Things to do with kids in Mumbai

For kids to do with kids in Mumbai please check out the following informative post http://www.365mumbaikids.wordpress.com/.

365MumbaiKids was started with the objective of listing 365 things for kids to do in Mumbai. After having lived abroad for many years where there is loads of information available on what to do with kids, I realised that we too need something similar for Mumbai
The blog plans to act as a one stop shop for parents, expats, tourists, returning NRIs and anyone else who wants to find out what to do, where to go, what to show, where to eat with kids.  The blog is divided into the following sections:

1) Activity Classes & Workshops
2) Art, Craft, Dance & Music
3) Birthday Parties
4) Events
5) Historic
6) Parks, Camps & Nature
7) Science
8) Sports

Nehru Science Centre, Worli

Why am I recommending science for kids? The Nehru Science Centre or Nehru Planetarium has some pretty interesting exhibits for kids. The "Taramandal" or Show of the stars is a half an hour show held at 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm. Try buying tickets early as they sell out fast. Also, check out the Science Odyssey show held at 11:00 am, 1:00 pm, 2:30 pm and 4:30 pm and don't forget the hour long weekend Sky Observation program held every Saturday and Sunday at 6:00 pm. Entry tickets are well priced at around Rs 25 per head and show prices range between Rs 5 to Rs 50.

Dr. E.Moses Road, Worli, Mumbai 400018

Tel: +91-22-24920482, 24932667, 24934520

http://nehrusciencecentre.org/

Taraporewala Aquarium

Since I was a kid Taraporewala Aquarium has been the sole aquarium in the city of Mumbai, India. I read recently that there are much needed plans to modernise it with an underwater sea walk and glass vision. Although it definitely needs a major renovation it is worth a visit to get an idea of the sea world around the Arabian and Indian ocean. Without any work being done since the time it was built it has an old world charm. There are 100 species of marine and fresh water fish including seven types of coral fish from the Lakshadweep Islands. Attractions include sharks, turtles, rays, moray eels, sea turtles, small starfish and stingrays. Exhibits offer a glimpse of the variety of marine life in the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean. There is also a room with fossils and preserved fish in bottles, along with rare sea shells.

 

Near Charni Road Railway Station, netaji Subhash Chandra, Kalbadevi, Charni Road East 

Tel: +91 22 2282 1239

Byculla Zoo

Our very own Zoo which I visited a number of times on school trips. While it is not fair to compare it to the zoos abroad, with an entrance fee of Rs 2 and Rs 5 it offers a wide variety of animals such as tigers and elephants. My suggestion would be to pack some food and do a half day picnic with the kids. It is ideal to go there on a weekday although weekends are also not very crowded and relax on the grounds. Out of curiosity I decided to find out more about the zoo. It dates back to 1861 and is one of the oldest zoos in India. Now know as the Veermata Jijabai Bhonsle Udyan it also houses the Bhau Daji Lad Museum (formerly Victoria and Albert Museum) mainly of industrial and agricultural interest in its garden. On the grounds to the east of the museum is the giant statue of an elephant, taken from the Elephanta Caves on Gharapuri toBritain in 1864, and later returned to these gardens. The statue is worth showing to the kids.

Timings: 10:30 am – 5:00 pm, Closed on Wednesdays.
Entry Fee:  Rs 2 (children) Rs 5 (adults).

Chota Kashmir, Aarey Milk Colony

One of the few places in Mumbai where you can enjoy a boating experience. Chhota (Mini) Kashmir is tucked away within the vast expanse of the Aarey Milk Colong at Goregaon. A favourite spot for school picnics, it is like an oasis of peace and greenery in the middle of the city. The boat rides are priced at Rs 20 per person for 30 minutes.  There is ample space to run around and have a picnic. If you can you must also stop over at the Aarey Milk factory for a tour.

Location: Inside Aarey Milk Colong, Goregaon East

Jogger's Park, Bandra West

Joggers park opened in the 1990’s in Bandra West next to the sea side. It is one of the best maintained public parks in Mumbai and has become landmark in Bandra.  For kids, they have a park with swings, slides etc and also small water areas where you can see ducks. It is located right next to the sea and is a great place for kids to play and run around. If you get there early in the morning you may even get to see some movie and TV celebrities.

Off Carter Road, Near Otter's Club, Bandra (West), Mumbai 400050

Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivali

The Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) also known as the Borivali National Park is one of the lungs of the city with an area that covers nearly 103 sq.km. It is one of the largest parks in Asia and is one of the most visited parks in the world. It houses many rare, threatened and beautiful species such as the Atlas moth, Karvy a plant that flowers every eight years.

Rhesus Macaque and Bonnet Macaque are some of the wild mammals that can easily be spotted roaming inside the park. Other large mammals found in the park are: Black Naped or Indian Hare, Muntjac (Barking Deer), Porcupine, Asian Palm Civet, Chevrotain (Mouse Deer), Hanuman or Gray Langur, Indian Flying-fox, Sambar Deer and Leopard. One can also spot hyena or four-horned antelope. Reptiles living here include the crocodiles in the Tulsi Lake, pythons, cobras, monitor lizards, Russell's Vipers, Bamboo Pit Viper and Ceylonese Cat Snakes.

