20 Kid-Friendly Places To Visit During School Summer Holidays

Summer holidays are here and that means planning a trip to kid-friendly places with your child. Whether you are looking for culturally rich places or a hill station to enjoy the cool breeze during the heat, India is filled with options to explore with family and friends. Travelling not only gives a chance to relax but also builds knowledge and is the best way to bond as a family.

 We have curated a selection of the 20 best places to visit in India this summer with your little munchkins.

20 Popular Kid-Friendly Destinations In India

1. Shimla

Shimla is a great family destination to explore during the summers. There are plenty of accommodations to pick from with pleasant weather during the summers. This hill station has a pleasing landscape and an average elevation.

What to do with kids

• Shimla toy train ride 
• Hip Hip hurray amusement park
• Mall road for shopping and strolling
• Jakhu temple perched on a hilltop
  

2. Ooty

Ooty rises up to the clouds and is commonly known as the queen of hill stations. The weather is cool and there are tea gardens and nature walks that you can explore with your little ones. Don’t forget to treat your little ones with locally made delicious chocolates in Ooty.

What to do with kids

• Boating in the Ooty lake
• Visit the Thunder World theme park
• Mountain train ride
• Camp at Avalanche Lake Bank
• See the honey extraction process at the honey and bee museum

3. Arakku Valley

This valley is located in Andhra Pradesh amidst the lush green forest of the Eastern Ghats. It is culturally rich as the tribe community thrives in this region. Export your little one into paradise through cave exploration and beautiful waterfalls where you can also picnic. 

What to do with kids

• Trek to the waterfalls
• Jeep ride at Katiki waterfalls
• Picnic at any beautiful spot
• Take a tour of the coffee plantations
• Visit the Borra caves

4. Dharamshala

This is a magical valley surrounded by snow-clad mountains and the perfect destination to explore nature. It is a peaceful hill station which makes it a perfect family holiday destination. 

What to do with kids

• Visit the Kangra Art Museum
• Visit the war memorial
• Stroll in the tea gardens
• Kangra Fort

5. Cherrapunji

Located in the Northeastern state of India in Meghalaya, Cherrapunji is a paradise for nature lovers. The forests, mountains and waterfalls here simply make it a great place to visit in the summers. Cherrapunji receives heavy rainfall and used to be on the top for rainfall before it got replaced by Mawsynram. Do not miss visiting the living root bridge when you are here. 

What to do with kids

• Visit the Seven Sister Falls waterfalls and NohKaLikai Falls 
• Explore the Arwah Cave
• Visit the beautiful Thangkharang Park

6. Coonoor

This is one of the best places to visit in summer with family. It is surrounded by the Nilgiri hills which are mist-clad and they have bright green tea estates that you’ll love strolling by. It is 18 km away from Ooty so you can travel to both places with your family. 

What to do with kids

• Visit the beautiful Sim’s Park 
• Witness the tea-making process at the Highfield Tea Estate
• Picnic at Lamb’s Rock with a view of tea and coffee plantations
• Visit Catherine Falls
• Take the heritage train between Ooty and Coonoor

7. Kashmir

Kashmir is a scenic destination with timeless nature. There are monasteries with a grand view of the mountains that make the experience simply magical. Dal Lake is not to be missed and you can spot beautiful lotus plants there. 

What to do with kids

• Enjoy the boathouse at Srinagar 
• Visit the Mughal gardens  
• Enjoy snow activities 
• Cable car ride in Gulmarg
• Do biking and skiing in Gulmarg
• Enjoy picnic and camping at Sonmarg
• Trek and visit monasteries at Kargil

8. Mahabaleshwar

Mahabaleshwar has the famous Shiva temple and for the kids, there is the famous Chocolate Factory. Children can do strawberry picking at The Mapro Gardens while enjoying the cool weather of this beautiful hill station. 

What to do with kids

• Visit the Venna Lake
• Chinaman Waterfall
• Eco point
• Mapro garden
• Pratapgarh fort

9. Meghamalai

It is located in the Western Ghats in Tamil Nadu and is known as the “High Wavy Mountains” because of its terrain. It is a perfect family destination for the summers with the evergreen forests, green tea plantations and the large variety of flora and fauna.

What to do with kids

• Go bird watching
• Enjoy trekking
• Take a stroll in the tea plantations

10. Darjeeling

This is one of the most scenic destinations located in West Bengal and your kids will love it. The joyous heritage toy train ride from New Jalpaiguri to Darjeeling is an experience not to be missed. Also, do not miss out on having the delicious momos and thukpa here. 

What to do with kids

• Enjoy the Darjeeling Toy Train ride
• Cable car ride
• Himalayan Zoological Park
• Visit the tea gardens
• Trekking to the Tiger Hill
• Visit the monasteries 

11. Sikkim

This is another beautiful destination surrounded by the Himalayas and also has the majestic Teesta River passing by in the region. The pristine surroundings will make you feel refreshed. With the kids around, you can visit Pelling and Gangtok. You can combine your Sikkim trip with Darjeeling which is about a 5 hours drive from Gangtok. Don’t forget to enjoy a bowl of Thukpa soup here which is simply mouth-watering.

