Visiting Argentina with kids: a complete guide

Families seeking a vacation that delivers adventures and wildlife wonders on mountains, glaciers, deserts, beaches and forests — along with excellent food and rich culture — would do well to put Argentina to the top of their destination wish-list, with our guide to visiting Argentina with kids on hand to help you plan your perfect trip, Also affordable, safe and boasting a very child-friendly culture, you might just have found your new favorite vacation destination. 

The best times to visit Argentina with kids

The best time to visit Argentina depends on where you want to go and what you most want to do — the ideal time in one region, might not be the best to visit others.

Also note that Argentina’s seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere, so summer in Argentina is December-February, and winter is June-August. 

Spring and Fall: Best overall times to visit 

The best overall times to visit Argentina are spring (September- November) and Fall (March-May), both of which offer mild, pleasant weather that’s great for outdoor activities (see our list of our favorite activities in Argentina). 

As bonus, popular tourist spots like Patagonia, Buenos Aires, Iguazú are less crowded in spring and fall than they are in the summer peak season, which makes it a great time to experience more of the best things to do in Patagonia more broadly.

As a bonus, spring is a top time to watch whales in Peninsula Valdés.

Summer: Best for beaches and exploring Patagonia

Argentina’s December-February summer season is the best time to visit for the best beaches in Argentina, and to enjoy Patagonia’s glaciers, hiking and wildlife experiences.

Buenos Aires is also lively at this time of year, but note this is peak season, so expect higher costs and bigger crowds wherever you go, especially in December. Also be aware that Buenos Aires and Iguazú Falls can be very hot and humid.

Winter: Best for skiing and exploring the north

Argentina’s June-August winter season sees skiers head to resorts in Bariloche and Mendoza (many are family oriented), and Buenos Aires is pleasantly uncrowded. Note that it’s too cold to make the most of a visit to Patagonia at the time of year.

May and June: Least favorable time to visit

Patagonia is very cold in May and June, and many lodges and tours shut down. At the same time, Buenos Aires can be rainy, and the Iguazú Falls may have muddy trails as a result of heavy rains.

Staying safe and healthy in Argentina

Though Argentina is one of the safest and most family-friendly countries in South America, here are a few tips to make your visit to Argentina with kids all the smoother and safer.

More practical information can be found in our Argentina travel health tips. 

Healthcare and emergency information

Argentina has excellent private hospitals in major cities. As this is expensive, get yourself travel insurance, and bring any prescription medication from home — some brands may not be available.

Food and water safety

Tap water is safe to drink in Buenos Aires and major cities, but use bottled water in rural areas.

While street food is generally safe, stick to busy stalls where food is fresh, and bring stomach medicine (like rehydration salts and probiotics) in case of mild food issues.

Preventing mosquito bites and sunburn

Use mosquito repellent (DEET or Picaridin) and wear light long-sleeved clothing in mosquito-prone area jungle areas (e.g. Iguazú and Northern Argentina).

Dengue fever can also be a risk in tropical areas (like Iguazú in summer), so again, use repellent, and avoid standing water.

Be mindful of the sun, too, and apply plenty of sunscreen (SPF 50+) — rays are especially strong in Patagonia and the north.

Beach safety

Only swim at lifeguard-patrolled beaches — some Atlantic Coast beaches, in particular, have strong waves, and check local tide warnings.

How to get around Argentina with kids

Given its vast size, getting around Argentina with ease requires planning. Here’s an overview of your options. 

Domestic flights

Since Argentina is huge, flights are the best way to travel between major destinations.

For example, taking a two-hour flight from Buenos Aires to Iguazú Falls is preferable to the 20-hour bus ride!

From Buenos Aires, it also only takes 2 hrs 15 min to fly to Bariloche, three hours to fly to El Calafate for the Perito Moreno Glacier, and just under two hours to fly to Mendoza.

Book flights early, especially for Patagonia and  Iguazú, and arrive at the airport at least two hours before you’re due to fly — security lines can be long.

Also note that most domestic flights leave from Aeroparque.

Long-distance buses ("Micros") 

Argentina has one of the best long-distance bus networks in the world, with comfortable "cama" (reclining seat) options.

