Bare Foot Park /Parque de los Pies Descalzos

Though the residents of Medellin love their sophisticated, urban lifestyle, there must be something inside each that longs for a simpler era. This park, billed as a natural foot massage, is perfect for kids and a fun destination for everyone.

The park is divided into sections, all of which can be experienced without shoes: “Sand,” basically a huge sandbox with rocks and sculptures for texture; Forest, threaded by bamboo-shaded trails lined with pleasant benches; and “Water,” with wading pools, waterfalls, and dancing fountains where everyone is welcome to get wet. It’s good, clean fun.

The area is home to other kid-friendly attractions, such as the EPM Interactive Museum nearby, and the plaza is lined with wide-open places to eat. Adults may also want to check out the neighborhood’s architectural gems, including the National Theater and the “intelligent,” fully automated Public Utilities Building (EPM), an ultra-modern Medellin landmark.