Families often tell us their favourite moments include early morning safaris in the Pantanal, watching the sunset atop Sugarloaf Mountain, and exploring Brazil’s coastline by kayak. Teens love surfing at Ipanema, while younger kids are happiest on the beaches of Ilha Grande. Travelling to Brazil with children is a delightful mix of nature, culture, and lots and lots of water-based fun.

From our own travels and feedback from families, Brazil holidays offer something for every age group. Below, we share some of the very best things to do in Brazil with kids, from Rio’s iconic sights to Amazon adventures.

Top 10 things to do in Brazil with kids

1. Explore Rio de Janeiro’s iconic highlights

Is Rio good for kids? It absolutely is. Some of our favourite activities to do in Rio with children are riding the cog train up Corcovado Mountain to stand beneath the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue (immediate Insta status). Hike through monkey-filled forest or take the cable car option up Sugarloaf Mountain for the ultimate sunset pic (more Insta fun).

Enjoy some easy cycling along the beachfront passing a colourful kaleidoscope of Brazilian life from bikini stands and seafood shacks blaring bossa nova beats to footvolley matches in the Copacabana sand. A surf lesson on Ipanema beach is a must.

Rio works brilliantly for families because it blends big-ticket sights with beaches and nature. A few well-paced days here provide a vibrant introduction to Brazil with children. Most of our Brazil family itineraries kick off in Rio.

Best for: All ages
Why it works for families: Big sights, beaches and tropical forest in one city

2. Go wildlife spotting in the Pantanal

Where is the best place to see wildlife in Brazil with kids? Clue – it is not necessarily the Amazon! Stubborn Mule families have been happily surprised to discover that Brazil’s best wildlife destination is the stunning and truly wildlife-rich Pantanal. This vast wetland area offers remote ranch accommodation and some very family-friendly activities such as horseback safaris, night drives, and even piranha fishing. Spot an ocelot from your kayak or enjoy up close encounters from a 4WD with the humorous and loveable capybaras. Or not so loveable caiman. Toucans and colourful macaws fill the sky and giant anteaters and armadillos patrol the ground.

Jaguars are the big pull here – real kudos on a Brazil family holiday. The northern Pantanal offers perhaps higher chances of sightings, whilst the southern Pantanal combines wonderfully with the eco-adventure capital of Bonito. See our Highlights of Southern Brazil sample itinerary.

Best for: 5+
Why it works: High wildlife density and get-away-from-it-all lodge-based stays (WiFi beautifully erratic)

3. Experience Iguazu Falls close up

No family holiday in Brazil is complete without a visit to these incredible waterfalls. But can you make flying to Iguazu Falls worthwhile and fun for kids? You most certainly can – by getting them soaking wet on an exhilarating jet boat adventure right under the falls. Or donning a poncho for that perfect ‘rainbow’ shot. Or adding another country to their passport and crossing into Argentina to meander the extensive walkways to the Devil’s Throat, the most dramatic section. Why not continue to Buenos Aires, as illustrated in our sample Brazil and Argentina for Families itinerary?

Iguazu is also home to a surprising amount of tropical wildlife – parrots and monkeys fill the surrounding rainforest and sneaky coati raccoons try to steal your picnic. Head to the Bird Park for close-up encounters. Then splash (sorry!) the cash at the opulent Belmond Hotel das Cataratas – see Where to stay in Brazil.

Best for: All ages (boat ride Argentine side 12+)
Why it works: Spectacular and easy to navigate

4. Discover Paraty & the Emerald Coast

Paraty offers a softer, slower side of Brazil, especially welcome when holidaying with kids. Conveniently situated between Rio and São Paulo, Paraty has colonial charm, rainforest and beaches, along with some exciting activities that are perfect to enjoy on a Southern Brazil family holiday.

Take a fun-filled jeep and waterfalls safari into the rainforest with lots of splashing in natural water slides and rock pools that kids will love. Sail through Saco da Mamangua fjord and climb (another) Sugarloaf mountain for breathtaking views. Discover idyllic deserted beaches on a coastal hike to Ponta Negra. Bask on a schooner day cruise or kayak with turtles in Paraty Bay.

