How to Reach Curitiba?
You can reach Curitiba by taking a flight to the Afonso Pena International Airport (CWB), about 18 km from Curitiba’s downtown.
Curitiba is a great place to visit with kids.
Renowned as Brazil’s modern urban green cities, there are loads to do in Curitiba with the family; from cultural landmarks to outdoor spaces. Enjoy the city and explore the sights knowing that Curitiba is a safe city, and you only need to take standard safety precautions when traveling here.
This southern Brazilian city in the Paraná region is very important for the nation’s cultural, political, and economic standing. Curitiba is one of Brazil’s main cities for a sustainable future with more green spaces than other city escapes. Kids can learn so much from a vacation to Curitiba Brazil.
See a different side to Brazil and venture further afield than a stay in Rio de Janerio. There are loads of things to see, tours to join, and plenty of activities in Curitiba to keep the family happy and have a good time.
Curitiba With Kids – Top 5 Places To Take The Family
Make discovering Curitiba with kids easy by visiting some of these amazing places. You can join an organized city walking tour, or explore the streets and historic buildings at your own pace with your family.
If you need any help finding your way around this historic district, make sure you ask at the front desk of your hotel in Curitiba for guidance or to call a taxi.
Wire Opera House
The Wire Opera House is one of the main tourist attractions in Curitiba, marked as the cultural center of the city. It is built on an abandoned quarry site, situated in Parque das Pedreiras, surrounded by luscious green forestry. It is a symbol of modern architecture with transparent ceilings and walls, combining urban and natural spaces.
Surrounded by an artificial lake, this Opera House offers a beautiful natural space for you and your kids to explore for free. To get the most out of this theatre house, check out one of the incredible shows and concerts performed throughout the year. If your lucky, you may be able to match up a date with an international big-name show.
The surrounding park is stunning, complete with cascades and South Brazil’s local plant life. The Wire Opera House really is a must-see for visitors traveling through Curitiba.
Museu Oscar Niemeyer
One of the most fascinating sights in Curitiba, and considered one of Brazil’s top museums, is the Oscar Niemeyer Museum. This marvelous designed building is home to a renowned contemporary art museum. The exterior of the building has a unique style and a distinctive Cyclops-like appearance, which has lead the local community to give it the nickname of ‘The Eye’.
There are three floors of exhibition space featuring special collections and works from some of the most famous names in contemporary art like Frida Kahlo and Andy Warhol. The exhibits are dedicated to visual arts, architecture, and design.
The museum is open every day apart from Mondays and some public holidays. Adults have to pay an admission fee, and kids under 12 and elderly over 60 can enter for free: however, the first Sunday of every month is free entry for everyone. If you can time your trip well then this is a great cost saver to tick off one of the activities in Curitiba.
Museu Oscar Niemeyer is a pleasant 20-minute walk from the center of the city if the weather is fair. If rain has set in, hop in a taxi or on the bus to enjoy the museum with dry kids!
Learn the best things to do in Curitiba, Brazil; a city often praised worldwide for its rich greenery, architecture, and cultural heritage. #Curitiba #Brazil #Parana https://t.co/7Om0dozOfT via @iheartbraziloff
— I Heart Brazil (@IHeartBrazilOff) April 16, 2021
Municipal Market & City Walks
Markets in Brazil are well known for their vibrant color and flavor – Curitiba is no different. Grab the kids and hit the Municipal City Market to explore the taste of Brazil and pick up a few souvenirs along the way. The collection of fresh produce, local spices, and organic tea are mesmerizing for visitors and the perfect way to experience the city.
Not only can you buy ingredients and good here, but you can also sample the incredible food or coffee at one of the many restaurants inside the market on the second floor. The sellers and locals are friendly and welcoming. This marketplace should definitely not be missed if you are keen on a spot of shopping while on vacation.
From the market, you can take a short walk north to Rua XV de Novembro, also known as Flower Street. This was one of the first streets of Curitiba’s downtown district that was converted into pedestrian-only and is filled with well-tended flower pots decorating the street of historical buildings and architecture. Here you will be able to watch street performers, musicians, and magicians making it an excellent choice for the kids.
Hop On / Hop Off Bus
Jump on board the hop-on / hop-off bus on the Tourism Line Bus Route – this is one of the best ways to see Curitiba City when traveling with kids. The open-top double-decker circulates through the city passing tourist hotspots including various parks, museums, theaters, viewpoints, cultural spaces, historic center, gastronomic district, memorials ethnic groups, and the Municipal Market.
Tiradentes Square is the start of the circuit, however, you can purchase a ticket and hop on the bus at any stop along the route. In the tourist high season, July and December to February, the bus operates everyday. Outside of these months the bus does not run on Mondays and public holidays. Children under 5 years go for free.
Grab a route map from a tourist information desk along with your tickets. Sights and landmarks included on the route are:
- Praça Tiradentes
- Rua das Flores & Rua 24 Horas
- Praça Rui Barbosa
- Museu Ferroviário
- Teato Paiol
- Jardim Botánico
- Mercado Municipal
- Teatro Guaíra
- Paço da Liberdade
- Memorial Árabe
- Centro Cívico
- Museu Oscar Nieymer
- Bosque do Papa & Alemão
- Universidade Livre do Meio Ambiente
- Ópera de Arame & Parque Tanguá
- Santa Felicidade
- Torre Panorâmica & Setor Histórico
Curitiba with kids could not be easier with the help of the Bus Tour. You can either use it as transport to get to all the various attractions and things to do in the city, or simply do your sightseeing from atop of the open deck double decker. Make your day exactly what you want. We do recommend you hop off at the Torre Panorâmica (Panoramic Tower) and head up to the top to get the best view of the city.
