It was the end of 2019, and it was time for me to take Maysa home and for my baby to meet her Brazilian side of the family in Rio De Janeiro. We took Norwegian airlines from London to Rio De Janeiro. It was the most comfortable long haul flight I had been in in a long time. I didn’t even resent the food and drink not being included because the air tickets were much cheaper than any other airline that I had looked at. Even more impressive was that when we ordered the airline food, it was actually edible!
The airline staff were the best too they were really polite and went all out to help us with dropped dummy’s, extra blankets and food.
Even though it was an over night flight it was possible to sleep and we didn’t feel too tired when arriving in Rio. Norwegian Airlines if you are reading this PLEASE bring back your flight from London to Rio! (They cancelled it in the pandemic).
Rio De Janeiro Weather
It was a bit of a shock to the system to leave a cold English December and to arrive into a boiling hot Rio. We discarded coats and unswaddled Maya while standing in the passport line… in stark contrast to English border control the Brazilian passport officer gave us a smile, asked how long we were there for a vacation and said welcome to Brazil!
A quick Uber and we were at Mayas great aunt’s home. he welcomed us in traditional Brazilian fashion with a massive dinner of Moqueca followed by dulce leche deserts.
After stuffing ourselves the Brazilian auntie brought out a copper bowl, called a Tacho de Cobre that she said had been used by the family for several generations to bath its babies. Maya fitted right in there like a little piggie ready to be cooked up for dinner. She frolicked in her cool beautiful copper bowl until bedtime.
Later that night I was suffocating in the heat while Maya was sleeping, so when the auntie crept into bed with us to give Maya a cuddle, I was still awake. I was quite surprised as this is certainly not a very British thing to do! But I could kind of understand her and found her desire to sleep next to the gentle sleep of a six-month baby, kind of sweet.
The next day we woke up to continued Brazilian hospitality of a huge breakfast including bread, cheese, eggs, fruit and strong Brazilian coffee…. Coffee was another thing I could enjoy now that the pregnancy was over and I was thanking god for coffee! The heat, mosquitoes and over active auntie had left me a bit worse for wear that morning!
Much to my regret I had left my electric breast pump behind as I was phasing out breast feeding. By mid morning my breasts were aching and burning to be relieved of their milk. Maysa took me to a pharmacy where I bought a manual pump for £10. It was glorious, perfect for travelling and I asked myself where was this thing my whole time breastfeeding !? It was way simpler than all the complicated electric contraptions I had purchased. I could take it everywhere in my hand bag and there was no need to charge it!
It was simply a suction pump that could be placed easily over my nipple and by squeezing the small air pump with my hand the milk came out easily! Sometimes I think in UK and USA we have gone too far past basics. I would have found breastfeeding less confusing had I had this little contraption a long time ago!
Hitting the beach in Rio
After a little pump and some lunch we walked a couple blocks and took a dip in the sea. It was my daughter’s first time in the ocean so for me it was a special moment!
I sheltered her from the large waves in order to give her her little “first swim in the ocean.”
Maysa kindly took time out to show us around the centre of Rio. I found it hugely transformed from my last visit there and we went to the downtown area where large warehouses once stood which are now converted into little shops and cafes.
Museum of Tomorrow
Nearby stood the amazing Museum of Tomorrow and Maysa insisted that we go inside. I am not usually a big fan of museums when the weather is nice outside but this museum is so amazing it’s really worth going inside to see it, whether it is rain or shine. It’s a stunning feat of architecture around the world and impressive both from the outside and the inside. We enjoyed visions of tomorrow and designs that spin your mind. We walked through several exhibits and I enjoyed every single one them.
After the museum we entered the hot sun again and I took an ice cream and a coffee to try to recover from the heat. I was beat and never one to handle the Brazilian summer high temperatures and humidity so well.
We took an uber home and relaxed inside away from the after noon sun. Spending time with Maysa in Rio, and in her home country was awesome. We had reversed the roles and now I was depending on her to be translating for me and showing me how to get around.
In the five months she was with me in the UK her English had made leaps and bounds and was now much better than my Portuguese. I enjoyed talking with her in English and seeing her tremendous progress, and how we could finally talk with ease, rather than with Google Translate.
The following day we went to the beach again followed by the Cidade das arts in the late afternoon. This wasn’t the experience that I expected. The whole place is a massive outdoors art installation so very interactive and progressive and completely free as well.
I saw a massive trampoline that was placed in front of the skyline and the pink, purple orange sunset that was progressing upon us.
In a moment of inspiration, I handed Maya over to Maysa and started jumping on the trampoline. It was amazing being weightless and free after so long. I never expected such joy, but after being pregnant for months and then struggling with motherhood to be able to jump with abandon in the huge trampoline with no one around to see me making a fool of myself, it gave me a huge feeling of elation. Like being a child again! Life does go on after childbirth!
After releasing my inner child on the trampoline we then went through several other exhibits, a hall of lights, a huge cat, and I enjoyed each one with its unique and artistic spin.
We went home and then planned for the next part of the journey which was to get to São Paulo. Looking online the cheapest air tickets we could buy were in the late afternoon the following day.
