.
    • Look at the family rooms or suites. The Grand Palladium Kantenah in the Riviera Maya has a family section, and many resorts have connecting rooms or suites with a separate sleeping space, which helps when the toddler naps and you want to stay up.
    • Check for a fridge in the room for milk and snacks.
    • Ask how far the room is from the kids pool and the buffet. Some resorts are huge.

    It never hurts to ask for an upgrade or a room with a better view. I usually email the hotel a few days before we arrive with my special requests. Here is more on how I choose a hotel with kids, and my 10 hotel essentials.

    Resort size: big resort or small resort with a toddler?

    Some hotels are small and intimate, while others are massive with 5 or more resorts in one complex. For a family trip full of activities, a larger resort with many pools and restaurants can be better, and I love large family-friendly hotels. The Grand Palladium Riviera Maya is made up of 5 sections, and when you stay in one you get access to all of them. It is so big that there is a train to take you around.

    With a toddler, a big resort means a lot of walking, so bring a stroller. We keep ours with us for naps on the go too, and here is why I bring both a stroller and a baby carrier.

    Food at an all-inclusive with a toddler

    This is where an all-inclusive really helps. There are lots of options, from buffets to à la carte restaurants, and everyone in the family can find something to eat. The Grand Palladium Riviera Maya has 14 restaurants, and the food at the Grand Palladium Punta Cana was amazing, with tons of dining options.

    My tips for meals with a toddler:

    • Bring reusable bottles and Tupperware or zip lock bags so you can take snacks from the buffet for the kids.
    • Book the specialty restaurants as soon as you arrive. We made the mistake in Punta Cana, and it was hard to get a spot. You do not need a reservation for the buffets.
    • Ask the resort about any dietary needs before you arrive.

    Our kids sleep anywhere, and in Jamaica one of them fell asleep at the dinner table with a live band playing. We do not build our days around naps, so a late dinner still works for us. If you have a picky eater, here are 5 things that help with picky eaters when travelling.

    Airport transfer time with a toddler

    After a flight, kids are usually tired, so the drive from the airport to the resort matters.

    • Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Mexico: if you stay in Cancun, you are 20 to 30 minutes from the airport. The Grand Palladium Riviera Maya is about 1 hour from Cancun International Airport, longer with traffic, and Tulum and parts of the Riviera Maya are 1.5 to 2 hours away.
    • Punta Cana, Dominican Republic: most resorts in the Bavaro and Cap Cana areas are about 15 to 30 minutes from Punta Cana International Airport, depending on the hotel.
    • Jamaica: resorts in Montego Bay are closer to Sangster International Airport, while Negril is about 1.5 hours away by car. If you are landing in Montego Bay, here is my guide to Montego Bay airport with kids.

    Book a private transfer to the resort. It is better than a shared transfer that stops to drop passengers at every hotel. You can book a private airport transfer on Kiwitaxi, and if you need a car seat, ask for one when you book. For the flight itself, here are my airport tips for flying with kids and how I get my kids to sleep on a plane in economy.

    Mexico, Dominican Republic or Jamaica with a toddler?

    The Caribbean is easy to do from Canada most of the year, and I have been to resorts in all 3 countries.

    Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Mexico

    There are more than 100 hotels in the area, so pick the area first. Cancun is close to the airport and good for nightlife and shopping, Tulum is more laid back with a focus on nature and wellness, and the Riviera Maya is a blend of the two. The Grand Palladium Riviera Maya is my favourite resort there. I have stayed there many times, and I got married there. It was the best place to welcome guests of all ages, from 0 to 75. Here is how to pick the best hotel in the Cancun and Riviera Maya area, and my 10 family-friendly things to do in the Cancun area.

    Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

    Punta Cana was a short 4 hour flight for us, and the transfer from the airport is short, which helps with a toddler. We stayed at the Grand Palladium Punta Cana, which is very family and kid-friendly, with lots of entertainment. My Punta Cana city guide has more resorts and things to do.

    Negril and Montego Bay, Jamaica

    I love Jamaica, especially the food. In Montego Bay, the view from the Grand Palladium Jamaica is gorgeous, and Palladium is one of my favourite hotel brands. In Negril, Beaches is a family-friendly all-inclusive right on Seven Mile Beach. You can stay in one city and still visit attractions in other areas as day trips, just be ready for some driving. Here is my Jamaica travel guide for first-time visitors.

    When you are ready, you can compare all-inclusive resorts in Cancun, Punta Cana and Jamaica on Booking.com or look at family resorts on Hotels.com.

    Is it safe to go to Mexico, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica with kids?

    Always check the Government of Canada travel advice before you book and again before you go. When I checked in October 2026, all 3 countries were at “exercise a high degree of caution”. For Mexico, the advice also lists regional advisories for some states, and Quintana Roo, where Cancun and the Riviera Maya are, was not one of them. For Jamaica, the advice points to violent crime, particularly outside tourist areas. Read the page for your destination on travel.gc.ca, and keep an eye on your belongings when you leave the resort.

    Questions to ask before booking an all-inclusive with a toddler

    Before I book, I check the resort’s website, the reviews and travel pages to see what amenities they have and how big the resort is. Then I ask these questions, by email or by phone:

    1. At what age does the kids club start, and does a parent have to stay with toddlers?
    2. Is there a shallow kids pool, a splash pad or a water park, and is there shade around it?
    3. Can you put a crib in our room, and do you have family rooms or connecting rooms?
    4. Is there a fridge in the room?
    5. How far is our room from the kids pool and the buffet, and do you have a train or shuttle on the property?
    6. Which restaurants need a reservation, and can kids eat there?
    7. Can you help with dietary needs?
    8. How long is the transfer from the airport, and can you arrange a private transfer with a car seat?
    9. What is included, and what costs extra, like specialty dining, the spa or excursions?
    10. Is there an app or a daily schedule for activities?

    What to pack for an all-inclusive with a toddler

    Most of the essentials are expensive on site, so pack them. My list for a beach resort: sunscreen, UV hats, beach toys, a beach tent, a waterproof bag, water shoes, a first aid kit, reusable water bottles and any medication. Bring some cash in US dollars or local currency for tipping the staff at the pool, the restaurants and room service. The things I use are on my family beach essentials list, and if you are travelling with a baby too, here is how I prepared for a beach trip with a baby and a young kid.

    Set up an eSIM or update your roaming plan before you go. You can get an Airalo eSIM for Mexico, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica. And if your toddler does not have a passport yet, here is how to get a passport for a baby or child in Canada.

    Going beyond the resort with a toddler

    I love going out to see the local culture, and there are family-friendly day trips from each resort area that work with babies and toddlers. Pre-book family excursions or ask the hotel staff for local activity tips, and check the resort activity schedule so you do not miss the fun. Here are my excursions from Caribbean resorts for families with young kids, and you can look for family excursions on Viator. If you are planning a resort for March break, here is my March break 2027 guide from Toronto, and my 10 tips for your all-inclusive vacation work for every resort in this post.

    What I pack for trips like this

    The things I actually use are in my Amazon store: my packing essentials list and my electronic must-haves for travel list.

    If you are planning an all-inclusive with your toddler, my pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, and it is free. You can get it here.

    Planning an all-inclusive with your toddler? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me where you are going.

