The vacations are coming and the city offers a range of options for all tastes and budgets. So if you’re wondering “what to do on vacation in São Paulo?”, this guide is your ticket to a day of fun with the kids. After all, after a long semester of studying, they deserve to have fun!
From the rich art scene to places to go outdoors with the kids, the capital has something for everyone. So, get ready to explore the best outings in São Paulo to make the most of your vacation with the little ones.
Exhibitions
Jurassic World by Brickman®
One of the must-see attractions for the vacations in São Paulo is ‘Jurassic World by Brickman®’, an exhibition that brings the world of Jurassic World to life in incredible LEGO® sculptures. Visitors can explore everything from the iconic Isla Nublar gates and science labs to adorable baby dinosaurs and fearsome raptors, all carefully sculpted by renowned artist Brickman.
🎟️ From R$ 45.90 available here
📍Eldorado Shopping Center
Harry Potter™: The Exhibition
The magic of the wizarding world comes to life in ‘Harry Potter™: The Exhibition’! In this interactive exhibition, visitors have the opportunity to explore iconic and interactive moments with authentic props and costumes. During the experience, you can conjure your own patronus, face a Hungarian Horntail, test your Quidditch™ skills and brew potions. The exhibition offers an immersion behind the scenes of the films and plays, allowing each person to choose their Hogwarts house and take part in a magical journey that promises to delight fans of all ages.
🎟️ From R$ 85
📍OCA Ibirapuera
Museum of Imagination
With more than 10 exhibitions to visit, the Imagination Museum reopened in June and promises to be a big hit during the school vacations. The purpose of the space is to learn through play while discovering curiosities about art and science.
🎟️ From R$ 75
📍Rua Virgilio Wey, 100 – Água Branca
Castelo Rá-Tim-Bum – 30 years
The exhibition “Castelo Rá-Tim-Bum – 30 years” is a must-see on vacation. With 18 detailed sets and original objects from the production, the exhibition offers a magical experience for fans of all ages, celebrating the legacy of the show that marked generations. From children to adults, we guarantee you’ll have a great time!
📅 Until 31/01/25
🎟️ From R$ 20
📍Solar Fábio Prado
SpongeBob: The Experience
In this immersive exhibition, children will be able to explore the fun Fenda do Biquíni and take part in a series of interactive activities that recreate the universe of the famous character. For example, prepare crab burgers at Siri Cascudo, get your driver’s license at Mrs. Puff’s driving school and interact with jellyfish in detailed scenarios.
🎟️ From R$ 20
📍 MIS Experience
Leisure and fun
Places to travel in São Paulo with children
On vacation, how about a trip to the interior of São Paulo? Check out this article on the best places to travel with children and experience an adventure in the countryside with the whole family.
Vacations at the Catavento Museum
The Catavento Museum is offering a special program for the January vacations, with activities that combine fun and learning for children and families. Among the highlights are shows such as “Scientific Magic” and “Chemistry in Show”, as well as creative workshops such as kite building, fossils and shadow theater.
🕓 Until 31/01
🎟️ Free (password required for some workshops)
📍 Dom Pedro II Park: Avenida Mercúrio, s/n
Investigative visits at MIS
During the January vacations, São Paulo’s Museum of Image and Sound (MIS) is offering free investigative visits to the exhibition ‘The Cinema of Billy Wilder’. Children will be able to explore the universe of the famous filmmaker as real detectives, uncovering details of sets and objects inspired by films such as ‘The Intimate Life of Sherlock Holmes’. Activity recommended for ages 8 and up.
🕓 21/01, at 2pm
🎟️ Free
📍 Avenida Miguel Estefano, 4241 – Água Funda
Sesc Verão 2025
The most anticipated festival of the summer will also have free activities for children! Until February, families can enjoy attractions such as open classes in rollerblading, skateboarding, artistic gymnastics, climbing and much more! You can check out the full program on the website.
