Mendoza with kids: the best activities to do

This article wants to propose the best activities to do in Mendoza with children so that they can enjoy it to the fullest. 

It is worth mentioning that  some of these places are public while others are about paid excursions and activities.

Next, we will tell you the different options of activities that they have in Mendoza   to entertain themselves and take a great memory of this incredible destination.

Play in the Parque General San Martín 

It is a green lung in the city of Mendoza.

The immensity of this park surrounded by trees and an artificial lake offer a great variety of natural landscapes , making it an ideal place to organize family picnics and relax outdoors.

In addition, has some routes to do on internal trails (You can do up to 17 kilometers ), you can visit them on foot or with Las Bicis del Parque. If you are interested in renting these bicycles, the point to take them is at the main entrance of the park. e (Av. De Las Palmeras and Del Grifo), have different sizes so that the whole family can enjoy the ride and are rented by the hour.

Within this large green space, there is also the Museum of Natural and Anthropological Sciences, the Frank Romero Day Greek Theater, its famous carousel and the children's play area   so that the little ones can run, play and have fun. 

Another entertainment for children in Parque San Martín is the pedal boats. These have capacity for two people and are rented for half an hour or more. The artificial lake that borders the entire right side of the park contains more than 1,200 fish   including Siberian amur, carp, silverside catfish.

San Martín Park is located in a central area, therefore after visiting it you can eat or drink in the bars and restaurants that are outside, in the streets that They surround.

One of the ways to visit San Martín Park and the main sites of the city, with sections to On foot and by bus, it is with the  City Tour, where a guide will tell you the story and the most curious data of each place.

Visit the Acuario Municipal

A very visited attraction in Mendoza and recommended for children to entertain, learn and be surprised with the different species of the aquarium: from fish from all over the world to a large  sea turtle, eels, alligators and some  alligators  located in one of the highest areas of the building.

The Municipal Aquarium contains local and exotic species of fresh and salt water. Among them are the species of the Paraná River and a huge  90-year-old marine turtle  that has been here for 15 years, called Jorge.

This large space has adequate services to facilitate disabled access, has a hydraulic platform and a ramp system that allows free movement throughout the entire route. 

It has a  amphitheater, 3 water mirrors, 36 small LED screens  with texts explanatory, a special enclosure that houses the turtle Jorge and a terrace where the enclosure of the alligators and reptiles is located.

Among the different varieties of fish that can be observed include:  the angelfish, betta, zebra, guppy fish, platy and discus fish.

Another very interesting place to visit is the enclosure of the  alligators and reptiles, of about 50 m2 glass walls and ceiling, with industrial coating that prevents the passage of moisture and that has sand, water and pumice stone to recreate the natural environment of these species. In addition, an open-air pond is added for floating plants, mosses and fish, of 35 m2 that recreate the habitat of aquatic life.

The aquarium has a modern architectural design, and by means of ramps, you can access the new terrace where the enclosure of the alligators and reptiles is located, with about 50 m2 of walls and glass roof, with industrial coating that prevents the passage of moisture and that has sand, water and pumice stone to recreate the environment natural of these species. In addition, an open-air pond is added for floating plants.

It is open to the public from Monday to Sunday.  It is located just 2 kilometers from the city center.

Timetables:

Monday to Friday from 10 am to 1 pm - 2 pm to 5 pm.

Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 1 pm - 2 pm to 5 pm.

Strolling through Plaza Independencia

Also  located in the downtown area (4 blocks away), Plaza Independencia is another green spot in Mendoza that covers four blocks. 

It has inside the most important museum in Mendoza: the Museo Municipal de Arte (MMAMM) and also, the purposes During the week, many  street shows for the whole family are held in the amphitheater located in the center of the park (puppets, stand up, musicals and humor). 

Also in the center of the square, there are games for children, with slides, hammocks and hanging ladders. There are also the water games, with jets that come out from the surface and you have to step on them to cut the water. 

