Family Days in Lima by Age and Budget
Lima is easy for families in one way: it sits at sea level, so children do not need to adjust to altitude. The main planning points are crime, cold water and travel time between districts. Prices are in soles (S/).
By age
| Age | What suits | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Under 5 | Fountain park, zoo | Under 5 free at the fountains with ID |
| 5 to 12 | Zoo, Larco, fountains | Zoo child fee about S/ 8 to S/ 10 for ages 3 to 12 |
| Teens | Surf lesson, Larco, food | Surf only with a licensed school |
Fountains in the evening
The Circuito Magico del Agua in the Parque de la Reserva opens daily from 15:00 to 22:00 and costs S/ 7, with half price for seniors over 65 with ID. It has 13 fountains and shows at 19:15, 20:15 and 21:10. Children enjoy the fountains they can run through, so pack a towel and dry clothes. Details are on the park’s site .
The zoo in San Miguel
The Parque de las Leyendas is open every day from 9:00 to 17:00. The last ticket sale is at 16:30. In 2026 the adult fee was S/ 20, seniors paid S/ 4 and children aged 3 to 12 paid less, with sources giving S/ 8 or S/ 10. A Conadis card brings free entry for the holder plus one companion. The park groups its animals into coast, Andes and rainforest areas, and many were rescued. It also holds 54 archaeological monuments from the Maranga complex. Allow a half day and take a hat.
Museum time
Museo Larco charges children aged 3 to 8 S/ 1, and under 3 are free. Ages 9 to 17 pay S/ 25 at the door or S/ 20 online, and adults pay S/ 50 or S/ 45. It opens daily from 9:00 to 19:00. The open storage rooms hold rows of vessels, which hold the attention of many children. One gallery shows erotic pottery, so parents can choose to skip that room.
Sea and sand
The coast has pebble beaches below the cliffs, with cold water and strong shore breaks. The UK government warns that some surfboard rentals on Miraflores beaches are unlicensed and lifeguards may be absent. Teenagers can take a beginner lesson with a licensed school, a wetsuit and an instructor in the water. For younger children, stay on the clifftop parks.
Travel with children
- Use app taxis or licensed cars with a seat belt, and avoid street hails.
- Keep phones and bags close in crowds, since snatching is a reported risk.
- A state of emergency over crime has covered Lima and Callao, so check current advice on the UK travel advice page .
- Distances are long. Plan one district per day.
Not for children
The catacombs are a burial site and are not suited to young children. The LUM museum, on the conflict of 1980 to 2000, is free and fits only older teenagers who visit with an adult.
Compare Lima family tours before you book.
Read more: outdoor activities in Lima and walking tours in Lima .