There are plenty of places to visit in Bangalore with kids. Whether they are historic sites, hiking trails, parks, waterfalls, or even ethnic villages, this city seems to have it all in its vicinity. Known as the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore is a tourist destination you can’t miss. In fact, there is a place for everyone in this vibrant city with its cosmopolitan culture, lovely weather, and attractive and rich heritage and history. So, whether you are traveling alone, with a group of tourists, or with your kids, we have compiled a list of the best places to visit in Bangalore so you take back great memories.
Museums In Bangalore
Where do you go to learn about the history of a place? If you said museums, you got it right! Bangalore is a city with a rich past, one that your kids would love to know about. Even if they aren’t, taking them to these museums can incite interest in them.
1. Government Museum
Established in 1865 by the erstwhile Mysore State, the Karnataka Government Museum is the second oldest museum in south India. The museum has a large collection of coins, artifacts, arms and weapons, jewelry and paintings from the past. It is also where the oldest inscription in Kannada, the Halmidi inscription, is kept. Children will especially love the collection of coins used by the ancient civilizations that thrived in Mohenjodaro, Vijayanagar, and Halebid. Where: Gandhi Nagar, Bangalore Attractions: Ancient coins and artifacts Days open: Tuesday to Sunday Hours: 10am to 5pm Entry fee: Rs.10 per adult and Rs.5 per child Amenities: Parking, restrooms, and canteen Things to consider: A little guidance can make the visit interesting and also help your kids understand the value of the artifacts and treasures displayed in the museum.
2. HAL Aerospace Museum
Airplanes are among the many things that appeal to kids. Young boys and girls will enjoy a visit to the HAL Aerospace Museum. It is the second biggest HAL museum in India and has several life-size models of planes, copters and more designed and manufactured by the company. There is also an aero modeling club, and a library that gives you detailed info about the history of aeronautics in India. Where: Marathahalli, Bangalore Attractions: Flight simulator is a must try Days open: All days, except public holidays Hours: 9am to 5pm Entry fee: Rs. 30 per person Amenities: Parking, restroom, souvenir shop Things to consider: You will need at least two hours for a proper tour of the museum
3. Karnataka Chitrakala Parishath
The Chitrakala Parishath is not just for the art lovers. If your kids have even the slightest interest in drawing and the arts, take them to this place for inspiration. The gallery has museums dedicated to Nicholas Roeric, a renowned artist from Russia, Indian art connoisseur H.K.Kejriwal, folk art and international art galleries and galleries devoted to Indian artists like Srikanta Shastry Kukke, and Dr. Krishna Reddy. The parishath also has a section dedicated to traditional Mysore paintings. Locals also get to partake in the hobby classes that the gallery conducts from time to time. Where: Kumara Krupa Rd, Bangalore Attractions: Art museums and annual exhibition, if you are in town around that time. Days open: Monday to Saturday Hours: 10:30am to 7:30pm Entry fee: Rs. 50 per person Amenities: Parking Things to consider: The place is truly an art lover’s paradise. If you want to expose your kids to the world or art, this is the place.
4. Folk Museum or Janapada Loka
The Janapada Loka or the Karnataka Folk Museum is dedicated to village folk arts in the state. The place has a museum of artifacts used by the tribes in Karnataka, an auditorium with costumes and masks and also live shows with young boys performing folk dances and fights for the visitors. The place also has a souvenir shop where you can buy wooden crafts and toys made in Chennapattana. Where: 53km from Bangalore, on the Bangalore-Mysore highway Attractions: Masks, puppets, model huts and live performances Days open: All days, except Tuesdays Hours: 9am to 5:30pm Entry fee: Rs. 10 Amenities: Parking, restrooms, restaurants Things to consider: Getting there can be a hassle unless you have your own vehicle or taxi.
5. Legends Motorcycle Museum
Boys will love it. Girls will be fascinated by it. You can simply be awed! The Legends Motorcycle Museum is a small vintage motorcycles museum and cafe, where you can admire bikes going back to post World War-II era. The museum has some of the oldest and heaviest bikes such as the 1924 BSA 250 cc, a 1942 Norton 500cc and a Cezeta 1962. This place has several bikes and scooters collected by Prabhu, a motorcycle fanatic, over a period of 20 years. The museum is a great place to unwind with a cup of coffee and a sandwich. Where: Pulikeshi Nagar Attractions: Vintage motorcycles, dating back to the WWII era. Days open: All days Hours: 6am to 11pm Amenities: Parking, restroom, cafe Things to consider: Visit this when you want to take a break from sightseeing, you can enjoy good food, music and also look at the vintage bikes.
6. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium or Taralaya
The Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium is managed by the Bangalore Association for Science Education society. The planetarium has a Science Park, a Sky Theater, and also an exhibition hall where children can see models and photos of the solar system, planets, and other astronomical phenomena. The planetarium hosts several events for children during holidays and weekends. Where: Sri T. Chowdaiah Road, Bangalore Attractions: The Sky Theater Days open: All days except Mondays and second Tuesdays of the month Hours: 12:15pm to 4:30pm Entry fee: Rs. 35 per adult, children aged under three years are not allowed into the Sky Theater Amenities: Parking, restrooms Things to consider: If you are in town during an astronomical event, the Taralaya is the best place to experience it from.
7. Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum
A unit of the National Council of Science Museums, the Visvesvaraya Industrial and Technological Museum is a place of interest in Banaglore for those who are keen in science. The museum was established in honor of Sir M Visvesvaraya, a prominent engineer who designed the Krishna Raja Sagar dam and also the flood prevention system in Hyderabad. The museum also houses artifacts like the mechanical calculator, Edison’s Phonograph, steam wagon and a reaction turbine. Where: Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bangalore Attractions: Engine Hall, 3D Theater, models of spacecraft and satellites, Dinosaur Enclave Days open: All days except Ganesh Chathurthi and Deepavali Hours: 10:30am to 5:30pm Entry fee: Rs. 40 per person, admission free for kids under five years Amenities: Parking, restrooms, food and water, guided tours Things to consider: Your kids may not be keen on seeing all the exhibits, so talk to the guide and see if you can spend more time at exhibits (engine room, dinosaur exhibits, fun science rooms, etc.) that appeal to the kids.
Historical Places In Bangalore
What’s a fun way (other than visiting museums!) to know the history of a place? By visiting places of historical significance! And Bangalore has plenty of them! We have shortlisted a few places to see in bangalore with your kids.
8. Bangalore Palace
Designed by Kempe Gowda I and built by Rev. J. Garrett, the Bangalore Palace is a must-see historical monument in the city. The palace with Tudor style architecture has 35 rooms and is now owned by the Mysore Royal Family. There is a guided audio tour, which is perhaps the best option to know the history of the place. A great place for photographers. Where: Vasanth Nagar Attractions: The Royal Coat of Arms, the Jockey-weighing chair Days open: All days Hours: 10am to 5pm Entry fee: Rs. 230 per person for Indian nationals, Rs. 460 per person for foreigners Amenities: Parking Things to consider: The entry fee is relatively high when compared to other historical places in the city. So go only if you think the kids will enjoy.
9. Tipu Sultan’s Summer Palace
One of the many royal residences and must see places in Bangalore, the Tipu Sultan Summer Palace and Fort portrays the beautiful fusion of Indo-Islamic architecture. The architectural marvel is small, but is a great structure for photography enthusiasts. Kids may not find history interesting, but you may tell it to them by weaving an interesting story on Tipu. Where: Chamrajpet, Bengaluru Attractions: Portraits and paintings of people from that time, a replica of Tipu’s tiger Days open: All days Hours: 8:30am to 5:30am Entry fee: Rs.15 per person for Indians, Rs.200 per person for foreign nationals Amenities: Parking Things to consider: Unless you are a photography enthusiast, spend no more than 30 minutes here, or the kids are likely to get bored.
10. Vidhana Soudha
The Vidhana Soudha is the Karnataka State legislature’s seat (assembly), situated in the heart of the city. The massive structure is said to be built in the neo-Dravidian or Mysore style and was completed in 1956. The building spreads over an area of 11 acres and is built with granite rock and porphyry. An interesting fact about the building is that it was designed and built to give the city an architectural style of its own. Where: Sampangi Rama Nagara, Bengaluru Attractions: Architecture, the building is illuminated on holidays and Sundays Days open: All days, visitors not allowed inside Hours: 9am to 5pm Things to consider: Entry is allowed only with special permission.