At night, the  Artisans Fair opens: a nice atmosphere to learn about local crafts: ornaments, furniture, clothing, toys, sweets and regional food.

In addition, around Plaza Independencia there are several  ice cream parlors and restaurants where you can eat the boys' favorite dishes:  Pizzaiolo ,  Mac Donald's ,  Aruca ,  Feruccio Ice Cream ,  Lomoro Ice Cream Shop ,  Magic Pastry .

Tour in Paseo Peatonal Sarmiento

A very pleasant pedestrian area decorated with trees, flower beds, fountains with water and pergolas, located in the heart of the city of Mendoza.They are three pedestrian blocks, where you go to be able to find technology venues such as Mobi Shop, also from  clothing: Vaypol sports,  Mimo  Grimoldi and  Ciroca Kids . If you want to take some toy as a souvenir, I recommend you visit Loly Pop , they have board games, articulated Marvel and Disney characters, baby toys, costumes, backpacks, paints, stuffed animals and cars of all sizes.

For girls and boys who like  stories, coloring magazines and books   of their favorite characters,  SBS bookstores is an excellent option to visit, it is located in the first block of the pedestrian. In addition, they have a sector They are child seats, where they can sit and read and play.

In the surroundings you can find   restaurants   with outdoor tables where they offer hamburgers, sandwiches, milanesas, chicken legs with the boys' favorite garnishes: French fries These are the places I recommend for lunch or dinner:  Zitto,  Figo,  Denny's Burger and Kingo. 

Another option is the coffees, where you can taste delicious  hot chocolates, alfajores, bar or tablet chocolates, smoothies and different fruit juices:  Tartufo,  Café Jack and  Havanna .

Also on the pedestrian street you will find ice cream parlors with various options and tastes for the little ones: Lucciano's, MOOM and Brands Gelato.

And if your kids like sweet, don't miss out on the  waffles and donuts; Bute and  Mokka.

Day and night, it is always a good option to go for a walk with the family and rest after an excursion. On the corners there are usually street music and entertainment shows.

Play Bowling

Bowling is one of the funniest activities chosen by kids when going out for a walk. It is a simple game, suitable for all ages, it is inexpensive and does not require greater requirements or skills. Of course: it is recommended to wear shoes with rubber soles to avoid slipping.

In the capital of  Mendoza there are several salons   where you can practice it, these are our recommended:

-Delta:   The bowling alley was inaugurated in the '70s, with ideas I brought das de France and a new generation of gaming. In addition to having lanes with more than  15 bowling lanes that automatically accommodate, it has two pool tables, shuffleboard and foosball. It is intended for those who wait their turn. 

Between the first and second floors, there are eighteen bowling courts available, where you can eat (pizzas, hamburgers and sandwiches) and drink at affordable prices.  Open Tuesday through Friday from 8.30 pm to close, Saturdays from 5 pm to 4 am and Sundays from 5 pm to midnight.

Dragon Bowling: It has been operating since 1969 in a large basement on Av. San Martín in the center. It has 24 state-of-the-art lanes suitable for championships and for amateurs, it has automatic scorers and disco bowling. You will also find pool tables and a fast food snack bar. 

It opens from Monday to Monday from 8 pm.

Visit the Anaconda Center Serpentarium

Located right in front of the Municipal Aquarium,  this serpentarium stands out for having with around  500 specimens of snakes of different sizes, colors and various places in the world.

All of them,  located in showcases along a tunnel, to be appreciated near.  It has specimens of snakes from the most varied places in the world, of different sizes and colors. Among the types of snakes that can be found there are  saurians and live snakes such as anacondas, rattlesnakes, boa, yaará, lizards, Gila monster, false coral and pythons. 

In each display case there are information sheets that, among other things, provide information on the specimens, the extraction of poison, photos, images of lesions and advice in case of bite.