  • Jamaica with kids: is it safe, where to stay in Montego Bay, Negril or Ocho Rios, and things to do

    Jamaica with kids: is it safe, where to stay in Montego Bay, Negril or Ocho Rios, and things to do

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Planning a trip to Jamaica with kids and wondering if it is safe, where to stay and what to do? We went to Negril, Jamaica, as a family in November 2024, and the kids had a blast. This guide covers the questions parents ask most before booking Jamaica with kids: how safe it is, how to choose between Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios, how to get from the airport to your hotel, the best excursions for young kids, the best time to go and what to pack.

    If this is your first time, start with my Jamaica travel guide for first-time visitors, which has a full itinerary and a list of things to do in every region. This post adds the family side of it.

    Is Jamaica safe for families with kids?

    This is the first question most parents ask, so here is what the official travel advice says, in plain words.

    The Government of Canada asks travellers to “exercise a high degree of caution” in Jamaica because of the high level of violent crime, particularly outside tourist areas. That page was last updated in May 2026. The US State Department has Jamaica at Level 2, “exercise increased caution”, after lowering it from Level 3 in January 2026, and it lists a few specific neighbourhoods at a higher level. Read both pages before you book, because they change.

    What this means for a family on holiday is very practical. According to the Canadian advice, violent crime is mostly concentrated in parts of Kingston, Montego Bay, St. Catherine and May Pen, and it is lower in tourist areas and at resorts, where police are present. Most families stay in the resort areas of Montego Bay, Negril and Ocho Rios, and they leave the resort for planned excursions with a known company.

    Here are the safety tips that matter most with kids, taken from the Canadian travel advice:

    • Use only taxis ordered by your hotel or authorized by JUTA, which have red and white “PP” plates. Taxis are not metered, so agree on the price before you get in.
    • Avoid driving or walking at night in areas you do not know, and keep your phone and valuables out of sight in busy places.
    • Gated resorts with security are considered the safest place to stay. Keep your room locked, even at an all-inclusive.
    • Riptides are common, and not every beach has a lifeguard or warning flags. Swim in marked areas, never alone, and keep the kids within arm’s reach in the water.
    • Police checkpoints are common on the North Coast Highway between Montego Bay and Ocho Rios, so carry your ID and allow extra time.

    The advice I already gave in my first-timer guide still stands: stick to reputable guides and tours, and avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. The US advice also notes that medical care can be limited outside the big towns, so buy travel insurance that covers the whole family and check what it includes. If you have ever wondered what to do when someone gets sick on a trip, here is my post on medical challenges while travelling.

    Is Jamaica open after Hurricane Melissa?

    Hurricane Melissa hit Jamaica on Tuesday 28 October 2025, and the western parishes, including the areas around Montego Bay and Black River, were the hardest hit. All the major airports have reopened for commercial flights, and most of the big resorts in Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios have reopened in stages since then.

    Recovery is still going on in some areas, so before you book, check directly with your hotel that it is open and that the pools, restaurants and kids club are running. Do the same for any excursion, especially in the south west around Black River.

    Where to stay in Jamaica with kids: Montego Bay, Negril or Ocho Rios?

    Most families fly into Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, so the real question is how far you want to drive with the kids after a flight. From Montego Bay, Negril is about 1.5 hours by car and Ocho Rios is about 2 hours.

    My pro tip from our trip: you can stay in one city and still visit attractions in other areas as day trips. Just be ready for some driving.

    Montego Bay, for the shortest airport transfer

    Montego Bay is the gateway city, with the international airport, big resorts and easy access to attractions. With a baby or a toddler who does not do well in the car, staying close to the airport makes the first and last day much easier. Most of the large family resorts are outside the town, along the coast towards Rose Hall, while the town itself has the Hip Strip, Doctor’s Cave Beach and the craft market.

    We have stayed at the Grand Palladium Jamaica twice, in 2016 and in 2018, on the coast between Montego Bay and Negril, and the view there is gorgeous. Palladium is one of my favourite hotel brands. If you want to look at options around Montego Bay, you can search Montego Bay resorts and hotels on Booking.com.

    Negril, for the beach

    Negril is known for its relaxed vibe, Seven Mile Beach and the sunsets. This is where we stayed with the kids, and Seven Mile Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen. If your family is happiest with sand, calm days and a pool, Negril is a very good fit.

    We stayed at Skylark Negril, and it is a place I recommend. The beach is beautiful, the food at Miss Lily’s is delicious, and the staff made sure our family was always having fun. It is a boutique hotel with amazing hospitality, and that is what makes it feel special. It is perfect for a laid-back family vacation.

    If you want the all-inclusive experience without staying overnight, we also spent a day at Beaches Negril with a day pass. Here is how the Beaches Negril day pass works, with what it includes for kids.

    Our toddler walking along a palm-lined path in Negril, Jamaica, seen from behind

    To compare places on Seven Mile Beach, you can search Negril hotels on Hotels.com.

    Ocho Rios, for adventure

    Ocho Rios is the adventure hub, with waterfalls, zip lines and river tubing. It is the best base if your kids are a bit older and you want to do more than one excursion, because Dunn’s River Falls, Mystic Mountain and Dolphin Cove are all close by. The drive from the airport is longer, so it works better on a trip of a week or more.

    Resort area or town?

    With young kids, most families choose a resort area, because everything is in one place: the beach, the pool, the food and the kids club. If you are still deciding between an all-inclusive and a hotel, here is how I pick an all-inclusive resort for a family vacation, and my 10 tips for your all-inclusive vacation. Staying in town puts you closer to local food and markets, but you will rely more on taxis. A boutique hotel on the beach, like Skylark in Negril, is another option.

    Getting from Montego Bay airport to your hotel with kids

    When you walk out of arrivals at Sangster International Airport, many drivers will offer you a ride. Pre-booking your transfer is the safer and calmer option with kids, because someone is waiting for you with your name and you do not have to negotiate a price while holding a tired toddler. I go through every step, from the C5 customs form to the exit, in my post on Montego Bay airport with kids.

    You can book a private airport transfer from Montego Bay on Kiwitaxi. If your kids still use a car seat, ask for one when you book, or bring your own. Many hotels also offer an airport shuttle, so ask your hotel before you arrive.

    For travel between towns, Knutsford Express is the intercity bus that the Canadian travel advice recommends. With a lot of luggage and young kids, a pre-booked driver is usually easier.

    Things to do in Jamaica with kids

    Resorts are amazing for relaxing, but there is so much to see outside the hotel. With young kids, keep it simple: one activity a day, less than 1 to 2 hours from your hotel, with shade, breaks and beach time. I have a full list in my post on excursions from Caribbean resorts for families with young kids, and here are the ones that work best by area.

    Dunn’s River Falls, Ocho Rios

    Dunn’s River Falls is the most famous waterfall in Jamaica, and families climb it slowly with a guide, with many shallow pools along the way. According to the park’s own website, falls guides are available on site, and there is a kiddie splash pad for little ones who are too small to climb. Water shoes are sold at shops inside the park, but bringing your own pairs from home is easier. Check the park’s website for opening hours and tickets before you go.

