Things to do With Kids in Delhi

Childhood memories are a funny thing. They work as a reminder of happy times, as well as insights into our sometimes strange grown-up ways. It’s also amazing how very different things may look when we revisit them years later—often times nothing like what we remember. Could they have changed, or did we? Maybe it’s all just about perspective, but without a doubt, things were always a bit more magical when we were young. Delhi has plenty of history and color to keep kids of all ages occupied, and not all of it needs to be hard work. The city makes room for natural wonder with the Deer Park at Hauz Khas, curiosity at Nehru Planetarium, activity with Old Fort Boating and observation on the Delhi Metro. When all else fails to enthrall, Delhi’s little guests can get fantastical at the appropriately named Kingdom of Dreams.

Deer Park

Real-life Bambi’s roaming free on unending stretches of grass among rose gardens and old monuments—it’s enough to make any of us yearn to run free. This Hauz Khas attraction doesn’t discriminate—there is a duck park and a rabbit enclosure too, if farm animals are more your kid’s kind of thing.

Nehru Planetarium

The stars above us are also a best seller for children. India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, was an advocate for building strong minds for the future. His old house is now converted to a center dedicated to outer space, with changing exhibitions on whichever celestial wonder is trending in the galaxy.

Kingdom of Dreams

It’s difficult to feel anything less than awe when you walk past the decked up elephants and men on stilts, into the larger-than-life palace structures that Arabian dreams are surely made up of. You can catch impromptu dance breakouts or the more planned musical performances, right before a culinary feast at the food stalls of Culture Gully.

Ride the Metro

How can something so simple be so much fun? Well, it is the easiest way to see the entire city, without worrying about little feet getting tired or staying put where they are. Grab a seat on the first stop of the Metro, sit back, relax and enjoy your air-conditioned tour of Delhi.

Ice Cream at India Gate

No matter how old or young you are, we all scream for ice cream. Especially at India Gate. The men on cycles with attached ice cream carts are as much a part of India Gate as the gorgeous monument itself. The neon lighting after sunset is distinct, memorable, and somehow magical—totally worth the sugar rush to follow.