It’s relatively easy to get to (through Baltra Airport in the north and the Port Ayora in the south) and with plenty of accommodation options and a multitude of wildlife-viewing opportunities, Santa Cruz makes an excellent land base for families prone to seasickness and looking to avoid a cruise.

The island emerged from the sea millions of years ago as a jet of hot molten rock. Today its cactus-studded coastline and densely vegetated interior showcase all the forces that transformed a pile of barren rocks into a biological wonderland, changing our understanding of life altogether.

But the island’s oddly assorted cast of characters makes a trip to this remote Pacific island so memorable for kids. From salt-spitting iguanas and wide-eyed sea lions to lumbering giant tortoises and dancing boobies, aspiring Attenboroughs find Santa Cruz a paradise.

To get the most out of your visit to Santa Cruz Island with kids, here are four fun activities, one family-friendly place to stay and one great place to eat.

Activity 1: Bask Alongside Marine Iguanas

Strolling the beach with a marine iguana. Does it get more Galapagos than that?

On the southern coast of Santa Cruz you’ll find Tortuga Bay, easily one of the most spectacular beaches in the Galapagos. Not to mention, it recently claimed fame as TripAdvisor’s 10th Top Beach in the World. This remote strip of coastline can only be accessed by boat or on foot (a 50-minute walk on a paved trail from Puerto Ayora). Its powdery, pale white sands stretch for over a kilometer. But best of all, they and are flecked with dozens of dark grey marine iguanas performing sun salutations–a magical experience for anyone visiting the Galapagos with kids.

Endemic to the Galapagos, the marine iguana is the only lizard in the world to have adapted to sea life and is an excellent example of how animals modified themselves to survive in these volcanic, infertile lands. Although it’s tempting to follow the iguanas into the translucent waves, the strong currents make Tortuga Bay a dangerous spot for swimming.

If you continue on foot past the rocky outcrop at the far end of the beach, however, you reach Playa Mansa, a hidden bay protected by dense mangroves. The sheltered, clear waters are a perfect snorkeling site and are home to sea turtles, rays and marine iguanas. You can rent a kayak at the far end of the beach. Find out more: See TripAdvisor reviews of this beach.

Tip: Bring plenty of water and snacks as there are no shops or restaurants here.

Activity 2: Discover the Land of the Giants

The highlands of Santa Cruz in the center of the island have become a sanctuary for one of the Galapagos’s most iconic inhabitants, the giant tortoise. These prehistoric-looking creatures not only gave their name to the islands (Galapago means tortoise in Spanish). They are the species that first alerted Darwin to differences between animals on different islands. (The British vice-governor of the islands told Darwin he could tell which island a tortoise came from just from the shape of its shell).

Some of the best giant tortoise watching in the wild can be found in El Chato Tortoise Reserve. Near the village of Santa Rosa, you can find dozens of them slowly navigating their way around mounds of tall grass or wallowing in muddy lagoons. In contrast to the arid lowlands, the vegetation here is thick, green and often shrouded in mist. All of which provides an ideal habitat for these elephantine reptiles whose ancestors were carried to the Galapagos on rafts of vegetation from the rainforests of South America.

The tortoise reserve also has a number of underground lava tunnels that are fun to explore and at the end of the tour, kids can crawl inside an empty shell of a giant tortoise – cameras at the ready! Find out more: El Chato Tortoise Reserve

Click the upper right corner to open this map in a new window. This feature continues below…

Activity 3: Pay Homage to Lonesome George

Besides Darwin’s groundbreaking revelations, one of the most remarkable wildlife discoveries ever made took place in 1972 on Isla Pinta, the northernmost island in the archipelago. The discovery of a male Pinta tortoise, a species presumed extinct in 1906, rocked the scientific community. (Hunting and human introduction of invasive species such as goats, rats and pigs had destroyed the tortoises’ natural habitat).

Park rangers transported the surviving tortoise to a protected reserve in Santa Cruz where they named him Lonesome George. When he died in 2012 he had become a global conservation icon. His body, preserved by taxonomists in New York, can now be seen on display at the Charles Darwin Research Station in Puerto Ayora. He remains a symbol of hope for endangered species around the world.