    Seven Mile Beach and Rick’s Café, Negril

    Seven Mile Beach is soft sand and shallow water. It is great for snorkelling, beach lounging and glass-bottom boat tours. In the evening, the sunsets get applause. Other families love watching the sunset at Rick’s Café, famous for its cliff jumping, so keep the kids close to you near the cliff edge.

    Doctor’s Cave Beach and Martha Brae River, Montego Bay

    Doctor’s Cave Beach is one of the best-known beaches in Montego Bay, with calm water that is easy for young kids. Martha Brae River rafting is a very calm bamboo raft ride on the river, and it is a good half-day outing for a family.

    If you have more time

    • Blue Hole near Ocho Rios, with small waterfalls and natural pools surrounded by jungle.
    • Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios, for the bobsled ride and zip lines with older kids.
    • Dolphin Cove in Ocho Rios, to see dolphins up close.
    • A catamaran cruise, with snorkelling stops and beach time.
    • Rose Hall Great House near Montego Bay, a historic mansion with a spooky backstory for older kids.
    • YS Falls and the Black River Safari on the south coast. This area was badly hit by the hurricane, so check that they are running before you plan the day.

    You can look for Jamaica excursions and tours on Viator, where you can read reviews from other families and check the pickup point from your hotel.

    Book a family photographer

    I love taking photos on vacation, but I am always the one behind the camera. In Negril, I booked a photographer, @tusonphotography, and now we have photos of all of us as a family. If you are celebrating something on your Jamaica trip, it is worth thinking about.

    Food in Jamaica with kids

    For me, the best thing about Jamaica is the food. In Negril, we ate at Miss Lily’s at Skylark, and Pushcart Restaurant and Rum Bar is the place for local flavours. In Montego Bay, try the jerk chicken at Scotchies. Other families find Jamaican patties, rice and peas and fried plantain an easy option for kids.

    At dinner one night in Negril, the live band was playing, the lights were on, and one of the girls fell asleep right at the table. We do not build our itinerary around naps, so the kids sleep anywhere and everything continues: stroller, car, plane, or the dinner table. If your kids are picky, here is what helps us with picky eaters when travelling.

    What is the best time to go to Jamaica with kids?

    The best time to visit Jamaica is from November to April, when the weather is drier. That is also when Canada is cold, and I will never say no to a beach trip when it is winter here. Christmas and March break are the busiest and most expensive weeks, so book early. If you are deciding where to go for the holidays, here is how to choose your family’s Christmas break destination, and here is my guide to March break 2027 with kids from Toronto.

    Hurricane season runs from early June to late November. If you travel then, book flexible fares and hotels, and be ready to change plans at short notice.

    Getting there from Canada is also getting easier. Air Canada starts a daily flight from Edmonton to Montego Bay on Monday 7 December 2026, on top of the flights already running from Toronto and other Canadian cities.

    The coast and the bay seen from the road on our drive in Jamaica

    What to pack for Jamaica with kids

    • Lightweight clothes, swimwear and a cover-up for each of you.
    • Sunscreen, sun hats and insect repellent.
    • Water shoes for everyone, for Dunn’s River Falls, rivers and rocky beaches.
    • Passports for everyone, and the C5 customs form done online before you land. Travelling without the other parent? Bring a consent letter, and read my post on how to travel alone with your kids.
    • 2 days of clothes for everyone in the carry-on, in case the checked bags do not arrive, plus pyjamas for the first night.
    • A crossbody bag, so passports, cards and medication stay on you and your hands stay free.
    • Small bills in US or Jamaican dollars for tips.
    • A way to stay connected. You can get a Jamaica eSIM on Airalo before you leave, so you have data for maps and messages as soon as you land.

    For the beach part, here is how I prepare for a beach trip with a baby or a young kid. For the rest, I run the same checklist before every international trip with kids. And if Jamaica is on your list with other islands, my Nassau, Bahamas with a baby itinerary and my Europe or Caribbean with kids guide can help you compare.

    What I pack for trips like this

    The things I actually use are in my Amazon store: my packing essentials list and my electronic must-haves for travel list.

    If you are planning Jamaica, my pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, and it is free. You can get it here.

    Planning Jamaica with your kids? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me when you are going.

  • March break 2027 with kids from Toronto: sun, snow or close to home in Ontario

    March break 2027 with kids from Toronto: sun, snow or close to home in Ontario

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Planning March break 2027 with kids from Toronto or anywhere in Ontario? We live in Mississauga, and March break is the week when a lot of families around us travel at the same time. Here are the dates, my ideas for sun, snow or staying close to home, when to book, and how to pick the trip that works for your family.

    When is March break 2027 in Ontario?

    March break 2027 runs from Monday 15 March to Friday 19 March 2027 for both the Peel District School Board and the Toronto District School Board, where it is called the mid-winter break. Most kids go back to school on Monday 22 March. With the weekends on each side, that gives you 9 days, from Saturday 13 March to Sunday 21 March 2027.

    Several other Ontario boards list the same week, but some schools run a different calendar. In Peel, for example, the 3 schools on the balanced calendar have a longer break. Check your own board’s calendar before you book anything.

    Sun, snow or close to home: how do you choose?

    When someone asks me where they should travel with their kids, these are the 5 questions I need answered first:

    • Where do you live? The world is big.
    • How old are your kids? Travelling with a baby is very different from travelling with a school age child.
    • What do you like to do: beach, culture, snow or a bit of everything?
    • What is your budget for that week?
    • Do you want to fly or drive?

    Once you have your answers, March break usually comes down to 3 kinds of trips. If you want a beach, a pool and easy days, go for the sun in the Caribbean, Mexico or Florida. If your kids love winter or want to try skiing, go for the snow. If you want a break with no flight, or the budget is tight that week, stay close to home and pick a city or an indoor waterpark within a few hours’ drive.

    Where to go for March break with kids: Caribbean and Mexico sun

    I love all inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, and the 3 countries I recommend are Mexico, Jamaica and the Dominican Republic. The Caribbean is easy to do from Canada most of the year, and in March it means you get warm weather, a pool, a beach and everything close by while it is still winter at home. If you are still deciding between a resort and a city trip, here is how I choose between Europe and the Caribbean with kids, and why I think you should pick an all inclusive resort for a family vacation.

    Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

    In Punta Cana we stayed at the Grand Palladium Punta Cana, it was a short 4 hour flight, and the all inclusive made everything easier: warm weather, slow days, good food, long naps and the kids playing. It ended up being one of the best trips I have ever taken with my kids, and somehow I actually came back rested.

    One mistake we made there: we did not book the specialty restaurants as soon as we arrived, and it was hard to get a spot. Book them on day 1. My Punta Cana city guide has more, and my 10 tips for your all inclusive vacation work for every resort in this post.

    Cancun and the Riviera Maya, Mexico

    The Grand Palladium Riviera Maya is my favourite resort in the Cancun area. I have stayed there many times, and I got married there. It is about 1 hour from Cancun International Airport (longer with traffic), it is huge with a train to take you around, and it has a kids’ club and family pools. Just be prepared for lots of seaweed on the beach.

    Where you stay changes the whole trip. Cancun hotels are 20 to 30 minutes from the airport, while Tulum and parts of the Riviera Maya are 1.5 to 2 hours away, so decide if you want a quick transfer or a quieter stay further away. Here is how to pick the best hotel in the Cancun and Riviera Maya area.

