Why Ushuaia is a good choice for a family
Ushuaia is a city where nature starts right at the hotel door. There are no long drives to "the interesting stuff" here: the national park is 12 km away, the penguins are an hour and a half away by car, and the Beagle Channel is visible from downtown. For kids that's ideal: short distances, lots of animals, and almost everything can be touched or at least seen up close.
The city is small (70,000 residents), safe, with no aggressive traffic. Most tours last half a day, which is convenient for families with small children — you can be back by lunch and not over-tax the kid.
The best time to come with kids
Season in Ushuaia runs November to March. For families with kids, December–February are optimal:
- Temperature +8 to +15 °C — cool but comfortable for activities
- Daylight up to 17 hours — lots of time for outings
- Penguins on Martillo Island (October to March)
- Less rain than in shoulder season
January is peak: the most tourists, but also the best weather. December is a good compromise: already warm, but with fewer people. March is the last month with penguins, autumn starts, days are shorter.
In winter (June–August) the Cerro Castor ski center in Ushuaia is open, but winter is less convenient for small kids: short daylight (7 hours), frequent snow, temperatures down to -5 °C.
Tours suitable for kids
City tour — any age
The simplest option for a family: 2.5 hours by car around Ushuaia. The lighthouse, the former prison, the museum, the market, and the viewpoint at the Martial glacier. The kid won't tire out — most of it is in the car, with short photo stops. A good fit for the first day, when the family has just landed and isn't acclimatized.
Price: from $144 per group (up to 3 people). Russian-speaking guide.
National Park + the End of the World Train — from age 3
Probably the best tour for families with kids of any age. The End of the World Train is a narrow gauge through subantarctic forest along the Pipo river. Kids love the train itself, and in the park you can walk on easy trails, see beaver dams and feed ducks by the lagoon.
The program takes half a day: leave at 10:00, back by 13:00. The trails are flat, a stroller will roll on the main paths (but not on forest trails). Price: from $288 per group.
Beagle Channel + lighthouse — from age 4
A boat trip: Les Éclaireurs lighthouse, islands with sea lion and cormorant colonies. Kids usually go wild over the sea lions — they lie on the rocks literally 20 meters from the boat.
Important: the boat rocks, especially in wind. Kids under 3–4 may be uncomfortable, and seasickness is a real issue. Bring motion sickness medicine in advance. The tour lasts about 3 hours (09:00 to 12:30). Price: from $288 per group.
Penguins on Martillo Island — from age 5
This is a full day (10 hours), and it'll be tiring for the very young. But for kids 5+, it's one of the brightest experiences of their life. Three penguin species live on Martillo Island: Magellanic, gentoo, and the rare king. You can walk right through the colony.
On the way — Andriz's berry farm (kids enjoy trying local berries and jam) and a fishing village. Lunch — fresh seafood from local fishermen (extra cost). Price: from $580 per group.
Tip: bring snacks and water for the child. The day is long, and 3–4 hours pass before lunch.
4x4 lakes — from age 6
A 4x4 expedition to Lakes Escondido and Fagnano. The road is partly off-road — that's an adventure on its own. Older kids usually love the bumps and the river crossings. But for the very young, a long day in the car (8–9 hours) is tough, and steep descents can be scary.
Lunch on the shore of Lake Fagnano — the biggest in Tierra del Fuego. Price: from $450 per group.
Tours NOT suitable for kids
Not every Ushuaia activity is family-friendly. Things to save for a trip without kids:
Martial glacier — from age 12
A 4–5 hour trek with elevation along a rocky trail. Physically demanding even for adults. Not recommended for kids under 12: slippery rocks, steep sections, no shelter from wind. Price: from $216 per group.
Beagle Channel kayaking — from age 14
Requires basic fitness and the ability to follow an instructor's commands. The water is cold (about +5 °C), the kayak can flip. Most operators don't take kids under 14. Price: from $300.
Helicopter tour — case-by-case
Officially no age limit, but the cost (from $700 per group) and the noise make this more of an adult activity. Small kids may be scared.
Restaurants for families with kids
Ushuaia is a small city, and there are no dedicated "kids'" restaurants. But most places are relaxed about kids and can offer simple dishes.
Where to eat with a child
Ramos Generales (Maipú 749) — a former warehouse converted into a café-store. Spacious, has soft couches. Serves pizza, pasta, baked goods — kids usually like it. Portions are big, you can split.
