Family-friendly places in Concepción: what to do with kids

With kids in Concepción, the easiest plan is to walk Avenida Agustín Fernando de Pinedo, with its open-air museum of old machines and the giant statue of María Auxiliadora, then end the day at the old port watching the sunset over the Paraguay River or taking a boat across to Chaco'i island. Fit in the Villa Real barracks museum and, if the dates line up, Expo Concepción.

Things to do with kids on Avenida Pinedo

Avenida Agustín Fernando de Pinedo is the city's longest and main avenue, and it holds most of what children enjoy, according to ABC Color⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠. You can walk it and it is free.

• Open-air museum of industrial archaeology. The central strip shows 19th and 20th century machines: a Ferrocarril del Norte locomotive, a steamroller the town used from 1913, a crane bought in London, a horse-drawn log hauler and a Ford truck from the Chaco War. It was the first museum of its kind in Paraguay. One piece stands opposite Plaza Pinedo, a good starting point.
• María Auxiliadora monument. 24 metres tall and visible from far away, at the northern end of the avenue. The family photo stop.
• Golden fish monument. It stands for the locals' nickname, "pira'uha" (fish eaters), a nice way to talk about the river before heading to the port.
• María Auxiliadora church. Its tower clock was brought from Italy and installed in 1911.

Tip: walk this stretch early in the morning or after four in the afternoon. Northern Paraguay is hot for most of the year, so bring water and hats.

Downtown museums for a morning

Museo del Cuartel de la Villa Real. At Mariscal Estigarribia and Carlos Antonio López, in Marshal Francisco Solano López's former barracks, restored in 1998. It holds more than 400 objects, maps and photos, plus an 1864 carriage linked to Madame Lynch, usually the kids' favourite (ABC Color⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠).

Sacred art museum. Next to Concepción Cathedral. A short visit, better with older children or combined with the cathedral.

Check museum hours with the Municipalidad before you go, especially at weekends.

The river: port, boats and Chaco'i island

Old port. One of the most visited spots in town and the best place to watch the sunset over the Paraguay River.

"Río Mágico" boat rides. Brightly painted canoes and boats leave from the port, run by boatmen trained by the volunteer fire brigade and the departmental tourism office. Every passenger must wear a life jacket, so ask for one that fits each child (ABC Color⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠).

Chaco'i island. Right across from the port, the shortest crossing. In 2023 it cost G. 8,000 per person; longer river rides are priced separately with the boatman. Agree on the price and return time before you board.

Events and weekend outings

Expo Concepción. Held at the Campo de Exposiciones Nanawa. The 2026 edition ran from 31 August to 6 September, with local, national and international artists and family entertainment, according to Última Hora⁠⁠ (opens in a new tab)⁠. If you travel in late August, check that year's dates.

Ña Blanca. With a full weekend, this balneario (bathing resort) with lodging is about 82 km north of the city. Book your room before you set off.

A family day, step by step

• Morning: Plaza Pinedo and the open-air museum, walking towards the María Auxiliadora monument.
• Midday: lunch downtown and a siesta; the afternoon heat is serious.
• Mid-afternoon: Museo del Cuartel de la Villa Real.
• Sunset: the old port and, if the kids are up for it, a boat to Chaco'i with life jackets on.

Getting to Concepción

From Asunción the fastest road goes through the Chaco (Route PY09) and then east; buses from Asunción's main terminal take around 6 hours. Concepción also connects by Route PY05 with Pedro Juan Caballero and has an airport, Teniente Coronel Carmelo Peralta. With children, leave early to arrive before the hottest hours.