The children’s vacation is almost over, but the city still offers an intense program 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 fun-filled journey with your kids. After all, after a long semester of studying, they deserve to have fun!
From the rich art scene to outdoor places to go with children, the capital has something for everyone. So get ready to explore the best things to do in São Paulo to make the most of your January vacation with the little ones.
Table Of Contents
Photo: Kampus Production/Pexels
Outdoor attractions to enjoy during the children’s vacations in São Paulo
Family in the Park
Covering more than 10,000 square meters, this famous attraction features giant inflatable toys, such as the largest slide in Latin America, a zip line, a bungee trampoline, and a climbing wall. New for the summer holidays are the “Pilotinhos, “ electric cars that children can drive on a safe track.
The adventure attractions are paid, but there is a free recreation program with games led by monitors on weekends. In other words, it is the ideal destination for little ones to burn off energy outdoors.
📅 Until January 25
🕓 Every day, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
🎫 From R$ 10 (individual attractions)
📍 Villa-Lobos Park: Avenida Professor Fonseca Rodrigues, 2001 – Alto de Pinheiros
Photo: Leandro Gimenez/Press Release
Vacation in Ibirapuera: Science and Nature
São Paulo’s most famous park offers free environmental education attractions for children during these holidays. Activities include the “Biodiversity Station,” which teaches about the animal species that inhabit the park, and the “Live Science Expedition,” which turns children into nature investigators.
Another highlight is the “Blue World” workshop, which teaches about the water cycle through practical experiments, or the observation of the Jacaranda blossoms, available on specific days.
📅 Until January 25
🎫 Free
📍 Ibirapuera Park: Avenida Pedro Álvares Cabral, s/n – Vila Mariana
Photo: Urbia Parques/Press Release
Free swimming pools
The heat waves have arrived with a vengeance, and you don’t know what to do to cool off with the little ones? Take advantage of the holidays to take the kids to one of São Paulo’s free swimming pools, where diving is refreshing and affordable. All the details are in this article!
Photo: Reproduction Facebook/Gustavo Basso/Sesc Itaquera
Picnic
Another option to enjoy the January holidays is to have a nice picnic in the parks of São Paulo. To help you, we have listed in this article some perfect places in the city for you to spread your towel on the ground and enjoy this moment outdoors.
Photo: Deval Parikh/Unsplash
Indoor activities to explore with children during the January holidays
Vacation at Itaú Cultural
The cultural center offers a creative immersion during these holidays, with letter-making workshops and the “Desenhos da Natureza” (Nature Drawings) expedition. Technology fans can enjoy the “Game+: Arte, cultura e comunidade”(Game+: Art, Culture, and Community) exhibition, which tells the history of video games with more than 50 classic games and consoles to interact with.
📅 Workshops until January 31 | Exhibition until March 8
♿ Accessible location
🎫 Free
📍 Itaú Cultural: Avenida Paulista, 149 – Bela Vista
Game+/Concept art from the game Dandara (2018). Photo: Disclosure
Vila Kids – Adventure Circuit
Central Plaza Shopping Mall is transformed into an adventure destination with mini tree climbing, trampolines, and obstacle courses. Babies can have fun in an exclusive area with a ball pool and painting workshops, ensuring that the whole family can enjoy their vacation safely.
📅 Until February 1
🕓 Sunday to Friday, from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays, from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
🧒🏽 For children aged 1 to 12 | Children under 4 must be accompanied by a responsible adult
🎫 Free
📍 Central Plaza Shopping: Avenida Doutor Francisco Mesquita, 1000 – Vila Prudente
Photo: Disclosure
Holiday Games in the Atrium
The shopping center in Greater São Paulo is promoting a revival of classic games that span generations, such as taco, elastic, and colorful elephant. In addition to recreational activities, visitors who shop at the mall can enter a drawing for PlayStation 5 consoles, making the visit even more exciting.
📅 January 25, 30, and 31
🕓 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
🎫 Free
📍 Atrium Shopping: Rua Giovanni Battista Pirelli, 155 – Vila Homero Thon, Santo André/SP
Little Builders at Frei Caneca
In partnership with Blocchi, the mall offers a space dedicated to building blocks, with the aim of stimulating children’s motor coordination and creativity. Take advantage of São Paulo’s attractions during the holidays to encourage your little ones to learn through play!
