There’s a wealth of children’s activities scattered across Bogotá. Visit an old favorite or discover something new from a list which includes trips to peaceful parks, chaotic indoor play centres and more structured activities involving clay and puppets.
Hilos Magicos
This puppet theatre has been delighting audiences for 40 years with shows ranging from experimental shadow puppet theatre to traditional fairytale favourites. There’s also a cultural centre with art exhibitions, and a children’s workshop. My friend Douglas took his two-year-old to a performance of The Ugly Duckling. “The performance wasn’t too long or overwhelming, they had a nice range of shows and they gen- erally start on time, which is important for little ones. My two year old loved it, but an hour-long show was just enough.” Prices are around $16,000 pesos per person. There are shows at 11 am and 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Calle 71 No.12-22
Museo de los Ninos
With a huge range of activities to suit every age, the Museo de los Ninos is a perfect way to kill a few hours on a rainy day. Buy a package starting from $4,200 pesos for a certain number of attractions, which are visited on guided tours, with the guide facilitating the activities in each room. You can choose a tour based on your child’s age, choosing from activities such as a mini gym, a sensory room and craft activities. There’s a large space outside for picnicking, and a retired Boeing 727 which is very popular
with curious children. Mother-of-three, Julie, says the museum is hands on and has something for every age. “One of my children’s favourite activities is learning how chocolate is made, and sampling it, too.” Ave Cra 60 No.63-27. Open Thursday and Friday from 9 am to 4 pm. Weekends and holidays from 10 am to 4 pm.
www.museodelosninos.org.co
Multiparque
Set amongst trees behind a backdrop of hills off the Autopista in the north of the city, Multiparque is the perfect destination on a sunny day. Lounge on the grass at the Parque de los Juegos and watch your progeny run riot over large climbing frames, propel themselves into the air on rope pendulums and swing on giant swings. Buy a ticket for $7,000 pesos into the park or buy separate tickets for bumper boats, go karting, trampolines and funfair-style activities. There are places to eat including a farm restaurant.
Autopista Norte No.224-60 / www.multiparque.com
Divercity
Teach kids about capitalism at this interactive virtual village in the SantaFé mall. Children earn tokens by ‘working’ in shops or schools, serving as fire fighters, hosting TV shows, among other things. Tokens are redeemed at Divercity’s shops and on games and activities. The little workers are supervised throughout, so parents are free to escape the chaos and relax with a cup of coffee. “The children learn that in order to spend you have to earn, simulating real jobs and experiences,” says teacher and father-of-two Martin. “And of
course, they get to ride go-karts.” Entry is $30,000 for children aged 3-13, while adults pay $10,000.
Centro Comercial Santafé. Calle 183 No.45-3 www.divercity.com.co/bogota
Parque de los Chicos
This large sloping garden, part of the grounds of the “Museo de ‘El Chico’” is shaded by tall trees and full of interesting playground equipment. There’s lots of space to spread out with a picnic, and you can grab a coffee and a bite out of the London double decker bus cafe. No dogs are allowed to enter the park so you won’t have to worry about where your child is stepping. The museum itself and grounds are beautiful, but not geared towards smaller children.
Carrera 7 No.93-01 / www.museodelchico.com
Froggyland
This playcenter behind the Panamericana on the Autonorte has giant inflatable slides and adventure play- grounds. Children are supervised by staff members so you can sit and relax with a (sadly substandard) coffee and watch your little ones get swallowed up by the giant structures.
The inflatables can get crowded with rowdy children during weekends so if your child is under three they might feel safer playing in the baby play areas. Entry is $13.000 per person, including adults. Serena takes her three children there to “let off some steam.” She says it’s chaotic at the weekends so if you can get there during the week it’s well worth the trip.“I usually sit with a book and wait for them to collapse with exhaustion.”
Carrera 23 No.168 – 12
Magic Paint
It’s always nice to see your kids getting creative with paint – especially when you know someone else will have to deal with the inevitable paint on the walls. At Magic Paint children of all ages can learn to paint pots, design and make mosaics and learn skills under the watchful eye of the expert staff. It’s not just for kids – adults can also flex their creative muscles.
Carrera 4 No.69A-19
