Colombia's magic is not just a tale to be heard, but a reality to be experienced. From the beaches of the captivating Caribbean coastline to sweeping Andean vistas to awe-inspiring emerald jungles, South America's northernmost country offers unexpected surprises for families. Significant improvements in security and tourism infrastructure have rendered travel safe in the majority of Colombia, offering parents some peace of mind when visiting family-first cultural attractions and planning unforgettable escapades. Colombia holds plenty of space for children to let their imagination run wild and free and for the enchantment to reveal itself naturally. 

Is Colombia a suitable location for children?

One of the nicest parts of traveling with children to Colombia is that it's easy to keep them involved, whether they're weaving a basket with a local artist in the Amazon or playing in a metropolitan park with other kids. Many museums and attractions in the nation provide reduced entry for children under 12 (up to 50% off the standard price), while some are free. In Bogotá, over 50 museums and art galleries provide free or discounted admission on the last Sunday of each month.

Dining out in Colombia is frequently a family event, thus there are several restaurants that cater to children.Andrés Carne de Res, noted for its colorful ambiance and authentic Colombian cuisine, offers face painting and crafts, as well as a petting zoo and playground at its original Chia site. Other kid-friendly restaurants include Crepes & Waffles, El Corral, Frisby, and Archy's. Other options include a children's menu, reduced servings, high chairs, and, on occasion, activities and games. Food service might take a long time, so have snacks on hand at all times.

Fortunately, several bakeries, mom-and-pop convenience shops, and mobile food carts supply the need for fast snacks. Colombian food mixes recognizable tastes with mild spices, making it suitable for young palates. Arepas (corn-flour pancakes) are a common complement to breakfast, lunch, and supper, which often includes chicken with rice and crispy fried plantains. Most meals include delicious, freshly squeezed juices produced from the country's numerous exotic fruits. It's a great way to try various tastes while staying hydrated.

Where are the finest spots to visit in Colombia with children?

When looking for the best places for a family vacation in Colombia, one's attention naturally turns to a flawless travel experience. Colombia's international gateway towns, including Bogotá, Medellín, Cali, and Cartagena, provide kid-friendly cultural activities, parks, and shopping options. The attractiveness of these large cities stems from their complex tapestry of history and modernity, which provides a mix of educational opportunities and urban entertainment.

However, Colombia's tourism opportunities extend well beyond its cities. Families looking to immerse themselves in the country's incredible biodiversity and natural beauties may appreciate exploring smaller communities that offer adventurous activities and are close to national parks. Escape Medellín's urban bustle and visit the colorful village of Guatapé, where intriguing architecture meets leisure activities on a scenic reservoir. From Cali, visit the San Cipriano Rainforest Reserve for river tubing and a journey on an abandoned train through the rainforest. Explore the stunning Tayrona National Park and the world's highest coastal mountains, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, east of Cartagena. Bogotá's short domestic flights provide quick access to amazing sites like the Amazon, the Coffee Triangle, and the Caribbean islands of San Andrés and Providencia, which are closer to Nicaragua than Colombia's coast.

Best activities in Colombia for infants and toddlers

Parque Tayrona, one of Colombia's most popular national parks, is home to some of the country's most picturesque beaches, along with lots of soft sand for hours of sensory play. The park, which encompasses over 100 square miles of untamed splendor, is full with spectacular panoramas, including the extremely famous Cabo San Juan del Guia. That area takes a lengthy jungle journey to get, which may be difficult when bringing young children, diapers, food, towels, toys, and other beach essentials.

Bahia Concha and Playa Cañaveral provide a more accessible seaside experience. Bahia Concha, located at the park's western extremity near Santa Marta, is a peaceful refuge in the form of a gorgeous horseshoe-shaped bay. The waters here are calm, making it ideal for a worry-free plunge with your young swimmer. When nap time calls, rentable tents and lounge chairs provide shaded relief. You also do not have to leave your seat to order food or drinks.

Playa Cañaveral, situated on the eastern edge of the park, is more than simply a day trip destination. Stay at Ecohabs Tequendama inside the park boundaries. The decked-out huts provide the best of both worlds: closeness to the ocean, so near you can almost hear the waves lapping, and a degree of comfort that ensures the family's safety.

Take to the streets during Bogotá's monthly Sunday Ciclovía.

Every Sunday, 128 kilometers (80 miles) of Bogotá's major thoroughfares shut to vehicle traffic between 7am and 2pm for the Ciclovía. This car-free day is a breath of fresh air contrasted to the city's ever-present traffic snarl. Families take to the streets on bikes, skateboards, scooters, roller skates, hoverboards, wagons, and tricycles, weaving through the urban landscape along these leisure lanes. The routes connect the city's green spaces, historic sites, and museums, including the Museo de los Niños near Parque Simón Bolivar, the graffiti of La Candelaria, and the Mercado de las Pulgas, a weekend event featuring crafts, food, and entertainment in the affluent suburb of Usaquén.

Throughout the day, bike shops across the city rent bikes, replace flat tires, and manage other catastrophes. However, child carriers are hard to come by. Bogota Travel Tours in La Candelaria offers four-hour bike rentals with a baby seat and helmet for COP $70,000 (about US$19). If you can't find a bike, it's completely okay to go out on foot with the kids in a stroller.