Rio's street carnival isn't just for adults: every year there are blocos designed for families, shorter, in the morning and with music for kids. The official 2027 schedule hasn't been published yet, so this guide explains how to spot those blocos when it comes out and how to plan the day so you can enjoy it without scares.
At a glance
- 2027 schedule: not published yet. According to Riotur, the street carnival starts on January 16, 2027.
- What to look for: blocos with "infantil," "bloquinho," "mirim" or "kids" in the name, or that are billed as family events.
- Timing: on the 2026 list, most kids' blocos gathered between 7:00 and 11:00, before the strongest heat.
- ID: a wristband or a label with your phone number on your child's clothes, and an agreed meeting point.
- Avoid with small children: the megablocos in the Centro and blocos with very dense crowds.
How to find kids' blocos in the schedule
Riotur publishes the official bloco schedule once the authorization process closes. We explain how to follow it in Rio blocos 2027. When it comes out, look at:
- The name: many family blocos say so directly ("Infantil," "Bloquinho," "Mirim").
- The gathering time: many of the kids' blocos start first thing in the morning.
- The place: a square or a park is calmer than an avenue.
- The route: if the bloco is parado (stationary, no parade) or has a short route, it's easier with a stroller or with kids who tire quickly.
2026 examples, for reference
To give you an idea of the kind of blocos that usually appear, Diário do Rio ↗ put together a list of kids' and family blocos in January 2026. Among them:
- Caminhadinha, in Humaitá (Largo dos Leões), at 8:00.
- Bloco Kids2gether, in Jardim Botânico (Praça Pio XI), at 8:00.
- Infantil Sá Pereira, in Botafogo, at 8:00.
- Bloco da Mamadeira, in Botafogo (Parque General Leandro), at 15:00.
- Banda do Lidinho, in Copacabana (Praça do Lido), at 15:00.
These are 2026 details: we don't know whether these blocos will parade in 2027 or on what date. Wait for the official schedule before planning the day.
How to prepare for the day
- ID: write your phone number on a wristband or on a label inside your child's clothes. During the 2024 Carnival, the city's Social Assistance Department handed out ID wristbands for children at various points around the city, according to Super Rádio Tupi ↗; we don't know whether this will be repeated in 2027.
- Meeting point: agree with your kids on a fixed, easy-to-recognize place, like a corner or a shop, in case you get separated.
- Heat: water, a cap, sunscreen and light clothes. Check the day's heat level in the heat alerts guide.
- Costume: light and comfortable; nothing too hot or that they'll want to take off every few minutes.
- Ears: if your child is sensitive to noise, bring ear protection.
- Way out: spot a side street beforehand so you can leave if it gets too crowded.
If a child gets lost, tell the nearest Guarda Municipal or police officer right away, or call 190.
What to avoid
- Megablocos: they draw huge crowds and aren't the best place for small children.
- Midday in full sun: if the bloco is running late, don't wait for hours in the blazing sun.
- Night blocos: with kids, morning blocos are calmer.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bring a stroller?
At small, stationary blocos, yes. At those that parade through narrow or crowded streets, a baby carrier is usually more practical.
What else can I do with kids in Rio?
You'll find plans by area in Rio with kids. For the full Carnival picture, see the Carnival 2027 guide.
Are there kids' blocos in January?
In 2026 there were family blocos from late January. For 2027, Riotur expects the street carnival to start on January 16; each bloco's date becomes known with the official schedule.
Sources: Diário do Rio, January 15, 2026 ↗, Riotur: 2027 street carnival ↗ and Super Rádio Tupi, February 14, 2024 ↗, accessed October 27, 2026.