Buin Zoo is a popular attraction among locals and tourists alike. It's home to a diverse range of animals, including tigers, lions, birds, and reptiles. The zoo offers various activities for families, such as animal feeding and educational tours. Kids will love the petting zoo and the playground.
Cerro San Cristobal is a hill in the center of Santiago del Chile, offering panoramic views of the city. Visitors can hike or take a cable car to reach the summit, where they'll find a cathedral and a statue of the Virgin Mary. Families can have a picnic, bike ride, or visit the children's playground at the base of the hill.
KidZania Santiago is an interactive indoor theme park designed for kids to experience various professions through role-playing activities. Children can emulate doctors, firefighters, chefs, etc. The park is divided into different zones, including a supermarket, a TV station, and a bank. The staff speaks Spanish and English.
Fantasilandia is an amusement park located in O'Higgins Park, featuring over 30 rides for all ages. The park has several themed areas, such as Jurassic Adventure, Selva, Wild West, and others. It also has food stalls, shops, and live entertainment shows. Children under 2 years old enter for free.
Museo Interactivo Mirador, or MIM, is a science museum providing hands-on exhibits, experiments, and workshops on various topics such as physics, biology, astronomy, and technology. The museum aims to encourage an interest in science among kids and adults. It also has a planetarium, a cinema, and a café.
Parque Bicentenario de la Infancia is a park designed for children, with over 60 attractions, including slides, swings, a maze, a zip line, and a pirate ship. The park is divided into several zones, such as the Water Zone, the Technology Zone, and the Art Zone. Families can bring their food and have a picnic.
While in Santiago del Chile, travelers can use public transportation such as the metro, buses, and taxis to move between attractions. The subway system is efficient, safe, and easy to use, with several lines covering most areas of the city. Buses are economical and extensive, but they can be crowded at peak times. Taxis are available everywhere, and they are metered. The approximate cost of a taxi ride from Santiago del Chile Airport to the city center is $30-40, taking around 30-40 minutes.
If travelers have more time, they can explore other areas of Santiago del Chile with family-friendly attractions, such as the National Zoo, the Planetarium, the Buin Fantasilandia Aquatic Park, or the Village of the Fantasies theme park. They can also take a day trip to nearby towns, such as Valparaiso or Viña del Mar, to experience coastal views and beaches. If they have less time, they can choose to skip some attractions or spend less time at each one. They should also check the opening hours of the attractions and book tickets online in advance.
Santiago del Chile's main airport is Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport (SCL), located 15 km (9.3 miles) northwest of Santiago city center. It is the busiest airport in Chile, serving domestic and international flights to several destinations worldwide. The airport features various services such as restaurants, shops, car rental agencies, and currency exchange offices.