With kids’ school break just around the corner, you must have already started planning your prep for a summer vacation. But isn’t it always a hassle to decide a travel place and then look for activities that can keep children busy? Well, let us help you. We have shortlisted 13 amazing kid-friendly summer holiday destinations in India and have enlisted the top activities that can keep your little tourists engaged and happy.
Kid-Friendly Summer Destinations in North India
Shimla
Himachal Pradesh
Manali
Himachal Pradesh
Nainital
Uttarakhand
Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir
Mount Abu
Rajasthan
Kid-Friendly Summer Destinations in West and Central India
Pachmarhi
Madhya Pradesh
Goa
Goa
Kid-Friendly Summer Destinations in East and Northeast India
Darjeeling
West Bengal
Shillong
Meghalaya
Kaziranga National Park
Assam
Kid-Friendly Summer Destinations in South India
Munnar
Kerala
Ooty
Tamil Nadu
Coorg
Karnataka
Kid-Friendly Summer Destinations in North India
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
There is a reason why Shimla will never get old as a kid-friendly destination in India. After all, this beautiful hill station in Himachal Pradesh has several places that your little tourists will love. Right from an ice skating rink to a toy train to great restaurants, Shimla will keep your kids engaged. And if that is not enough, take a day trip to Kufri, where North India’s largest snow park awaits. There is also an amusement park in Kufri that offers many rope course activities, ziplining, and rides & slides, so your kids will be sorted for the day!
Places & Activities for Kids in Shimla: Ice Skating Rink, Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, Snow Kingdom, Amusement Park in Kufri, and Himalayan Nature Park
What is There for Parents in Shimla: Mall Road, Jakhoo Temple, Christ Church, The Ridge, Mashobra, Viceregal Lodge, and Gaiety Heritage Cultural Complex
Suggested Stay Duration: 2-3 Days
How to Reach Shimla:
By Air: The nearest operational airport to Shimla is Chandigarh, around 100 km away. From Chandigarh, one can book a taxi to reach Shimla, which takes approximately. 3 hrs.
By Rail: The nearest broad gauge railway station to Shimla is in Kalka, which is 85 km away. From Kalka, one can choose to book a taxi, which takes around 2 hrs to reach. However, the better option when travelling with kids is taking the famous Kalka-Shimla Toy Train, which may take around 4 hrs but is a fun experience for kids!
By Road: Shimla enjoys good road connectivity with Delhi and Chandigarh and can be reached by taking NH 44 and NH 5. There are both state-run and private buses available for Shimla from the above two destinations, along with many other cities of Punjab.
Manali, Himachal
One can never go wrong with Manali when it comes to planning a holiday with kids. This popular tourist destination in Himachal Pradesh, first of all, is picturesque, and secondly, offers so much to both children and adults. Head out to the nearby Solang Valley, which brims with a plethora of activities like paragliding, zorbing, balloon ride, yak ride and many more that your kids won’t want to leave! Then there is Van Vihar, where you and your little ones can hold furry rabbits, dress up in traditional Himachali attire, and even enjoy the thrilling river crossing activity and boating.
Places & Activities for Kids in Manali: Solang Valley, Van Vihar, Paragliding, Zorbing, Balloon ride, Yak ride, Horse Ride, Boat Ride, Picnic by the Beas River
What is There for Parents in Manali: Hidimba Devi Temple, Vasishtha Hot Springs, Rohtang Pass, River Crossing, Camping, River Rafting in Beas River, Old Manali, and Manu Temple
Suggested Stay Duration: 3-4 Days
How to Reach Manali:
By Air: The nearest operational airport to Manali is Chandigarh, around 265 km away. From Chandigarh, one can book a taxi for Manali, which takes approximately 5-6 hrs.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar, which is 144 km away. From here, one can take a taxi to reach Manali.
By Road: Manali enjoys good road connectivity with Delhi and Chandigarh and can be reached by taking NH 44. There are both state-run and private buses available for Manali from the above two destinations, along with many other cities of Punjab.