Children will love shopping for souvenirs in the artisan markets of this quaint, cobbled street town. And don’t forget to sample the delicious fresh fish at the night market before retiring to your charming traditional pousada accommodation. See Places to Visit in Brazil for more information.

Best for: 5+
Why it works for families: Superb shopping, safe swimming, fun waterfall hikes, relaxed vibe

5. Embrace Bonito’s outdoor eco-adventures

For families who love water, wildlife and fun, Bonito is a must on any holiday to Brazil with kids. Bonito is known as Brazil’s eco-adventure capital and is a paradise of turquoise water, emerald rivers and stunning waterfalls. A natural outdoor water park that’s perfect for children.

The Rio da Prata floatation is possibly the most fun kids can have snorkelling with giant fish and (small) caiman. Boca da Onca offers rainforest hikes between waterfalls with plenty of swimming opportunities, including diving through a cave and relaxing on a natural beach. Buraca das Araras is the largest sinkhole in South America and home to nearly 100 colourful macaws. Or head underground at Gruta do Lago Azul to view mind-boggling stalagmites and stalactites, plus an enchanting bright blue subterranean lake. See Places to Visit in Brazil for more on Bonito.

Best for: 6+
Why it works: Outdoor adventure in Brazil for families at its best

6. Escape to Ilha Grande Island for some R&R

Looking to incorporate some chill-out time? Conveniently located between Rio and Paraty, we discovered that the idyllic Ilha Grande is the perfect spot for some R&R with kids in Brazil. On the aptly named Emerald Coast, the island is blissfully car-free and offers tropical beach time that children will love.

Snorkel in the Blue and Green Lagoons, take a magical guided sunrise canoe trip, enjoy easy jungle walks or head out on kayaks or SUPs to neighbouring beaches. Hop on a water taxi and head to Lopes Mendes beach, considered one of Brazil’s most beautiful. And enjoy fabulous seafood meals in the main harbour town. Or just take to a hammock and swing the day away, swimming and sunning. A visit to Ilha Grande is a great way to recharge your batteries mid-trip.

Best for: All ages
Why it works: Calm, safe and naturally beautiful

7. Travel deep into the Amazon Rainforest

For families wanting an adventure, taking them deeper into the heart of Brazil, the Amazon offers nature at its best. And yes, you can visit it safely with kids on our Rio, Amazon & Salvador trip. From a rustic lodge, children will love taking canoe safaris, hiking through the rainforest, learning about the medicinal use of plants and visiting an indigenous village.

You could also overnight in a jungle survival camp, falling asleep to the unbelievably loud sounds of the rainforest in your comfy hammock. Or take a live-aboard river cruise, enjoying creature comforts in a truly wild setting.

The Amazon involves a 4hr flight across the country and also requires anti-malarials, so is perhaps more suitable for older children. A visit to the Amazon with kids is a truly fascinating insight into the flora and fauna of the rainforest that children won’t forget.

Best for: 8+
Why it works: Guided, lodge-based exploration or luxurious river cruises

8. Relax on the best family beaches in Brazil

Think of Brazilian beaches. Think golden sand, locals playing volleyball or football, the surfing set, palm trees and glowing sunsets. Brazil is full of fabulous beaches, and we will make sure to match the best one for your family and include it in your itinerary. World-class Buzios slots in nicely with transfers from Rio, being only 3 hours north of the city. The Emerald Coast offers mid-trip options, lying between Rio and Paraty/São Paulo.

There are endless options on the coast of Bahia, with the chance to combine this with the colourful colonial town of Salvador and its intriguing Afro-Brazilian heritage. Or head further up the north-east coast to what is possibly the most picture-perfect family-friendly island, Fernando de Noronha. Here, there are dolphin cruises, ‘self-driving’ exploration by golf cart, and swimming and snorkelling from endless idyllic beaches, including Sancho beach, voted the most beautiful in Brazil.

