Best Ruins in Antigua Guatemala with Kids: A Family-Friendly Guide
Antigua, Guatemala might be known for its cobblestone charm and colorful facades—but for my kids, it was the ruins that really sparked their imagination. Wandering through centuries-old convents and cathedrals felt like stepping into a storybook.
As a solo mom traveling with little ones, I wasn’t sure how much “historical sightseeing” we’d actually manage. But to my surprise, exploring Antigua’s ruins turned out to be one of our favorite—and easiest—family adventures. They were engaging, affordable, and filled with space to roam, rest, and play.
In this post, I’m sharing three of the best ruins in Antigua, Guatemala to visit with kids, plus tips for making the most of your visit, and a family friendly scavenger hunt to take with you. These are places I’ve personally explored with toddlers in tow, so everything here is field-tested and solo-mom approved.
Let’s dive into the stories, stones, and secret corners that make these ruins magical for little travelers.
What Makes Ruins in Antigua Great For Kids?
One of the things I loved most about exploring Antigua with my kids was how naturally the city invites curiosity. You can be walking down any random street, and peek down an alley and see ruins to explore. The best ruins in Antigua Guatemala aren’t just historic landmarks—they’re wide-open invitations for wonder, play, and connection.
Antigua is a compact, walkable town, which means you don’t need to load everyone into a car or plan an all-day excursion to find something awe-inspiring. Many of the ruins are right in the heart of town and within walking distance of cafes, parks, and snack breaks.
What makes these ruins extra kid-friendly?
- Space to explore: Many sites have open courtyards, staircases, and grassy areas where kids can roam or stretch their legs.
- Imagination fuel: From underground chambers to crumbling towers, the ruins feel like castles, mazes, or hidden worlds. My kids spent half the time pretending to be treasure hunters or royal adventurers.
- Learning through stories: Telling simple, engaging stories about the people who once lived and worked in these beautiful buildings—makes history feel real and alive in a kid friendly way.
- Rest-friendly spots: Many ruins are surrounded by peaceful gardens or shaded benches—perfect for snack stops, or just catching your breath as a parent away from the busy streets of the city.
- Affordable entrance fees: As a foreigner, expect to pay anywhere between 20 Quetzales (~$2.50) to 40 Q (~$5) for adults to enter. Children enter for free.
Even as a solo traveling mom, I felt totally comfortable visiting these sites with young kids. With the right mindset and a little preparation, exploring the best ruins in Antigua Guatemala can be a meaningful, magical experience for the whole family.
San José Cathedral Antigua
Location: 5 calle Oriente and 4 avenida Norte, in front of the Central Plaza, La Antigua Guatemala.
Entrance fee: Adults foreigners Q 20.00, children free
Tucked just steps away from Antigua’s bustling central park, the San José Cathedral ruins offer a quieter, more compact slice of history—perfect for families with young kids who want something low-effort but still full of wonder.
These are smaller ruins compared to others in town, which makes it easier to explore without feeling overwhelmed (especially helpful when you’re solo parenting multiple kids!).
There’s no grassy area to run around here, but what it lacks in play space, it makes up for in atmosphere. One of the biggest highlights for us was spotting an owl hiding up in one of the stone arches—a magical moment that completely captured my kids’ attention and sparked a whole conversation about animals and architecture.
You can even venture underneath the cathedral, into the crypt-like chambers below. It’s dark, a little eerie (in a fun way), and makes for a great storytelling opportunity—just be sure to hold little hands as you go.
This spot is easy to fit into your day since it’s right off the main square. Important to note, the entrance is to the right of the main church, a little hard to spot at first.
While these ruins may not be a place to linger long, it’s a great intro to Antigua’s ruins for curious kids.
Convento de Santa Clara
Location: 2nd Avenue North and 2nd Street East, Antigua
Entrance fee: Adults foreigners Q 40.00, children free
One of the best ruins in Antigua Guatemala for families, the Convento de Santa Clara is a stunning stop that feels like stepping into a lush, overgrown cathedral. Founded by Franciscan Poor Clares around 1703 and rebuilt in 1734, it was abandoned after major earthquakes in 1773 and 1874—and now offers sprawling stone chambers, garden patches, and vine-covered walls that absolutely captivate little explorers.
What really makes it kid-friendly? Think wide-open courtyards where children can run with reckless freedom, gentle grassy corners perfect for spontaneous naps or snack breaks, and low crumbling walls ideal for balancing games.
It’s also incredibly accessible—only about 4 blocks from Central Park—so it’s an easy half-hour excursion, even solo parenting. Altogether, Santa Clara isn’t just a place to learn history—it’s a space to feel it, play in it, and make memories in it, together.
What really made it stand out for us as a family, though, was how welcoming it felt for all ages. We saw toddlers napping in shady grassy spots, siblings playing tag near the flower beds, and teenagers snapping moody photos for their feeds. It was the kind of place where no one seemed rushed. We had space to roam, sit for snacks, and let the kids be kids.
