It’s summer time! And the city of Buenos Aires heats up, and up, and up. When you’ve got kids and you’re not escaping the city for the beach or the mountains, it can be hard to keep everyone happy and occupied. Here are a few of our ideas for cool BA activities this summer. We’ll keep you posted with updates!
Playdate this Saturday with Kindermusik at Quinta Estación
Check out a free playdate for the little ones at kid-friendly Palermo café Quinta Estación – this Saturday 19th December at 11:00 am. It’s free and a nice way for parents and kids to interact and enjoy some festive musical activities. Reserve your spot at kindermusikplaydates@gmail.com
The Quinta Estación Christmas Fair is also on the same day, same place, from 10:30 am to 1:00pm.
And keep an eye out for more Kindermusik playdates in the park in February – check out updates on the Kindermusik Facebook page.
Play at Play
There’s one Christmas workshop still to go at Play in Recoleta. Tomorrow (Friday 18th December) there’s Christmas decoration making for kids over the age of five. Time is 5:30pm and the cost is $200 including the materials.
Play also runs a Summer Camp-style series of workshops for kids of different age ranges, from babies up until seven years of age. Info and costs at playrecoleta@gmail.com, although it may be likely that all places are about to be filled. Play is also a nice place to go even when there are no organized activities – plenty of space for young kids to create and have fun.
Christmas Workshops at Fiii Funhouse
Come make Christmas cookies at Fiii, the café and playroom for kids up to nine years old at Migueletes 681. Decorate your cookies from 4:00pm to 9:00pm tomorrow (18th December) or 21st December.
Chill Out in the Botanical Gardens
The beautiful Jardín Botánico (Botanical Gardens) in Palermo is lush and tranquil, perfect for cooling down after a long morning shopping or sightseeing. Check out the activities that are often taking place or drop by to see the plants and maybe catch an open air performance by musicians.
There’s a sweet little library with nature books and a fake grass floor that’s open from January onwards (limited opening hours, check the website.) You can borrow books to take out and read under the trees.
Fun at Aquafan
Want a waterpark? Take the kids to Aquafan at Parque de la Costa in Tigre. With a wave machine, water slides, little kids’ pools, and a Jacuzzi it’s got all you need for a day of watery fun. It’s only open Friday through Sunday (and holidays) and is often packed so buy tickets early if you want to get in.
Prohibido NO Tocar!
It’s “prohibited NOT to touch” at the Museo Participativo de Ciencias in Recoleta (Junín 1930.) This cute little museum has hands-on scientific activities to get little ones involved in learning about sound, light, space, motion, and technology. Great for a few hours where your kids will be completely immersed in discovery.
Boat Rides at Tigre
Tigre is around 45 minutes by train from the center of Buenos Aires and sitting on the delta of the huge river Paraná. Older children will love to get onboard a little boat and take a trip through the cool, calm waterways. A variety of private firms offer day tours by boat including lunch and drinks. Delta Unplugged is one favorite.
A Tour Round the Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales
Dinosaur skeletons, check. Aquarium, check. Plenty of quirky little exhibits for discovering the natural world, check. The Natural History Museum in Buenos Aires is worth a look if your children are into Jurassic Park or animals. Located in Centennial Park, Av. Angel Gallardo 470.
Hop Onboard a Big Boat
The Fragata ARA Presidente Sarmiento is moored in Puerto Madero and is a stunning old ship, sure to attract the attention of boat-mad kids. You can get onboard and take a look above and below deck, then step ashore for ice cream at one of Puerto Madero’s dockland cafes or restaurants.
Tour Recoleta Cemetery
It may not be the obvious choice for children, but older kids of a non-nervous disposition will love wandering through the towering mausoleums and down the tree-lined avenues spotting cats and, possibly, the ghosts of ancient porteños. Recoleta Cemetery (Junin 1760) is more than a burial ground – it’s an artistic testament to the wealth of past porteños and it’s one of the true icons of the city.
Reach for the Stars at the Planetarium
The Buenos Aires Planetarium is within the Bosques de Palermo (Av. Sarmiento y Belisario Roldán) and the perfect place to watch the stars at one of its astronomy shows. On 16th January the Planetario opens again after its annual maintenance. Check back for the schedule of productions, many of which are suitable for young children.
Hop On and Off the Buenos Aires Bus
The open top bus tours the city, stopping in 24 places from Boca Stadium to Palermo, the Zoo, and Recoleta. You can hop on and off when you want. A good way of seeing the city when you don’t particularly like the idea of dragging tired kids around with you in the BA heat.
Play at the Paseo Alcorta
The shopping mall Paseo Alcorta has an outdoor play area for kids on the top floor, with slides and swings. There’s also a mega-loud amusement arcade (most malls have one of these, including the mammoth Neverland at Abasto) with electronic games, rides, and fun.
Hit the Beach at the Buenos Aires Playa
While it’s not exactly the beach, Buenos Aires Playa is still a decent stretch of sand complete with all the beachy accompaniments you need like sun loungers, umbrellas, water games, inflatable toys, volleyball courts, and lots going on including shows and workshops. Good for a day of fun with kids of all ages (don’t forget the sun protection…) Buenos Aires Playa is normally open from the beginning of January but check the Facebook page to be sure. It’s within the Parque de los Niños at General Paz and Avenida Cantilo.