Summary
A sunset cable car journey, a resounding waterfall, or discovering the planet’s most crucial ecosystem by riverboat are just a few of the memorable experiences awaiting families on a vacation in Brazil.
Complement this with delights like pão de queijo (cheese bread) and brigadeiro (chocolate truffle) throughout the day, and you have an itinerary ideal for children of all ages. Below is essential information regarding traveling in Brazil with children.
Is Brazil good for kids?
Brazil presents a captivating environment abundant in natural splendor and ecological intrigue for aspiring naturalists. If your children exhibit a fascination with wildlife, a journey to the wild regions of Brazil will undoubtedly delight them.
Conversely, if you are seeking a leisurely holiday to unwind, Brazil offers that as well, blending relaxation with adrenaline-inducing activities to engage restless teenagers.
Moreover, Brazil’s culture is notably warm and inviting to families; children are frequently accommodated in dining establishments and various public locales. Maneuvering a stroller along the promenades of Rio is generally hassle-free, and breastfeeding in public is regarded positively.
Playgrounds and diverse forms of entertainment for children are widely accessible, not just in parks, but also in supermarkets. Additionally, Brazil observes Children’s Day, a mid-April festivity featuring fun fairs and various celebrations throughout the nation.
However, all travelers should prioritize safety when visiting Brazil, whether accompanied by children or not. Petty theft remains the most prevalent threat to travelers, so it is prudent to refrain from wearing valuable jewelry and to keep personal electronics secured.
Which region in Brazil is best for kids?
Brazil is an extensive nation, and very few Brazilians have traversed the full length of the Atlantic coast or ventured deep into the jungles and interiors. Consequently, it is unnecessary to attempt to experience everything in a single trip.
Coastal cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis serve as excellent destinations for family trips, but if your children are teenagers, do not overlook a sojourn to the interior Sao Paulo’s Beco do Batman, a hub of street art located within a vibrant, artistic neighborhood.
Whether your conception of an epic adventure comprises a trek through the jungle or snorkeling amidst colorful reefs, Brazil offers abundant natural splendor and significant regional variations in climate and ecosystems.
Beyond the dense rainforest, stunning coastal dunes can be discovered in northeastern states like Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte, where these dunes are often located near beautiful and family-friendly beach resorts.
Along the coast between Rio and São Paulo, numerous beach vacation retreats can be found in Ubatuba and Ilhabela. Should you fly south to Foz de Iguaçu, you can explore a magnificent waterfall and make a brief excursion to obtain Argentina and Paraguay stamps in your passport.
Best things to do in Brazil with babies and toddlers
Visit the puppet museum in Olinda
Located near Recife, Olinda features a historic center designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This city is renowned for its oversized puppet parades during Carnaval, where infants and toddlers can have an up-close experience with these vibrant creations at the Casa dos Bonecos Gigantes de Olinda, a year-round museum showcasing these colorful figures.
Stay at a family-friendly beach resort
There is perhaps nothing more quintessentially Brazilian than embarking on a seaside retreat while relaxing with your toes in the sand. One of the most leisurely approaches to travel with a young child is by choosing an all-inclusive resort, which can be found throughout the country.
Club Med is particularly noted for its programs for children, with two coastal resorts located near Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, as well as a lake resort situated near São Paulo.
Look out for capybaras
Indigenous to Brazil, capybaras are the world’s largest rodents, yet they are known for their endearing appearance. These common creatures can often be seen in public parks, typically near bodies of water since they are semi-aquatic.
Although they may appear friendly and docile, caution is advised as they can exhibit aggressive behaviors. Ensure that your child maintains a safe distance and does not approach them in uncontrolled environments.
Best things to do in Brazil with kids
Take the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro
No perspective of Rio surpasses the breathtaking view from the pinnacle of Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable car expedition to the apex is segmented into two stages, initially halting at Morro da Urca, which offers several shops and eateries before ascending to the summit, where a stunning 360-degree panorama awaits the family.
Walk the planks of the waterfall at Foz do Iguaçu
Sited at the convergence of three nations, Foz do Iguaçu in southern Brazil boasts the world’s most majestic waterfall system, comprising nearly 300 individual waterfalls.
It is a natural wonder, and while boat excursions are available on the Argentinian side, the Brazilian side features impressive and secure boardwalks for elevated views of the cascades.
Snorkel off the beaches of Porto de Galinhas
With an extensive coastline, Brazil presents various stunning snorkeling opportunities, among which the beach town of Porto de Galinhas, located just south of Recife, stands out. Its shores are adorned with coral reefs and natural pools easily accessible from the beach.
Best things to do in Brazil with tweens and teenagers
Travel on a riverboat ride in the Amazon
A journey into the Amazon provides a unique opportunity to intimately experience the world’s largest rainforest and its rich biodiversity. A boat excursion is essential for this adventurous destination.
While there are multi-day cruises leaving from Manaus, for a more economical option, consider short day trips that offer encounters with pink river dolphins and visits to the Encontro Das Águas, where two rivers meet.
Go for a dune buggy ride in Nordeste
For thrill-seeking tweens and teens, a dune buggy adventure in Brazil presents a fantastic exploration opportunity. Operators can be located in regions rich in dunes such as Natal, Jericoacoara, and Lençóis Maranhenses. Be sure to bring swim attire for potential scenic swimming spots you may encounter along the way.
Take a kite surfing lesson in Ceará
With abundant wind conditions in areas with dunes, the northeastern region of Brazil stands out as one of the premier locations for kitesurfing worldwide. Enroll your teenager in a kitesurfing class in Cumbuco for an exhilarating beach experience.
Planning tips for family travel in Brazil
Renting a vehicle provides the most convenient way to navigate Brazil, particularly when visiting various towns along the coast or in the northeast. Alternatively, for those on a budget or less inclined to drive, numerous comfortable and secure long-distance bus services cater to families.
Brazilians are generally very hospitable toward visitors, and children are readily welcomed and accommodated. Buffet and churrasco-style dining are commonly available, providing child-friendly rates and being particularly suitable for picky eaters.
In terms of health, the likelihood of illness is low if you remain within major urban centers, yet it remains prudent to ensure that the entire family is current on travel vaccinations, particularly if planning excursions to densely forested or wetlands regions like the Amazon.