Nainital, Uttarakhand
Nainital ticks all the boxes as a kid-friendly summer destination in India. This scenic hill station in Nainital is the most sought-after place for vacationing with kids in summer. We are talking about a scenic lake, where you and your kids can enjoy boating. There is a skating rink by the lake that will catch the attention of children. Additionally, Nainital boasts a high-altitude zoo with Royal Bengal Tigers, leopards, and many other animals calling it home. The little ones will also enjoy a cable car ride to Snow View Point, where several activities like go-karting are available.
Places & Activities for Kids in Nainital: Cable Car Ride to Snow View Point, Nainital Zoo, Naini Lake, Mall Road, Horse Riding, and Eco Cave Garden
What is There for Parents in Nainital: Naina Devi Temple, Tibetan Market, Mall Road, Tiffin Top, Himalayan Darshan Point, Pangot for Birdwatching, Khurpatal
Suggested Stay Duration: 2-3 Days
How to Reach Nainital:
By Air: The nearest operational airport to Nainital is Pantnagar, around 70 km away. From Pantnagar, one can book a taxi for Nainital, which takes approximately 2 hrs.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Nainital is Kathgodam, which is 36 km away. From here, one can take a taxi to reach Nainital.
By Road: Nainital enjoys good road connectivity with Delhi and can be reached by taking NH 9. There are both state-run and private buses available for Nainital from Delhi.
Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir
With the launch of the Vande Bharat train on April 19, travelling to Kashmir will become easier, which means a comfortable and affordable summer vacation with kids. Gulmarg is one of the best places to visit in Kashmir, offering activities like ATV rides and a Gulmarg Gondola (cable car) ride. In Pahalgam, your children can enjoy a pony ride to Baisaran, and the capital city, Srinagar, entertains them with a shikara ride on Dal Lake. There is a gaming arcade in Shivpora that boasts more than 100 games and activities for kids.
Places & Activities for Kids in Kashmir: Gulmarg Gondola, Pony ride to Baisaran, Shikara ride on Dal Lake, The Pavilion Gaming Zone, ATV Ride in Gulmarg
What is There for Parents in Kashmir: Srinagar, Pahalgam, Sonmarg, Houseboat Stay in Srinagar, Kashmiri Cuisine, Natural Beauty, Shankaracharya Temple, and Hazratbal Mosque, Wular Lake, Doodhpathri
Suggested Stay Duration: 6-7 Days
How to Reach Kashmir:
By Air: Srinagar has its own airport. From the airport, one can get a cab to reach the respective hotel/place.
By Rail: Srinagar Railway Station will soon be operational with the launch of Kashmir’s first Vande Bharat Express train.
By Road: Kashmir enjoys good road connectivity with Jammu and can be reached by taking NH 44.
Mount Abu, Rajasthan
If you are in Rajasthan and seeking a quick summer getaway with kids, Mount Abu is your go-to destination. It is Rajasthan’s only hill station and is quite scenic as well. It is one of those places where you and your kids can enjoy many activities together. However, the main attraction for kids in Mount Abu is its Thrill Zone Eco Park that boasts activities like sky cycling, ziplining, rock climbing, ATV ride, paintball, you name it, they have it! Additionally, kids will also enjoy visiting Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary and Trevor’s Tank, the latter of which is home to a large population of crocodiles. Other than this, a short hike or pony ride to Toad’s Rock will also interest the little ones.
Places & Activities for Kids in Mount Abu: sky cycling, ziplining, rock climbing, ATV ride, paintball, and rope course activities at Thrill Zone Eco Park, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Trevor’s Tank, and boating at Nakki Lake
What is There for Parents in Mount Abu: Dilwara Jain Temples, Guru Shikhar, Sunset Point Mount Abu, Achalgarh Fort, Gaumukh Temple, and Bailey’s Walk
Suggested Stay Duration: 1-2 Days
How to Reach Mount Abu:
By Air: The nearest operational airport to Mount Abu is in Udaipur, around 163 km away. From Udaipur, one can book a taxi for Mount Abu, which takes approximately 3 hrs.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Mount Abu is Abu Road, which is 32 km away. From here, one can take a taxi to reach Mount Abu.
