If you've ever been stuck in the interminable traffic around the Lagoa, it is difficult to imagine that you are close to one of the most peaceful spots in the city. Opened in the 1970s after the removal of a hilltop favela there, Parque da Catacumba is a dense area of greenery, with well-signposted trails and squares inside filled with beautiful sculptures. It offers the perfect respite from city life, with views of Christ the Redeemer and the glassy surface of the lake from 130 metres up. For those looking for a more adrenaline-laden experience, there is a zipline canopy tour and an area for shooting practice, both of which have easier options suitable for youngsters. Contact Lagoa Aventuras for more details of the times and different levels of their ziplines, some of which are suitable for little ones as young as two. Failing that, you can't beat sitting at the viewpoint at the top, with the sounds of birds singing and the occasional monkey flying through the branches.