Parents know that keeping kids entertained can be a constant challenge, and this can be particularly difficult when you arrive in a new city. With this in mind, here is a shortlist of fun, inexpensive places you can take your little ones while your family gets acclimatized to your new home.
Lima’s Water Park
One of the most popular ways to spend an afternoon in Lima with young children is to make a visit to the Parque de la Reserva, and visit the Circuito Mágico de Agua (Magic Water Circuit) – a group of 13 ornamental fountains spread out over the length of the park, which crosses Av. Petit Thouars near the National Stadium. The park has been recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s biggest fountain complex in a public park. The fountains aren’t merely splashing towers of water; there are water tunnels and mystery water mazes for the kids to play in – especially fun on hot summer afternoons. And starting at 7:15 pm, the park features an impressive laser and light show, with synchronized dancing fountains and music. The park opens at 3pm in the afternoon, from Tuesdays to Sundays – this can always change, so check the website before going. Entrance is S/.4, children under 5 and senior citizens 65 and over get in for free.
“Friendship Park”
Another fun place to go with the kids is the Parque de la Amistad in Santiago de Surco. The centerpiece of the park is the 29 meter high Arco Morisco (Moorish Arch), with lookout points that allow you to see out over much of Surco and the gardens in the park below. A favorite attraction in the park is the 1920s vintage steam train, refurbished to working order which takes riders for a trip around the park on 550 meters of track. The park also has a man made ‘lagoon’ where you can rent pedal boats – a fun activity for kids. One end of the park features a replica of the old town of Surco, the original base of what is now the district, with shops and stores selling artisanal crafts and souvenirs. There’s also a restaurant, in case you get hungry. The park is open from Tuesdays to Sundays, from 9am to 9pm. Entrance into the park is free. The train costs S/.4, and runs on Thursday and Friday afternoons and from 11:30am until near dusk on weekends. Pedal boats rental costs S/.5.
The Natural History Museum
If you’re looking for some indoor fun, you’ll enjoy the Museo de Historia Natural, located on Av. Arenales in the district of Jesus Maria. The museum is everything kids think a museum should be, with exhibitions ranging from the full skeleton of a whale to fossil dinosaurs and prehistoric mammals, to what seems like hundreds of taxidermy birds. The museum also has exhibits of plant life and a large library of mineral samples. Talleres (workshops) and special events for kids are also offered from time to time, so keep an eye on their website for the latest activities. The museum is open weekdays from 9am-5:15pm, Saturdays from 9am-4:30pm, and Sundays 10am-4:30pm. Entrance S/.10 for adults, S/.5 for children and students.
Check your Municipality
A great new option for activities to entertain your children are Talleres (workshops) offered by your municipality. The Municipality of Miraflores, for example, has a variety of summer workshops for children and adolescents. From Peruvian dance lessons to drawing and painting classes, leadership development workshops to social and environmental responsibility activities, we are sure you will find the perfect match for your kid. They also offer a wide range of sports related activities, including basketball, futbol, tenis, rugby and artistic gymnastics. Other activities are offered throughout the year as well. If you would like to get more information, contact them at talleresverano@miraflores.gob.pe. You can visit your municipality’s website to stay up to date with all the local activities available for you and your children.
You may also be interested in the best places to go book shopping in Lima.
We’d like to hear from some parents. What are your recommendations for other parents who need to keep their kids busy without spending a fortune. Let us know in our topic: Activities for Kids in Lima
