Where to Stay in Lima With Kids (3 Easy Picks)
Updated September 2025 • We haven’t stayed here yet, this is the shortlist we’d book today based on location, family amenities, and consistent parent reviews. We’ll update after our Peru leg in late 2025.
We’re a slightly overwhelmed family of four who care about landscapes over landmarks and staying in places that complement yours and your families level of comfort. Lima is Peru’s capital and your likely entry point into the country, which means whether you like it or not, you’ll probably spend at least a couple of nights here before heading to Cusco, Arequipa, or the Amazon.
Lima is big, busy, and often gets a bad reputation online, but families who stay in the right neighbourhoods usually find it manageable, even enjoyable. We’re not here for late nights and rooftop bars, we’re here for safe streets, green spaces, kid-friendly food, and somewhere to crash after long flights.
Our ideal Lima rhythm? Mornings in parks or along the coast, siesta/quiet time in the afternoon, and early dinners nearby before everyone melts down.
So, where should you stay with kids? These are the three stays we’d actually choose: a budget-friendly guesthouse, a mid-range modern hotel in Miraflores, and a splurge option where you can collapse in style.
Lima neighborhoods at a glance (for families)
Miraflores
The default family choice in Lima, and for good reason. Safe, walkable, and full of practical conveniences: supermarkets (Wong, Vivanda, Metro), pharmacies, and endless food options from bakeries to sit-down restaurants.
Kennedy Park offers playgrounds and plenty of cats to distract kids, while the Malecón, the famous clifftop path overlooking the Pacific, is stroller- and scooter-friendly. You can fill an afternoon here with ocean views and ice cream stops.
Barranco
Just south of Miraflores, Barranco is Lima’s artsy, bohemian district. Think colourful murals, leafy plazas, and a calmer vibe than Miraflores at night.
It’s compact and stroller-friendly, with cafés and ice cream shops dotted around. Families who want a quieter base but still easy access to the Malecón often prefer Barranco. Bonus: it’s a bit more photogenic than Miraflores, which helps when everyone is cranky but you still want proof you were there.
San Isidro
More residential and less touristy, San Isidro offers calmer streets, big green spaces, and larger apartments. The highlight for families is El Olivar Park, a massive olive grove that doubles as an outdoor playground and picnic zone. San Isidro works best for longer stays if you want more space, quieter evenings, and fewer tourists. Supermarkets and bakeries are plentiful here, but you’ll likely Uber back into Miraflores or Barranco for dining and sightseeing.
The 3 Easy Picks (we’d book one of these, no endless lists)
1) Budget-Friendly Comfort: Residencial Miraflores B&B (Miraflores)
Why we picked it:
A family-run guesthouse that consistently earns praise for friendly staff and cleanliness. Rooms are simple but offer the basics, breakfast included, safe location, and walking distance to Kennedy Park. Parents mention that staff go out of their way to help with taxis, local tips, and even heating baby bottles.
Picture this: breakfast in the courtyard while your kids chase pigeons, then a short stroll to the park before nap time. You’re not in luxury, but you’re in a place that feels safe and straightforward.
Good to know:
Rooms are basic and a bit dated. Don’t expect modern design or hotel-level polish, but you’ll get safety, a decent night’s sleep, and a price that keeps the budget happy.
Book early, affordable Miraflores options fill quickly.
2) Mid-Range Balance: Libre Hotel, BW Signature Collection (Miraflores)
Why we picked it:
A modern, reliable mid-range option right in Miraflores. The location is ideal, close to the Malecón for stroller-friendly walks, and only a short walk to Larcomar, the mall perched over the Pacific with kid-friendly restaurants and rainy-day options. Breakfast buffet is included (always a win when kids wake up before sunrise), and the rooms are sleek and comfy.
Families highlight the helpful staff and cleanliness, while the reliable Wi-Fi is a bonus for travel days when you need to keep kids entertained with Netflix.
Good to know:
Rooms aren’t huge. If you’re spreading out toys and luggage, you may feel cramped, so consider booking a larger category. There’s no pool, so plan Malecón walks or Kennedy Park playgrounds for afternoon downtime. Still, for location and convenience, Libre punches above its weight.
3) Splurge Sanity Saver: Belmond Miraflores Park (Miraflores)
Why we picked it:
Sometimes you need a place where everyone can just exhale. The Belmond Miraflores Park is that place. Suites are massive (finally, doors that close so parents can sit up after kids crash), the rooftop pool overlooks the Pacific, and there are thoughtful touches like kid menus, cribs, and even tiny bathrobes.
