15 Best Places to Visit in Bangalore With Kids

Bengaluru has a lot more for children than malls. Here are 15 places we love for a family day out, from big green parks in the city centre to hands-on museums and easy day trips. Fees and timings change, so open each place for the latest details before you go.

Quick picks

Free and outdoors: Cubbon Park, Sankey Tank, Turahalli Forest, the Big Banyan Tree
Curious minds: Visvesvaraya Museum, the Planetarium, Indian Music Experience, MAP
Animals: Bannerghatta Biological Park
A big day out: Wonderla, Nandi Hills

Parks and gardens

1. Cubbon Park

Big lawns and shady trees right in the city centre. Bring a mat and snacks and let the kids run. It is free and open every day, and good for all ages.

2. Lalbagh Botanical Garden

The famous Glass House, a lake and rare old trees in South Bangalore. Entry is ₹30 for adults and free for children under 12. It is open 9 am to 6 pm, with free walking hours from 6 to 9 am and 6 to 7 pm.

3. Sankey Tank

A calm lakeside walk in Malleshwaram, free for everyone. The walking path is open in the mornings and evenings, so check the hours before you go.

Animals and nature

4. Bannerghatta Biological Park

A zoo, a safari and a butterfly park on Bannerghatta Road. The zoo costs ₹120 for adults and ₹60 for children. The zoo with the bus safari starts from ₹370 for adults and ₹210 for children on weekdays, and ₹420 and ₹260 at weekends. The zoo is open 9:30 am to 5 pm, the safari runs 10 am to 4:30 pm, and the park is closed on Tuesdays.

5. Turahalli Forest

Easy trails and rocks to climb off Kanakapura Road. It is free and best for kids aged 5 and up. Go early in the morning when it is cooler.

Museums and science

6. Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum

Hands-on science for curious kids in the city centre. Entry is ₹100 for everyone above 5 years. It is open 9:30 am to 6 pm, and with online tickets you need to enter by 5 pm.

7. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium

Star shows under a giant dome. Shows run at set times between 10 am and 5:30 pm. It is closed on Mondays, second Tuesdays and public holidays, and children under 3 are not allowed in the Sky Theatre.

8. Indian Music Experience (IME)

A music museum in JP Nagar where kids can try instruments and play with sound. Children aged 5 and under go free. It is closed on Mondays.

9. HAL Heritage Centre and Aerospace Museum

Real planes and helicopters up close on Old Airport Road. A favourite with little aviation fans. There is a small entry fee, so check timings before you go.

10. Museum of Art and Photography (MAP)

Art, photography and family workshops in the city centre. Children under 6 go free, and entry is free for everyone on Tuesdays. It is closed on Mondays.

Play and big days out

11. Bal Bhavan

A toy train, boating and play areas, best for children aged 2 to 10. Rides have small separate fees.

12. Wonderla Bengaluru

Rides and a water park for a full day out on Mysore Road. Some rides have height limits, so check before you promise the big ones.

13. Lumbini Gardens

Boating on Nagawara Lake in Hebbal. There is an entry fee, with boating extra.

Easy day trips

14. Big Banyan Tree (Dodda Alada Mara)

A whole forest from one tree, off Mysore Road. It is free and makes a nice stop on the way to somewhere else.

15. Nandi Hills

Sunrise above the clouds, about 60 km north of the city. It is usually open 6 am to 6 pm, with small entry and parking fees. Leave very early for the sunrise.