Welcome to Brazil’s wind-sculpted edge: Jericoacoara—once a tiny fishing village, now a protected national park where streets are sand, stars are bright, and sunsets draw applause from the dune tops. Around it, the Ceará coast blends tawny dunes, emerald lagoons with hammock swings, and warm Atlantic water. The rhythm is unhurried, the food is fresh, and the adventures are easy to tailor for kids.

January to mid-February is hot and sunny with occasional showers; mornings are calmest for little swimmers, while the breezes that kitesurfers love tend to kick up later in the day. Travel works best by flying into Fortaleza (or Jericoacoara’s smaller JJD airport) and continuing by 4x4 transfer across the dunes. In the park itself, there are no cars in the village—buggies, quads, and your own feet do the work—so pack light and embrace sandy toes.

About Carnival: your dates (Jan 30–Feb 14, 2026) land before the main Carnival long weekend (Feb 13–17). You’ll likely encounter “pre-Carnival” weekend blocos and music in Jericoacoara, festive but far milder than Rio or Salvador. With kids, it’s reasonable—book a quieter street, keep evenings early, and enjoy the daytime beaches and lagoons while the revelers sleep.

Fortaleza

Start in Fortaleza, Ceará’s lively capital, to shake off jet lag, taste northern Brazilian seafood, and enjoy easy, kid-centric beach clubs. Base yourselves near Meireles/Beira-Mar for an evening stroll along the seaside craft market and quick access to Praia do Futuro’s family-friendly “barracas” (beach complexes with pools, showers, and lifeguards).

How to get there: Fly into Fortaleza (FOR). Compare fares and routings on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights. From the airport, a taxi or rideshare to Beira-Mar takes ~25–35 minutes.

Where to stay (2 nights): Search family rooms and apartments near Beira-Mar on VRBO Fortaleza or compare hotels with pools and kids’ facilities on Hotels.com Fortaleza. Aim for Meireles or Praia do Futuro for convenience.

Days 1–2: Warm-up on the City Coast

• Praia do Futuro with kids: Spend the day at a structured beach club like Crocobeach—think pools, kids’ areas, showers, lockers, menus with kids’ plates, and shaded loungers. The surf can be strong; swim where lifeguards are posted and stick to the pool with your 3-year-old.
• Beach Park day trip (Aquiraz): One of Latin America’s best water parks, with giant slides for big kids and gentle splash zones for toddlers. Set aside 5–6 hours; go early for shorter lines and sun breaks at midday.
• Evening at Beira-Mar: Stroll the Feirinha da Beira-Mar craft market for hammocks, lacework, and cashew nuts. It’s safe, lively, and stroller-friendly.

• Family eats:
  • Coco Bambu (Aldeota/Beira-Mar): Famous for shrimp platters (try the “Camarão Internacional”) and generous portions; kids’ menu, high chairs, and fast service.
  • Mercado dos Peixes (Mucuripe): Buy fresh shrimp or fish at the market and have it cooked at the adjacent stalls—garlic butter or grilled with lime is perfect for kids.
  • 50 Sabores: Fortaleza’s beloved ice cream with regional flavors like cupuaçu and tapioca; lines move quickly and portions are shareable.

Preá

Preá sits just east of Jericoacoara—a wide, breezy beach dotted with palm trees and low-key pousadas. It’s quieter than Jeri’s village and ideal for families who want space to play in the sand, easygoing meals on the beach, and starry nights.

Getting to Preá (Days 3–5): From Fortaleza, arrange a 4x4 transfer (4.5–5.5 hours; shared seats are typically modestly priced per person, private vehicles cost more but stop on request). If you fly into Jericoacoara (JJD; ~45 minutes from Fortaleza), a 40–60 minute transfer brings you to Preá. Compare flight options on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights.

Where to stay (2–3 nights): Look for beachfront bungalows or family rooms on VRBO Preá, or compare resorts/pousadas on Hotels.com Preá. Seek properties with shaded kids’ areas and on-site dining.

Days 3–5: Sand, Shade, and Simple Adventures

• Morning beach time: Preá’s beach is breezier in the afternoon; for small kids, enjoy sandcastles and paddling early, then retreat to a shaded barraca for juice and grilled fish.
• Árvore da Preguiça and Lagoa Azul mini-tour: A short buggy hop shows you the iconic windswept “Lazy Tree,” then on to a calm lagoon with shallow water and hammocks for a relaxed splash session.
• Horseback rides at sunset: Gentle, guided beach rides are available; even the youngest can be led on the reins with a parent walking alongside.

• Where to eat in Preá:
  • Beach barracas along Preá: Order moqueca (coconut fish stew), grilled peixe do dia with rice and farofa, and fresh sucos (mango, passion fruit). Simple, tasty, and budget-friendly.
  • Hotel restaurants (open to non-guests): Many serve wood-fired pizzas, pasta, and kids’ dishes—an easy fallback after a sandy day.

Jericoacoara

Jericoacoara—“Jeri” to locals—feels like a movie set: cobblestone-free sand lanes lined with bougainvillea, capoeira circles at sunset, and beach buggies whisking families to mirror-clear lagoons. It’s car-free, walkable, and full of low-stress adventures perfect for kids.