📅 Until February 1
🕓 Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
🎫 Free
📍 Shopping Frei Caneca: Rua Frei Caneca, 569 – Consolação
Holidays at Continental Shopping
The holiday program at this shopping center in São Paulo features traditional activities such as hopscotch, climbing slides, and hula hoops. The mall also offers creative coloring workshops in partnership with Magnólia stationery store, providing an afternoon of interaction and leisure for children aged 4 to 12.
📅 Until February 1
🕓 Daily, from 2:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
🧒🏽 For children aged 4 to 12
🎫 Free
📍 Continental Shopping: Avenida Leão Machado, 100 – Jaguaré
Recreation during the holidays at CCBB
CCBB SP is hosting a cultural exchange with Uruguay’s Museo Torres García, offering workshops on building toys and arts inspired by constructivism.
On January 25, São Paulo’s anniversary, the center will also hold a special celebration with drumming and distribution of pé-de-moleque (peanut brittle) throughout the Historic Center.
📅 Until January 31
🤟🏽 Sign language interpretation available upon request
🎫 Free, with tickets available at the box office or on the official website
📍 CCBB SP: Rua Álvares Penteado, 112 – Historic Center
Photo: Reproduction/CCBB
Circus at Ibirapuera Shopping
During the January holidays, children can become circus performers in workshops on juggling, acrobatics, magic, and clowning. The experience, which includes monitors, encourages physical expression and keeps kids away from screens with super fun activities!
📅 Until January 25
🕓 Daily, 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
🎫 Free, with a coupon that must be obtained through the mall’s official app
📍 Ibirapuera Shopping: Avenida Ibirapuera, 3103 – Moema
Photo: Disclosure
Monica’s Gang Sports
The experience transforms the mall into a playful sports arena, where children can play sports such as baseball, American football, and basketball alongside Mauricio de Sousa’s characters. The circuit also features the “Giro Radical” for older children and Kids Play with a ball pool for younger children, ending at a podium for photos.
📅 Until February 25
🕓 Monday to Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sundays, from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
🧒🏽 For children aged 2 to 13
🎫 Starting at R$40
📍 Parque Shopping Barueri: Rua General de Divisão Pedro Rodrigues da Silva, 400 – Barueri
Photo: Disclosure
Pintando o 7 Festival
In its first edition in São Paulo, the festival brings the theme “The Place of Childhoods, “ with attractions for the whole family. The program includes workshops and theater, circus, and dance performances, making it a great option to entertain children during the January holidays in São Paulo.
📅 Until January 25
🎫 Free, with tickets distributed 1 hour before each attraction
📍 CAIXA Cultural São Paulo: Praça da Sé, 111 – Downtown
Photo: Estúdio Balé em Foco/Press Release
Vacation at the Casa de Cultura do Parque
The House in front of Villa-Lobos Park offers free craft workshops and theater games throughout the month. Thursdays feature storytelling in the library, while Fridays focus on physical expression. The “No Quintal” program on weekends teaches clay modeling techniques, puppet creation, and cultural mask making. Check out the full program here.
📅 Until February 1
🎫 Free, with tickets available at the entrance 15 minutes before the activity
📍 Avenida Professor Fonseca Rodrigues, 1300 – Alto de Pinheiros
Photo: Disclosure
Dopamine Land
This unique experience invites children and adults to embark on a sensory and interactive journey! With creative installations and visual and tactile stimuli, the exhibition is designed to awaken feelings of joy and well-being. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the summer holidays with the kids!
📅 Until January 31
🎫 Starting at R$ 55, available here
📍 Eldorado Shopping Mall: Avenida Rebouças, 3970 – Pinheiros
Photo: Disclosure/Fever
Cultural Holidays
To help parents who don’t know what to do with their children during the holidays, the City of São Paulo is bringing back the 5th edition of the Cultural Holidays project, which offers free activities for children at 20 locations throughout the city. The program includes art workshops, magic shows, theater, and storytelling, offering leisure activities in all regions of the capital. Check out the complete schedule here
🕓 Until January 27 | Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
🎟️ Free
📍 Check out all the locations here
Photo: Disclosure/ASAS
The Little Prince – 80 Years
Considered an unmissable experience for both fans and new readers, this exhibition celebrates eight decades of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s masterpiece. Visitors can immerse themselves in the author’s life and the pages of The Little Prince through a room with immersive 360° projections, as well as view manuscripts, original illustrations, and discover how the writer’s experience as a pilot influenced the narrative.
