Whether or not you traveled together as a family when you were a kid, one of the best parts of being an adult is getting to show your parents some of your favorite cities and exploring new places together. When deciding where to go, it’s important to make sure that the city has plenty of activities that will appeal to your parents (and you!) and that it’s easy to get around (especially if your parents have any physical challenges). Here are four cities where you’ll find cheap airfare and have plenty of activities to please parents with all different types of interests.

Paris, France

Mother and adult daughter are doing selfie in park in summer going crazy and laughing.

It’s hard to find someone who doesn’t like Paris, which means it’s a pretty safe bet for the parents. Even if Mom or Dad has been there before, the great thing about Paris is that there are so many things to do (and new museums, festivals, and restaurants cropping up all the time). From a Sunday stroll through the Jardin du Luxembourg to a creepy Catacombs tour to a night out at the Comédie Française, you’re sure to find something to please even the most well-traveled parents. Paris is also home to some of the best public transportation in the world. If your parents aren’t able to handle the steep Métro staircases, you can always find a cab or ride-share app to take you to your destination.

Chicago, Illinois

The Chicago River and downtown Chicago skyline USA

Chicago is an easy and relatively inexpensive flight from most major U.S. cities. Once you’re there, you’ll find plenty of things to keep the folks busy. There’s nothing quite like the energy of a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Your parents will be impressed by the world-class Shedd Aquarium and the iconic Adler Planetarium. Ravinia is an outdoor concert venue just north of the city that hosts international acts that your parents will enjoy. Of course, no trip to Chicago is complete without checking out Millennium Park, home of the iconic “Bean” sculpture and other permanent art installations (there are free outdoor concerts here in the summer months as well). Driving and parking can be a challenge in downtown Chicago, so opt for public transportation, cabs, or transportation apps.

In need of a getaway? Find cheap airfare to your next destination now! 

Tokyo, Japan

Crowds at the Shibuya, the famous fashion centers of Japan

Adventurous parents will enjoy the energy and dynamism of Tokyo. Visit the must-see spots like the Imperial Palace and the Kanda Shinto Shrine and check out Tokyo’s Shibuya and Shimokitazawa districts for great food and shopping. Parents who are into art will appreciate the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum. The public transportation is great in Tokyo, but you and your parents should also be prepared to walk a lot.

You may also like: The 7 Best Family Friendly Cities You Should Visit This Summer

Palm Springs, California

Portrait of senior couple holding juice glasses near poolside

The cool thing about Palm Springs isn’t only the cheap airfare that’ll get you there, but it’s a really easy place to travel with parents because there are so many fun and relaxing things to do. From pristine golf courses to award-winning mid-century architecture to live music clubs and amazing vintage shopping, there is a planet of options to please the folks. Reading a book by the hotel pool with a drink in hand is also a completely reasonable choice. Of course, the fabulous restaurants along Palm Canyon Drive (downtown Palm Springs) will keep everyone happy as well. The city caters to seniors, which means most places are very accessible.

Where have you traveled with your parents? What sights or activities would you recommend? Let us know in the comments section.

[widget id=”text-25″ container_id=”ttdWidget” container_class=”grayTheme”]

Leave a Reply

About The Author

An insatiable foodie, art collector, and international literature aficionado, I have traveled throughout Europe, Asia, the U.S. and Canada. For the past fifteen years, I have written about my adventures for various travel and literary publications. I am the owner of Lucidité Writing (www.luciditewriting.com) and Bouchard Design Co.