and emotions, whereas boys tend to focus on common interests: a computer game, football or playing with tractors. Girls bond with small groups, while boys have a wider, but more casual, circle of friends. Your child is reliant on you for a wide friendship

this. All breaks include pre-booked activities, child-friendly accommodation, and babysitting. A two-night stay for four costs from €3,150. To get the best out of your trip to Paris, read The Insider's Guide to Paris.

1 Invite a friend Walking is a simple, cheap and popular form of exercise, and it will be much easier to get your child on board if one of his friends comes, too.2 Watch wildlife Research by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds shows

coastline.The Fairmont Olympic Hotel is very child-friendly with milk and cookies served at bedtime to little guests.Prices start from $299 per night for a family of four in a deluxe executive suite. Tel: 00 800 0441 1414.Find more great ideas in our Cities

Family-friendly fun combines with luxury at The Elms Hotel & Spa in Worcestershire. Set within ten acres of beautiful gardens overlooking the Teme Valley, this Queen Ann mansion aims to make travelling with children just as relaxing as a romantic

Where? The bustling historic city ofShanghai.Why go there?Although it usually summons up visions of gleaming skyscrapers, this massive city is actually very child-friendly – and easy to get around. Children will love...The Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe

Italy’s heel, Puglia, is home to the villa Trullo Fico – an ideal place for a relaxing family break. The stylish rooms have power showers, plus there’s a private pool, jacuzzi and children’s entertainment – all surrounded by three acres of gardens, meadows and olive groves. Price...

For the ultimate insider knowledge on Manhattan, try the Family Package at the Gramercy Park Hotel. Concierge David Moreno will custom craft a family itinerary especially for you, whether it’s designing skateboards at Paragon Sports or peace and quiet in the private Gramercy Park...

Austria is breathtakingly beautiful, and the Grand Hotel Lienz, situated just five minutes from hiking trails, adventure parks, water sports and llama trekking, ensures families can make the most of everything it has to offer. Best of all, as part of its Preferred Family program...

You’re guaranteed a white Christmas at the Amari Palm Reef Samui on the island of Koh Samui, Thailand – miles of dazzling white sand, that is, all lapped by brilliant blue sea. Average temperatures are 30˚C/86˚F and December to February is the island’s dry season, so Christmas is...