9-yr old Ankush has always spent his summer holidays with his grandparents in Bhopal. But this year, they have gone abroad to meet his uncles. So, while Ankush — very reluctantly — had to stay back in Kolkata for summers, his parents are looking for ways to make the holidays fun and exciting for him.
If you have kids at home, you probably understand the importance of engaging them in interesting activities. Especially during holidays, when they don’t have much to do, boredom can creep in and we all know, bored kids are not easy to deal with.
Whether it is summer or winter, here’s a great mix of indoor and outdoor recreational spots in Kolkata that will keep your kids happily occupied.
1. Nicco Park
Welcome to Kolkata’s very own Disneyland — Nicco Park. Among the biggest amusement parks in India, Nicco Park was set up in 1991 and since then, has been a favourite recreational destination for not only children but people of all ages.
Spread across 40 acres of land, the park incorporates 35 different rides that pack fun, thrill, and adventure. No wonder, it is one of the major tourist attractions in Kolkata and draws tourists and thrill seekers from all over the country. A gigantic food park and an exclusive rose garden complete the day’s experience.
Visit their official website to check out the entry fees, packages, and other details.
2. Aquatica Amusement Park
Aquatica Amusement Park, opened in 1999, is the largest water theme park in Eastern India. The amusement park is also among the earliest water parks in the country. Spanning over 75000sq ft, Aquatica Amusement Park features the best water rides one can think of. Some of the most thrilling rides include Tornado, Surf Racer, Wave Pool, Black Hole, and Niagara Falls. There is also a go-karting track for die-hard racing fans. The park has AC rooms and a food court to satisfy your taste buds.
Head over to their official website for info regarding park timings and entry fees. You can even book your online tickets from their website.
3. Science City
Managed by National Council of Science Museums (NCSM), Kolkata’s Science City is the largest science centre complex in the Indian subcontinent. The iconic institution, which is a major attraction for both national and international tourists, has recorded a footfall of 24.75 million since its inception in July 1997. Science City comprises a Maritime Centre, a Dynamotion Hall, an Evolution Park, Space Odyssey, and an Earth Exploration Hall. The environment-friendly science complex is a fun and educational venue for children and adults alike.
For timings and entry fees, visit their website.
4. Nehru Children’s Museum
Opened in 1972, the Nehru Children’s Museum is a wonderland for kids. Conceptualized by renowned statesman Shri Jugal Srimal, Nehru Children’s Museum houses a variety of interesting collections. The museum has four floors, divided into four different categories. The sections, comprising a Toys Gallery, a Dolls Gallery, the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata Gallery, teleports the little ones to a dream world. Besides the huge collection at a display, the museum also organizes informal courses and workshops for children on various subjects.
The Museum remains open all days except for Mondays and Tuesdays. For more details, visit https://www.nehrumuseum.org/nehruchildrensmuseum
5. The Birla Planetarium
The city’s prized possession, Birla Planetarium, is the oldest and the largest planetarium in Asia. The planetarium, locally known as Taramandal, was inaugurated by Jawaharlal Nehru, after which, it was made open to the public in 1963. One of Kolkata’s major crowd pullers, the Birla Planetarium is equipped with telescopes, cameras, solar filters, and a range of high-grade gadgets for space vision that keeps children engaged.
Check out timings and entry fee here.
6. Atom
Atom is a pioneer of indoor amusement in Kolkata. With fun and entertainment at its core, the city’s oldest indoor play area integrates an array of fun-filled activities that trigger adrenaline rush, and at the same time, brings out the best creative side in little super-champs. Atom is divided into five zones – Adventure Hall, Party Place, Toddler Zone, Creative Corner, and Naughty Castle. From seesaws to ball pool, wide trampolines to rock climbing, bridges, rollers, slides, role play sets, and building blocks — you name it, they got it.
Go to their official website for more information.
7. Whooppee
With an area over 8000 sq. ft, Whooppee boasts of being Kolkata’s biggest indoor amusement park. Whooppee comprises several entertainment zones. Kids can test their Formula 1 skills in the circuit racing track, fire softballs at sensor-enabled screens, try their luck in magnetic fishing, or play ball bin with others. While kids engage in activities like jungle gym, Buddha bridge, rock climbing, and trampoline, parents can meet up at Whooppee’s cafeteria serving lip-smacking food and beverages.
To know more about fees, timings, and other info, visit their official Facebook page.
8. Stone Paper Scissors
Housed opposite Salt Lake City Centre, the 3,200 sq ft Stone Paper Scissors is a one-stop destination for little ones. The professionally managed indoor amusement park caters a range of recreational activities suited for children aged between 1 to 16 years. There is baby bungee for toddlers, trampolines, ball pool, soft slides, and crawl tunnel. The not-so-little-ones adventurous kind can try spider-web climb, rope walks, and rock climbing. What’s more? After the gruelling workout, kids can refill their tummy with healthy bites like Nutella Sandwich, Lavash Sticks, Berryland Shake, or Spicy Paneer Wrap.
Check out their website and Facebook page for more info.
9. Kids Stop
Opened in 2017, Kids Stop is the newest adventure play arcadia in Kolkata. Sprawling over an area of 2,000 sq ft, the theme-based indoor amusement park features a range of activities, such as swings, merry-go-round, tunnels, sandpits, slides, Lego wall, ball pool, and trampoline. However, Kids Stop’s main attraction is the jungle-themed play area with a treehouse in it. There’s also a cafe for young and old, serving vegetarian delicacies.
To get more info and details, visit their website and Facebook page.
10. Wonder Beans
The strategically located Wonder Beans, minutes away from Bhagirathi Neotia Hospital, is a fun-filled, creative environment for tender minds. The indoor play arena houses a host of gaming activities, including motion-sensing floor games, spinning cups rides, Think Playhouse, and trampoline. While the interactive touch-screen console is a huge attraction, there are board games, books, and comics as well for teens and tots. As kids let their imagination run wild, you can try out waffles, hummus, or pasta at Wonder Beans Cafe.
Visit their Facebook page for more information.
So there you have it — ten recreational hot-spots right in the city where you can take your kids to have fun and discover lots more to do!
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