If your kids are older, you could, for example, take a 12-hour overnight bus from Buenos Aires to Mendoza, or a 10-hour overnight service to Córdoba.

Car rental

In major cities like Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Córdoba, rental cars are unnecessary — use taxis and public transport instead.

If you like to travel with more freedom and are heading to more rural areas and national parks, having a car can be helpful in the likes of Patagonia (Bariloche, El Calafate and Ushuaia), and the Wine Country (Mendoza and Cafayate).

A few words of warning: car seats are required by law for kids under 10, but some rental agencies don’t always provide them, so bring your own if possible.

Also note that gas stations can be far apart in Patagonia and Northern Argentina.

How to get around cities

Argentina’s major cities offer the expected mix of taxis, buses, subways and walkable areas.

Walking 

Walking is the best way to explore tourist areas, such as Recoleta, Palermo and San Telmo in Buenos Aires, the center of Mendoza, and Bariloche’s downtown and lakeside districts.

Always use pedestrian crossings (drivers don’t always stop for pedestrians to cross the road), and watch out for motorbikes and bikes on sidewalks in cities.

Buenos Aires specifics

Buenos Aires has the best transportation system in Argentina, with subways, buses, and plenty of taxis.

The subway is cheap and fast, but very crowded during rush hours (7–9 am, 5–7 pm).

Buses (colectivos) are also cheap, but require a SUBE card, and they’re not that child-friendly, as covered below.

Taxis

Using Uber and Cabify is cheaper and safer than street taxis in all Argentina’s cities.

Not using an app? It’s best not to hail taxis on the street. Instead, have your hotel or restaurant call a taxi for you, always check the meter is on, and never board unmarked taxis.

City buses

Buses (colectivos) are a cheap way to get around cities, but they can be confusing for tourists and they’re not always that child-friendly e.g. not all have space for strollers, so you have to fold them before boarding. 

You also have to have a SUBE card — drivers don’t accept cash.

10 tips for traveling to Argentina with kids 

In addition to heeding our advice on healthcare and safety, here are our top ten tips for traveling to Argentina with kids.

1. Research child-friendly hotels and lodges 

When planning your trip to Argentina, be aware that not all Argentina accommodation will have everything you might be hoping for i.e. check specifically whether places have the likes of cribs, kids’ menus, and play areas, should they be essential.

Also consider camping (or glamping) in places like lakeside Lanin National Park (Neuquén), El Chaltén (Patagonia), and Tigre Delta.

2. Plan for long distances 

As covered above, Argentina is enormous! Driving or taking the bus between cities can take hours (or even days), so you’ll need to figure out how you’re going to get around with your kids, and book flights and buses well ahead of your trip.

When traveling with kids, it’s also wise to allow extra time at airports, and come armed with material to keep ‘em entertained.

3. Be weather wise, and pack accordingly

Argentina has very different climates depending on where (and when) you go.

For example, Buenos Aires and Iguazú tend to be hot and humid, so bring light clothes, sunscreen and mosquito repellent.

Meanwhile, Patagonia and the Andes area are cold, windy and unpredictable, which means you’ll need warm layers and windproof jackets.

4. Eating advice

First up, be prepared for late meal times. Dinner service often starts after 8pm, with restaurants getting busy from 9:30pm. If your kids eat earlier, grab empanadas or sandwiches in a café or buy groceries for in-room dining.

When stocking up on local snacks, look out for alfajores (soft cookies with dulce de leche filling), chocolina biscuits, palitos de queso (cheese-flavored sticks), Milanesa (breaded schnitzel-like chicken or beef), and empanadas.

Also, be sure to try chocolatada, a sweet chocolate milk drink that’s popular with kids (and grown-ups!)

5. Plan for siesta time

Shops outside big cities may close for siesta from 2pm-5pm, and cities in the north often close for siesta, too.

So, plan your itinerary around this, perhaps taking the opportunity to visit museums, walk on the wilder side, or else rest up and have your own siesta.

6. Adjust to Argentine time culture 

Related to the previous point, Argentinians tend to be pretty relaxed about time, and schedules aren’t always strictly adhered to.

