Are you looking to shake up your family’s travel plans this year? Well, what could be better than an unforgettable trip to the beautiful city of Rio de Janeiro with kids? With its stunning beaches, exhilarating culture, and impressive historical sites, Rio is sure to leave a lasting impression on everyone in the family! Here are our top 10 amazing reasons why you need to visit Rio with kids in tow. Let’s get planning for some serious fun! I don’t go into too much detail on these posts – some of our other posts contain a lot more details – I’m simply trying to give you an overview!
1. The Beaches
Rio is world-famous for its beaches, and for good reason. From the iconic Copacabana to the more laid-back Praia do Diabo, there’s a beach to suit every taste. And of course, what would a trip to Rio be without a ride on an inflatable banana?
2. Sugarloaf Mountain
For breathtaking views of Rio, head to Sugarloaf Mountain. Take the cable car to the top for panoramic views of the city, beaches and mountains. On a clear day, you can even see as far as Niteroi in the distance.
3. Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer
No trip to Rio would be complete without a visit to see Christ the Redeemer, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Take the train up Corcovado mountain for stunning views of Rio de Janeiro and Christ statue. Don’t forget to bring your camera!
4. The Carnival
The Carnival in Rio is world-famous, and it’s an event that your kids will never forget. From the costumes and floats to the samba dancing in the streets, it’s a feast for the senses. If you can’t make it to Rio for Carnival, don’t worry – there are plenty of other festivals and celebrations throughout the year.
5. The Amazon Rainforest
Whist the Amazon Rainforest is not in Rio – it’s not that far either! There are plenty of tour operators offering trips into this magical world. There are various ways you can reach the Amazon within 5 hours of Rio- whilst in Brazil, it would be a real shame to miss it! Your kids will love spotting exotic animals like monkeys and sloths, and they’ll be amazed by the towering trees and rivers full of piranhas.
6. The Food
Rio is famous for its food, and your kids will love trying new things like acai bowls, churrasco (barbecue), pastels (fried pastry pockets filled with meat or cheese) and brigadeiros (chocolate truffles). For something truly unique, head to one of Rio’s many rodizios – all-you-can-eat restaurants where waiters bring skewered meats straight to your table. Yum! I have to be honest, Rio is not great for vegetarians – it’s doable, but it’s definitely lagging behind the west!
7. The Museums
Rio has some excellent museums that will appeal to kids of all ages. The Museu do Amanha (Museum of Tomorrow) is a hands-on science museum with interactive exhibits on topics like climate change and space exploration. For something more historical, check out the Museu Historico Nacional (National History Museum), which tells the story of Brazil from its earliest days up until the present day. Or take a step back in time at Casa do Pontal, an open-air museum that showcases traditional Brazilian folk art from across the country.
8. Street Art
Rio is full of incredible street art, much of which was created by world-renowned artist Eduardo Kobra. His colourful murals can be found all over the city, including in Lapa, where he painted a huge mural depicting Brazilian singer Carmen Miranda. Other great places to spot street art include Santa Teresa and Jardim Botanico (Botanical Garden).
9. The Culture
Rio is a melting pot of cultures, with Afro-Brazilian, Portuguese, and indigenous influences. This can be seen in the city’s food, music, and dance. Visitors can enjoy traditional Brazilian dishes such as feijoada (a black bean stew) and churrasco (barbecue), as well as international cuisine. For music lovers, there’s samba and bossa nova, and for those who want to learn more about the culture, there are museums and art galleries galore.
10. The Accommodations
Rio offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget and need. From luxury hotels to budget hostels, there’s something for everyone. Families can also find apartments or vacation rentals if they’re looking for more space or privacy.
11. The Safety
Tourists can be targeted by pick-pockets but violent crime is relatively rare, and visitors should have no problem enjoying their time in Rio without incident. Of course, it’s always important to exercise caution when traveling to any unfamiliar place! To find out more about safety in Rio, check out Travel Safe Abroad – they do a very good run down.
In conclusion, Rio de Janeiro is a fantastic destination for families with kids, offering a host of incredible experiences that the whole family is sure to enjoy. From the city’s stunning beaches and vibrant culture to its thrilling attractions and outdoor adventures, there is truly something for everyone in Rio. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an action-packed adventure, Rio de Janeiro is the perfect place to create unforgettable memories with your kids. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore this amazing city and experience all that it has to offer! I do hope our Top 10 amazing reasons to visit Rio with kids has been helpful!
Read more about adventures in Rio here.
7 Responses
Great tips!! I’d absolutely love to travel with my kids very soon! Still trying to get back to “normal” thanks for sharing! Love the street art!
Wow. I never knew how much there was to do in Rio! So beautiful too!
Thank you for your comment! Rio is definitely a city with an abundance of activities, especially for families with children. We’re glad our post was able to highlight some of the top things to do. We agree that Rio is simply stunning with its beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture. Thank you for reading our post, and we hope it inspires you to visit Rio with kids someday!
What great ideas! This sounds like the perfect vacation. The beaches look beautiful! And I especially like the parts about Carnival, food, and hiking to the Christ the Redeemer statue.
Rio with kids is the perfect recipe for a good time – sun, sand and samba beats, delicious food to fuel your adventures, and the breathtaking hike to Christ the Redeemer to top it all off. It’s safe to say that Rio is a playground for all ages!
Rio seems amazing! I have always wanted to travel to Rio with or without children 🙂 Although I have always been a little bit afraid of going there. Thank you for lifting the fear and presenting a lot of fun activities. Guess when I go there I would start eating meat again, just for the trip though, I do not want to miss out on the delicious food.. Thank you yet again. Much, much love to you…
Hi Aleksa, I think as long as you stay within certain areas Rio is relatively safe. Pickpocketing is an issue, as is going out after dark – so I wouldn’t say it’s the safest city in the world – just that’s it’s actually safer than most people think! I’ve had friends with kids live in Rio and they loved it! If you check out Safe Travels Abroad – it will give you a better understanding.