29 Things to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids

Looking for tips on things to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids? I’ve been lucky enough to live in the so-called Marvelous City for over two years, and I can say that one of the most special moments I’ve had here was when my 9-year-old nephew, Gabriel, came to visit for a week with my sister and brother-in-law.

The adults were already familiar with Rio, so when planning the itinerary, my priority was the little one. I wanted him to have an unforgettable experience with fun activities that would also not bore the grown-ups. While putting together the itinerary, I realized that Rio has so many great activities for children that it was hard to choose!

So, for those planning a trip to Rio de Janeiro with kids, I’ve put together this guide with tips ranging from cultural attractions to places where they can burn off energy.

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29 Things to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids

1. Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden (Jardim Botânico) is one of the most peaceful and beautiful places in Rio de Janeiro, perfect for a family outing. Founded in 1808 by Dom João, then Prince Regent of Portugal, it covers an area of 137 hectares and is one of Brazil’s largest and most important botanical gardens, home to over 8,000 plant species, many of which are rare and exotic.

On certain days of the week, the garden offers guided trails, birdwatching tours, live music performances, and other activities—check their Instagram profile for the schedule. If you’re visiting on a weekend or during high season, I recommend you buy tickets online to avoid lines.

Some of its main attractions include:

• Avenida das Palmeiras Imperiais (Imperial Palm Avenue): This palm-lined path is one of the garden’s most iconic spots.
• Orchidarium: A dedicated space for orchids, where you can see dozens of species up close. I also love the Bromeliad Garden!
• Picnic areas: The Botanical Garden has designated picnic areas with bathrooms, cafes and a children’s playground.

2. Lage Park

Right next to the Botanical Garden, Lage Park (Parque Lage) is another beautiful spot—and it’s free to enter. Once a private property converted into a public park in 1960, it features lush green spaces and is also a hub for art and culture, as it houses a School of Visual Arts (EAV).

Covering over 52 hectares, the area once housed a sugar mill. In 1840, it was redesigned in a European style by English landscape architect John Tyndale and remained in the hands of a wealthy family for many years.

It’s worth strolling through the park, exploring its trails and gardens. Kids will love the castle-like tower and other picturesque structures surrounded by greenery.

But the most famous part is the palatial mansion, which has a decorative pool in the center and a stunning view of Christ the Redeemer. Inside, there’s a café that’s a good option for breakfast or a snack.

At times, Parque Lage has required a free online reservation to enter the mansion (unless you’re dining at the café), so it’s worth checking in advance.

Since both the Botanical Garden and Parque Lage involve a lot of walking, it’s essential to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and bring light snacks and water. Even though these areas are filled with greenery, you should still wear sunscreen and a hat, especially on hot days. I also recommend bringing insect repellent, especially if you’re visiting Parque Lage in the late afternoon.

3. Rio Planetarium

The Rio de Janeiro Planetarium is located in the Gávea neighborhood, about 2.5 km from the Botanical Garden and Parque Lage, so you can visit all three places on the same day.

The planetarium offers a diverse program that combines sky observation (currently on Wednesday nights) with dome sessions and the Museum of the Universe (Museu do Universo), along with various educational activities.

It’s a great place to spark children’s interest in science, astronomy, and the universe. I recommend you check the schedule in advance to see if there are any special activities going on.

4. Breakfast at Copacabana Fort

I love having breakfast at Copacabana Fort (Forte de Copacabana), a former defensive fort with a beautiful view of the ocean and Copacabana neighborhood. I was happy to see that my nephew loved it too.

I recommend going to Café 18 do Forte, where you can order individual items or a well-served breakfast combo for two people. My sister, my nephew, and I shared one, only ordering an extra drink, and it was more than enough.

In the same space, there is also a branch of Confeitaria Colombo, a traditional restaurant whose most famous location is downtown Rio. In my opinion, Café 18 do Forte offers better value for money.

And if you don’t want to pay for a somewhat expensive breakfast, or if you’re going there in a different time of the day, you can also have lunch in the cafes, or bring a snack and sit on one of the benches to enjoy the view.

Don’t forget to also take a stroll around the Fort. It’s worth visiting the Army Historical Museum, and the “cannon dome” has a stunning view.