For example, buses, flights and tours can sometimes run late, so look to build extra time into your itinerary.

Don’t expect speedy restaurant service, either. Meals are enjoyed slowly, so bring activity books (or whatever floats your kids’ boats) to restaurants to counter boredom and impatience.

7. Rent bikes for easy sightseeing

Many Argentine cities have great bike paths that make sightseeing more fun for kids, .

For example, Buenos Aires’ EcoBici are ideal for exploring the city’s flat bike paths in parks, while Bariloche’s Circuito Chico takes in lake and forest landscapes on a short, scenic cycle route.

8. Choose child-friendly outdoor adventures

Argentina is home to some of the world’s most stunning landscapes, and incredible hikes and glacier experiences that challenge even the most experienced adventurers.

Keep that in mind when planning your own outdoor adventures. That is to say, focus on experiences that are suitable for the ages of your kids, and your own fitness level!

Here are some of Argentina’s best family-friendly hikes and glacier experiences:

• Sendero al Mirador de los Cóndores, El Chaltén: a one-hour hike that serves amazing mountain views.
• Cerro Campanario, Bariloche: an easy 30-minute hike or chairlift to a panoramic viewpoint.
• Iguazú Falls walkways: easy paved trails leads to breath-taking waterfall views.
• Perito Moreno Glacier Boat Tour, El Calafate: a fun way to see the giant glacier without a long hike!

9. Include wildlife encounters in your itinerary

From penguins and whales, to llamas and flamingos, Argentina is pretty amazing on the wildlife front. Here’s a run-down of wildlife experiences to consider including in your itinerary.

• Punta Tombo, Patagonia: November–March is the best time to see baby penguins here.
• Whale watching in Peninsula Valdés: visit in June–December to see southern right whales.
• Iberá wetlands: boat safaris around these parts give kids the chance to see cute capybaras and monkeys.
• Salta and Jujuy: the high-altitude salt flats here play host to so many flamingos!

10. Mix things up, but don't overpack your itinerary

When planning your family-friendly Argentina itinerary, variety is the key to keeping your kids happy. 

So, look to mix up sightseeing and outdoor activities like hiking and horse-riding with the likes of visiting interactive museums, watching street performers while sipping chocolatada, and heading to theme parks. 

At the same time, be mindful of not trying to do too much. Instead, look to identify the main experiences and attractions that’ll keep everyone happy. 

On that subject, read on to discover some of the best things to do in Argentina with kids

Things to do in Argentina with kids 

By no means exhaustive — there are simply so many amazing things to see and do — here are some of the very best things to do in Argentina with kids.

Best nature and adventure experiences

• Iguazú Falls: one of the world's most majestic waterfalls boasts easy trails and bridges over the falls, with a Jungle Train to take kids through the forest. Older kids (12+) could ride a boat beneath the cascade while younger siblings watch from the walkways. Be sure to wear water shoes, quick-dry clothes and ponchos — you’ll get drenched!
• Perito Moreno Glacier, El Calafate: with safe and easy boardwalks for glacier viewing, here you can also enjoy boat trips to see icebergs up close, with mini-treks suitable for 10+-year-olds to walk on the ice.
• Salt Flats, Salinas Grandes: this giant white salt desert has easy hikes for all ages.
• Horseback riding with gauchos: visits to family-friendly estancias (ranches) in Pampas or Patagonia often include BBQs and traditional dance shows, as well as opportunities to ride gentle horses. 
• Skiing and sledding: with beginner slopes and ski schools for kids, visit Bariloche or Mendoza from June-September for a fun family ski vacation.

Best wildlife experiences

• See Penguins at Punta Tombo: head here to walk besides thousands of penguins on child-friendly boardwalks. 
• Watch whales and sea lions, Peninsula Valdés: whale-watching boat tours (best enjoyed June–December) are fun and thrilling, and you can also spot sea lions and dolphins from the beach.
• Iberá wetlands: Argentina’s mini Amazon offers opportunities to see capybaras, caimans, monkeys and exotic birds on safe boat safaris.

