Children are fidgety and so, when they don’t get enough acitivity, they’re going to get bored —especially when they have a long summer break, with nothing to do. To keep them occupied, Dev Goswami & Shirley Mistry bring you places in the city that they will enjoy
The traffic and chaos in our daily lives makes it difficult to be too enthused by the prospect of taking a city-wide tour over the weekend. As a result, your children have probably been confined to society compounds and parks that are in close proximity, to their homes. If you think that the city has nothing to offer them, you’re wrong! From places where they can soak in some culture to those where they can have unbridled fun, there’s a lot you can do in Mumbai for an activity filled, eventful summer vacation — one where you will enjoy yourself along with your children. Take a look:
Fun in the sun!
Summer is the perfect time to take your children to visit one of the many fun-filled spots across the city. Take a look at our list of places that you can head to, which promise hours of endless fun for your entire family.
Adlabs Imagica
If you want to give your child a taste of an international theme park, take them to Adlabs Imagica. Packed with several enthralling rides, this destination is perfect if your child enjoys amusement parks and rides. Also, this summer, the Grand Imagica Parade takes place every evening. It includes over 100 performers, accompanied by several popular Imagica characters. The parade will showcase magnificent fairytale floats and energetic street performers, including stilt walkers, magicians, jugglers and acrobats adding to the fun and excitement. So, time your visit accordingly!
Where Taluka, 30/31, Pali Road, Khalapur
Contact www.adlabsimagica.com
Water Kingdom
There’s no time like summer to splash around in the pool. If you want to take it a step further, take your child to Water Kingdom, where he/ she can explore a whole new world of water rides. They also have some great packages on their website (including a pick up and drop service) and it makes for a more affordable outing as compared to Adlabs Imagica.
Where Global Pagoda Road, Gorai Creek, Borivali (W)
Contact 65280305
Snow World
If you take keeping yourself cool during summer really seriously, head to Snow World. With a temperature that veers closer to -10°C, this destination will allow you to ice skate, snow board and make your own snow man. The entry fee is inclusive of all the warm clothing you will need and makes for a good alternative to a gaming arcade at a mall.
Where Phoenix Market City Mall, Between Atrium 2 & 6, L.B.S. Marg, Kamani Junction, Kurla (W)
Contact 61801591/ 92
Funkey Monkeys
If your children are younger and enjoy frolicking around in a ball pit or climbing a jungle-gym, take them to Funkey Monkeys, where they can do just that. They have special zones for toddlers and juniors, in an environment that is safe for children. The facility is also climate controlled, so it is a great place to take your children when it gets too hot for them to play in the sun. You can even enjoy a treat at their café. They also offer Wi-Fi and valet parking, so you can have a relaxed, hassle-free day as well!
Where Benefice Business House, 3rd Floor, Mathuradas Mill Compound, Tulsi Pipe Road, Lower Parel and Sharyans Audeus, 2nd Floor, Fun Republic Lane, Off Veera Desai Road, Andheri (W )
Contact 33789557/ 58/ 59/ 60/ 61 (Lower Parel) and 26735115/ 16/ 17/ 18 (Andheri)
Culture calling
You may not have realised this because of your fast-paced life, but Mumbai has several cultural hotspots that you can visit with your children, where they can learn while they play.
Fort
Located a few minutes away from Churchgate station, Fort has become too commercialised and has certainly lost its original charm. But, it is host to several heritage buildings. Horniman Circle, Flora Fountain, Chatrapati Shivaji Terminus and the Times of India building are some popular locations that make Fort a must-visit.
Sanjay Gandhi National Park
Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SNGP) in Borivali, has become a crowded picnic spot — especially during the weekend. However, instead of lounging around in gardens and parks, head inside and check out the Kanehri caves. The caves, which are maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India, house ancient carvings and cut-rock monuments. They are surprisingly clean and surrounded by lush greenery. If your children are the adventurous sort, climb the rocks to get treated to a breathtaking, aerial view of Mumbai.