By Road: Mount Abu enjoys good road connectivity with Udaipur and can be reached by taking NH 27. Both state-run and private buses are available in Mount Abu, along with many other cities in Rajasthan.
Kid-Friendly Summer Destinations in West & Central India
Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh
Pachmarhi is one of the most underrated hill stations in India. This tourist attraction in Madhya Pradesh can be a perfect summer destination for kids, if you are not keen on planning a trip to North India. For kids, Pachmarhi offers a couple of attractions, including the pristine Pachmarhi lake, where they can enjoy boating as well as ziplining. A short hike leads to Bee Waterfalls, which is quite a visual treat. Kids will also love exploring the Jatashankar Temple, a natural cave situated in a deep ravine with enormous boulders perched above.
Places & Activities for Kids in Pachmarhi: Ziplining and boating on Pachmarhi Lake, Bee Waterfalls, and Jatashankar Temple
What is There for Parents in Pachmarhi: Dhoopgarh, Reechgarh, Chauragarh Peak, Pandav Caves, Bade Mahadev, and Rajendragiri Sunset Point
Suggested Stay Duration: 2-3 Days
How to Reach Pachmarhi:
By Air: The nearest operational airport to Pachmarhi is Bhopal, around 190 km away. From Bhopal, one can book a taxi for Pachmarhi, which takes approximately 4-5 hrs.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Pachmarhi is Pipariya, which is 54 km away. From here, one can take a taxi to reach Pachmarhi.
By Road: Pachmarhi enjoys good road connectivity with Bhopal and can be reached by taking NH 46. Both state-run and private buses are available in Pachmarhi, along with many other cities in Madhya Pradesh.
Goa
Could you ever BE more right if you have planned a summer vacation with kids in Goa? We know you are thinking about the scorching heat, but when you are in Goa, you will always have it figured out! As far as your kids are concerned, trust us, they will have a blast since there is an ocean or should we say an “Arabian Sea” of experiences waiting for them. Head to Maza Parkour, a jungle gym for kids to burn off energy while you enjoy great coffee. Then visit Anjuna Beach for water sports fun. You can also visit Morjim Beach and let the kids try surfing lessons at Octopus Surf, while you unwind at one of the shacks. Before the sunset, hike up to the Chapora Fort; we are sure their tiny legs can endure this short walk. There is no dearth of things to do for children in Goa, which makes it the top kid-friendly destination in India. So “Aap ab convince ho gaye ho, ya hum aur bolein?”
Places & Activities for Kids in Goa: Maza Parkour, watersports at Anjuna Beach, surfing lessons at Morjim Beach, hike to Chapora Fort, dolphin sighting cruise, spice plantation
What is There for Parents in Goa: Beaches, watersports, cruise on Mandovi River, Goan Cuisine, Old Goa and its churches, Dudhsagar Waterfalls
Suggested Stay Duration: 6-7 Days
How to Reach Goa:
By Air: There are two airports in Goa, Mopa Airport in North Goa and Dabolim Airport in South Goa.
By Rail: There are a number of railway stations in Goa, amongst them the most popular ones are Madgaon Railway Station and Vasco Da Gama Railway Station.
By Road: Goa enjoys good road connectivity with Maharashtra and Karnataka states and can be reached by taking NH 66 and NH 48. There are both state-run and private buses available for Goa from the above two destinations.
Kid-Friendly Summer Destinations in East & Northeast India
Darjeeling, West Bengal
As much as Darjeeling woos adults with its natural beauty, it attracts kids too. While a holiday in Darjeeling with family is mostly about unwinding and adapting to the slow pace of the hills, children can still find some exciting things to do here. Amongst the major attractions in Darjeeling for kids is the toy train ride. In addition, the high-altitude zoo is quite a hit with children as they can witness many animals, including tigers and black bears. A tea-plucking activity is also an experience you must give your kids here in Darjeeling.