Getting to Jeri (Days 6–14): From Preá, it’s ~30 minutes by authorized buggy or 4x4 across dunes (arrange via your lodging). If arriving straight from Fortaleza, plan 5–6 hours by 4x4 or fly to JJD and transfer ~1 hour. Compare routes on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights.

Where to stay (8–9 nights): For quieter nights, look near Praia da Malhada or on streets set back from Rua Principal; for convenience with older kids, the center is fine. Compare family-friendly pousadas and apartments on VRBO Jericoacoara or browse pools/breakfast-included stays on Hotels.com Jericoacoara.

Days 6–8: Settle In—Village Walks, Pedra Furada, and Sunset Dune

• Pedra Furada at low tide: Time your walk with the tide for easy rock-hopping to Jeri’s natural stone arch; older kids love the scramble, and you’ll get postcard photos through the “window.” Bring water, hats, and reef shoes.
• Duna do Pôr do Sol: Climb the big dune behind the village for the nightly sunset “applause.” After, watch capoeira rodas on the beach—drums, acrobatics, and a slice of Afro-Brazilian culture kids find mesmerizing.
• Beach morning, lagoon afternoon: Swim at Malhada during low tide when natural pools form; after lunch, visit Lagoa do Amâncio or a smaller lagoon for calm, shallow water if the ocean chop picks up.

• Food and treats:
  • Breakfast: Naturalmente for açaí bowls, tapiocas, and fresh juices with a breezy second-floor view; or the local favorite Padaria Santo Antônio for pre-dawn, just-baked breads if your toddler wakes early.
  • Lunch: Restaurante Pescador for grilled fish of the day with rice, beans, and pirão; simple plates work well for kids. Portions are shareable.
  • Dinner: Na Casa Dela for cozy, colorful décor and Brazilian comfort dishes (octopus rice, creamy shrimp) plus pasta for picky eaters.
  • Sweet stop: Gelato & Grano—house-made gelato; pistachio and cupuaçu are standouts, and a small cup goes a long way.

Days 9–11: Classic Buggy Days—East and West Circuits

• East tour (family focus): Árvore da Preguiça for photos, then Lagoa do Paraíso for shallow, clear water and those hammock-in-the-lagoon swings. Day clubs range from simple to upscale; rent a shaded cabana and split time between the water and sand toys. Private buggy full-day typically fits 4–5 and is commonly priced mid-range; shared 4x4 tours are the budget option.
• West tour (a kid favorite): Mangue Seco and Guriú mangroves for a short boat ride to spot seahorses, then on to the towering dunes of Tatajuba to sandboard or slide on “skibunda” planks into a warm lagoon. Lunch at a floating restaurant—grilled fish, coconut rice, and fresh crab when in season.
• Practical tips: Start early to beat heat and crowds, pack rashguards and reef-safe sunscreen, and bring small cash for optional boat rides and souvenir stands.

• More places to eat:
  • Dona Amélia: Traditional Ceará cooking and occasional live forró; try fish moqueca or carne de sol with macaxeira.
  • Bistrôgonoff: A hit with kids—Brazilian takes on stroganoff (chicken, shrimp, or beef) served with rice and shoestring potatoes.
  • Tamarindo: Romantic garden setting that still welcomes families; order grilled octopus or seafood risotto while kids enjoy fresh gnocchi.

Days 12–14: Free-Flow Beach Days, Crafts, and a Gentle Taste of Pre-Carnival

• Make-your-own day: Return to your favorite lagoon club, try a stand-up paddle session on placid water, or book a short, guided horseback ride into the dunes for sunset photos.
• Village wandering: Pick up woven bags, lace, and wood-carved toys at the central square’s stalls. Many shops open after siesta—ideal for a twilight stroll.
• Pre-Carnival with kids (what to expect): On weekend evenings leading up to Carnival, you may hear live music and see small blocos. Go early (pre-dinner) to catch family-friendly energy, then retreat to your pousada before the late-night scene ramps up. Choose lodging on a quieter lane (Malhada side) or even spend a night back in Preá if you want silence.

Safety & practical: Sun is intense—use UV shirts and broad-brim hats. Ocean shore break can be strong; lagoons and low-tide pools are best for the 3-year-old. ATMs are limited; bring some cash for tours, tips, and markets. There is a municipal environmental/tourism fee for Jeri; children under 12 are typically exempt—confirm the current policy with your accommodation before arrival.

Departing

Head out by 4x4 to JJD (~1 hour) for a short flight to Fortaleza, or go overland straight to Fortaleza (5–6 hours). For schedules and fares, compare on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights. Build extra time when traveling across dunes, especially after rain.

Budget notes (mid-range, family of five)

• Lodging: Comfortable pousadas or apartments in Jeri and Preá; look for kitchenettes to save on meals. Search VRBO and Hotels.com and book early for late-Jan/Feb.
• Tours: Private buggy days are a splurge but efficient with kids; shared tours cut costs and still hit the major stops.
• Meals: Many plates are shareable, and barracas often do kid portions. Fresh fruit smoothies are abundant and inexpensive.

In sum, this 14-day Ceará itinerary keeps travel light and the days salty and sun-kissed—Fortaleza for easy fun, Preá for wide-open beach time, and Jericoacoara for dune sunsets and lagoon lazing. You’ll taste a gentle, family-appropriate slice of pre-Carnival without the crush, and your kids will leave talking about hammocks in the water and sliding down the Tatajuba dunes.