11 things to see & do in Sao Paulo, Brazil with kids: Family Friendly Activities

São Paulo is an exciting destination for family vacations, offering a wide range of family-friendly activities and attractions. Here are some of the things to do in Sao Paulo with kids on your family trip, each offering unique experiences and activities for children. Whether your family is looking for a relaxing getaway, cultural experiences, or more adventurous sports and activities, São Paulo has something for every family.

Keep reading to discover some of the best places to visit and things to do with kids in Sao Paulo.

11 Family-Friendly Activities: Things to See & Do in Sao Paulo with Kids

Skip to:

• Ibirapuera Park

• Sao Paulo Zoo

• Sao Paulo Aquarium

• Parque da Mônica (Monica's Park)

• KidZania Sao Paulo

• MASP (Museu de Arte de São Paulo)

• Batman Alley (Beco do Batman)

• Catavento Museum

• Instituto Butantan

• Football Museum

• Cia dos Bichos - Cotia

Visiting Ibirapuera Park with Kids

One of the most famous parks in Brazil, Ibirapuera Park  covers over 390 acres of green space in the heart of Sao Paulo and offers families plenty of outdoor activities, . Its vast green spaces are ideal for picnics, bike rides, and playing, making it a perfect destination for a family day out. The park also houses museums, cultural spaces, and playgrounds, offering fun and learning for all ages.

Things to do at Ibirapuera Park with kids:

• Rent a bike or pedal cart to explore the park’s trails.

• Visit the large kids playground area.

• Explore the MAM (Museum of Modern Art) and its interactive exhibitions.

• Have a picnic by the lake and watch the ducks.

• See my full guide 10 things to see in Ibirapuera Park.

  
  

Visiting the São Paulo Zoo with Kids

The São Paulo Zoo is one of the largest in Brazil, housing over 3,000 animals from around the world. Families can see native Brazilian wildlife, as well as species from Africa and Asia. It offers a variety of immersive experiences, including guided tours, an on-site safari, and interactive animal encounters. Buy tickets in advance on the zoo's official website.

Things to do at São Paulo Zoo with kids:

• Observe animals like jaguars, elephants, and giraffes.

• Visit the reptile house to see snakes and lizards up close.

• Explore the zoo’s mini farm, where kids can interact with domestic animals.

• Take a safari-style tour in the nearby Simba Safari park.

• Experience Animal Night at São Paulo Zoo, where kids can observe nocturnal animals after sunset.

  
  

Visiting São Paulo Aquarium with Kids

São Paulo Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Latin America spanning 15,000 square meters and housing a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and even manatees. It features immersive environments that replicate different ecosystems, from the Amazon rainforest to polar regions. The immersive exhibits make it an exciting and educational experience for children.

Things to do at São Paulo Aquarium with kids:

• Walk through tunnels with sharks swimming overhead.

• Learn about conservation efforts for marine animals.

• Watch animal feeding sessions and special presentations.

• See unique species such as albino alligators and polar bears.

• Explore themed sections that recreate different habitats from around the world.

  
  

Visiting Parque da Mônica (Mônica's Park)

Parque da Mônica is an indoor theme park inspired by the beloved Brazilian comic book character Mônica. The park is designed for young children and features attractions based on the adventures of Mônica and her friends. See their official website for more details.

Things to do at Parque da Mônica with kids:

• Enjoy themed rides and playgrounds.

• Meet and take pictures with Mônica and her friends.

• Watch live shows based on the comic book stories.

• Explore interactive storytelling areas.

Visiting KidZania São Paulo with kids

KidZania Sao Paulo is an innovative indoor city designed for children, where they can role-play over 50 different professions, from doctors to firefighters. Kids get to experience real-world scenarios in a safe and engaging environment while learning valuable life skills.

Things to do at KidZania São Paulo with kids:

• Try out different career activities in a fun environment.

• Participate in hands-on workshops like cooking or engineering.

• Engage in teamwork and problem-solving challenges.

  
  

Visiting MASP (Museu de Arte de São Paulo) with Kids

MASP is one of the most renowned art museums in Latin America, known for its unique glass easel displays and vast collection of European and Brazilian masterpieces. The museum offers special exhibitions and interactive programs tailored for children to engage with art in a fun and educational way.