Places & Activities for Kids in Darjeeling: Toy train ride, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Tea-plucking
What is There for Parents in Darjeeling: Kanchenjunga Mountain, Tiger Hill, Lamahatta, Japanese Peace Pagoda, Mahakal Temple, and Batasia Loop
Suggested Stay Duration: 2-3 Days
How to Reach Darjeeling:
By Air: The nearest operational airport to Darjeeling is Bagdogra, around 265 km away. From Chandigarh, one can book a taxi for Manali, which takes approximately 5-6 hrs.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Manali is Joginder Nagar, which is 144 km away. From here, one can take a taxi to reach Manali.
By Road: Manali enjoys good road connectivity with Delhi and Chandigarh and can be reached by taking NH 44. There are both state-run and private buses available for Manali from the above two destinations, along with many other cities of Punjab.
Shillong, Meghalaya
If you don’t have toddlers, Shillong in Northeast India should be on your list of places to visit with family. Shillong and its neighbouring areas are truly nature’s best-kept secret, and exploring them may require a lot of walking, in addition to spending long hours in a car. Taking your kids to Shillong is like imparting some important life lessons to them through nature and rich cultural heritage. A must-have experience for kids here is boating on Umngot River in Dawki, where the water is so clean that it feels like you are floating in the air.
Places & Activities for Kids: Arwah Caves, Garden of Caves, Mawphlang Sacred Forest, Boating on Dawki (Umngot) River
What is There for Parents: Laitlum Canyons, Umiam Lake, Elephant Falls, Don Bosco Centre for Indigenous Cultures, Shillong Peak, Ward’s Lake, Police Bazar, and Shillong View Point
Suggested Stay Duration: 4-5 Days
How to Reach Shillong:
By Air: The nearest operationl airport to Shillong is Guwahati, around 100 km away. From Guwahati, one can book a taxi to reach Shillong, which takes approximately 2-3 hrs.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Shillong is in Guwahati, which is 100 km away. From here, one can take a taxi to reach Shillong.
By Road: Shillong enjoys good road connectivity with Guwahati and can be reached by taking NH 6. There are both state-run and private buses available for Shillong from Guwahati.
Kaziranga National Park, Assam
India is home to a large number of wildlife reserves; however, one national park that truly stands out is Kaziranga National Park in Assam. Hence, it has made it to our list of top kid-friendly summer vacation places in India. The park is home to the vulnerable species of one-horned rhinoceros, which look like the real-life unicorns. While the wildlife safari in the forest, where you can spot one-horned rhinos, wild buffaloes, barasingha, elephants, and tigers, is the major highlight of Kaziranga, the park is also an ideal place for parents to teach their kids about the importance of conservation of nature. A walk in the nearby village and sighting a rich variety of flora and bird species like the hornbill are some of the best things to do for children in Kaziranga.
Activities for Kids in Kaziranga: Wildlife safari, birdwatching, and a walk to the neighbouring villages
Suggested Stay Duration: 1-2 Days
How to Reach Kaziranga National Park:
By Air: The nearest airport to Kaziranga is in Guwahati, around 204 km away. From Guwahati, one can book a taxi to reach Kaziranga, which takes approximately 5-6 hrs.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Kaziranga is Furkating, which is 80 km away. The railway station has decent connectivity with Guwahati. From here, one can take a taxi to reach Kaziranga.
By Road: Kaziranga enjoys good road connectivity with Guwahati and can be reached by taking NH 27.
Kid-Friendly Summer Destinations in South India
Munnar, Kerala
Munnar is as close as you can come to a Bali holiday in India. The best part is that Munnar caters to all types of travellers, and for kids, it is no less than a wonderland. The Pottas Fun Farm en route to Kochi is one of the best places to visit with kids in Munnar. There are many activities, including trampolines, bamboo kayaking, ziplining, water zorbing etc, available for children. One of the best experiences for kids in Munnar is elephant sighting at Anakulam. And by the way, there are a couple of chocolate factories in Munnar, where kids can sample a variety of chocolates before buying.
