A surprise to some, Bogotá is an excellent city for traveling with the entire family. The major museums are unique and stimulating enough that even young children can appreciate them. Rooms of glittering gold artifacts at the Museo del Oro ★★★ rarely disappoint, while kids may giggle at the abnormally rotund figures from Fernando Botero’s work at the Museo Botero ★★, yet still gain an important lesson in perspective and Colombian history. Not far from Parque Independencia, the Planetarium ★, Calle 26b no. 5–93 (www.planetariodebogota.gov.co; tel. 1/281-4150), was remodeled in 2011 and also features a space museum and cafe.
You can take kids on a trip to Parque Jaime Duque ★ (www.parquejaimeduque.com), which is like a Bogotá Disneyland with five different zones that include rides, a zoo, and restaurants. It’s open Wednesday to Friday (COP$26,000) from 9am to 5pm and Saturday and Sunday (COP$34,000) 10am to 6:30pm. Maloka ★ (Carrera 68 D No. 24A–51; www.maloka.org; tel. 1/427-2707), Bogotá’s interactive science museum, features nine different halls with themes including the solar system, human body, and water. Admission is COP$15,900. There’s a 3D theater with an additional fee.
Dining out, especially for long weekend lunches, is often a family affair in Bogotá. On the northern outskirts of town there’s La Granja de Tenjo ★ (www.lagranjatenjo.com), a country-style restaurant on a working farm. Not far away in Chía, there’s not a kid in the world who won’t love eating at the zany, whimsical steakhouse Andrés Carne de Rés ★★★, which is the size of a small city and covered in kitsch. The restaurant turns into a giant dance club on weekend late nights, so it’s best to come early and leave before it gets too rowdy.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