Praia da Barra da Tijuca
We decided to visit Maysa’s sister in Praia da Barra da Tijuca, a wealthy suburb some 30-40 minutes´ bus or cab ride from central Rio on our last day and spend the day on the beach with her. Everyone was holding Maya and buying me drinks, so I truly kicked back, people watched, drank caipirinha and ate the assorted shrimp and cheese snacks from the vendors that kept passing by. There were a group of us all sitting under sun umbrellas indulging in the beach treats.
Eventually I faced the large waves for a refreshing swim without Maya. It felt like years since I had had a dip in the sea and we enjoyed the beach as long as we could, until the late afternoon. After being in Copacabana and Ipanema on previous trips to Rio, Praia da Barra da Tijuca, as a beach really didn’t disappoint me. I think it ranks equally in terms of vibe, and is less crowded which is more appealing.
We went back and had a shower at Maysa’s sisters home and then headed for the airport, as usual in an uber, the best way to get around anywhere in the world.
We had a tearful good bye with Maysa who wanted to stay longer at her sisters place before getting the bus to her home town in Minas Gerais, Raul Soares.
I arrived at the airport feeling overwhelmed with my large suitcase and baby in tow and no Maysa to help. Our spirits were lifted however at the end of our short flight to when the Captain of the flight on Gol airlines invited Maya into the hold to take a look at the aeroplane dash board. She loved the controls in the aeroplane and even got to playing with the gears. It was a real fun experience and yet another example of how friendly the Brazilian people are.
Mayas father was waiting at the airport arrivals to take her into his arms. He hadn’t seen her in almost five months so held her tight before helping with the suitcases.
FAQs for Traveling to Rio de Janeiro with Kids or Family
What are the best family-friendly attractions in Rio?
Families will love visiting Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer for the stunning views. The Rio Zoo, Jardim Botânico (Botanical Garden), and AquaRio (aquarium) are perfect for kids, as is the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon for biking or paddle boating.
Is Rio de Janeiro safe for families?
While Rio has areas of concern, it’s generally safe to stick to tourist-friendly zones like Copacabana, Ipanema, and Barra da Tijuca. Avoid venturing into favelas unless part of a trusted tour, and stay alert to pickpocketing.
What beaches are suitable for kids in Rio?
Families should head to Praia do Leblon. Its “Baixo Bebê” area has a playground, shaded areas, and is popular with local parents. Barra da Tijuca Beach is another quieter option for families.
Are there kid-friendly activities in Rio?
Yes! Kite flying on the beaches, riding the historical Santa Teresa tram, or exploring the colorful Selarón Steps are great activities. Visits to Tijuca Forest for hiking and waterfalls are also fun and educational.
What’s the best transportation option for families in Rio?
Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Uber are safe and straightforward. Avoid driving as traffic can be chaotic. For short trips, stick to walking in tourist zones like Ipanema and Copacabana.
Where should families stay in Rio?
Stay in family-friendly neighborhoods like Ipanema or Barra da Tijuca, where accommodations offer more space and proximity to the beach. Hotels with pools and kid-friendly amenities are ideal.
What should I pack for kids in Rio?
Bring plenty of sunscreen, hats, swimwear, bug spray, and snacks for outings. A lightweight stroller or baby carrier is useful but be prepared for cobblestone streets and uneven terrain. Check out our packing essentials post.
Are restaurants in Rio family-friendly?
Many restaurants in Rio welcome kids and offer high chairs. Look for casual eateries in tourist areas that serve Brazilian staples like pão de queijo (cheese bread) and grilled meats kids tend to love.
What’s a good rainy-day activity for families in Rio?
Visit the Museum of Tomorrow for interactive exhibits or AquaRio, South America’s largest aquarium. Shopping malls like RioSul often have play areas for kids as well.
What cultural experiences are great for kids?
Take your family to a samba show or Capoeira performance for a taste of Brazilian culture. Visiting the Maracanã Stadium is also a thrilling experience, especially for soccer fans.
What does Rio De Janeiro mean in English?
“Rio de Janeiro” translates to “River of January” in English. The name was given by Portuguese explorers who arrived in January 1502 and mistakenly thought the bay they encountered was the mouth of a river.
Other South America Adventures
Check out our post on the Top 11 things to do in Rio de Janeiro with kids here and here to check out more of our South American adventures.
3 responses
wow , looks so much fun
I loved reading about your adventures during your trip to Rio De Janeiro. I’d love to try the food and explore the beaches. The Museum of Tomorrow looks interesting, too!
Thank you! The Museum of Tomorrow in Rio de Janeiro is an incredible interactive experience, combining science and technology with art and design. Featuring innovative exhibitions, inspiring workshops and stimulating activities, it’s the perfect place to explore our current world, as well as imagine what the future holds. Through interactive displays and exciting experiences it offers visitors a unique opportunity to gain new insights into our planet, environment, and future. It’s a must-visit destination for everyone looking to explore their world in an interactive way! Stay tuned for my next adventures in Rio De Janeiro! 🙂