With the holidays approaching, many parents wonder: “Is it possible to travel to Uruguay with children?” Jamile Cardoso, a Brazilian living in Punta del Este and mother of two girls, recommends various family-friendly activities. She suggests parks like El Jagüel and excursions to observe sea lions.

In Montevideo, there are numerous parks and plazas adapted for children. One of the highlights is Parque Rodó, which features vast green areas, playgrounds, a lake with pedal boats, and even a small castle that houses a children’s and young adult library.

If you plan to visit wineries, most allow children, who can enjoy the green spaces. In Carmelo, near Colonia del Sacramento, two great options for families are El Legado and Almacén de la Capilla, part of the Cordano winery.

Uruguay’s most famous destination also offers excellent options for family vacations. Surrounded by beaches and abundant nature, with an outstanding culinary scene and a relaxed, safe atmosphere, Punta del Este and its surroundings are ideal for trips with children.

El Jagüel

A favorite among children for generations, El Jagüel Park is just minutes from downtown Punta del Este. It is a vast green area filled with fun, featuring colorful and uniquely shaped playgrounds.

The park includes wooden playhouses, giant slides, a pirate ship, a real helicopter, and a fire truck, all adapted for safe play. Additionally, there are countless other options for kids to enjoy.

El Jagüel has a few kiosks selling basic food and drinks, such as hot dogs and water. Visitors can also bring their own snacks and have a picnic. At the park’s exit, there is a small go-kart track and pony and horse rental options.

Details:

• Admission: Free
• Hours: Varies throughout the year; it is recommended to check before visiting.
• Location: Camino la Barra, Parque San Rafael, Av. Aparicio Saravia, 20000 Punta del Este, Uruguay

Arboretum Lussich

Arboretum Lussich is a bold and fascinating project by the Lussich family, who transformed an area of nearly 200 hectares into an impressive tree collection with about 380 species, both native and from various parts of the world.

The site offers hiking trails, totaling 20 km of different intensity routes, which can be completed entirely or in shorter segments with children. The walks are usually brief and lead to an overlook with breathtaking panoramic views of Punta Ballena, offering young adventurers a sense of grandeur.

After the walk, visitors can relax at the charming Checa Café, located on the second floor of the former Lussich residence. Today, the café functions as a small museum narrating the story of the arboretum’s creation in what was once a rugged area. The space displays artifacts and documents from the Lussich family, who owned one of the world’s largest maritime salvage companies, facilitating botanical exchanges.

Details:

• Trail access: Free
• Museum entry: Around 20 reais (free for children under six)
• Hours: Tuesdays from 9 AM to 5 PM; Wednesday to Sunday from 9 AM to 6 PM
• Location: Camino Lussich, 100 – 20000 Maldonado, Uruguay

Lapataia Farm

The traditional Lapataia Farm, famous for its delicious dulce de leche, offers various activities for children, making it a great family destination. Attractions include a playground, cart rides around the property, horseback riding, and daily opportunities to watch milking and feed baby animals. The farm’s horses and ponies are especially loved by the little ones.

Activities usually start around 3 PM, with schedules that may vary by season. Some experiences, such as milking and feeding baby goats and calves, are free, and registration can be done at reception.

Beyond activities, the farm’s café is a hit, serving a popular crepe generously filled with dulce de leche. The on-site shop also sells the sweet treat in various versions.

Details:

• Hours: Thursday to Sunday, from 1:30 PM to 7 PM
• Location: Parada 45 Mansa, 20003 Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay

MACA – Pablo Atchugarry Foundation

Although MACA is not an exclusively child-focused attraction, it offers an excellent cultural experience that families with kids can greatly enjoy. MACA is an open-air sculpture park with vast spaces where children can move freely, along with a stunning architectural building. Its temporary exhibitions are always top-notch, and the permanent collection includes works by renowned Uruguayan artist Pablo Atchugarry. Admission is free.

Nearby, there are several options to complement the visit. The Antique Car Museum is a great choice for vehicle enthusiasts, while Almacén La 104 offers high-quality products such as cheese, wine, dulce de leche, and naturally fermented bread, all with the characteristic elegance of the Narbona group.

Just a few minutes away, you’ll find Bio Chácara, a charming place to buy local and organic products. Kids love the opportunity to pick vegetables directly from the garden, making it a fun and educational experience.

Details:

• Admission: Free
• Hours: Wednesday to Monday, from 10 AM to 6 PM
• Location: Ruta 104 Km. 4,500, 20005, Departamento de Maldonado, Uruguay

A Walk Through Punta del Este

A classic outing in Punta del Este is always a hit: a visit to the port to observe the sea lions. These animals, which often wait for scraps from local fish markets, fascinate both children and adults. Spotting them is always an entertaining experience.

After exploring the port, head to Avenida Gorlero and take a break for ice cream at Lucciano’s, famous for its decor inspired by Casapueblo and its unique flavors.

Next, visit the charming Church of Candelaria, located on the street behind Punta del Este’s lighthouse. Near the church, there is a small plaza with playground equipment for children of all ages and a few tables, perfect for a break or a picnic.

To end the day with a great meal, head to Atrevida Pizzeria, which serves delicious Neapolitan-style pizzas and the traditional fainá, a thin chickpea-based flatbread popular in Uruguay. The pizzeria is an excellent choice to please the whole family.

The port entrance is free, and it’s recommended to visit in the morning when the fish markets are open, and the sea lions are most active.