Parks and Recreational Spaces for Children
Cali, the city that dances to the rhythm of salsa, also knows how to move to the beat of children's laughter. At Parque del Perro, in the San Fernando neighborhood, families find a green oasis where the little ones run among centenary trees while parents enjoy coffee on one of its terraces. On weekends, this park fills with life with children riding bikes, skating, or simply playing in its wide green areas. Admission is free and it's open every day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Address: Carrera 37 #5-29, San Fernando Neighborhood, Cali
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
- Hours: Every day from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Cost: Free admission
- Local tip: Sunday mornings are the best time to go, when local families take their walks and the atmosphere is more family-friendly.
For more adventurous children, Parque de la Caña offers a world of fun with its children's train, ball pools, and mechanical play areas. Costs vary by attraction, but a general ticket to access several activities is around $15,000 Colombian pesos per child. Tuesdays usually have discounts for families. This park is ideal for children between 3 and 12 years old, with separate areas by age for greater safety.
- Address: Carrera 52 #16-20, Cali
- Website: www.parquedelacana.com
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Average cost: $15,000 per child (varies by attraction)
- Local tip: Bring comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes, as some attractions require proper footwear.
Museums and Educational Activities
When the Cali sun gets too hot or the days get cloudy, museums become perfect refuges. The Federico Carlos Lehmann Museum of Natural Sciences fascinates children of all ages with its interactive exhibits about Colombian biodiversity. Little ones can see tropical butterflies up close, learn about Pacific ecosystems, and participate in science workshops on Saturday mornings. Admission costs $8,000 pesos for adults and $5,000 for children, with hours from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.
Practical Information for the Museum of Natural Sciences:
- Address: Carrera 2 Oeste #7-18, Cali
- Website: www.museodecienciasnaturalescali.com
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
- Hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Cost: Adults $8,000, children $5,000
- Local tip: Saturday workshops fill up quickly, arrive early to secure a spot.
Museo La Tertulia isn't just for adult art lovers. Its "Art for Little Ones" program on Sundays at 11:00 a.m. introduces children to the world of color and shape through hands-on workshops. While children create, parents can tour the galleries. The activity is free for children under 12 when accompanied by an adult paying the general admission of $10,000 pesos.
- Address: Avenida Colombia #5-105 Oeste, Cali
- Website: www.museolatertulia.com
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
- Hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Cost: General admission $10,000, children under 12 free with paying adult
- Local tip: Sundays after the workshop, you can walk along the Cali River which is right in front of the museum.
Family Restaurants and Food Options
In Cali, even food adapts to families. Crepes & Waffles, with several locations in the city, offers creative kids' menus and spacious areas where children can move freely. Their artisanal ice creams are the perfect reward after a day of exploration. For a more local experience, San Antonio Pizza in the San Antonio neighborhood combines delicious pizzas with a terrace where children can play while waiting for their food.
- Main address: Chipichape Shopping Center, store 1-45
- Website: www.crepesywaffles.com
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
- Hours: Every day from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
- Average cost: $25,000 - $35,000 per person
- Local tip: Order the kids' menu which includes dessert and drink, it's the best option for children.
On weekends, Mercado Alameda becomes a feast for family senses. Stalls with traditional food, natural juices, and typical desserts allow children to try new flavors in a vibrant and safe environment. Most stalls have affordable prices, with dishes starting at $12,000 pesos.
- Address: Carrera 4 #9-45, Cali
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
- Hours: Friday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Average cost: Dishes from $12,000
- Local tip: Go early to avoid crowds and get a comfortable table for the family.
Events and Festivals for Children
Cali knows how to celebrate, and when it does, it includes the little ones. During the Cali Fair in December, the "Children's Fair" offers kids' concerts, theater plays, and dance workshops at Parque de la Música. The events are free and take place in the mornings to avoid nighttime crowds.
- Location: Parque de la Música, Cali
- Dates: During the Cali Fair (December)
- Hours: Mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- Cost: Free
- Local tip: Bring sunscreen and water, even in the morning the Cali sun can be strong.
The Puppet and Marionette Festival, held every October at the Jorge Isaacs Theater, brings performances from different countries specially designed for children's audiences. Morning shows cost $12,000 pesos per person and usually sell out weeks in advance.
- Location: Jorge Isaacs Theater, Cali
- Website: www.teatrojorgeisaacs.com
- Google Maps: View location on Google Maps
- Dates: October each year
- Cost: $12,000 per person
- Local tip: Buy tickets at least two weeks in advance.
Practical Tips for Traveling with Children
Cali welcomes families with open arms, but some practical tips can make a difference. For babies and young children, most shopping centers like Centenario and Jardín Plaza have nursing rooms and changing tables in family bathrooms. Taxis and ride-sharing apps accept child seats if requested in advance.
Half-day itinerary: Start at Parque del Perro (9:00 a.m.), then visit the Museum of Natural Sciences (11:00 a.m.) and end with lunch at Crepes & Waffles (1:00 p.m.).
Full-day itinerary: Parque de la Caña in the morning (10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.), lunch at San Antonio Pizza (1:30 p.m.), nap or rest at the hotel (3:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.), afternoon at Museo La Tertulia with children's workshop (5:00 p.m.) and dinner at Mercado Alameda (7:00 p.m.).
Rainy days - which in Cali are usually short but intense - find their best alternative in the mentioned museums or at the Departamental Library, which has a children's room with storytelling every afternoon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cali with Children
What is the best time to visit Cali with children?
The best time is from December to March and from June to August, when there is less rain and temperatures are more pleasant for outdoor activities.
Is it safe to move around Cali with children?
Yes, especially in tourist areas and during the day. Using official transportation and avoiding less crowded areas at night is recommended.
Are there options for children with special needs?
Many places like museums and shopping centers have accessibility, but it's better to contact in advance to confirm specific services.
What to bring when visiting Cali with children?
Sunscreen, hats, water, comfortable clothes, and always have some snacks handy for the little ones.
Cali isn't just salsa and nightlife; it's a city that has learned to balance its frenetic rhythm with spaces where families can breathe, laugh, and create memories. Every corner, from the tree-lined parks to the interactive museums, tells a story that children can understand in their own way: through play, curiosity, and the wonder of discovering a new place.
Share your family experiences in Cali in the comments.
