Kids and Family in Santiago

Those moving to Santiago can rest assured that the city has plenty to offer families, and activities for kids are organised regularly. International schools present various extracurricular activities and opportunities, while family, social and friendship groups are easily accessed.

Santiago can be a lot of fun for children if parents do their research beforehand. From beautiful parks, museums and art galleries to zoos, indoor play centres, nature reserves and various arts and craft classes for toddlers, expat families in Santiago will not struggle for entertainment. 

Outdoor activities for kids in Santiago

Sadly, one of the drawbacks of living in Santiago with children is the lack of public green spaces. Much of the countryside in Chile is seemingly cut off from the public and the only available green areas are parks and special nature reserves, which usually have an entrance fee and aren’t always particularly easy to get to.

The following are some of the best places to visit for those expats looking to stretch their legs with the little ones on the weekend.

Parque Natural Aguas de Ramón Park

This is a beautiful nature reserve in Santiago situated in the leafy district of La Reina Alta. It’s a large park with various trails for trekking and hiking. Parents can take their children on an easier route or those who don’t yet walk could be carried. There are waterfalls, streams and mountainous areas to be explored, as well as an education centre to indulge curious minds. 

Buin Zoo

Located in the Buin area, south of Santiago, the Buin Zoo is one of six zoos in Santiago and one of the best outside the city. The zoo houses a variety of animals, from local to African, and it also includes a reptile centre, an aquarium, a mini jungle and even a water park. They are known to take good care of their animals and are a certified conservation centre.  

Parque Padre Hurtado

This is one of the most spacious parks in Santiago. It contains designated picnic areas, swings and slide sets, and many more activities for kids, including mini-golf, pony rides and train rides around the park. There is also a small lagoon where families can watch and feed the ducks. This park is perfect for a Sunday afternoon outing. It's possible to enter by foot or by car.

Indoor activities for kids in Santiago

Indoor spaces for energetic children are definitely becoming more popular in Santiago and new soft play centres have been opening up around malls in the city. They are perfect for an outing on a rainy day.

City Toys

City Toys is located in Mall Florida Center and is one massive area and soft play centre with an array of entertainment for toddlers, ranging from reading rooms and toy areas to a pretend supermarket, fire station and theatre. Little ones can play in the different spacious areas and ride around on toys as if they were in a mini-city.

Yukids

Yukids is another colourful little soft play centre with flying balloons, ball pools, soft slides and merry-go-rounds. There are trampoline spaces and opportunities for birthday parties to be held here.

Museo Interactivo Mirador

This interactive space pushes the limits of a traditional museum. With no signs saying, 'Don't Touch', visitors are free to push, climb and play on the displays and exhibits. Children will love this museum as there is plenty to see and do and learn at the same time, while adults (especially the young at heart) will also enjoy this novel interactive experience. Highlights include the bubble area and the earthquake room.