La Cabaña Casa de Té (on the way up to the Martial glacier) — a tea house with a view of the city. Hot chocolate, cakes, waffles. Quiet, kids like the atmosphere. 10 minutes from downtown.
Freddo (Av. San Martín) — Argentine ice cream chain. After a tour — a mandatory stop. Dozens of flavors, portions from 1 scoop.
Panadería La Unión (San Martín 137) — bakery with facturas and empanadas. Cheap, fast, tasty. Kids love medialunas (Argentine croissants).
Pizzerias on San Martín — several options along the main street. Pizza, milanesa (schnitzel), fries — the de facto Argentine "kids' menu."
Average bill
Lunch for a family of 3–4 at a mid-range restaurant runs $40–70. Ice cream — $3–5 a portion. Empanadas — $1–2 each.
Practical tips
Clothing and weather
Even in summer, Ushuaia weather shifts several times a day. Base rule — dress the child in layers:
- Base layer — thermal underwear (merino wool or synthetic)
- Mid layer — fleece jacket
- Outer layer — wind- and waterproof jacket
- Mandatory: hat, gloves, scarf or buff — even in summer
Footwear: waterproof boots or trail runners. Regular sneakers will soak through on the first trail.
SPF 50+ sunscreen — mandatory. The ozone layer over Patagonia is thinner, the sun is harsher than it seems. Sunglasses for the child too.
Strollers
In central Ushuaia a stroller will roll — sidewalks exist, though not all are perfect. In the national park — only on the main paths (paved or packed gravel). On forest trails a stroller is useless.
For kids under 3 it's better to bring a baby carrier (ergo carrier). Buying or renting one in Ushuaia is hard — bring your own.
Car seats
In Argentina a car seat is mandatory for kids under 10 (or shorter than 150 cm). Taxis usually don't have car seats. Options:
- Bring your own — the safest
- Request in advance when booking a tour — with Magellania you can arrange a car seat for a private tour
- Rent with the car (if you rent one)
First aid kit
Pharmacies exist in Ushuaia, but the kids' medicine selection may differ. Bring with you:
- Motion sickness medicine (for the boat trip)
- Fever reducer
- Bandages and antiseptic
- Your child's usual medicines
- SPF cream and lip balm with SPF
Altitude and acclimatization
Ushuaia sits at sea level — no altitude problems. But if you're flying via Buenos Aires with a layover, account for flight fatigue: it's better to spend the first day calmly (a city tour or just a walk).
Sample 4-day plan with kids
| Day | Activity | Age |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | City tour (2.5 hr) + waterfront walk + ice cream | Any |
| 2 | National Park + End of the World Train (half day) | 3+ |
| 3 | Beagle Channel with lighthouse and sea lions (half day) | 4+ |
| 4 | Penguins on Martillo Island (full day) | 5+ |
If your child is under 5, swap day 4 for a second park visit or a free day with museums.
Museums and city activities
The former prison museum (Museo del Presidio) — included in the city tour, but you can visit it on your own. Older kids (7+) get into the prisoner stories and ship models.
End of the World Museum (Museo del Fin del Mundo) — small, but with mounted animals that kids saw on tours. Good to visit after the Beagle Channel to learn bird names.
The waterfront — just a walk. Ships, boats, sometimes sea lions by the piers. There's a sign that says "Fin del Mundo" — a mandatory photo.
Cerro Castor (in winter) — ski resort 26 km from town. There's a kids' zone, gear rental for kids, instructors. Ski pass for kids under 5 — free.
Safety
Ushuaia is one of Argentina's safest cities. Crime is low, no aggressive wildlife. But there are things worth watching for:
- Wind. On open viewpoints (especially near the water) wind can literally knock a child over. Hold small ones by the hand.
- Park trails. Some go along cliffs. Watch the kids, don't let them run.
- Cold water. Water temperature in the channels and lakes is +4 to +8 °C even in summer. No swimming.
- Sun. I'll repeat — SPF 50+ is mandatory. You can burn even on an overcast day.
Tours with Magellania
All the tours listed are available as private tours with a Russian-speaking guide. That's convenient for families: no need to keep up with a group, you can change the pace for the child, stop when you need to.
What you can book:
- City tour — from $144, 2.5 hours
- National Park + Train — from $288, half day
- Beagle Channel — from $288, half day
- Martillo penguins — from $580, full day
- 4x4 lakes — from $450, full day
Group of up to 3. Child car seat on request. Contact via WhatsApp or the form at magellania.net.