That idea perplexed my daughter – how is being the last of one’s kind hopeful? – and she asked the guide about it. That prompted an interesting discussion about how the Galapagos Islands are a marvel of biodiversity and what happens when humans upset the delicate balance of our planet. Find out more: Official site of The Charles Darwin Research Station

Activity 4: Hang Out with the Local Hustlers at the Fish Market

The Galapagos Islands are one of the few places in the world where wild animals show no fear of humans and there can be no better demonstration of this than at the fish market in Puerto Ayora. Sitting at the water’s edge, this tiny, unassuming market is little more than a long concrete slab. Yet that slap is laden with hefty tuna, shiny snapper, and crates of scrambling lobsters.

What makes it special is the crowd it attracts. Locals from all over Santa Cruz Island gather here daily to pick up their dinner. That includes, much to the delight of tourists, locals of the non-human kind. Sea lions sidle up to the counter and, watch closely. When backs are turned, will snatch whatever they can reach before hot-flippering it down the street.

Beady-eyed pelicans swoop in from the skies, scooping up whatever they can get away with before being swatted away by irate fishmongers. Children find all of this hilarious, and you don’t need to make any purchases to get immense entertainment here.

Find out more: Read visitor reviews at TripAdvisor

1 Great Place to Stay: Galapagos Safari Camp

Tucked away in the central highlands, between Santa Cruz’s two main ports, the secluded Galapagos Safari Camp makes an ideal base for families looking to the escape the crowds and fully immerse themselves in the wilds of the Galapagos. The eco-luxe camp sits high on a ridge overlooking dense canopy of the National Park and the Pacific.

Families can opt to stay in the spacious three-bedroom family suite that sits above the kids’ club. Or if they prefer, in one of the nine teak-floored safari tents. Raised high above the ground on wooden platforms, the tents are light and airy. There’s ample room for a family of four (age limits apply). And for for birdwatching-in-bed, simply roll up the large flaps in the canvas walls (highly recommended!). Plus, sliding glass doors open on to private balconies where you can soak up a misty sunrise, coffee in hand.

In the highlands, temperatures are cooler at night, making it ideal for visitors to Santa Cruz Island with kids–or without. That means mosquitoes are seldom a concern and air conditioning is, thankfully, not required. During the cooler season, staff light fires in the main lodge. And don’t be surprised to find hot water bottles under bed sheets once you return from dinner.

It’s notable enough to be the only hotel in the archipelago with a kids’ club. But what makes Galapagos Safari Camp especially family-friendly? The founders raised their two children here. Stephanie Bonham-Carter and Michael Mesdag know first-hand what it takes to create engaging, educational experiences. They created a special six-night ‘Family Safari’, designed to meet the needs and interests of every member of the family.

Foodies will also enjoy the meals here. Like every service the hotel offers, the menus can adapt to meet specific needs. Find out more: http://www.galapagossafaricamp.com/

1 Great Place to Eat: La Garrapata

Looking for a great place to eat while visiting Santa Cruz Island with kids? Just a five-minute walk from Puerto Ayora’s main jetty is La Garrapata; it’s one of the oldest restaurants in the Galapagos and one of the most popular on Santa Cruz Island.

Located on the water’s front, this rustic, open-aired restaurant ticks all the boxes bar one: it faces the street. But don’t let its view put you off! (Or its name, for that matter: garrapata is Spanish for ‘tick’, as in the blood-sucking parasite).

Seafood is the star attraction here. Try it grilled, steamed, fried or bathed in coconut or pepper sauces. What’s more, you’ll find pasta and meat options as well, ensuring there’s something to please everyone. Find out more: La Garrapata

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Positioned on the rugged Pacific coastline, the city spreads out along the shore with much of the capital perched high up on imposing cliff tops overlooking the ocean. Its seaside location means that the city can be grey and drizzly at times but fortunately there are lots of indoor events to enjoy. Peru’s capital is home to excellent pre-Columbian museums, contemporary art and photography galleries, and some fun, hands-on activities for families.

If you’ll be visiting Lima with kids, here are my 4 top-recommended activities, along with suggestions for 1 great place to stay and 1 great place to eat while you are there.  

The 411 on Lima with Kids

Activity 1: Learn and Create at the ChocoMuseo

Hands-on learning for mini chefs make the Choco Museo a favorite stop for families visiting Lima with kids.

