Santiago Can Be an Overwhelming City

With nearly 8 million residents and constant expansion reaching new areas, Chile’s capital might seem like a place many people, including families with children, would prefer to skip when planning their visit to Chile.

However, the reality is far from that perception. Santiago is a city that offers countless activities and interesting spots for families with kids to enjoy a well-deserved vacation in this part of South America.

Below, we’ll present a list of activities you can do with children while savoring the slow travel experience that Santiago has to offer.

1. City Tour Through Santiago’s Historic Center

Start your family trip by visiting the historic center of Santiago. Iconic landmarks such as the Santiago Cathedral, the National History Museum, and the revamped Museum of Santiago are just a few of the places to explore during your first stop in this area.

After visiting these sites, we recommend trying some local fast food and discovering the charm of the captivating Portal Fernández Concha. Once home to exclusive European restaurants, it now offers a vibrant selection of eateries showcasing Chilean sandwiches and hot dogs. Don’t miss specialties like the Completo Italiano (a hot dog with tomato, avocado, and mayonnaise), the Chorrillana (a bed of fries topped with cooked meat, fried onions, and fried eggs), or the Palta Reina (a salad of lettuce topped with half an avocado filled with a chicken and mayonnaise mixture). These delights are especially popular at spots like the renowned Portal Ex-Bahamondes, the birthplace of the “Completo Italiano.”

A stroll along Paseo Bandera, Barrio La Bolsa, and around the La Moneda Palace are also must-do activities for your first day of exploring.

2. Lunch at Peumayen: Ancestral Cuisine

Chilean cuisine is steadily gaining international recognition, thanks to renowned establishments like Boragó and Pulpería Santa Elvira. In the heart of Barrio Bellavista, you’ll find Peumayen, an intimate restaurant that celebrates Chile’s rich culinary heritage and indigenous traditions.

Peumayen offers a culinary journey featuring ingredients and dishes that range from northern Chilean tubers to fish like corvina, trout, or salmon, as well as grains such as quinoa, sweet potato, and corn custard.

The excellent service and welcoming ambiance make it a perfect spot for a family meal, adding to your memorable experience in Santiago.

La Panera: Peumayen’s signature appetizer

3. San Cristóbal Hill: Cable Car and Funicular

Enjoying Santiago from above with your family is a must. From the Pío Nono entrance in Barrio Bellavista, take the historic funicular, which has offered locals and visitors breathtaking views of Santiago since 1925.

At the summit, treat yourself to the local classic Mote con Huesillos—a sweet, alcohol-free dessert made with mote (cooked wheat) and a syrup of dried peaches boiled with panela (unrefined sugar flavored with cloves and cinnamon).

Climb a few steps to visit the Virgin Mary statue, a French-made monument watching over Santiago’s Catholic community, and take the Santiago Cable Car, a gondola system that has become one of the city’s top attractions.

4. Bicentennial Park

Located in the Vitacura district, this is one of Santiago’s most beautiful parks, offering various activities for kids. Explore its small lagoon with koi fish and black-necked swans or enjoy the nearby playgrounds.

Tip: Pair your visit with lunch at the highly regarded Mestizo Restaurant, known for its stunning architecture by Chilean architect Smiljan Radić and exquisite dishes.

5. Quinta Normal and its Museums

Located in central Santiago, Quinta Normal is an ideal spot for children to explore and discover its wonders. The park features a boating lagoon and museums like the National Museum of Natural History, the Artequín Museum (housed in a structure originally showcased at the 1890 Paris World’s Fair), and the Railway Museum.

Spanning over 12 square kilometers (4.6 square miles), this area is perfect for a full day of adventure and learning.

Pro Tip: Ask for a photo session in this area! We highly recommend Gloria Henriquez (@gloriosa_fotografia on Instagram) for some incredible pictures of your visit to this area!

A family photo session at Parque Quinta Normal can be an excellent idea!

6. Museo Interactivo Mirador (MIM)

Located in La Florida, the Museo Interactivo Mirador, Interactive Museum of Mirador (MIM) is a hands-on experience for kids and adults alike. Since its opening in 2000, MIM has offered engaging exhibits combining physics, chemistry, and geology.

Highlights include a real-scale earthquake simulator, a Van de Graaff generator, and a bed of nails. The museum features more than 14 themed rooms, including the recently opened Fungi Room, which presents a fun and educational exploration of the fascinating world of mushrooms.

Without a doubt, this is a favorite activity for families!

We could share many more recommendations, but we’d love for you to discover them with us. At Pucará Travel, we offer personalized and private programs for families with all the comforts, such as child seats and itineraries tailored to family needs and rest periods. Contact us to enjoy a unique and intimate visit to Santiago, Chile!

Is Santiago a family friendly city?