Last Updated: August 23, 2019 Nidhi Singh
What I have realized about kids is that they like to go out and it can be any place away from their school as well as the confines of their home. I also realized the fact that cities like Delhi are experiencing shortage of open spaces where children can go and play without having to be scolded for bumping in to people or breaking the glass of neighbours’ cars and windows. Unfortunately, we can’t do much about the dwindling number of open places but what we can gift our kids is a short vacation over a weekend to places that still have ample of land to play on along with new things to learn. Lucky as we are, there are number of places that can prove to be ideal for kids friendly weekend getaways from Delhi.
Manesar
Sometimes even a holiday spent in a resort can bring tonnes of happiness. At Manesar, which is a few kilometers away from Delhi funfilled holidays are guaranteed. Once a vacant sprawling land, Manesar has become a new weekend destination from Delhi. A large number of resorts have mushroomed on its land and each of them provide a perfect family holiday. The kids can enjoy outdoor activities and sports along with camping at several of the resorts here.
Distance: Less than 4 hours
Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
Bharatpur is probably one of the best places to take your kids to over a weekend. The Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary which is now a national park is home to more than 350 bird species. It is an ideal destination for bird watching and teaching your kids about variety of bird species. Besides that, you can also visit the Lohagarh Fort, an architectural marvel built in the 18th century by King Suraj Mal.
Distance: Less than 4 hours
Udaipur
Udaipur is short distance away from Delhi and is definitely a place where your kids can enjoy their weekend. where the traveller can enjoy the colours and culture of Rajasthan. Apart from taking your kids for sightseeing, allow them to enjoy watching the colourful brigade of puppets narrate historical stories at the puppet show and the spectacular musical fountain at the Sound and Light Show in the evening at City Palace. Another cool place to take your kids is to the Car Museum where vintage cars are displayed.
Distance: Less than 2 hours by flight and about 12 hours by train.
Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary
Another weekend option for kids who have started liking bird watching is Sultanpur Bird Sanctuary. The place is haven for bird watchers as gangs of migratory birds flock here. One can watch hundreds flights of number of colorful birds from the watch tower and soak in the beautiful surroundings. There is a special Education and Interpretation Center and a Library and Children’s park as well to keep the kids busy.
Distance: 45 km from Delhi
Pratapgarh Farms
Pratapgarh Farms is an ethnic village resort that provides visitors with warm hospitality, village-like ambience and tons of activities for adults and children alike. A perfect place for a family picnic where each and every member has something or the other to do, Pratapgarh Farms are situated in the Talao Village in Jhajjar District of Haryana. Kids can enjoy activities like Burma Bridge, Mud bath, Tube-well bath, Horse-ride, Camel-ride, Cart-rides, Tractor-ride, Archery, Shooting, Pottery, Rural-games, Cricket, Soccer, Volleyball, Table-tennis, Croquet, Carom, Badminton and much more.
Distance: 80kms from Delhi
Jaipur
Now Jaipur has so much for everyone to enjoy. Therefore, this architecturally rich city can be considered an ideal place for taking your kids over a weekend. Apart from its towering palaces and forts, Jaipur offers kids an option to have an aerial view of its silhouette. Yes, hot air ballooning is available in Jaipur and is in fact the most important attraction at the moment. Apart from it kids would love to go to Galta Ji Temple, where the playful monkeys can keep them engaged for some time.
Distance: 281kms
Shimla
A weekend trip to Shimla can be quite fun for both kids and you. While you can enjoy relaxing amidst the beautiful surroundings and good weather, you children can enjoy a variety of rides in the amusement park like Hip Hip Hurray. The park can be a pure joy to you who can be here for hours without having to crib and complaint. Apart from it the Yak ride has been a favourite of kids at Kufri for many years and still is a hit. If you are planning to visit Shimla in winter then your kids will also be able to enjoy ice skating.
Distance: 342kms from Delhi
Manali
Like Shimla, Manali has its own attractions for adults as well as kids. The nearby situated Solang Valley has many adventure activities for children to enjoy. Assisted paragliding, zorbing and a few more activities keep the kids here happy and full of enthusiasm. While you enjoy the magnificent views of the rolling green mountains and respite from the bustle of city life, give kids the opportunity to roll over the meadows and also holding and caressing fluffy white rabbits.