Lima might be most famous for its ceviche and cuy (yep, that’s guinea pig!), but kids are more likely to enjoy its chocolate. And what better place to learn about this food of the Mayan gods than at the ChocoMuseo?

Lima is home to two branches of this popular Latin American chocolate museum and workshop chain, one in the neighborhood of Miraflores and the other in Barranco. Both museums offer the same menu of activities allowing kids, and adults, the chance to get their hands dirty. Particular favorites for younger children are the ‘Bean to Bar’ and the Mini Chef classes.

Both workshops give a brief history of chocolate before children are let loose to create their own chocolate bars topped with all manner of brightly coloured sprinkles. Both branches also have a café where you can enjoy a hot chocolate or just a very good coffee. Find out more: https://www.chocomuseo.com/english/our-locations/miraflores-per/  

Activity 2: Get Snap Happy at MATE

Photography on a grand scale at this fun Lima gallery.

Peru’s most famous photographer is also the founder of the popular MATE – Museo Mario Testino. Established in 2012 by the fashion photographer himself, the space showcases Testino’s work alongside that of Peruvian artists and a handful of international talents. The ground floor houses Mario Testino’s permanent collection and includes shots of celebrities including Kate Moss and Madonna (who my nine-year-old daughter did not recognize in the slightest!).

Upstairs is the excellent Alta Moda series, a series of portraits of Peruvian locals from the Andean region of Cusco, taken by Testino. There is also a separate room dedicated to the photographer’s portraits of Princess Diana. The prints are enormous, with many covering entire walls, and the museum was one of our trip highlights. Find out more: http://www.mate.pe/en/

Activity 3: Stroll (or Bike!) El Malecón

Enjoy the views from Lima’s six-mile Malecon.

Often referred to as the Garden City, leafy Lima has some wonderful parks, especially in the upmarket neighborhood of Miraflores. Here, the government has poured money into renovating El Malecón, a six-mile stretch of green space that runs along the cliff tops with views over the Pacific Ocean. This long, paved pathway is ideal for walking, running, paragliding or cycling.

Along the way you’ll pass statues created by famed Peruvian artists including the Intihuatana (sun anchor) and El Beso (the kiss) that sit either side of the Villena Bridge. Bike Tours of Lima rents bikes for kids aged 10+.  Baby bike seats (for kids aged 1-5 years) are also available. Find out more: www.biketoursoflima.com 

Activity 4: Dance in the Fountains

Magic, color, and fantasy mix in this family-friendly fountain complex.

Guaranteed to please the kids is Lima’s fantastical Circuito Magico del Agua (The Magic Water Circuit). This complex of 13 illuminated fountains in the Parque de la Reserva was inaugurated in 2007. It fast became one of the capital’s main attractions.

The star of the show is the Fuente de la Fantasia (Fantasia fountain): a 120-metre-long fountain that bursts into life every evening. It’s a spectacular choreographed show of lights, lasers, water and music. What the kids will really love, however, are the interactive fountains including the Laberinto del Ensueño (Maze of Dreams). Good luck trying to reach the center of the maze without getting wet.

Tip: Bring a change of clothes!  Find out more: http://www.circuitomagicodelagua.com.pe/   

1 Great Place to Stay: Tierra Viva

Take advantage of this Tierra Viva hotel’s great location in Miraflores.

Tierra Viva is a small chain of cozy hotels located in Peru’s main destinations. The hotels are comfortable, personal and very good value for money and the Lima branch is no exception. Located in the upmarket Miraflores neighbourhood, not far from the Malecon, this is a great option for families looking to explore Lima’s main sites. Rooms are simple and welcoming but not built for spending much time in – you’ll be too busy sightseeing instead!

The hotel operates on a B&B basis only meaning you’ll have to go elsewhere for lunch and dinner. Fortunately, you can simply stroll to some of Lima’s best restaurants. Also nearby is Kennedy Park, once famous for being home to dozens of stray cats. The feline residents are being moved on but you might see one or two still lying out in the sunshine. Find out more: http://tierravivahoteles.com/

1 Great Place to Eat: La Barra Moreya in Astrid y Gaston

Dinner at the more wallet-friendly La Barra.

You will eat well almost everywhere in Lima. However, if you’re looking for a top-notch Peruvian dining experience treat yourself to a meal at Astrid y Gaston. This chichi restaurant is located in a beautifully renovated 17th century plantation house, Casa Moreyra, and is frequently ranked as one of the best in in Latin America (if not the world).

