The Best Family-friendly Activities in Lima, Peru

One of the best ways to spend a day in Lima is by exploring the Malecón and the beach neighborhoods of San Isidro, Miraflores and Barranco. The best way to see it all while enjoying yourself – Lima traffic is a nightmare – is by riding a bike. Because of Lima’s intense traffic this will be the most bike friendly route in the city and it gives you beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

Eating ceviche is great for the entire family. It will most likely be their first tasting of the dish, and, as long as they love fish, they are sure to enjoy it. It’ll be a great experience and sure to leave everyone satisfied.

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf but have never found the time, Lima’s the place. There are friendly surf instructors year-round at Playa Waikiki in Miraflores and plenty of boards and wetsuits to rent. Lima is known for having good waves, so it’s your time to finally learn how to surf as a family.

Off the coast of Lima lies Palomino Island where your family will get a chance to swim with sea lions and their pups. Tours can be arranged from your hotel or hostel for an unforgettable family experience. Consider asking the guide to take a family photo with everyone in their wetsuits and sea lion pups swimming around everyone.

The Peruvian dessert classic will be a hit with the entire family. What’s not to love about fried sweet potato dough smothered in syrup? At all of Lima’s most well known parks – Parque Kennedy and the Bridge of Sighs – you’ll find a picarone vendor. Peru prides itself on its parks and there’s no better way to enjoy them than with a picarone in hand.

Take the family for a flight over the Pacific Ocean and have the experience GoPro-ed by one of the instructors. It makes for the best way to really see the coast of Lima.

Circuito Mágico del Agua is a water park located in Lima where the family can spend a day cooling off from the Lima heat. They have plenty of fun, interactive water fountains and even have a water show at night.

Circuito Magico del Agua, Jr. Madre de Dios S/N, Cercado de Lima 15046, Peru +51 1 3310353

If you’re feeling tired after running around Lima checking out all of the sites, take a seat and go no further. Plop down on a bench in Lima’s Plaza de Armas for some entertaining people watching. Take it further by venturing down the busy Unión street, where you’ll see street performers lining the streets.

The best museum in the city for the kids, Choco Museum is basically a chocolate store with some chocolate making tutorials. The kids will love their wide variety of flavors and interactive activities.

Choco Museum, Calle Berlin 375, Miraflores 15074, Peru +51 1 4459708