📅 Several dates!
🎫 Starting at R$ 20, available here
📍 MIS Experience: Rua Cenno Sbrighi, 250 – Água Branca
“The Little Prince – 80 Years.” Photo: Disclosure
Ibirapuera Planetarium Holiday Program
During the January vacation, the planetarium presents special sessions that combine astronomy with history and pop culture! Highlights include scientific research on the “Star of Bethlehem” and prehistoric sessions with dinosaurs. In other words, an unmissable experience for children to learn about science in a light and fun way.
📅 Until January 29
🎫 Starting at R$ 18
📍 Ibirapuera Park: Avenida Pedro Álvares Cabral, s/n – Vila Mariana
Photo: Urbia Parques/Press Release
AbracaBright Magic Show
In January, magician Mr. Bright brings a show full of illusion and humor to São Paulo. With over two decades of international career, the artist presents a show for all ages, with acts that have enchanted audiences around the world!
📅 January 31
🕓 Saturday, at 3 p.m.
🎫 Starting at R$ 40
📍 Teatro Itália: Avenida Ipiranga, 344 (Basement) – República
Bluey Live – Family Fun!
The children’s favorite series comes to life in this official theater adaptation, full of music and imagination! The show features Bluey the puppy, her sister Bingo, and their parents in adventures that turn everyday life into great fun. With a cast of 14 actors and dancers, the show features the official Brazilian voice actors to ensure the children’s immersion.
📅 Until February 1
🕓 Fridays at 3 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays at various times
🎫 Starting at R$ 50
📍 Teatro Claro Mais SP, at Shopping Vila Olímpia: Rua Olimpíadas, 360 – Vila Olímpia
Photo: Andy Santana/Press Release
Summer Festival in Itupeva
The Premium Outlet, about 70 kilometers from São Paulo, offers a program of leisure, music, and wellness for the January holidays. The Summer Festival will feature children’s shows by TurmaTube and Mundo de Kaboo, as well as School of Rock and DJs.
📅 January 31 and February 1
🕓 Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
🎫 Free admission
📍 Outlet Premium São Paulo: Rodovia dos Bandeirantes, KM 72 – Itupeva
Museum of Imagination
The space offers 16 interactive exhibitions that explore science, art, and technology. During summer vacation, the public can participate in the “My Robot Play” robotics workshop and watch the presentation “Fantastic Gases and Where They Live, “ which features fun chemical experiments, such as the flame test and the famous elephant toothpaste.
📅 Until February 1
🕓 Monday to Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
🎫 Starting at R$ 59.90
📍 Rua Virgilio Wey, 100 – Água Branca
My Robot Play Workshop. Photo: Disclosure
Holidays at Farol Santander
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:
- Two children’s shows, “The Adventures of Pinocchio” and “A Journey to the World of Toys”
- Mirante do 26 with an ice cream shop open from Tuesday to Sunday;
- Among other activities throughout the floors of the iconic building.
🎫 R$ 22.50 (exhibitions)
📍 Rua João Brícola, 24 – Historic Center
Photo: Rodrigo Reis/Publicity
Amusement parks in São Paulo
São Paulo offers several theme park options for families, where children can burn off energy away from screens and have lots of fun. Check out our guide here, with options for children and teenagers!
Photo: Freepik
Mundo do Circo
No ideas for what to do during the holidays? How about going to the circus? Mundo do Circo offers several shows with free admission during the holidays in São Paulo. So, check out the complete schedule by clicking here and choose your favorite!
Photo: Adriano Escanhuela/Amigos da Arte
Getaways to enjoy family vacations in São Paulo
Places to travel in São Paulo with children
How about traveling to the interior of São Paulo this vacation ? Check out this article for the best places to travel with children and enjoy an adventure in the countryside with the whole family.