    Outside the resort, my list of family-friendly day trips includes Isla Mujeres, a swim in a cenote, Xcaret Park, the sea turtles at Akumal Beach and a walk on 5th Avenue in Playa del Carmen. I visited Chichen Itza, about 2 hours from Cancun. The full list is in 10 family-friendly things to do in the Cancun area, plus my essential tips for visiting Mexico.

    Negril and Montego Bay, Jamaica

    I will never say no to a beach trip, especially when it is winter in Canada, and Seven Mile Beach in Negril is one of the most beautiful beaches I have seen. On our family trip to Negril we stayed at Skylark Negril, a boutique hotel that is not an all inclusive, and the kids had a blast. We also spent a day at Beaches Negril with a day pass, which is an easy way to get the all inclusive experience without staying overnight. They only release a limited number of spots, so on a busy week like March break, book it ahead. Here is how the Beaches Negril day pass works.

    My daughter, seen from behind, heading to the pool and water slide in Negril, Jamaica

    My tip for Jamaica: you can stay in one area and still visit attractions in others as day trips, but be ready for some driving. Start with my Jamaica travel guide for first-time visitors and my guide to Montego Bay airport with kids.

    Nassau, Bahamas

    If you prefer a beach trip without an all inclusive, we did Nassau, Bahamas, that way. We flew Air Canada direct from Toronto, booked with Aeroplan points, and stayed at the Courtyard Nassau Downtown/Junkanoo Beach on Marriott Bonvoy points, right by Junkanoo Beach with everything walkable. We took a speedboat to Atlantis Paradise Island for a day pass with the aquarium, beach, pools and water park. Here is our full 3 day Nassau itinerary with a baby.

    Excursions and transfers from Caribbean resorts

    If you are heading to Mexico, the Dominican Republic or Jamaica for March break, there are great family-friendly day trips outside the resort that work with babies, toddlers and young kids, like Saona Island and Monkeyland from Punta Cana, or Dunn’s River Falls and the Blue Hole from Ocho Rios. My full list is in excursions from Caribbean resorts for families with young kids. Book them early to secure your spot, and you can compare family tours and excursions on Viator.

    Book a private transfer from the airport to the resort too. A shared transfer stops at every hotel on the way, and kids are usually tired after a flight. You can book a private airport transfer with Kiwitaxi.

    Florida for March break with kids: Orlando and Miami

    I lived and worked in Florida for a year. For Walt Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida, my recommendation is a hotel outside the parks, because it is much cheaper. If you want a break from the parks, visit the Kennedy Space Center, and if you have more time, the Everglades National Park, Miami Beach and the scenic drive to Key West for the original key lime pie. You can search Orlando hotels outside the parks on Hotels.com, and here is my 5 day family itinerary for Orlando.

    When we were in Fort Lauderdale visiting family, we spent a day exploring Miami, Florida, on a bus city tour, and it ended up being a great option for us. Miami can get hot, so the air-conditioned bus was a lifesaver, and our Babyzen YOYO folded easily on board. Check for events before you go, because road closures and parking can take a big part of your day. Here is our Miami day trip with kids.

    For any trip to the US, Mexico or the Caribbean, an eSIM gives you data as soon as you land without roaming fees, so you can use your maps as soon as you land. You can get an eSIM from Airalo before you leave.

    Snow: a ski or winter March break in Ontario

    I will be honest, I prefer indoor or summer activities, but if your kids love the snow, you do not have to go far. Blue Mountain, Ontario, is about 2 hours from Toronto, and in winter it means skiing, tubing and skating. The village is walkable and stroller-friendly, and once you park you can walk everywhere. Book directly on the Blue Mountain website for condo-style suites in the village, or stay in Collingwood for more space if you are a big group.

    Other families go for the ski and snowboard lessons for kids, and Blue Mountain Village usually plans March break events with live entertainment and family activities, so check their March break page for the 2027 schedule. My family guide to Blue Mountain Village has the village, parking and the things to do beyond it. If you are still deciding between a snow trip and something completely different, read safari or skiing with kids.

    Close to home: March break in Ontario and Quebec without a flight

    Not every March break needs a passport. A drive and a couple of nights away still feel like a trip, with no airport and no flight to book.

    Niagara Falls, Ontario

    Niagara Falls is about a 1.5 hour drive from Toronto, and I have visited countless times. In March, the indoor attractions do the work. Clifton Hill has the Niagara SkyWheel, fun houses and interactive games, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! and Louis Tussaud’s Waxworks, and the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark has slides, wave pools and areas for younger kids. The SkyWheel gondolas are fully enclosed and climate-controlled, which helps on a cold day. Other families love Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls, where the indoor waterpark comes with your stay.

    Hotels and ticketed activities in Niagara sell out quickly over March break, so you can search Niagara Falls hotels on Booking.com now. My tips for visiting Niagara Falls have more.

    Toronto, Ontario

    If you live outside the city, Toronto itself makes a good March break city trip, with museums, the CN Tower and plenty to do indoors. Here is my Toronto city guide.

    Montreal, Quebec

    I did a quick 24 hour winter trip to Montreal to see family. It was cold and short, and still worth it. Montreal in winter is a city trip, so plan indoor stops: the Montreal Biodôme is a kids’ favourite, and the Montreal Science Centre is another indoor stop. My things to do in Montreal post is written for summer, but the indoor ideas in it work in March too.

    Mary Queen of the World Cathedral in downtown Montreal, Quebec, with snow on the steps

    When should you book March break 2027, and what does it cost to wait?

    Travelling outside peak weeks means lower costs and fewer people, and March break is the opposite of that. Because Peel, the TDSB and several other boards all break on the same week, the same flights, hotels and activities are wanted by a lot of families at once. Here is what waiting can cost you:

    • The hotel you wanted. Hotels and ticketed activities in places like Niagara sell out quickly over March break.
    • Points bookings. We booked Nassau on Aeroplan and Marriott Bonvoy points, so if you plan to use points, check availability for the March break week now.
    • Limited spots, like the Beaches Negril day pass, which I would not count on as a walk-in during a busy week.
    • Passport time. A child’s Canadian passport is valid for 5 years and cannot be renewed, so check every passport in the family now rather than in February.

    A simple plan: decide on sun, snow or close to home this fall, set price alerts for your dates, and book once the price and the hotel work for you. Once you are booked, book the excursions and the airport transfer early, email the resort a few days before you arrive with your room requests, and book the specialty restaurants as soon as you check in. For everything else before you fly, here is my checklist before every international trip with kids.

    What to pack for a March break beach trip

    For a beach trip with kids, I pack sunglasses (more than 1 pair in case one gets lost), sunscreen, sunburn relief, mosquito repellent, beach hats, sand toys, swim vests and a waterproof phone pouch. One tip for Canadian parents: sand toys are hard to find in stores in winter, so buy them in the summer. Most essentials are expensive at the resort, so pack what you need, and bring cash for tips.

    The things I actually use are in my Amazon store: my packing essentials list and my electronic must-haves for travel list.

    If you are planning March break 2027, my pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, and it is free. You can get it here.

    Planning March break with your kids? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me where you are thinking of going.

