Foam cannons and kids’ Carnival hit BioParque do Rio

Foam cannons, the educational BioFolia, and Carnival dance parties take over BioParque do Rio from Feb 14–17, with workshops and kids’ activities.

A family-friendly pre-Carnival in Quinta da Boa Vista

BioParque do Rio is getting into Carnival mode with an outdoor program built for families. From February 14 to 17, the zoo inside Quinta da Boa Vista brings music, games, and creative workshops geared toward children.

On Feb 14 and 15, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the schedule features a foam cannon and Carnival games led by Tio Alex. Expect a kids’ dance party, classic group games, plus mask-making and DIY instrument workshops using recyclable materials.

On Monday, Feb 16, also from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., entertainment is led by Recreação Fabulosos. The day includes a marine-animal mask workshop, interactive play with live music, and face painting.

Festivities wrap up on Tuesday, Feb 17, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with the Animasom Carnival dance party for kids and families.

BioFolia adds an environmental twist

Beyond the stage-style activities, the zoo runs BioFolia at the Environmental Education Center from Feb 13–18, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Kids join a memory game featuring species like the hyacinth macaw, galo-da-campina, toucans, canaries, and marmosets, followed by a Carnival-themed painting workshop focused on creating environmental enrichment items.

There’s also a cardboard “float” to color and kraft-paper masks to customize, which will later decorate the animals’ enclosures.

A zoo visit with 650 animals

Set inside Quinta da Boa Vista, BioParque do Rio is home to about 650 animals from 124 species across 56 habitats. Visitors can spot Simba the lion, Tim and Bocão the hippos, and Baloo the spectacled bear, while learning about biodiversity conservation.

The venue also offers interactive attractions for children, a zipline, food options, a souvenir shop, and on-site parking.

Full schedule

Feb 13–18 | 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. | BioFolia – Environmental Education Center

Carnival-themed environmental enrichment workshops

Memory game with “Rio” movie species and BioParque animals

Carnival-themed painting workshop

Cardboard float build and coloring

Kraft-paper mask customization

Feb 14 (Sat) | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Foam cannon + activities with Tio Alex

Kids’ Carnival dance party

Classic games and traditional play

Carnival mask workshop

DIY instruments (recyclable materials)

Feb 15 (Sun) | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Foam cannon + activities with Tio Alex

Kids’ Carnival dance party

Classic games and traditional play

Carnival mask workshop

DIY instruments (recyclable materials)

Feb 16 (Mon) | 11 a.m.–3 p.m. | Recreação Fabulosos

Marine-animal mask workshop

Interactive play with live music

Face painting

Feb 17 (Tue) | 11 a.m.–2 p.m. | Animasom Carnival dance party

Service info

BioParque do Rio

Hours: open daily through Feb 22, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.)

Address: Parque da Quinta da Boa Vista, s/n – São Cristóvão, Rio de Janeiro (RJ)

Tickets: https://bioparquedorio.com.br/

Photo: Courtesy of the organizers