What to do in Kerala with Kids? Just because God’s Own Country, Kerala is well known for honeymoons doesn’t mean it’s unsuitable for those of us who travel with kids. On the contrary, palaces of kings, a variety of experiences delicious food, and plenty of play-time perks and rides in amusement parks make Kerala an ideal family destination and a holiday in Kerala can be a cherish-able memory for any family.
Many families feel a vacation isn’t complete unless their itinerary includes a beach, a zoo, or an amusement park. Well, Kerala is one of those rare places where you can cover all of the above by travelling a short distance. For starters, it boasts several conveniently-located amusement parks spread through out the state , quiet and idyllic beaches near all major cities and the zoos, meanwhile; has all the critters on children’s must-see list including tigers ,elephants and lions.
ALSO SEE – Top 10 Places to Visit in Kerala (with downloadable Map)
1. Amusement Parks
Wonderla is one of the best amusement parks in India ans is situated about 15 km away from Kochi city . Wonderla has special Kids’ rides are designed and built keeping in mind the safety requirement of kids and these fun-packed rides will surely catch the imagination of kids and keep them entertained. Moonwalker, kiddies wheel, pirate ship, balloon tower and castle jet are some of the popular items in this section. ‘Flying Ammu’ is an interesting ride in this section in which kids are seated atop elephants while being spun round in circles. The balloon tower takes kids bouncing up and down and swirling around in colourful balloons that go up to a height of 10 meters.
Keep it Moving: If you are not planning to visit Kochi, you can also try out Silver Storm amusement park in Thrissur, Dream World Water Park near Athirappilly waterfalls, Fantasy Amusement Park in Palakkad which has a planetarium as well , Happy Land Amusement Park Thiruvananthapuram which has the longest uphill water ride and the largest wave pool in Kerala and Vismaya Water Theme Park Kannur which is supposed to be one of the best environment friendly parks in the world.
2. Zoos & Animals
It is possible to take elephant rides at all the major toursut destinations in Kerala but Thiruvananthapuram Zoo in Thiruvananthapuram is worth it for vacations with kids just to see the expression of the children when they see the tigers who acted in the famous hollywood movie Life of Pi as well. The other must see animal places in Kerala include Snake Park in Parassinikkadavu in Kannur. Apart from snakes, other animals, reptiles and birds are part of the park. Lion-tailed macaque, an endangered species which is well known for snake demonstrations every hour.
ALSO SEE – Trivandrum Zoo-Tickets, Timings, Entry Fee and Photos (Updated)
Keep it Moving: The destinations are spread all over Kerala and you have to carefully choose the attractions so that travel does not become hectic with kids. Zoo in Thrissur is also famous and within the zoo premises in Thrissur lies the Zoological garden, botanical garden, art museum and a natural history museum. The wildlife in this zoo includes tiger, deer, monkey, hippopotamus, owls, crocodiles etc. An added attraction here is the snake park.
3. Backwaters of Kerala- What to do in Kerala with Kids
Backwaters of Kerala is an enjoyable and maybe the only part of the trip that you have to prepare in advance with active kids as it involves 24 hours in a boat moored in the middle of the water with nowhere else to go. You can come with books and toys and use the TV and DVD player but there is nothing to worry as it will be a different and exciting experience for the children who may also enjoy riding the boat and enjoying the food from banana leaf.
Keep it Moving:Cap off the waterfront experience by treating your boat-obsessed offspring to an on-the-water excursion in a shikara. A ride into the interiors of backwaters in the shikara is something that you should not miss. The shikara experience takes you through the narrow canals where you will discover life in small villages situated on the banks of the lake.
4. Beaches of Kerala
Kerala is famous for some of the best beaches in India and nothing is more enjoyable for a family like warm weather, hammocks strung between palm trees and cocktails with umbrellas in them and each beach in Kerala has its own flavor and charm and if you would like to do a vacation in Kerala with Kids, ensure that you are staying in a kids friendly beach hotel with play area, a trampoline and a wavepool for kids to swim.
5. Palaces of Kerala
Palaces in Kerala are neither as imposing as Buckingham Palace nor as charming as Hampton Court, but Kerala has palaces spread all over using which you can weave amazing stories for kids of maharajahs and queens and ancient kingdoms. Most of the palaces are open to the public and has various artefacts like swords, palace dresses, chariots, crowns and other interesting items of history that delve into palace history and the history of the kingdom which kids may enjoy.
Parting Thoughts on Travelling with kids
“They are too young to go to India.”
“Everyone gets sick in India; it will be too difficult with them.”
“India is too dirty.”
These are some of the common responses that you may get when you tell anyone and everyone about your travel plans to visit India with children, especially with toddlers. Before you travel, you need to discuss with a doctor the key health risks to a baby at the time you are visiting Kerala. Malaria is one to find out about, especially during monsoon time. Malaria is easily preventable and treatable these days and outbreaks are usually well known and well reported in the media and it is not much of a cause to worry in Kerala, as the state has state of the art medical facilities, may be among the best in the world.
If you are travelling with a toddler, then don’t worry, understand that little babies are the easiest to travel with – and you shouldn’t worry about the flights – international or domestic. Of course it depends on the individual, but most babies just sleep constantly for the first year. Ensure that you carry a sleeping bar for the baby and a baby carrier bag. However do try to avoid distances which are more than 70-100 km away on the same day.
Hope you enjoy your family vacations in Kerala and travelling with kids and toddlers to Kerala and don’t forget the baby wipes. They’re useful for washing hands, cleaning toilet seats, and wiping down restaurant tables 🙂
