Winter has arrived in Kolkata, and with schools closing for the holidays, parents are often on the hunt for ways to keep their children engaged and entertained. Fortunately, the ‘City of Joy’ is packed with destinations that blend fun with informal learning.
From historical monuments to interactive science hubs, here is your guide to the best kid-friendly spots in Kolkata this season.
It is a unique space that houses a vast collection of dolls from across the globe. Inaugurated in 1972, this museum was the vision of the late Jugal Srimal, who wanted to provide children with a space for informal education. Spread across four floors, the museum is famous for its Dolls Gallery, featuring traditional dress and figures from 88 different countries.
Beyond the toys, the museum offers a cultural deep dive through the Ramayana and Mahabharata Galleries, which depict scenes from the Indian epics. It remains a timeless favourite for children.
For the curious minds, BITM, opened in 1959, is a treasure trove of discovery. It features 12 specialised galleries covering a vast range of topics. Children can explore “fascinating physics” and “motive power” to learn about wind, water, and electrical energy. There are dedicated galleries for Biotechnology, Metals, Television, and Life Science that offer deep dives into how our world functions. It is an ideal spot for students to see their textbook lessons come to life.
Located near EM Bypass, Science City is perhaps the most popular destination for young adults and children alike. It is designed to be interactive, allowing visitors to experience the laws of physics and biology firsthand.The Space Odyssey, Dynamotion, and the Evolution Theme Park are a must-visit. Don’t miss the ‘Evolution of Life’ dark ride, a robotic journey that takes you back to the Mesozoic Era. Generally open 10 am to 7 pm daily. Be sure to check their official site for specific 3D Theatre and Time Machine showtimes.
If you want to give your children a lesson in heritage, the Victoria Memorial is a must. The sprawling gardens are open from 6 am to 6 pm. Inside the museum, you’ll find 25 galleries housing Queen Victoria’s personal belongings, historical paintings, and rare documents.
While the gardens stay open, the galleries are closed on Mondays and national holidays.
For a full day of outdoor activity, head to Action Area II in New Town.
Eco Park, one of the city’s largest open spaces, offers a toy train ride, boating, cycling, and the popular ‘Seven Wonders of the World’ replicas. It is open Tuesday to Sunday (11 am – 7:30 pm) and closed on Mondays.
Located right across from Eco Park is Mother’s Wax Museum, India’s first wax museum. It features life-size figures of icons like Shah Rukh Khan and Sachin Tendulkar. Entry fee is Rs 250 (Free for children under 3 years)
There are two great options — one is in South Alipore, and the other is in North 24 Parganas at Newtown. Alipore Zoological Gardens is
India’s oldest, and it is a winter staple for local families. It’s the best time to visit because you can see migratory birds alongside the residents like the Royal Bengal Tiger, giraffes, and zebras.
It features a newly renovated glass-walled tiger enclosure and a reptile house.
Entry fee is Rs 50 for adults, Rs 20 for children under 5 years.
Timing: 9 am to 5 pm (Closed on Thursdays, except during the peak winter period of late December/January).
Mini zoo: If you are looking for a less crowded place and wish to see animals in proximity, you can visit the zoo located near Eco Park Gate No 6. The zoo, which was originally a deer park, expanded into a mini zoo by accommodating giraffes, zebras, and hippos, apart from a beautiful collection of exotic birds, including colorful macaws and cockatoos. It houses the Hoolock Gibbon (India’s only ape) and a large number of spotted and barking deer.