Paramaribo

Paramaribo is the bustling entry point for nearly all visitors to Suriname. It is a city of contrasts, where 17th-century Dutch wooden architecture stands alongside busy markets and palm gardens. For families, the city offers a manageable dose of culture and history. A visit to Fort Zeelandia is a good starting point; the museum is housed within an old fortress that captures the imagination of children, and the on-site café offers a safe space to run around with views of the river. The nearby Palmentuin (Palm Garden) provides a shaded retreat from the midday heat.

Just across the river bridge lies the Commewijne District, which is technically outside the city but serves as its main excursion zone. The absolute highlight for families here is a boat tour to seeing the Pink River Dolphins (Profu) in the brackish waters where the Suriname and Commewijne rivers meet. These trips often include stops at former plantations like Frederiksdorp, which has been restored into a resort with a swimming pool—perfect for a lunch break. Closer to town, the Peperpot Nature Park offers a flat, easy nature path through an old coffee plantation now reclaimed by the forest, where families can spot monkeys and birds without a long drive.

Practical Advice: Paramaribo is hot and humid. Plan activities for the morning or late afternoon and use the middle of the day for pool time at your hotel. Traffic can be chaotic, and sidewalks are often uneven or missing, so strollers can be difficult to use; a carrier is better for small children. While the city is generally welcoming, standard urban safety rules apply: avoid unlit areas at night and don't display expensive electronics. Taxis are cheap and safer than walking at night. Culinary exploration is easy here; 'warungs' (Javanese eateries) serve mild fried rice and noodles (nasi and bami) that are usually a hit with kids.