I didn’t expect much of a family holiday when arriving in Santiago this year. But I have been pleasantly surprised to find many child friendly things to do with my daughter Maya.
If you are looking for a family vacation that has something for everyone, then Santiago is the place! This bustling city is filled with beautiful parks and museums, delicious food, and plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy family fun.
The Great Outdoors at Parque Metropolitano
Santiago is a nature-lover’s dream. From the stunning snowcapped Andes Mountains to the lush green forests of Parque Metropolitano, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and explore the great outdoors.
I started my exploration with Maya at the Teleférico Metropolitano. I got an Uber from my downtown dwellings to the Oasis Teleférico station that’s in Parque Metropolitano – in under fifteen minutes. The Parque (park) is the fourth largest urban park in the world.
For £8 return I bought myself an adult ticket (3 year olds are free and so are adults over 70). The cable car ride is long and offers stunning views of the entire city. It also goes over an amazing swimming pool and then stops at Tupahue Station. Being a pool lover I got out here and enquired about going in the pool. It was £7 for me to enter and free for Maya. Being a hot day (all days are hot and sunny in the December – April months here) I jumped at the chance for us to go swimming.
We luckily had our costumes with us and enjoyed the very clean and huge pool for hours. It’s the largest swimming pool I have ever been in with magnificent views from the pool side. Maya enjoyed jumping in and letting me catch her for over two hours. The pool was the perfect temperature but I had to warm her up again on the grassy resting area for a bit before moving on.
After recovering by the pool we got back in the cable car to the top of the mountain where we disembarked and enjoyed mushroom and cheese empanadas and Mote con Huesillo which is a traditional Chilean drink made from wheat, flour, and peaches—typically sweet tasting and served cold. We sat on little stone seats placed looking over the mountain while enjoying our local delicacies.
Of course being a capitalist city there is a toy stand there at the top of the mountain and Maya wouldn’t stop demanding one. It actually had some very creative toys such as a pig faced camera that shoots bubbles, so I relented and got her that to keep her entertained for a while.
Above this stop is a further walk to the statue of the Virgin Mary that can be seen from all over the city. Being hot and not having my pram with me I didn’t want to force Maya to go up hill with me to see Mary so we gave it a miss.
Santiago Zoo
However at this point I did discover a vernacular that took us from the top of the mountain to a Zoo down below.
Maya of course loved seeing the penguins, the monkeys, the giraffe and the tigers. We made our way down the mountain enjoying an impressive selection of animals. The entrance fee was super cheap again, around £4 and the Zoo was certainly worth it.
By the end of the day we were both truly exhausted and got an uber as soon as we finished with the Zoo. Maya went straight to sleep when we got home. This was a very successful day of sightseeing and I noticed that there were still many more things to explore at the Metropolitan park, which is surrounded by playgrounds, swimming pools, trails and many attractions that you can visit. In addition, you can complement your visit with the Santiago Funicular or other attractions on board panoramic buses.
The Mapulemu Garden, Santiago
The Mapulemu Garden is another of the attractions near this station due to its 4.5 hectares of Chilean flora. Its name in Mapudungún means “earth forest” and is home to native species such as: mañíos, peumos, boldos, corcolén, thorns, among others.
Conclusion
Finally, the Plaza Gabriela Mistral is another nearby place, where the smallest of the house can have fun in the didactic games of the place.
The Tupahue Station is also a place of connection to paths that take you to all the entrances to the park, you can get off according to the ticket you have purchased and visit various different attractions.
However, it’s most important to remember sunscreen; although there are many trees, the sun can be strong. And check out our latest blog post about an adventure outside of Santiago to the spectacular Patagonia.
Frequently asked questions about Santiago, Chile by families.
Safety Tips for Families in Santiago
Safety always comes first, especially when travelling with kids. Santiago is generally safe, but like any major city, it has its quirks.
Trustworthy Areas
Focus on family-friendly neighbourhoods such as Providencia, Las Condes, and Vitacura. These areas are known for their security and accessibility.
Watch Your Belongings
Petty theft can be a problem in crowded places. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy markets and public transportation.
Emergency Numbers
Always have local emergency numbers handy. The general emergency number in Chile is 133 for police assistance.
