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Exploring London, Paris with the family

By Emily Kaufman, The Travel Mom

From Harry Potter to Mickey Mouse and many things in between, two of Europe's top cities make for great family-friendly destinations.

Following are some terrific ways for families to experience Paris and London.

There is so much to see in Paris, and the best way I found to acquaint yourself with the city is to hop on board one of the cars rouge, or red buses. These stop at all the major tourist attractions like Notre Dame and the Arc de Triomphe. Passengers can ride the buses as much as they like for a two-day period for one low price.

There is a beautiful Hilton Hotel located behind the Eiffel Tower that is adjacent to a multi-sports complex and plenty of kid-friendly restaurants.

Parisians love to stroll along the Champs Elysees with their families on Sundays. It is a tourist attraction, too, with lots of shopping and dining. If you do decide to enjoy a meal here, be prepared, as the prices are a little steep.

But the Tuileries gardens offers a budget-friendly way to enjoy a summer day, with a Ferris Wheel and other carnival attractions.

There are nice dinner and lunch cruises along the Seine, too, that offer a scenic look at Paris -- something my kids really enjoyed.

Disneyland Paris, meanwhile, is something all American visitors should experience.

A short train ride from the city, this theme park looks like the American classics, but the rides, food and entertainment boast a European flair.

Marriott Vacation Club has beautiful, two-bedroom, villa-style units located right on the property, which is also home to golf, restaurants and nightlife.

London calling

If your family is nuts about Harry Potter, then London may be calling you.

Royal Caribbean cruises has a land and sea package that actual traces the steps of young Master Potter throughout London.

If this doesn't tickle your fancy, check out "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)" at Piccadilly Circus for a comical and educational theatre experience.

The London Eye Ferris wheel is the perfect location for a birds-eye view of the city to help you plan your tour.

Taking the Tube (London's subway) is the fastest, most economical and fun way for your family to explore the town.

Hyde Park is London's version of Central Park, with Buckingham Palace on one side and Speakers Corner on the other. On Sundays, vocal citizens literally stand on their soapboxes and express their views to passersby.

Witnessing the traditional changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace is a performance all kids enjoy and free of charge.

The Tower of London, meanwhile, is just gory enough to make kids interested while getting a lesson in English history, and Madame Tussaud's wax museum is truly spectacular.

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