The open courtyards are great for a breather, especially if you’re traveling solo or have little ones who need a midday recharge. And because it’s just a short walk from Antigua’s central park, it’s easy to fit into your day without committing to a huge adventure. For our crew, it was the perfect mix of history, beauty, and space to move at our own pace.
Iglesia y Convento de la Recolección
Location: 1ª. Calle poniente final, La Antigua Guatemala, Sacatepéquez.
Entrance fee: Adults foreigners Q 40.00, children free
Looking for an epic spot to spark your kids’ imaginations? The Iglesia y Convento de la Recolección is one of the most jaw-dropping ruins in Antigua Guatemala—and a total favorite for adventure-loving families.
Built in the early 1700s by the Franciscan Recollects, this once-majestic church and monastery is now a maze of toppled stone blocks and towering archways, all left behind by centuries of earthquakes. It’s like stepping into a giant, crumbled fairytale castle—perfect for little explorers and history buffs alike.
For families, this site offers a unique blend of history and play. The expansive grassy areas are perfect for picnics or letting kids run freely, and the open spaces provide ample room for imaginative games. It’s common to see children of various ages exploring the ruins, teenagers capturing photos, and families relaxing together, making it a lively and inclusive environment.
However, it’s important to note that some areas within the ruins can pose fall risks for younger children due to uneven terrain and elevated structures. Close supervision is recommended to ensure safety while exploring these fascinating remnants of colonial architecture.
Located just behind the Mercado Central, the Iglesia y Convento de la Recolección is easily accessible and offers a memorable experience that combines education, adventure, and family fun.
Full Passport Family Cultural Connection Questions:
At Full Passport Family, we believe travel is more than sightseeing—it’s a chance to connect, spark curiosity, and grow together. These questions help families move beyond logistics to meaningful conversations that build empathy and raise curious, compassionate global citizens. Use them throughout your trip to the ruins to reflect, learn, and engage as a family.
What do you think ancient ruins are? Why might people visit them?
- Some people visit ruins like these to imagine life long ago. Others come to learn, reflect, or even just to admire the beauty. What kind of visitor are you today?
How do you think life in Antigua 300 years ago compares to life today?
- What would kids back then be doing right now? Would they have schools, toys, or chores like you do? Would life feel slower or faster?
Can you imagine what this building looked like when it was new?
- Close your eyes and picture the colors, sounds, and people bustling around when it was just built. What do you see? What do you smell or hear?
What part of the ruin feels most mysterious or magical to you?
- → Is it the tall arches, crumbling walls, or the way the sunlight hits the old stones? If you were going to tell a story set here, what would happen?
How are these ruins different from buildings near our home?
- → Do we have any buildings this old where we live? Why do you think these have lasted so long? Would people in our hometown be surprised by how these look or feel?
FAQs for Visiting Ruins in Antigua with Kids
Are the ruins stroller-friendly?
Not rally. Many of Antigua’s ruins have uneven cobblestone paths, stairs, or grassy areas, so strollers with large wheels can work in the more open parts, but baby carriers are often a better choice for full exploring. We used our favorite carrier at each of the ruins. Some ruins like Convento Santa Clara, are slightly more stroller friendly with grassy open areas, but in general, I would not recommend bringing a stroller.
Is it safe for kids to climb or explore?
Generally, yes—but with supervision. Many ruins allow free roaming, which is magical for kids who love to explore. That said, some sites have steep drop-offs or crumbling areas, so close adult supervision is a must.
How long should we plan to spend at each site?
Most ruins can be explored in 30–60 minutes with kids, depending on your pace and interest level. Some, like Convento Santa Clara have wide-open gardens where little ones can linger longer for a snack break or some barefoot time.
Do you need tickets or can you just walk in?
Many ruins have a small entrance fee—typically between Q20–Q40 per adult (under $5 USD), and often free or discounted for kids. Some ruins are more formal with ticket booths, while others are simpler or even donation-based. Bring small cash, just in case.
What should we bring with us?
Water, hats, sunscreen, and snacks. Some ruins are in full sun with few shady spots, and it’s easy to lose track of time while exploring. Make sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes as many of the ruins have uneven surfaces.
Final Thoughts: History Comes Alive for Kids in Antigua’s Ruins
Antigua’s ruins aren’t just for history buffs—they’re surprisingly kid-friendly spaces where imaginations can run wild and families can slow down together.
Whether your little one is playing in a sun-drenched courtyard, pretending to be a castle explorer, or just enjoying a snack in the shade of centuries-old walls, these sites offer something magical for all ages.
As a solo mom traveling with toddlers, I found these ruinas Antiguas to be some of the best places to let curiosity guide our day—without the pressure of a rigid itinerary and away from busy cobblestone streets. Some ruins had soft grassy areas perfect for play breaks, while others were full of nooks and textures that sparked endless “what’s this?” conversations.
If you’re planning to explore Antigua with young kids, be sure to check out our Toddler Travel Essentials to pack smart and reduce on-the-ground stress. The right gear can make all the difference when traveling with a toddler!
