Top things to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids

Brazil is a family-centric culture, and Rio de Janeiro is no exception – families are well received anywhere, and even though it's a big, chaotic city, Rio is easier to navigate with little ones than you might imagine. It's all about knowing where to go.

If you're considering a family holiday in Rio de Janeiro, here’s our guide to discovering the best places to visit with kids, and our top tips to make your family's travels to Rio de Janeiro as marvelous as the Marvelous City itself.

Is Rio de Janeiro good for kids?

Rio de Janeiro is a major metropolis unlike any other – the city sits inside of a jungle, sandwiched in between limestone hills and breathtaking beaches.

This unique landscape means that, along with the typical urban offerings of a cultural capital, Rio also has an endless number of outdoor adventures and natural immersions available right in the middle of town.

Plus, cariocas (residents from Rio) may rate as some of the friendliest, most outgoing people on earth. They're happy to welcome families at any venue, be it a museum, restaurant, concert hall or the like.

That doesn't mean there aren't any downsides to traveling in Rio with kids. It is still a big, chaotic city, and for about half of the year it's very, very hot.

Accessibility can vary greatly from neighborhood to neighborhood. While the beachfront boardwalk is stroller friendly, for instance, most city streets are not. Knowing where (and when) to go can help to ensure that your family holiday in Rio is a success.

What are the best Rio neighborhoods for kids?

Which is the best neighborhood in Rio to spend time in with kids? This depends on the age and interests of your children.

The best areas for lovers of swimming, sand and sunshine are all near the beach: Ipanema, Leblon and Copacabana. While Jardim Botânico, Horto or São Conrado are the best for outdoorsy families who love waterfalls, jungles and hiking. Santa Teresa and Centro are the best neighborhoods for families who love art, culture and history.

Best things to do in Rio with babies and toddlers

Spend the morning at the beach

Most baby and toddler parents from Rio hit the beach super early to make the most of the cooler temperatures and quiet of the day.

You can get chairs, umbrellas and fresh coconuts on the beach at a barraca (vendor). When you've had your fill of seaside bliss, wash off in the freshwater showers on the sand and head for a lovely bunch before wandering through the Botanical Gardens. Follow things up with a stroll through the beautiful mansion-turned-art-school in the jungle, Parque Lage.

Beat the afternoon heat by heading to a museum

Avoid the afternoon heat by heading indoors – grab your baby carrier and continue on to a museum. Favorite places to go in Rio include the family-friendly Centro Cultural Banco Brasil (CCBB) or the Museu de Arte Rio (MAR) in Rio's Center. Once you've done them, check out Parque das Ruínas and the Museu da Chácara do Céu in Santa Teresa. After you've had enough culture consider a stop at AquaRio, Rio's aquarium (but be aware there are often queues to enter).

Ride-share cars are inexpensive and plentiful (such as Uber or 99Taxi), and possibly the best way to avoid the stress (and heat) of public transport if you've got a baby on board.

Best things to do in Rio with school-age kids

Set out on a hike in nature

Kids have energy to burn, and luckily Rio has plenty of outdoor activities to make sure they sleep like angels. Head to the Horto neighborhood for a waterfall hike – Cachoeira dos Primatas and Cachoeira da Gruta (Solar da Imperatriz) are both less-crowded waterfalls easily accessible for most fitness levels.

Another Horto option is the trek up Pedra Bonita. A taxi can take you to the trailhead, where you can watch the paragliders launch into the skies before climbing up the 40 minute(ish) trail (watch out for monkeys!) to see exceptional views of the city. Then head down to São Coronado Beach to chill at Soga Beach, where you'll find great snacks and afternoon vibes.

Dying to see the Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain)? There is a trail where you can walk up the first hill located right at the edge of Praia Vermelha in the Urca neighborhood, which is conveniently considered one of the quietest, safest beaches in Rio.

Ride the Bonde tram

Another perfect outing for children is to head to Santa Teresa and ride on the Bonde – Rio's iconic yellow tram car – to Largo das Neves, where you'll find heaps of kids' activities for children playing in the square on a Friday evening.

Best things to do in Rio with teens & tweens

Go shopping at markets and more

Rio is a hotspot for culture, and getting your teens into the scene will open their eyes to new worlds. Start the day at one of the outdoor markets – Praca XV has a flea and antiques market on Saturday mornings, which is best followed by a boat ride to the small, car-free island of Paquetá.

On Sundays, head to the Feria da Gloria for the coolest local shopping, which easily ends in a bike ride along the Parque do Flamengo oceanfront park; or stay at the market in the afternoon to enjoy some of the best samba in the city.

Admire cariocas' colorful creativity

For older kids, get them excited to unleash some creativity on a street art tour through Santa Teresa, where they will learn more about Rio's urban culture and get to know some of the iconic graffiti artists of the city.

Then, head over to the Parque das Ruínas - a steampunk style outdoor mansion-turned-cultural center, for a breathtaking sunset with 180 degree-views of the Marvelous City. The gardens, originally a project of an English landscape artist John Tyndale in 1840, feature ponds and pathways, artificial caves, castle-like towers, and a playground, all encircled by Atlantic rainforest.

Planning tips

Remember that Rio's summer is from December to February. The city is crowded thanks to Carnival and New Years celebrations, and the temperatures are hot. Unless that's your vibe, it may be best to aim to visit between April and October.

When in town, you can rent bicycles to explore the beaches and the lake, and take the metro to many of the main tourist sites.

If you're in a pinch (or it's nighttime and you're concerned about safety), take a ride-share, which are inexpensive and prevalent.

For local, kid-friendly events going on in Rio, follow @RioComCrianças on Instagram.

This article was updated from Lonely Planet’s Brazil guidebook, published in October 2025.