If you have kids and are looking for a fun vacation destination for the whole family, you should definitely check out the recent The New York Times story Skip the Beach: 5 Cities Where Adults and Kids Can Enjoy Spring Break. It’s a great read, but I couldn’t help but wonder why Medellín didn’t make the list.
Full disclosure: I don’t have children myself, but I have so many recommendations that I have given to numerous families who have used The Paisa Plan to create a kid-friendly (and fun!) itinerary. So inspired by The New York Times article, here are my five reasons why Medellín should be on your radar for your next family vacation.
1. The Great Weather Means Everything Is Outside
While this list is in no particular order, our climate is arguably the number one Medellín is great for families. With spring-like conditions year-round, kids can play outside without the interruption of extreme temperatures, and it’s a big reason why there is such an active lifestyle for people of all ages. There are numerous parks, green spaces, pedestrian-only streets, and protected bike lanes, and it all comes together to create a splash of nature in the midst of urban development. It’s a great way to engage kids in a way that teaches them to have an appreciation for biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
Plus, it's always ice cream weather, and you can bet I know the best places to get ice cream!
Two of Medellín's many kid-friendly parks
2. Getting Around Is So Easy
Medellín's remarkable transformation from its troubled past to a modern metropolis is reflected in its world-class public transportation and urban planning, making it relatively easy to navigate the city safely. Cable cars traverse the hilly landscapes provide not only breathtaking views but also an opportunity for children to experience innovative engineering first-hand, and electric buses demonstrate how a city can use technology to stay connected. Plus neighborhoods like Laureles are super walkable given the flat terrain. I always like to say that everything in Medellín is either a 15 minute walk or 15 minute ride (without traffic) away, and it really does feel that way.
Chances are your kids are going to love taking a ride on the MetroCable
3. Cultural Opportunities Are Everywhere
The city has so much culture and creativity, making it a literal educational playground. Medellín is renowned for hosting kid-focused festivals and fairs, we have an interactive museum with hands-on science exhibits, and the streets are a literal work of art. There are also animal sanctuaries and places to learn about the solar system, and countless cafés that host drawing and maker workshops. One of my favorite recent events was the very first book festival geared towards kids! All together it means constant exposure to art, science, and history through everyday experiences, something that can nurture a lifelong curiosity for the world.
Walking the streets can feel like an open-air art galler
4. Empathy Is Taught on Every Corner
I’ve said it before and I will say it over and over again - the people of Medellín (Paisas) are the best reason to visit, and for me, the number one reason to live here. Quick with a smile and always offering a friendly hand, it’s a daily exercise in humility and empathy watching a culture navigate daily life with such kindness, especially after what the city has gone through. In a world where negativity can be deafening, spending time in Medellín can be a reminder of the good in the world, and that’s a lesson that I imagine most parents would want to give their kids. Not to mention endless chances to practice Spanish!
Paisas are quick with a smile . . . and flowers
5. There Is No Better Place To Celebrate Christmas
While I imagine most of you reading this have obligations that will prevent skipping town during the holidays . . . well, maybe you should make an exception just once. From our famous Christmas lights to the extra joy in the air, December is a really special time to visit the city. It’s often a little quieter too as many locals leave for their own family vacations, so you’ll likely have more options for lodging, less waits at restaurants, and perhaps what matters the most, more fun! And did I mention the weather is usually extra nice in December? It is.
Forget that other spot, Medellín in December is truly the happiest place on Earth
Make Medellín Your Next Family Vacation
No city is perfect, and I would never claim Medellín is perfect for all kids, but hopefully you can tell it has a lot to offer. If you are thinking about planning a trip, get started by downloading my FREE 16-page The Insider's Guide to Visiting Medellín. It's filled with essential info such as where to stay, what to bring, ways to get around, and how to plan the perfect day with some of the city's top spots. While written for adults, it will give you an even better sense of the city and whether it's right for your family. To download the guide and learn how I can help you have an authentic and unforgettable Medellín experience while saving time and money, one that is geared towards kids of all ages, click here:
Thank you for reading, enter your email address below to be notified of future blogs, and I hope you enjoy the magic of Medellín!
- Jason ✨🇨🇴