What to do with kids

• Waterfalls in Pelling
• Walk in the Rabdentse ruins
• Hike to Sankacholing Monastery
• Himalayan Wildlife Park in Gangtok
• Nathu La pass for a spectacular view of Tibet
• Monasteries for Buddhist culture 

12. McLeodganj

This hill station attracts multiple visitors from across the world as it offers serenity and is the place of residence of the spiritual Tibetan leader, Dalai Lama. There are multiple spiritual activities that one can experience here. 

What to do with kids

• Visit the ancient Masroor temple 
• Trekking and camping at Triund
• Picnic and sightseeing at Bhagsu falls 
• Enjoy the spectacular view of the Dhauladhar ranges and the unique lifestyle at the Nechung Monastery
• Boating and bird watching at the Maharana Pratap Sagar lake 

13. Tawang

Tawang is a scenic town and also one of the kid-friendly places in India and is great for some family adventure time together. The misty rivers and the stunning waterfalls at this destination which is at an elevation of 10.000 ft above sea level of Tawang make it a perfect holiday spot. It is difficult to reach because of its terrain so book a private car and carry enough food and water to be comfortable. 

What to do with kids

• Visit the Tawang monastery which is 400 years old
• Picnic by the Bap Teng Kang waterfalls
• Visit the Sela Pass and Paradise Lake
• Visit Pankang Teng Tso Lake.
• Go rafting in the Brahmaputra river
  

14. Munnar

Munnar is a beautiful hill station located in the low Western Ghats and is rich in culture. While you are here, do not miss out on having the authentic Kerala meal. It looks beautiful with waterfalls, nurseries and tea plantations around. They also have spice plantations which you can explore and buy authentic spices. 

What to do with kids

• Visit the Mattupetty dam and dairy farm
• Go boating at Kandala lake 
• Enjoy the serene view of the valley surrounded by clouds at the Top Station
• Enjoy trekking and wildlife sightseeing at Rajamalai
• Scream with your little one at the Echo viewpoint where you can hear back your echo in a few seconds
• Take a jeep ride at Marayoor sandalwood forest

15. Majuli

This place is located in Assam on the river Brahmaputra and is the largest river island in the world. It is home to several migratory birds and portrays the Assamese civilization which dates back to the 16th century. Naghmar is the main village where important festivals and prayers are done. Avoid visiting Majuli during winters as the island tends to shrink in size. 

What to do with kids

• Ygdrasil Bamboo Cottage
• Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Museum
• Circuit House
• Auniati Satra Museum
• Molai Forest Reserve

16. Chopta

Surrounded by the majestic Nanda Devi Mountain range, Chopta is located in Uttarakhand. The snow-covered mountain range makes it appear enchanting with the blossoms of the Rhododendron flowers. It is a destination that has moderate to easy levels of the trek and is very welcoming. 

What to do with kids

• Enjoy a relaxed picnic in the beautiful meadows near Tungnath.
• Visit the serene Deori Tal where you can see the reflection of Chaukhamba peaks in the waters
• Kanchula Korak Musk Deer Sanctuary
• Visit Chandrashila to enjoy the snow-covered view of Kedar, Nandadevi, and Trishul peaks 

17. Pachmarhi

Located in Madhya Pradesh, Pachmarhi is a raw location that has scenic waterfalls and a soothing landscape. It is also one of those kid-friendly destinations where they can enjoy their summer vacation. This hill station is also commonly referred to as ‘Satpura ki Rani’ and is rich in wildlife.

What to do with kids

• Visit the Jatashankar Temple
• Visit all the waterfalls which include Bee Fall, Apsara Vihar and the Silver Fall 
• Visit the ancient Pandav Caves
• Wildlife excursion at Satpura National Park

18. Ranikhet

This picturesque hill station is located in North India and is about 63 km from Nainital. It is peaceful and is nestled in the lap of nature surrounded by the mesmerising views of the Himalayas. Parents with older kids can hike from Gagas to Dwarahat. Do try the delightful traditional Kumaoni meal in the market area here.

What to do with kids

• Chaubatia garden with beautiful fruit trees
• Syalikhet and Bhalu dam
• Mamkhameshwar Temple
• Hadiakhan Temple

19. Manali

From adventure lovers to honeymooners and family trips, Manali has something for everyone. This township is surrounded by the Himalayas and is filled with numerous trails that you can explore. The beautiful trees and the glacial waters make Manali a perfect holiday spot. 

What to do with kids

• Visit the famous Hadimba temple
• Visit the scenic Rohtang Pass
• Solang valley has skiing, paragliding, zorbing, camping and other fun activities
• Museum of Himachal culture and folk art
• Great Himalayan National Park to spot the snow leopard
• Tibetan monasteries 
• Vashisht hot water spring which has medicinal hot water

20. Nainital

This is another beautiful hill station that is surrounded by a forested valley. It is a favourite holiday destination for families. Located in Uttarakhand, there are several outdoor activities that your little ones can enjoy here. 

What to do with kids

• Boating and picnic at the Naini Lake
• Hiking and trekking at the Naina Peak
• Eco cave garden to watch the musical fountain 
• Pony rides at Land’s End
• Ropeway at Snow View
• Birdwatching at Kilbury bird sanctuary
• Horse riding at Tiffin Top

Pick the best kid-friendly destinations for this summer and have a great time. Do not forget to pack summer essentials like cool cotton clothes, caps, sunscreen, mosquito repellent spray, and mosquito repellent patches along with emergency medicines and food supplies and drinks for a comfortable trip.