  • Baby passport Canada: how to get a passport for a baby or child, step by step

    Baby passport Canada: how to get a passport for a baby or child, step by step

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Getting a baby passport in Canada is the first step before any trip abroad with your little one, and it is the one step that can stop a trip if it is late. Here is how the child passport application in Canada works, step by step: the form, the baby photo, the guarantor, the documents, the fees and how long it takes. At the end, I also cover the consent letter for travelling with children from Canada when one parent stays home. Everything here comes from the Government of Canada pages as of October 2026, so check canada.ca before you apply, because fees and rules change.

    One of my worst nightmares is an expired passport, so I check the passport expiry dates as soon as I book a trip. If you have older kids too, here is my post on checking your passport expiry date.

    Who can apply for a child passport in Canada?

    A child passport is for any Canadian citizen under 16, from a newborn up to 15 years old. The application is made by a parent, and the rules depend on your family situation:

    • If the parents are not separated or divorced, 1 parent can apply.
    • If the parents are separated or divorced, the parent who has custody or decision-making responsibilities applies.
    • A legal guardian can apply with the legal documents that show the guardianship.

    All parents or legal guardians should sign the application, and the passport program may contact the other parent. If a parent has passed away, you add the original death certificate or an official copy.

    Which form do you need for a child passport application in Canada?

    The form is the PPTC 155, the child passport application, and you can download it from canada.ca. Each page of the form has to be signed, and the parent who applies signs sections 2 and 5. When the passport arrives, do not sign it for your child. A parent signature makes the passport invalid. Your child signs it themselves from age 16, and they can choose to sign it from age 11.

    What documents do you need for a baby passport in Canada?

    This is the list from the child passport page on canada.ca, and it is the part to prepare first:

    • Proof of Canadian citizenship: the long-form birth certificate from the province or territory where your child was born, or a citizenship certificate. The name on this document is the name that goes on the passport.
    • Proof of parentage, or proof of legal guardianship. This is needed with every application.
    • Every legal document with a clause about custody, decision-making, parenting time or mobility, including any clause about the child’s passport.
    • Any valid Canadian passport or travel document already issued in your child’s name.
    • 2 identical passport photos of your child.

    Paper citizenship certificates issued on or before 31 January 2012 must be originals, and an e-certificate must be printed. If a document is not in English or French, you need an official translation.

    How to take a passport photo of a baby in Canada

    A baby does not sit still and look at the camera, so the photo can take a few tries, and the rules give some room for babies. Here is what canada.ca asks for:

    • 2 identical photos taken by a commercial photographer, no more than 6 months before you apply.
    • The size is 50 mm by 70 mm, with the face measuring 31 to 36 mm from chin to crown.
    • A plain white or light background, even lighting and no shadows.
    • Eyes open and mouth closed is the goal, and the program says it allows some range for infant facial expressions.
    • Your hands, and your child’s hands, cannot show in the photo.
    • No filters, no editing and no AI tools.

    For a newborn, you can take the photo with your baby sitting in a car seat, as long as a white blanket covers the seat behind their head and there are no shadows on the face, ears, shoulders or background. Book the photo when your baby is fed and rested, and ask the studio if they are used to photographing babies.

    On the back of 1 photo, the photographer writes or stamps the studio name, its full address and the date the photo was taken. Stick-on labels are not accepted. Your guarantor also writes “I certify this to be a true likeness of” followed by your child’s name, and signs that same photo.

    Who can be a guarantor for a child passport in Canada?

    A first child passport needs a guarantor. On canada.ca, the guarantor must:

    • be 18 or older and a Canadian citizen,
    • have known you personally for at least 2 years, and know of your child,
    • hold a Canadian passport issued for 5 or 10 years that is valid or expired for less than 1 year, which they applied for when they were 16 or older,
    • be available if the passport program contacts them, in English or French.

    The parent who is applying cannot also sign as guarantor. The other parent can, if they meet all the requirements. The guarantor signs the form, signs the back of 1 photo, and you write the date they signed in section 6 of the form.

    The references page on canada.ca also says a passport application needs 2 references who are at least 18, have known you for at least 2 years, and are not family. Read the references section of the PPTC 155 before you fill it in, and ask your guarantor and references early so their signatures are ready when your photos are.

    How much does a child passport cost in Canada?

    Fees went up on 31 March 2026 and they now adjust every year. As of October 2026, canada.ca lists:

    • Child passport (5 years) applied for in Canada: $58.50.
    • Child passport (5 years) applied for outside Canada: $102.50.
    • Urgent pickup, by the end of the next business day: $125.75 on top of the passport fee.

    Express pickup has its own extra fee, so check the fee list on canada.ca for the current amount. In person, you can pay by credit card, debit card, certified cheque or money order. Cash and personal cheques are not accepted. If the application is refused or cancelled, the service fees are not refunded.

    How long does a child passport take in Canada?

    The processing times on canada.ca are the same for children and adults, and they do not include mail time:

    • 10 business days in person at a passport office, or at a Service Canada Centre that offers 10-day processing.
    • 20 business days at a regular Service Canada Centre or by mail.
    • Express pickup: 2 to 9 business days, at a passport office.
    • Urgent pickup: by the end of the next business day, at a passport office, walk-in only and with proof of travel or an emergency.

    Mail usually adds about 5 business days. If you are booking Christmas or March break, apply as soon as you have the documents and the photos, so the passport is home well before you book flights.

    Where to apply for a child passport

    You can apply in person at a passport office or a Service Canada Centre, with an appointment you book online or as a walk-in. Wait times can be long at some passport offices, so an appointment saves time with a baby. You can also mail the application. Mail goes to Gatineau or Mississauga depending on your province, and canada.ca recommends a courier or traceable mail. If you live in the United States or somewhere else outside Canada, there is a separate page on canada.ca for applying from abroad.

    Can you renew a child passport in Canada?

    No. A child passport is valid for a maximum of 5 years and it cannot be renewed. When it expires, you apply for a new child passport with the full application again, including the photos, the guarantor and the documents. The passport stays valid until its expiry date, even after your child turns 16, and from 16 your child applies for an adult passport.

    Checking passport expiry dates is one of the steps in my checklist for before every international trip with kids, so it is a good place to note when each child passport needs a new application.

    Common mistakes on a child passport application

    • Signing the child’s passport when it arrives, which makes it invalid.
    • A photo without the studio name, address and date on the back, or with a stick-on label.
    • Only 1 parent signing when all parents or guardians should sign.
    • Leaving out the custody or parenting documents when the parents are separated.
    • A guarantor whose own passport has been expired for more than 1 year.
    • Paying with cash or a personal cheque at the counter.
    • Waiting too long, then needing urgent pickup at a higher price.

    Do you need a consent letter for travelling with children from Canada?

    A consent letter is not a legal requirement in Canada, but the Government of Canada recommends one, and not having it when you are asked can cause delays or a refusal to enter or leave a country. Immigration officers, airline agents and Canadian border officers can all ask for it.

    The letter is recommended when a child under 19 travels without both parents: alone, with only 1 parent, with friends or family, or with a school or sports group. It is signed by every parent who is not travelling, and that includes married, common-law, separated and divorced parents.

    The Government of Canada has a recommended consent letter on travel.gc.ca that you can fill in on your computer or print and complete by hand. It asks for:

    • your child’s name,
    • the names and contact details of the parents,
    • the full name, address and contact details of the adult travelling with your child, and their relationship to your child,
    • the destination and the travel dates.

