Jardim Zoológico
As well as housing over 2,000 animals, including large carnivores in big enclosures, this smart, modern zoo runs an important captive-breeding programme for marmosets and tamarins – the world’s smallest monkeys. A little train takes children through the zoo.
• Quinta da Boa Vista, São Cristóvão
• (021) 3878 4200 • Open 9am–4:30pm Tue–Sun
Jardim Botânico
Tucked away behind Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, this shady tropical garden, with its ponds, little streams, and waterfalls, is a lovely place to while away a sunny afternoon. Children will be delighted to spot squirrels and agoutis – rabbit-sized rodents that look a little like tiny deer.
The garden’s Café Botanico sells ice cream.
Sugar Loaf Mountain
The views from the Sugar Loaf and Morro da Urca may be spectacular, but children will particularly relish the dramatic cable-car rides to the hilltops.
The trails on the hills are also worth exploring. Look out for the indigenous tufted-eared marmosets.
The Sugar Loaf has a cafear and Morro da Urca has cafe and restaurants, as well as a theater that hosts popular shows and concerts.
Baixo Bebê
This little playground, tucked under the looming Os Dios Irms hill at the far end of Leblon beach, has climbing frames and sandpits. Kids can cool off with coconut milk available at juice stalls nearby.
There are child-friendly caf and restaurants too. This is one of Leblon’s safest areas.
Leblon beach
Espaço Cultural da Marinha
The Navy Cultural Center features a museum of underwater archaeology and navigation, and ships moored in a private harbor. Galeota, a former royal barge that is used for tours around the bay, a submarine, and a World War II warship – the Bauru – will also fascinate youngsters.
•Av Alfredo Agache, Centro • (021) 21046879 • Open noon–5pm Tue–Sun
A waterfall in Jardim Botânico
Planetário
Recently renovated, this state-of-the-art planetarium is one of the best of its kind in South America. As well as astronomical shows (in Portuguese), it has an interesting museum that features touch displays. Kids of all ages are permitted to use the powerful telescopes to view planets and galaxies three times a week.
Rio Water Planet
The largest collection of water slides, pools, and rides in Rio state are found in Rio Water Planet in the suburb of Vargem Grande, some 12 miles (20 km) from the city center. The best way to visit is by car or taxi as public transport is limited.
•Estrada dos Bandeirantes, Vargem Grande • (021)2428 9000 • Open 10am–5pm Sat–Sun; closed in winter • Adm
Terra Encantada Theme Park
Rio’s “Enchanted Land” theme park, on the outskirts of Barra da Tijuca near Recreio dos Bandeirantes, has one of the largest roller coasters in Brazil and a selection of equally hair-raising rides. The best way to visit is by taxi or car.
• Av Ayrton Senna 2800, Barra
• (021) 2431 6945 • Open 2–10pm Tue–Sat, noon–10pm Sun
Helicopter Tours
Helicopters leave from Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Morro da Urca, and the Mirante Dona Marta near Corcovado, and chart a course over the city’s beaches and spectacular natural monuments.
Parque Nacional do Itatiaia
Protecting a large area of rain forest, Brazil’s first national park is ideal for wildlife spotting.
Capuchin monkeys and coatis are common sights on the trails that lead through the forest near the hotels, or off the park road.