The Buenos Aires Tourism Office and Frommers have developed a variety of self-guided walking tours and the relevant maps and itineraries are available online. The City of Buenos Aires offers FREE guided walking tours on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 11:00 or 15:00. Tours are in Spanish, English and Portuguese. View the current month's schedule online or pick up a copy of the free brochure “Free Guided Tours” from one of the many Visitor Information kiosks found throughout Buenos Aires. Duration varies.

Buenos Aires walking tours are a great way to introduce the kids to the culture of Argentina and history of its capital. But it is important not to exaggerate. Select an itinerary that reflects the interest of both the adults and kids and one that matches everyone's attention span. Find out if your walking guide has a recommended minimum age.

Select a hiking trail that matches the interest and ability of the kids and pace the outing to the slowest walker or youngest child in your group. Kids can't walk as far as adults in a day or an afternoon. Trail ratings, where available, will help you determine the difficulty of the route. But don't stop your research there. Determine the conditions and accessibility of the trail at the time of the year you plan to walk. Research the weather and accommodation along the route, both will impact your hike as well as the weight and size of your pack. If your hiking destination is noted for its flora or fauna, be sure your trip coincides with the peak viewing season.

Hiking doesn't require much in the way of specialist walking gear but there are a few things to keep in mind when hiking with kids. Little feet grow quickly. Have children try on their hiking boots and break in new walking shoes before you depart on a walking holiday. Not all child carriers are the same. Select a model with adequate suspension as well as padded shoulder straps and waist belt. A rain / sun hood, an option on short walks around town, is essential on hikes and backcountry treks. If you are carrying a child in a kid carrier for the first time, try it out before you hit the trail. Families departing on a multi-day trip should consider comfortable and well-made hiking boots as well as properly fitting and sufficient capacity backpacks. Trekking poles are both fashionable and fun but are hardly a necessity on short hikes with kids.

Wear comfortable walking shoes and keep your daypack light. Don't forget to pack a hat, sunscreen and water as well as a camera and self-guided map.