The very best things to do when visiting Granada, Nicaragua with Kids – here’s your family adventure guide to this beautiful colonial town.

Granada, Nicaragua is a vibrant city filled with rich history, stunning natural beauty, and a plethora of activities that kids and parents alike will love. From exploring the lush landscapes of Mombacho Volcano to wandering through the colourful markets, there’s no shortage of family-friendly adventures in this charming colonial city. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Granada with kids.

Discovering Las Isletas de Granada

One of the most exciting activities in Granada is a boat tour around Las Isletas de Granada, a collection of 365 small islands formed by an ancient volcanic eruption. This adventure is perfect for kids, offering a unique chance to see a variety of wildlife, including monkeys and exotic birds, up close. The calm waters make for a smooth ride, and the islands’ lush green scenery is sure to captivate the whole family. We paid $40 for 2 hours with transport, a guide and a private tour and 2 hours was plenty – any longer and I think the kids would have been bored. We weren’t so much a fan of ‘monkey island’ – basically 2 monkeys have been put on an island for the benefit of tourists…

We visited late afternoon which gave some lovely colours as sunset approached – and it was cooler.

Adventuring on Mombacho Volcano

For families seeking a bit of adventure, a trip to Mombacho Volcano is a must. It’s only 20 minutes from Granada centre. The volcano is surrounded by a cloud forest, home to an array of flora and fauna. It also has a rainforest in the middle part as you drive up the steep hill. We opted to ride in a pick up truck, but if you wanted to walk up, it takes around 2 hours (without kids). We booked our tour with Juan (from Bee Man Tours) and paid $140 for us all for the day. On arrival at the top there is small information centre showing where you will walk around the crater and a little about all the wildlife there.

The crater walk is easy for kids (not pushchair friendly) and took around 90 minutes. The paths are ok and you start overlooking the misty crater, stop at a view-point over all of Granada about half way around, and then loop back to the information centre. There are some short steep ascents, and it is cooler at the top, but we all just wore t-shirts. Make sure you talk water and snacks as there is nothing on the trail.

There are longer trails but our guide said the kids would have struggled with these more.

On the way back down we stopped at a Zoocriadero ($5 each or included in our tour) – a nursery for animals that are borderline extinct. We learned about their conservation programme (in Spanish), got to hols some of the animals and have a real close up look, and even released some butterflies back into the wild.

Juan the Bee Man Walking Tour

A walking tour of Granada is more for the adults than the kids, but our 90 minute tour was just the right length of time. Juan, who offers these tours on a tip-only basis, is very knowledgeable and passionate and included the kids in the discussion. We used him for our Isletas tour and Mombacho tour as we felt really at ease in his company. It is hot walking around Granada but we were his only guests this day so we could dictate where we wanted to go and for how long.

Climbing La Merced Church Tower

For a panoramic view of Granada, climb the bell tower of La Merced Church. The climb is relatively easy and safe for kids, and the view from the top is simply breathtaking. From here, you can see the red-tiled roofs of Granada, Lake Nicaragua, and even the distant Mombacho Volcano. It’s an ideal spot for some family photos! The fee to enter is only $1 each and the church itself is beautiful inside too.

Exploring the Market

No visit to Granada is complete without a trip to the local market. Bursting with colourful stalls selling everything from fresh produce to handmade crafts, the market is a sensory delight. Kids will love the vibrant atmosphere and the chance to sample some local snacks. There is a good mix of local stalls and tourist tat!

There is an outstanding burger place (vegetarian option available) next to the market which we can’t recommend enough – see below for more info and photos. There are only a handful of tables but watching them make their famous plantain burgers is good entertainment.

Relaxing at Laguna de Apoyo

Just a short drive from Granada, Laguna de Apoyo is a stunning crater lake perfect for a family day out. We’ll do a separate blog on Apoyo as it is worth spending more than just a day here and in fact we recommend 3 days on this beautiful lake. The crystal-clear waters are ideal for swimming, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the shore. Many local spots offer rentals and amenities, making it a convenient and enjoyable excursion for families with children.

Visit Choco Museo for a Sweet Treat

For chocolate lovers, include a visit to Choco Museo. This interactive museum offers a hands-on experience where kids can learn about the history of chocolate, from bean to bar. They’ll enjoy making their own chocolate ($16 each for 2 hours), and of course, tasting them too! It’s a fun and delicious way to wrap up your visit to Granada. We stayed here for 3 days ($60 per night) of our Granada trip – contact them directly and you can negotiate. The rooms are incredibly characteristic, breakfasts are local and included in the price, and there is a pool. You can also use the pool on a day basis for $5 each.

