The Best Family-Friendly Activities in Kochi, India

Kerala is a perfect family destination as it offers plenty of sights, sounds, and activities that can be enjoyed by adults and children alike. From enjoying the vibrant nature that the state is bestowed with, to fun activities; choose from a range of things to do for a complete and entertaining family time. Kochi is a thriving city that offers limitless possibilities to keep little ones busy and learning while they enjoy.
Trip to Hill Palace Museum
Museum

Timings: Open daily except Mondays, from 9:30am to 12:30pm, and then 2 to 4:30pm
Time out in Subhash Bose Park
Park

Timings: 10am to 9pm
Wonderla for never ending fun

An amusement park is the best bet for an entire day of wholesome fun. Wonderla, formerly known as Veegaland, is the name that stands for entertainment and complete fun for the entire family. The oldest amusement park in Kerala, this theme park has the most thrilling rides and even a water park.
How to reach: Located in Pallikara, the best way to reach Wonderla is by hiring a taxi
Timings: Open daily from 11am to 6pm (weekdays) and 11am to 7pm (weekends and public holidays)
Entry fee: Rs 970 for adults and Rs 620 for children

The Super Jumper ride at Wonderla | wikicommons | © RanjithSiji/Wikimedia Commons
Chill at Cherai Beach
You can always turn to nature for fun and nothing beats an active day at the beach. Cherai Beach near Kochi is a beautiful destination to spend quality time with loved ones. With gentle waves, it ensures fun for the entire family. Take a dip or splash in the waves, or just laze back on the soft sands to create a memorable time.
How to reach: Cherai is located 25km from Kochi and can be reached by hiring a taxi or taking the local bus from Vypeen

Cherai is one of the most popular beaches and is the closest to Kochi | wikicommons | © Challiyan/Wikimedia Commons
For sparkling times at Sparky’s
One of the largest shopping malls in India – Lulu Mall in Kochi has a special attraction for children. Their topmost floor houses Sparky’s – an entire section filled with games and rides for children. A safe place to leave the little ones while the elders enjoy shopping, Sparky’s ensures hours of unending fun. But beware as it can get addictive for the little ones who don’t want to leave!

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
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An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
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An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
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A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
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Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
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A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
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From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.How to reach: Hire a taxi or take a local bus to Lulu Mall in Edappally. You can also travel conveniently in the Kochi metro and get down at the Edappally Station.
Visit Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary
Amid the buzzing Kochi metro lies a green spot with a variety of birdlife and butterflies that can instill the love for nature in any child. Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary (MBS) is the roosting and nesting place for a large variety of migratory and resident birds – a paradise for bird lovers. Carry mosquito/insect repellants as the place is filled with them. Take a pair of binoculars along for better bird sightings.
How to reach: Hire a taxi to the entrance gate of MBS or take a bus to High Court Junction bus stop and walk less than a kilometre to reach MBS
Timings: Open daily from 10am to 5pm
Best season: January to March
Heritage Walks in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry
Fort Kochi and Mattanchery are two small towns within Kochi that ooze historical charm and are dotted with monuments from the past, influenced by various communities who made Fort Kochi their home. Lessons on Kochi’s history is incomplete without a visit to Fort Kochi and Mattanchery. Take a walk (or hire a bicycle) and visit the following places/structures of historical importance here:
512 year old Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica – one of the eight Basilicas in India
515 year old St Francis Church – the oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was buried in 1524
Array of Chinese fishing nets along the Mahatma Gandhi beach promenade – an influence of trading with Chinese merchants
Dutch Cemetery – believed to be the oldest European cemetery in India
Walk/ride along Vasco da Gama square to the ruins of the Gunnery of Fort Emmanuel
Indo-Portuguese Museum – a museum with exhibits that show Portuguese influence in the area’s art and culture
Bastion Bungalow – a 17th century Indo-European bungalow
Jawahar Park and the interesting houses that ring the park – Koder House, Tower House, Old Harbour Hotel
Stroll along Princess Lane and Napier Street, flanked by building from the Imperial times
365 year old St George Orthodox church aka Koonan Kurishu – the oldest St George church in Kochi
Gujarathi Jain Temple built in 1960
Paradesi Synagogue – the oldest functioning synagogue in India
Mural art at Mattancherry Palace
Stroll and shop along Jew Town
How to reach: Hire an Ola all the way to Fort Kochi, or take a bus from Vytilla Mobility Hub, or take a ferry from Ernakulam Boat Jetty.

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