Rio de Janeiro is Brazil's most iconic state, home to the legendary city of Rio with its stunning beaches, dramatic mountains, and vibrant culture. The state blends natural wonders like Tijuca National Forest and Guanabara Bay with UNESCO-recognized landscapes and world-famous landmarks like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Sugarloaf Cable Car Ride
Two exhilarating cable car stages to the Sugarloaf summit with breathtaking views over Guanabara Bay. Children love the cable car experience and the views at the top. The Morro da Urca midpoint has a playground area and restaurant.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Tijuca National Forest Wildlife Walk
Family-friendly trails through Rio's urban rainforest with excellent chances of spotting marmoset monkeys, toucans, butterflies, and waterfalls. The Cascatinha waterfall trail is 30 minutes and very accessible for families.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Jardim Botânico Botanical Garden
800-meter avenue of imperial palms, marmoset monkeys everywhere, butterfly house, and orchid greenhouse. Children adore the monkeys that come up to visitors. The peaceful park is excellent for family picnics.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Museu do Amanhã Interactive Science
Calatrava's stunning Museum of Tomorrow uses hands-on interactive displays to explore Earth's future sustainability. The exhibits are engaging for school-age children and visually spectacular for all ages.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Copacabana Beach Morning
The world's most famous urban beach with lifeguards, beach vendors, playful atmosphere, and crystal Atlantic water. Best for families in the morning before afternoon heat. Footvolley courts and beach football everywhere.
Duration: Half day
Maracanã Stadium Tour
The legendary stadium tour includes walking on the sacred pitch, visiting the trophy room, and learning the extraordinary history of the world's most famous football cathedral. Football-loving children will be speechless.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Favela Tour (Vidigal or Santa Marta)
Thoughtful, community-guided tours through Rio's famous hillside communities offer older children an authentic lesson in urban social contrasts, community resilience, and Carioca culture that no museum can replicate.
Duration: 3 hours
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas Cycling
Cycling the 8km flat path around the scenic Lagoa with views of Christ the Redeemer. Tandem bikes available for younger children. Multiple kiosco restaurants around the circuit for refreshment stops.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
JW Marriott Rio de Janeiro
Beachfront Copacabana tower with excellent family facilities and impeccable service
Family features: Kids Club, large pool, connecting rooms, babysitting service, beachfront location
Windsor Barra Hotel
Family-oriented 4-star hotel on Barra da Tijuca beach with spacious rooms and excellent pool facilities
Family features: Multiple pools including kids pool, spacious family rooms, private parking, games room
Golden Tulip Ipanema Plaza
Well-located Ipanema hotel one block from the beach with rooftop pool and good family service
Family features: Rooftop pool, family rooms, near Ipanema playground area, good breakfast
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Brazilians are very welcoming of children in restaurants — bringing babies and toddlers is completely normal
High chairs (cadeirão) available at most sit-down restaurants — ask 'Tem cadeirão?' on arrival
Children's menus common at chain and mid-range restaurants offering smaller portions for R$20-35
Juice bars (suqueiras) are excellent for healthy family snacks — fresh tropical juices from R$8-12
Beach kioscos serve kid-friendly snacks (coconut water, corn, cheese sandwiches) all day at low prices
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Bring insect repellent for Tijuca Forest and botanical gardens — mosquitoes active at dawn and dusk
Apply very high SPF sunscreen (50+) every 2 hours — tropical sun is intense even on overcast days
Download Uber before arriving — essential for safe family transport in Rio
Book Sugarloaf and Christ the Redeemer tickets online — save queuing time with restless children
The metro is family-friendly with air conditioning — ideal for beach journeys with full beach kit