Algiers for The Family Explorers: a Friday-to-Monday weekend

Avenues of giant trees, shaded benches and room for children to run. Look for the dragon trees; their roots make a good climbing place.

Cool galleries at the top of the garden, with big canvases and nobody hushing the children. Keep it to forty minutes and a game of spot the camel.

Grilled chicken, fries and a lemonade at a friendly brasserie that does not mind children. Eat at six and be back at the hotel by eight.

Shaded hillside paths past big cats, primates and birds. Allow a morning, bring water and a hat, and keep a pushchair for the slopes.

Take the lift up the Martyrs' Memorial, then run on the wide open plaza. The underground museum is cool and dark, which suits tired children.

A garden restaurant at Riadh El Feth, under the Martyrs' Memorial, with grilled dishes and room to move. Eat at six and let the children run on the esplanade afterwards.

A wide seaside promenade with playgrounds and a sandy beach. In summer swim with the children; otherwise bring a ball and a kite.

Grilled fish or chicken and fries at a seaside café, with ice cream to follow. Children eat quickly here and nobody minds the noise.

A small museum that fits a short visit: look for the rock art copies and the old tools. A tiled courtyard where the children can sit.

A forest park on the heights with shady paths, a lake and playgrounds. Take the children for a last run before the airport.

A short stop to see the white arches and the tiled hall. Children like the enormous lobby and the echoing marble.

A simple lunch of grilled chicken and fries at a family restaurant, with lemonade for the children and a quick coffee for you.