Guatemala with kids: 10 Awesome Things To Do in Antigua

Your Ultimate Family-Friendly Guide to the best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala with kids! Also, check out our itinerary for a family-friendly Guatemala roadtrip.

Looking for the best things to do in Antigua, Guatemala with kids? You’re in for a treat! Antigua is a city bursting with colour, culture, and creativity, and it’s packed with activities that will delight both young explorers and their parents. I first visited Antigua in 2004 as a 20 year old volunteer and in a positive way the city still retains that colonial charm and has avoided becoming over touristy.

If you’re planning to visit Guatemala with kids, we’ve got so much to share about this amazing country. It’s safe, colourful, friendly and full of adventure and beauty. We can’t recommend visiting Guatemala, and Antigua, with kids enough.

Read on for our top ten activities, complete with practical tips, opening times, and prices to help you navigate Antigua with the kids.

At the time of visiting there were 10 Quetzals (Q) to £1.

1. Hike Pacaya Volcano

Kick off your time in Antigua with kids by hiking one of the country’s most famous active volcanoes, Pacaya. This experience is perfect for adventurous families with older children. Nyle managed this with no issue at age 6. The hike takes about 2-3 hours up with little legs, and 1-2 hours down depending how much they love playing with the volcanic lava rocks. While it’s a little challenging, the thrill of roasting marshmallows on volcanic rocks and seeing lava fields is unforgettable.

And the views over Fuego and Acatenango (not so little leg friendly) are amazing – we had such a crystal clear day though.

climbing volcano in guatemala

There is also the option to ride up on horseback if you are unsure, but all the kids in our group managed to hike Volcan Pacaya with relative ease – sweets, friends and bribery helped!!

There are a few spots selling cold drinks and snacks but generally we would recommend taking plenty with you for the morning. The fresh coconuts at the bottom were a welcome treat.

On arrival you will also be accosted by a lot of local kids selling their walking sticks and staffs to you – I carried an ankle injury up the volcano so that was also a welcome surprise and I would recommend taking one for the total £1 it cost!

  • Opening Times: Guided tours typically start at 6:00 am or 2:00 pm daily
  • Price: Q100–Q150 per person for a guide (required), plus Q50 entrance fee per adult, Q15 per child
  • Tips: Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and consider hiring a horse for tired little legs (Q100–Q200)

Hiking Pacaya volcano is a must thing to do when in Antigua with kids.

2. Visit the Cathedral Ruins (Convento la Recoleccion)

Step back in time at Antigua’s hauntingly beautiful cathedral ruins. The original Catedral de Santiago was destroyed by earthquakes, but the atmospheric remains are a magical place for children to explore. They’ll love wandering through the empty halls and imagining what the cathedral once looked like. Nyle was in his absolute element here, climbing and hiding amongst the huge rocks – we spent an hour here easily. You could also take a picnic and enjoy it in the gardens. It’s also next door to the cemetery so combining both activities would be a great thing to do when in Antigua as a family.

  • Opening Times: Monday–Saturday 9:00 am–5:00 pm; Sunday 10:00 am–5:00 pm
  • Price: Q20 adults, Q10 children
  • Location: 5a Calle Oriente
things to do in antigua

3. Marvel at la Iglesia de la Merced and its convent

North of Antigua’s main square is la Iglesia de la Merced which is a striking church to explore with kids in Antigua. Step inside to see gleaming altars and join local families in quiet moments of reflection. It’s a peaceful spot to introduce your kids to the city’s deep spiritual traditions.

There is also the option to go into the gardens of the building and even onto the rooftops which gives one of the best views of Antigua’s layout and the volcanoes that overlook it. There’s plenty of space for kids to explore and toilets are available as well.

  • Opening Times: Daily 7:00 am–7:00 pm
  • Price: Q50, under 6’s free

4. McDonald’s Antigua – The Ultimate Air-Conditioned Soft Play!

Yes, you read that right. Antigua’s McDonald’s is famous among parents in Guatemala with kids for its air-conditioned indoor playground, beautiful colonial courtyard, and spotless facilities. After a morning of sightseeing, let the children run wild, give them their Happy Meal, while you sip a coffee in the tranquil gardens.

  • Opening Times: Daily 6:00 am–10:00 pm
  • Price: Regular menu prices (Happy Meals around Q37)
  • Location: 5a Avenida Norte 3

5. Visit the General Cemetery (Cementerio General)

Though it may sound unusual, Antigua’s cemetery is a colourful, peaceful place full of stories. Walking through brought a lot of questions from the kids. If you’ve seen the film ‘Coco’ there will be recognition of the way that Latin Americans celebrate the dead. It’s not miserable or sombre at all, rather a positive way to maybe have these conversations with your children.