It’s important to know that there is an entrance fee, even for those going to the cafés, and currently they only accept cash.

5. Arpoador

After breakfast, you can walk to Arpoador, at the beginning of Ipanema beach, to enjoy the view. My nephew loved climbing on the rocks, feeling adventurous, and strolling along the waterfront, watching the hustle and bustle of tourists.

Of course, going to the beach is always a great idea, but since you’re with children it’s good to be mindful of the sea conditions, as the waves in Rio can get quite rough.

6. Paquetá Island

Paquetá Island (Ilha de Paquetá) is one of my favorite places in Rio de Janeiro, whether with kids or not. This peaceful and safe island is accessible by ferry from Praça XV, a square in the city center. It has a charming, old-time feel, with its dirt roads and no car access. You can go for just a few hours, but I highly recommend a full-day trip.

To plan your visit, check the ferry schedule on the CCR Barcas website, as they don’t run very frequently. The ferry ride itself is already interesting, and both my nephew and other children there seemed to enjoy it.

Once on the island, there are plenty of activities to do, such as renting pedal boats, bicycles, or quadricycles, taking a guided tour on an “electric carriage” (a golf cart), visiting Darke de Mattos Park, exploring the Bird Cemetery, or having a picnic by the sea.

If you feel like going for a swim, check the INEA (State Institute for the Environment) website to see if any of the island’s beaches are safe for swimming, because they are located in a bay and the quality of water there depends on the tides and rains.

I’ve been there several times and usually rent a bike, but when I went with my nephew, my sister, and my brother-in-law, we tried one of the electric carriage tours for the first time, visiting the island’s main attractions. It was nice to have an overview, especially because we didn’t have much time to bike around.

Afterwards, we stopped for a late lunch at Restaurante Lido, a beachfront spot on José Bonifácio Beach which offers good value for money.

7. Museum of Tomorrow and Rio Art Museum

The Museum of Tomorrow (Museu do Amanhã), in Praça Mauá, is a fantastic option for children and adults, featuring interactive and educational exhibits on topics like science, technology, and sustainability.

Through audiovisual and artistic installations, as well as touchscreen games and information, the museum presents various facts about our past, present, and future, encouraging reflection on the urgent changes our planet faces due to the climate crisis.

The permanent exhibition, which takes about three hours to explore (or much longer if you take your time reading and interacting with everything), covers themes like the Cosmos, Earth, the Anthropocene, and the possibilities for our future. There are also fascinating temporary exhibitions; currently, there’s one about dreams. This sure is one of my favorite places to visit in Rio de Janeiro with kids.

It’s also worth checking out the program at the Rio Art Museum (Museu de Arte do Rio – MAR), located just across Praça Mauá. MAR often hosts excellent exhibitions, some of which include educational activities focused on children.

8. Santa Teresa Tram and Walking Around the Neighborhood

Riding the famous Santa Teresa Tram (Bondinho de Santa Teresa) is a fun way to explore one of Rio’s most historic and charming neighborhoods with children. Santa Teresa is known for its steep streets, old mansions, and bohemian atmosphere, and the yellow tram that goes by there is an iconic part of Rio’s history.

It departs from downtown, near the Carioca metro station, crosses the Lapa Arches, and winds through the streets of Santa Teresa, offering beautiful city views along the way.

My nephew had a great time riding this unique mode of transport and seeing Rio from a different perspective (he loved seeing the Maracanã stadium from up high). Along the way, kids can admire the neighborhood’s architecture—some houses and buildings look straight out of a fairy tale! For Gabriel, one of the highlights was watching how the tram reverses direction at the end of the route in a simple but clever way.

I recommend riding the tram to the final stop and then returning to Largo dos Guimarães (your ticket covers the round trip). Get off there and explore the neighborhood on foot, stopping by local art studios or having a meal or coffee at one of the traditional restaurants and bars. A visit to Parque das Ruínas is also worth it—it offers stunning views of the city.

Another tip: Avoid this tour on weekends, as the tram doesn’t run very frequently and has limited capacity. On busy days, the wait at the departure station can be long.

