Travelling with children can be one of the most rewarding ways to explore the world, showing them incredible sights and experiencing different cultures.
But visiting a famous landmark with little ones in tow requires more planning than many parents expect.
What may seem like a straightforward family day out can quickly become overwhelming, with long queues, limited facilities, and challenging terrain adding extra pressure.
But, with a bit of forward-thinking, these challenges can be managed, ensuring the whole family can experience the landmark without compromise.
To help families plan ahead, experts at pram specialists iCandy have launched a new global index, analysing more than 200 of the world’s most iconic landmarks to rank which ones truly cater to families.
Each was scored across key criteria including accessibility, climate, ticket pricing, online reviews, and the availability of family amenities, including toilets, baby-changing and nursing areas.
Here’s the rundown of the world’s most family-friendly landmarks – including six in the UK…
1. Grand Canyon South Rim, US
The South Rim at the Grand Canyon National Park takes the crown
Topping the list is the Grand Canyon South Rim in Arizona.
Accessible walkways, shuttle buses with ramps, baby-changing facilities, a near-perfect 4.9/5 review rating and a reasonable cost of around £27 for the whole family give this destination its excellent status as a family-friendly spot.
The South Rim is the most popular because it features the iconic views many consider to be the ‘true Grand Canyon’ and is the most accessible of the three rims.
Open all year, the South Rim offers accommodation in hotels, lodges, cabins or campsites either at the Grand Canyon Village in the National Park itself, or in nearby towns.
2. Griffith Observatory, US
Coming in the second spot is the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles
In second place, and also in the US, is the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles.
It offers interactive space exhibits and free entry, making it one of the most family-friendly and budget-friendly destinations in the index.
The observatory first opened in 1935 by Griffith J Griffith, with the aim of making astronomy and science accessible for all – and has an average rating of 4.6/5 online.
3. The Forbidden City, China
Next up on the list is the Forbidden City, located in Beijing, China
The Forbidden City in Beijing is in third place, with affordable family tickets averaging at around £13 and an on-site treasure hunt for children.
The Forbidden City was constructed from 1406 to 1420 and is so-called because for centuries it was off-limits for commoners to enter without special permission on pain of death.
The site was the centre of the Ming and Qing dynasties from 1420 to 1912, when a revolution overthrew the last emperor – and it was later reopened as the Palace Museum.
The complex has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 1987 and boasts over 9,000 rooms, making it one of the best preserved examples of ancient architecture in China.
4. Taj Mahal, India
Taking fourth place on the list is the instantly recognisable Taj Mahal
The Taj Mahal claims fourth place, notable for becoming the first Indian UNESCO World Heritage Site to introduce a dedicated breastfeeding room in 2019.
Located in Agra, India, the attraction is one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.
According to the Indian Ministry of Culture: ‘Built between 1631 and 1648, the monument blends Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles, making it one of the most universally admired masterpieces in the world.
‘A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Taj Mahal stands not just as a tomb, but as a timeless ode to undying love and artistic excellence.’
5. Hassan II Mosque, Morocco
The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the crown jewel of the Moroccan city
Rounding out the top five is the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
With large open spaces and guided tours, this landmark is easily navigable with a pushchair, and children under four typically get to go in for free.
The mosque itself is immense, with a minaret that rises to 200m in height and has a 30km laser directed towards Mecca.
It is considered to be one of the highest religious buildings in the world.
6. Fushimi Inari Shrine, Japan
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is the next popular family-friendly attraction on the list
Japan stands out as a family-friendly destination, with three of its attractions all ranking within the top 10 – including the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine was recently ranked as one of the tourist attractions that are actually worth visiting in Japan.
Japan has a global reputation for easy public transport and a genuinely family-welcoming culture, making it one of the most accessible and accommodating countries in the world for families travelling with young children.
7. Pena Palace Gardens, Portugal
Portugal’s Pena Palace Gardens are also featured in the top 10
Portugal’s Pena Palace Gardens in Sintra is the highest-ranked European landmark in the index.
With 200 hectares of exotic trees and open picnic areas, it’s a landmark families with young children can immerse themselves in, rather than simply pass through.
Pena Palace Gardens spans 200 hectares of exotic trees, lakes with ducks, and picnic areas, meaning this landmark is ideal for children to explore.
The terrain is notably steep in places, so while pushchairs are allowed, baby carriers might be the more practical choice.
8. National Mall, US
Joining the ranking of family-friendly destinations is the National Mall in America
The iconic National Mall in Washington DC is where you’ll find such recognisable sights as the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.
And it’s great to visit with children, too, as the destination is ranked eighth on the list.
According to the National Park Service website: ‘This is where the nation comes to remember and where history is made. As “America’s Front Yard,” the National Mall and Memorial Parks is home to many of our country’s most iconic memorials telling the story of people and events that shaped us as a nation.
‘Each year, millions of people come to recreate, commemorate presidential legacies, honor our veterans, and make their voices heard.’
9. Nara Park, Japan
Sika Deer are one of the biggest tourist attractions at Nara Park, Japan
The second Japanese destination on the list, Nara Park is popular among families for its beautiful cherry blossom and deer.
Nara Park, which sits at the foot of Mount Wakakusa in western Japan, is one of the country’s oldest parks where around 1,200 sika deer roam freely.
Visitors to the park can even buy special sugar-free crackers to feed the deer – a great activity to enjoy with children in tow.
10. Sensoji Temple, Japan
Rounding out the top 10 on the list is the Sensoji Temple, located in Tokyo
The third Japanese spot – and 10th overall – is Sensoji Temple, in Tokyo.
The ancient Buddhist temple is also Tokyo’s oldest, and is an impressive sight to see -and one of the most family-friendly in the world.
One Tripadvisor review of the temple said: ‘Our visit to Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa, Tokyo, was a wonderfully immersive experience for our family, blending history, spirituality, and vibrant culture.
‘As we approached the temple, the first thing that grabbed our attention was the iconic Kaminarimon (Thunder Gate), with its massive red lantern. This sight alone excited the kids, and it set the tone for the rest of the visit.’
Cameron Appel, vice CEO at iCandy, said: ‘At iCandy, we know that travelling with little ones takes preparation, and that starts long before you leave the house.
‘That’s why we created this index – to give parents the confidence to explore the world’s most iconic landmarks without compromise.
‘Pairing a family-friendly landmark with a compact, lightweight travel pushchair like our Pip means every adventure, however ambitious, becomes that little bit more manageable.’
