The Best Kid-Friendly Places in Mumbai, India

Established in 1855, the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum is the oldest museum in Mumbai, and the third oldest in India. Housed within the 155-year old Jijamata Udyaan botanical gardens and zoo in Byculla, the museum houses historical artifacts, maps, photographs, manuscripts and rare books that document and showcase life in Bombay during the 19th and 20th centuries. Children may be particularly fascinated by the museums dioramas and clay models of the city’s earliest boats, textile mills, housing complexes etc, while also learning about Mumbai’s amazing history.

The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya is Mumbai’s primary museum, and an excellent spot to take children for a great day out. The building’s stunning architecture, along with the museum’s rich collection and various workshops (many of which cater specifically to children) will fascinate anyone, irrespective of age. The museum houses archaeological finds and artifacts from the Indus Valley civilization, the Mughal era, as well as other prominent kingdoms. The museum’s various galleries include sections dedicated to Nepal and Tibet, European paintings, and natural history among others.

Mumbai has numerous bookstores, most of which feature excellent children’s sections. The city also has a few bookstores catering specifically to younger readers. Spellbound Kids Bookstore in Juhu houses a great collection of educational and interactive books and materials, particularly worth checking out.