🕓 Until 16/02
🎟️ Free
📍 Various locations
Vacation camp at Parque Horto Florestal
The Horto Florestal Park offers a special Holiday Camp for children aged 3 to 12, from Monday to Friday. The program includes treasure hunts, workshops, water games, scavenger hunts, interactive games and much more. All in the presence of specialized monitors, in the heart of the Atlantic Forest.
🕓 Until January 24th, from 2pm to 6pm (option of extended hours until 2am)
🎟️ From R$ 60 (daily rate)
📍 Rua do Horto, 931 – Horto Florestal
Vacations at the Portuguese Language Museum
If you’re looking for a place to go with the kids in São Paulo, you can’t miss this tip. In January, the Portuguese Language Museum is offering ‘Estação Férias – Entre Festejos e Brinquedos’. Among the free activities, there will be embroidery and painting workshops, musical exploration with everyday objects, games with puppets and a playful space to relax. At weekends, there are concerts, theatrical performances and even a hose bath.
🕓 From Tuesday to Sunday until 31/01, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🎟️ Free
📍 Praça da Luz, s/nº – Historic Center
Festival in Battles
This Sunday, Sesc Itaquera is offering a super special dance battle, with a focus on children and teenagers. With rhythms such as hip hop, funk and soul, the festival is a unique opportunity for children to learn more about Afro-diasporic culture in a relaxed and fun environment.
🕓 19/01, from 1pm to 5pm
🎟️ Free
📍 Avenida Fernando do Espírito Santo Alves de Mattos, 1000 – Itaquera
Animal Night at São Paulo Zoo
Located in the South Zone, the São Paulo Zoo is the perfect destination for those who want to get in touch with nature during their vacation in São Paulo. The place is home to more than 2,000 animals of various species, as well as super fun attractions. For example Dino World which takes you on a journey through the age of the dinosaurs using life-size replicas and original fossils, or the Acqua Safari, a boat trip on the lake to observe the animals.
In addition, in January the space hosts Animal Night. The experience is free for all ages and takes place after sunset and allows you to observe lions, jaguars and other animals with nocturnal habits.
🕓 18 e 25/01
🎟️ From R$ 69.90, available on the zoo’s website
📍 Avenida Miguel Estefano, 4241 – Água Funda
Bike KIDS
Another tip on what to do on vacation in SP is to go on a bike ride with the whole family! In January, BikeTourSP is offering two options for all ages. The first is Bike KIDS, a tour for children up to 08 years old. Then there’s the Family Tricycle, which covers the experience for those who don’t know how to ride a bike. Both tours will take you on a tour of Avenida Paulista, visiting iconic landmarks such as Japan House, Casa das Rosas and FIESP.
🕓 19 and 26/01 (10h30: Bike KIDS | 12h and 13h30: Family Tricycle)
🎟️ Free, you need to book your place on the website
📍 Departure from Top Center Shopping
Vacations at West Plaza
During the vacations, Shopping West Plaza offers a variety of attractions for the whole family. The highlight is the Princess Tea Party, which offers children musical performances, interaction with characters such as Cinderella and Snow White, and a coronation ceremony, as well as snacks and themed products.
The mall also promotes the Letrinha Book Fair, with free games and magic shows. As well as the Holiday Festival at the West Plaza Theater, with children’s plays such as “Little Red Riding Hood in a Time of Ecology” and “The Wizard of Oz”.
Princess Tea
📅 18, 19, 25 and 26/01, at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm
🎟️ From R$ 60
📍 2nd floor of Block A, next to You Play
Letrinha Book Fair
📅 18/01 (face painting) and 25/01 (magic show), both from 3pm
🎟️ Free
📍 Block A – 3rd Floor
Vacation Festival with Children’s Plays
🎟️ From R$ 29,90
📍 West Plaza Theater
Vacation program at Itaú Cultural
If you still don’t know what to do on vacation, keep an eye on Itaú Cultural’s agenda. After all, the center offers a diverse and free program for families, with in-person and online activities.
