Kolkata is one of the major cities in the country. It is also India’s artistic and cultural capital. Being the country’s cultural hub, Kolkata sees a lot of tourism every year. There are innumerable things to do in the city. All kinds of people from all walks of life- adults, teens, and even kids can enjoy the essence of the place. If you have decided to spend a day in Kolkata, then take your kids along with you.
Best Things to Do in Kolkata with Kids
Here are 6 things to do in Kolkata with Kids without getting bored yourself:
- Nicco Park
- Botanical Gardens
- Nehru Children’s Museum
- Alipore Zoo
- Science City
- Victoria Memorial
Nicco Park
The best place to go for a fun-filled day is an amusement park. Luckily, Kolkata is home to the largest and the oldest amusement park in the East of India. Built-in 1991, the Salt Lake City amusement park has about 30 different rides and attractions. Spread across 40 acres of land, you can find family rides, kids rides, and thrill rides for adventurous people. It is a place where both parents and kids can have a memorable day. Nicco Park is every child’s favorite destination.
Why should kids visit Nicco Park?
- The kids’ rides are safe and extremely enjoyable.
- There is a wave pool for kids to enjoy the water.
- The kids can shoot bad guys with a laser gun at Shoot the Bhoot.
Opening Days: It is open all days of the week.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fees: INR 300 per head (includes 13 rides and attractions in the Main Park)
INR 850 per head (all rides and attraction of Main park + water park)
How to reach: Nicco park is about 7kms away from Kolkata Railway Station and 14 km from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose airport. You can take a local state bus, rickshaw, or a taxi from your location to the park.
Note: The amusement park is open on all days of the year except Holi.
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Founded in 1786 by Colonel Kyd, the Botanical garden is one of the largest in the country. During the East India Company’s rule, the garden was officially known as ‘The Hon’ble Company’s Botanic Garden. Presently, the official name is Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden. It boasts over 12000 perennial trees and thousands of other plants from across the world. The landscape of the garden spanned across 273 acres is stunning. The 250-year-old giant Banyan tree is a popular attraction among visitors.
Why should Kids visit Botanical Gardens?
- Kids get to learn about various species of plants and trees.
- It brings them closer to nature.
- A picnic by the vibrant flowers keeps them busy and excited.
Opening Days: It is open on all days except Mondays.
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 10 for Indian Nationals, INR 100 for foreigners, and an extra cost of INR 20 for the camera.
How to reach: The garden is located on the West side of the city’s center. It is close to the Howrah side of the Hooghly River. Cabs can easily reach the Botanical Garden. It is advised to travel by private vehicle as there is no metro connectivity. The nearest railway station is Shalimar which does not link to the suburban railway network of Kolkata.
Note: Hire a guide to learn about the countless species of flora and fauna. Visitors are not allowed to carry food from outside.
Nehru Children’s Museum
What could be a better place than a children’s museum to visit with kids? The National Cultural Association opened the museum in 1972. It is divided into four floors. Each floor is dedicated to the Toys Gallery, Dolls Gallery, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata Gallery. The museum also offers courses and workshops to encourage the young minds of the country.
Why should Kids visit Nehru Children’s Museum?
- It is a perfect space for kids to explore and learn about their heritage.
- Kids can also interest themselves in a huge collection of toys and dolls acquired from over 88 countries.
- They can also participate in contests organized by the museum.
Opening Days: All days of the week except Mondays and Tuesdays.
Timings: 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 20 (16 years and above) and INR 10 (under 16)
How to reach: The museum is close to Rabindra Sadan Metro station. You can take buses or hire cabs to reach the museum on JL Nehru road.
Note: The museum offers the Jugal Srimal Scholarship annually to competent kids.
Alipore Zoo
The oldest zoo in India, Alipore Zoo opened in 1876. It is spread across 46.5 acres and is home to several species of wildlife. Visitors can see mammals, reptiles, and birds in the zoo. Giraffe, Zebra, Hippopotamus, Kangaroo, Rhino, Ostrich, and Anaconda are some intriguing creatures to see in the zoo. Tigers are a special attraction among kids. The Zoological Garden also has an aquarium for kids to observe aquatic life.
Why should kids visit the zoo?
- The wildlife is sure to amaze the kids and keep them on their toes.
- It can be a learning experience for the kids.
- The kids can learn to protect animals and be kind towards them.
Opening Days: The Zoological Garden remains closed on Thursdays.
Timing: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Entry Fee: INR 25 (adults) and INR 10 (below 5 years old). An extra cost of INR 250 per hour for a video camera is charged.
How to reach: One can take the metro to reach the zoo. The nearest stations are Netaji Bhavan Metro Station and Rabindra Sadan Metro Station. Autos and rickshaws take visitors to the zoo. People can also take state buses or taxis to reach the zoo easily.
Note: If a holiday falls on Thursday, then the zoo stays open.
Science City
Kolkata’s Science city is the country’s largest science complex. It is developed by the National Council of Science Museums. Opened in 1997, the center is a place of science-related learning. A lot of exhibitions and galleries are hosted on topics like Evolution and Space. The institution contains a Dynamotion Hall, Space Odyssey, Earth Exploration Hall, and Maritime Centre. Kids use various gadgets to observe and learn about science.
Why should kids visit Science City?
- Gravity coaster and Musical Fountain amuse the kids.
- It is fun and educational at the same time.
Opening Days: It is open on all days of the week.
Timings: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Entry Fee: INR 60 for all. The entry for children below 3 is free.
How to reach: The nearest railway station to the Science center is Bidhan Nagar Station. Buses and taxis are easily available from the station.
Note: The center closes on Holi every year.
Victoria Memorial
Victoria Memorial is a historically significant building in Kolkata. It was built in 1901 to commemorate the diamond jubilee of Queen Victoria. It is an exquisite building made of white marble. Tourists from all across the globe visit the memorial to admire the collection of paintings, memorabilia, and artifacts of the colonial era. The premises also have lush green gardens and various statues.
Why should Kids visit Victoria Memorial?
- It is essential for kids to learn about the history of India. The memorial serves that purpose.
- The kids also learn to appreciate art.
Opening Days: All days except Monday and National Holidays.
Timings: 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Gallery) and 6:00 AM – 5:00 PM (The Gardens)
Entry Fee
Indians: INR 30 for the museum and INR 20 for garden
SAARC Nationals: INR 100
Foreigner: INR 500
How to reach: The nearest metro station to Victoria Memorial is Maidan Metro Station. It is about 1 km away from the destination. Taxi services are good in Kolkata. You can get a taxi from anywhere to reach here.
Note: You can get a yearly pass for the gardens by paying INR1000
[Explore Kolkata tour packages to plan your holiday]
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