Expert Tip: “Using rideshare apps like Uber can be safer and more convenient than hailing taxis on the street,” says travel safety expert Maria Gonzalez.
How far is the airport from downtown Santiago?
Now, let’s talk about getting to and from the airport — a key detail for any family trip! The main airport, Santiago International Airport (Arturo Merino Benítez), is located about 17 kilometres (roughly 10 miles) from downtown Santiago. Depending on traffic (and we know how that can be), it usually takes around 25 to 40 minutes to get to the city centre.
Pro Tip: Consider pre-booking a rideshare or shuttle service to avoid any last-minute scrambling. Also, if you haven’t already, downloading a map app can be super helpful for navigating around the city once you land. No stress, just smooth travels!
Is Santiago a walkable city with kids?
One of the great things about Santiago is how walkable it is, especially in areas like Bellas Artes and Lastarria. These neighbourhoods are super stroller-friendly and buzzing with life—think street performers, cute cafés, and lovely parks. Walking around is not just convenient; it’s also a fantastic way for the family to soak up the local culture. Just be mindful of the weather; on warmer days, packing sun hats and plenty of water is crucial for those little adventurers.
Local Tip: Public transport in Santiago is reliable and family-friendly too. The metro system has designated family carriages, making it easier to travel without worrying about squeezing your little ones in a crowd and the best thing – children under the age of 7, travel free!
What’s the best time of year to visit Santiago?
The best time for a family trip to Santiago is during the spring (September to November) and autumn (March to May) seasons. During these months, you’ll enjoy fabulous weather—mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine, which is perfect for outdoor activities! Summer can get quite hot, and winter might not be ideal for outdoor exploration, especially if you’re looking at nearby mountain excursions. No matter when you decide to visit, just be sure to pack layers since evenings can get a little chilly!
So whether you’re there for the food, the culture, or just some quality family time, Santiago has your back! The key is to embrace the adventure, make unexpected stops, and just go with the flow. Happy travels!
Is Santiago, Chile an expensive city?
As with any travel destination, the cost of visiting Santiago can vary depending on your budget and spending habits. However, compared to other major cities like New York or London, Santiago is considered quite affordable for families.
Accommodations
For a family-friendly stay, you can find budget-friendly options like hostels or Airbnb rentals starting at around $30 USD per night. If you’re looking for more comfort and amenities, mid-range hotels typically range from $60-100 USD per night. /
Meals and Dining Out
When it comes to eating in Santiago, you’ll find that prices are pretty reasonable! A basic meal at a local restaurant can run you about $10-15 USD per person, and if you’re keen on street food, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the delicious options available for just a few bucks. Think empanadas, completos (Chilean hot dogs), and fresh fruit juices that are perfect for a quick snack while exploring. Plus, many restaurants offer fantastic lunch deals that make it easy to keep your budget in check without skimping on taste.
Activities and Attractions
In terms of activities, most parks and outdoor attractions are free or have very low entrance fees, making it easy for families to enjoy the city’s green spaces without breaking the bank. Museums often have discounted days or special rates for children and families, so you can dive into the culture without stretching your wallet too thin. Let’s face it, exploring Santiago’s vibrant streets and sampling local treats doesn’t have to be a pricey affair; it’s all about smart choices and knowing where to look!
4 responses
Wow, I’ve never been to Chile but it sounds like a really nice place to visit.
It truly is! Chile is a stunning destination full of incredible scenery, vibrant cities, and welcoming people. From the dramatic mountains and glaciers of Patagonia to the golden deserts of the Atacama and the lively beaches of Valparaiso, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful country. Whether you’re looking for an active vacation, a cultural experience or simply a relaxing getaway, Chile has it all! I’ll be writing more about our trip – so stay tuned! 🙂
what a wonderful view of the mountains. I need to add this to my bucket list!
Thanks Eva! Yes, the view of the mountains from Santiago is truly breathtaking. Towering in the distance, the snow-capped peaks rise majestically into a cobalt blue sky. On a sunny day, these mountains are illuminated with a warm golden light that makes them appear ethereal and almost mystical. Their majestic beauty is best enjoyed from high up in the hills that overlook the city, providing an unforgettable vista of Santiago and its surroundings. It’s no wonder why this captivating view has inspired many artists throughout the years!
The world really is a stunning place – my bucket list gets longer each year!