Besides the amazing number of animals that can be spotted, the park has a number of things for kids including:
1) Toy Train: The fun train ride of about 15 minutes takes you along the foothills of the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial on 190 m (620 ft) Pavilion Hill, traverses a couple of bridges and tunnels and passes over the Deer Park.

Toy Train at Borival National Park

2) Tiger Safari and Lion Safari: The main attractions of the park are a Lion Safari and a Tiger Safari. The Lion safari is a 20 minute ride through a 29.65 acres fenced forest area in one of the park's green buses.The Park is said to have a total of about 25 lions and lionesses.

Leopard in Borivali National Park

3) Walking trails: There are several public walking trails in the park. The popular Ashok Van trail winds up through thick forest to a dense cluster of Ashoka trees that are a welcome half way resting spot. One can return by Gaumukh trail to an open place of volcanic rock.
4) Kanheri Caves:The Kanheri Caves in the centre of the park were an important Buddhist learning centre and pilgrimage site sculpted by Buddhist monks around the 1st centuries BCE.  They were chiseled out of a massive basaltic rock outcropping. The caves are a must visit for anyone living in Mumbai.

Buddha Statue at Kanheri Caves

The park has a very detailed website which is maintained by volunteers. You can check it for information on ticket prices, timings and facilities at: http://www.mumbaikarsforsgnp.com/about_sgnp_information_for_tourists.htm

The Ciroc Sunday Brunch + miniFROG with fun activities for kids, Lower Parel (22 July, 29 July, 11:30 am - 5:00 pm)

The Sunday brunch at blueFROG is the only brunch in town with live music and dancing. It is the perfect place to spend time with your loved ones, over a variety of board games like Monopoly, Scrabble and Jenga. The blueFROG Sunday brunch - a game the whole family can play!

Premium Brunch Rs. 3,000 all inclusive Regular Brunch Rs. 2,300 all inclusive Brunch without alcohol Rs. 1,900 all inclusive Kids Brunch Rs. 1,000( 2- 10 years) all inclusive (miniFROG activities included)

Stretching languidly over 5 hours, the brunch is nothing short of decadent. With over 50 dishes to choose from you would need many Sundays to sample everything on offer. Various Artists Performing.

 

For more details visit their website at: http://www.bluefrog.co.in/events/ciroc-sunday-brunch-minifrog-fun-activities-kids-3

 

Make reservations by calling: 22 40332300, 22 61586158,  22 65251716,  22 65251718

 

Address: The Blue Frog Club, Mathuradas Mills Compound, Tulsi Pipe Road , Lower Parel, Mumbai, 400019

06.22 Mount Mary Church, Bandra

Mount Mary Church

Dating back to the 16th century, Mount Mary Church (The Basilica of Our Lady of the Mount) is a Roman Catholic church located in Bandstand, Bandra. It is one of the oldest and revered churches in Mumbai. If you have lived in Mumbai and not visited the church it is a must do. The architecture of the church and the serene surroundings stay with you long after you have left. The Mount Mary fest as it is popularly known takes place in the month of September in Bandra Reclamation. The fest is very popular with teenagers who want to hang out with their friends. They say that the Mother listens to your prayers and helps you tide over difficult times which makes the Church popular with its devotees.

06.22 Britannia Restaurant, Fort

Britannia Restaurant

Undoubtedly one of the best places still to go to for Parsi/Iranian cuisine. I used to be a frequent visitor to Britannia in the mid 90s when my work place was in Cuffe Parade but stopped going simply because it became very difficult to get a table during lunch hours. A recent revisit confirmed that nothing much has changed - the famous Bery pulao is as good as ever and the Mutton Dhansak still leaves you asking for more. If you are lucky you can also try out the Patra ni machi (fish) as it gets over quite fast. And yes, the best way to beat the crowd is to go around noon or after 2:00 pm for lunch. They tell me that Britannia has been around for 90 years..may it continue for another 90...

11 Sprott Road, Opp. New Customs House, Ballard Estate, Tel: 22615264

06.20 The Gateway of India

The Gateway of India

No posting of places to visit in Mumbai is complete without including the Gateway of India. Located opposite the Taj Mahal hotel, the Gateway stands out for it's beauty and elegance. Yes, it is crowded with chaiwallas and hawkers but it is a great place to take the kids and visitors to.

About the blog

365 things to do in Mumbai

Dear Blog Readers, I wanted to start this blog to talk about 365 things to do in Mumbai. Mumbai is the city which I grew up in and love and yes, it has changed over the years but it's still our city. Although there are a number of magazines and websites that give information on what to do in Mumbai the idea of this blog is to give a simple view of the places, restaurants, events, parties, plays we can take our kids to. Listing down 365 things is not easy so please feel free to contribute by sending me your suggestions, views and ideas of places and events we can add to this site.