Stroll among the elaborate mausoleums, vibrant flowers, and fluttering kites, especially around Día de los Muertos. It’s a thought-provoking outing and a great chance to talk about Guatemalan traditions with your kids.

It’s right next to the cathedral ruins so combined a visit there when you are on this side of Antigua.

  • Opening Times: Daily 7:00 am–6:00 pm
  • Price: Free
  • Location: Calle de los Cipreses

6. Explore Antigua’s Bustling Market

No list of things to do in Antigua with kids is complete without a trip to the city’s vibrant market (Mercado de Antigua). The sights, sounds, and smells are a feast for the senses. Let your children choose colourful textiles, try local fruits, and practice Spanish with friendly vendors. There are toy stalls, ice creams, clothing, flowers, and the market pathways are a maze in themselves to get lost in. Both kids came away with football shirts/kits and the quality of them has lasted for how much they have been worn. You’ll also get some super value fruit and veg here, or on the outskirts – 3 massive avocados for £1!

The tourist market is less of a ‘must visit’ – it’s just the same tourist tat over and over. Definitely focus on the local market for your family time in Antigua.

  • Opening Times: Daily 6:00 am–6:00 pm (busiest on Monday, Thursday, Saturday)
  • Price: Free to enter; bring cash for purchases
  • Location: Poniente 2

7. Take a Family Spanish Class

Learning Spanish together is a brilliant way to enrich your trip through Guatemala with kids. Antigua is famous for its language schools, many of which offer short, family-friendly lessons. We used La Union Spanish School in the south of the city, but we also got recommendations for Antigueña Spanish Academy and Tecún Umán Spanish School.

Stef did 2 weeks of 1-2-1 spanish lessons and Alicia had time 1-2-1 as well for a few days where they played games and practiced words. The teachers are friendly and want to help you learn.

  • Opening Times: Most schools offer flexible schedules; half-day and full-day options available
  • Price: Q80–Q150 per person per hour for private/family classes
  • Tip: Book in advance, especially in high season (November–April)

8. Feed the Pigeons at Parque Central

Sometimes, the simple things are the most memorable. Antigua’s central park (Parque Central) is the heart of the city, with leafy trees, benches, and a bubbling fountain. Little ones will love feeding the ever-hungry pigeons, watching street performers, and sampling ice creams from local vendors. There are plenty of local women selling bags of bird food at 3 bags for £1.

Around the park you also have the Royal Palace of the Captains General, Museum of Colonial Art and plenty of eateries (although you’ll pay more given the location).

  • Opening Times: Always open
  • Price: Free (pigeon food Q1–Q5)
  • Location: Plaza Mayor, opposite San José Cathedral

9. Go Climbing at Antigua Climbing Centre, Tacana

If your kids have energy to burn, head to the Antigua Climbing Centre, Tacana for indoor climbing walls suitable for all ages and abilities. The staff provide gear and guidance, making it a fun and safe introduction to climbing sports. There are classes, private classes and free to turn up climbing sessions. There are sofas and coffees for parents watching and it’s only just outside the main city centre.

  • Opening Times: Monday–Friday 2:00 pm–8:00 pm; Saturday–Sunday 10:00 am–6:00 pm
  • Price: Q50 children, Q70 adults (includes gear)
  • Location: 7a Calle Poniente 45

10. Hunt for Street Art and Snap Family Photos

Wander Antigua’s cobblestone streets (or take a very bumpy tuk tuk or chicken bus ride) for the city’s incredible murals and pastel facades. Every corner is a photo opportunity! The buildings are colourful and beautiful. Just wandering the streets is one of the best ways to see the city. This is a great way to spark creativity and let your children’s imaginations run wild. And no walk is complete without a visit to the famous Arco de Santa Catalina for the photo you see on every Antigua travel guide.

Practical Tips for Visiting Antigua, Guatemala With Kids

  • Bring plenty of water and sunscreen, Antigua’s highland sun can be intense. We were there in March and it was a perfect temperature of mid-high 20s.
  • Most attractions are within walking distance, but tuk-tuks are a fun way to get around (Q10–Q20 per ride).
  • Pack layers—the weather can change quickly, especially in the rainy season (May–October).
  • Try local treats like choco-bananas and fresh tortillas for easy, kid-approved snacks.
  • We stayed to the south west of the city centre, about a 10 minute walk from the main market square. Casa de Los Habitantes was a brilliant hostel style accommodation, with a shared kitchen, lounge and dinner and a huge family bedroom. The location was great.

Final Thoughts

Antigua is packed with family adventures, cultural discoveries, and moments that will stay with you forever. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows on a volcano, feeding pigeons in the park, or tackling your first Spanish lesson, these ten things to do in Antigua with kids are guaranteed to make your trip to Guatemala with kids unforgettable.

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