The serpentarium began to form in 1960 at the initiative of the veterinarian José Gassull, and To date, it has gathered around  500 specimens of 40 varieties and species, both poisonous and non-poisonous. They come from Asia, Africa, and other native species such as Yarara and rattle. Information and prevention talks are also offered at the site, given by guides from the serpentarium.

It is open seven days a week, from 9 am to 7 pm. 

Play in the theme parks of the shopping malls 

This is a simple and practical option for that while the older ones stroll and make purchases, the younger ones entertain themselves in the  game centers   offered by some of the shopping malls in Mendoza.

The most prominent are: La Barraca Mall and the  Open Mall Palmares in addition to having  toy stores, clothing stores, technology and clothing , they have their own  theme park games:  Playland Park . Here children can play with flippers, car driving simulators and Spaceships, shuffleboard, fishing games, bumper cars, water guns, soccer and basketball ball throwing machines, virtual reality games (zombies, skiing, snowboarding and skateboarding).  In addition to games inspired by Ben 10, The Powerpuff Girls, Foster's Mansion and more Cartoon Network characters.

Another of the funniest theme parks in Mendoza, is located within the  Mendoza Plaza Shopping   on the ground floor. In Neverland the kids will enjoy  bumper car track, prize machines, game booths, video machines, driving simulators of cars, motorcycles and cranes, with moving animals and ships for the little ones (3 to 6 years) There are also  board games, air hockey, billiards, virtual tennis, soccer and transformers.

The three shopping malls also have  movie theaters with digital projection and sound technology. 3D rooms and candy bar to go with the family and enjoy the latest releases on the world billboard.

Visit comics and technology stores

Another option A lot of fun for boys who are fans of comics, marvel dolls, games for gamers and the latest in technology   is visiting the comic shops, where in addition to having a wide variety of magazines they have the funniest toys. Among the favorites of the smallest and the best equipped are:

-Locura Magic: It is the most important comic book store in Mendoza and one of the best that can be found in Argentina. It is one of the most important points of sale for comics, articulated dolls, accessories for gamers and the most emblematic collectible toys. It also has a cafeteria and a section for children between 2 and 6 years old.

-Jawa: If you are going to visit Mendoza, it is a mandatory stop for children who are fans of superheroes. They have from comics to costumes and everything related to the most important characters. You will also find a wide variety of card games, t-shirts, merchandising and books. They have tables, so they can sit and watch what they want.

-Planeta Comic:  It is an Argentine franchise that has several physical establishments in the province and presence in other cities. In addition to an excellent collection of comics from the main publishers, in its catalog you will find miniature dolls, figures, board games, wargames, paintings, collectible cards and everything that comes to mind. A highlight is the attention, since the employees themselves share the same passion for this world of comics and dolls.

-Nippona: They offer the best selection of comics and games. At present, its physical store has more than 300 m2. What can they find? Graphic novels, comics from around the world and imported, new, second-hand, novels and manuals. And in the jokers section they have at their disposal the best selection of reading for the younger public. You will also be able to see board games for all ages and styles, from the most casual of cards to the demanding wargames.

Play paintball at Xtreme Park de Mendoza 

Horseback riding through the mountain

The  Horse ride at sunset is one of the activities that boys tend to like the most because of their contact with animals and nature. During   the  cavalcade of  two hours  through the   mountains with the Andes Mountains   in the background   you will be able to enjoy the sunset with wonderful panoramic views.

The whole family will have the opportunity to observe the fauna and flora characteristics of this area, while walking on tame horses, accompanied by a   professional local guide.   

This adventure begins very close to the city, just 20 minutes  (12 kilometers) at the estancia, Puesto los Amigos. During the tour  through the mountains they will reach a height of 1200 meters above sea level, where they will enjoy the tranquility of the area, and will even have the possibility of  sighting condors and  Moorish eagles   that inhabit the mountain range. 

At the end of the parade, they will be waiting at the station with a   roast  full   with the best Argentine beef, roasted vegetables, French fries and salads, all accompanied by the typical Mendoza drinks and soft drinks for the little ones

 

The day ends with everyone around a fire pit to enjoy a  " guitarreada "  with  typical songs. A beautiful experience to live with the family!

