Exploring Big Towns with Little ones: 5 tips from the Wooden Fellows

The Wooden Fellows (and their human friend : ) recently visited Washington, D.C., and it reminded us of the joy of exploring a big town with young minds. Yet, new routines and crowded places can bring their own challenges. Hence, it is critical to remember that, as adults, our own feelings and experiences profoundly shape how young children perceive the world. When we move through a city with joy instead of stress, they notice. When we point out the unexpected, such as a colorful mural or an unusual number, they learn that exploring a town is not just about where we go, but about how we experience the journey.
Today, the wooden Fellows are sharing some tips based on their recent experiences.

Tip #1 – Don’t forget your own joy

Remember our post on self-care, where we emphasized the importance of putting on an oxygen mask first before helping others? Finding our own joy, our own oxygen, matters. If we are overwhelmingly excited about visiting a museum, a shop, or even a famous street, young children will be more likely to join in, with some gentle limits and  moments of rest of course. If the trip focuses solely on the child, and we become tired of visiting playgrounds and children’s museums, they will notice too. So before any trip, let’s take a moment to ask ourselves: What would I be excited to explore, too?

Tip #2 – Build excitement before you go

Planning ahead is not just about the logistics of the trip; it is also about building anticipation, especially for places that may not be naturally appealing to young children.
When Rosie was little, I heard of a covered bridge nearby while we were visiting Ohio. Growing up in France, I had never seen one, and I was committed to spending a couple of hours there. So I made a BIG deal of it with Rosie for a few days: “We are going to see a bridge, you are NEVER going to believe it, it has a ROOF!” and so on and so on. By the time we visited it, she was even more excited than her mom to finally see the bridge.
That same sense of anticipation works beautifully when visiting a big town, such as tall buildings reaching into the sky, or different kinds of transportation, but also little things like different types of stairs or floors.
Letting young children imagine what is to come helps them become truly part of the adventure and find their place, even in those not designed for them.

Tip #3 – Keep their curious minds busy

Having a few playful prompts ready to keep young minds engaged, just to offer a reset moment when needed, can truly helps. Focus on stairs for a bit and try to find one that is extremely wide, one that spirals, or one made of metal or stone. Then, focus on the floors, such as tiles, bricks, or wooden planks. Doors can also be amazing to notice, especially in old parts of big cities. Look for unexpected details, and take pictures. And as always, listen to young children; their findings will most likely differ from yours.
These small quests help children slow down and notice their surroundings, turning a walk into an adventure, where an unusual railing becomes the highlight of the day.

Tip #4 – Don’t forget that math is everywhere (and young children are ready for it)

If you are familiar with our blog, you have likely heard our message before: mathematics is everywhere. Big cities, hence, are full of shapes, patterns, and opportunities for counting. One can often weave math into a journey without even realizing it.
Look for patterns, such as those displayed on tiles or ceilings. Count how many steps it takes to climb a staircase, or spot numerals on doors or walls. Spot all kinds of shapes on buildings. Discuss a map. In addition to being entertaining, this kind of noticing helps children connect math to the real world, grounding math concepts in what they see and touch.

Tip #5 – Look for reminders of home

Even in the largest cities, you can find small reminders that make children feel at home — a bench that looks like the one at the playground, a fire hydrant, or a familiar traffic light. These small discoveries, in addition to being reassuring, can spark lovely discussions: what feels the same, what feels different, what surprises us the most, and why? Finding cultural connections can be quite rewarding as well. In Washington, D.C., we discovered a French bakery (La Boulangerie Christophe) in Georgetown, offering croissants, baguettes, and other traditional French treats — a refreshing taste of home away from home! Maurice even got a chance to taste an Orangina, one of his human friend’s favorite childhood drinks.

In other words…

Traveling with young children can be challenging, but it is a beautiful reminder that when we take the time to see through their eyes, everything feels new and more alive. Stay curious, move slowly, and let your own joy lead the way. Your children will follow –– not because they have to, but because they want to share the world with you.

What about you? What are your favorite tricks for exploring cities with young children? Share your thoughts in the comments. The wooden Fellows cannot wait to hear from you.