Paramaribo with Children

Paramaribo is a relaxed city for family trips, with animals as the main draw. Choosing activities by the age of your children helps, because some outings involve long drives, rough roads or open water. Heat is the main challenge. Temperatures reach about 32 degrees Celsius through the year, and afternoon downpours are common from May to August.

Easy outings for toddlers and young children

Peperpot Nature Park. Across the Jules Wijdenbosch Bridge, in Meerzorg, about 10 km from the city centre, Peperpot has a flat, shaded 3.2 km trail with no traffic. Squirrel monkeys cross the bamboo, and three-toed sloths rest in the trees. Bicycle hire at reception costs about EUR 5 for two hours. Listed hours are 08:00 to 17:00 every day. The land was a plantation worked by enslaved people, which is worth explaining to older children.

Paramaribo Zoo. The zoo in the Cultuurtuin park, about 3 km north of the city, is the only one in Suriname and has been open since 1972. Jaguars, tapirs, anacondas, caimans and toucans are among the residents. There is a playground, picnic tables and a snack bar. Prices have been listed at about SRD 75 for adults and SRD 50 for children, and the zoo is listed as open from 09:00 to 18:00 daily. Confirm both before you visit.

Outings for school age children

A river boat for dolphin watching. The Leonsberg jetty is about 15 minutes by taxi from the centre. Boats go out in the late afternoon for roughly three hours on calm river water, so seasickness is rare. Guiana dolphins live in the estuary, but sightings are not guaranteed. Prices of about EUR 30 to USD 41 per person have been seen, so ask for the children’s price. Everyone should wear a life jacket, and the boat should stay clear of the dolphins without feeding or chasing them.

Colakreek. About 50 km south, near Zanderij, this forest creek has tea-coloured water, piers, slides and hammocks. There is no lifeguard on duty, and swimming is at your own risk. Only take children who swim well, and keep an adult close by at all times. Parents of toddlers will find Peperpot simpler.

Plantation boat trips. Full-day boat tours on the Commewijne visit Fort Nieuw-Amsterdam, which has cannons, a lightship and an old prison. Older children can learn about indentured labour and enslaved people who worked the estates there.

Eating with kids

Waterkant food stalls open from about 17:00. Roti rolls, with curried chicken and potato, and nasi or bami with chicken are mild and easy for children to eat. A refillable bottle is useful, since tap water is treated and safe to drink in the city.

Health notes for families

  • Dengue occurs across the country, so use repellent with DEET.
  • Take sun hats, sun cream and light long sleeves for evening.
  • Check yellow fever rules before you travel. The UK government entry requirements explain when a certificate is needed.
  • Children must not swim in the Suriname River at Paramaribo, as it is wide, tidal and busy with cargo ships.

Read more: Day Trips around Paramaribo covers boat trips and longer excursions.

Booking help

Family friendly boat trips can be found on GetYourGuide .