9. Exploring Downtown and a Snack at Casa Cavé or Confeitaria Colombo

This might not be an obvious choice, but strolling through downtown Rio with older kids can be a great idea. Highlights of this area include the stunning Real Gabinete Português de Leitura (Royal Portuguese Reading Room), which looks like it could be in a Harry Potter movie.

Around there you’ll also find an excellent museum and cultural center, the Centro Cultural Banco do Brasil (CCBB). Check their website to see if there’s something that might interest younger visitors. Other cultural spots like the Centro Cultural dos Correios and Paço Imperial are also worth exploring, depending on the exhibits in place.

For a delicious break, stop by Casa Cavé, the oldest pastry shop in the city, founded in 1860 by a Frenchman and later taken over by Portuguese owners. Another option is Confeitaria Colombo, a more famous and grandiose establishment (but also more touristy, crowded, and expensive).

10. Navy Cultural Space

I haven’t done this tour yet, but I’ve been told it’s great for kids. The Navy Cultural Space (Espaço Cultural da Marinha), located in the city center, offers a boat trip through Guanabara Bay and visits to a submarine, a fighter jet, and other navy equipment. It seems interesting for children who are curious about navigation, and the staff is used to hosting school trips.

11. Sugarloaf Mountain

Of course, this list of things to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids wouldn’t be complete without one of the city’s most iconic tourist attractions, right? Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar) is a true postcard of Rio and is absolutely worth visiting. The cable car ride is fun, and the view from the top is stunning.

If you and the kids have enough energy, you might want to hike the first section via the Morro da Urca Trail, which starts at the Cláudio Coutinho jogging and walking track. The hike takes about 40 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace, and while it’s steep, it doesn’t require technical skills. It’s a fun experience for older kids. The trail is considered safe, and it’s common to see families with children along the way.

At the end of the trail, you’ll arrive at the Sugarloaf Cable Car Park, where you can take the cable car for the next stretch, from Morro da Urca to Sugarloaf itself, and then take it back down. Tickets can be purchased online in advance.

I recommend bringing a snack to enjoy while admiring the view, since the food sold up there is quite expensive. Also take the little ones to see the small exhibition about the history of the cable car, which features older versions of it and fun facts, like movies filmed there and daredevils who have walked its cables.

12. Christ the Redeemer by the Corcovado Train

Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) is another one of Rio’s most famous attractions, and while it’s not one of my personal favorites, it’s hard for anyone visiting the city for the first time not to want to go. Even as a child, my nephew already had the iconic image of the gigantic Christ in his mind and was curious to see it up close.

You can get there by van, but the journey is more special with the Corcovado Train, which offers an exciting ride through the lush greenery of Tijuca National Park. My sister took my nephew, and she said it gave them butterflies in their stomachs.

I recommend going early in the morning, especially during peak season, to avoid the biggest crowds. And be sure to check the weather forecast—if the sky is cloudy, the view from Christ the Redeemer will be compromised.

13. Flamengo Park and Flamengo Beach

I might be biased because I live nearby and go there all the time, but Flamengo Park (Aterro do Flamengo) is my favorite place in the city. And it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Rio de Janeiro with kids—just look at the number of families there on weekends!

Stretching along Flamengo Beach, the park has vast green spaces, sports courts, a skate park, and playgrounds. It’s a fantastic place for a walk or a picnic under the trees with a view of Sugarloaf Mountain. Kids can run around, play, and enjoy the open space while adults relax and take in the scenery.

On Sundays and public holidays, the roads next to the park are closed to cars and open to pedestrians, cyclists, skaters, and rollerbladers. You can find places to rent kids’ bikes there.

And the best part? In recent years, it’s actually been possible to swim in this beach. The once-polluted water has frequently been clean. The sea at Flamengo Beach is usually very calm, and you can swim while enjoying views of both Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer at the same time—what a luxury!

However, it’s important to check water quality updates on the INEA website, which monitors beach conditions. They advise people to avoid swimming after rainy days.

14. Praia Vermelha

Speaking of swimming in the sea, if you’re visiting Rio de Janeiro with kids and looking for beaches with calmer waters, you should add not only Flamengo Beach but also Praia Vermelha to your list. Located right next to Sugarloaf Mountain, it’s a small and charming beach where the sea is almost always calm and wave-free, unlike the more famous beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema, where the ocean can get quite rough.

