Things to do
Florianópolis with kids
Calm beaches, sea turtles, dunes and boats: the island for family travel.
Updated on October 7, 2026 ✓ Information checked on October 6, 2026 adapted from the Portuguese original
Florianópolis is one of the most popular beach destinations for families in southern Brazil. The secret is to choose calm-water beaches and not overdo the driving.
Beaches for children
- Jurerê and Canasvieiras: the calm water of the North Bay.
- Barra da Lagoa: a more sheltered cove at the end near the channel.
- Ingleses: plenty of facilities and calmer corners.
Outings children love
- Projeto TAMAR: sea turtles up close.
- The Joaquina dunes: sliding down the sand (carefully, and only where it is allowed).
- A boat to Costa da Lagoa: a short ride across the lagoon.
- Schooner trips and forts: history that feels like an adventure.
- The Hercílio Luz Bridge lit up: an early-evening outing.
Logistics
- Accommodation: stay near the beach you will use most, to avoid traffic. See where to stay.
- Trails: Lagoinha do Leste is not suitable for small children.
Kid-friendly places in this guide
Places mentioned
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Free accessKids Downtown Hercílio Luz Bridge The 1926 suspension bridge that became the city's symbol, reopened in 2019 after decades closed. See details -
Free accessKids North of the island Jurerê Beach Calm water on the North Bay, with the planned neighborhood of Jurerê Internacional. See details -
Free accessKids East of the island Lagoa da Conceição The large lagoon on the east of the island, between hills, dunes and the sea, with a lively village center. See details -
PaidKids South of the island Campeche Island The island of crystal-clear water and archaeological sites, with controlled visits and a daily limit. See details -
Free accessKids North of the island Canasvieiras Beach One of the busiest beaches in summer, with calm water and the schooner departure point. See details -
KidsTrail East of the island Costa da Lagoa A car-free community on the Lagoa shore, reached by boat or along a historic trail. See details -
Free accessKids Downtown Florianópolis Public Market The yellow two-wing building downtown, a meeting point for locals and visitors. See details -
Free accessKids South of the island Armação Beach An artisanal fishing village with an 18th-century church and boats to Campeche Island. See details -
Free accessKids North of the island Ingleses Beach A long bay in the northeast of the island, with dunes and plenty of tourist facilities. See details -
Free accessKids East of the island Joaquina Beach and Dunes The beach that became famous in world surfing, and the pale dunes where people go sandboarding. See details -
Free accessKids Downtown Praça XV de Novembro, the fig tree and the Cathedral The city's ground zero: the square of the old fig tree and the Cathedral of Nossa Senhora do Desterro. See details -
Free accessKids Downtown Beira-Mar Norte The promenade along the North Bay, for walking, cycling and watching the bridge light up. See details
Keep reading
Keep planning
- North island beaches Calm water, plenty of facilities and schooner trips on the North Bay. Read guide
- Where to stay in Florianópolis Choosing the right region is the most important decision of your trip to the island. Read guide
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Florianópolis on a rainy day Ideas for when the beach is not inviting: culture, museums, food and villages. Read guide