{"id":18957,"date":"2019-09-14T08:00:03","date_gmt":"2019-09-14T13:00:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wanderbusecuador.com\/blog\/2019\/09\/14\/quito-with-kids\/"},"modified":"2021-07-20T21:52:40","modified_gmt":"2021-07-21T02:52:40","slug":"quito-with-kids","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wanderbusecuador.com\/es\/quito-with-kids\/","title":{"rendered":"Quito with kids: our top recommendations"},"content":{"rendered":"

As much as you might want your children to become global citizens, traveling with kids can be intimidating, especially if you\u2019re headed to a bustling, foreign city, like Quito. It helps to know <\/span>what to expect<\/b> and to know <\/span>good options that your entire family will enjoy<\/b>. In the following, we\u2019ll provide useful tips on how to have a good time in Quito with kids.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Quito<\/span><\/h2>\n

Top places to visit in Quito with kids<\/span><\/h2>\n

Apart from the usual sights to see in Quito, like <\/span>the Basilica Cathedral<\/span><\/a>, here are a few options that your kids will definitely enjoy.<\/span><\/p>\n

Parque La Carolina on a Sunday<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ecuadorians are family people. It\u2019s one of the many things I appreciate about Ecuadorian culture. Nearly every weekend, families organize lunches or go on an outing, and Parque La Carolina happens to be one of their more popular destinations, especially on a Sunday.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At the park, you can stroll around, buy fresh fruit juice, take a paddle boat out for a spin in the lagoon, and watch skaters at the skate park.<\/span><\/p>\n

Located at the West side of the park is a beautiful botanical garden that you and your kids can visit for just a few dollars each. Make sure to check out the playground! Also, a personal favorite: there\u2019s a <\/span>vivarium<\/span><\/a> hidden in another nearby section of that park that nobody ever talks about. If you like reptiles and amphibians, check it out!<\/span><\/p>\n

Ciclopaseo<\/span><\/h3>\n

If your kids feel comfortable on a bicycle, take them on the Ciclopaseo! This is a weekly Sunday event that draws Quite\u00f1os out in masses to cycle across the entire city, from South to North. Main roads are blocked off exclusively for cyclists, making it a great opportunity to explore Old Town, which is otherwise jammed with cars and buses. You can rent bikes (and helmets) near Parque La Carolina or Avenida Amazonas. The Ciclopaseo starts at 8 am and ends at 2 pm.<\/span><\/p>\n

YAKU Parque Museo del Agua<\/span><\/h3>\n

You\u2019ll probably see <\/span>YAKU Museum<\/span><\/a> without realizing it while exploring Quito\u2019s Old Town. This museum sits at the top of a hill and is made entirely of glass. <\/span>Yaku<\/span><\/i> means water in Kichwa and the museum is dedicated to the study and conservation of water. KIDS LOVE YAKU MUSEUM, take them there on one of your free mornings! There are activities and spaces for them to explore, including life-sized snakes and ladder game.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Balneario Cununyacu<\/span><\/h3>\n

Like swimming? <\/span>Balneario Cununyacu<\/span><\/a> is not technically in Quito but rather in Tumbaco, only a 20 minute Uber ride from Quito\u2019s Old Town. The entrance fee is $2 and try to head there during the week and in the morning to avoid the weekend crowds. Take <\/span>lots<\/b> of sun protection and insect repellent!<\/span><\/p>\n

Rucu Pichincha<\/span><\/h3>\n

You seriously can\u2019t visit Quito without going up Rucu Pichincha. Rucu Pichincha is the enormous mountain overlooking Quito from the West and is part of an active caldera. Though you may not be intent on summiting a volcano with your kids, you can still ride up the TeleferiQo (gondola) and get crazy amazing views of <\/span>Quito<\/span><\/a>. Once at the top of the TeleferiQo, you can have a picnic or hike up part of the mountain. Make sure to take it slow and drink lots of water, altitude sickness commonly affects visitors here. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, and fatigue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Vulcano Park<\/span><\/h3>\n

Vulcano Park<\/span><\/a> is an amusement park located where the TeleferiQo begins. If you and your kids like roller coasters, carousels, and other games, make sure to stop here, though I would recommend going up the TeleferiQo first to get the best views before the clouds roll in.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Quito<\/span><\/h2>\n

Where to stay with kids in Quito?<\/span><\/h2>\n

When looking for accommodations with kids in Quito, the neighborhood you choose will make a huge difference. There are some nice spots in Old Town, but some streets feel chaotic. La Mariscal has many options but is also party central from Thursday-Saturday night.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Personally, I\u2019d recommend staying <\/span>between<\/i><\/b> the neighborhoods of La Floresta and La Mariscal OR near Parque La Carolina on the streets Republica el Salvador or Avenida Portugal.<\/span><\/p>\n