    Any adult can witness the signature, and the government strongly recommends a notary public. Bring the original signed letter, because border officers may not accept a photocopy or a digital version. If there is a court order or parenting arrangement, bring a copy of it too.

    What I carry when I travel alone with the kids

    I travel alone with the kids, and I have a travel consent letter from my husband ready to go. Here is what I carry every trip:

    • my child’s passport,
    • the signed travel consent letter from the other parent,
    • a copy of my child’s birth certificate,
    • a copy of the other parent’s passport or ID.

    Have I been asked for all of it? No, most countries do not ask. But I carry everything anyway. Nobody has ever questioned our different last names. What border officers care about is whether you have permission to travel without the other parent. The places where I had more questions were Côte d’Ivoire and the UK. Here is more on how to travel alone with your kids.

    The passports and the consent letter stay on me, in my crossbody, and never go in the overhead bin. After the gate agent scans a passport, it goes straight back into my bag, because I once left my passport in the seat pocket on a plane. You can see how I organize everything in what is in our carry-ons for an overnight flight.

    Once the passport arrives

    Take a photo of the passport page and email it to yourself, so you have a copy if anything gets lost on the trip. Then you can book. You can search family hotels on Booking.com, and before you fly, an Airalo eSIM gives you data when you land, so your maps and messages work from the airport. For the airport itself, here are my airport tips for flying with kids.

    What I pack for trips like this

    The things I actually use are in my Amazon store: my packing essentials list and my electronic must-haves for travel list.

    My pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, and checking passport expiry dates is on it, so you can use it to see when each child passport needs a new application. It is free. You can get it here.

    Applying for your baby’s first passport? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me where you are going first.

  • Toronto, Ontario (Canada) with kids: things to do, where to stay and how to get around

    Toronto, Ontario (Canada) with kids: things to do, where to stay and how to get around

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Planning a trip to Toronto, Ontario (Canada) with kids? We live in Mississauga, right next to Toronto, so the city is our big day out. Yes, we do have a summer in Toronto, and it is not always cold. It is only about 3 months of heat, but it is my favourite time of the year here. My favourite thing about Toronto is the diversity of the city and its multiculturalism.

    This guide brings together the things to do in Toronto with kids that I share most, plus free ideas, rainy day ideas, how to get around and where to stay. If you want the short version, my Toronto city guide has the main sights on one page.

    When is the best time to visit Toronto with kids?

    May to September is the easiest time to visit, with pleasant weather and a lot of cultural festivals in the summer. Summer is also when the island ferries and Centreville run on their full schedule.

    If you are coming at another time of year, every season has something. Fall brings the colours, apple picking and pumpkin patches, and winter brings outdoor skating and holiday markets. Toronto weather changes quickly, so pack layers whatever the month.

    How do you get around Toronto with kids?

    Toronto is a spread-out city, so it helps to group activities by area. You will often use a mix of public transit, walking and short car rides to get around. In the downtown core, the TTC (subway, streetcars and buses) works well, and most of the places in this guide are accessible by public transit. Uber and Lyft are available too. To go outside of downtown, I recommend renting a car.

    A few things that help families, checked in October 2026:

    • Kids 12 and under ride free on the TTC and on GO Transit trains and buses.
    • The UP Express train connects Toronto Pearson airport to Union Station downtown in under 30 minutes, and children ride free. Check the age limit on the UP Express site before you go.
    • If you would rather go straight to your hotel with car seats and bags, you can book an airport transfer with Kiwitaxi.

    Flying out of Toronto Pearson? We stopped at the Maple Leaf Lounge on our way to New York and Abidjan, and the kids had a blast in the play area while we rested a bit and had some snacks. Here is more on airport lounges with kids.

    What are the top things to do in Toronto with kids?

    CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium and The Rec Room

    These 3 sit together downtown, so you can group them in one day. The CN Tower gives you panoramic city views, and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is right next to it.

    We spent an afternoon at The Rec Room in downtown Toronto, near the CN Tower, and we had so much fun. You load up a game card at the kiosk for arcade games, VR and even some physical games, and the more you play, the more tickets you win for prizes at the redemption counter. There is good food for a break between games, and our favourite games were the photobooth and the dancing one. It gets busier in the evenings, so go early if you want it less crowded.

    Harbourfront and the waterfront

    Harbourfront Centre has free cultural events, concerts and workshops by the lake, and the boardwalk runs along Lake Ontario right beside it.

    The Ontario Science Centre on my old list closed its original building in 2024. A smaller temporary Ontario Science Centre opened at Harbourfront Centre in June 2026 while the new one is built at Ontario Place, so you can pair it with the waterfront on the same day.

    Toronto Island

    Take the ferry and enjoy the beaches, the bike paths and Centreville Amusement Park. The ferries leave from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street on Queens Quay.

    Plan this one for the warmer months. Centreville is seasonal and opens from spring to early fall, and from mid October to mid April only the Ward’s Island ferry runs, so check the City of Toronto ferry schedule before you go.

    Toronto Zoo

    The Toronto Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the world. It is in the east end of the city in Scarborough, far from downtown, so give it a full day and plan how you will get there, by car or by transit.

    The Toronto Zoo 50th anniversary sign at the entrance, Toronto, Canada

    High Park

    High Park is a large park with playgrounds, trails, a small zoo and big picnic areas. The High Park Zoo is free to walk through.

    Casa Loma

    Casa Loma is a majestic castle where you go back in time, and kids can explore the tunnels and towers.

    Museums

    The Royal Ontario Museum and the Art Gallery of Ontario are both on my list. Other families love the dinosaur galleries at the ROM, and both museums are indoors for a cold or rainy day.

    Kensington Market and the Distillery District

    Kensington Market is a colourful neighbourhood with food from around the world. The Distillery District is another one to walk, and if you visit in winter, other families love its holiday market.

    Beaches in the city

    Woodbine Beach is for swimming and relaxing on the sandy shores of Lake Ontario. The Scarborough Bluffs have beautiful cliffs and beaches about 30 minutes from downtown. If you have more time downtown, Sugar Beach on the waterfront is a small free beach with pink umbrellas, close to the other harbourfront stops.

    Bigger days out: Canada’s Wonderland and LEGOLAND

    Canada’s Wonderland has roller coasters and water slides. It is in Vaughan, north of the city, and it opens by season, so check the calendar first. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is an indoor family experience inside the Vaughan Mills mall, also in Vaughan, so you can combine the 2 in one trip north.

    If you want to book some of these ahead, you can look for Toronto tours and attractions on Viator.

    A 3 day Toronto itinerary with kids

    Because Toronto is so spread out, here is one way to group the places above by area, so each day stays in one part of the city. Swap the days around for the weather.

    • Day 1, downtown and the waterfront: the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium in the morning, The Rec Room or the temporary Ontario Science Centre at Harbourfront in the afternoon, then the boardwalk and Sugar Beach before dinner.
    • Day 2, the island or the museums: in the warmer months, take the ferry to Toronto Island for the beaches, the bike paths and Centreville. In the colder months, spend the day at the ROM, then Casa Loma, with lunch in Kensington Market.
    • Day 3, animals and parks: a full day at the Toronto Zoo in Scarborough, or a park day with High Park and its zoo in the west end and Riverdale Farm in Cabbagetown.

