Holidays are coming and the question that everyone wants to know is “Can you go to Uruguay with children? ”. And since I don’t have children, I called an expert on the subject to help me with tips: Brazilian Jamile Cardoso, mother of two girls, one aged two and the other nine, living in Punta del Este and author of Instagram @Viveruruguay.
In Montevideo There is no shortage of parks and squares with spaces prepared for children, with special emphasis on the Rodó Park with lots of green space, toys, a lake with pedal boats and even a small castle that houses a children’s library.
For those who want to visit wineries, most of them accept entry for children who enjoy the green area of the place. In Carmelo, near Colonia del Sacramento, two good options for those going with children are: The Legacy and the Cordano Winery Chapel Warehouse.
Uruguay’s most popular destination also has some great surprises in store for family vacations. Surrounded by beaches and nature, with great food and a relaxed and safe pace of life, Punta del Este — and its surroundings — is an ideal place to travel with children.
Below, highlighted, are Jamile’s tips for those who pass by.
The Jaguel
A favorite attraction for children of many generations, the park The Jaguel It is just a few minutes from the center of Punta del Este. A huge green area with lots of fun: playgrounds of all kinds, many shapes and colors.
It has wooden houses, giant slides, a pirate ship, a real helicopter and fire truck — recycled so that children can play safely — in addition to an infinite number of options.
The park has a few stalls selling basic food and drinks, such as hot dogs and water. You can also bring your own snacks and have a picnic. At the park exit, there is also a small go-kart track and pony and horse rentals.
Service
- Free entrance.
- Opening hours: vary throughout the year, so check before you go. Currently, it is open every day from 10am to 7pm, except Tuesday.
- Location: Camino la Barra, San Rafael Park, av. Aparicio Saravia, 20000 Punta del Este, Uruguay
Arboretum Lussich (easily combinable with Casapueblo)
Arboretum means collection of trees, a project that was a whim and daring of the Lussich family. In an area of almost 200 hectares, around 380 species are catalogued, including native flora and those from different parts of the world.
It is possible to go hiking in the Arboretum Lussichwith a total of 20 km of routes of greater and lesser intensity that can be done completely or partially with children.
Our walks are usually short and go as far as the viewpoint, where we enjoy the beautiful view of Punta Ballena and return with the children, who feel like great adventurers.
The rest is at the charming Checa Café, on the second floor of the mansion, the former residence of the Lussich family. Today, the establishment is a small museum that tells the story of the feat of creating this collection in what was originally a wild place.
Furthermore, the site displays objects and documents from the family that, being influential and very well connected, owned one of the largest maritime rescue companies in the world, a detail that greatly facilitated the botanical exchange.
Service
- Access to the trails is free, while a visit to the museum costs around 20 reais (children under 6 years old go free);
- Opening hours (forest): Tuesdays, from 9am to 5pm; Wednesday to Sunday, from 9am to 6pm;
- Location: Camino Lussich, 100 – 20000. Maldonado – Uruguay.
Lapataia Farm
The farm of traditional dulce de leche Lapataia There are several activities aimed at children: they offer a nice playground, stroller rides around the property, the possibility of horseback riding and once a day they milk and feed the puppies. There, they have horses and ponies.
Hours vary depending on the season, but the program usually starts at 3 pm. Some activities are free, such as milking and feeding the goats and calves. To participate, simply sign up at reception.
Another popular attraction is the farm’s snack bar, which sells the already famous crepe with plenty of dulce de leche. There is also a shop with the house’s star product in different versions.
Service
- It is open from Thursday to Sunday, from 1:30 pm to 7 pm. Below, see the schedule and prices of the activities, which cost up to R$70:
– 3:30 pm: Interactive educational milking (free);
– 4:45 pm: Breastfeeding of kids and calves (free);
– Train ride: 5 pesos;
– Horseback riding: 500 pesos;
– Pony ride: 250 pesos. - Location: Parada 45 mansa, 20003 Maldonado Department, Uruguay.
MACA, Pablo Atchugarry Foundation – Warehouse La 104 – Organic Farm
It’s not really a children’s attraction, but it works very well with children. LITTER is one of the best cultural experiences in Uruguay.
An outdoor sculpture park — plenty of free space for little ones to roam freely — and a building with impressive architecture and impeccable curation of temporary exhibitions, plus the permanent collection with works by the founder and renowned Uruguayan artist Pablo Atchugarry. Unmissable, and admission is free.
Nearby, we have options to complement the tour, such as the small Museum of Vintage Cars or the La 104 country store, an incredible space with the elegance and quality characteristic of the Narbona group: to buy cheeses, wines, dulce de leche, naturally fermented breads and more.
We took advantage of the proximity to also stop by the beloved Bio Chácara and visit the market with local and ecological products. There is a store and the possibility of picking directly from the garden, always the children’s favorite option, guaranteed fun.
Service
- Free entrance;
- Open Wednesday to Monday from 10am to 6pm;
- Location: Route 104 Km. 4,500, 20005, Maldonado Department, Uruguay
A walk through Punta del Este
It’s a classic that works: a stroll around the port is always a good idea, and it’s never too much to visit the sea lions. The animals usually wait for leftovers from the fishmongers that operate there and bring joy to children — and adults! — every day. It’s always an event to meet them!
From the port, the tour continues along Gorlero Avenue with a stop for an ice cream at Lucciano’s, which has decor inspired by Casapueblo and interesting flavors.
The next stop is at the charming and heavenly Candelaria Church, on the street behind the Punta del Este lighthouse — next door to the church — there is a small square with toys for children of all ages and a couple of tables to rest or have a picnic.
To end the day on a high note, very close by we find the Neapolitan-style pizzeria Atrevida with a very appetizing menu. Both the pizzas and the fainá — a thin chickpea dough that is very traditional and beloved in Uruguay — are a hit with the whole family.
Entry to the port is free and we recommend going in the morning when the fishmongers are there.
*The texts published by Insiders and Columnists do not necessarily reflect the opinion of CNN Travel & Gastronomy.
About Giuliana Nogueira
Giuliana Nogueira is a Brazilian psychologist, photographer and communications consultant. She is not an oenologist or sommelier, but she is an oenophile, especially passionate about Uruguayan wines and Uruguay. She maintains the Instagram @Instatannatspeaking more about Uruguayan wines than the Uruguayans themselves. Whenever he can, he travels to the land of our neighbors, who know how to welcome people very well.
Source: CNN Brasil
Johanna Foster is an expert opinion writer with over 7 years of experience. She has a reputation for delivering insightful and thought-provoking articles on a variety of subjects. Her work can be found on some of the top online news websites, and she is currently lending her voice to the world stock market.