Go karting in Universal Indoor Kart

Universal Indoor Kart, is located in San Rafael, 228 kilometers from the capital of Mendoza . It is the  only place that has indoor and outdoor tracks.  Kids and the whole family can enjoy racing with safe equipment and go-karts adapted to all ages. 

You can experience all the adrenaline and speed from Monday to Sunday from 5.30 pm to 12.30 pm. The  karting track also has a 50 linear meter ramp and three types from greep.

In addition to karting they have network simulators of TC-2000, giant jenga, foosball, professional pool, foosball, arcade consoles, LaserTag fights, service   buffet (They have options in food and drinks) and  Autos Locos   for the little ones (Mini electric karts, more than 12 laps ).

Enjoy the water in the Termas de Cacheuta Water Park

  

Located 38 kilometers from the city of Mendoza, this thermal park surrounded by the Andes Mountains and on the banks of the Mendoza River has different pools at different temperatures and with some facilities open throughout the year to enjoy with the family.

The thermal complex has pools that are found with temperatures ranging from 25 to 50 degrees.

The pools with warmer water are found in the upper part and as one descends towards the river area, they are more temperate. The sectors are linked together with sloping gardens and stone stairs that  seem to be part of the natural landscape. They also have slides and tunnels so that the little ones can connect to the different pools in a fun way.

For lunch or snack time, there is a section of covered barbecue areas with grills and tables. There are also two kiosks so that the little ones can buy soft drinks, sweets or snacks.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy  of this destination is to hire the tour to the hot springs of Cacheuta, where they have included the transfer from the city, towels and robes. The excursion also includes the hydrotherapy circuit, the underground sauna with waterfalls, whirlpools, foot and mud baths for the older ones. In the case of boys, there are also activities for them available in the complex, to hire it you have to go to the entrance windows.

The  Termas de Cacheuta  are located 40 kilometers from Mendoza city, within a splendid landscape that you will be able to enjoy along route 82. Which can be traveled renting a car or through the buses that leave from the bus terminal in the city center (Line  352 and 420).

Walk through aerial bridges  in the Euca Forest 

 

It is a park with elevated games with bridges and ropes, built with all the Requirements and care for the safe practice of adventure activities for children. The  Euca Arereo Forest has  with 61 games that are divided into 5 levels according to the difficulty and height of each girl or boy.

All games have  professional guides who take care of each boy  and equip them with harnesses, pulleys , safety carabiners, helmet and gloves so they can play in the air with peace of mind. It is recommended that the boys have comfortable shoes, to be able to jump and run throughout the park.

 

The Euca Aerial Forest, It also has a section of zip lines and trapezoids in height, where the boys can launch themselves through a steel cable from one end of the forest to the other. 

Other activities to do in Euca are the  trekkings, rappelling, walking on Tibetan bridges, climbing and playing in hammocks.   There are guided walks for the whole family, one of the favorites of the little ones is the tour and the games in the  eucalyptus forest , where they will enjoy incredible views of the mountain range!

To get to Euca you have to travel from the city  251 kilometers   along National Route 40 to the intersection with RN143. It takes about 3 hours to travel to the city of San Rafael.

If you are interested in knowing all the places where you can enjoy fun outdoor activities in Mendoza, I recommend the note: The 7 best places to zip line.

Ice skating

For kids who prefer to share a different experience in low temperatures, the Las Leñas ski resort has the only  Indoor Ice Rink.

 

This is one of the new features of the complex. This track  is located in the base dome,  the entrance is for all ages and children from 6 years old.

 

It is open from Monday to Sunday from 1 pm to 9 pm. 

To get to Las Leñas from the  city of Mendoza ( 352 kilometers), can be reached  by bus or by renting a car. By car you have to drive   along National Route 40 (4 hours). If you want to   go by bus , there are constant departures to the ski center from the bus terminal of the city center   of the city   (Av. Acceso Este and Costanera in Guaymallén).

