Rio de Janeiro School Holiday Guide: Activities & Workshops

Rio de Janeiro's school holiday season offers families a rich tapestry of educational and recreational activities designed to engage children of all ages. From specialized art workshops to free municipal programs, the city provides diverse options that combine learning with entertainment during the school break.

The programming spans multiple neighborhoods and institutions, featuring both paid workshops and complimentary community initiatives. These activities aim to stimulate creativity, physical development, and social interaction while providing safe spaces for children during the holiday period.

The Escola Os Batutinhas in Ipanema offers two distinct programs tailored to different age groups. The Ateliê de Arte para Bebês targets infants from 6 months to 2 years, providing sensory art experiences with natural elements, sound instruments, and non-toxic materials. This program runs on January 22 and 23, with prices starting at R$160 plus fees.

For older children aged 1 to 6 years, the school presents a Colônia de Férias inspired by performing arts. This week-long program (January 26-30) combines games, creative workshops, and sports activities to foster imagination and social development. The cost begins at R$210 plus applicable fees.

Activities are open to the general public with limited vacancies available.

The Escola de Artes Visuais (EAV) do Parque Lage launches "Fazendo Arte no Parque," a Sunday program (January 25) featuring workshops in art, technology, drawing, and body movement. Conducted by invited artists and educators, these activities promote creative expression in contact with nature. Each dynamics session costs R$100.

The Prefeitura do Rio offers the Férias nos Parques project across six public parks from January 13 to 30. Activities run Tuesday through Friday from 8 AM to 12 PM at Madureira, Oeste Ana Gonzaga, Carioca da Pavuna, Piedade Arlindo Cruz, Realengo Susana Naspolini, and Rita Lee parks. The program includes sports, educational, cultural, and leisure activities, with some dates featuring health services like oral hygiene guidance and vaccination.

Children up to 12 years old must be accompanied by adults. The initiative also provides access to services from the Van 1746, Trabalha Rio Program, and Procon Carioca.

• Free entry to all participating parks
• Activities designed for children, youth, and families
• Health services available on select dates
• Supervised environment for child safety

In the Caju neighborhood, the Favela Mundo NGO organizes a free colony for children aged 6 to 14 years from January 19 to 30. Activities occur on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 9 to 11 AM at Ciep Henfil, featuring dance, music, theater, and games. Registration is on-site 30 minutes before activities begin.

The Casa Brasil cultural center in Centro hosts a free Passinho Workshop on January 24 at 3 PM. Designed for children aged 4 to 10 accompanied by adults, the workshop is conducted by the Batalha do Passinho educational program. While children participate, adults can enjoy free cultural programming or relaxation activities. Entry requires passwords distributed 30 minutes prior.

The Museu do Pontal in Barra da Tijuca offers a free program from January 22 to 25. Highlights include environmental education workshops with Mangue Tal collective, traditional games, capoeira for children, circus performances, and a closing Musical Picnic with Luis Carlinhos on Sunday.

The Theatro Municipal presents a special January agenda by the Setor Educativo Arte Educação Petrobras. Activities include:

• Art History Visits tailored for children
• Painting Workshops encouraging artistic experimentation
• Storytelling Tours for ages 12+

Specific sessions are scheduled for January 22, 23, 28, and 29. Prices and details are available on their website.

Across the bay, Niterói offers the Tô de Férias na Escola program from January 19 to 30. This municipal initiative serves approximately 700 children enrolled in 14 early childhood and elementary education units. Activities include dance, theater, music, storytelling, games, and cultural activities, with breakfast and lunch provided.

The program begins with a collective opening at the Centro de Formação Darcy Ribeiro. Participating schools include UMEI Almir Garcia da Silva, UMEI Darcy Ribeiro, E.M. Governador Roberto Silveira, and nine other institutions across neighborhoods like Charitas, Santa Rosa, and São Domingos.

These diverse offerings demonstrate Rio's commitment to providing accessible cultural and educational opportunities during school breaks. From specialized paid workshops to free municipal programs, families can choose activities that best suit their children's interests and developmental needs.

Rio de Janeiro's January 2026 school holiday programming presents an extensive range of activities catering to different ages, interests, and budgets. The city's cultural institutions, educational organizations, and municipal government have collaborated to create a comprehensive schedule that balances artistic development, physical activity, and cultural exposure.

Parents and guardians should note that many programs require advance registration or have limited spaces. Free municipal initiatives provide excellent options for families seeking cost-effective activities, while specialized workshops offer focused educational experiences. The geographic distribution across neighborhoods like Ipanema, Jardim Botânico, Centro, and Barra da Tijuca ensures accessibility for residents throughout the metropolitan area.