Places & Activities for Kids in Munnar: Eravikulam National Park, Pottas Fun Farm, Macofa Chocolate Factory, Elephant Arriving Point at Anakulam
What is There for Parents in Munnar: Sevenmallay Tea Estate, Kalari Kshethra, Top Station, Mattupetty Dam, Attukal Falls, Chunnayamakkal Falls, Ripples Falls, Kundala Dam, Rose Garden
Suggested Stay Duration: 2-3 Days
How to Reach Munnar:
By Air: The nearest airport to Munnar is in Kochi, around 128 km away. From Kochi, one can book a taxi to reach Munnar, which takes approximately 3-4 hrs.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Munnar is in Kochi, which is 128 km away. From here, one can take a taxi to reach Munnar.
By Road: Munnar enjoys good road connectivity with Kochi and can be reached by taking NH 85. There are both state-run and private buses available for Munnar from Kochi, along with many other cities of Kerala.
Ooty, Tamil Nadu
Everybody loves Ooty, and rightly so; this beautiful hill station in Tamil Nadu is a true gem of the Western Ghats. Ooty has a number of places that are toddler-friendly as well. The Ooty Boathouse offers boating on Ooty Lake, there is also a children’s park, a mini train ride, and a kid-friendly food menu to choose from. In addition to this, kids will also enjoy their visit to Pykara Lake, Pine Forest and the tea gardens. Just like Munnar, Ooty too has a couple of chocolate factories that your kids will love! A toy train ride is yet another must-have experience for kids in Ooty.
Places & Activities for Kids in Ooty: Pykara Lake, boating on Ooty Lake, Pine Forest, Tea Garden, and Chocolate Factories
What is There for Parents in Ooty: Doddabetta Peak, Pykara Falls, Avalanche Lake, Government Rose Garden, and Emerald Lake
Suggested Stay Duration: 2-3 Days
How to Reach Ooty:
By Air: The nearest airport to Ooty is in Coimbatore, around 80 km away. From Coimbatore, one can book a taxi to reach Ooty, which takes approximately 2-3 hrs.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Ooty is Mettupalyam, which is 40 km away. From here, one can take a taxi to reach Ooty.
By Road: Ooty enjoys good road connectivity with Bangalore, Chennai and Mysore and can be reached by taking NH 275 and NH 766 and 181. There are both state-run and private buses available from the above two destinations, along with many other cities of Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
Coorg, Karnataka
If you are looking for a wholesome experience during the summer break with kids, then Coorg is the best place to plan your holiday in India. When here, you don’t have to worry too much about how to keep your kids engaged. Almost every resort in Coorg, plans your day itineraries, which have activities that can be enjoyed by each member of the family. The coffee plantation walk, visit to the Dubare Elephant Camp, crossing of Kaveri River, and feeding the fish at the lake are some of the top experiences in Coorg for families. Other than these, the resorts also organize cultural performance, which can also catch your children’s attention.
Places & Activities for Kids in Coorg: Dubare Elephant Camp, feeding the fish, coffee plantation walk, and cultural performances
What is There for Parents in Coorg: Mandalpatti Peak, Abbey Falls, Raja’s Seat, Tibetan Monastery / Golden Temple Coorg, Iruppu Falls, Madikeri, Tadiandamol Peak
Suggested Stay Duration: 1-2 Days
How to Reach Coorg:
By Air: The nearest airport to Coorg is in Mangalore, around 140 km away. From Mangalore, one can book a taxi to reach Coorg, which takes approximately 2-3 hrs.
By Rail: The nearest railway station to Coorg is in Mysore, which is 140 km away. From here, one can take a taxi to reach Coorg.
By Road: Coorg enjoys good road connectivity with Bangalore, Mysore and Mangalore and can be reached by taking NH 275 and Mangalore-Mysore Highway. There are both state-run and private buses available from the above destinations, along with many other cities of Karnataka.
Here you go, now you have some great summer destinations in India to choose from. But this is just like a fraction of what India has to offer, there are still so many amazing destinations waiting to be explored with kids, families, friends or even solo. At Memorable India, we’ll guide you to these treasures through insightful blogs and curated holiday packages. Ready to plan your next epic Indian adventure with us?
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