Viharamahadevi (Victoria) Park

Colombo is relatively new to kid-centered activities but there are plenty of great activities to enjoy as a family in the Sri Lankan capital. From visiting temples and museums, to taking time to hang out with locals and eat yummy food, read on to see how to keep the little ones entertained.
Galle Face Green is by excellence the place of walking and relaxing for the locals. It’s a big open space next to the water with a brick walkway over the shore, lined with street food stalls and bubble machine sellers. Kids can fly kites, blow bubbles, and run around with the local kids in the nice breeze. In the drier months, the grass tends to dry out and it’s more of a brown open area but that doesn’t take away from the experience.
The Colombo Fort is where the Dutch built a fortified structure to protect the city. This are can be discovered on your own or with Colombo Fort Walks, which take it slow when there are kids involved. Children will love visiting the Colombo Lighthouse and checking out the Pettah Market. Visit the Old Dutch Hospital for some souvenirs or if your kids love crab and seafood, have a meal at Ministry of Crab.
Colombo Dutch Hospital, Hospital Street, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 78 854 1400
In the area of Colombo called Slave Island, there is a great big lake called Biera Lake and only a block away is the Gangaramaya Temple complex that includes the large temple on Jinarathana Road and the Seema Malaka right on the lake. Kids will love exploring the main temple with its maze of rooms full of Buddha statues of all sizes and colors. There are also elephant statues of all sizes and plenty more to see.
Gangaramaya Temple, +94 112 435 169
The Colombo National Museum is across the road from the Victoria Park and is nice to have a walk around in. Lots of ancient and historical things to do but no hands on displays. This is a museum for the kids that like museums and history or looking (and not touching) old ancient things. Usually a visit to a museum like this is better with some previous information given to the kids about history and religious beliefs. That way they know somewhat what they are seeing.
Colombo National Museum, Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo, Sri Lanka, +94 112 435 169
Waters Edge park is a nice open area with a covered play castle and some swings. There are walking paths and some green areas to run around in. There is also a small aquarium and some local food eateries. This place is great if you are staying in the area but it’s not very close from the usual touristy areas and could take a while to get there. Waters Edge is more for the expat locals who need a bit of a change of air.