On site, the highlights include textile workshops, such as making “chuspitas” and painting on fabrics, as well as reading stations and board games. You can see the full program at this link.
In the virtual environment, the Itaú Cultural Play platform premieres the animation “Teca e Tuti: Uma noite na biblioteca”, as well as new short films in the “Cine Curtinhas” collection, which feature educational and cultural themes.
📅 Various dates
🎟️ From R$
📍 Avenida Paulista, 149 – Bela Vista
Vacations at Cantareira Norte Shopping
In January, Cantareira Norte Shopping offers a special free program, with activities such as cupcake workshops, face painting and balloon sculpting. In addition, there are paid attractions such as the Aventura na África park, with toys such as a ball pool and kidplay for children aged 1 to 14, the SuperMax Park, with trampolines, a climbing wall and other activities for all ages, and Magic Games, which offers fun with electronic games.
Vacation workshops
📅 16, 17, 18, 19, 23, 24, 25 and 26/01, from 2pm to 8pm
🎟️ Free
Paid parks
📅 Every day
🎟️ From R$40
Snow and Ice Castle
Ibirapuera Park has an unforgettable attraction this vacation season: the Ice Castle, a monumental structure 8 meters high and 13 meters wide, made of 4,000 blocks of crystal ice. The castle offers a magical experience with impressive sculptures, giant slides and real snow, providing unique moments for the whole family!
📅 Until 12/02/25
🎟️ From R$ 49,90
📍 Ibirapuera Park
Vacations at the Santander Lighthouse
With options for culture, leisure, tourism and gastronomy, Farol Santander is a complete choice for enjoying this time of year. There, entertainment is for the whole family. Check out some of the programs:
- New exhibitions, such as: “São Paulo 3024 – immersive digital art”, “Denise Milan – journey to the center of the Earth” and “Two wheels and a nation”;
- Mirante do 26 with an ice cream parlor open from Tuesday to Sunday;
- Among other activities on the floors of the iconic building.
Circus World
No ideas on what to do on vacation? How about going to the circus? Mundo do Circo offers several shows with free admission during the vacations in SP. So check out the full program by clicking here and choose your favorite!
Moana 2′ in theaters
If your children are Disney fans, how about taking them to the big screen this vacation? ‘Moana 2’ premiered in November and is already a box office success, delighting children and adults alike with the new adventures of the Polynesian warrior, Maui and her friends.
Ibirapuera Park’s Holiday Backyard
In January, Ibirapuera Park offers free activities on socio-environmental themes. These include the “Holiday Backyard”, maintenance of the local vegetable garden and “Kokedama Day”. Check out the full program here.
In addition, from January 13 to 17 the park offers its famous Holiday Camp, with five days of games and workshops amidst the park’s biodiversity. More information here.
Zip line 30 minutes from São Paulo
Voo da Serra is an incredible 500-meter zip line that flies over the Atlantic Forest with an incredible view of the Baixada Santista. The attraction costs from R$ 75 and is allowed for children aged five and over.
📍Estrada Caminho do Mar, Km 38 – Alto da Serra – São Bernardo do Campo/ SP
Treasure Hunt at the Pinacoteca de São Paulo
In January, the Pinacoteca Contemporânea hosts the ‘Treasure Hunt: heritage visit to the Pinacoteca‘, in which children and families are invited to explore the site together. The event is suitable for children aged 7 and over.
📅 24/01, at 10.30 a.m. (arrive 20 minutes in advance to collect your ticket from patio 1, first floor, of Pina Luz)
📍Pina Contemporânea
🎟️ Free
Once upon a time: storytelling
Another tip on what to do on vacation in São Paulo is the Storytelling that will once again take place at the Pinacoteca. Children will be able to get to know the work of the artist Xadalu Tupã Jekupé, in this event for families and children aged 3 and over.
