Traveling with Kids in Lima

Location:
Lima, Peru

Other Activity

By Kelley Coyner

As with most travel, there seldom is anything more helpful than tips from an on-site parent about where to take kids. Expat in residence, Sean M. reports if you exercise caution, you can find safe and fun venues in Lima, even with small children. If she could write, Sean reports that his daughter would list the following among Lima's greatest hits for kids:

Best park: Cieneguilla (http://www.cieneguilla.com).

At 30-40 minutes from Lima, Cienguilla is a short drive by local standards. Typically the weather is much nicer than downtown. There are a variety of restaurants that have good food, large kid-friendly play areas and reasonably good service. These play areas have playgrounds complete with trampolines and, sometimes, even horse rides. Sean recommends avoiding more crime prone parks in downtown and says if you are selective, there are some parks in Miraflores that are ok. Ask desk clerks or locals for their assessments of local green spaces before hanging out with your tot.

Fun museum: The Museo de la Nacion.

The museum is home to a children's theatre. It also features a variety of exhibits of native Peruvian artwork and hosts different art-related events, including an evening of art called Noche de Arte (http://www.nochedearte.com).

Favorite best beach venue: Restaurant Rosa Náutica (http://www.larosanautica.com/rn_homeing.html).

You can enjoy the beach from your table. You feel like you are right over the surf as it comes to shore and you have a sweeping view of Miraflores and the beach. Arrive at sunset and enjoy watching the restaurant's exterior lighting illuminate the waves as they come ashore. If you or your small companion insist on sand between your toes, park near the restaurant and walk the beach looking for shells, rocks or observing the local surfers catching a wave.

Tips on ordering in a restaurant: Stick with the appetizers and skip the main courses. The appetizers are simply more varied. The variety makes for a great shared dining experience.

Day tripping with a preschooler: San Francisco Church and its catacombs.

The church and its design are grandiose and magnificent especially from the perspective of a three-year-old. The catacombs are chilling and fascinating for parent and child. You can the underside of the church building and look at all of the bones of the people interred there. Might seems a bit macabre by adult standards, but Sean’s daughter was unphased.

Travel Skills: None