Not surprisingly, such accolades come at a price. So if you’re looking for something a little more wallet-friendly, try their casual dining option, La Barra Moreya. Located in the same building, adjacent to Astrid y Gaston, the food here is excellent. We ordered a few dishes from the various menus – del mar (from the sea), del campo (from the countryside), and de la ciudad (from the city) – and everything was absolutely delicious. As were the pisco sours!  Find out more: http://www.astridygaston.com/  

For more help planning your Peru family vacation, check out the Peru with Kids guide and don’t miss The 411 on Peru’s Sacred Valley with Kids

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The Chilean capital is filled with excellent museums and art galleries, a mixture of stately and contemporary architecture, leafy parks and grand plazas, and a buzzing food and drink scene. It’s a safe city and easy to get around (the metro is efficient and Uber works well here, too). What’s more, there is lots to do with children. If you’ll be visiting Santiago with kids, here are 4 great things to do along with 1 great place to stay and 1 great place to eat while you are there.

Activity 1: Reach for the stars at Sky Costanera

Admiring the view from Gran Torre Santiago on a visit to Santiago with kids.

Get the lay of the land with a trip to the top of the Gran Torre Santiago. At 300 meters high (984 feet), it’s almost the same height as the Eiffel Tower and holds the record for being the tallest tower in Latin America. The ultra modern steel and glass structure dwarfs its neighbors and super-speed elevators transport you up the 64 floors to the top.

From the double-height observation deck the city spreads out below you and the Andes mountains stand guard in the distance. For something a little different, visit at night and see the city lights illuminate the streets. You’ll find ticket office on the basement floor of the tower in the Costanera shopping mall. Find out more:  http://www.skycostanera.cl

Activity 2: Step into The Future

Color, light, culture! Kids explore the Santiago Cultural Center.

The futuristic Centro Cultural La Moneda (CCPLM) is one of the capital’s newest art and cultural spaces and is a must-visit in Santiago. Located beneath the Plaza de la Ciudadania, the capacious modern space houses regularly changing exhibitions of Latin American art and photography. A permanent exhibition showcases some of the best arts and crafts from around Chile, including delicate textiles and beautiful jewellery.

A selection of this artesania is also for sale in the center shop. The temporary exhibitions when we visited were fun and hands-on, in particular the Pinta Con Luz (Painting with Light) exhibit. Here, we created our own self-portraits using a camera set to a long exposure and a hula hoop ringed with little lights – cue some very crazy photos! Find out more: http://www.ccplm.cl/sitio/

Activity 3: Get Arty

Kids love the hands-on art exhibits at Santiago’s Artequin.

Families will love Artequin, a fantastic hands-on museum where kids can get up close and personal with dozens of replicas of famous paintings. The idea is to educate and inspire kids about art through interactive displays; children can replicate Munch’s Scream, get creative with giant building blocks or dress up as their favourite artist. When we visited my children were transformed into Andy Warhol and Frida Kahlo!

The building itself is just as impressive and it is worth visiting for the architecture alone. The museum is housed within Paris Pavilion, which was built in France in 1889 to represent Chile in the Universal Exposition of Paris (the same expo that the Eiffel Tower was built for). Once the expo was over, the Pavilion was dismantled, shipped to Chile and reassembled. The museum is located in front of the Quinta Normal Park. Find out more: http://www.artequin.cl/

Activity 4: Get Outside

One of many playgrounds found in Santiago’s Bicentario Park.

Santiago is home to a number of excellent parks and green spaces and one of our favorites was Park Bicentenario. Located in the northeast of the city, the park is very popular and if you visit on the weekends or on National Holidays, you may feel like the entire population of Santiago has joined you!

In spite of (or perhaps, because of) the crowds, the atmosphere is jolly and welcoming, and there’s lots to keep kids busy in addition to just running around outside. A number of playgrounds are scattered throughout the park with climbing nets, slides, swings and more, and there’s a small pellet dispenser near the pond where kids can feed the ducks and fish.

1 Great Place to Stay in Santiago with Kids: Meridiano Sur Petit Hotel

A family-friendly room at Meridiano Sur, Santiago.