Crawford market
Long before Mumbai saw supermarkets and gourmet stores setting up shop, Crawford market, officially called the Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Mandai, was the only place to get your hands on imported ingredients, including exotic fruits and vegetables. Now, it has become like any other crowded market and so, a trip inside might not yield much. However, showing your kids the British-era building in which the market is located and explaining its history is a good idea, especially since it is not too far from Fort or Kala Ghoda.
Kala Ghoda
If you think of art and Mumbai in the same breath, it’s difficult not to think of Kala Ghoda. While the Jehangir Art Gallery hosts new and upcoming artists and is a must-visit, it is the streets and footpaths that display Kala Ghoda’s art and culture. From paintings hung on barricades and artists offering on-the-spot portraits, to hawkers selling unique artefacts, the Kala Ghoda precinct makes for the perfect cultural experience.
Price of Wales Museum
The Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, in Kala Ghoda, is still known by its former moniker — Prince of Wales Museum. The art and history museum is one of the best museums not just in Mumbai, but across the country. While children usually yawn at the mention of museums, this is one place where they can actually look forward to having an exciting time. They usually host events and activities that promise to be a lot of fun, but even if you miss the events, a trip around the museum will be a great learning experience for your children.
Summer Workshops
If your children are getting cranky because they are running out of things to do, take a look at our picks for workshops that they will surely enjoy.
Crafts at The Hab by Usha
If your child is more inclined towards arts and crafts, a trip to The Hab by Usha will be money well spent. They hold several workshops where your children can learn to make products such as appliqué bags, crayon holders, hair bands, multi purpose folders and pouches. You can walk in throughout the day and the cost of the session will depend on the activity that you choose.
When Up to June 30, from 11am to 8pm
Where G 1, 444 Corporate Lounge, Opp Sahib Khatwara Darbar, Road No. 7, Linking Road, Khar (W)
Contact 61274444
MCubed Library Summer Workshops
If your children appreciate art and literature, want to know more about it and always have their noses stuck in a book, Mcubed library has extremely informative workshops that focus on art, science and creative writing. If you are looking for workshops that will teach your children skills as well as keep them occupied, this one definitely gets our vote.
When Up to May 30
Where Mcubed Library, Princess Building, D’monte Road, next to Bandra Gymkhana, Bandra (W )
Contact 26411497
Summer Bonanza at Studio Balance
The Cultural Creative Centre, in association with Studio Balance, has several interesting workshops to keep your children occupied this summer. Two upcoming ones include the clay modelling and Super Struts workshop, where your child can learn how to create and build something using puzzles and building blocks. Apart from staying entertained, they will also develop cognitive skills at these workshops.
When Up to May 31
Where StudioBalance, Krishna Kunj CHS, 29/30. K.M. Munshi Marg, Behind Wilson College, near Anokhi Handicrafts, Chowpatty
Contact 9322210624
A touch of theatre
When it comes to entertainment, nothing can beat the experience of watching a play. Our city is blessed with several destinations where you can look forward to plays, culture events and art shows. We tell you about the two best locations and what they have on offer for children this summer:
National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA)
Located at a picturesque spot, right at the tip of Nariman Point, NCPA is much more than just a theatre. From orchestra and performances to cultural events, the centre plays host to a variety of art events. A day spent here would be perfect, and they always have events organised specially for children. You can look up their schedule on www.ncpamumbai.com.
This weekend: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (workshop), Rang Rangila Gittu Girgit (Hindi play), Create your own Comics (workshop), English Medium (English and Hindi play), Krishna Kidding (English and Hindi play) and Aladdin's Magical Lamp (English play).
Prithvi Theatre
Just like NCPA, Prithvi Theatre too offers great views of the Arabian Sea. They have equally great offerings on their stage. The historical theatre usually hosts the best that the theatre industry has to offer and is currently also organising theatre workshops for children. Find out more on www.prithvitheatre.org.
This weekend: James Aur Ek Giant Peach (Hindi play) and Wolf (English and Hindi play)