On weekends, the sand gets crowded since the space is limited, but during the week, it’s a great spot to enjoy the beach with little ones. Not to mention the stunning scenery!

15. Soccer Lessons

For kids who love soccer, a unique activity in Rio is taking a beach soccer lesson with Flamengo’s soccer school. They have several locations throughout the city, and I took my nephew Gabriel to the one at Flamengo Beach. He’s obsessed with soccer but had never played on sand before and absolutely loved it.

I stopped by beforehand to get the coach’s contact info, and he shared the class schedules and the price for a single lesson (only R$20, which was great). There were options in the morning and late afternoon.

16. Maracanã Stadium Tour

Another fantastic soccer-related activity for kids in Rio de Janeiro is the Maracanã Stadium tour. Lasting about an hour, the tour takes visitors behind the scenes of one of the world’s most famous soccer stadiums.

You can visit the historical exhibit, the mixed zone, one of the locker rooms, the players’ warm-up room, and the press conference room, and even step onto the field.

Among the displayed items are a Brazil number 7 jersey worn by Garrincha in the 1962 World Cup and the ball and net from Pelé’s 1,000th goal (Vasco vs. Santos in 1969). Gabriel absolutely loved the experience.

17. Oi Futuro Cultural Center

One of the places I had planned to visit with Gabriel but couldn’t due to last-minute changes was the Oi Futuro Cultural Center (Centro Cultural Oi Futuro), located in Flamengo, near the park.

It houses Musehum, a museum that tells the story of technological advancements in communication. The collection includes fascinating objects, especially for kids who may have never seen them before, like crank telephones and phone books.

Additionally, the Cultural Center features a space called “Futuros – Art and Technology,” which hosts temporary exhibitions and runs an educational program. It’s also worth checking out the schedule for Teatro Futuros, which offers free and low-cost theater performances for children and adults (I once saw a great kids’ play there).

18. Gardens of the Museum of the Republic & Guinle Park

If you want to extend your outing, it’s worth heading from Oi Futuro to the gardens of the Museum of the Republic (Museu da República) or Guinle Park (Parque Guinle)—both green retreats in the middle of the city.

Neither is very large, but they feature beautiful and pleasant gardens, perfect for relaxing, having a picnic, or simply watching the ducks and geese in the ponds.

19. Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon

Speaking of ponds, another great place to visit with kids in Rio de Janeiro is Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon (Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas), another famous postcard-perfect location. Situated between the neighborhoods of Ipanema and Jardim Botânico, it’s a large body of water surrounded by mountains.

Around the lagoon, there’s a running and cycling track, and you can rent a bike or a quadricycle to go around it, or even a pedal boat. There are also playgrounds, restaurants, and bars around it.

20. Catacumba Park

Right across from Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon is the Catacumba Park (Parque Natural Municipal da Catacumba), located in an area that was reforested in the 1970s. Covering nearly 27 hectares, it features a great diversity of plants, sculptures, and small plazas.

A 600-meter trail leads to the Sacopã viewpoint, from which you can admire the lagoon, the Botanical Garden, Ipanema Beach, Pedra da Gávea, and Morro Dois Irmãos. The trail is easy enough to do with children.

In addition, kids will love the adventure activities offered by a private company operating there, Lagoa Aventuras, which include tree climbing, zip-lining, and a climbing wall.

21. Duque de Caxias Fort

So far, I’ve mentioned two places with easy hikes that offer stunning views, right? There are a few other trails suitable for kids in Rio, but one of the most accessible and safest is the one that takes you up to Leme Fort or Duque de Caxias Fort (Forte do Leme or Forte Duque de Caxias). It’s not exactly a hiking trail, since the path is paved, but rather a somewhat steep uphill walk surrounded by lush vegetation.

This fort, less known than the one in Copacabana, is located at the other end of Copacabana beach. It’s inside the Brazilian Army’s Center for Personnel Studies (CEP) and part of the Leme Hill Environmental Protection Area, created to preserve one of the last remnants of the Atlantic Forest in this part of the city and to protect 90 native plant species at risk of extinction.