Family-run Meridiano Sur Petit Hotel is utterly charming and a wonderful place to stay. Located in the neighborhood of Providencia, this once weary old townhouse is now a bright eight-bedroom bolthole. Each room boasts the name of a region in Chile. Among them, a generous family room that can sleep up to four people. In addition, enjoy two cozy living rooms, a library and a terrace.

What I really love about this place, however, is the décor. Woven textiles add a splash of color to otherwise simple white rooms and Chilean poetry decorates the walls. The hotel serves a very good breakfast but you’ll have to eat out for lunch and dinner. Fortunately you are well placed to enjoy many of Santiago’s best restaurants. Find out more: http://www.meridianosur.cl/

1 Great Place to Eat in Santiago with Kids: Peluqueria Francesa

The quirky Peluqueria restaurant is a hit with grownups and kids alike.

Located in El Barrio Yungay, in the old town, is this “French Barber Shop.” But don’t let the name deceive you. This is a fabulously quirky restaurant that sits alongside and above a traditional barber’s salon. Tables are spread throughout a handful of bright rooms and cozy nooks and the walls are covered in framed posters, gilt-edged mirrors and an eclectic selection of memorabilia, including wooden bird cages and old crockery. Vintage lamps stand in corners and old chandeliers hang from above.

The extensive menu includes a small section for kids (mine had hamburgers when we visited) and the food is good. Service, however, is not snappy so arrive early to grab a table. Find out more:  https://www.boulevardlavaud.cl/ 

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Established by the Spanish, Granada quickly became a key trade hub which, in turn, made it a prime target for pirates. Today, remnants of this ‘Golden Age of Piracy’ remain; look for La Polvora Fortress, which once stored the city’s gunpowder and the rusty cannons on the now peaceful shores of Lake Nicaragua.

Despite its turbulent history, Granada remains a very pretty city set against a backdrop of lakes and volcanoes. The streets present a carnival of color with buildings painted varying shades of blues, yellows and reds. And the compact can easily be covered on foot. If you’re traveling with babies or toddlers a baby carrier is a better match for the city’s cobbled streets than a stroller.

If you’ll be visiting Granada with kids, here the top 4 activities I’d recommend you do, along with my suggestions of 1 great place to stay and 1 great place to eat while you are there.

Activity 1: Take a Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride

Explore Granada by horse and cart.

One of the best ways to explore Granada with kids is by taking a tour of the city in a horse-drawn carriage. Horses and their brightly-painted carriages line up outside the Hotel Plaza Colon in Plaza Cristobal Colon (also known as Parque Central), and it’s up to you to choose your trusty steeds. Our hotel advised us to pick healthy-looking horses as this encourages their owners to look after them. Tours of the city streets usually take one hour and cost US $20. Often the drivers will share a potted history of Granada as you amble along, including tales of piracy, freebooters and filibusters! English speaking drivers are available.  You can read more about our own experience riding in a horse-drawn carriage in Granada here.

Activity 2: Make Your Own Chocolate Bar

Kids keep busy at Granada’s Choco Museo.

Nicaragua has been growing cacao for centuries but it’s only recently that the country has emerged as a world-class cocoa producer. Housed within the boutique hotel, Mansion de Chocolate, the Choco Museo was established to teach chocolate fans about the history and production of their favorite treat. A handful of workshops are offered including the ‘Cacao Bean to Chocolate Bar’ class that combines the history of cacao with hands-on chocolatey fun.  When my kids took part in this class their guide, Ismael, had them performing a tribal dance around a fire used for roasting cacao beans and taste-testing ingredients for chocolate drinks. And, at the end, the kids got to take home their very own, homemade chocolate bar.  Visit the Choco Museum’s website here and read more about our visit in this article.

 Activity 3: Zip Along a Volcano 

Kids zip with ease–and experienced guides.

Rising high above Granada is Mombacho volcano, one of the country’s most iconic landmarks and the setting for some of its most enjoyable activities. The volcano is still officially active but, given that the last eruption happened in 1570 you can visit without too much concern today. There are four craters at the top, all blanketed in misty cloud forest, with a handful of hiking trails open. Note that some of the walks are very challenging and require a guide. An easier (and, in our opinion, more child-friendly!) option is to ‘zip’ across the volcano instead. The circuit covers 2km of forest and includes 17 platforms, 11 cables and 3 rope bridges. The kids loved this experience, particularly when they got to zip upside down!  You can see our short video here.