    With more days, add Canada’s Wonderland and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Vaughan, or one of the day trips below.

    What are the free things to do in Toronto with kids?

    Plenty of family stops in Toronto are free. These were checked in October 2026:

    • The High Park Zoo and the playgrounds in High Park.
    • Riverdale Farm, a free working farm with animals in Cabbagetown, run by the City of Toronto.
    • Free events, concerts and workshops at Harbourfront Centre.
    • The city beaches: Woodbine Beach, Sugar Beach and the Scarborough Bluffs.
    • Trillium Park at Ontario Place, a park on the lake that is open while the rest of Ontario Place is rebuilt.
    • A photo with the Toronto sign at Nathan Phillips Square, which becomes a skating rink in winter.
    • A walk through Kensington Market and the Distillery District.

    What can you do in Toronto with kids on a rainy day?

    When the weather turns, go indoors downtown. Ripley’s Aquarium, The Rec Room, the ROM, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the temporary Ontario Science Centre at Harbourfront and Casa Loma are all inside, and LEGOLAND Discovery Centre is an indoor option north of the city. For shopping and a warm break, the Eaton Centre is Toronto’s largest shopping mall.

    What to do in Toronto with toddlers

    Other families with little ones love the animals at Riverdale Farm and the High Park Zoo, the playgrounds in High Park, the rides at Centreville in summer and the soft play area at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre. Toronto is spread out, so group your day by area. If you are still deciding what to bring, here is my take on stroller or baby carrier for travel.

    Toronto with kids by season

    Summer is my favourite, with the island, the beaches, the festivals and the waterfront all open. In the fall we make the most of the season with apple picking, pumpkin patches, family walks and little day trips around the GTA, and here are my fall ideas in Ontario with kids. In winter, other families love skating at Nathan Phillips Square and the holiday market in the Distillery District, and the museums and indoor attractions keep everyone warm.

    Day trips from Toronto with kids

    Where to stay in Toronto with kids

    Consider staying in downtown Toronto, Yorkville, The Beaches or the Entertainment District, so the main sights are close. If you do not mind driving, Mississauga is a nice family neighbourhood, and it is where we live. For longer stays, an apartment can give you more space.

    You can search hotels in downtown Toronto on Booking.com, or compare on Hotels.com.

    Practical tips for Toronto, Canada

    • Taxes are added at checkout, so you will pay more than the price you see.
    • Canada uses Type A and Type B plugs, the same as the USA.
    • Download offline maps to get around easily.
    • Most places have free WiFi, but if you are visiting from abroad and want data the whole time, an eSIM is easy. Airalo has been my go-to eSIM for travelling.
    • If you also want to catch a game, Toronto has the Raptors for basketball, the Blue Jays for baseball and the Maple Leafs for hockey.

    First time in the country? Here is my first-time visitor’s guide to Canada.

    What I pack for trips like this

    The things I actually use are in my Amazon store: my packing essentials list and my electronic must-haves for travel list.

    If you are planning Toronto, my pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, and it is free. You can get it here.

    Planning Toronto with your kids? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me when you are going.

  • Abidjan, Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) with kids: things to do, Grand-Bassam and travel tips

    Abidjan, Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) with kids: things to do, Grand-Bassam and travel tips

    This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

    Planning a trip to Abidjan, Ivory Coast (Côte d’Ivoire) with kids? Abidjan is one of my favourite family trips in West Africa. We went in December 2021 and again in February 2024, during the Africa Cup of Nations. Here is what we did, where the kids played, what we ate, the Grand-Bassam day trip, and what to check before you fly to Côte d’Ivoire with your kids. Where I add ideas we did not try ourselves, I say so.

    Flying to Abidjan with kids

    In February 2024 it was just me and the kids, and it was our first flight with Ethiopian Airlines. We left Dad in New York and took a 9 and a half hour direct night flight to Abidjan. Both kids slept for most of it, with the baby snug in my Ergobaby carrier. The food was surprisingly good, the crew was friendly and helpful, and my oldest was thrilled with the colouring books and toys she got. We arrived in Abidjan with the morning sun.

    On the way, we stopped at the Maple Leaf Lounge at Toronto Pearson, and the kids had a blast in the play area. Here is more on airport lounges with kids. We always use family boarding, because I like to board before everyone else, and I do not hesitate to ask for help when I travel solo with the kids.

    When we left, we flew Emirates from Abidjan to Dubai, an 11 hour journey with a quick stop in Accra, where we stayed on the plane. I compare the airlines we have flown in my post on choosing an airline for a family trip.

    Arriving at Abidjan airport with kids

    Abidjan’s airport is Aéroport international Félix-Houphouët-Boigny, and when we landed it was extremely busy because of the Africa Cup of Nations. We used the VIP service from Pearl Assist (Menzel Aviation), and it turned the airport into a breeze. They meet you as you get off the plane and handle everything: the carry-ons, immigration and the visa, and the luggage. We had tons of luggage, including our car seat and stroller in their travel bags. Then we waited in an air conditioned lounge before heading to our car, which is a must in that heat.

    In February 2024 it cost 70,000 CFA per adult, which was about 150 Canadian dollars. Babies were free, but we had to pay for my older child. Check the current price before you book.

    One more tip: keep your boarding passes and luggage tags handy until you leave the airport, because they are checked after the flight. If you would rather have a driver waiting for you, you can book an airport transfer on Kiwitaxi.

    Entry rules for Côte d’Ivoire: visa and yellow fever

    I learned this one the hard way: yellow fever vaccination is mandatory for Côte d’Ivoire. Make sure every family member has the vaccine and carries their vaccination card.

    Most travellers need a visa, so check yours based on your passport. The application is simple and done online on the official e-visa site, snedai.com. You submit your travel itinerary and proof of accommodation, and the approval came within 2 days. In February 2024 it cost 73 euros. Print the approval, and know that the approval is only the first step: the visa itself goes into your passport when you arrive.

    Before you apply, the UK government advises applying at least 10 working days before you travel, and Canada’s travel advice says your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date (both checked in October 2026).

    Côte d’Ivoire is also one of the countries where I had more questions at the border when travelling with the kids without their dad. I carry a signed travel consent letter from the other parent, a copy of each child’s birth certificate and a copy of the other parent’s passport. Here is my full guide on how to travel alone with your kids.

    For health, Canada’s travel advice says malaria is a risk in Côte d’Ivoire and recommends antimalarial medication for most travellers, so book a travel clinic appointment well before the trip. For food and water, its rule is simple: boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it.

    Things to do in Abidjan with kids

    Here is what we did with the kids in Abidjan, and a few more ideas if you have more time.

    Dreamland, an indoor playground in Zone 4

    We went to Dreamland, an indoor playground in Zone 4, and it is a perfect mix of adventure and comfort for families. It has air conditioning, party rooms, a football area, and separate areas for babies, toddlers and older kids, for ages 1 to 8.

    When we went in February 2024, entry was 10,000 CFA, about 15 euros or 23 Canadian dollars, and babies were free. Bring cash for the entry and for the snacks and water they sell. Do not forget socks, although you can buy them there if you need to.

