Things to Do in Baños With Kids (That Most Tourists Miss)
Planning a family trip to Baños, Ecuador? Most visitors come for the famous hot springs and the swing at the end of the world, but there’s so much more for families if you know where to look.
After spending a month here with our kids on our tour through some of South America, we discovered hidden gems, quieter hikes, and local experiences that most tourists skip. Here’s our guide to the best things to do in Baños with kids that go beyond the usual bucket list.
In this guide, I’ll be covering everything the best things to do that tourists miss, I also give you tips on where to eat, where to stay, how to get around and much more.
Basically its everything I know from travelling here for a month
🚗 Getting around: You can Rent a car or use Uber to get around.
🏨 Best base: This Hotel is central but just slightly out of the noise La Floresta, Parking, family rooms, restaurant
🗺️ Top day trip: Book great days trips like the 8 Waterfalls or tour of the amazon.
📱 Data: Buy an Airalo eSIM before you fly.
🛡️ Insurance: Lightweight family insurance coverage
Baños, Ecuador is known as the country’s adventure capital, a place where backpackers flock for canyon swings, whitewater rafting, and all-night parties. But as a travelling family of four, our time here looked very different.
We spent a full month in Baños with our kids, and while we ticked off a couple of the “must-dos” (yes, we visited Pailón del Diablo and even took on the La Virgen hike), what we discovered along the way were the quieter, more family-friendly experiences that most tourists simply skip.
These are the things to do in Baños with kids that you won’t find on every Instagram itinerary, the slower, more authentic activities that made our stay memorable.
1. Thermal Baths - Beyond the Crowds
Most guidebooks point you straight to La Piscina de la Virgen, the hot springs right in town beneath the waterfall. We tried it, and while it’s atmospheric, it’s also packed, with shoulder-to-shoulder crowds that can feel overwhelming with little ones.
What we learned? Go at the right time. Early morning, just after opening, is the sweet spot when the pools are quiet and locals are easing into their day. Its also only open from Thursdays to Sundays. For a familyof 4 it cost us $18.
Our kids loved dipping between the steaming hot pools and the icy-cold plunge, a local ritual that turned into a game for them. Bring water shoes (the floors can be slippery) and quick-dry towels (our CabinZero backpacks came in handy for this one).
💡 Insider tip: If you have more time, consider smaller, lesser-known hot springs outside the town for a calmer experience.
2. Zoológico San Martín, with a Scenic Hike to Get There
Zoos aren’t usually top of our list, but Zoológico San Martín is different. Perched on a hill with views over the valley, it houses rescued animals native to Ecuador. I think this cost me and the 2 kids around $11 in total.
What most tourists miss is the walk up. Instead of grabbing a taxi, we hiked the scenic route with the kids. The path winds through viewpoints where you can stop for photos of Baños town and its waterfalls, turning the journey into part of the adventure.
Inside the zoo, our kids were fascinated by animals they’d never seen before, from Andean condors to jungle cats. It felt more like a conservation lesson than a typical zoo day.
3. La Virgen Hike (Both Ways Up)
The waterfall that towers over Baños isn’t just for hot springs, it’s also the trailhead for one of the best kid-friendly hikes in town, with amazing views across Baños.
There are two routes up to La Virgen viewpoint, and we tried both. The steep staircase route is a workout (yes, lots of “Are we nearly there yet?” moments), but the views are incredible once you catch your breath.
The longer, winding path is more gradual and manageable with kids, well both are but this one is around 3–4km and we found it was a great way to break up our days without leaving town. Watching the town from the top was one of our favourite family moments in Baños. We could also see plenty of eagles flying around.
4. Cascada de Machay (Jeep Adventure)
While everyone else was cycling the Ruta de las Cascadas (Roads not recommended for kids) we tried a family-friendly alternative, renting a jeep from MTS Adventures (family-friendly owner) and heading out at our own pace.
One of our highlights was Cascada el Rochio Machay, a waterfall just outside Baños that most backpackers forget in their rush to get to Pailón del Diablo. The drive itself was half the fun, winding roads, valley views, and the freedom to stop whenever the kids spotted something interesting.
It gave us the adventure feel without the exhaustion of the long cycle ride.
5. Pailón del Diablo - But By Bus
Yes, it’s touristy, but there’s no denying Pailón del Diablo is spectacular. The trick for families? Skip the expensive tours and do it the local way, by bus. The bus cost around $3 in total for us all and the entrance fee was around $6 each.
It’s cheap, easy, and adds a sense of adventure for the kids (“we’re taking the local bus to a giant waterfall!”). Once there, you can choose between the upper and lower entrances depending on how much walking you want to do.
It was one of the few “mainstream” sights we tackled, and it was absolutely worth it, though be prepared to get wet!
6. Rock Climbing in Town
One of the coolest discoveries was the indoor rock climbing gym right in the center of Baños. While most tourists are hanging off canyon swings, this was a way for us to dip into the adventure vibe in a safe, family-friendly environment (Did i mention they also do coffee) It cost us $2 to climb and then $1 for shoe rental.
The kids loved scrambling up the beginner walls while we took turns tackling harder routes. It was a rainy-day savior and a great way to burn off energy. Attius also loved the fact they had a game of Jenga on the tables.
7. Day Trip to Puyo
If you have time for a day trip, head to Puyo, about an hour or two from Baños and costs around $11. It’s the gateway to the Amazon and feels completely different, lush, humid, and full of jungle energy…with a side of car pollution smells every now and then.
We explored small local parks, tried jungle fruit we’d never seen before, and got a taste of the Amazon without committing to a full expedition. We started our short edge of the jungle walk here, we chatted to a local who lives in the jungle 3 days a week and tried some local items.
8. Local Markets & Food Adventures
Some of our best memories weren’t on the tourist trail at all, they were in Baños’ local markets.
At Mercado Central, we let the kids pick strange new fruits (dragonfruit and guava were big hits) and try fresh juices for less than a dollar. Watching their faces as they bit into something completely new was priceless.
For families on a budget, the market stalls are also a lifesaver..This cost us $1.50, hearty local meals at a fraction of restaurant prices, plus i feel you step more into the local culture at markets.
9. Parks, Playgrounds & Community Life
Travel with kids isn’t all about sightseeing. Sometimes the best thing you can do is let them run free.
Baños has a few small playgrounds and local parks where our kids mixed with local children. These were the moments where we felt less like tourists and more like part of the community.
During our stay, we even stumbled upon local parades and carnivals, full of music, costumes, and sweets (a kid favorite!). These unplanned moments often became the most memorable.
10. Chocolate (Sweet Bonus)
Baños is surrounded by cacao-growing regions, so it’s no surprise that chocolate is a big deal here. Many small shops run chocolate-making workshops, where kids can see the process from bean to bar.
There’s a shop in the first main sqaure on the corner, here it is! It does the best waffles with chocolate on (To die for) they’re big portions and so tasty and only cost $5
Final Thoughts
Baños is often painted as a place for thrill-seekers, but after a month here as a family, we learned it has another side. From scenic hikes and thermal baths to chocolate-making and local markets, there are plenty of experiences that tourists often overlook, but families will treasure.
If you’re planning a family trip to Ecuador, don’t skip Baños. Just look beyond the canyon swings and you’ll find a town full of hidden gems.
👉 For a full breakdown of where to stay, how to get around, and our complete itinerary, check out our Baños Ecuador With Kids: Complete Family Travel Guide.
