Maloka Museum

The basics

The museum is spread across nine rooms, each dedicated to a specific topic ranging from astronomy to the inner workings of telecommunications. There's also an activity area full of educational games, a domed cinema where short films are screened, and a virtual reality experience (for guests 12 and over). It’s one of the top attractions for people visiting Bogota with kids, and a popular spot on family-focused tours

Things to know before you go

• While guests of all ages are welcome, most of the activities are geared toward children over 4 years old.

• As tickets do sell out, it's a good idea to buy yours online in advance.

• There's a small café at the museum selling snacks and candy.

• General admission is free for adults over 60 and for children under 4 years old.

How to get there

The Maloka Museum is in the Ciudad Salitre neighborhood, west of Avenida El Dorado. Dozens of bus routes serve the area and the Centro Comercial Gran Estación railway station is about a 20-minute walk away. It's about a 20-minute taxi ride from historic La Candelaria, where many of the city’s hotels and main attractions are situated. On-site parking is available for a fee.

When to get there

The Maloka Museum is open during the day from Tuesday to Sunday, and is closed on Mondays. (If Monday is a public holiday, it closes on Tuesday instead.) There are extended evening hours on the last Thursday of every month. The least crowded time to visit is first thing Sunday morning, right when the museum opens.

Simón Bolívar Metropolitan Park (Parque Metropolitano Simón Bolívar)

Just east of the Maloka Museum lies Simón Bolívar Park, one of the world's largest urban parks. This massive expanse offers tons of great features for kids, with three playgrounds, miles of cycling and walking paths, and plenty of grassy space to run around. At the heart of the park sits an enormous lake with boats available for rent.