It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach the top, where you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of Leme and Copacabana beaches, as well as Corcovado. Walking to the other side, you can also admire Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain, and other nearby hills. The area is usually quiet, but since there’s almost no shade at the top, it’s best not to stay too long.

22. Catamaran Tour

How about taking the kids on an adventure across Guanabara Bay? The company Rio Boat Tour offers a catamaran tour that sails through Rio’s waters, allowing you to admire some landmarks up close, such as the Museum of Tomorrow, the Rio-Niterói Bridge, and Sugarloaf Mountain.

The 1.5-hour tour runs both in the morning and afternoon, departing from and returning to Marina da Glória, with an audio guide in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. I haven’t done it yet, but it looks like a great family-friendly experience.

23. Quinta da Boa Vista Park

For people who live in the North Zone of Rio, a classic spot to go with kids is Quinta da Boa Vista Park. Few tourists go there, but it’s a lovely place to take the little ones. Even though it’s a bit far from the South Zone, where you’ll probably stay, it has easy access since it’s close to a subway station.

The park is home to the great National Museum, which unfortunately was severely damaged by a fire in 2018 and is currently undergoing restoration. However, around the museum there are plenty of grassy areas, children’s play spaces, small lakes where you can rent paddle boats and quadricycles… On sunny weekends, it gets lively with picnics, birthday parties, and families enjoying the day. Some events are held there as well.

Connected to the park is the BioParque, formerly the Rio Zoo. I don’t recommend visiting places that keep animals in captivity, but if that’s not a concern for you, you can look into it—kids usually enjoy the visit.

25. Gigoia Island and boat tour

One of my favorite hidden gems in Rio, unknown to many locals, is Ilha da Gigoia—a charming little island in Barra da Tijuca neighborhood, in the West Zone of Rio, with several restaurants.

Although it’s also a bit far from the city’s main attractions, it’s super easy to get there: just take the subway to Jardim Oceânico station and hop on one of the small boats that make the crossing in just a few minutes. Additionally, some boatmen offer longer tours around the Tijuca Lagoon, which can be a fun experience with kids.

I recommend taking the boat tour and then stopping on the island for lunch at one of the restaurants by the lagoon. Afterward, you can stroll through the narrow streets and grab dessert or a coffee at the lovely Café da Poesia.

26. Pontal Museum

If you want to extend your trip and explore more of Rio’s West Zone, beyond Barra da Tijuca, a great attraction is the Museu do Pontal. It houses one of the largest collections of Brazilian folk art in the country.

There are various sculptures, ceramics, and paintings that kids might enjoy while learning about different Brazilian cultural expressions. Additionally, the museum sometimes offers educational activities designed for children. Unfortunately, it’s not easy to get there by public transportation.

27. Sítio Burle Marx

Feeling up for an even longer adventure? Further into the West Zone, in Barra de Guaratiba, you’ll find Sítio Burle Marx, a site dedicated to the work of renowned landscape architect Roberto Burle Marx, known for his innovative garden and landscape designs.

Covering more than 30,000 square meters, it’s a place where you can explore lush tropical vegetation and learn about the landscape architect’s vision of integrating nature and art. It’s a bit far, but if you’re driving and have time to spare, it’s an interesting spot.

28. Praias da Zona Oeste

Another great family-friendly outing in Rio is spending the day at one of the beaches in the West Zone of the city. If you’re up for renting a car, it’s worth spending a day exploring beaches like Barra da Tijuca, Prainha, and Grumari. You’ll feel like you’re far away from the big city! You’ll also find great seafood restaurants in the area.

29. Museu da Vida da Fiocruz

I’ll wrap up this list of things to do with kids in Rio de Janeiro with a great but lesser-known attraction. The Fiocruz Museum of Life is located in Manguinhos, in the city’s North Zone, and invites children to explore the world of science and health in an interactive and engaging way.

The museum was created in 1999 as part of the Casa de Oswaldo Cruz (COC/Fiocruz), a center dedicated to promoting science communication, research, education, and documentation on the history of public health and biomedical sciences in Brazil.

Set in a lush green space, the museum offers kids an outdoor park, a castle, historical-ecological trails, laboratories, and exhibition rooms with educational guides. All activities are free, as well as parking.

I hope you liked this list of things to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids. Have a great trip!