Fun for the Family

Cinelândia
This downtown landmark is lined by a sequence of movie theaters.  It houses a large open area that has become Rio's version of London's Hyde Park.

Planetário da Cidade do Rio de Janeiro (Rio de Janeiro Planetarium)
Praça Padre Leonel França
021-274-0096
Rio's only planetarium should attract anyone interested in the constellations of the Southern Hemisphere.  Classical music soundtracks accompany all shows.  Visitors can also view the night skies through a telescope!

Quinta de Boa Vista
Av. Rio Branco
021-254-2024
This natural park is a city-owned complex, which features the Jardim Zoológico zoo and the Nacional Museu, as well as hundreds of acres of lush park.  Canoes can be rented for paddling around the ponds, and shows are often performed on a stage located in the  middle of a lake.

Jardim Zoológico (Zoo)
Av. Rio Branco
021-254-2024
The zoo offers a close-up of Brazil's native animals.  The zoo provides a home for  alligators, monkeys, snakes, big cats, an impressive tropical bird aviary, and elephants.  Children can enjoy a ride in a little train throughout the park.

National Museum
Av. Rio Branco
021-254-2024
The museum displays everything from prehistoric fish skeletons, artifacts from Pompeii, crafts by Native Americans and Amazonians, to traditional crafts.

Parque do Flamengo (Flamengo Park)
Av. Infante Dom Henrique 85
021-285-7029
Flamengo Park is the largest city park in the world.  The park features an array of activities such as jogging and biking trails; basketball, soccer, tennis courts, playgrounds, and a sports arena.  Wonderful for a picnic with the family.

Fazenda Alegria  (Happy Farm)
Estrada da Boca do Mato
021-442-1992
This is a popular ecology farm for children.  It features waterfalls and a petting zoo. Animals in the petting zoo include lambs and miniature ponies.