The best activities, parks and museums to go with your family

Medellín, known as “the city of eternal spring”, is a destination that transcends its fame by the pleasant climate and vibrant nightlife. For families who travel in search of enriching experiences, the city offers a perfect combination of culture, nature, entertainment and learning. It is a place where every corner tells a story and each park is an invitation to adventure. And if your base of operations is Provence, one of the most modern and best-located of the city, you will have at your fingertips, in less than 30 minutes, a wide range of plans to enjoy with the little ones. This article is more than a simple list: a detailed guide for your trip to Medellin will be unforgettable and full of discoveries.

Here you’ll discover 7 activities must do in Medellin with children, all designed for fun and learning, and optimized for the convenience of staying in Provence.

1. Park Explores: A trip to the interactive science for all ages

The Park Explores is not only a museum; it is a center of thought and action that seeks to inspire curiosity in children and adults. It is one of the most complete in Latin america for interactive learning and has become a landmark of science and technology in the region. With more than 300 experiences, halls of science, a planetarium of the latest generation and, of course, his iconic aquarium, this place is ideal to spend a whole day and awaken the children’s curiosity for the world around them.

• What does Explore unique for the little ones? The freshwater aquarium is a visual spectacle, being the largest of South america. In it, children can observe in close to the red piranha fish, the electric and a variety of species in the Amazon and the Orinoco. In addition, the vivario is a space fascinating to learn about reptiles and amphibians in a habitat recreated. But perhaps what is most attractive are the interactive experimentswhich allow children to touch, move and explore the concepts of physics, chemistry and biology so playful and fun.
  
  
• From Provence: The distance is about 25 minutes by taxi or private transport. If you prefer to use the public transport, the nearest metro station is the University, which makes the journey very comfortable and secure.
  
  
• Tip: To get the most out of the visit, he devotes at least half a day. Wears comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking. Don’t miss the Planetarium show, which tends to be a magical experience.

2. Botanical garden: Nature in the heart of the city

Located next to Parque Explora, the Botanical Garden of Medellín Joaquín Antonio Uribe is a green oasis of 14 hectares in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the city. It is an ideal place to disconnect, have a picnic and let the kids to run freely. Beyond its beauty, the Botanical Garden is a center for conservation and research that educates about the biodiversity of Colombia.

• The most attractive thing to the children: The Butterfly is one of the most captivating, where hundreds of colorful butterflies flutter around you. The smaller ones will blow your mind to see the metamorphosis of caterpillars in a controlled environment. The Orquideorama, an impressive architectural structure made of wood, it offers an open space for children to play in the shade. Finally, the central lake with ducks and turtles is perfect for a moment of observation and calm.
  
  
• From Provence: as the Parque Explora, the drive is about 25 minutes. Both plans can be combined in a single day while visiting the garden after the museum for a well-deserved rest in the open air.
  
  
• Tip: carry a blanket for picnic, fruits, and sandwiches. The large green areas are ideal for relaxing. Remember to use insect repellent and sunscreen.

3. Cerro Nutibara and Pueblito Paisa: Tradition and the best panoramic view

The Cerro Nutibara plan is a simple, economical and very family that will transport you back in time. Despite being in the heart of the city, this small hill offers an escape instant tradition. At its summit is the Pueblito Paisa, a scale replica of a village from antioquia, traditional of the TWENTIETH century, with its main square, the church, the mayor’s office and the typical houses with wooden balconies.

• What will appeal to the children: The experience of climbing to the top, either on foot or in a car, is a small adventure. Once at the top, the panoramic view of 360° of Medellín is awesome. You can enjoy local delicacies such as waffles or ice cream while admiring the scenery, and explore the craft shops to take home a memento.
  
  
• From Provence: The closeness is a great advantage, since the trip lasts just 15 minutes by taxi.
  
  
• Tip: The best time to go is in the evening when the sun is not as strong. So you can enjoy the sunset over the city, a show that kids and adults will leave you without breath.

4. Zoo Santa Fe: An encounter with the wildlife and environmental education

The Zoo Santa Fe is a classic of Medellín for families with children. It is a place where the children can see close to a variety of native animals and exotic, but also learn about the importance of the conservation and endangered species. The zoo has focused on environmental education programs, turning the visit into an educational experience, and conscious.

