Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

Garota de Ipanema Restaurant

The bar that inspired the classic bossa nova song of the same name, this neighborhood institution now serves a full menu of Brazilian dishes including excellent grilled meats, cold chopp draft beer for adults, and fresh juices for kids. Sitting at the corner table where Tom Jobim and Vinicius de Moraes once wrote the song is a genuinely fun piece of musical history to share with older children.

Rio de Janeiro

Os Esquilos Restaurant

Nestled inside Tijuca National Park itself, this beloved open-air restaurant has been serving traditional Brazilian lunch dishes like feijoada and grilled meats in a forest clearing since 1945. Eating lunch surrounded by jungle sounds while toucans occasionally pass overhead is as uniquely Rio as it gets.

Rio de Janeiro

Aprazível Restaurant

Perched in the hillside neighborhood of Santa Teresa, Aprazível serves elevated Brazilian cuisine in a lush garden setting with hammocks and fruit trees surrounding the dining area. The relaxed, nature-filled atmosphere makes it one of the few upscale restaurants in Rio where children genuinely feel welcome.

Rio de Janeiro

Círculo Militar da Praia Vermelha

This open-air restaurant right on Praia Vermelha is run by the Brazilian Army and offers a relaxed, affordable lunch with cold drinks and classic Brazilian plates like grilled fish and rice. The beach-facing terrace keeps restless kids happy while parents decompress after the morning cable car crowds.

Rio de Janeiro

Confeitaria Colombo Filial Copacabana

This historic Copacabana outpost of Rio's legendary Belle Époque patisserie serves sandwiches, pastries, and excellent coffee in a setting that feels like stepping into old Brazil. The pastéis de nata and brigadeiro cake are essential orders for any child with a sweet tooth.

Rio de Janeiro

Pão de Açúcar (Sugarloaf Mountain) Cable Car

Ride the iconic two-stage gondola up to the 396-meter summit for panoramic views of Guanabara Bay and the city skyline below. Kids love spotting marmosets that often appear near the upper stations, and the ride itself feels like an adventure without any strenuous hiking.

Rio de Janeiro

Praia de Ipanema at Posto 9

Spend the afternoon at the most iconic stretch of Ipanema beach, where the backdrop of the twin peaks of Morro Dois Irmãos provides one of the most photographed views in all of Brazil. Beach vendors will bring coconuts, mate tea, and fresh corn right to your towel, making it an effortlessly relaxing final afternoon.

Rio de Janeiro

Feira Hippie de Ipanema (Ipanema Hippie Market)

Every Sunday this sprawling open-air market fills the streets around Praça General Osório with hundreds of vendors selling handmade jewelry, paintings, leather goods, hammocks, and Brazilian folk art. It is one of the best places in Rio to buy authentic souvenirs at fair prices and kids can usually spot capoeira performances or live music along the aisles.

Rio de Janeiro

Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas Kiosks

The string of casual food and drink kiosks encircling this scenic urban lagoon is a beloved local tradition for evening snacks, cold drinks, and bike or paddleboat rentals as the sun goes down. Paddleboats shaped like swans are a particular favorite with the under-12 crowd and the rental rates are very reasonable.

Rio de Janeiro

Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro

Founded in 1808 by King João VI, this stunning 137-hectare botanical garden contains over 6,500 plant species including a famous avenue of towering imperial palms that children find genuinely awe-inspiring. The cactus garden, orchid greenhouse, and resident families of marmosets and agoutis give kids plenty of reasons to keep walking.

Rio de Janeiro

Parque Nacional da Tijuca

The world's largest urban rainforest wraps around the city and contains multiple waterfall trails suitable for families, with Cascatinha Taunay being an easy 20-minute walk from the main park entrance at Alto da Boa Vista. Bring insect repellent, good shoes, and a sense of wonder because the howler monkey soundtrack alone is unforgettable.

Rio de Janeiro

Riocentro Bossa Nova Mall

A modern, family-friendly shopping mall in Copacabana with a good mix of Brazilian clothing brands, toy stores, and a food court offering everything from açaí to pizza. It is a practical late-afternoon option if the sun gets too intense or if anyone needs to grab souvenirs and sunscreen without trekking far.

Rio de Janeiro

Forte de Copacabana

Built in 1914 and still an active military installation, this oceanfront fort houses a military history museum and a branch of Confeitaria Colombo right inside its walls. The dramatic coastal artillery positions and ocean views make it a surprisingly engaging afternoon stop for kids who are into anything historical or military.