Winter Break: Five Getaways Less Than 90 km from the City to Avoid Breaking the Bank with the Kids

With the arrival of winter break, many families start looking for activities to keep the little ones entertained without having to take long trips or spend a fortune. In Buenos Aires City and the province, the school recess begins on July 20 and runs through July 31, so many are already planning day trips.

Less than 90 kilometers from the Capital Federal, there are parks, nature reserves, and recreational spaces that combine games, shows, and outdoor activities for all ages. Here are five suggestions for families to enjoy during this break.

La República de los Niños: The Classic in Gonnet That Never Goes Out of Style

Located in Gonnet, La Plata district, just over 50 km from the City, La República de los Niños is one of the most traditional outings for kids. This educational and recreational site features buildings inspired by children’s stories, large green spaces, games, a train, dining options, and multiple cultural offerings that change every weekend.

During winter break, the park offers a special program with free activities for the whole family. Highlights include performances by Rukuka Circo, with daily shows of juggling, humor, and acrobatics, as well as creative workshops, the traditional Artisans’ Walk, recycling activities for children, and children’s shows like Payaso Manotas. It is open Tuesday to Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and admission is free.

Campanópolis: A Medieval Village 40 km from the Capital

Just 40 kilometers from Buenos Aires City, in González Catán, lies Campanópolis, one of the most curious places in the province to visit with kids. This 200-hectare site recreates a medieval-style village with castles, wooden bridges, mills, cobblestone streets, lakes, and buildings made almost entirely from recycled materials.

The place was created by Antonio Campana, an entrepreneur who decided to turn an old piece of land into a fantasy village. The result is a journey that seems straight out of a storybook, with unique buildings and corners perfect for exploring and taking photos. It can only be visited through guided tours, where visitors learn about the site’s history, the origin of each building, and the curiosities it hides. General admission costs $20,000 for both adults and children; children under 2 enter free, as do people with a Single Disability Certificate (CUD).

Puesto Viejo Estancia & Polo Club: A Day in the Country with a Maze Included

For those seeking a different experience during winter break, Puesto Viejo Estancia & Polo Club, located in Cañuelas, is an excellent alternative just over 60 minutes from Buenos Aires City and only half an hour from Ezeiza International Airport. Recognized as one of the country’s most important polo clubs, the site has seven professional fields where more than 30 tournaments are held each year. In addition to its sports offerings, it provides various activities for families to enjoy a full day outdoors.

One of its main attractions is its large maze, ideal for exploring with the little ones, along with wide green spaces, outdoor games, and the chance to get up close to the world of polo. Those who opt for the Day in the Country can enter the site from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with access to different recreational and dining activities. The experience includes: additionally, visitors who come Monday through Friday can access a room, subject to availability.

Zárate: Culture and Free Shows 90 km Away

90 kilometers from Buenos Aires City, Zárate presents itself as an excellent alternative for those looking to combine outdoor walks with cultural offerings during winter break. In addition to touring historical attractions like the Civic Center Historic Circuit and the Riverside Walk, the municipality has prepared a free agenda specially designed for kids.

The program will run from July 22 to August 3 at the Fórum Cultural, located at Pellegrini and Moreno. During the first week, there will be children’s film screenings, the show «El payaso soy yo» by the company Rompiendo Rutinas; the puppet play «El lobo y los tres chanchitos» by Gustavo Parodi; and the show «Los Dispayabucos» directed by Patricia Puente and Vicky Velli. In the second week, the agenda will include a relaxed film screening for people with disabilities and several performances of «El elefante Trompita, un zarateño de corazón,» a local production created for children. The closing will be on Sunday, August 3, with the play «Rojinieves y el Príncipe Encantado» by Grupo Alma de Proa.

Tigre: The Classic Delta Destination with Free Activities

Located just over 30 kilometers from Buenos Aires City, Tigre is one of the preferred destinations for families during winter break. Its easy access by both train and bus makes it an excellent option for a day trip. In addition to visiting classics like the Puerto de Frutos, taking a boat ride through the Delta, or visiting Parque de la Costa, the municipality has prepared an agenda with dozens of free activities for kids in different neighborhoods of the district.

Those wishing to visit Parque de la Costa should note that during winter break, tickets will cost $23,000 plus $500 municipal fee Monday through Friday and $31,000 plus $500 municipal fee on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Additionally, the itinerant agenda will bring free children’s shows to clubs, squares, museums, and public spaces in towns such as General Pacheco, Troncos del Talar, Rincón de Milberg, El Talar, Tigre Centro, Villa La Ñata, Benavídez, Don Torcuato, Ricardo Rojas, and the Delta, among others. There will be circus, magic, humor, music, and theater performances by companies such as La Troupé de Momo, Circo Udai, Pichiculundios, Luser Circo, Morita Show, Mago Galo, Titania Magic Show, and Gonza Payaseando, among many others. These can be consulted through the official Tigre Municipality account, where times and locations for picking up tickets are also specified. Up to six tickets can be requested per responsible adult who shows up with their physical ID.

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