Volcanoes, glaciers and deserts are all breathtaking around Chile, but there is so much more to this country. Erika and I want to explore everything Chile has to offer — and that includes attractions perfect for families, curious travellers, and anyone who is a big kid at heart. I’m yet to grow up!
🎢 Fantasilandia — Chile’s Biggest Theme Park (Santiago)
Fantasilandia is Chile’s main amusement park, opened in 1978 with the slogan ¡La diversión total! — “Total fun!”
It may not be as over-the-top as the giant parks in richer countries, but it still has rollercoasters, water rides and classic family rides… which honestly is probably more suited to Erika anyway.
Attractions that caught my eye:
- Fly Over — a swing ride that goes 80 metres into the sky! (They have a normal-height version too in case our fear wins.)
- Wild Mouse — twisty, jerky chaos. Perfect for Erika.
- Pulpo — the octopus ride that’s “just thrilling enough”.
- Tsunami & River Rapids — ideal on a hot day.
Sadly, only those under 1.4m can ride the carousel — devastating for lifelong carousel lovers like us! Something about a carousel just puts you right back into childhood. I can’t wait to get photos of us smiling and screaming around the park.
💦 Parque Acuático Curunina — Waterpark Fun in Quilpué
When the summer heat hits, everyone rushes to waterparks — and Chileans are no exception. Curunina, near Valparaíso, has been offering water-filled fun for 25 years with slides, splash zones and that perfect tropical vibe.
Highlights include:
- Tall spiralling slides
- Lazy river
- Wave pools
- Shaded picnic areas
There’s also a splash pool and toddler zone for younger children. I can easily imagine us spending the whole day drifting between the pool and the shade (me repeatedly reapplying sunscreen — curse my pale ancestors!).
🦁 Zoológico Nacional de Chile — Animals with a View (Santiago)
Built into the side of San Cristóbal Hill, this century-old zoo is unique — you get animal encounters and a city skyline view at the same time.
Fair warning: the zoo is old, and the enclosures may not match the standards you’re used to. They are improving things, but like Bristol Zoo, it carries the history of a different era of animal care. Something to keep in mind.
Animals you might see:
- Pumas
- Flamingos
- Condors
- Giant tortoises
- Monkeys
- Penguins (of course — it’s Chile!)
You can combine the zoo with the funicular or cable car. The funicular even stops right outside the zoo entrance, making it ideal for a quick wander before heading to the top for even more amazing views.
🔬 Museo Interactivo Mirador (MIM) — Chile’s Best Science Museum
This hands-on science museum is perfect for curious minds young and old. Science always feels a bit magical — especially when you get to touch things, try things, and see how the world works right in front of you.
Some interactive exhibits include:
- Light and colour rooms
- Giant bubble stations
- Earthquake simulator
- Space exploration zone
- Practical physics experiments
I can’t wait to compare it to the science museums we’ve visited (which is basically just Bristol so far!). I definitely need to broaden Erika’s museum catalogue. Even if everything is in Spanish, we’ll still learn loads — hands-on science is universal.
🧂 Salt Lagoons of the Atacama — Floating Like the Dead Sea
Think you have to go to the Dead Sea to float? Chile says otherwise! Several Atacama salt lagoons let you float effortlessly — though to be fair, I already float like a cork without any help. The turquoise water surrounded by white salt rocks looks unreal.
Why I want to try it:
- The floating effect looks magical
- The lagoon glows turquoise against pink desert mountains
- Flamingos sometimes wander nearby
- The whole landscape looks like another planet
Not all lagoons allow swimming, so you do need to choose carefully. Proper footwear is essential too — the salt is uneven and sharp in some places. But the photos? The views? The wildlife? Worth it.
✨ Final Thoughts
Honestly, the more I learn about Chile, the more it adds fuel to the fire to get my arse in gear and go. From water slides and science experiments to floating in salt lagoons and eating candyfloss before squeezing in one last ride — Chile seems to have something fun at every turn.
And truthfully? I have no idea how I’m going to fit all of this into one adventure… but I’ll certainly try!
Couch Potato to World Getter 
Leave a comment