Looking for something truly local and hands-on this weekend in Quito? We skipped the usual spots and found workshops where the kids can get messy, learn Quito traditions, and enjoy the best of community fun on Jan 31st and Feb 1st!
Quick Picks
Pajama Storytime: Legends of the Night
Venue (La Mariscal)
Cozy, free storytelling on Sunday evening—perfect for winding down the weekend.
Chemistry in the Kitchen Workshop
Venue (Chimbacalle)
Super hands-on science session exploring kitchen chemistry indoors.
Puppets: The Secret of the Spectacled Bear
Venue (La Floresta)
A short, engaging puppet show ideal for introducing toddlers to local ecology and arts.
· January 31
3TRADITIONAL MASK MAKING WORKSHOP WITH 'EL CARETERO'FREE : You get to hang out with a real master artisan and learn to mold those cool traditional cardboard masks! Best part? You take your creation home. Total cultural immersion.This is super obscure—a chance to learn mask-making directly from a master craftsman in the historic center, and it's totally free!
CHEMISTRY IN THE KITCHEN WORKSHOP : Forget boring tours; this is where kids play mad scientist using regular Ecuadorian kitchen stuff to make colors and foam. Super hands-on workshop!It blends science education with local Ecuadorian ingredients—a unique, high-quality, hands-on session specifically for this weekend.
PUPPETS: THE SECRET OF THE SPECTACLED BEAR : A short puppet show about the local spectacled bear that’s perfect for little attention spans. Great way to introduce the young ones to theatre and local ecology.Perfectly timed short show aimed right at the preschool/early elementary crowd, focusing on a native animal.
· February 1
3PAJAMA STORYTIME: LEGENDS OF THE NIGHTFREE : End your weekend cozied up in your PJs while storytellers bring Quito legends to life. Such a magical, low-key Sunday event!It’s a free, atmospheric, community-focused event that makes Sunday evening special for elementary-aged kids.
SEED BOMB MAKING AND URBAN GARDEN WORKSHOP : Head up to the rooftop garden to get messy making clay seed bombs, and then plant them to help reforest the hillside. Amazing city views too!Super hands-on activity that connects kids to local reforestation efforts, held on a unique rooftop location.
FAMILY URBAN SKATE SESSIONFREE : The huge, covered downtown skate park is open! They even have instructors if your older kids are just starting out. Great free spot for active teens.It’s a massive, safe, free space downtown specifically catering to active older kids and teens this Sunday morning.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the free hands-on activities for kids in Quito this weekend?
This weekend (Jan 31–Feb 1) there are two great free options: the Traditional Mask Making Workshop (Sat, 5+) and the Family Urban Skate Session (Sun morning, 7+).
Which activities are best for families with kids between 6 and 12?
The Chemistry in the Kitchen Workshop (Sat afternoon) is perfect for ages 6-12, or try the Family Urban Skate Session (Sun morning) if your kids are older.
Are there any cultural workshops happening near the Centro Histórico this Saturday?
Yes! Head to the Centro Histórico area on Saturday morning for the Traditional Mask Making Workshop where you learn local craft traditions.