Fun Things to Do in Bogotá with Children

With hands-on labs, compact nature walks, wide playgrounds, and a cable-car view for the photo your kids will actually like, Bogotá lines up practical family time without the theme-park fatigue.

Interactive science in Maloka 

Bogotá’s hands-on science center is full of cause-and-effect fun: light and sound experiments, tinkering corners, and a domed movie theater for immersive shows. Plan 2–3 hours, book ahead for peak times, and check the schedule for dome screenings before you go.

Location: Centro Interactivo Maloka, Cra. 68d #24A – 51

Parent tips

• Stroller-friendly, with food options nearby in Salitre Plaza.
• Time your visit mid-morning to avoid school group rush.

 

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Urban nature: Jardín Botánico + Tropicario

Shaded paths, butterflies and frogs, and the Tropicario greenhouse “world tour” through Colombia’s ecosystems—from super-páramo to tropical forests—make this a gentle adventure for little legs. Combine general garden time with a Tropicario visit for a satisfying half-day. The garden lists current prices and notes occasional Tuesday closures after holiday Mondays—always verify before you go.

 

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Malls with indoor playgrounds & game zones

When rain rolls in—or you need air-con and elevators—Bogotá’s malls are clutch. Look for branded indoor parks and kart tracks:

• Santafé (north/Usaquén): Big, modern, with Playland, cinemas, and rotating family events. Good base if you’re staying uptown.
  • Location: Cl. 185 #45-3, Suba.
• Salitre Plaza (central-west): Compact, convenient to parks and Maloka; Playland for rides and arcades.
  • Location: Cra. 68b #24-39
• Nuestro Bogotá (near the airport): Handy for flight-day timeboxes; features Super Karts and seasonal giant ball-pit slides.
  • Location: Av. Carrera 86 # 55A – 75
• Mallplaza NQS: New Fun Jungle family entertainment center with inflatable zones and kids’ areas. Location: Ave Cra 30 # 19

Parent tips

• Weekdays are calmer. Carry a small padlock for soft-play lockers when available.
• Prefer malls near your hotel to trim transport time; Santafé and Salitre Plaza are straightforward choices for most visitors.

Find the city’s top spots for upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment in our guide to Bogotá’s Best High-End Malls.

Theme-park day trip: Parque Jaime Duque (Tocancipá)

Famous for its Taj Mahal and other replicas of historic buildings, this purpose-driven foundation blends culture, gardens, and the Bioparque Wakatá (also part of the park), a conservation-oriented home for 650+ animals, with education front and center. Now, since it’s a big park, here’s our pick for a guided tour in Parque Jaime Duque. It’s a full-day that feels both fun and meaningful. Check official hours, and consider a car or van service for an easy exit with tired kids. Parent tips

• Aim for opening time; map nap windows during the drive back.
• Pack sun hats—Tocancipá sits in open savanna.

 

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Big green lungs: Parque Simón Bolívar

Think lakeside loops, playground clusters, scooters, and kite-friendly lawns. Bring a picnic and choose your micro-zone: lakes and pedal boats near Parque de Los Novios, playgrounds in the central park, or a ninja-warrior style stop at the Parque Ciudad de los Niños (a dedicated kids’ park).

Views + a ride: Monserrate (cable car or funicular)

Ride up to 3,152 m by cable car or funicular. Go early for clearer skies and shorter lines; buy tickets online to skip the ticket office and dress for wind at the top. Strollers are fine, but expect some cobblestones.

If you’re leaning into more didactic activities, check our pick for museums and historical tours.

Inside-city amusement parks: Salitre Mágico & Mundo Aventura

These classic Bogotá parks deliver big-ride energy and kiddie zones without leaving town. They’re typically DIY (no guides), so read height rules, check hours, and keep essentials in a zipped daypack.

• Mundo Aventura: 40+ attractions, from Gravity drop tower to gentler areas; the park publishes clear safety guidelines and accessibility notes—worth a read before arrival.
• Salitre Mágico: Adjacent to Simón Bolívar; roller coasters, family rides, seasonal events.

 

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Before you consider visiting an amusement park…

These venues get busy; go with locals if you can, arrive early, and secure valuables. Follow posted safety rules (height limits apply, not just age).

Sample kid-friendly days

Rain-proof half-day (Central-West)
Maloka → Lunch in Salitre → Salitre Plaza Playland or short stroll in Simón Bolívar.

Green-day combo (Uptown + Downtown view)
Jardín Botánico → Picnic in Simón Bolívar → Late-afternoon cable car to Monserrate for sunset.

Full-day with animals (Out of town)
Parque Jaime Duque → Early dinner back in Bogotá; kids sleep en route.

FAQs

Any altitude concerns for kids?
Bogotá sits at ~2,600 m (8,530 ft). Take day one easy, hydrate, and pack layers. If anyone feels headachy or nauseous, slow down and rest. Monserrate is higher and windier—bring a light jacket.

Stroller-friendly picks?
Maloka, the Botanical Garden (including Tropicario), and the main paths around Simón Bolívar are easy with wheels. Monserrate’s top area has ramps and paths, but a carrier is simpler for stairs and crowds.

When are lines shortest for Monserrate?
Early morning on weekdays. Buy tickets online, arrive at opening, and consider riding up by funicular and down by cable car (or vice versa) depending on wind.

How much time should we budget for each place?
Maloka: 2–3 hours. Botanical Garden + Tropicario: 1.5–2 hours. Simón Bolívar: 1–3 hours (loop + playground). Monserrate: 1.5–2 hours door-to-door. Jaime Duque: full day (travel + activities).

Where do we go if it rains?
Maloka (mostly indoors), the Tropicario domes (covered), and northern/west-side malls with play zones (Santafé, Parque La Colina, Multiplaza, Nuestro Bogotá, Salitre Plaza). Easy win: movie + play area + dessert.

Food and bathrooms—what’s the setup?
All featured spots have bathrooms; malls have family rooms and changing tables. Around parks, options thin out—pack snacks. For allergies, bigger malls and museum cafés are the safest bets.

Do we need cash?
Cards are accepted at major attractions and malls. Carry small bills/coins for street snacks, parking attendants, or independent vendors.

Getting around—what’s simplest with kids?
Use trusted ride-hail or hotel-arranged transport. Child seats are not standard—bring a compact travel booster if you need one.

Safety basics for busy sites and parks?
Daytime visits, keep bags zipped and front-facing, avoid phones in hands at street edges, and designate meet points with older kids. At Monserrate and amusement parks, stay in well-lit, crowded areas.

Is Jaime Duque manageable with younger kids?
Yes if you time naps in the car. Bring a stroller, plan breaks, and prioritize the Biopark and gardens over museums if attention spans are short.

Practical notes

• Closures & tickets. Many attractions adjust hours seasonally and close after holiday Mondays—double-check schedules and buy Monserrate tickets online.
• Altitude & weather. Sun + wind in the same hour is normal. Layer up, sunscreen always.
• Transport. Keep rides short by clustering plans (Maloka/Salitre area, or Botánico/Simón Bolívar).

Essentials. Refillable bottles, wipes, a tiny first-aid kit, and cash for small treats make the day smoother.