• The more attractive to children: a close look at the cats such as the lion or the jaguar, to observe the playful monkeys, and marvel at the exotic birds and reptiles. The exhibits are designed for children to learn about the habitats of each animal and how to protect them.
  
  
• From Provence: The distance is about 15 minutes, which makes it a plan fast and easy for any time of the day.
  
  
• Tip: Visit the zoo in the early hours of the morning, when the weather is cooler and the animals are most active. Do not forget to bring a good hat, sunscreen and water.

5. River parks: a Space to play, go for walks and enjoy the outdoors

River parks is a project urban ambitious, which transformed the banks of the rio Medellin into a recreation space for all. It is a spacious and modern, ideal for families to enjoy the outdoors, away from the cars. It is perfect for carrying bicycles, skateboards, or simply walk and enjoy the green areas.

• What’s more they were like children: The green areas are spacious and safe place to run, play ball or just lie down in the grass. Often organise cultural activities, such as storytelling, performances of street theatre, art fairs or entrepreneurs that give a special touch to the environment.
  
  
• From Provence: The journey takes about 15 minutes. It is a place of easy access for a plan that is spontaneous.
  
  
• Tip: on The weekends, the atmosphere is more festive and lively. If you are looking for a more quiet, go during the week.

6. House museum of Memory: History adapted for young people

Although it may seem like a place for adults, the House Museum of the Memory is an invaluable opportunity for children and teenagers, guided by and didactic, to understand the recent history of Medellin and the importance of peace and reconciliation. The museum offers tours and exhibits that facilitate the dialogue on values such as tolerance and respect.

• Why is an education plan and necessary for children over 8 years: The exhibits, visual, multimedia, and the testimonies facilitate the understanding of complex issues in a sensitive manner and are appropriate for their age. It is an excellent opportunity for parents to open a meaningful conversation about the city’s past and the future that is being built.
  
  
• From Provence: The journey is about 20 minutes away, and the visit does not take more than 1-2 hours, so that is a plan that can be easily combined with others.
  
  
• Tip: ask for the special tours for families. The museum team is trained to adapt the information and make it accessible to young people.

7. Park Arví: Nature and adventure on the outskirts of the city

The Park Arví is a natural gem located in the village of Santa Elena. Although it is a little further away, the experience of getting up he is already an adventure in itself, because the journey in the Metrocable above the rooftops of the city and the tops of the trees is something that the children will remember forever.

• What it offers for families: once in the park, the options are varied. Can walk the nature trails guided to learn about the flora and fauna of the place, enjoy a picnic or visit the farmers market to taste traditional food and handicrafts to buy.
  
  
• From Provence: The total distance, including the Metrocable journey, is about 40-50 minutes. It is a plan to spend a full day, as the experience is very enriching.
  
  
• Advice: The climate in the Park Arví can be cooler than in the valley, so bring a light jacket. Don’t forget a good sunscreen, because the height and the sun can be intense. The cost of the Metrocable is low and the experience of the views are worth it.

Tips to enjoy Medellin with children from Provence

To stay in Provence gives you a strategic advantage. To take full advantage of these plans, consider the following:

• Transport: taxis and transportation applications are safe and comfortable for families. If you want a local experience, the Meter is the ideal choice to go to many of these places.
  
  
• Dress code: Many of these plans involve a lot of walking, so the footwear and clothing comfortable is essential. Medellin has unexpected showers, so a raincoat or umbrella is always a good idea.
  
  
• Planning:to Toggle plans of culture (museums) with outdoor recreation (parks) keeps the children motivated and prevents fatigue of a single activity.
  
  
• Power supply: Always carry snacks and water. In most places there are food options, but to have something to hand is key.

Medellin is a city for the whole family, and explore with children is discovering a side of friendly, safe and full of educational activities. From the majesty of nature in the Park Arví to science in the Park to Explore, each day can be a new adventure. And, best of all is that, with a base in Provence, you will have a privileged access to all these plans, making your travel experience a smooth and full of unforgettable moments.