Paraty 2-Day Family-Friendly Trip
A relaxed, family-focused 2-day plan in Paraty for parents with young children. Short transfers, stroller-friendly options where possible, calm beaches, a gentle boat experience and kid-friendly meals. Built with buffer time for naps, snacks and bathroom breaks.
Highlights
- Stroll the car-free Centro Histórico (safe for strollers and short legs)
- Calm, sheltered beaches ideal for young kids
- Short family-friendly boat outing in Paraty Bay (morning slot)
- Interactive, compact cultural stops and shaded picnic spots
Itinerary
Day 1
Easy first day: arrive, explore the historic center at a gentle pace, a calm beach afternoon, and family-friendly meals. Build in rest and nap time.
Explore Centro Histórico de Paraty — gentle walking and photo stops
Car-free cobbled streets, colorful colonial buildings, small shops and shaded squares. Walk at toddler pace, take lots of breaks on benches, and keep a stroller with all-terrain wheels for the cobbles.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller hack: use a lightweight stroller with large wheels and foldable sunshade; cobblestones are uneven—bring a baby carrier for narrow streets.
- Bathrooms & breaks: several cafés and cultural centers around the square have restrooms; plan one restroom stop every 45–60 minutes for little ones.
- Shade & timing: start here early (9:00) when it’s coolest — many shops open 10:00–11:00, so morning is quiet and stroller-friendly.
Casa da Cultura de Paraty — short interactive cultural stop
Small cultural space with rotating exhibits and benches for kids to rest. Keep the visit 30–45 minutes to match young attention spans.
Tips from local experts:
- Interactive focus: look for hands-on displays or kid-friendly panels; ask staff for a quieter corner if your child needs a break.
- Accessibility: low-step access to the main rooms but check the entrance threshold for strollers—a quick fold-and-carry may help.
- Snack-friendly: bring a small snack to nibble while you sit; the courtyard offers shaded seating away from street noise.
Family lunch at Restaurante Banana da Terra — kid-friendly menu
A well-known, family-welcoming restaurant with space for strollers, flexible dishes and high-chair availability. Request an early table to avoid peak waits.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids' options: ask for smaller portions or plain grilled fish/chicken & rice — the staff is used to adapting plates for kids and allergies.
- Seating & timing: request a corner table away from the door for stroller space and to reduce drafts; booking for 12:15 avoids the busiest times.
- Allergy-aware: mention any allergies when ordering; Brazilian restaurants in Paraty are used to adapting dishes for children.
Quiet rest / nap time at Praça da Matriz (shaded square)
Shaded benches and a calm atmosphere for a post-lunch nap or quiet play time close to the historic center — keeps transfers short and gives kids a predictable rest.
Tips from local experts:
- Nap routine: aim for a 60–90 minute rest to reset toddlers — the shaded benches and trees help with napping on a stroller or portable mat.
- Facilities: nearby cafés and public restrooms are within a short walk; keep wipes and a spare outfit handy for quick changes.
- Sun & shade: afternoon sun can be strong; use stroller sunshades and a thin mosquito net for comfort if needed.
Afternoon at Praia do Pontal — calm beach with shallow water
Short transfer to a family-friendly beach with usually calm, shallow water ideal for young swimmers and sand play. Bring shade, water shoes and a small bucket/toys.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller & sand: bring a beach blanket and a lightweight stroller you can lock on a shady spot; foldable beach chairs make mid-day rests easier.
- Safety: keep life vests or floaties for young children — currents are normally gentle but supervision is constant.
- Facilities: check for shaded kiosks and public restrooms before settling; bring snacks and water to avoid a mid-beach hunger meltdown.
Early dinner — relaxed family meal (Caminho do Ouro or similar)
Early, calm dinner to suit young bedtimes. Choose a restaurant with flexible menu options and quick service — aim for an 18:30 seating so kids can eat and rest on time.
Tips from local experts:
- Bedtime-friendly: an early 18:30 table ensures kids can finish and head back for an on-time bedtime routine.
- Menu swaps: ask for plain bases (rice, beans, grilled proteins) if children are picky; request smaller plates to reduce waste.
- Quiet seating: ask to be seated away from kitchen noise and main traffic for a calmer dining experience.
Day 2
A family-friendly boat outing in the bay, a relaxed lunch, a short cultural stop and a calm late-afternoon stroll. Morning boat gives calmer seas and cooler temperatures.
Family morning boat trip from the Paraty pier — islands and shallow bays
Leave early for a half-day family boat outing to nearby islands and calm bays (short boat time, swims from the boat). Choose a morning departure (8:00–13:00) for smoother water and cooler air.
Tips from local experts:
- Booking: reserve a private or small-group morning trip that advertises life jackets for children and shaded seating; mornings are less crowded and more kid-friendly.
- Sea safety: bring child-sized life vests, sunscreen, plenty of water and snacks; pack motion-sickness remedies if anyone is sensitive.
- Bathroom & breaks: confirm the boat has a toilet before booking; if not, prioritize shorter trips or operators with restroom-equipped vessels.
Lunch back in town — relaxed family meal
Return to town for a midday meal where kids can choose familiar options; pick a restaurant close to the historic center to keep transfers short and allow quick naps afterward.
Tips from local experts:
- Quick service: choose places that serve food promptly after arrival — kids are often hungrier after boating and need fast, filling options.
- Allergy & picky-eater prep: opt for grilled proteins, pasta, or rice bowls that restaurants in the area commonly adapt.
- High chairs & space: ask for a table with room for a stroller and request a high chair when booking.
Forte Defensor Perpétuo — short, kid-friendly historic stop
Compact fort/museum with open ramparts where kids can run safely under supervision and parents can enjoy coastal views. Keep the visit short (60–90 min) and focus on the open spaces.
Tips from local experts:
- Interactive angle: encourage kids to spot boats and birds from the ramparts — good for short attention spans and photo moments.
- Accessibility: check steps and slopes before bringing a stroller—you may need to carry it short distances; a baby carrier is handy.
- Restroom & shade: use the visit as a quick stop—there are shaded areas for snack breaks and quick bathroom stops nearby.
Late-afternoon stroll & souvenir stops in the historic center
Slow stroll through a few family-friendly shops (toys, local sweets) and a final gelato or juice before bedtime; keeps the day calm and gives a last chance for family photos.
Tips from local experts:
- Pacing: keep it 45–60 minutes max — pick two small shops and one gelato stop to avoid overtired kids.
- Souvenir strategy: choose lightweight souvenirs (stickers, postcards, small toys) and avoid breakable items that add stress to trips home.
- Final bathroom stop: plan for a restroom before heading back to accommodation — many cafés near the main square allow quick customer use.