Activity 4: Cruise Lake Nicaragua

When Mombacho Volcano erupted in 1570, large chunks of rock were blown into Lake Nicaragua. The blast created hundreds of small islands that are today known as Las Isletas, located just 5km from the city center. The freshwater lake (the largest in Central America) and these islands are fun to explore by boat or kayak. Once upon a time the islets were the launching pad for pirates looking to attack Granada. Today, they’re home to hundreds of birds, including cormorants and herons, and the odd local fisherman. There is one island you should brace yourself for, however: La Isla de los Monos (Monkey Island). Here, deceptively cute spider monkeys lie waiting in tree branches to ambush tourist boats passing below!  For more information about the boat rides, see this article.

1 Great Place to Stay: Hotel Plaza Colon

Hotel Plaza Colon, centrally located in Granada.

Overlooking the Plaza Cristobal Colon, the boutique Hotel Plaza Colon is located within the heart of Granada. Housed within a elegant colonial-style building, this 27-room hotel is hugely popular with families both for its location and its excellent service. High-ceiling rooms surround two inner courtyards, overlooking a pretty garden area or a shady pool. Most families we met when we stayed here followed a similar formula. Sightsee in the morning, lie by the swimming pool in the afternoon! Note that the hotel does not have a restaurant and operates on a B&B basis. However, you’ll find a small café and lots of good restaurants nearby. Website: http://hotelplazacolon.com

1 Great Place to Eat: Garden Café

Hammocks are the perfect place to await lunch at the Garden Cafe.

One of our favorite restaurants in Granada – and one of the city’s most popular – is the Garden Café. This friendly café is located in a pillar box red corner home and is owned by an American / Nicaraguan couple. The menu is International with options including bruschetta, hummus, sandwiches, salads and more. Made-to-order dishes sing with farm-fresh ingredients.

What we enjoyed almost more than the food, however, was the restaurant space itself. Tables occupy an inner courtyard overlooking a patch of tropical foliage. Hammocks hang between the inner columns, providing a comfy reading nook for kids while waiting for their food. Website: www.gardencafegranada.com

For more inspiration and ideas, watch our Nicaragua with Kids playlist. Map and more recommendations follow below.

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Safe, easy to navigate, and with family-friendly attractions including the Panama Canal and the wonderful Biomuseo, Panama City is an ideal stop for a day or two before you head out to explore the country beyond. If you plan to visit Panama City with kids, here are 4 great things to do, 1 great place to stay, and 1 great place to eat to make the most of your time here.

Activity 1: Step Back in Time in Casco Viejo

First stop! When visiting Panama City with kids (or without), head to Casco Viejo.

Your first port of call when visiting Panama City has to be Casco Viejo, the old quarter. This UNESCO protected corner is the capital’s historic quarter and a characterful place to explore. Also known as Casco Antiguo or San Felipe, this neighborhood was settled in 1673 after the near-complete destruction of the original Panama City when it was attacked by pirates. In the 1950s it fell into disrepair but has recently enjoyed something of a makeover and the historic homes and government buildings today house restaurants, museums and shops.

Casco Viejo is a fun place to simply wander the cobbled streets and a great place to buy souvenirs, including Panama hats for all family members! The market just off Plaza Catedral is full of colorful crafts including molas and hand carved taguai nuts. Once you’ve done that, stop in at Granclement for what is, quite simply, the best ice cream in Panama.

Tip: The area is lively at night and generally safe but don’t stray too far from the central hub.

Activity 2: Be Wowed by The Panamarama at the Biomuseo

Biomuseo in Panama City, Panama.

Hands down the best museum in Panama is the Biomuseo, which opened in October 2014. Even if you don’t go inside (although you would be missing out!), it’s worth visiting to witness the origami-like structure in the kind of bold colors usually found in a Lego box. The museum was designed by Frank Gehry and took 10 years to construct.

The Biomuseo sits on the Amador Causeway, at the entrance to the Panama Canal, and was created to showcase Panama’s incredible biodiversity – can you believe that this small central American country boasts 125 endemic animal species, 218 mammal species, 226 reptiles and 950 birds?! There are eight galleries within the Biomuseo but favorite with my kids is The Panamarama, a three-story projection space where 10 interactive screens line the walls, ceiling and floor, showcasing Panama’s ecosystems.