Photo: Jan Kopřiva/Publicity
Nestlé Chocotour 2026
A delicious journey through the history of chocolate awaits you at the Nestlé factory, just 112 kilometers from São Paulo. The interactive and multisensory tour covers everything from the purchase of cocoa beans to the production of Kit Kats and other chocolates of the brand, in its largest factory in the Americas. With Instagram-worthy scenery and interesting facts about the manufacturing process, the tour is a hit with families in the Paraíba Valley!
📅 Until January 31
🕓 Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
🎫 Starting at R$ 27.50 | Free for certain groups
📍 Nestlé Chocolates: Avenida Henry Nestlé, 1800 – Caçapava/SP
Photo: Disclosure/Nestlé
Zipline 30 minutes from São Paulo
Voo da Serra is an incredible 500-meter-long zip line that flies over the Atlantic Forest with an incredible view of the Baixada Santista. The attraction is open to children aged five and up.
🎫 Starting at R$75
📍 Estrada Caminho do Mar, Km 38 – Alto da Serra – São Bernardo do Campo/ SP
Sítio do Picapau Amarelo Theme Park
This park in Atibaia, just 66 kilometers from São Paulo, offers an immersion into the universe of Monteiro Lobato. With 30,000 square meters, it offers educational entertainment in spaces such as the Gruta da Cuca, the Laboratório do Visconde de Sabugosa, and the Reino das Águas Claras. A tour that combines Brazilian culture, recreational activities, and contact with nature!
📅 Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
🎫 From R$ 129 | Discount for residents of Atibaia
📍 Rua Gennaro Ricco, 755 – Jardim Bogotá, Atibaia/SP
Photo: Reproduction Instagram/@sitio.picapauamarelo
Water parks close to São Paulo
How about taking advantage of the heat to enjoy your January vacation at a water park close to São Paulo? Check out our guide in this article, with options close to the capital!
Photo: Tom Fisk/Pexels
Restaurants to visit with children during the holidays in São Paulo
SpongeBob – Burger & Restaurant
“Are you ready, kids?” “We are, Captain!” Even adults will want a crab burger! Who has never wanted to try this delicacy? Now it’s possible, because this unusual restaurant featuring the beloved character SpongeBob is located in São Paulo.
📍Rua Atílio Innocenti, 53 – Itaim Bibi
Photo: Instagram/SpongeBob SquarePants – Burger & Restaurant
Mundo Animal
With several locations in the capital, the Mundo Animal chain is one of the best places to go with children during vacations in São Paulo. With elaborate decor and dishes, portions, and burgers whose names refer to animals, the restaurant offers children an immersion in the forest. There is also Leonel, a mascot who performs shows throughout the evening.
📍 Check out all the locations on the website
Photo: Disclosure/Mundo Animal
Magia & Bruxaria Lancheria
If your children are Harry Potter fans, this experience is for you! Magia & Bruxaria Lancheria is a themed snack bar created to provide a special meal for fans of pop culture’s most famous wizard.
📍 Avenida Engenheiro Alberto de Zagottis, 853 – Jardim Taquaral
Photo: Disclosure/magia.bruxaria
Hello Kitty and Friends in 2D
The first Hello Kitty and Friends 2D restaurant restaurant in the world is located 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 world of comic books.
📍Rua Américo de Campos, 118 – Liberdade
Photo: Disclosure/Eat Asia
The Circus Bar & Kitchen
Looking for a place in São Paulo to go with the kids during the holidays? Try The Circus, whose elaborate decor makes abundant use of the striped pattern so common in circus tents. You can 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
Photo: Disclosure/The Circus Bar and Kitchen
Number One Burger
Number One Burger’s decor is entirely inspired by the 1950s. Located in Lapa, this diner takes us on a trip back in time, with decor and dishes inspired by Americandiners of the era. And to ensure the kids have fun, there are even vintage scooters.
📍Rua Pio XI, 230 – Alto da Lapa
Photo: Disclosure/Number One Burger
Charada Burguer
Although the name refers to the classic Batman villain, Charada Burguer pays homage to the game “Super Mario Bros.” with its colorful decor. The chandeliers, for example, are shaped like the boxes that the game’s protagonist must break to acquire items. The perfect place to enjoy your vacation in São Paulo in a delicious way!
📍 Check out all the locations here
Photo: Disclosure/Charada Burguer