Valparaiso · With kids

Free, on flat ground at Condell 1546, and small enough to finish before anyone melts down. Tuesday to Friday 10:00–18:00 and Saturday 11:00–16:00; closed Sunday and Monday, which catches people out.

The navy's museum at Paseo 21 de Mayo 45, and the way you get there is half the point — the Ascensor Artillería hauls you up from the port. Ships, models and cannon; check hours and tickets on their Horarios y Tarifas page before setting off.

Calle Cumming 590 on Cerro Cárcel, open Tuesday to Sunday 10:00–20:00, with open lawns inside the walls of a former prison and free exhibitions. They run family workshops and recycling and garden activities — the programme is on the site.

Camino El Olivar 305 on the Viña side, open 9:00–17:00 on weekdays and 9:00–17:30 at weekends and holidays. CLP 3,000 for adults, CLP 1,500 for children 5–12 and over-60s, free under 5, CLP 3,000 to park; no booking needed, cash or card at the gate. Reachable on the Metro to El Salto.

When the hills have beaten everyone, the fifteen-minute train to Viña del Mar buys flat pavements and sand. Travel outside the weekday peak bands (06:30–09:29 and 16:00–19:59) and it is cheaper.