With kids on Copacabana Beach...

by Tony
(England)

Without any doubt, the optimum section of the beach if you a bringing children is the Arpoador side, right next to the Forte da Copacabana.
The curvature of Copacabana means that the large waves that can sometimes hit most of the beach are broken long before they hit the section of beach at Arpoador.
This, and coupled with the fact that you are a long way from the more "adult" sections of the beach (in front of Help and towards Leme) makes it ideal for families.