 

See cosmic rays at the Auger Observatory

The Pierre Auger Observatory is located in the  city of Malargüe, 324 kilometers from the city of Mendoza. 

The  observatory is a joint initiative of 18 countries in which about 500 scientists   from 100 institutions collaborate, with the aim of  detect subatomic particles that come from outer space called cosmic rays. Some of these rays have energies abnormally higher than those that usually bombard the Earth and produce an effect called cosmic rain or extensive atmospheric waterfall. 

The Pierre Auger experiment was the first in the world designed to study high-energy cosmic rays. Not only is it unknown what type of particles it is, but scientists do not know their place of origin and the mechanism capable of imparting such speeds to them. These are mysteries that defy all expectations.

Via visits,  children will be able to see a permanent interactive exhibition,  They will be given an orientation guide to tour the room, which has scientific material with which the experiment works:  models, videos, real-time detectors and detailed posters that allow you to understand the objective and work of the observatory.  Everything is oriented in an entertaining way so that the general public understands what cosmic rays are, where they come from and how they reach Earth. These rays are nothing more and nothing less than messengers that bring us information about distant objects in the universe.

Children will also be able to see all the work tools such as radiation telescopes  fluorescent, the radiation detectors and many more elements.

Climb and rappel 

 

One of the most fun excursions for boys, it combines rock climbing, rappelling and crossing a river with the zip line technique. This activity It begins at the Las Leñas ski resort, where the  information sector  and hiring tours are located . 

The hill where you climb arises four kilometers from the Las Leñas hotel area, and to get there you have to cross a 30-meter wide river on a zip line, where the guides are directing the more adventurous little ones.

Once in front of the rock face, the climb begins. Despite appearances, this is not a difficult technique.

The most exciting modality is rock climbing, which is done only with the hands and feet, plus a helmet and a harness with a safety rope tied to the top of the wall.

It is very simple and the instructors can explain it very easily. By following these instructions, even those who have never even climbed a tree will discover that they are able to scale  a vertical rock wall that is 15 meters high.

Like everything that goes up, descents are also made by rappelling, a technique that requires the help of a rope and a harness, with your back to the precipice.

The output is intended as an initiation escalation , that is, it can be done by any boy and without experience, from the age of ten.

To get to Las Leñas from the  city of Mendoza ( 352 kilometers),  can be reached  by bus or  by renting a car. By car you have to drive   along National Route 40 (4 hours), it is all the way very well signposted. When you get to Las Leñas, parking is free and you can leave the car as many days as you want.

If you want to   go by bus, there are constant departures to the ski center from the bus terminal in the city center   of the city (Av. Acceso Este and Costanera in Guaymallén).

 

Eat in the richest restaurants in Mendoza

Mendoza is an ideal destination when choosing what to eat with the kids because  they will find a wide range of options ranging from fast food, pastas, pizzas, sandwiches, barbecues, hot dogs and for dessert: ice cream parlors   with children's favorite flavors, chocolate shops and locals with the richest cakes and sweets. 

Here are  the sites that you might like the most:

-Kingo: E It is the  most popular hamburger restaurant in Mendoza   with a wide variety of products. Kids can choose crispy chicken or beef burgers, nuggets paired with delicious fries. There is also the kids combo with hamburger and small potatoes and a kindergarten egg. The place has games, a baseball player and slides.

- Source and Fonda: a food house that found the charm of serving large platters to share. They leave you these large dishes with spatulas and each diner is served, it is ideal to go with the family and share different dishes. The most requested are the potato cake and the corn and ricotta cannelloni tank. They also offer super Milanese sandwiches, it is a very fun option due to the size of the food and the way of eating on large trays.  

-Figo: In Figo the smallest will To be able to enjoy  delicious sandwiches with meat, ham, chicken and there are veggie options with cheese, tomato and onion. They can also be accompanied by  tasty freshly squeezed fruit juices. In addition, sweet foods are served, such as choco cakes, oreo cake, black forest and chocolate or honey covered bread cackes. 

