Lima With Kids: A Week of Food, Parks, and Easing Into Peru

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Most people treat Lima as a one night layover before flying on to Cusco. We gave it a whole week, and I am so glad we did. Lima with kids was our soft landing into Peru: sea level, incredible food, big green parks, and time to shake off the jet lag before heading up into the mountains. Here is how we spent it.

Why start your Peru trip in Lima

Beyond being a wonderful city, Lima sits at sea level, which makes it the smart place to begin before the altitude of Cusco. Landing low, resting, and adjusting your kids to the time zone here pays off later. (More on that in my Peru altitude guide for kids.)

The food alone is worth the week

Lima is one of the great food cities of the world, and it is shockingly kid friendly. Fresh fruit juices, warm bread, grilled chicken, and so many potatoes that no picky eater goes hungry. My girls genuinely love ceviche, so Lima was pure heaven for them, and on the days they wanted something plainer there was always rice, potatoes, and bread to fall back on.

Things to do in Lima with kids

If you are building your own days, here is what families love:

• Parque del Amor and the Miraflores boardwalk for ocean views, green space, and room to run.
• Kennedy Park, famous for its friendly cats, which delighted our girls endlessly.
• Parque de la Reserva and its magic water circuit fountains in the evening.
• The Larco Museum, surprisingly kid friendly with gardens to roam.
• Beach time and a paraglider watch along the Miraflores cliffs.

If you are not traveling with a group

Our whole Peru trip was planned by Travec, so I did not personally book hotels. If you are doing Lima independently, Miraflores and Barranco are the easiest neighborhoods with kids, both walkable and safe feeling. You can browse family friendly stays in Lima here.

Why we let Travec plan the rest

Lima is easy to DIY. The mountains, trains, and jungle are not, especially with kids. That is where Travec carried us. They planned every detail of our route but kept the cultural immersion completely intact. Our kids made a local friend their own age, and we connected with people instead of just photographing them. Your family gets $200 off a Travec family group trip with code BRAVEFAMILY at traveltravec.com. Honest fine print: family group trips only, not combinable with other promos, applied at booking.

And always, travel insured

Even an easy city week is a long way from home with kids. We use SafetyWing on every trip because it is built for families who are always moving. Set up your coverage before you fly.

Lima is the gentle, delicious doorway into Peru. Give it more than a layover. Next, read my Cusco and Sacred Valley guide, and see the whole route in Peru with kids.

What family travel insurance actually costs

We never travel or live abroad without it. Here is the live price from SafetyWing:

Xoxo, Marae: your travel mom bestie
www.bravefreetravel.com

Lima With Kids: Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Lima with kids?

Two to three days is ideal for families visiting Lima. That gives you time to explore the Miraflores waterfront and Parque del Amor, visit Larco Museum, and eat your way through the food scene without overwhelming little ones. Most families use Lima as an arrival and departure city bookending their Peru itinerary.

Is Lima safe to visit with children?

The tourist neighborhoods of Miraflores and Barranco are very safe for families. Stick to these areas, use official taxis or ride-share apps, and you will have a relaxed, enjoyable visit. Lima is one of the most family-friendly cities in South America once you know which districts to base yourself in.

What is the best neighborhood to stay in Lima with kids?

Miraflores is the top choice for families. It has wide cliff-top parks, playgrounds, a pedestrian boardwalk, and dozens of good restaurants within walking distance. It is also the safest and most walkable district in Lima. Barranco is a beautiful option for slightly older kids who can appreciate its arts and café culture.

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For everything we actually travel with for kids ages 2-8, browse our Worldschooling Supplies list on Amazon, curated from real trips to Spain, Italy, Japan, and Peru.

Packing for Peru with kids? Browse our Peru Family Packing List on Amazon, everything we packed for the Amazon jungle, Machu Picchu, and Cusco with kids.