Activity 3: Walk Through a Rainforest

Find yourself in the rainforest in minutes flat on your visit to Panama City with kids.

Not many cities have a rainforest, but Panama City does! Smack, bang in the middle of the capital is the Metropolitan Park, a 265-hectare green space that’s home to a smorgasbord of plants and animals.

The Park has three main trails, which are well maintained and marked, although not very stroller-friendly. The most popular trail is ‘Sendero Cienequita, a one-hour walk that includes a lookout spot from where you can see the city, the Bay, the Panama Canal and beyond. Popular with kids is the small lake home to a handful of turtles; mine like watching them nibble leaves! If you do visit, then bring plenty of water. It’s hot and humid in here, especially during the rainy reason.

Activity 4: Navigate the Locks on the Panama Canal

Up close look at the locks of the Panama Canal at Panama City.

A trip to Panama wouldn’t be complete without seeing the Panama Canal. This man-made, 48-mile (77km) waterway links the Atlantic Ocean with the Pacific Ocean and recently celebrated its 100th birthday. It’s an incredible feat of engineering and the museum and visitor center at Miraflores locks allows you to get up close and personal with the canal traffic.

The facility has various exhibits and several viewing platforms; my kids love standing on the top deck and waving at passengers on cruise ships. Note, the boats that pass through here are huge! Expansion locks were opened earlier this year, which means that ships can now pass in both directions (previously it was only one-way). Particularly popular with kids, including mine, is this interactive gallery on the third floor where you can try and navigate your way through the locks on a simulator.

Another great way to experience the canal is by taking a tour of the backwaters by boat. This can be arranged by Gamboa Rainforest Retreat (click here to read my full review of the Gamboa Rainforest Retreat).

1 Great Place to Stay in Panama City with Kids: The American Trade Hotel

American Trade Hotel in Panama City, Panama.

One of the newest hotels in Casco Viejo, and the one that I would definitely book if I didn’t happen to live here, is The American Trade Hotel. Housed within a beautifully restored landmark building in the heart of the old quarter, this 50-bedroom boutique hotel is one of the finest in the capital. Antique and modern furniture sit side by side, colorful tiles characterize rooms on the ground floor, and balconies overlook that most coveted of family travel requirements, a swimming pool.

Most rooms are a standard configuration but the American Trade Hotel welcomes families. And if you don’t stay here, come to drink or dine instead.

1 Great Place to Eat in Panama City: The Fish Market in Casco Viejo

Who needs linen tablecloths? Fish tacos at Fish Market.

This is not the place to come for white linen tablecloths and waiter service. It is, however, wonderfully atmospheric and serves delicious food. The Fish Market operates out of a mobile van parked within the ruins of a derelict house, where diners munch their way through BBQ prawns, ceviche, seafood laksa, and more at wooden picnic tables.

It’s only open for dinner (6-11 p.m.) and doesn’t take reservations. However, if you arrive before 8:30 p.m. you usually get a table. My personal favorite are the fish tacos, which never disappoint!

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Its lively and vibrant backdrop of crumbling colonial architecture is also a reminder of days gone by, when the city served as a transportation hub for Spain’s New World gold and riches. Today, Cuba has been propelled into the tourism spotlight thanks to recent thaws in its relations with the USA. Whilst this has made it easier for some Americans to travel to this fascinating country, for the majority it is still not that simple. This page from the USA Embassy in Havana has more information on current requirements.

If you’ll be visiting Cuba with kids, I recommend starting with these 4 family-friendly activities to enjoy in Havana, plus 1 great place to stay and 1 great place to eat during your time in Havana with kids.

Activity 1: Walk the City Streets

Standing in the Plaza de la Catedral, Havana.

Old Havana is a UNESCO protected district best explored on foot and it’s easy to fill the days simply wandering around, taking in the colourful streetscapes and numerous street performances.

There are four main plazas worth visiting, each with its own distinct character. La Plaza de la Catedral is home to the baroque Catedral de San Cristobal de la Habana, named after Saint Christopher (the patron saint of Havana) rather than the explorer. Climb to the top of the clock tower for a wonderful view of the plaza below.