-Great Deer: A typical refuge from the Andes Mountains  in the heart of the city's bar street. It has a particular decoration, are old skis, firewood, snowshoes, Himalayan flags, gadgets and treasures that recreate the mountain spirit with a lot of fun.

The menu reproduces the same mystique in the local ingredients and the vaj illa. On Wednesdays there are acoustics by Mendoza musicians from 8 pm to 10 pm. Among the meals for the little ones, they can enjoy  lasagna, potatoes stuffed with cheese and bacon, pizza, chicken nuggets and delicious pancakes.

-Zampa: A cool bar  to eat something sweet,   have a chocolate, fruit juices or one of the various smoothies.

Small plates with delicacies that can be eaten with the hands come out of the clay oven:  three-cheese chipá, spinach torrejas, sweet bread, sandwiches with sweet potato chips.  Breads, preserves and jams produced in the kitchen.

As for the cakes, be sure to try the black forest, the lemon pie with a perfect balance between the acid of the lemon and the enormous amount of meringue with very little sugar and creamy texture that not cloying. Another must-see is the chocotorta.

-MOOM: It is ice cream parlor, chocolate shop and they also have varieties of cakes. You will find 60 flavors of ice cream with natural ingredients and without using pre-made pastes. The star flavors are: roger chocolate, super dulce de leche and raspberry with chips. They can also enjoy hot chocolate, smoothies, fresh juices with seasonal fruit, alfajores, chocolates and truffles.

Staying in hotels with pools and near the shopping center 

When choosing  where to stay with boys in Mendoza , an excellent option is the hotels near the center to have endless activities to do and also, many of them offer different services such as games room, swimming pool and nurseries so that they can play at all times. Here are  the most outstanding hotels:

-Argentino Hotel: This hotel is located  in the heart of the city   that is, in front of the Plaza Independencia and very close to the different places of interest that can be visited with children such as the Peatonal Sarmiento, the commercial area, the area of restaurants, museums and parks. 

El Argentino Hotel It has an  outdoor pool   and beautiful  gardens   that surround it. Also near the pool there is a  closed barbecue , where you can enjoy  board games, pool and ping pong.  Argentino Hotel also  has its own restaurant , open 24 hours a day and with room service. In the menu you can order minutes, hamburgers, sandwiches, ice cream and delicious cakes.

-Finca Hotel Hermitage: The hotel finca has an outdoor p ileta and a large park  where children have the opportunity to run and play freely. They also have  bike rentals available.  It is only   10 minutes drive from the mall. 

There is wifi, cable and breakfast is provided daily. The farm has grills to be used whenever you want, a terrace and 24-hour reception. The facilities, design and furniture are quite nice and comfortable. In addition, it has a good service that makes it an excellent place to stay with children and have all kinds of advice and control.

-Park Hyatt Hotel: It is a first class hotel located in a wonderful building in front of Plaza Independencia, it offers a  luxury accommodation   for each member of the family can be pampered and pampered. 

It has a  children's recreation room Equipped with many games, as well as a space for reading and a small cinema that shows different films every day. The kids can also have fun at the "Hyatt Club", a children's recreation space run by children's entertainers. Outside, surrounded by plants and lounge chairs, is the pool with beautiful views of the internal garden and the city.

-Villaggio Hotel Boutique: It has a good location very close to the Mendoza Casino, just 1 block from Plaza Independencia and also close to different points or areas of interest in the city. It has an  interior patio   with a beautiful decoration with plants and has a  pool  where children can swim from 8 am to 10 pm, it has lifeguard. 

It also has a games room with pool and ping pong. For the older ones there is the spa sector and while you enjoy a relaxing massage session, the hotel has a  nursery and children's activities  so that the little ones can continue having fun.

If you want us to organize a  tour or  package to measure in Mendoza, Contact us!