Oaxaca with children
By Askari Mateos

The cultural diversity and possibilities for entertainment, pleasure and relaxation make Oaxaca unique and an ideal destiny for the whole family.

The state capital by itself offers an educational experience for the children of all the ages that is cultural, artistic and historical.

Oaxaca has certain downtown areas closed to automobile traffic which makes it ideal for children. The Tourist Walkway on Alcala Streetleads from the Cathedral to the church of Santo Domingo is just one these areas restricted to vehicles, as is the lateral street to the right of Santo Domingo, where you can often enjoy free concerts of the weekend.

Santo Domingo Cultural Center is exactly the kind of space that is of much interest to children. The beautiful large spaces can be attractive, as well as the Ethnobotánical Garden which can wake up great sense of expectancy among them.

The Cultural Museum of Oaxaca is worth a visit with the children. There are many accessible exhibits that due to their character become interactive and entertaining. Another space that can be attractive for the children is the Rufino Tamayo Museum of Pre-Hispanic Art. The beautiful collection of figures and other pre-Hispanic objects surely will keep them entertained awhile. The Manuel Brave Alvarez Photographic Center is a space whose rooms and library will attract the attention of the children. Although exhibits are constantly rotating, this same building houses the Eduardo Mata Fonoteca, where the small ones of the family will be able to listen worldwide music on headsets.

The Museum of Filatelia de Oaxaca is a one of a kind space that offers a program perfect for children. They constantly organize didactic workshops which they approach with postal art.

The Tourist Trolley is also an excellent option for infantile diversion. It is an old street car that takes tourists around the city for a one hour tour. The trip begins on Morelos between Alcalá and Garcia Vigil.

It is the Tourist Walkway (on Alcalá) where the small ones also will find diversion. There the Central Public Library is located and houses a children’s library. Right here you will also find the Museum of Modern Art of Oaxaca which offers samples that will be attractive for kids, as well.

Without a doubt the colorful carved wooden alebrijes will cause great sense of excitement. These can be found scattered in the different places over the walkway and in the park square known as Antonia Labastida. The House of Cantera offers all year a reenactment of the Guelaguetza. The dances and regional costumes are very interesting while at the same time allows children to appreciate the cultural development of the state of Oaxaca. Our last recommendation will be the Nundehui Planetarium, located on the Hill of the Bunker. The visit to this space requires a walk through a wooded area. Once inside the children will be able to look through the telescopes.