Pro Tip – When on the bus, don’t miss out on catching a glimpse of the Polish wooden houses at Bosque João Paulo II, visited by Pope John Paul II in 1980!
Parks & Outdoor Spaces
As we’ve mentioned before, Curitiba is a green city with a huge focus on sustainable living between urban and nature. So of course you would expect to find a gorgeous garden, park, or outdoor space perfect for families to explore and search. The downtown area of Curitiba has been pedestrianized with floral features to compliment shopping streets. But make sure you check out some of these beautiful spaces with the kids while you are here.
Botanical Garden
Jardim Botanico de Curitiba, or Botanical Gardens of Curitiba in English, is one of the best activities to take kids to. It is a major landmark for tourists to travel to when in South Brazil and it’s no wonder as to why. The park consists of French styled gardens, using fountains, waterfalls, and lakes to create an enchanting experience.
This outdoor space is a peaceful celebration of the beauty found in nature. As you explore and walk the grounds you will feel the luxury ooze from every twist and turn. The main greenhouse features an influence of London’s Crystal Palace Park, as an art nouveau, mid-19th century styled centerpiece to the Garden. When you travel to Brazil, this is a key place to visit with its national collection of flora.
In total, the Gardens span over 450 square meters – so there is plenty to keep the kids busy and occupied with. It is open every day to the general public and is a great free place to come and enjoy a tranquil afternoon.
Parque Tanguá
Tangua Park is another awesome location to come and enjoy an afternoon in a big open space. It is open to the public every day and is on the Tourist Bus Route Line. Keep your eyes peeled for the wild flora and fauna in the area and enjoy the views of the waterfall cascading down the park cliffside.
There are an excellent view and lookout points from the main building of the park. Make sure you bring your camera to capture and save the memory.
Parque Barigui
Another city park, Barigui Park is one of the best places to takes kids in Curitiba. There is loads of space for children to play, adults to exercise, and family picnics. One of the popular reasons to visit this park is to see the wild Capybaras – a giant cavy rodent native to South America that is harmless to humans and very popular with the kids.
From Parque Barigui you can join an Arte Bike Tour with Kuritbike to experience something different and see a different side of Curitiba with the kids.
Did you know?
Catedral Basílica de Curitiba which was inaugurated back in the year 1892, underwent complete restoration in 2012. Inspired by Barcelona’s metropolitan cathedral, this is one of the historic buildings in the area that is a must visit.
Bosque Alemão
Also on the Tourist Bus Line is Bosque Alemão – a purpose-built park to celebrate the German immigrants who settled in Curitiba in the early 19th century. This is a perfect place to bring children to exercise their imagination if you are in the area.
Explore the Hansel & Gretal Trail and find the Gingerbread House in the center of the park. On Saturday afternoons, children can listen to the famous Grimm’s Tales told by the old croon (witch) in the house.
Passeio Público
A historic urban park with a lake and several trails to explore – Passeio Público is another great outdoor space to discover Curitiba with kids. It is set on 17 acres and is one of the oldest natural spaces in Curitiba. Hike, bike, or perhaps pedal the lake in a swan boat, there is plenty to keep the whole family happy for a full day.
Just make a note to check the date you want to travel here. This park is closed on Monday, but is open Tuesday to Sunday from 6 am to 8 pm.
Trips to do from Curitiba, Brazil
Curitiba not only has loads to offer in the center, but it also acts as a great base for further travel into South Brazil. So if you want to explore more and get off the beaten track, why not book a tour to one of these amazing locations outside of Curitiba.
Waterfalls
Chasing waterfalls creates some of the best vacation memories for kids and adults alike. From Curitiba, you can easily travel inland to the Brazilian and Argentine border to see the amazing Iguazu Falls, Brazil‘s most spectacular collection of cascades.
Beach
For an adventure a little bit closer to Curitiba, why not head to the coast and hit the beach for a day. Paranaguá is only a short drive and offers some great oceanic activities and aquariums to keep the kids busy for a day or two.
If you fancied going further afield, then head up the coast to Sao Paulo for a night or two. It is the next biggest tourist hot spot and has even more attractions to make the family happy.
Pro Tip
If you happen to be in Curitiba around the weekend, make sure you attend the much celebrated Largo da Ordem Fair. Held in the historic district on the Largo da Ordem Street, this traditional fair is a Sunday staple. Kick-starting at 8:30 am lasting until 2 pm, the fair is teeming with handicrafts, local delicacies and more.
Morretes Day Trip
For something a little different, jump on board the mountain rail line for a Train Excursion to Morretes – a comfortable trip through the mountains to a historical town. You will see colonial houses, old craft markets perfect for shopping, and historical churches. The kids can learn about the area’s history from the guide and you can all enjoy a traditional Paraná regional lunch.
FAQ
What are the top attractions to visit in Curitiba with family?
The top attraction to visit in Curitiba with family is the Hop On / Hop Off Bus Route which takes a circular route of the city, passing important landmarks along with Curitiba’s historic center. The best thing about this attraction is that you and the kids can choose where to jump off and explore Curitiba more. Be sure to grab a route map so you can keep track of where you are on the circuit.
What are the best outdoor activities in Curitiba with family?
Curitiba is filled with outdoor activities perfect for a family vacation with the best being Bosque Alemão. This park transports children to a fairytale world as they follow the Hansel & Gretal Trail to discover the Gingerbread House and hear other tales told. Other parks and outdoor spaces display the region’s beautiful flora and fauna, perfect for the whole family.
What are the most popular things to do in Curitiba with family?
Botanical Garden of Curitiba, The Wire Opera House, and Oscar Niemeyer Museum in the civic center are the most popular things to do in Curitiba with family. These three locations offer culture, history, and nature and are iconic of Curitiba and the South Brazil region. Most hotel front desks will be able to help direct you to these places in the city.