Best cultural experiences

• Explore La Boca, Buenos Aires: boasting brightly painted houses, visit this vibrant district during the day to see fun street performers (including tango dancers) and shop for Argentine crafts.
• Ride the “End of the World Train”, Ushuaia: this scenic ride through Patagonia’s forests and mountains is at once thrilling and historic — it was used by prisoners in the 1900s. Intrigued? Read up on exploring an eerie old penal colony in Argentina.
• Children’s Museum, Buenos Aires: this cool mini city enables kids to play at different professions, with hands-on science exhibits and fun play areas for all ages.

Argentina itinerary with kids

To kickstart your own family adventure in Argentina, here’s a suggested 7-day itinerary that covers top nature, adventure, wildlife and cultural experiences at a manageable pace.

Offering variety to keep kids keen — from waterfalls and wildlife, to glaciers, boat rides, easy hikes, and chocolate! — we’ve avoided overly long hikes, too many transfers, and more extreme activities.

Looking for a longer vacation? Take inspiration from our Argentina itineraries for 14 days.

Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires and explore

After arriving in Buenos Aires, check into your family-friendly hotel (read up on where to stay in Buenos Aires) and take a rest before exploring La Boca’s beautiful bright streets.

Caminito Street is the place to come for colorful houses and stacks of street performers, while soccer fans might want to visit Boca Juniors Stadium.

Come the late-afternoon, visit Rosedal Park — it has gardens, ducks and swan boat rides for kids — before dining in an Argentine steakhouse (parrilla).

If you’ve always longed to visit this vibrant city, read up on how many days you need in Buenos Aires.

Day 2: Tigre Delta boat adventure tour

On the morning of day two, take a one-hour train to Tigre, where you can board a boat to explore the scenic Tigre Delta — think winding rivers, floating houses, and nature.

You could also head to the Parque de la Costa amusement park, or check out the Tigre Fruit Market, allowing time to relax with an ice cream!

Another alternative is to return to the city earlier to visit the Children's Museum.

Day 3: Fly to Iguazú Falls for rainforest fun

A very different experience is in store on day three when you’ll fly to the awe-inspiring Iguazú Falls (2 hrs).

Check into a hotel with a pool (Iguazú is very humid) before visiting Güirá Oga Wildlife Rescue Center in the afternoon to see monkeys, toucans, and animals that have been rescued from the rainforest.

Day 4: Adventures at Iguazú Falls 

Day four is devoted to experiencing the natural magic of Iguazú National Park. Take the Ecological Jungle Train to Devil’s Throat — a spectacular viewpoint — and walk easy trails for jaw-dropping views of the mighty falls.

If your kids are old enough (10/12+ — check with operators), you could enjoy a thrilling boat ride under the falls themselves, while younger kids could visit the hummingbird garden.

Day 5: Fly to Bariloche to explore lakes and mountains

On day five, take a morning flight to Bariloche (2.5 hrs) and check into your lakeside hotel or cabin.

Come the afternoon, take the swift chairlift ride to one of the best views in Argentina — Cerro Campanario mountaintop.

That evening, visit a chocolate shop in town — Bariloche is famous for its chocolate — before dining in a cozy mountain lodge.

Day 6: Adventure and nature in Bariloche 

On day six, cycle, drive, or take a tour of the scenic looped Circuito Chico.

We suggest stopping at Llao Llao Hotel for beautiful lake views and a snack break, and consider walking the easy, short trail to Lago Escondido.

That afternoon, depending on interests and ages, either enjoy a horseback riding excursion through Andean forests, or kayak on the gentle waters of Nahuel Huapi Lake.

Day 7: Fly Back to Buenos Aires ready to depart

On the morning of day 7, relax by the lake before heading to the airport for a two-hour flight back to Bueno Aires. 

Alternatively, fly earlier to grab a few hours in the city before your big flight home. For example, San Telmo Market is great for souvenirs and local crafts.

Just be sure to leave plenty of time for airport transfers — the traffic in Buenos Aires can be slow.

Inspired to take a trip to Argentina with your kids? You’ll find more food for thought in our suggested Argentina itineraries.

You could also contact our local Argentina travel experts to have them curate your perfect family vacation for any duration.