Guatemala with small kids: 7 Fun Things to do
- dimple verma
- Sep 8
- 6 min read
My main goal in visiting Guatemala was to hike Acatenango Volcano; beyond that, I honestly had no idea what to expect. With a 3-year-old and a 6-year-old in tow, I scoured the internet to find activities that would make the trip fun, adventurous, and still manageable for little legs.
Guatemala turned out to be one of our most memorable family trips. The warmth of the people, the beauty of the landscapes, and the variety of kid-friendly activities completely won us over. If you’re looking for a destination that feels a little different yet incredibly rewarding, Guatemala with kids should be at the top of your list. You can read my 10-day guide to visiting Guatemala with your family a try.
We spent 10 days exploring, and I’ve pulled together the highlights that worked best for our family. Join me as I share the top activities in Antigua, Lake Atitlán, and beyond that make Guatemala a fantastic choice for traveling with kids.
7 fun things to do with kids in Guatemala
1. Explore Hobbittengo
You don't have to go to New Zealand to see the hobbit holes. Hobbittengo in Antigua is a whimsical eco-park with hobbit-style houses, giant swings, and jaw-dropping views of the volcanoes and mountains. Our kids loved running through the tiny doors and pretending they lived there while we soaked up the brilliantly colored surroundings and snapped some of our favorite family photos of the trip.
The brilliantly colored surroundings and creative designs inspired their creativity and made for fantastic family photos. Our visit lasted about two hours, and it was the highlight of our day in Antigua.
From the point of dropoff, numerous open 4WD run up to the hobbitennago. The ride up itself is an adventure. Hold on to your kids when going up, as it's bumpy and very steep!!
The main highlights are the rope swing overlooking the valley and the famous hand sculpture.
Aside from that, there are several paths you can walk, and given you’ll be here for 3-3.5 hours, dont forget to bring your water bottle and a hat.
Travel Tip #1: Visiting Hobbitenango is free during the week, but you pay for activities, while there is an entrance fee for visitors on the weekend. This includes unlimited use of the facilities. On Saturday and Sunday, the entrance fee is Q50 (US$7) for adults and Q30 (US$4) for children.
Travel Tip #2: The easiest option is the Hobbitenango shuttle that runs every two hours from the Antigua office (8 am – 4 pm). It drops you right at the entrance. We opted for a full-day private car for extra flexibility.
Travel Tip #3: Arrive early to beat the crowds. Mornings are quieter, and the views are especially stunning. Don’t forget a jacket as it gets chilly up there.
2. Race down Boreal Slides
If your kids love thrills, then a stop at Boreal Slides in Antigua is a must. This hillside park, located in the hills of El Hato above Antigua, is home to colorful, extra-long slides that send you flying down the slope with huge smiles (and maybe a little screaming!). It’s one of the best things to do in Antigua with kids because it’s simple, safe, and pure fun.
Our children went again and again, and honestly, so did we. The slides are designed for all ages, so parents can join in or cheer from the sidelines. The park’s bright designs and open-air setting overlooking the volcano made for fantastic photos.
Travel Tip #1: Wear comfortable clothes that can handle a little dust or grass. Long shorts or light pants work best for sliding.
Travel Tip #2: Bring some small cash for snacks and drinks on-site, or combine your visit with nearby cafés in Antigua.
One of the most fun and hands-on activities we did in Antigua was joining a chocolate-making class at Chocomuseo in Antigua. They rolled up their sleeves and actually made their own chocolate drinks and treats.
Our children were completely absorbed, from grinding roasted cacao beans to pouring chocolate into molds. It was messy, interactive, and delicious.
Tip #1: Classes usually last 1–2 hours, making them a great half-day activity that keeps kids engaged without overwhelming them.
Tip #2: Everyone recommends booking ahead; however, you can walk right in and book a slot at your convenience. That's what we did.
Tip #3: Don’t worry if your kids are small; the workshops are very family-friendly, and even toddlers can participate with a little help.
