If you’ve been considering Quito, Ecuador with kids, but you’re stuck on the big questions, where to stay, what to do, and whether it’s actually safe, I get it. Quito isn’t one of those “easy yes” destinations, especially when you’re picturing altitude, unfamiliar streets, and traveling with little ones in tow. We felt that hesitation too.
But we spent a full week in Quito with our two young kids, and it ended up being way more doable (and enjoyable) than we expected. The city felt walkable in the areas we stayed, getting around was simple, and some of the experiences, like standing on the actual equator, were genuinely fun for the kids, not just “educational.” In this post, I’m sharing everything we wish we knew before we landed, so you can plan with confidence and skip the stress.
Arriving in Quito: What It Actually Feels Like
Landing in Quito feels different right away, and not just because you’re in South America. The airport sits at over 9,300 feet, and you’ll likely feel that altitude within the first day or two. We were a little slower, a little more tired, and very aware that we needed to take it easy at first.
The airport itself is straightforward. U.S. citizens get 90 days visa-free (at the time of our visit), and immigration was simple, but they did ask about our departure date, so have that ready. Once you grab your bags, it’s about a 40-minute drive into the city, and yes, you can use Uber even if taxi drivers tell you otherwise. We were able to install our car seats without any issue, which immediately lowered my stress level.
If you’ve had a long travel day, just know you’re not quite done when you land. That final drive down the mountain feels long with tired kids, but once you settle in, it gets easier.
Where to Stay in Quito with Kids
We chose to stay near La Carolina Park instead of in the historic center, and that decision made a big difference for our family. Being close to green space meant the kids had room to run, reset, and just be outside after long days of exploring. It also felt calmer at night, which matters when everyone is adjusting to altitude and travel fatigue.
There are beautiful hotels in the historic center, especially if you want to be surrounded by architecture and walk straight into the main sights. But we personally prefer having a kitchen and laundry when we travel with kids, so an Airbnb near the park worked better for our rhythm. If you are deciding between the two areas, think about what your family needs more, constant sightseeing access or space to breathe.
Is Quito Safe with Kids
This was the biggest question in my mind before we went. You hear things online and it is hard to know what is current, what is exaggerated, and what actually applies to families. I can only speak from our experience, but we felt safe in the areas we stayed and explored.
There is a very visible police presence, especially around La Carolina Park and in the historic center. At first it surprised us, but it quickly felt reassuring rather than intimidating. No one bothered us, no one approached us in an uncomfortable way, and we were able to walk around with the kids without feeling on edge.
Like any city, we stayed aware and stuck to well known areas, but Quito did not feel chaotic or unsafe with kids. If anything, it felt more structured and monitored than we expected.
Getting Around Quito with Kids
One thing that genuinely surprised us was how manageable it felt to get around Quito with kids. Walking was easier than we expected, especially near La Carolina Park and in the historic center. There are crosswalk signals and sidewalks in the main areas, and while you still need to stay alert, it did not feel chaotic or overwhelming.
We used Uber several times without any issues. No strange routes, no uncomfortable moments, and we were able to install our car seats easily, which is not always the case in other countries. There is also a metro line that runs north to south through the city, and we found it clean, affordable, and simple to navigate.
For us, not renting a car was the right choice. Between walking, Uber, and the metro, we never felt stuck or limited, and it kept things simple with the kids.
Food and Water Safety in Quito
Anytime we travel somewhere new with kids, food and water is one of my first concerns. In Quito, the tap water is not considered drinkable, so we bought bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. It felt like an extra step at first, but it quickly became part of our routine and no one got sick.
We also picked up a produce cleaner from the store and used it on fruits and vegetables before eating them. It might sound overly cautious, but when you are traveling with little ones, peace of mind goes a long way.
Once we had a system in place, it did not feel stressful. It just felt like being prepared, and that allowed us to enjoy the food scene without constantly worrying in the background.
Standing on the Equator
One of the coolest things we did in Quito was visiting Museo Intiñan. There are actually two different sites, one with the large monument (Mitad del Mundo) and Museo Intiñan that is more interactive and science focused. We chose the interactive one, and it ended up being one of the most engaging experiences of our week.
It was affordable, easy to navigate, and surprisingly hands on. The kids got to see demonstrations about how water drains differently depending on which side of the equator you are on, and we even tried balancing an egg on a nail. It felt educational without feeling forced, which is always the sweet spot when you are traveling with little kids.
If you are debating whether it is worth the time, I would say yes. It is one of those unique experiences you cannot replicate at home, and it gave our kids a real sense of where we were in the world.
Exploring El Centro with Kids
We took the metro down to the historic center, and it dropped us right where we needed to be. The area is beautiful and surprisingly walkable, especially in the main squares where there are fewer cars. It felt manageable with kids because we were not constantly navigating heavy traffic.
We chose to visit the Basilica del Voto Nacional and climb one of the towers, which was absolutely worth it for the views. That said, the staircases get narrow and steep near the top, so strollers are not an option and large child carriers may not be allowed. Our oldest walked it on her own, but it is something to think about if you are traveling with toddlers.
Even just wandering through the streets, seeing the churches, and taking it slow felt special. It is one of those places where you do not need a packed itinerary. Just walking together and taking it in is enough.
La Carolina Park on the Weekend
If you are in Quito on a Sunday, go to La Carolina Park. It completely changes energy in the best way. Families are out, vendors are set up, people are playing sports everywhere, and it feels like the whole city decided to meet outside for the day.
Our kids loved the freedom of it. They could run, watch people playing soccer, see little food stands, and just soak in the atmosphere. It did not feel touristy. It felt local, relaxed, and genuinely family friendly.
Some of our favorite travel memories are not big attractions at all. They are simple afternoons in parks where everyone is happy and no one is rushing. This was one of those days.
Where We Got Coffee in Quito
Let’s be honest, good coffee can make or break a travel day with kids. And Quito delivered.
One of our favorite stops was Cafe Mosaico, for location click here, which overlooks the city with sweeping views that make you pause for a second. It looks like it would be a lively nighttime spot, but we went earlier in the day and had it mostly to ourselves. We sipped coffee while the kids ate simple food and looked out over the hills, and it felt like one of those rare travel moments where everyone was content at the same time.
The other standout was CaféLab, location here, which honestly felt like stepping into a mini science experiment. They serve coffee in Erlenmeyer flasks, and everything about it feels creative and intentional. The food was solid for the kids, and for an extra dollar you can get your face printed onto your latte, which might be unnecessary but was absolutely worth it for the fun of it.
Neither place felt rushed or unwelcoming with kids. And sometimes, that is exactly what you need in the middle of a busy travel week.
The Sun and Weather in Quito
One thing we underestimated was the intensity of the sun. Even when the air felt cool, the combination of altitude and being right on the equator made it strong. Layers were essential in the morning, but by midday we were peeling them off and reaching for sunscreen.
Mornings tended to feel crisp, especially before the sun fully came out. But once it did, it warmed up quickly and you could feel it almost immediately on your skin. Bringing hats, sunscreen, and light layers made a huge difference for us.
It is one of those small preparation details that changes the entire experience. When everyone is comfortable, everything else feels easier.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Quito with Kids
Would we go back to Quito? Maybe not right away, but only because we felt like we truly experienced it in the week we had. It gave us culture, history, outdoor space, and one of the most unique geography lessons our kids have ever had. That felt complete.
But would I recommend it to another family who is curious? Yes. Especially if you are looking for a city that feels real, manageable, and different from the typical beach destination.
Quito is not about luxury or ease in the traditional sense. It is about perspective. And sometimes that is exactly the kind of trip that stays with your kids the longest.