Best for: All ages
Why it works: Brazil, beach, kids – says it all!

9. Dip into the Route of Emotions

A fantastic addition to a family trip in Northern Brazil is the lesser-known Route of Emotions. Once a well-kept secret, this incredible journey along Brazil’s north coast is generating a real buzz. This is every child’s dream, with endless dazzling white dunes leading to stunning turquoise waters.

Starting from the culturally-rich São Luis, you will cruise the mangroves and beaches of Lencois Maranhenses National Park, packed with capuchin monkeys and seabirds. Swim in crystal-clear seasonal lagoons, meander through mobile sand dunes, and hop between exciting speedboat rides and 4×4 drives, making your way along the coast to the world-renowned beach destination of Jericoacoara.

‘Jeri’ is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and children will love the surf, meeting the locals and the vibrant nightlife. This is a staggeringly beautiful area, known as Brazil’s hidden paradise and a tropical Eden – the ultimate location for any Brazil with kids holiday.

Best for: 8+
Why it works: For families looking for Brazil’s hidden paradise

10. Return to Rio for favelas, forests, football & more fun!

Rio always features strongly in holidays to Brazil with kids, and there is much to do and see beyond the well-known highlights. You could easily fill a week here. Football fans can tour the famous Maracanã Stadium and gain an insight into local life with a popular favela experience. Discover Rio’s hidden side, with walking trails through the Tijuca National Park rainforest, full of howler monkeys and sloths. Or hike to Pedro Bonito, the most stunning summit in Rio, and cruise the lagoons and mangroves of Barra da Tijuca (caiman alert!).

If you missed it the first time, join in the samba vibe with a family dance class. Thrill seekers will love the rock climb to the top of Sugarloaf or kayaking the ocean waters beneath this iconic mountain. And parents and kids alike will get a buzz from a helicopter ride over the city’s most famous sights.

Best for: All ages
Why it works: Return flights to Rio provide a perfect opportunity to loop back at the end of your trip

When are the best school holidays to visit Brazil with children?

The best times for families to visit Brazil are during the Easter and UK summer school holidays. In contrast, we find that Christmas is generally too hot and humid for many families. For those looking for the ultimate fun family experience, the famous Rio Carnival often falls on or close to the February half-term. Being such a massive country the climate is extremely diverse, and with careful planning you will be able to enjoy a holiday in Brazil with kids year-round. Find more in-depth weather information in our When to go to Brazil chart.

Easter holidays (March / April)
– The rainy season comes to an end and April sees plenty of sunshine
– Some crowds, especially over the Easter weekend
– Lower humidity and pleasant temperatures

Summer holidays (July / August)
– Dry season in the Pantanal and Amazon, superb for wildlife-viewing
– Ideal for sightseeing and activities with children
– One of the best times for a family holiday to Brazil

Xmas holidays
– Peak domestic tourism, high prices and crowded beaches
– Very hot and humid
– Unforgettable New Year celebrations in Rio

So, is Brazil good for kids?

Yes – with the right planning. Which is where the Stubborn Mule experts come in with first-hand knowledge! We’ve travelled there with our own families and know that holidaying in Brazil with children works best when:

– You combine nature with downtime
– Travel distances are sensible
– Activities are age-appropriate
– You mix culture with fun, active experiences
– Expert guides for wildlife areas and cities

Brazil is vast and diverse. A well-designed itinerary might combine Rio, Paraty, Iguazu and the Pantanal – or Rio, the Amazon and Salvador – depending on your family’s interests and available time. Or use our Guide to Family Travel in Latin America for further inspiration in this part of the world.

Ready to start planning?

If you are ready to start planning a family holiday in Brazil with your kids, get in touch for a seamless, expertly planned family adventure with our team, who have visited the country many times. From buzzing cities to tranquil countryside, we’ll help create a Brazil trip your whole family will never forget. Ring us during office hours at 01728 752751, or use our website contact form.