Like many countries in South America, Chile is famously friendly to families, no doubt inspired by the great cultural importance that Chileans place on family and children. The country’s unique geography, spread over 5,000 kilometers, can present challenges for young travelers. For instance, the Atacama Desert, known as the driest place on Earth, lies far in the north, while Patagonia is located in the south.
Fortunately, there is a fantastic selection of kid-ready activities right in the middle of the country, an area fittingly known as Middle Chile or Central Chile. This region offers wonderful attractions that promise satisfaction without the unpredictability or high travel costs. Better yet, many of Middle Chile’s top family-friendly spots are easily accessible from Santiago, Chile’s capital city.
Best Times to Visit Middle Chile
The prime seasons for exploring Middle Chile are spring (September to November), when vibrant greenery emerges, and autumn (March through May), when foliage transforms into beautiful fall colors, grapes are harvested, and visitor numbers and prices decrease.
Valparaíso and Viña del Mar
The historic port of Valparaíso feels like a city torn from the pages of a child’s imagination. With its bright colors, unique architecture, funiculars, and winding alleys adorned with street art, Valparaíso is more about the urban vibe, though there are still attractions for children, such as the superb Natural History Museum, the Parque Cultural, and even La Sebastiana, Pablo Neruda’s former residence.
For a change of pace, the nearby coastal town of Viña del Mar features extensive beaches, beautiful gardens, and a top-notch museum among other fine attractions.
Both cities are less than two hours by comfortable bus from central Santiago.
Tres Valles (La Parva, Valle Nevado, El Colorado)
Located just east of Santiago, the Tres Valles is a trio of popular ski centers. The extensive snow-filled landscapes cater to skiers of all levels, providing a variety of family-friendly services and amenities. Valle Nevado and La Parva focus on more luxurious experiences, while El Colorado is budget-friendly. However, travelers should be aware of potential weekend crowds and variable snow quality, particularly when skiing with children.
La Parva, the closest resort, is less than an hour’s taxi ride from central Santiago.
Cajón del Maipo
Families seeking fresh air and adventure will love the Maipo River valley. This nature escape from Santiago offers mountains, glaciers, thermal baths, and many outdoor activities—hiking, biking, climbing, white-water rafting, kayaking, fishing, and zip-lining. A typical visit, whether self-driven or guided, goes through vineyards and orchards before arriving in San José de Maipo. Beyond the town, travelers can enjoy the stunning Embalse el Yeso, a reservoir surrounded by majestic, snow-capped mountains.
The Cajón area is approximately 45 minutes by road from central Santiago.
Rancagua and Sewell
The city of Rancagua is historically significant and offers several local attractions that families may find interesting, particularly its Medialuna Monumental, a large crescent-shaped corral typical of Chilean cowboy culture. The annual Fiesta Huasa in March and international cowboy skills shows in April and November make it a lively place for families. Nearby Doñihue is known for traditional weaving of huaso ponchos and cloaks, with exquisite craftsmanship. Rancagua also lies within one of Chile’s notable wine regions.
Just east of Rancagua is Sewell, a historic copper mining ghost town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, notable for its brightly colored buildings and the world’s largest underground copper mine, El Teniente.
Rancagua is about an hour by train and slightly longer by bus from central Santiago.
Talca and Constitución
Once one of Chile’s prominent cities and the site of its 1818 declaration of independence, Talca is a relaxing place often used as a base to visit Maule Valley wineries. Families will enjoy engaging with the welcoming local population here. Notable attractions include the CREA regional supply center for fresh products, the botanical gardens at the University of Talca, which features excellent art galleries, and the lively riverside park on the Río Claro, complete with boat rentals and local delicacies.
From Talca, the last remaining narrow-gauge Buscarril train travels daily to the coastal town of Constitución. This stunning journey traverses picturesque vineyards before reaching the coast, where the main attractions include the dramatic Putu Sand Dunes and five kilometers of stunning grey sand beaches.
Talca is approximately three hours from downtown Santiago by train or bus, while Constitución is an additional 3.5 hours on the Buscarril (or 90 minutes by road) from Talca.
