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Mars Field park in Santa María del Mar, Lima
Photo: Google
View of Mars Field in Santa María del Mar, Lima
Photo: Google
View of Mars Field in Santa María del Mar, Lima
Photo: Google

Mars Field

4.3(40,809 reviews)FreePark
🕑 1.5 to 2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 2-12. Toddlers and preschoolers love the open spaces for running and playing, while older elementary-aged kids enjoy exploring the walking trails and observing native vegetation. Great for families with multiple age groups who want a low-key outdoor activity.

About

Mars Field (Campo de Marte) is a sprawling ecological park in the heart of Lima, offering families a peaceful green escape with walking trails, native Peruvian plants, and wide open spaces perfect for picnics and outdoor play. This popular local park provides an authentic glimpse into how Lima families spend their leisure time, with plenty of room for kids to run, explore nature, and enjoy fresh air away from the city bustle.

Highlights

  • Wide open green spaces perfect for kids to run, play ball games, or fly kites
  • Walking trails lined with native Peruvian plants and trees, offering educational nature experiences
  • Peaceful atmosphere away from Lima's busy tourist areas
  • Free admission makes it ideal for budget-conscious families
  • Authentic local park experience where your family can mingle with Lima residents

Pro Tips

  1. 1.Bring sunscreen and hats as Lima's coastal sun can be strong even on overcast days, which are common year-round in this area.
  2. 2.Pack snacks and water bottles since options inside the park are limited. Consider bringing a blanket for a family picnic on the grass.
  3. 3.Visit on weekday mornings for a quieter experience. Weekends get quite crowded with local families, especially Sunday afternoons.
  4. 4.Note that Monday is closed for maintenance, so plan accordingly when mapping out your Lima itinerary.
  5. 5.The park is a safe, family-friendly area where you can let kids explore with more freedom than in busier tourist zones, but always keep young children supervised near the walking paths.

Best Time to Visit

Visit on Tuesday through Friday mornings (9:00-11:00 AM) for the most peaceful experience with fewer crowds. Lima's mild weather makes it pleasant year-round, though mornings offer the best chance of sunshine before the coastal fog rolls in during afternoons.

What to Know

Admission is completely free, making this an excellent budget-friendly activity. There are limited facilities inside, so plan bathroom breaks before arriving, and bring your own food and drinks as there are no restaurants within the park itself.

Seasonal Notes

Open year-round with consistent hours (closed Mondays). Lima has a mild climate throughout the year, though winter months (June to September) can be gray and foggy. Summer months (December to March) offer the best chance of sunshine, making them ideal for park visits.

Nearby Eats

The park is in the Jesús María district. Head to nearby Avenida Salaverry for casual family-friendly restaurants serving traditional Peruvian food, or explore the Santa María del Mar area for local cevicherías where kids can try fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere.

More Activities Near Santa María del Mar

Restaurant

Restaurante La Playa Feliz

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Restaurante La Playa Feliz offers the perfect combination of delicious Peruvian coastal cuisine and a stress-free dining experience for families visiting Lima's beautiful Santa María del Mar beach area. With an onsite playground to keep children entertained and an extensive kids' menu featuring familiar favorites alongside local dishes, parents can actually relax and enjoy their meal while the little ones play safely nearby.

Restaurant

La Bodeguita del Mar

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La Bodeguita del Mar offers families a relaxed beachside dining experience where kids can enjoy fresh Peruvian seafood while taking in stunning Pacific Ocean views. The casual atmosphere means parents don't need to worry about restless children, and the dedicated kids' menu features familiar options alongside local specialties, making it an ideal spot to introduce young travelers to Lima's famous coastal cuisine.

Adventure

Malecón de Santa María del Mar

The Malecón de Santa María del Mar offers families a peaceful escape from Lima's bustling center with its scenic oceanfront boardwalk perfect for leisurely strolls, bike rides, and beach access. Kids can burn energy running along the promenade while parents soak in stunning Pacific Ocean views, and the area's relaxed atmosphere makes it ideal for families seeking a more tranquil beach experience than Lima's busier coastal neighborhoods.

Activity

Piscina Pública Santa María del Mar

Piscina Pública Santa María del Mar offers families a refreshing escape from Lima's coastal heat with multiple pools designed for different ages and swimming abilities. The year-round lifeguard supervision provides peace of mind for parents, while children can splash and play in age-appropriate pools in this well-maintained public facility just steps from the beach.