Distance: 538kms from Delhi
Nainital
Nainital is probably the most popular name when it comes to holidaying in the hills. This beautiful hill station is known for its serene lake and nature’s beauty. It is one of those destinations that is ideal for a family outing. When it comes to attracting kids, Nainital offers a few places and activities that are quite engaging. Kids can enjoy the cable ride to the mountain top called snow view, where there are plenty of rides and activities for them to enjoy. Apart from it, skating is a popular activity in Nainital, the skating rink situated close to lake is a major attraction. The kids can enjoy skating here whereas, parents can take delight in the views outside. Cave Garden is another attraction for kids in Nainital. There are a series of natural caves that have been made kids-friendly, so that children can enjoy their share of thrill of crawling and out of them. It is one of its kind exprience.
Distance: 298kms from Delhi
Rishikesh
Situated by the River Ganges, Rishikesh although is considered to be the place adventure activities like rafting, bungee jumping, ziplining etc but this destination in Uttrakhand has also become popular with kids as well. Parents with their kids can enjoy white water rafting between Shivpuri and Laxman Jhula (9kms stretch), go camping and take a short trekking expedition. Rishikesh can encourage to push off their fears and guarantee them some real good time on the weekend.
Distance: 242kms
Ranthambore National Park
Situated in Sawai Madhopur, Rajasthan, Ranthambore National Park is an ideal place to take your kids for wildlife adventure. Home to a number of tigers, Ranthambore is one place that can give your kids an out of the box experience. Wildlife safaris are available in jeeps here and one has the good chance of spotting a variety of wild animals. Your kids will be thrilled as well as be able to learn more about the country’s rich flora and fauna.
Distance: 394kms from Delhi
Kanatal
In case you wish your kids to get a hang of adventure like camping and trekking, Kanatal in Uttarakhand would be a great option for weekend escape. The place surrounded with lush greenery has been developed in a huge camping site, where adventure activities like trekking, rock climbing, ziplining are offered to adults and kids alike. The camp owners here have a fair sense of as to what to offer to which age group. They ensure if there is a family camping, each family gets to enjoy his share of adventure. That is why Kanatal seems an ideal place to pick for a weekend holiday from Delhi.
Distance: 321kms
Corbett National Park
Like Ranthambore, Corbett National Park is yet another great wildlife reserve to take your kids to. Corbett in Uttarakhand is the oldest national park in India and is also one of the biggest reserves in the country as well. The park is home to a large number of tigers that are hard to spot but tracing their footprints and other marks is quite fun. A rich variety of flora and fauna can be found in Corbett but the major highlight for kids here is the option of staying amidst the forest. The forest department offers a forest lodge in the Dhikala Zone of the forest where one can enjoy a night stay. Here jungle safari along with jeep and canter safari can excite kids. Apart from it, the surrounding areas of Corbett are filled with many activities like fishing and angling, slithering, trekking etc.
Distance: 248kms from Delhi
A weekend with kids to a new place each time will not only give them the opportunity to learn something new but will also give you a chance to escape the hectic city life. So don’t put off a plan to a holiday over a weekend because once you are done with the trip you would not be able to answer yourself as to why you never planned it earlier. If you liked this blog please make sure you give us a LIKE and SHARE. Also, there could be various other places that are ideal as weekend getaways from Delhi and we would be happy if you can help us remind us of them. You can comment in the box below with your suggestions. And in case you want us to help you with planning your weekend tour, give us a call at +91-9212553106/07 or drop us an email at info@tourmyindia.com. We at Tour My India design great weekend travel packages and would be more than glad to make yours and your kids’ holiday a memorable one.
Published: 05 Sep, 2016
From the Lake District, Nainital, Nidhi Singh is a travel writer whose love for mountains can be seen in her write ups. Talk about solo travelling, indulging in adventure activities, binging on good food, planning budget trips or the Aurora Borealis and you will get all her attention. It is the wanderlust that keeps her going and if at all she could get one wish granted she would love to live a life less ordinary. Follow her on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram.