<strong>9 Amazing Family Activities in Brazil</strong>

From a scenic sunset cable car ride to the roar of a breathtaking waterfall, and exploring the world’s most vital ecosystem by riverboat, Brazil offers countless unforgettable experiences for family vacations.

Add in delightful treats like pão de queijo (cheese bread) and brigadeiro (chocolate truffle) throughout your days, creating an adventure that's enjoyable for kids of all ages. Here’s what to keep in mind for traveling in Brazil with children.

Is Brazil family-friendly?

Brazil is a captivating country bursting with natural wonders and ecological treasures that will delight young nature enthusiasts. If your kids are keen on discussing wildlife, they’ll adore exploring Brazil’s more remote regions.

Conversely, if you’re seeking a laid-back getaway to unwind, Brazil offers that too, along with plenty of action-packed activities to keep energetic teenagers entertained.

Additionally, Brazil is known for its warm hospitality towards families, making it easy to find child-friendly amenities in restaurants and public areas. Navigating the boulevards of Rio with a stroller is hassle-free, and breastfeeding in public is generally met with understanding.

Finding playgrounds and entertainment options for children is quite easy, not just in parks but even in supermarkets. Brazil also celebrates Children’s Day in mid-April, featuring fun fairs and festive events across the nation.

Nonetheless, all travelers should prioritize safety when visiting Brazil, whether with kids or not. Petty theft is the most common concern for tourists, so it's wise to leave expensive jewelry at home and keep your phone and gadgets out of sight.

What’s the best region in Brazil for families?

Brazil is vast, and you’ll find that very few locals have explored the entire length of the Atlantic coast or ventured deep into the jungles and savannas, so there’s no need to rush and see everything in one trip.

Coastal cities such as Rio de Janeiro and Florianopolis are fantastic options for a family trip to Brazil, but don’t overlook inland São Paulo’s Beco do Batman, a vibrant hub of street art nestled in a quirky, creative neighborhood if you have teenagers in tow.

Whether your definition of an epic adventure involves trekking through the jungle or snorkeling among vibrant reefs, Brazil offers an abundance of natural wonders and remarkable diversity in climates and ecosystems.

Beyond the lush rainforest canopies, you’ll also discover sandy mountains in northeastern states like Ceará and Rio Grande do Norte—these dunes are typically just a stone’s throw from beautiful, family-friendly beach resorts.

Along the coast between Rio and São Paulo, you’ll find numerous beach resorts in Ubatuba and Ilhabela. If you travel south to Foz de Iguaçu, you can marvel at a breathtaking waterfall and take a quick trip over the border to collect Argentina and Paraguay stamps in your passport.

Top activities in Brazil for families with babies and toddlers

Explore the puppet museum in Olinda

Located near Recife, Olinda is a historic city recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its charming downtown area.

Famous for its grand puppet parades during Carnaval, the Casa dos Bonecos Gigantes de Olinda museum allows babies and toddlers to get an up-close view of these vibrant, larger-than-life papier-mâché figures, which are showcased year-round.

Choose a family-friendly beach resort

Few experiences are as quintessentially Brazilian as a getaway to the beach, where you can unwind with your feet in the sand. Staying at one of the all-inclusive resorts scattered across the country is a wonderfully relaxing option for families with babies or toddlers.

Club Med is particularly well-known for its excellent kids’ programs and operates two coastal resorts in Brazil (one near Rio de Janeiro and another near Salvador), as well as a lake resort close to São Paulo.

Keep an eye out for capybaras

Indigenous to Brazil, capybaras are the largest rodents in the world and undeniably adorable. These semi-aquatic creatures are often found in public parks, typically near water sources.

Although they may seem adorable and cuddly, capybaras can exhibit aggressive behavior. Ensure your child keeps a safe distance and avoid approaching them in uncontrolled settings.

Top activities for families in Brazil

Ride the cable car to Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro

The view from the summit of Sugarloaf Mountain is truly unmatched. The cable car journey is divided into two stages, first stopping at Morro da Urca, which features several shops and eateries, before ascending to the peak, where a breathtaking 360-degree panorama awaits to dazzle the family.

Stroll along the walkway at the stunning Foz do Iguaçu waterfall

Situated at the convergence of three nations, Foz do Iguaçu in southern Brazil boasts the world's largest waterfall system, featuring nearly 300 individual waterfalls.

This natural wonder offers boat rides on the Argentine side, while the Brazilian side showcases impressive and secure boardwalks that provide a vantage point from atop the falls.

Dive into the crystal-clear waters off the shores of Porto de Galinhas

Given Brazil's extensive coastline, it's no surprise that there are breathtaking snorkeling spots throughout the country. One of the finest is found in the northern beach town of Porto de Galinhas, just an hour south of Recife. This area features coral reefs and natural pools that are easily accessible from the shore.

Top activities in Brazil for tweens and teens

Experience a riverboat journey in the Amazon

A journey to the Amazon provides a unique chance to experience the world's largest rainforest and its rich biodiversity. If you're heading to this adventure hotspot, boarding a boat is essential.

There are multi-day cruises available from Manaus, but for a more affordable option, you can choose shorter day trips that allow you to spot pink river dolphins and visit the Encontro Das Águas, where two rivers meet in striking colors.

Enjoy a thrilling dune buggy ride in Nordeste

For adventure-loving tweens and teens, a dune buggy ride in Brazil is a fantastic way to explore. Buggy rentals are abundant in areas with impressive dunes, such as Natal, Jericoacoara, and Lençóis Maranhenses. Don't forget to pack your bathing suit in case you find any beautiful swimming spots along the way.

Enroll in a kite surfing lesson in Ceará

Wherever there are dunes, you’ll also find wind, making Brazil's northeastern region one of the premier kitesurfing spots globally. Enroll your teen in a kitesurfing lesson in Cumbuco for an exhilarating beach experience.

Family travel planning tips for Brazil

Renting a car offers the simplest way to navigate Brazil, especially when visiting various towns along the coast or in the northeast. For those on a budget or who prefer not to drive, many long-distance bus services are comfortable and family-friendly.

Brazilians are typically very welcoming to foreigners, and children are well-received and catered for. You'll find numerous buffet and churrasco-style restaurants with child-friendly pricing—perfect for picky eaters.

In terms of health, the likelihood of getting sick is minimal if you stick to major cities and populated areas, but it’s wise to ensure everyone in the family is up-to-date on their vaccinations, especially if you plan to explore dense forests and wetlands like the Amazon.