Things to Do in Rio de Janeiro With Kids
When it comes to travel, our family motto is "If kids live there, kids can visit." So, when a flight deal arose for $340 per person from Miami to Rio de Janeiro during my daughter’s spring break, we jumped on it! With the country waiving visa requirements for US citizens visiting Brazil as of mid-June, it’s the perfect time to plan a family trip there. Here are our suggestions for the best family activities in Rio de Janeiro.
(And, don't forget to book your sightseeing tours and admission to museums using a credit card that rewards you for entertainment spend. That's because, most often, purchases like these code as "entertainment" and not "travel.")
1. Take Samba Lessons
Samba originated in Brazil, so what better place to take lessons? Most kids start dancing immediately when they hear music, so regardless of your child’s age, this is a fun activity for the family. As a bonus, it's a great way to burn off some energy before bedtime -- and an early bedtime for the kids means some alone time for you and your significant other (yes, even on vacation with your little ones). Rio Samba Dancer offers lessons in English as well as an option for a private class if you feel that is best for your family. A one-hour group class is about $20 USD per person.
Related: The Best Credit Cards for Entertainment Spending
2. Take a Cooking Class
Food is the heart of Brazil, and what better way to learn a little bit of the culture than by taking a cooking class? There are two main traditional Brazilian dishes: moqueca fish, and pork and bean feijoada. We learned to make the former. Kids of all ages can enjoy a cooking class at Cook in Rio, and it’s a great bonding opportunity for families. (I'm not sure if I should be worried that my daughters' favorite part of the class was making virgin caipirinhas.) The class cost $19 USD per person.
3. Attend a Fútbol Game at Maracanã Stadium
Whether you’re a fútbol (soccer) fan or not, experiencing a game in Brazil is a great family activity. Brazilians might arguably be the biggest soccer fans in the world (despite stiff competition from Germany) and the energy we felt in Maracanã Stadium is unmatched. We were lucky to catch a match with two of the most popular Brazilian teams, Flamengo versus Fluminense. You can buy tickets to any Flamengo match at the Flamengo Futbol club in Rio. There is no assigned seating when purchasing the lower-priced tickets so be sure to arrive at the stadium as early as possible to get seats together. Ticket prices vary.
4. Hike to Pedra do Telegrafo
There are many hikes that can be done in Rio de Janeiro, but Pedra do Telegrafo (Telegraph Rock) is the most famous due to the amazing “cliff hanging” photos you can take. Before you get scared, there is nothing to worry about -- this “cliff” is really only 3 feet above the ground. Talk about the perfect Christmas card photo to send your family with no explanation! The 1.2-kilometer hike takes the average person 40 minutes one way, but expect to need a few more breaks with younger children. Our 4-year-old was able to hike the entire way on her own, but I recommend using a carrier for younger children, like we did for our 3-year-old. One note: You may need to wait in line to take those iconic photographs. Book a guided tour to Pedra do Telegrafo or take public transportation (a 90-minute to 2-hour trip each way).
5. Enjoy a Beach Day
The beach is always a great family activity. With so many beaches in Rio de Janeiro, the options are endless. While Copacabana is the most well-known, I recommend visiting Macumba or Grumari beach, which are better-suited for families.
6. Visit the Aquarium
Rio is home to the largest aquarium in South America, and it's the perfect activity for a rainy day. With five floors, 28 tanks and 3,000 different animals, it's hard to get bored at AquaRio. The aquarium is open seven days a week, including holidays. Adult admission is about $23 USD and young people between the ages of 3 and 21 get in for about $14 USD.
7. Explore the Botanical Gardens
Jardim Botanico is the perfect place to spend the afternoon with your family. The site is quite large, so if you are traveling with younger children, I recommend using a stroller or carrier. There are so many different types of plants, flowers, and waterfalls to admire. My children especially loved exploring the Japanese Garden as well as seeing all of the monkeys that roam around. If you need a break from smelling roses in the Rose Garden, you can visit the playground. Admission is about $2 USD per person and free for kids 7 and under.
8. Visit Christ the Redeemer
It’s not possible to leave Rio de Janeiro without visiting the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, considered one of the "New 7 Wonders of the World." Kids will especially enjoy taking the tram to the top, though you can also get there by car or on foot. Admission is about $11 USD for adults and $6 USD for kids. (Those under 6 are free.)
Bottom Line
From the food to the music to the amazing culture, there is a lot for families to enjoy in Rio de Janeiro. We hope to return to the country again to visit cities like Bahia and make a trip to Iguazu Falls.
Monet Hambrick is the mom and writer behind The Traveling Child blog where she shares tips on traveling with kids and how to afford travel as a family. Her motto is, “If kids live there, kids can visit.” Follow along with her family adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
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- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.