The Children’s Museum of Abasto is a not-to-missed Buenos Aires attraction for the under-12 crowd.
Here parents might observe the first spark of their child’s future career through experiential exhibits that allow them to play at being grown-ups. Interactive displays allow kids to act as a broadcast journalist, dentist, TV cameraperson, construction worker and supermarket clerk among others.
There is also a pint-sized city with a Casa Rosada, Congress building and National Bank. The brightly colored exhibits are all in Spanish but language isn’t a barrier here.
The museum has various official city endorsements including from the Education Minister, and the culture departments of Argentina and the City of Buenos Aires. The Children’s Museum is a non-profit designed with the Declaration of the Rights of a Child in mind. Unfortunately that doesn’t preclude corporate-sponsored exhibits such as a McDonald’s and YPF ‘station’ to ensure early brand recognition, and that is the museum’s biggest drawback.
In the auditorium there are puppet shows, movie projections, storytelling and other events, listed daily by the entrance to the museum. There are two rooms dedicated to toddlers and babies for those who have a multi-age brood in tow.
For expat parents, this is the perfect place to host a birthday party for the under-10 that is sure to be a hit. Parents will be happy to find that there are spots for them to rest — or better yet send them with the grandparents, who get in free.
If a few hours at the museum doesn’t wear them out there is also the unfortunately named Neverland Theme Park right next door.
Museo de los niños
Av. Corrientes 3247, 2nd floor
Abasto Shopping
Tel: 4861-2325
• Hours: Tue- Sun& holidays 1:00 p.m.—8:00 p.m.
• Cost: AR$ children
—AR$ adults
• ½ off from 7:00 p.m.
• Seniors, students and kids under 2 free