Cidade da Criança

Cidade da Criança, which translates to "Children's City," is one of the oldest theme parks in Brazil, located in the São Paulo metropolitan area. Opened in 1968, it became the first theme park not only in the country but in all of Latin America. This place was created as a real fairytale town for young visitors and their parents, and its concept fully lives up to its name.

Originally, the park's territory was built in the 1950s as a film set for a popular TV series. After filming ended, the site became so popular that it was turned into an amusement park. Today, the extensive grounds house an entire complex with various rides, themed zones, and playgrounds for children of all ages. One of the park's most famous and nostalgic attractions is the submarine ride, which was one of the first of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

The park offers entertainment for every taste. There are thrill rides, including roller coasters, a Ferris wheel, and go-karts, as well as calmer but equally exciting areas. For example, one of the themed zones is dedicated to the Amazon. Additionally, Cidade da Criança often hosts educational events where children can learn something new through play, making it an ideal destination for an informative and fun family day out.

To plan your visit, check current opening hours, or find out about special events, we recommend contacting the park administration or visiting their official website. All essential visitor information is gathered in the table below.

Visiting the "Children's City" is an immersion into a world of fun and adventure. The park features a wide selection of rides for all ages. For the youngest visitors, there are safe carousels and gentle entertainment, while for those seeking thrills, there are roller coasters and an exciting Ferris wheel. Every family member, from toddlers to teenagers and adults, will find something to enjoy here.

In addition to the rides, Cidade da Criança offers guests various shows and performances that make a day at the park even more eventful. Children can explore themed zones where they can learn about different professions or historical eras through play. If you get hungry, numerous cafes and restaurants on-site offer snacks and a place to rest. You can also purchase souvenirs at the local shops to remember your visit.

You can reach Cidade da Criança in several ways, as it is located in São Bernardo do Campo, a satellite city that is part of the greater São Paulo metropolitan area. Your choice of transport depends on your budget, time, and comfort preferences.

The most budget-friendly option is public transport. From central São Paulo, you will first need to take the metro to one of the nearest stations and then transfer to a city bus going directly to the park. This method allows you to feel the rhythm of the metropolis but may take more time. It is recommended to check route numbers and schedules on local transport portals in advance.

A more convenient and faster alternative is taxis or ride-sharing services. This is an especially good choice for families with children or small groups. Traveling by car avoids transfers and saves time. For those who prefer complete freedom of movement and plan to explore the surroundings, renting a car is the optimal solution. Parking is available near Cidade da Criança, making this option even more attractive.

The history of Cidade da Criança is closely linked to the development of television in Brazil. Its unique origin sets it apart from many other amusement parks. The area where it now stands was originally built in the 1950s as a large-scale film set for the telenovela "Redenção"—one of the longest-running series in the history of Brazilian television. After filming concluded in 1968, the picturesque town became so popular with the public that it was decided to transform it into the country's first theme park.

Founded in the mid-20th century, the park was created as an educational and entertainment space that was innovative for its time. The idea was for children to not only have fun on the rides but also gain new knowledge through play. Initially, the park was divided into several themed zones, including a central area featuring the film set town and a zone dedicated to the Amazon, with replicas of iconic landmarks from that region. In the 1970s, "Children's City" reached its peak popularity, attracting up to a million visitors a year and becoming a true tourist magnet.

Over the decades, the park has gone through various stages. There were periods when, due to a lack of investment, it fell into decay and even temporarily closed in 2005. However, thanks to restoration efforts, it reopened to the public in 2010. Since then, the park has been modernized several times, with new rides and entertainment being added. Despite the emergence of more modern competitors in the São Paulo metropolitan area, Cidade da Criança maintains its popularity thanks to its special nostalgic atmosphere, affordable prices, and status as one of the pioneers of the entertainment industry in Latin America.

To fully enjoy everything Cidade da Criança has to offer and get the most out of your experience, it is recommended to dedicate a full day to your visit. The optimal duration is between 6 to 8 hours. This will be enough time to ride the main attractions without rushing, watch the vibrant shows, have a leisurely meal at one of the local cafes, and simply relax while soaking in the atmosphere of this amazing place.

If you are short on time, you can plan a shorter introduction to the park. The minimum time you should set aside for a visit is 3–4 hours. However, keep in mind that in this case, you will need to focus only on the rides that interest you most and perhaps sacrifice watching the shows or visiting some themed zones. This express format is suitable for those who want to get a general overview of the "Children's City" or visit it for a few specific attractions.

The Cidade da Criança amusement park is usually open from Tuesday to Sunday, 09:00 to 17:00. However, it's worth noting that these hours may change depending on the season, holidays, or special events. During the off-peak season, the park might operate on a reduced schedule, such as from Thursday to Sunday. Therefore, before planning your trip, it is highly recommended to check the current schedule on the park's official website or confirm the information by phone to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

To save time and ensure entry, especially on weekends and holidays, it's best to purchase tickets online in advance. This will help you avoid ticket counter lines and jump straight into the fun. Since the park has many attractions, it is open to visitors year-round, though operating hours may vary by season.

Visiting Cidade da Criança is a wonderful opportunity for a family vacation, but don't limit yourself to just that. São Paulo is a vast metropolis full of contrasts and amazing places. Exploring its surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the culture of Brazil and make your trip even more fulfilling and memorable.

Near the "Children's City," there are many other interesting attractions that can complement your program. From massive parks and zoological gardens to unique museums and shopping centers—there is something for everyone. Below is a list of nearby places worth considering for a visit.