Brazil is a family-centric tradition, and Rio de Janeiro isn’t any exception – households are properly obtained wherever, and despite the fact that it is a large, chaotic metropolis, Rio is less complicated to navigate with little ones than you may think. It is all about figuring out the place to go.
For those who’re contemplating a household vacation in Rio de Janeiro, right here’s our information to discovering the most effective locations to go to with youngsters, and our prime tricks to make your loved ones’s travels to Rio de Janeiro as marvelous because the Marvelous Metropolis itself.
Is Rio de Janeiro good for youths?
Rio de Janeiro is a significant metropolis not like some other – town sits within a jungle, sandwiched in between limestone hills and breathtaking seashores.
This distinctive panorama signifies that, together with the everyday city choices of a cultural capital, Rio additionally has an limitless variety of out of doors adventures and pure immersions accessible proper in the midst of city.
Plus, cariocas (residents from Rio), may fee as a number of the friendliest, most outgoing folks on earth, glad to welcome households at any venue, be it a museum, restaurant, live performance corridor or the like.
That does not imply there are no downsides. Rio remains to be a giant, chaotic metropolis, and for about half of the 12 months, it’s extremely, very popular.
Accessibility can fluctuate drastically from neighborhood to neighborhood. Whereas the beachfront boardwalk is stroller pleasant, as an illustration, most metropolis streets will not be. Realizing the place (and when) to go may help to make sure that your loved ones vacation in Rio is successful.

What are the most effective Rio neighborhoods for youths?
Which is the best neighborhood in Rio for youths? It is dependent upon the age and pursuits of your kids. Ipanema, Leblon and Copacabana, close to the seashores, are the most effective for lovers of swimming, sand and sunshine.
Jardim Botânico, Horto or São Conrado are the most effective for outdoorsy households who love waterfalls, jungles and mountaineering; and Santa Teresa and Centro are the most effective neighborhoods for households who love artwork, tradition and historical past.
Greatest issues to do in Rio with infants and toddlers
Spend the mornings on the seashore
Most child and toddler mother and father from Rio hit the seashore tremendous early to benefit from the cooler temperatures and quiet of the day.
You may get chairs, umbrellas and contemporary coconuts on the seashore at a barraca (vendor). Once you’ve had your fill of seaside bliss, wash off within the freshwater showers on the sand and head for a beautiful bunch at La Bicyclette, The Slow Bakery or Empório Jardim earlier than wandering by way of the Botanical Gardens. Observe issues up with a stroll by way of the attractive mansion-turned-art-school within the jungle, Parque Lage.
Beat the warmth by heading to a museum
Keep away from the afternoon warmth by heading indoors – seize your child service and proceed on to a museum. Favorites are the family-friendly Centro Cultural Banco Brasil (CCBB) or the Museu de Arte Rio (MAR) in Rio’s Heart, or the Parque das Ruínas and the Museu da Chácara do Céu in Santa Teresa. For these with tots, a cultural tour will be adopted by a cease at AquaRio, Rio’s aquarium (watch out for the strains).
Journey share vehicles are low cost and plentiful (Uber or 99Taxi are the most effective apps), and one of the simplest ways to keep away from the stress and warmth of public transport for those who’ve acquired a child on board.

Greatest issues to do in Rio with school-age youngsters
Work up a sweat on a picturesque hike
Youngsters have vitality to burn, and fortuitously Rio has loads of out of doors actions to verify they sleep like angels. Head to the Horto neighborhood for a waterfall hike – Cachoeira dos Primatas or Photo voltaic da Imperatriz are each much less crowded waterfalls simply accessible for many health ranges.
One other Horto possibility is the trek up Pedra Bonita. A taxi can take you to the trailhead, the place you may watch the paragliders launch into the skies earlier than climbing up the 40-ish minute path (look ahead to monkeys!) to see distinctive views of town.
Then head right down to São Coronado Seaside to relax at Soga Seaside, the place you will discover nice snacks and afternoon vibes.
Dying to see the Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain)? There’s a path the place you may stroll up the primary hill situated proper on the fringe of Praia Vermelha within the Urca neighborhood, which is conveniently thought of one of many quietest, most secure seashores in Rio.
Within the afternoon, head to Santa Teresa and journey on the Bonde – Rio’s iconic yellow tram automotive – to Largo das Neves, the place on Friday evenings you will discover heaps of youngsters’ actions for kids taking part in within the sq..

Greatest issues to do in Rio with teenagers & tweens
Go to out of doors markets for a style of Brazilian tradition
Rio is a hotspot for tradition, and getting your teenagers into the scene will open their eyes to new worlds. Begin the day at one of many out of doors markets – Praca XV has a flea and antiques market on Saturday mornings, which is finest adopted by a ship journey to the small, car-free island of Paquetá.
On Sundays, head to the Feria da Gloria for the good native buying, which simply ends in a motorbike journey alongside the Aterro do Flamengo oceanfront park; or keep on the market within the afternoon to get pleasure from a number of the finest samba within the metropolis.
Take a street art tour by way of Santa Teresa, the place you may be taught in regards to the city tradition and get to know a number of the iconic graffiti artists of town. Then, head over to the Parque das Ruínas – a steampunk type out of doors mansion-turned-cultural middle, for a wide ranging sundown with 180 degree-views of the Marvelous Metropolis.
Planning suggestions
Keep in mind that Rio’s summer season is from December to February. The town is crowded due to Carnival and New Years celebrations, and the temperatures are very, very popular. Except that is your vibe, purpose to go to between April and October.
When on the town, you may hire bicycles to discover the seashores and the lake, and take the metro to most of the important vacationer websites. For those who’re in a pinch (or it is nighttime, for security), take a journey share automotive, that are cheap and prevalent. For native, kid-friendly occasions occurring, comply with @RioComCrianças on Instagram – or for the most effective kid-friendly bars to drink at within the metropolis, try @MãeBoemia.