Rio with Kids

Did you know that Rio de Janeiro has an estimated population of 6.45 million making it the third largest metro area in South America? But despite its immensity, Rio comes with all of the charms of a multicultural village. It also features many kid-friendly spots that make Rio with kids a blast.

From ecological wonders to out-of-this world monuments, here’s our breakdown of some of the most kid-friendly destinations in Rio for families.

Visit the Museum of Tomorrow

Everything about the Museum of Tomorrow will prove exciting to your kids, from the exterior of the building to the fascinating exhibits within. Its impressive architecture comes straight out of a sci-fi fantasy and will capture your children’s imaginations.

The Museum of Tomorrow focuses on the future of the planet Earth. This includes delving into topics such as evolution, climate change, and sustainability. Not only does the museum afford opportunities to teach your kids about ecology and global citizenship, but it’s fun. Your kids will be entertained for hours. It’s one of the highlights of Rio for kids.

Check out the Botanical Gardens

Rio’s Botanical Gardens are a true masterpiece of nature. They contain more than 6,500 different species of plants as well as monkeys and birds. Your kids will be amazed as they learn about Brazil’s exotic plants and animals.

Divided into subsections, you and your family will explore areas like the Amazon section, the Japanese section, and the sensory gardens. Devote some time to the museum, research centers, and cultural centers in the gardens, too. Their collections are immense and eclectic.

Explore Rio’s Iconic Christ the Redeemer

What trip to Rio would be complete without a visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue towering above the city? It’s a kid-friendly day trip that will not only get you up close and personal with the monument but will also afford you stunning views of the city. After grabbing a taxi to the train station in Cosme Velho, purchase a combined train and entry ticket. Then, prepare for a lovely journey around the Corcovado mountain by train.

The route passes through the Atlantic Forest providing hints of the views to come through breaks in the canopy. Live samba bands play in the train cars as you ascend. Once on top of the world, you’ll have scenic views of Rio. Be sure to check out the interactive digital board under the statue’s left arm. It provides fascinating history about the monument and its history.

Visit Sugarloaf Mountain

Taking the train through the forest up to Corcovado to see the Christ the Redeemer Statue proves a magical, albeit crowded, experience. If you’d like to see Rio like locals, opt for the cable car (“bondinho”) ride to Sugarloaf Mountain instead.

It ranks as a local favorite with its postcard-perfect granite peak that juts out into the Atlantic Ocean. The cable car offers the most magnificent views of the city. Cable cars run every 20 minutes and you can take a picnic lunch with you to enjoy along with the breathtaking views of Guanabara bay.

Hit the Beach

No visit to Rio is complete without taking a stroll along the beaches of Copacabana, Ipanema or Leblon. Here, you can enjoy fresh coconut water at sunset, watch beach soccer and volleyball, and revel in a slower pace of life.

Families with babies and toddlers will not want to miss the Baixo Bebe point in Leblon, a kiosk / children’s play area. Parents can sit up at the kiosk while watching the little ones enjoy the slides and play structures in an enclosed area.

Rio with Kids

These activities are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to places to explore in Rio with kids. Whether you and your family are staying in the area for a week or just a day, you’ll find endless opportunities for the whole family.

Family fun in Brazil doesn’t stop with the museums and monuments of Rio. They’re just the beginning. Interested in learning more about a Brazil family trip? Check out our 7-Day Brazilian Amazon Cruise Adventure and 8-Day Chapada Diamantina/Salvador Adventure.

At Our Whole Village, we create tours carefully designed for families who want to create lasting memories. We’re here to help you and your family experience the world, its peoples, and cultures. Contact us today to learn more about the unforgettable experiences that we handcraft for families just like yours.