Things To Do · Bangalore
Family Activities & Kid-Friendly Places in Bangalore (2025)
Bangalore is an unusually well-equipped city for family outings — a hands-on science museum, a national park safari, a planetarium, India’s best amusement park and multiple large parks within the city. Here is the complete guide.
Bangalore is an unusually well-equipped city for family outings — a science museum founded by a Bharat Ratna, a national park on the city edge, a planetarium, a proper amusement park and multiple large parks with children’s play areas. This guide covers the best across all age groups.
The Activities
Named after Bharat Ratna Sir M Visvesvaraya, this museum is one of the best science museums in India for children — not just in terms of content but in delivery. The exhibits span robotics, space technology, mechanics, electricity and a dinosaur gallery, with hands-on activities that keep children engaged for hours. The engine hall (featuring a working full-size steam engine) and the fun science shows held throughout the day are particular highlights. It is located near Cubbon Park, making it easy to combine with a park visit. The museum is significantly underrated nationally.
Bannerghatta is the most exciting family destination in Bangalore — a biological park on the edge of the forest that combines a zoo, a lion-and-tiger safari by bus, a bear safari, and one of the finest butterfly parks in India. Children are consistently thrilled by the safari section, where lions and tigers can be seen at close range through the bus windows. The Butterfly Park is seasonal but spectacular when open. Plan 4–5 hours for a complete visit. Book tickets online to avoid queues.
The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bangalore is a compact but well-run facility with sky shows that run throughout the day in both Kannada and English. The main dome show takes visitors through the solar system, constellations and the life cycle of stars in a genuinely immersive format. Interactive exhibits on space exploration and a small telescope viewing area add to the experience. Best for children aged 8 and above who have some curiosity about astronomy. Shows run approximately every 90 minutes; arrive early to secure seats.
Wonderla is one of the best amusement parks in South India — a full-day destination with water rides, high-speed dry rides, wave pools and a resort on-site. The park is well-maintained, the rides are genuinely thrilling and the facilities are clean. Popular rides include the Recoil (reverse roller coaster), the Wave Pool and the High-Speed Slides. Best visited on weekdays to avoid the weekend queues. Carry sun protection; the water rides section is largely uncovered. Entry tickets are cheaper when booked online.
Cubbon Park is the most accessible family destination in Bangalore — 300 acres of shaded green space in the city centre with walking paths, a toy train for young children, open lawns for picnics and the Government Aquarium (Rs 10 entry) just inside the park. Cycling is allowed and rentals are available near the main entrance on weekends. The park’s central location means it is easy to combine with a visit to the Visvesvaraya Museum next door. Early mornings (6–9 am) are the most pleasant. There is no entry fee, ever.
The Government Aquarium inside Cubbon Park is a surprisingly worthwhile 30–45 minute experience for young children — a compact aquarium with 83 tanks housing over 100 freshwater and marine fish species. Entry costs Rs 10 for adults and Rs 5 for children, making it one of the most affordable activities in the city. Highlights include the large circular tanks with schooling fish, clownfish (Nemo), stingrays and catfish. Children typically love it; the scale is not overwhelming and everything is visible at eye level.
Curiouscity is a relatively new children’s science museum that has quickly become one of the most recommended family destinations in the city. The facility includes over 300 experiments in science labs, an animal park with turtles and guinea pigs, an illusions and escape room section, and a butterfly park. It is purpose-designed for children aged 3–14 and is genuinely interactive rather than just exhibitory. The animal encounters are a particular favourite with younger children. Plan 2–3 hours.
Lalbagh is the most beautiful family outing in Bangalore for children who enjoy open space, birds and nature. The 240-acre garden has a children’s corner with play equipment, a lake with ducks and waterfowl, the 3,000-million-year-old Lalbagh Rock (which children love to climb around), the Glass House and a small aquarium. The biannual flower shows (January and August) are spectacular family events with elaborate floral displays. Entry is free before 8 am — the best time to visit with young children.