October 4, 2018, 8:18 pm

Growing your family should never hinder adventure. By no means should having children mean parents have to fork over their passports and forgo traveling. In fact, international trips can expose kids to new cultures and languages while bringing the family closer together.Colombia isn’t Disney World, but it is definitely a destination to consider for your next family vacation. A trip to Colombia will expose kids to the many exciting traditions, yummy foods and beautiful wonders this country has to offer.

Here is a list of family-friendly places in and around Bogotá, Colombia that will be sure to engage children and parents: 

Parque Jaime Duque

This amusement park and zoo is located in a small city 35 kilometers north of Bogotá. There are enough attractions and rides to occupy the entire day. This is a good place if you have children of different ages because the park contains everything from a playground specifically for toddlers and preschoolers to self-propelled paddle boat rides and bumper cars for older kids. This isn’t a gloried Chuck-E-Cheese either, parents can visit exhibits detailing the history of Colombia and the development of human civilization at Parque Jaime Duque.

Multiparque

Multiparque is a 100,000 square-meter facility tucked away in a wooded area in the north part of Bogotá. It caters to ages 6 months and up. An outdoor playground features a zip line, giant swings and an obstacle course. Old kids can play laser tag or take a spin around the go-kart track. Families can also get up close to more than 30 types of animals at the petting zoo and cast some lines in a pond full of fish.

Salitre Magico

This is a traditional amusement park with a carnival feel. The park has a Ferris wheel, rollercoasters and many other rides that give passengers a bird’s eye view, then plummet them near the ground. For parents who might think twice about bringing a toddler on a rollercoaster, there is a designated area for smaller rugrats, complete with a playground and rides suited for younger visitors. Salitre Magico is located in the middle of Bogotá. It shouldn’t take longer than an hour to get to the park from anywhere within the city. This isn’t the type of attraction that you will only be able to find in Colombia, as many countries have amusement parks. But it is a nice activity to do if your family is experiencing museum fatigue.

Museo Botero Kid Section

Speaking of museums, Museo Botero might have already been on your list of places to visit in Bogotá. It is located in the same building as several other free museums in the historic part of the city called La Candelaria. Museo Botero features the work of famous Colombian artist Fernando Botero. Older children will be captivated by Botero’s colorful and unique works. Young children will also be able to enjoy the museum. It offers an interactive section where kids are able to create their own art and have a hands-on experience.

Tips

This might be stating the obvious, but parents should be very cautious while crossing the streets in Bogotá, especially with children. Motorcycles often weave between stopped cars and have the potential to hit people who are crossing the street. Another thing to keep in mind is the sidewalks are sometimes cracked and jagged. Consider using a sling or carrier backpack for babies and young children and forgo the stroller.

Bringing your kids to Colombia will surely give them special memories they will never forget, and if they are too young to remember anything, take lots of pictures and tell them they has a great time when they’re older.

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