In this article
Discover 7 exciting family activities in Santiago, Chile, from exploring Cerro San Cristóbal to riding the Hop On Hop Off bus. Tourist attractions and fun for the whole family!
Planning a family trip can be quite a challenge, but when the destination is full of parks, interactive culture, and stunning views, planning becomes much easier. Santiago, surrounded by the majestic Andes Mountains, is the perfect gateway to discover tourist attractions for the whole family. The city offers countless options designed for kids and adults alike.
If you are planning to travel around Chile and want to start in the capital, you will be glad to know there are options for every taste: from close contact with nature to fascinating museums.
Here are 7 must-do activities to enjoy if you are traveling with children.
1. Nature and Fun on Cerro San Cristóbal
Cerro San Cristóbal is Santiago’s undisputed green lung and the perfect place for a day outdoors.
For kids, the adventure begins on the way up, whether aboard the historic Funicular or flying through the air on the modern Cable Car.
Within this vast area, part of Metropolitan Park, you will find attractions that will keep the whole family entertained, such as the Japanese Garden, the Mapulemu Botanical Garden, Parque Aventura, the National Zoo, Café Tudor, the Sanctuary of the Immaculate Conception, scenic viewpoints, and much more.
2. Parque Aventura
If you are looking for an extra dose of adrenaline and outdoor fun, Parque Aventura is the ideal place.
Located at the foot of Cerro San Cristóbal, next to the Pedro de Valdivia Norte entrance, it offers exciting challenges for children, teenagers, and families who enjoy action and movement.
Its circuits, featuring a suspension bridge, climbing wall, canopy, and other activities, put balance, coordination, and the spirit of adventure to the test in a setting surrounded by nature.
For the little ones, there is also Parque Aventura Kids, with challenges designed especially for children, as well as a fun 9-hole mini golf course.
It is the perfect experience to burn off energy, spend time together as a family, and enjoy a different kind of day in the heart of Santiago.
3. National Zoo
A must-see classic where children can learn about local and international wildlife.
Located on the slopes of Cerro San Cristóbal, just steps from the Pío Nono Station of the Funicular and Santiago Cable Car, the National Zoo is one of the city’s most traditional family outings. It invites children and adults to discover a wide range of native and exotic species while learning about biodiversity, conservation, and animal care.
Beyond its educational value, its privileged location offers beautiful views of Santiago and the chance to combine your visit with other attractions on the hill, making it a must-stop for anyone exploring Metropolitan Park.
4. A Relaxing Afternoon at Bicentenario Park
Located in the Vitacura district, Bicentenario Park is one of the most beautiful and safest public spaces in the city. What fascinates kids the most is the north lagoon, home to flamingos, black-necked swans, and koi fish.
It is the perfect place for a family picnic, renting bikes, or simply letting the kids run freely across its wide, well-kept green areas. It also features top-quality playgrounds and paths that are ideal for strolling, even with baby strollers.
5. Discovery at the National Museum of Natural History
If you are looking for what to see in Santiago with an educational focus, this museum, located inside Quinta Normal Park, is the answer. The National Museum of Natural History instantly captivates visitors with the impressive replica of a blue whale skeleton in its main hall.
Throughout its halls, children can take an interactive journey through Chile’s different ecosystems, learning about the country’s flora, fauna, and Indigenous peoples in a visual and entertaining way.
6. Shopping and Play: Parque Araucano and Parque Arauco
A winning combination for modern families is a visit to the Las Condes district. Start by spending the morning at Parque Araucano, a large green space with sports fields, rose gardens, and fully equipped playgrounds, including water play areas in the summer.
Right next door is the Parque Arauco shopping mall. Beyond being a shopping paradise, it features an open-air dining boulevard that is ideal for eating out with kids, as well as cinemas, a theater, and indoor entertainment centers for children.
7. A Tour Without the Fatigue on the Hop On – Hop Off Bus
When you travel with young children, walking long distances is not always the best option. Fortunately, one of the most comfortable tourist attractions in Santiago, Chile is the Hop On – Hop Off double-decker sightseeing bus.
This tour lets you hop on and off as many times as you like at the capital’s most iconic spots (such as Cerro San Cristóbal, Parque Arauco, Bicentenario Park, Plaza de Armas, La Moneda Palace, and more) at your own pace.
Sitting on the open-air upper deck is an experience kids love, and it offers great photo opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Activities in Santiago
What are the best family activities in Santiago?
Santiago offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy as a family. Some of the most recommended are Cerro San Cristóbal, Parque Aventura, the National Zoo, the National Museum of Natural History, Bicentenario Park, Parque Arauco, and Hop On – Hop Off sightseeing tours, which are ideal for combining entertainment, nature, culture, and learning.
What is the best outdoor activity for families in Santiago?
Cerro San Cristóbal is one of the most complete outdoor experiences in the city. In addition to its trails and viewpoints, it offers attractions such as the Cable Car, the Funicular, the National Zoo, and Parque Aventura, with activities for all ages in one place.
Where can I take children to learn and have fun in Santiago?
The National Museum of Natural History and the National Zoo are excellent options to combine learning and fun. Both let families learn more about biodiversity, natural history, and Chile’s heritage through educational experiences designed for all ages.
Is there a tour to explore Santiago with children?
Yes. The Hop On – Hop Off sightseeing bus lets you visit Santiago’s main attractions in a comfortable and entertaining way. Its hop-on, hop-off system lets you get on and off along the route, visiting places such as Cerro San Cristóbal, Bicentenario Park, Costanera Center, and other points of interest in the city.
What free activities can I enjoy in Santiago with children?
Free options include walks around Bicentenario Park, the trails and viewpoints of Cerro San Cristóbal, as well as some cultural activities and temporary exhibitions held at different venues across the city throughout the year.
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