📅 16/01, at 10.30 a.m. and 2 p.m. (arrive 20 minutes in advance to get a ticket at the educational workshop)
📍Pina Contemporânea
🎟️ Free
Family in the Park
In January, Villa-Lobos Park will be a meeting point for families from different parts of São Paulo. This is because it will host Família no Parque (Family in the Park), an event with more than 20 attractions for all ages. Among the attractions are:
- Jumping circuit;
- Giant inflatables;
- Soap soccer;
- Trampoline
- Little train;
- Kids area;
- Carousel;
- Zip line.
📍Avenida Professor Fonseca Rodrigues, 2001 – Alto de Pinheiros
Amusement parks in SP
São Paulo offers several options of theme parks for families, where children can burn off energy away from the screens and have a great time. Check out our guide here, with options for children and teenagers!
Water parks near SP
When the weather warms up and temperatures soar, all we want to do is find a good place to cool off, right? How about setting aside a weekend to visit (and enjoy) a water park in São Paulo, close to the capital?
Gastronomy
SpongeBob – Burguer & Restaurant
“Are you ready, kids?” “We are, Captain!” Even adults will be craving a crab burger! Who hasn’t wanted to try this delicacy? Now it’s possible, because this unusual restaurant of the beloved SpongeBob character is in São Paulo.
📍Rua Atílio Innocenti, 53 – Itaim Bibi
Magic Dining – Dinos
In this themed restaurant, while sampling options in a rodízio format, including starters, pizzas, pastas and mini-burgers, the public feels like they’re back in the dinosaur era. This is because, during the meal, they interact closely with more than 20 static and moving dinosaurs.
📍Avenida dos Autonomistas, 1400 – Vila Yara
Animal World
With two units in the capital, the Mundo Animal chain is one of the best places to go with children during the vacations in SP. With its sophisticated décor and dishes, portions and burgers named after animals, the restaurant offers children an immersion in the forest. There is also the presence of Leonel, a mascot who performs shows throughout the evening.
📍Avenida Professor Luiz Ignácio Anhaia Mello, 4951 – Vila Ema | Avenida Engenheiro Alberto de Zagottis, 833 – Interlagos
Magia & Bruxaria Lancheria
If you’ re a Harry Potter fan, this experience is for you! The “Magia & Bruxaria L ancheria” is a themed snack bar created to provide a special meal for fans of pop culture’s most famous wizard.
📍 Espaço Onyx – Avenida Engenheiro Alberto de Zagottis, 853 – Jardim Taquaral
Hello Kitty and Friends in 2D
The first 2D Hello Kitty and Friends restaurant restaurant in the world is in Liberdade! Here, Hello Kitty, My Melody, Chococat, Keroppi, Badtz-Maru, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll and Little Twin Stars invite adults and children to immerse themselves in the universe of comic books.
📍Rua Américo de Campos, 118 – Liberdade
The Circus Bar & Kitchen
Looking for a place to go with the kids during the vacations? Try The Circus, whose whimsical atmosphere abuses the striped pattern so common in circus tarpaulins. You’ll also find a popcorn cart and even a magician’s top hat decorating the place. The food also follows the theme, making the whole experience a real spectacle.
📍Rua Itapeti, 319 – Tatuapé
Number One Burger
Number One Burger’s decor is inspired by the 1950s. The snack bar, located in Lapa, takes us on a journey back in time, with decor and dishes inspired by the American diners of the time. And to keep the kids entertained, there are even vintage scooters.
📍Rua Pio XI, 230 – Alto da Lapa
Charada Burguer
Although the name refers to the classic Batman villain, Charada Burguer pays homage to the game “Super Mario Bros.” with very colorful decor. The chandeliers, for example, are shaped like the boxes that the game’s protagonist needs to break in order to acquire items.
📍 Avenida Renata, 320 – Vila Formosa | Praça Santo Eduardo, 67 – Vila Maria | Avenida Lins de Vasconcelos, 1771 – Vila Mariana