The Choco Museo also offers Spanish lessons at $8 per hour which Stef used and really enjoyed. It’s a great place to learn Spanish in their peaceful courtyards surrounded by humming birds and character-filled hallways.

Café de Sonrisas

Café de Sonrisas is a unique and heartwarming place to visit with kids. This café is run by individuals who are deaf and mute, providing an inspiring lesson in communication and inclusion. The café offers delicious local dishes, and the adjoining hammock workshop is a must-see, where you can watch artisans craft beautiful hammocks. It’s a wonderful opportunity for kids to learn about different ways of communication and the value of inclusivity. They even had a go at weaving hammocks and we paid $50 for a hammock each and they chose their own designs and colours for their rooms back home. When we were there they were making the hammock for the 500th anniversary of the city and the staff let the kids have a go at weaving – this just shows what a lovely place this is.

San Francisco Museum

The San Francisco Museum, located within the San Francisco Convent, is another must-visit spot in Granada. The museum is home to an impressive collection of pre-Columbian artifacts, colonial art, and historic relics that tell the story of Granada’s rich cultural heritage. Kids will be fascinated by the ancient statues and the history that each exhibit holds. It’s an educational and enriching experience for the whole family. There’s plenty of space to run around and with hardly anyone else there, they can ‘be kids’ without bothering anyone. The outdoor area and patios are beautiful too.

Main Square, Cathedral and Calle la Calzada

The main cathedral is the centre piece of the city and all roads lead here. The square itself was undergoing some construction work when we visited but it didn’t take away from enjoying this space. The Cathedral is stunning both inside and outside and you can enjoy services here – the music and singing spills out into the square.

From the cathedral take Calle la Calzada, a pedestrian area full of nice restaurants and bars. You’ll get a few tourist sellers here with their wares, but you certainly aren’t pestered.

Best Restaurants in Granada, Nicaragua

Granada is not only rich in history and culture but also boasts a vibrant culinary scene. Here are some of the best restaurants that you must visit during your stay:

Banana Burger

Banana Burger is a local favourite known for its delicious burgers with a unique twist – placed between flattened plantain. Their signature dish, the Banana Burger, combines the sweetness of banana with savoury beef, creating an unforgettable taste experience. The average price of a meal here is around $10. One burger between 2 was enough for the kids. There is a beef, chicken and vegetarian option.

Pita Pita

For those craving Mediterranean cuisine, Pita Pita offers a delightful array of dishes, from fresh pita bread to flavourful falafel. The ambiance is cozy and welcoming, making it a perfect spot for a family meal. The average cost of a meal at Pita Pita is approximately $12 – more expensive than local food but delicious – the mezze platter was very fresh.

Café de Sonrisas

As above, this is a great place to visit. The average price of a meal here ranges from $6-$10 and they do breakfasts and cakes. A cinnamon bun is around $2 with milkshakes between $2 and 3.

The Garden Café

The Garden Café is a serene spot, perfect for a relaxing meal amidst beautiful greenery. They serve a variety of healthy, organic dishes, with options for everyone. The average cost for a meal at The Garden Café is about $11.

Gaia Forest Cafe&Bistro

This was one of our favourite restaurants – we went back twice. The tomato soup is to die for! They have great vegetarian and kid-friendly food and it is all very fresh and healthy. A meal for all 4 of us with drinks was around $40.

Cocos Restaurant and Pool

We visited Cocos Restaurant and Pool purely for the kids to enjoy a swim as it is so hot in Granada. The pool is fine for an hours’ splash and costs $3 per person. was offers a delightful dining experience with the added benefit of a refreshing pool. In all honesty this was not our favourite place – the service was poor and the food mediocre – and veggie options were very limited. We are including it on here for the pool alone – enjoy a beer and some snacks whilst the kids swim (if you don’t have a pool in your accommodation).

Conclusion

Granada, Nicaragua is a treasure trove of family-friendly activities that will leave both kids and parents with lasting memories. With its rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant culture, it’s the perfect destination for a family adventure. We stayed a total of 7 days here, split as 4 days and then 3 days (split with a stay in laguna de Apoyo). So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey exploring the best things to do in Granada with kids.