Best family friendly destinations in South America
Best family friendly destinations in South America
Charming farm stays and multi-generational vacation spots in South America
South America can feel like a bigger leap for a family trip, but destinations across the continent are increasingly set up to make that leap easier.
Coastal cities and beach towns offer the most straightforward family base, with calmer routines and infrastructure that has caught up with demand in recent years. Bigger cities also work well for families, with parks, museums and enough everyday amenities to keep a trip simple without much extra planning. Language and logistics can be more of a factor here than in some other regions, so a little extra planning ahead of time helps things run smoothly. Shorter, well chosen stops tend to work better than an ambitious multi country itinerary, especially with younger kids in the group.
The family destinations on our list for South America focus on that same easy, accessible style of trip, with familiar comforts close at hand.
Lists by region
City in Chile
Santiago
A vibrant city between mountains
A funicular climbs Cerro San Cristobal to a giant statue of the Virgin Mary. The park also has a zoo and public swimming pools. Fantasilandia has roller coasters and family rides. Snowy Andes peaks make a backdrop over the city rooftops on most clear days.
City in Brazil
Gramado
Brazil’s Alpine Escape in the South
Snowland is an indoor snow park where kids slide and build snowmen. Mini Mundo displays a tiny village with miniature houses and trains. Chocolate shops let families taste fresh treats in a German style town. Natal Luz fills the streets with lights and parades each Christmas season.
City in Brazil
Florianopolis
Beaches, lagoons and island adventure
Calm beaches like Canasvieiras have shallow water for small children and easy swimming all summer long. Sandboarding on the Joaquina dunes thrills older kids. Boat trips on Lagoa da Conceicao pass fishing villages. Trails lead to hidden coves and lookouts across the green island for easy family walks.
City in Uruguay
Montevideo
Chill vibes on the Río de la Plata
The Rambla is a waterfront promenade over 20 kilometres long for bikes and pushchairs. Pocitos Beach has calm shallow water and lifeguards in summer. Parque Rodo has an amusement park beside a boating lake. Old Town lanes lead to the Port Market where families share grilled meat.
City in Uruguay
Colonia del Sacramento
Timeless Streets on the Río de la Plata
Fast ferries cross the river from Buenos Aires in about an hour. Kids climb the old lighthouse for views over rooftops and water. Cobbled lanes have vintage cars parked as photo props. Playa Ferrando has a calm beach and shady lawns for family picnics by the river.
City in Argentina
San Carlos de Bariloche
Argentina’s Alpine Wonderland
Chocolate shops along the main street let kids watch sweets being made. A chairlift climbs Cerro Campanario for views of lakes and islands. Lake Nahuel Huapi offers boat trips and small pebble beaches. Winter brings gentle slopes for beginners at Cerro Catedral with ski schools for kids.
City in Argentina
Buenos Aires
Where Tango and Culture Thrive
Boats glide through the Tigre Delta, a maze of channels and wooden houses on stilts. Parque de la Costa nearby has roller coasters and gentle rides on the river bank. The Ecoparque shelters rescued animals in shady grounds. Palermo's lakes offer paddle boats and playgrounds.
City in Argentina
Puerto Madryn
Gateway to Patagonian Wildlife
Southern right whales swim close to shore at El Doradillo Beach from June to December. Kids watch them from the sand without boarding a boat. Punta Tombo has a huge Magellanic penguin colony where birds cross the paths. Calm bay beaches in town have shallow water for summer swims.
Waterfall
Iguazu Falls
Breathtaking waterfalls spanning two countries
Walkways lead over the river to the edge of the Devil's Throat. Jungle boats take families beneath the spray of the falls for a thrilling soaking on hot days. Coatis roam the trails and hunt for snacks. The Parque das Aves nearby shelters toucans and macaws.
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