The other three plazas are, Plaza de Armas, Plaza Vieja and Plaza de San Francisco de Asis, and it’s easy to walk between all four. The Plaza Vieja is particularly popular with families at dusk, when children gather to play. Also in this square is a rooftop Camera Obscura, an optical device that takes you on an aerial tour of Havana – definitely worth a visit with kids.

Take a quick virtual stroll around old Havana with kids with this video:

Activity 2: Go Cruising in a Chevrolet

Explore Havana with kids in a classic car!

This is one of those tourist activities that you simply have to do, for nothing quite beats cruising Havana’s streets in a classic car. You can book your “cruise” through a hotel or an agent, or you can simply find a car on the streets. They generally line up near the main tourist sights. Pick which one you like best!

Most classic car rides head out of Old Havana (into the districts of Vedado and Central Havana) and follow a similar route; along the Malecón, Havana’s wide, coastal road, past the Hotel Nacional (where the largest ever Mafia summit was once held) and towards John Lennon Park. Ask your driver to finish the tour at Paladar La Guarida, our favourite restaurant in Havana (see below!)

Classic Car tours cost around $30 per car (including driver) per hour. Watch this video for a quick drive around Havana in a 1951 Chevy:

Activity 3: Get Literary at Ernest Hemingway’s Home

Ernest Hemingway’s home and museum.

Ten miles southeast of Havana is the small town of San Francisco de Paula. There you’ll find ‘Finca Vigia’ (the lookout farm), the former home of American novelist, short story writer, and journalist, Ernest Hemingway. His home remains just as he left it and is a very interesting place to explore.

Hemingway lived here from 1939-1960 during which time he wrote several books, including The Old Man and the Sea. The house is full of books and photographs as well as paintings, magazines and hunting trophies.

Sadly, you can’t wander around the rooms themselves, but you can still get a feel for how he lived. Particularly interesting for kids is the bathroom, where Hemingway obsessively scribbled his weight on the walls!

Follow this link for more information on visiting the Cuban Home of Ernest Hemingway, and get a preview from our visit in this video:

Activity 4: Hear the Cannon Shot

Head to the fortress to watch the reenactment and cannon shot.

Every night a cannon fires from La Cabaña Fort, on the other side of the harbor. You have to drive through the tunnel to get there. During the colonial era, the sound of the cannon marked the end of the day when the city gates would close for the night.

These days the gates remain open. Instead you can enjoy a reenactment of the 18^th century ceremony prior to the cannon being fired at 9pm. It’s best to get here around 8pm in order to secure a good viewing spot.

1 Great Place to Stay in Havana with Kids

Casas particulares are a great option when visiting Havana with kids.

In response to the post-Soviet economic crisis in the 90s, Cuba’s Communist government permitted families to rent out rooms in their homes as privately run B&B businesses. These homes (Casas Particulares) are a lot cheaper than hotels and are often better options for families.

Many casa particulares have rooms with two double beds and some are rented out in their entirety. Although the majority are backpacker basic, they do offer tourists the opportunity of spending some time with a local family, an experience a hotel cannot provide.

Rather than recommending just one of them (which is hard as I don’t have a favourite) I would suggest browsing Cuba Junky’s directory of casas particulares instead. Downloaded as an app, it’s an excellent guide. Follow this link for more details on booking a Casa Particular with kids.

1 Great Place to Eat in Havana with Kids: Paladar La Guarida

Kid-friendly mojitos and more at Paladar La Guarida restaurant in Havana.

Raul Castro’s economic reform programme also permitted people to turn their homes into private restaurants (paladares). Hidden behind a crumbling exterior in Old Havana is one of Cuba’s most popular, Paladar La Guarida. It was made famous by the Oscar-nominated movie Fresca y Chocolate. Its bright yellow walls are covered with photos from the film as well as celebrities who have dined here.

The food is here is excellent. I enjoyed Bonito glaseado con caña de azúcar (tuna on a sugar cane stick), and the children shared some corvina. All washed down with a mojito (including non-alcoholic versions for the kids).

Keep in mind that kid-friendly amenities such as high chairs or kids menus are not common in Cuba. Another point to bear in mind is that the majority of private restaurants mostly cater to tourists and expats. As such, the restaurant scene is still relatively limited. Given today’s booming tourist industry, reservations are essential in places like La Guarida.

For more help planning your trip to Havana or elsewhere in Cuba, click here for Globetotting’s full, in-depth guide to Cuba With Kids.

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