Inspired by the USA Gymnastics Team: Olympic Cities Your Family Must Visit
Hey fellow wanderlust warriors and armchair travelers! Today, I’m taking a leap (pun intended) into the world of Olympic host cities, inspired by none other than the incredible 2024 USA women's gymnastics team. It’s exciting to see how they work together to encourage healthy competition AND are bringing home lots of medals! Watching these powerhouse ladies flip, twist, and stick their landings brought back memories of my days on the local gym team. My idol was Mary Lou Retton – but these days if I was a kid, I would look up to fellow ADHD’er, Texan, and all around awesome human Simone Biles. Hey, girls need to dream big, right?!?! So, grab your virtual passports as we tumble through history and explore the cultural riches, fun vibes, and unexpected inspirations of 9 iconic Olympic cities I’ve visited!
Me dreaming big in my gymnastics leotard
Athens, Greece
Let’s kick things off where it all began: Athens, Greece. This city isn’t just the birthplace of democracy but also the home of the first modern Olympics in 1896. Imagine wandering through ancient ruins like the Parthenon, then watching your kiddos reenact epic battles (minus the weapons, please). The National Archaeological Museum is a treasure trove of wonders that can captivate both you and your mini historians. Athens proves that history can be fun and educational – a true gold medal experience for families. I was pleasantly surprised to find unique good quality wines, and beautiful Greek inspired jewelry there. This place isn’t just for ancient history, it’s for the modern-day mom too!
One of my favorite rings, the Greek Key
Paris, France
Next stop, Paris – the city of lights, love, and, in 2024, leotards! Paris is a dream for travelers, offering everything from the Eiffel Tower (selfie central) to the magical world of Disneyland Paris. During my first visit we arrived at night and the tour guide was elated to show us our first glimpse of the city with everything lit up. If you get a chance to see the Eiffel Tower glittering at night, it will be a lasting memory. However, it’s not all about the lights (or the Montmartre at night). BTW it’s totally worth it to get a sitter and see a cabaret show! But the daylight also shows the beauty of the city’s gardens, architecture, café’s, and so much more. Speaking of more, if you have time and enjoy the impressionists, go see the Musée d'Orsay. It’s a beautifully lit museum that was a former railway station.
Toasting Champagne at night while watching the Eiffel Tower glitter
London, UK
London calling! The 2012 Olympics added even more charm to this bustling city. Start with the classics: the Tower of London (hello, crown jewels!), Buckingham Palace, and the Victoria & Albert. The city’s rich history and vibrant culture make it a fantastic destination for families. Don't forget the walking Harry Potter tour – because who wouldn't want to stroll through Diagon Alley?! We even enjoyed a beer with our two tour guides (who were actors) in the pub after the tour! A very fun and unexpected experience. It felt like being back home – just chatting with new friends over a beer. Kids not old enough to do a walking tour or enjoy Harry Potter? You can hop on the double decker bus or do a river cruise.
Enjoying a beer at the pub with the Harry Potter walking tour guides
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Hop on your bikes, because we're off to Amsterdam, Netherlands, host of the 1928 Olympics. Speaking of bikes, our tour guide informed us that when we hear “ding bang” that’s a cyclists kind way of saying “I’m coming through”. The ding is the bell, and the bang is the horn. This city is as flat as a pancake, making it perfect for family cycling adventures. Explore the canals, visit the Anne Frank House, and visit the Keukenhof to see tulips. Amsterdam’s laid-back vibe and family-friendly (mostly - sans the Red Light District) attractions make it a hidden gem for families.
Scrapbook page from Amsterdam
Rome, Italy
Rome, the Eternal City, hosted the 1960 Olympics and offers timeless attractions for families. I could write a whole blog post about the variety of memories this place has for me (let me know if you would enjoy reading that). The Colosseum will have your kids’ imaginations running wild with gladiator tales. Toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain, explore the Vatican Museums, and indulge in gelato at every opportunity. Oh, and is pasta one of the five food groups your kids will actually eat? You’re in luck, because it’s around every corner. Rome’s rich history and delicious cuisine make it a family favorite.
Me and a few friends contemplating the events held at the Colosseum
Munich, Germany
Guten Tag! Munich, Germany, home of the 1972 Olympics, is another city that blends tradition with modern flair. Visit the Viktualienmarkt for a pretzel, take a stroll through the Marienplatz to watch the Glockenspiel, see the very strong waitstaff carry the large beers (and order one yourself!) at the Hofbräuhaus, and don’t miss the fairy-tale castles in the nearby Bavarian Alps. Munich’s festive atmosphere ensures there’s never a dull moment. If you get a burst of spontaneity and have time, I highly recommend visiting Burg Eltz. It’s a bit of a trek (and not in Bavaria), but my husband and I stayed at a nearby hotel and hiked up to Burg Eltz. We were the first visitors before the tour buses and had a private tour!
The Glockenspiel creates a show with characters
Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, Spain, dazzled the world during the 1992 Olympics and continues to enchant visitors today. Gaudí’s whimsical architecture, like Park Güell and Sagrada Família, will have your kids feeling like they’ve stepped into a storybook. This city has distinct Art Nouveau architecture that at times feels very Seussian. The Magic Fountain show and a day at the beach add to the city’s charm. Barcelona’s vibrant culture and kid-friendly attractions make it a must-visit. Those who love snacking will also delight in the Spanish tradition where you tour a variety of bars and restaurants to enjoy tapas.
Intrigued so much by the Gaudi architecture, I bought a book for my souvenir
Squaw Valley, USA
Let’s hit the slopes in Squaw Valley, USA, host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. This alpine paradise offers family-friendly skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating. In the summer, enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Lake Tahoe. I have such fond family memories of skiing Tahoe as a kid. Honestly, how much cooler can it get to be a kid (from the south) and just ski over state lines in a setting with a gorgeous lake? Lake Tahoe is one of the most beautiful lakes I’ve seen in North America. Squaw Valley’s natural beauty and outdoor activities make it an all-season destination for adventurous families.
Ski sign pointing you to the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe
Vancouver, Canada
Last but not least, and my most recent Olympic city, let’s head north to Vancouver, Canada, host of the 2010 Winter Olympics. This city is an outdoor lover’s dream, with Stanley Park offering endless trails a fantastic aquarium, and totem poles. Watch the seaplanes and ships come and go at Canada Place, spend time at Granville Island, and see the steam clock downtown. This is a wonderful place to use the variety of public transportation systems too. Vancouver’s stunning landscapes and family-friendly attractions make it a top pick for travelers.
Finding Inspiration in Unexpected Places
Watching the USA women’s gymnastics team perform with such grace, strength, and determination reminded me that inspiration often comes from unexpected places. Whether it’s the thrill of nailing a new skill at the gym or discovering the rich history of an Olympic city, there’s always something to ignite our curiosity and passion.
The Olympics: Uniting the World Through Sport
One of the most beautiful aspects of the Olympics is how it unites the world through sport. It’s a reminder that despite our differences, we can come together to celebrate excellence, sportsmanship, and the human spirit. Exploring these Olympic cities with your family is not just about travel; it’s about connecting with the global community and finding common ground. And who knows? Maybe one day, your little gymnast will be the one inspiring the world.
Final Reflection Coaching Questions:
1. What are some ways to teach your children about global unity through travel and the Olympics?
2. How can you use the stories and achievements of Olympic athletes to motivate and inspire your family?
Happy travels, moms! Until next time.
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