4. Go Ziplining
If your kids are little daredevils, they’ll love ziplining in Guatemala, and one of the best places to try it is at the Atitlán Nature Reserve. With sweeping views of Lake Atitlán and the surrounding volcanoes, this experience is exciting without being too extreme. There are different zipline lengths and heights, so even families with younger children can find an option that feels comfortable and safe.
Our 6-year-old was nervous at first, but ended up laughing the whole way across. The guides are extremely helpful and considerate. You hike about 15-20 minutes up to start the first of the 8 legs of the zip lines, where you crisscross a valley pouring into Lake Atitlan with spectacular views of the lake and waterfall behind you. The platforms are well-maintained, guides are patient, and the safety harnesses are sturdy
Travel Tip #1: The reserve is open every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm with an Entry fee for adults Q80 & Minors (under 12 yrs) Q45.
Tickets include access to the nature trails, the hanging bridges, the monkey observation deck, the butterfly preserve, the playgrounds, and the private lake shore.
5. Explore Atitlan Nature Reserve & Butterfly conservatory
Even if ziplining isn’t your thing, the Reserva Natural Atitlán is still worth a visit for its calmer family activities. While my husband went ziplining with our 6-year-old, I explored the reserve with our 3-year-old. We hiked short jungle trails, crossed hanging bridges, and spotted wildlife like coatis, butterflies, and colorful birds.
The highlight for my little one was the butterfly conservatory, where hundreds of colorful butterflies flutter around you in a magical enclosed garden, a must-see for kids.
Travel Tip #1: For younger children, bring a baby carrier or hiking backpack. Plan for about two hours to enjoy the trails at an easy pace, and wear comfortable walking shoes.
Travel Tip #2: Don’t miss the huge playground inside the reserve. It’s spacious, and a big hit with toddlers and preschoolers.
If there’s one activity that put Guatemala on our travel map, it was the chance to hike Acatenango Volcano. This is a challenging trek, but the reward of watching the nearby Fuego Volcano erupt — safely from your campsite — is truly out of this world.
When we first looked into Acatenango, the thought of our 3-year-old hiking for six hours straight was impossible. That’s when we discovered the 4x4 tour option. The truck drives you most of the way up, cutting the hike down to about two hours uphill.
If you aren't sure about taking the kids to Acatenango, I would highly recommend visiting Pacaya volcano, where kids can roast marshmallows over hot lava rocks.
Travel Tip #1: Go with a reputable guided tour like Catravelers, or Wicho & Charlie's. They provide gear, meals, and safety support, which is essential when hiking with Kids. Also, choose a wooden glamp instead of a makeshift camp.
Travel Tip #2: Pack layers !! Temperatures drop dramatically at night. Good hiking shoes and headlamps are a must. See my packing guide for Acatanengo with kids post
Travel Tip #3: If you want to skip Acatenango, opt for Pacaya. It’s family-friendly, only a few hours long, and still gives kids the bragging rights of climbing a volcano in Guatemala.
Tikal National Park (bonus)
If there’s one place in Guatemala that feels like stepping into a real-life adventure movie, it’s Tikal National Park. Deep in the jungle, these towering Mayan temples rise above the canopy, surrounded by monkeys, toucans, and parrots. Think Indiana Jones!!
Travel Tip #1: The park is huge, so plan for an early start to avoid the heat and crowds.
Travel Tip #2: Consider hiring a guide. They make the ruins come alive with stories, and kids stay much more engaged when there’s someone bringing history to life.
Travel Tip #3:Pick 2–3 main temples to explore instead of trying to cover everything in one day.
Guatemala Awaits You
If you’re planning your own family trip to Guatemala, I’d say go for it. Pack your hiking shoes, a sense of wonder, and maybe a little extra chocolate for the road. When we first landed in Guatemala, all I knew was that I wanted to hike Acatenango. But by the end of our trip, it wasn’t just the volcano that stood out, it was the memories that they carried forever in the beautiful country.
If you’re planning your own family trip to Guatemala, save this guide and start building your itinerary. And if you’d like more details, don’t miss my 10-day Guatemala family itinerary —packed with tips, routes, and kid-approved highlights to make your trip unforgettable.
HAPPYY TRAVELING!!!!
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