What to do in Iguazu with kids? The waterfalls of Foz do Iguaçu are the main reason families with kids from both Brazil and Argentina come to this region! The waterfalls are truly beautiful and are one of the highlights of the country for both countries. We ourselves also visited the Iguazu Falls from both countries and in this blog we will give you all the information and also tell you what are the other kids activities in Iguazu.
Best travel time waterfalls of Iguazu with kids
The best travel time to visit Iguazu Falls with kids is spring and fall, despite you can visit the falls year-round. But in spring and fall, temperatures are not as hot than in the hot summer months. In the winter months there is less rain, but because of that the falls are also a little less impressive to view.
Transportation to Iguazu Falls
The distances in Brazil and Argentina are often enormous, which is why you can’t get to the falls from the big cities by car so quickly. You can go to the Iguazu Falls by luxury bus from Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro, but those are long drives and especially with kids not recommended. It is better to catch a plane in one of these cities and fly to the falls.
From Rio de Janeiro you fly to Cataratas do Iguaçu and this flight takes about 2 hours. You will be at the falls from the airport in about half an hour. You can also fly from Buenos Aires to Iguazu airport on the Argentine side in about 2 hours and then it’s also about half an hour to the falls.
You can then choose to rent a car at the airport. At Iguazu airport in Argentina, you can do this through the organization Sunny Cars. Sunny Cars has an all inclusive principle, where most insurances and often also the excess are included in the price. We always find this a very nice concept and actually always rent abroad through Sunny Cars. To rent a car in Iguazu, take a look here.
Children’s activities Iguazu
#1 Waterfalls of Iguazu
The waterfalls of Iguazu are the biggest attraction in the area and you are easily a whole day on the road if you want to see the waterfall from both sides. In fact, you can view the falls from Brazil and from Argentina and it definitely adds value to do so from both sides. We have also seen them from both sides and will list the differences.
Waterfalls from the Brazilian side: although there are a lot fewer waterfalls on the Brazilian side than on the Argentine side, this section does give you the best overview of the falls. You also have a nice view of Iguazu’s most famous waterfall here, which is Devil’s Throat.
However, this side of the falls is also often described as more touristy and some families with kids do find it a bit of a high carnival. Despite that, it is still really a place where you have a beautiful overview of the Iguazu Falls.
Waterfalls from the Argentine side: in Argentina you have a little less of an overall view of the falls, but you can get a lot closer to the falls. You can even get so close to the falls here that you can get wet, so be sure to bring something like a raincoat or poncho for the kids. You can also do some hiking here at the Lower Circuit and the Upper Circuit. You can already spend an entire day here just fine.
So if you want to see the falls at your leisure, you will need 2 days with kids. You can download the Iguazu app where you can find some more background about the falls. Besides hiking, you can also take a boat trip to the falls. This can be done on both the Brazilian and Argentine side.
If you can still choose, this boat trip from the Argentine side is a little more spectacular. During this boat trip you will also definitely get wet, so again it is best to bring something like a raincoat or poncho for the kids. More information about this boat trip can be found here.
If you want to see both sides of the falls in one day (because that is also definitely possible if you walk a bit) then it is best to do this with an organized tour. Then everything will be taken care of and you won’t have to arrange your own transportation. Especially with kids that can be nice. Look for an organized tour where you can see both sides here.
The Brazilian side is open at 9 a.m. and the Argentine side is open as early as 8 a.m.. Therefore, if you want to see the waterfall on both sides in 1 day, we would recommend setting out as early as possible and doing the Argentine side first, as it is open an hour earlier. Both sides close at 6 p.m.
Of course you have to bring your passports if you want to see both sides, because a stamp is placed in the passport each time you cross the border. The cost on both sides is just over 20 euros per person and kids do get a discount, If you are a whole family and want to see both sides you will spend over 40 euros per person.
You can also see animals at the falls. For example, you can spot the toucan. Look up the sound of a toucan beforehand, because that sound is extremely noticeable. Once we recognized the sound, we suddenly saw one toucan after another in Costa Rica. You can also encounter monkeys and nose bears in this area.
#2 Parque das Aves
You can do more things at Iguazu with kids than just going to the falls. For example, near the falls there is also a nice bird park that you can visit with the family. You can see all kinds of birds from all continents here and kids can also feed the birds if they want to.
This bird park is across the road from the waterfalls and therefore a visit to the waterfalls (Brazilian side) and this bird park can be perfectly combined.
In addition to the various beautiful birds you can view, the park also has a butterfly garden and you can also view various other animals here with kids such as the iguana, crocodile and turtle. The park also contains several protected species, with a large part of the entrance fee going to the maintenance of these animals, thus making the money well spent.
Keep in mind that you can walk around here for about 2 hours. By the way, you can also grab a bite to eat at this bird park, If you didn’t see a toucan at the falls, you can see different species of toucans up close at this bird park. Keep in mind that due to the location of the bird park (so close to the falls) it can be very busy in the park.
#3 Aquamania Foz
You can also go to a fun water park in Foz do Iguaçu with kids. Aquamania Foz has several pools and also several water slides, so you can have a great day here with the family. In Brazil, of course, it is often very hot and then a day at this water park can be a great change from the rest of the activities.
For young kids, this water park also has a whole section with different play equipment and slides. Keep in mind that for the big slides kids often have to be 1.20 meters tall to go down the slide. You also have a lazyriver at this water park, where you can relax in an inflatable tire.
You can also grab a bite to eat and a drink at this water park, but reviews about this restaurant and the water park are mixed.
#4 Marco das Três Fronteiras
Another attraction to visit in Foz do Iguaçu with kids is Marco das Três Fronteiras. At this point lies the border of the countries of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay. It is especially a popular spot among tourists, because they like to take a picture here where they stand exactly at the point where the three countries meet. Therefore, at this point there can naturally be a long line of people wanting to take a picture.
You can also grab a bite to eat here and basically you can see this sight in an hour (provided the line for the photo point is not too long). A great place to visit at the end of the day with kids if you like to take a picture here. You pay an entrance fee for this park.
If you don’t expect too much from it and like to take a photo at this tri-border point, it is fun and otherwise you can skip this sight with the family just fine.
#5 Dreamland Museu de Cera
You can also take the family to a wax museum in the Foz do Iguaçu area. Dreamland Museu de Cera has more than 100 different famous people you can take pictures with here. These persons are divided into 15 different themed areas that you can visit here with kids.
In the building where Dreamland sits, there are several other tourist things (Wonders of the World, Ice Bar, Dinosaur Valley and New Motor Show) that you can visit. Often there is also some deal you can buy online where you can visit several things for a reduced price.
Again, don’t expect too much from this, but it can certainly be fine entertainment for an hour (or 2) on a rainy day.
Family-friendly hotel Iguazu
You can, of course, stay overnight on both sides of the waterfall with kids. It is advisable not to see everything in one day and therefore spend a day or two to three in Iguazu. You can also spend a great night here with kids. We list the best rated family-friendly accommodations for both sides. Click on the blue link for more information.
Overnight in Foz do Iguaçu (Brazil):
Budget accommodation: Falls Galli Hotel
Mid-range accommodation: Luz Hotel by Castelo Itaipava
Luxury accommodation: Grand Carimã Resort & Convention Center
For the entire list of family-friendly accommodation in Foz do Iguaçu, take a look here.
Overnight in Puerto Iguazu (Argentina):
Budget accommodation: Pirayu Hotel & Resort
Middle Class Accommodation: ISONDU Suites & Breakfast
Luxury Accommodation: Loi Suites Iguazu Hotel
For the entire list of family-friendly accommodation in Puerto Iguazu, take a look here.
