10 Best Places to Take Your Kid Out in Mumbai – Fun Places Near Me
Today on the day of Children’s Day, let’s take you back to your childhood! What is your most adored memory? It’s probably something to do with swings, slides, family gatherings or a visit to a zoo. Mine was; running like a cheetah on seeing giraffes. Well, you can laugh it off! Few of you must be nature enthusiasts while few just prefer staying indoors. So, our today’s article is for the lazy tired beings along with nature lovers who are always on the go.
Can you recall how you feel while looking at the moon? Or how you feel when you see a sunset/sunrise? Or how you feel when you can interact with nature one-on-one? Nature has a healing property; it helps you get motivated, recharge and forget this world for the best period of your life.
Here are the top 10 places for kids day out in Mumbai.
Experiencing wildlife in the middle of an urban settlement is difficult. To ensure that we still value nature, zoos are the best place to stick to as they remind us of our roots.
1. Nehru Planetarium
Location: Nehru Centre, Dr Annie Besant Rd, Lotus Colony, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400018
Kids love science, especially when it’s fun. Nehru Planetarium and Nehru Science Center are among the best places you can take your kids to for a fun learning experience. Whether it is learning about the stars, history or watching a short documentary in their dome cinema for an immersive experience, it is the perfect opportunity for you and your kids to have a fun day out.
- Timings: 12 PM to 4.30 PM
- Entry Fee: Rs.40 for children and Rs.60 for adults
- Nearest Station: Mumbai Central, Mahalaxmi, Dadar and Byculla
- Parking: When going by road, there is sufficient parking for all.
- Outside Food: Only water bottles allowed
2. Essel World Bird Park
Location: Essel world Amusement Park, Gorai, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400092
Swoop down on the incredible journey of bird watching like never before! Experience bird watching like in a commercial. Unlike other zoos, this place allows birds to develop their natural skills by making them live in a developed rainforest habitat. They make sure to cater to their special specific needs and save them. As you walk by, you will come across tree ferns from the Jurassic-era, 3 meter long leaves, a desert-like habitat with several cacti for Ostriches and so much more. Don’t sit at home this season, discover nature and inspire to preserve it.
- Timings: 10AM – 6PM
- Every day of the week
- Entry Fee: Child: Rs.290/- per child
- Adult: Rs390/- per person
- Senior Citizen: Rs.190/- per person
- Nearest Station: Borivali railway station- to Gorai by bus/auto- by ferry to Essel World
- Parking: When going by road from Bhayander, there is sufficient parking for all.
- Outside Food: Only water bottles allowed
3. Jijamata Udaan
Location: A/91, Lalbaug Flyover, Near Byculla Railway Station, Byculla East, Mazgaon, Mumbai 40002
Famously known as Byculla Zoo, it holds a strong history since the British era. It consists of various flora and fauna, wild animals and birds, but its latest addition is Humboldt Penguins. This place is home to many endangered and rare species of animals and birds. To name a few, you’ll find Asiatic lion, jungle cat, palm civet cat, porcupine, gaur, mouse deer, leopard and other common animals too. It comprises of small parks and a museum which consists of a 3D theatre. Perfectly designed by a London architect, it presents its most valuable collection of work of art and Indian architecture.
- Timings: 9 AM to 5:30 PM
- On Every Wednesday, the zoo is closed
- Entry Fees: For Adults- Rs.100/- per person, For Kids: Rs.50/- per child
- Nearest station: Byculla Railway station which lies on Central line and Mumbai Central railway station which lies on Western Railway station.
- Parking: Limited parking available
- Outside Food: Only water bottles allowed
4. Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Location: Borivali East, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 400066
Most of us consider this as a park instead of a zoo, but as you move around and enquire, you will come across a tiger safari in the midst of the forest along with deer, cheetahs, leopards, macaques, bears, lions, flying foxes, kingfishers, sunbirds and so many more species ready to please our eyes. Come across natural caves and greenery in the middle of a loud crowded city. Millions of people visit this every year and it just keeps getting better and better. Now, you don’t have to visit nearby cities for a zoo picnic, we have found one right in the middle!
- Timings: 7:30AM – 6:30PM
- Every day of the week
- Entry fees: Rs.36/- per person
- Entry fees for Tiger & Lion safaris: Rs.61/- for 30 minutes per person
- Other required fees: Boat rides- Rs.30 for 15 minutes per person
- Bus Journey fee to Kanheri caves: Rs.5/- per person
- Fee for shuttle bus runs from the park entrance to the caves: Rs.36/- per person
- Nearest station: Borivali railway station and Dahisar railway station
- Parking: Available
- You are also allowed to take your car inside
- Outside food: Allowed
5. Taraporewala Aquarium
Location: Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Road, Marine Drive, Near Charni Road Railway Station, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400002
Experience marine life at the oldest aquarium in the city. After its renovation, there were a large number of exotic species of marine and freshwater added to it. As per the sources, these varieties are picked up from the Lakshadweep islands. They include Red Devil, Jaguar, Electric Blue Jack Dempsey, Helicopter, Arowana, Grouper, yellow-striped tang, blue-spotted stingray, White Tail Trigger, Clown Triggerfish and so many more. The place also has an amphitheater that screens documentaries on marine species, a touch pool to experience fish up close and personal, and a fish spa. This attraction has been inviting visitors from all over India and take back home its experience like before!
