What to Do in Bariloche with Kids | Family-Friendly Patagonia Guide
Discover the best things to do in Bariloche with children — from chocolate factories and chairlift rides to farms, snow play, and lake adventures. A magical Patagonia family destination year-round.
TRAVELRIO NEGROTOURISMBARILOCHE
Gabriela Arellano
8/22/20253 min read


Bariloche isn’t just for hikers and honeymooners — it’s a wonderland for kids, too. Between its snow-capped peaks, storybook forests, and whimsical chocolate shops, this Patagonian town invites families to slow down and explore together.
Whether you're visiting in summer or winter, Bariloche offers unforgettable experiences that connect children to nature, delight their senses, and create shared memories that stick like chocolate on little fingers.
🏔️ 1. Ride the Cerro Campanario Chairlift
Kids love a good adventure, and the Cerro Campanario chairlift (just 7 km from town) is the perfect gentle thrill. The ride takes you up to one of the most breathtaking panoramic views in Argentina.
Once at the top, little ones can spot lakes, islands, and snow peaks while you snap postcard-worthy photos. The walkways are easy and safe, and there's a cozy café at the summit for a hot chocolate with a view.
🍫 2. Visit a Chocolate Factory
Bariloche is Argentina’s chocolate capital, and a visit to a chocolate factory is both educational and delicious.
Families can tour famous spots like Mamuschka, Rapa Nui, or Fenoglio, where kids learn how chocolate is made and sample sweet treats along the way. Some places even offer hands-on workshops — a sure hit with curious little chefs.
Artisanal Chocolate Shops in Bariloche
❄️ 3. Play in the Snow (Winter Only)
If you're visiting in winter, snow play is a must. Even if you’re not skiers, head to Cerro Otto or Cerro Catedral where children can take ski lessons, rent sleds, or simply tumble through fresh powder. Many ski centers offer “snow gardens” — supervised zones where little ones can play safely while adults enjoy the slopes.
🐄 4. Visit a Local Farm
Bariloche’s surroundings are dotted with granja-escuelas (educational farms) where kids can feed animals, learn about cheese-making, and even ride ponies. These farms offer a grounding experience — and a chance to pet goats and chickens after all that high-mountain exploring.
🛶 5. Kayak or Paddleboard on Lake Gutierrez (Summer)
In warmer months, swap snow for water adventures. Lake Gutierrez is calm and family-friendly, perfect for a first-time paddleboard or kayak session. Outfitters provide child-sized gear and safety vests, and the surrounding beaches are great for picnics, swimming, or rock-skipping.
🌲 6. Hike the Enchanted Forest (Bosque de Arrayanes)
For a magical, fairy-tale outing, take a short boat ride to Los Arrayanes National Park and explore the cinnamon-colored forest that inspired Disney’s Bambi. The smooth, reddish trunks of the arrayán trees twist and shimmer in the sunlight, and the trails are gentle enough for young legs. Along the way, you might spot pudú deer, woodpeckers, or playful hares.
🚠 7. Take the Cable Car to Cerro Otto
Another scenic ride the whole family will enjoy! The cable car to Cerro Otto whisks you up to a rotating café with 360° views. There's also small sled track areas, art gallery, and hiking trails for all ages. The funicular ride itself feels like an amusement park attraction — a favorite among toddlers and teens alike.
🚂 8. Explore the Train Museum “La Trochita”
Riding La Trochita, the legendary Old Patagonian Express, is like stepping into a living fragment of Patagonia’s history. Though its main line runs further south in Esquel, Bariloche visitors can still board short scenic journeys on restored steam trains that evoke the golden age of rail travel.
The carriages, built in the 1920s and 30s, creak with nostalgia, their wooden interiors carrying the scent of time, while the slow rhythm of the locomotive sets the pace for landscapes to be savored rather than rushed.
🎠 9. Stroll Bariloche’s Civic Center and Feed the Pigeons
Sometimes it’s the simplest things that make children smile. The Civic Center is a safe, open plaza where little ones can run around, spot the giant Saint Bernards, and feed the ever-present pigeons. It’s also home to the Patagonia Museum (Museo de la Patagonia), which has some fascinating fossils and indigenous artifacts.


🧳 Travel Tips for Families in Bariloche
Strollers: Sidewalks in town can be uneven; bring a rugged stroller or baby carrier for outings.
Altitude: Bariloche is not high enough to cause altitude sickness, but some lookout points may involve short hikes.
Weather: Always pack layers — even in summer, evenings can be chilly.
Food: Most restaurants are child-friendly, and many offer kid menus. You’ll find comfort food like milanesas, pizza, and empanadas everywhere.
🌈 Final Word: Bariloche Through a Child’s Eyes
To children, Bariloche is a mix of nature’s grandeur and little joys — a snowflake caught on the tongue, a bar of dulce de leche chocolate, a ride through the clouds. It’s a place where screens are forgotten, senses wake up, and Patagonia shows its softer, gentler side.
Whether your family travels by kayak, chairlift, or sled, Bariloche welcomes you with wide skies and a warm heart.
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