Buenos Aires · Argentina · Things to do
5 things to do in Buenos Aires with kids
The five best things to do in Buenos Aires with kids are Caminito in La Boca, the Obelisk on Avenida 9 de Julio, the elegant district of Recoleta, street tango in San Telmo and La Boca, and the big parks of Palermo. They are spread across the city but connect by metro and taxi, and most work in a few hours, which suits late Argentine schedules.
What to do, in order
- 1
See the Caminito
Caminito is a short pedestrian street in La Boca, lined with houses painted in strong colours, tango dancers, artists and souvenir stalls. It is the postcard image of the neighbourhood, and children enjoy the colours. Stay on the main tourist block, visit in daylight, and take a taxi in and out rather than walking through the surrounding streets. If your family likes football, the Boca Juniors stadium, La Bombonera, is close by and has a museum.
- 2
Stand at the Obelisk
The Obelisk is a tall white monument built in 1936, standing on the Plaza de la República where Avenida 9 de Julio, one of the widest avenues in the world, crosses Corrientes. It is the symbol of the city and a handy meeting point. You cannot usually go up, so it is a quick stop and a photo. Corrientes, the theatre street nearby, is lively in the evening, with bookshops open late and pizza places that suit families.
- 3
Explore grand Recoleta
Recoleta is the elegant district of wide avenues and French-style buildings. Its cemetery is a city of ornate tombs and stone angels, including the resting place of Eva Perón, and children are often intrigued by it. Outside, a weekend crafts fair sells toys, jewellery and leather goods in the park. Cafes along the avenue serve medialunas, small sweet croissants, which children enjoy at breakfast. Go in the morning, and combine it with the nearby Floralis Genérica sculpture.
- 4
Watch a street tango
Tango began in the working-class neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires, and street dancers still perform in San Telmo and La Boca. On Sundays, San Telmo's market along Calle Defensa fills with stalls, antiques and musicians, and dancers perform in Plaza Dorrego. Street performers expect a tip, so carry small notes. For a more formal show, many tango venues offer early shows suitable for families, though most evening dinner shows start late. Keep an eye on bags in the crowd.
- 5
Stroll the leafy parks
Palermo's parks, the Bosques de Palermo, are the best green space in the city, with wide lawns, a lake with paddle boats, a rose garden and a Japanese garden. Families spread out on weekends with picnics, and bikes can be rented. The Costanera Sur nature reserve, near the port, offers flat walking paths and birdlife. Parks are busiest on Sunday afternoons, which makes them lively but not quiet. Go in the morning for space, and take water and sun cover.
Plan it
- Best time
- March to May and September to November, when the weather is mild. December to February is hot and humid, and June to August is cool and dry.
- How long
- Three to four days covers these five. Buenos Aires runs late, so allow slow mornings after late dinners.
- Getting around
- The Subte metro is cheap and covers the centre, and taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy. Use a rechargeable SUBE card for the metro and buses.
Good to know
- Keep phones and bags out of sight, and avoid wandering outside the tourist streets in La Boca.
- Eat dinner earlier than locals do, and ask for children's portions or share plates.
- Carry small notes, since street performers, markets and small cafes often prefer cash.
Frequently asked
Is Buenos Aires good for kids? +
Yes. It has large parks, easy food, street performers and many family activities. The main things to manage are late dinners, summer heat and keeping an eye on belongings in crowded areas.
Is La Boca safe to visit? +
The Caminito tourist block is busy and generally fine in daylight, but the surrounding streets are not recommended for walking. Take a taxi in and out, and keep valuables out of sight.
When is the best time to visit Buenos Aires? +
March to May and September to November, when it is mild. Summer, from December to February, is hot and humid, and winter is cool but dry and quiet, with fewer visitors.
Where can you see tango in Buenos Aires? +
For free, on the street in San Telmo and La Boca, especially on Sundays at the San Telmo market. For a proper show, look for venues with early family-friendly performances.