Things to do at MASP with kids:

• Explore the "Histórias da Infância" (Childhood Stories) exhibition

• Participate in "O MASP Kids," a guided tour designed specifically for children.

• Interact with exhibitions that feature artworks displayed at a child-friendly height.

• Engage in hands-on workshops and storytelling activities that bring art to life.

  
  

Exploring Batman Alley (Beco do Batman) with Kids

Batman Alley is an open-air street art gallery located in Vila Madalena in Sao Paulo, famous for its ever-changing murals and vibrant graffiti. Families can explore the colorful alleyways, take photos, and even watch artists at work creating new paintings.

Things to do at Batman Alley with kids:

• Wander through the alley and take photos with the murals.

• Watch local artists painting new graffiti.

• Enjoy a guided street art tour.

• Grab a snack at one of the nearby cafes.

  
  

Visiting Catavento Museum with Kids

The Catavento Museum is an interactive science museum that makes learning fun for kids of all ages through hands-on exhibits and experiments. It covers topics in physics, biology, space, and technology, providing a fun and educational experience for kids.

Things to do at Catavento Museum with kids:

• Try interactive science experiments.

• Walk through a giant model of the human body.

• Learn about the solar system in the astronomy section.

• Explore the butterfly garden.

  
  

Exploring Instituto Butantan with Kids

Instituto Butantan is a world-famous research center dedicated to studying venomous animals and developing vaccines. It offers fascinating exhibits on snakes, spiders, and scorpions, allowing kids to learn about these creatures in a safe and controlled environment.

Things to do at Instituto Butantan with kids:

• See live snakes and learn about their habitats.

• Visit the Biological Museum to see preserved specimens.

• Watch scientists at work in the research center.

• Learn about the production of antivenoms and vaccines.

• Walk through the green areas and spot native birds.

Visiting the Football Museum with Kids

Perfect for sports-loving families. Located inside the historic Pacaembu Stadium, the Football Museum celebrates Brazil’s deep connection to the sport through interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and multimedia presentations. It’s a must-visit for young football fans and their families.

Things to do at the Football Museum with kids:

• Explore interactive exhibits on famous football players

• Try out virtual penalty kicks

• Visit the stadium and walk onto the field

• Learn about Brazil’s football culture and history

• Want to attend a football game? Read my guide on how to buy tickets.

  
  

Visiting Cia dos Bichos (Animal Farm)

Cia dos Bichos is a family-friendly farm located in Cotia, offering an immersive experience where children can interact with farm animals and participate in rural activities. The farm provides guided interactions with animals, educational workshops, and outdoor play areas. See their official site for more information.

Things to do at Cia dos Bichos:

• Visit animal enclosures and feed the animals, including emus, ducks, and piglets

• Take a horse ride

• Visit the baby animal nursery

• Watch the cow milking session

• Participate in cooking and art workshops

Bike Tour Through São Paulo with Older Kids

For families with older children, the UrbanBikeSP tour offers an exciting and active way to explore São Paulo. The guided bike ride takes you through the city’s most iconic landmarks and hidden gems, offering a unique perspective on the city. Starting at Portinha183, a cozy café, this tour is a great blend of culture, history, and exercise, perfect for older kids who enjoy cycling. The ride covers a distance of up to 12 miles. Book your bike tour in advance as it does book out.

Things you'll do during the bike tour:

• Cycle past Paulista Avenue, exploring landmarks like the Sao Paulo Museum of Art (MASP) and Trianon Park

• Stop at cultural sites such as the Copan Building and the Municipal Theater

• Learn about São Paulo's history at places like Pátio do Colégio and Sé Cathedral

• Take a break in the green spaces, like Augusta Park, and enjoy panoramic views at the Santa Ifigênia Viaduct

• Book tickets for a bike tour

Each of these destinations in Sao Paulo offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and family-friendly activities, ensuring your trip will be both memorable and enjoyable for everyone.

Ready to plan your family vacation?

Have you traveled to Sao Paulo with kids? What were your children’s favorite activities? Tell me in the comments below!