- Timings: 10AM- 8PM
- Closed on Wednesdays
- Ticket validity for an hour
- Entry fees: For Adults: Rs.40/- per person
- For Students: Rs.20/- per person
- For kids below age 16: Rs.30/- per person
- Nearest Station: Charni Road railway station, Marine Lines railway station and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus station
- Parking: Available
- Outside Food: Only water bottles allowed
6. Smaaash
Location: Kamala Mills Compound, Gate No 4, Trade View Building, Utopia City, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, Lower Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013
Smaaash brings gaming to the next level. This gaming arcade is everything that a parent could ask for. From bowling and virtual reality gaming to adventure gaming, Smaaash has it all. For parents, you can kick back and relax with a glass of beer while your kids are having a good time or you could join them too, there is no stopping anyone.
- Cost: Rs.700+
- Timings: 1 PM to 1 AM
- Nearest Station: Parel Railway Station, Dadar Railway Station
- Parking: Available
- Outside Food: Not Allowed
7. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya
Location: 159-161, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Kala Ghoda, Fort, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400023
Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is perhaps one of the biggest and most cherished museums in Mumbai. It houses many-valued artefacts and pieces that have historical importance. It has around 50,000 artefacts from all over the world. If your kids like history and you want to have a fun historical day out with them, this is the place to visit.
- Timings: 10.15 AM to 6 PM
- Cost: Rs.40 to Rs.500
- Nearest Railway Station: Churchgate Railway Station
- Parking: Parking is available in the pay and park lots at Hutatma Chowk and Kala Ghoda
- Outside Food: Not Allowed
8. Elephanta Caves
Location: Gharapuri, Maharashtra 400094
Elephanta Caves are ancient rock-cut caves situated near Mumbai. Only a ferry ride away from the Gateway Of India, a visit to these caves is a full-day excursion for your family and a terrific adventure for your kids. Feed seagulls on the way and explore ancient caves while you and your kids create memories that last for a lifetime. What more could one ask for?
- Timings: Ferries leave every 30 minutes from Mumbai from 9 AM to 2 PM
- Cost: Rs.120 – Rs.150 for return ferry
- Nearest Station: Churchgate Railway Station
- Parking: Available near Gateway Of India
- Outside Food: Not Allowed
9. Beaches
Location: Juhu Beach
One can never go wrong with a day out on the beach. Whether it is Girgaum or Juhu, the beaches in Mumbai make for a memorable experience with your kids. With lots of things to do or just simply take a walk, your kid will surely have a good time. Not to forget the delicious street food that is there for your family to enjoy.
- Timings: No Time Restrictions
- Entry Fee: Free
- Nearest Station: Santacruz, Ville Parle or Andheri
- Parking: Available near Gateway Of India
- Outside Food: Allowed
- Several food stalls available
10. Karnala Bird Sanctuary
Location: NH 66, Karnala, Maharashtra 410206
Enter a paradise for birds by escaping from the city. From the peregrine falcon, king vulture and crested serpent eagle to the four-horned antelope, wild boar, common langur, African monkey, barking deer and even a leopard on a few days, you’re sure to see some amazing species here. It is also a place for hikers and nature enthusiasts who wish to experience nature on their vacations. The zoo has taken an initiative to take care of the birds and animals who are orphaned and injured; and later, release them in the wild. We would recommend you visit this park in the month of October to April. Skip monsoon months due to high chances of animals roaming in the wild.
- Timings: 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM
- Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
- Entry fees: For Adults: Rs.35/-
- For children: Rs.50/-
- Nearest station: Panvel railway station
- Parking: Limited parking available
- Outside food: Carry water bottles
- Several food stalls available inside
Conclusion
I hope our hard work pays off and motivates you to step out of your house. If not, we have other posts planned for you. Say hello to the monsoon and wash away your fears. Walk in to discover your undiscovered love for nature. Visit these places with your family and friends and we guarantee you that you will not forget that day.
- Holi Events in Hyderabad 2024 - March 18, 2024
- Must Visit Hill Stations Near Hyderabad - March 15, 2024
- Where to Find Late Night Food in Hyderabad - March 14, 2024