Families rave about the service, saying staff treat kids with the same attention as adults. On-site dining means you can avoid hauling tired kids out for dinner, and the location on the Malecón means fresh air is always a short stroll away.
Good to know:
The price. This is a luxury splurge, and you’ll feel it in your budget. But if you’re arriving after a long-haul flight or want a no-stress base before tackling Cusco’s altitude, it might be worth every penny.
How we choose (quickly, like parents do)
Walkability: food/play within 10–15 minutes
Room setup: doors that close or loft space so lights can go out for kids
Cool-down: pool or easy green space nearby
Food: in-room kitchen or kid-friendly options next door
Reviews: consistent family mentions, not just one-off raves
Safety & practical stuff for families
Traffic: Lima’s roads are hectic, always use crosswalks and hold little hands. Miraflores and Barranco are calmer, but still busy.
Taxis & rides: Use Uber or Cabify. Both are affordable and safer than street taxis.
Water & food safety: Tap water isn’t recommended for drinking. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and peel fruit when possible. Peruvian food is incredible, but go slow with spicy dishes if your kids aren’t used to them.
Heat & climate: Summer (Dec–Apr) is hot and humid, best for beach time. Winter (May–Nov) is cooler and grey (known locally as la garúa). Always pack layers.
Stroller-friendliness: Miraflores and Barranco have smoother sidewalks, but expect the odd bump and curb. The Malecón is your best stroller route.
Airport transfer: Lima’s airport to Miraflores takes 45–70 minutes depending on traffic. Pre-book a car if arriving late with kids.
Getting around & when to book
Getting around: Within Miraflores and Barranco, walking is the best option. For longer distances, Uber and Cabify are cheap (a 20-minute ride often costs under $5).
When to book: July–September is peak dry season, popular with both international and local tourists. Prices rise around Christmas/New Year and during Peruvian school holidays in July/August. Shoulder months (Oct–Nov and Apr–May) often mean better deals.
Flights: Most families fly into Lima before heading elsewhere. Consider booking stays at both the start and end of your Peru trip to break up travel days.
Family logistics near each area (quick hits)
Miraflores
Supermarkets (Wong, Vivanda, Metro) for snacks and quick meals.
Kennedy Park playgrounds + cat-spotting for free entertainment.
Malecón for stroller/scooter rides and sunset views.
Larcomar mall for rainy-day food courts, ice cream, and bathrooms.
Barranco
Bridge of Sighs for an easy stroll with kids.
Colorful murals and shaded plazas to break up walks.
Family-friendly cafés with sandwiches, pastries, and ice cream.
Calmer evening vibe than Miraflores, better for light sleepers.
San Isidro
El Olivar Park for wide-open green space and playground time.
Local bakeries and less touristy restaurants.
Residential streets feel quieter and safer for walking with kids.
Bigger apartments make longer stays more comfortable.
FAQ (for parents, by parents)
Is Lima safe with kids?
Yes, if you stick to Miraflores, Barranco, or San Isidro. Use ride apps instead of hailing taxis, keep valuables tucked away, and avoid wandering late at night.
Which area is best with younger kids?
Miraflores, safe, walkable, and full of green spaces, playgrounds, and supermarkets.
Can we get bigger rooms or kitchens?
Yes. Some B&Bs and serviced apartments in Miraflores offer kitchenettes, while San Isidro apartments are larger and better for longer stays.
Is Lima worth staying in, or just a stopover?
While some travelers skip it, families can benefit from a few nights to rest after flights. Between parks, the Malecón, and easy dining, it’s a decent base before moving on.
How many days in Lima with kids?
Two to three nights is plenty. Enough time to recover from jet lag, explore Miraflores/Barranco, and ease into Peruvian food before heading to Cusco or Arequipa.
Are Lima’s beaches family-friendly?
They’re better for play and sunset walks than swimming, the Pacific here is rough and cold. Great for sandcastles, not ideal for little swimmers.
Wrap-Up
Every family’s needs are different, but these three picks cover the main bases: budget-friendly comfort, mid-range convenience, and splurge-worthy sanity savers, when you need more than home comforts. Lima isn’t always love at first sight, but base yourself in the right area and it can be a smooth start to your Peru adventure.
Related Reads
- Where to Stay In Cusco With Kids (3 Easy Picks)
- Where to Stay In Arequipa With Kids (3 Easy Picks)
- Where to Stay in Peru With Kids (3 Family Bases)
- Cost of Living In Peru
