Unveiled in 2007, Parque Explora is emblematic of Medellín’s civic reinvention. A blighted wasteland just north of Centro has been recast as a dynamic, family-oriented entertainment and learning complex. The striking centerpiece is a postmodern amalgam of five red cubed buildings where a fantastic series of interactive, multi-sensory spaces introduce children and teens to scientific and technological concepts. Within the same complex (admission included), the small but stimulating aquarium features coral gardens, sting rays, tropical fish, and crowd-pleasing Amazonian protagonists including the pirarucú—one of the planet’s largest freshwater fish which can grow to 4.3 meters (14 ft.)—and marauding piranhas. Whether it’s an aerobics class, a salsa performance, a rock concert, an outdoor movie, or a kid’s workshop, there’s usually something going on at Parque de los Deseos (Calle 71 no. 52–30; www.fundacionepm.org.co; tel. 574/516-6005), a 5-minute walk from Explora Park (across from Universidad Metro station).