What to do in Cartagena with kids: city, beach and nature plans
Quick answer: Travel guides agree on one outline: a morning in the city or at the castle (with milder heat), midday in the shade or at a nearby beach, and boat tours only if the children can handle the trip. At the San Felipe Castle children under 6 enter free and those aged 6 to 13 pay COP 16,000, according to the official website.
Updated on 05/11/2026.
Plans the guides repeat
- San Felipe Castle: children enjoy the tunnels and passageways; go early because of the heat.
- Historic centre: a horse-drawn carriage ride, bicycle or electric scooter.
- Nearby beaches: Punta Arena (Tierra Bomba), about ten minutes by boat according to one guide, and Playa Tranquila in Barú, by road.
- Nature: the Rosario Islands or the Totumo volcano, which are longer tours.
- Museums and parks: the Caribbean Naval Museum, Parque Explora and Parque Centenario, according to family guides.
You should confirm the opening hours and fares of museums and parks with each entity: we have not verified them here.
Tours on the site that may suit you
| Tour | Place | Reference price |
|---|---|---|
| San Felipe Castle & Getsemaní free tour | Walled city | free (tips welcome) |
| Chiva city tour with San Felipe Castle entry | Walled city | US$ 20 |
| Totumo mud volcano trip | Surroundings | US$ 50 |
| National Aviary of Colombia + Playa Blanca | Barú | from US$ 83 |
| Isla del Encanto day trip | Rosario Islands | from US$ 156 |
| Pirate boat ride on the bay | Cartagena Bay | from US$ 22 |
| Chambaculera ride around Cartagena | Walled city | US$ 26 |
| Rosario Islands catamaran + lunch and snorkelling | Rosario Islands | US$ 38 |
| Playa Tranquila day trip | Barú | US$ 48 |
| San Felipe Castle and La Popa tour | Walled city | from US$ 54 |
| Tierra Bomba day trip | Tierra Bomba | from US$ 56 |
| San Felipe Castle + Chocolate Museum | Walled city | US$ 97 |
| Vivarium del Caribe park | Surroundings | US$ 128 |
Reference prices per person, in US dollars (USD), converted at the 01/11/2026 exchange rate and reviewed on 05/11/2026. The final price is the one shown by the partner at checkout.
Practical tips
- Water and sunscreen on every outing, according to the guides consulted.
- Choose short boat trips with small children.
- Some tours have a minimum age or restrictions: read the partner's listing before booking.
Quick questions
Do children pay at the San Felipe Castle?
Children under 6 enter free and those aged 6 to 13 pay COP 16,000, according to the official website.
Are there beaches nearby to visit with children?
The guides cite Punta Arena on Tierra Bomba and Playa Tranquila in Barú; sea conditions and times depend on the day.
Sources
- Fortificaciones de Cartagena: San Felipe de Barajas Castle
- Colombia Travel: what to do in Cartagena with your family?
- Partners' prices, reviewed on 05/11/2026
