Medellin with kids: Things to do with kids in Medellin, Colombia

Since almost all my family still lives in Colombia, we try to visit every year or at least every other year. During all these years of vacations I have been putting together a list of things to do in Medellin, Colombia with your kids.

Medellín is a city that we know has been marked by a tough past of violence, but today, undoubtedly, has managed to recover and it has positioned as a city of development and innovation; so much so that, it was recognized as the most innovative city in the world in 2013, competing with some cities like Tel Aviv and New York.

The city of Medellín is surrounded by mountains and it is very green and has modern areas. It is a city sadly famous now for its history related to Pablo Escobar, but this has changed lately and now we are known for the friendliness of its people, its landscapes, and its culture. 

Medellin is a city with open doors for all, with spectacular people and countless places to visit.  It is a city with the perfect climate and good food.  Every cafesito, every ice cream shop, every restaurant and every mall has something not only for you, but also for your kids.
 
Here it is a list of places I recommend you visit in Medellin, while traveling with kids:

Divercity

Diversity Medellin is a theme park for children between 3 and 13 years old. Diversity Medellin is 7,200 square meters space that represents a city on a scale, where children between the ages of 3 and 13 can play in more than 45 attractions. Each attraction allows kids to play as many as 50 different roles.

All visitors over the age of 13 can accompany the children to the entrance of the attractions and wait in the common areas while they play. Parents and adults can also have fun while waiting, they offer a TV studio, and a theater, a fashion house or parents can also get on the bus. 

Centro Comercial Santafé (Carrera 43A No. 7 sur -130), Medellín, Colombia. www.divercity.com.co

Parque Explora

Parque Explora has more than 300 interactive stations that allow kids and adults to discover, explore and gain knowledge. It is an interactive center focused on science and technology. It has a huge aquarium. The different interaction activities include physics, animals and even a 3D room.

There are 4 pavilions in addition to the aquarium, serpentario (snakes), reptilario (reptiles) and bug station.

Carrera 52 No. 73-75 Medellín.  http://www.parqueexplora.org

Jardin Botanico

The Botanical Garden of Medellín   is an oasis in the middle of the city. El Jardin Botanico offers a space overflowing with and it is Located in the sector of 'El Bosque' in Medellín

The botanical garden has the largest collection of orchids in the city making it environmental protected. Undoubtedly one of its main attractions is the lake where you can find fish, turtles and ducks.
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This is a place where you can take a quiet walk and let the kids enjoy the diversity of flora of the region and also visit the Orquideorama, where in addition to a beautiful collection of orchids you can find ferns, bromeliads and anturios.

Carrera 52 No. 73-298  https://www.botanicomedellin.org

Planetario

The Medellin Planetarium Jesús Emilio Ramírez González is located in Parque de los Deseos, in front of the Universidad Metro Station and is operated by Explora Park. 

It has several entertaining activities for children and adults, but its main attraction is a sumptuous dome of almost 18 meters in diameter, where different films are projected and give you the feeling of being in space. 
The planetarium has interactive thematic exhibitions that allow kids to know more about the captivating world of astronomy.  There is also a souvenir shop, cafeteria, disabled access and meeting room.
 
Carrera 52 Nº 71-117 http://www.planetariomedellin.org

Parque Arvi

Located in the corregimiento of Santa Elena this natural beauty will make you connect with nature, enjoy its riches and create a conservation commitment. In this place you can do cycling and walking. It became one of the favorite places for lovers of nature and tranquility. One of the ways to get there is in theMetro Cable.

Depending on your preferences you can enjoy areas to camp with your family, picnic with friends or simply breathe fresh air to link with Mother Nature.

Address: Via a Piedras Blancas, Medellín, Antioquia. You can take the metro Cable to get there.

Plaza Pakita

​Pakita is a beloved brand that I grew up with. I remember eating strawberries with cream while on road trips with my family. The brand retired for a little bit and now is back with an amazing place for foodies and families with little kids.

Located in Kilometer 16 via Las Palmas, next to the toll of Medellín to the Retiro, Plaza Pakita is an ideal space to eat, listen to good live music, read a book and spend time with family.

Plaza Pakita design is inspired by the most famous markets in the world, but brings together all the paisa magic A giant shed with an amount of business, restaurants of all kinds of food, a spectacular library, games for children and off course all the delicious Pakita products

Parque Norte

El Parque  Norte is a traditional amusement park of the city, located in the vicinity of the Planetarium of Medellín. It has a total area of ​​160 thousand square meters, with at least 25 amusement rides distributed in four playgrounds: Extreme Square, Fantasy Square, Expedition Square and Adventure Square.
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Carrera 53 Nº76-115 Medellin http://www.parquenorte.gov.co/web/

Ride the Metro/Metro Cable

Getting around Medellin is easy, fast and safe through the Metro and the Metro Cable. Both are identified and noted for being a clean, organized and highly appropriated transportation system for both the locals and tourists.

The cost of the Metro and Metro Cable is affordable and connects the main point of interest of the city. You also avoid the heavy traffic in the city and you will be able to capture the city with good pictures.
Once you pay money for your train (Metro) ride, it covers the cost of the buses that connect the ride to the city and also the Metro Cable (except for the Parque Arvi that has an additional fee).
 
Metro Cable is famous for being the first flight cable system intended for mass passenger use in the world. Metro Cable provides access to one of the areas of the city that were hard to reach before due to the geographical and socio-economic conditions. 
 
You kids will enjoy riding the Metro and will for sure love the Metro Cable.

Have you ever been in Medellin with your kids? what is your favorite activity to do with them?