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7 urban destinations for waterfront walks with children

Enjoying relaxing family moments near water isn’t an exclusive privilege of beaches and natures destinations - and we can prove it

By Natália Faria G. Viana

Walking near water brings various mental health benefits, besides being an activity that allows experiencing pleasant moments of family complicity. Although it’s not always feasible to include waterfront walks in the daily rush with children and teenagers, vacations are an excellent opportunity for this. And those who think being near water is an exclusive privilege of beaches and nature destinations are mistaken. Therefore, we’ve gathered below a list of seven kid-friendly cities around the world that provide many walking options with views of “blue spaces.” Who knows, discovering this pleasure during a trip might be a stimulus to try including it in the family’s weekend routine when returning home.

Paris, France

Paris offers various opportunities to walk near water with children, thanks to the Seine River that cuts through the city. Following the river’s course is a popular route for walks, with various tourist attractions situated on its banks or nearby, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Musée d’Orsay, and the Louvre Museum. Additionally, there are dozens of bridges crossing the Seine, providing stunning views and countless creative angles for photos. The riverbanks also offer many ideal spots for picnics or enjoying sunset as a family in a tranquil and relaxing environment.

Photo 1: Eiffel Tower view from Seine River bank / Photo 2: Notre Dame Cathedral

New York, USA

Located on an island in the Atlantic Ocean, New York City is surrounded by water on all sides, with the Hudson River to the west and East River to the east. Some of its most famous tourist spots, like the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge, are located waterfront. There are also many parks and green areas along the Hudson River, offering walking trails and bike paths, such as High Line Park and Hudson River Park. Additionally, in iconic Central Park, it’s possible to take a relaxing family walk along the immense Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Lake.

Photo 1: Aerial view of Manhattan / Photo 2: Central Park

Brasília, Federal District

Brazil’s capital, known for its modernist architecture and unique urban planning, reserves a variety of attractions with water views. Political tourist spots, such as Itamaraty Palace, National Congress, and Three Powers Plaza, have, besides architectural beauty, rich landscaping with aquatic elements that make their surroundings even more scenic for a city tour stop. But the city’s great highlight for family walks is Paranoá Lake, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes, which is a true oasis in Brasília’s heart, offering different attractions throughout its enormous extension, with leisure options for all ages and moments.

Peninsula Sul Ecological Park provides stunning panoramic lake views, plus picturesque trails and opportunities for water sports like stand-up paddling and kitesurfing. It also has a beautiful lawn where it’s possible to sunbathe or stroll, having as scenery the view of the famous JK Bridge, which crosses Paranoá. Dom Bosco Ecological Park, with its iconic chapel designed by Oscar Niemeyer facing the water, offers a tranquil refuge for walking, cycling, and skating, with incomparable city and lake views that invite sunset picnics. At night, Pontão do Lago Sul transforms into a vibrant waterfront entertainment complex, with restaurants and bars to extend family fun. And for those wanting to enjoy a beach day in the middle of the cerrado, ‘Prainha do Lago Norte’ offers refreshing waters for swimming and variety of water activities, perfect for a sunny family day.

JK Bridge over Paranoá Lake in Brasília, Federal District

Cape Town, South Africa

Situated in a coastal region with picturesque geography, Cape Town offers countless entertainment options for families to enjoy near water, going far beyond beaches. One highlight is Victoria & Alfred Waterfront (V&A Waterfront), located next to the city’s port area. This waterfront complex has various activities for all ages, from boat tours to delicious meals at its diverse restaurants, with stunning port views. Children will love admiring marine life at Two Oceans Aquarium and riding the Cape Wheel Ferris wheel, while parents can appreciate beautiful landscapes and the location’s relaxing atmosphere. This diverse South African city also has the charm of being surrounded by mountains, highlighting Table Mountain, which provides incredible panoramic coastal views and is accessible by trail or cable car.

Lisbon, Portugal

Lisbon is full of charms for the whole family, one being its location on the Tagus River banks. This makes walking through the city a very pleasant experience, especially for those who appreciate water views. The Portuguese capital has various tourist spots located riverfront, such as Belém Tower, Oceanarium, Discoveries Monument, and MAAT – Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology. Additionally, Lisbon’s waterfront is full of bike paths and boardwalks, making walks even more pleasant and safe for those traveling with children. The city also has attractions offering spectacular Tagus views, such as Santa Luzia Viewpoint, Santa Justa Elevator, and São Jorge Castle.

Photo 1: Aerial view of Belém Tower / Photo 2: View from São Jorge Castle

Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais

Minas Gerais capital surprises with its leisure options near water, especially in the immense Pampulha Lagoon complex. Designed by Niemeyer in the 1940s, its architectural ensemble was recognized as UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Humanity and includes various tourist attractions, such as iconic São Francisco de Assis Church and Pampulha Art Museum. With approximately 18 kilometers of extension, the boardwalk surrounding the lagoon offers a unique experience for families seeking outdoor leisure. Bicycle rentals, boat tours, or pedal boats are some activities that can be enjoyed by visitors. At sunset, reflections on the lagoon’s calm waters provide an unforgettable spectacle that can be admired from different viewpoints.

Nearby, with 30 hectares of green areas, Pampulha Ecological Park is another attraction conducive to family walks near water, being perfect for biking, practicing slackline, flying kites, picnicking, and resting. Belo Horizonte also has other charming water view options, such as Municipal Park fountains and water features, where children can refresh themselves and visitors can appreciate light and water shows. Mangabeiras Park also offers beautiful nooks with fountains and streams, providing a tranquil environment for relaxing walks.

Pampulha Lagoon

Rome, Italy

Rome, besides being full of history, culture, and architectural beauty, has the charm of offering countless opportunities for waterfront walks. The Tiber River cuts through the city, providing stunning views of bridges, historic buildings, and churches rising around it, plus places to relax on its banks, such as Piazza del Popolo and Ponte Sant’Angelo. There are also more than 2,500 fountains scattered throughout the Italian capital, many being true works of art, like iconic Fontana di Trevi. Walking through Rome’s streets and playing at trying to find these fountains can be a fun and educational activity for children, who can learn about Roman history and culture while exploring the “eternal city’s” charms.