    The best pools in Abidjan

    When I complain about the extreme heat in Côte d’Ivoire, I remind myself how cold it is back home in Canada, and then I try to enjoy the heat. These are my favourite pools in the city:

    • Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire: a pool with a view of the lagoon.
    • The Noom Hotel: a stylish pool with a view of the city.
    • Pullman Abidjan: a quiet spot right in the heart of the city, for a swim or just to lounge.

    The Africa Cup of Nations

    The highlight of our 2024 trip was experiencing the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final and final in Abidjan. The final was Côte d’Ivoire against Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire won it at home.

    More things to do in Abidjan

    When people ask me about Abidjan, these are the places I tell them about: the Plateau, a boat ride on the lagoon, the local markets, and the city cafés. Look out for the beautiful pagnes too, the colourful wax print fabrics you see everywhere in Côte d’Ivoire.

    If you have more time, here are 2 more ideas that we did not do ourselves:

    • Banco National Park: a protected rainforest of more than 3,400 hectares inside the city, with walking trails. Check access and guided walks with the park before you go.
    • St Paul’s Cathedral in the Plateau: a landmark with a tall tower you can see from the lagoon, and stained glass windows inside. Pope John Paul II consecrated it in 1985.

    If you want to book a guide or a lagoon boat ride ahead, you can look for Abidjan tours and activities on Viator.

    Food in Abidjan with kids

    One of my favourite things about travelling is eating, and Côte d’Ivoire is known for good food. Here is what I ate:

    • Garba: tuna with attiéké, simple and full of flavour.
    • Attiéké: like couscous, but made from cassava, usually served with grilled chicken or fish. I had it every day.
    • Alloco: plantain, a classic side.
    • Pain brochette, also called pain chien: skewered meat with bread, originally from Niger, and a filling combo.
    • Foufou: a smooth, starchy dish made with different flours.
    • Banane braisée: grilled plantains, sweet and comforting.

    Fun fact: my toddler was more interested in eating pasta and chicken nuggets.

    Lebanese dishes on the table at Le Méchoui restaurant in Abidjan

    Our restaurant and bakery list in Abidjan:

    • AfriCafe at Ivoire Trade Center: the famous Afro Burger with bissap. It is a quick place to eat in a work building, with lots of other food court places.
    • Villa di Sorrento: delicious Italian food, outdoors and family friendly.
    • Le Méchoui: delicious Lebanese food.
    • Des Gâteaux et du Pain: my favourite patisserie in Abidjan. I have tried countless desserts there and they are all delicious.
    • Five: delicious seafood in a fancy setting. We were the only people with kids there, and they were very accommodating.
    • Pikado: a fancy patisserie.
    French pastries in the display case at Pikado patisserie in Abidjan

    I love desserts, French desserts in particular, and I treated myself every other day. One thing to know: I found that people in Abidjan rarely bring their kids to restaurants, so people were always surprised to see us, and everyone was accommodating and polite. The baby mostly slept in the Ergobaby carrier with me. If you are deciding between the two, here is my take on the stroller or baby carrier for travel.

    Grand-Bassam day trip from Abidjan

    Grand-Bassam sits on the coast about 40 km east of Abidjan, so it works as a day trip with kids. We spent a day at the beach in Bassam in December 2021, and I am in love with the sound of the waves there.

    My daughter from behind in a straw hat at the water's edge in Grand-Bassam, Côte d'Ivoire

    My favourite thing about travelling is to bring back local art, and I also collect travel mugs and fridge magnets.

    If you have more time in Grand-Bassam, walk through Ancien Bassam, the old colonial town, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2012. The former Governor’s Palace there is now the Musée National du Costume, and the historic town sits next to a N’zima fishing village. Some of the old buildings have been restored and others are in poor repair.

    One important thing for families: Canada’s travel advice says the ocean currents along the coast are powerful and the beaches are generally unsupervised, and it advises against swimming in the sea, especially in Grand-Bassam, even for excellent swimmers. Keep the kids close at the water’s edge.

    You can look for a Grand-Bassam day trip from Abidjan on Viator if you would rather have a guide and a driver.

    A weekend in Assinie and Adiaké

    For a weekend away, we went to Maliane Lodge in Adiaké, a 2 hour drive from Abidjan. We started 2022 there, with sunsets and fresh coconut water, and we went back in 2024, during the Africa Cup of Nations. Here is my full post on Maliane Lodge in Côte d’Ivoire.

    If you have more time, Assinie-Mafia is about 80 km east of Abidjan, between the ocean and the Aby lagoon, and it is a popular weekend escape for people who live in Abidjan. From there, boats go out on the lagoon to the mangroves of the Ehotilé Islands National Park.

    Where to stay in Abidjan with kids

    Abidjan is big, so the area you pick matters with kids. Here is a quick guide to 3 areas, from my research rather than from where we stayed:

    • Cocody: a residential area with tree-lined streets, embassies and good restaurants. The Sofitel Abidjan Hotel Ivoire, with the lagoon view pool, is here.
    • Plateau: the business district and the skyline, busy during the week and quiet at night and on weekends. The Noom Hotel and the Pullman Abidjan are here.
    • Zone 4 and Marcory: restaurants, shopping centres such as Cap Sud and Prima Center, and close to the airport. Dreamland is in Zone 4.

    If you are looking for a hotel, you can search hotels in Abidjan on Booking.com or compare hotels on Hotels.com.

    Getting around Abidjan with kids

    We had a car waiting for us when we left the airport, and we brought our own car seat from home.

    Canada’s travel advice calls road safety a major risk in Côte d’Ivoire. It recommends using only registered taxis, checking the driver and the plate number when you use a ride-hailing app, and agreeing on the fare before you go. The UK advice adds that driving at night is especially dangerous on poorly lit roads, so plan your day trips to be back before dark.

    To stay connected, we used an eSIM in Côte d’Ivoire. You can get an eSIM from Airalo before you land, so your maps and ride apps work as soon as you are off the plane.

    The money is the CFA franc. Cards work at major hotels and some restaurants and shops, and there are ATMs in Abidjan, but bring cash for places like Dreamland.

    Best time to visit Abidjan with kids

    Both of our trips were between December and February, and for me it was sunny every day. Canada’s travel advice puts the rainy seasons on the southern coast from May to July and in October and November. From December to February, the harmattan, a hot and dusty wind from the Sahara, can blow in, so pack for heat and dust.

    Is Abidjan safe for families?

    Canada asks travellers to exercise a high degree of caution in Côte d’Ivoire because of crime, and says violent crime happens regularly in big cities, including Abidjan, especially at night (updated 14 October 2026). It advises against all travel within 50 km of the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, in the far north, a long way from Abidjan and the coast. Read the current advice from your own government before you book, plan your outings for daytime, use registered drivers or ride-hailing apps, and be careful with the kids near the sea.

    For more on picking a first destination, read Africa with kids: where to start, and for another West African city, my Accra destination guide.

    What I pack for trips like this

    The things I actually use are in my Amazon store: my packing essentials list and my electronic must-haves for travel list.

    If you are planning Abidjan, my pre-travel checklist is the list I run before every trip, with the entry rules and vaccines, and it is free. You can get it here.

    Planning Abidjan with your kids? Send me a message on Instagram and tell me when you are going.