Pomerode with Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do in Santa Catarina's Little Germany

Zoo Pomerode and the Enxaimel Route

Start at Zoo Pomerode, the largest zoo in Santa Catarina, home to over 1,200 animals including lions, elephants and a petting area where kids can feed goats. It's open daily and tickets cost around R$50 per adult; children under 5 usually enter free. The zoo is 2 km from the town centre, a 5-minute drive or a 20-minute walk along Avenida 21 de Janeiro. Plan at least three hours; the shaded paths and picnic tables make it easy to spend a morning. Avoid weekends if you can, as school groups fill the car park by 10 am.

After the zoo, drive the Enxaimel Route (Rota do Enxaimel), a 16 km loop of half-timbered farmhouses that still operate as small farms, bakeries and craft shops. The route starts 3 km from the centre; follow the brown signs from Rua dos Atiradores. Stops like Cervejaria Schornstein, a craft brewery with a family-friendly garden, and the colonial-style Café Bauer are good for a break. The roads are narrow but paved; allow two hours for the loop. This is not a theme park—it's a living rural area—so keep expectations low and enjoy the scenery.

Museums and Cultural Spots for Rainy Days

The Museu Pomerano, housed in a former school on Rua XV de Novembro, tells the story of German immigration to the Itajaí Valley with old photographs, tools and furniture. It's small—an hour is enough—and entry is free. Kids might find it dry, but the adjacent Praça dos Imigrantes has a playground and a small pond with ducks, so combine the two. The museum is 500 m from the main square, easily walkable from most hotels. If it's raining, this is your best indoor bet; just don't expect interactive exhibits.

For something more hands-on, visit the Casa do Artesão on Rua Alberto Koglin, where local artisans sell wool sweaters, wooden toys and embroidered linens. Prices are reasonable—a small wooden toy costs R$30–50—and kids can watch some crafts being made. It's open Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am to 5 pm. Another option is the Museo do Automóvel, a private collection of vintage cars on the outskirts (8 km from centre), but it's only worth it for car enthusiasts; otherwise skip it and spend the time at the zoo.

Outdoor Fun: Parks, Lakes and Picnic Spots

Pomerode has several green spaces perfect for burning off energy. Parque de Eventos, near the town entrance on BR-470, has a large playground, a lake with pedal boats (R$20 for 30 minutes) and shaded picnic tables. It's free to enter and open daily from 8 am to 6 pm. The park hosts festivals like the Festa Pomerana in October, but outside event times it's a relaxed spot. Bring insect repellent—mosquitoes are active near the water, especially in summer (December to March).

For a short nature walk, head to Morro do Cachorro, a hill 5 km from the centre with a lookout over the valley. The trail is 1.5 km, takes about 40 minutes at a child's pace, and is well-marked. The view is worth the climb, but the path can be slippery after rain. Alternatively, the Ribeirão Souto district has small farmsteads offering strawberry picking (seasonal, usually September to November) and homemade jams. These are informal stops—call ahead or ask at the tourist office on Rua XV de Novembro for current openings.

Where to Stay and What to Skip

Most families base themselves in the town centre, within walking distance of restaurants and the Museu Pomerano. Hotels along Rua XV de Novembro and Avenida 21 de Janeiro offer convenient access; expect to pay R$250–400 per night for a family room with breakfast. For more space, consider guesthouses in the Enxaimel Route area, but you'll need a car for everything. I would book a hotel in the centre if you're without a vehicle, as Pomerode's sights are spread out and taxis are scarce. Book early for October's Festa Pomerana, when rooms fill up months in advance.

Skip the overpriced souvenir shops near the zoo and buy gifts at Casa do Artesão instead. Also skip the drive to Blumenau's tourist attractions—it's 30 km away and better saved for its own day trip. Pomerode works best as a two-night stop on a Santa Catarina itinerary. May to August brings cooler, drier weather (15–22°C), ideal for walking; summer is hot and humid with afternoon showers. Bring cash for small farm stalls, as not all accept cards.