11. Bangalore Fort
Built by Kempe Gowda I, the Bangalore Fort was a mud fort back in 1537. Haider Ali, Tipu Sultan’s father and the ruler of Mysore state, rebuilt it with stone in 1761. The fort has a church, a cemetery and also a school, although the school has now been relocated. Sadly, most of the structure was dismantled and ruined by the British who siege it in 1791. What is left is the Delhi Gate and a couple of bastions. Where: New Tharagupet, Bengaluru Attractions: Delhi Gate, a 500-year-old Ganapati shrine Days open: Monday to Saturday Hours: 10am to 6pm Entry fee: Rs.5 for Indian nationals, Rs.100 per person for foreign nationals Amenities: Parking Things to consider: Like the summer palace of Tipu Sultan, the Bangalore Fort has little of interest to kids.
12. Ramakrishna Math
The Ramakrishna Math in Bangalore is one of the biggest and oldest places in India. The center was built in 1908 by a few modest followers of Swami Vivekananda, and is today more than just that. The math has a temple, a bookstore, a library and an open air auditorium. It is located in Basavangudi, near the Bull temple and attracts a lot of people seeking answers to spiritual questions. The math also has a branch in Ulsoor. Where: Basavangudi, Bangalore Attractions: The bookstore has a wealth of information about Swami Vivekananda Days open: All days Hours: 9am to 6:30pm Amenities: Parking, restrooms Things to consider: The math is not really a tourist place, but a place where you can take your kids to introduce them to the concept of spirituality.
13. Mysore Palace
Mysore palace is one of the places to visit near Bangalore. The biggest attractions in Karnataka is the Mysore Palace or the Amba Vilas Palace, owned by the Mysore Royal Family. You must set aside one day for Mysore. The palace was built in the early 1900s and opened in 1912. The sprawling mansion has spacious halls, rooms, and corridors – all decked in beautiful artwork from the floors to the ceilings. Where: Mysore (140km from Bangalore) Attractions: Palace architecture, Golden Throne, Doll’s Pavilion Days open: All days Hours: 10am to 5:30pm Entry fee: Rs. 40 per adult and Rs. 25 per child, Rs. 200 for foreign nationals Amenities: Parking Things to consider: The best time to visit the palace is during Dussehra, when it is decked up for the festival. It is also the busiest time of the year.
14. Begur Fort
Many say that Begur is where Bangalore was born. The small municipality near Bangalore has a fort, which spreads about 1.4km2. The fort is located near a small temple and is a place purely for history buffs. The fort is located on the Bangalore-Hosur highway and is one of the locations in the Intach (Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage) Heritage walks. Where: Bangalore-Hosur highway Attractions: Naganatheshvara temple Days open: All days Hours: Round the clock Amenities: Parking Things to consider: There is not much of the fort left to see. So if you are passing that route, take time to stop and visit.
Lakes In Bangalore
Bangalore lakes are mostly human-made, but they make up for the lack of rivers near the city. Most of these lakes have a park or a play area for kids on the banks, making them perfect for a fun-filled family evening.
15. Sankey Tank
Sankey Tank is a reservoir/tank built by Colonel Richard Sankey 1882, to fight any possible shortages caused by events like the great famine of 1876-78. The tank spreads over an area of 37.1 acres and has a maximum depth of 30.4 feet. The lake mainly gets its water from rainfall and has a small concrete duck nest in the center. A park was developed around it in the year 2000. Where: Malleshwaram, Sadashiva Nagar, and Vyalikaval suburbs Attractions: Bird watching, boat rides, play area for kids, swimming pool Days open: All days Hours: 6am to 8pm Entry fee: Rs. 10 per adult, Rs. 5 per child Amenities: Parking Things to consider: Visit the park in the evenings, or late afternoons on a weekday to avoid crowds.
16. Ulsoor Lake
One of the most famous lakes in Bangalore, the Ulsoor lake is in one of the oldest neighborhoods in Bangalore. It is located near the busy MG Road, which is famous for its many bargain basement stores. The lake has a park adjoining it, with play area for kids, benches or seats for the seniors to relax and a walkway for the joggers. Where: Ulsoor or Halsuru, Bangalore Attractions: Boating, bird watching Days open: All days Hours: 6am to 8pm Entry fee: Nil Amenities: Parking on the road, street food vendors often sell near the park Things to consider: The lake is a great spot for photography.
Hill Stations & Waterfalls Near Bangalore
Love nature travel? There are many scenic hill stations and waterfalls around Bangalore. But we have listed only three of the many options, considering the distance and travel time from the city. Read to discover these places.
17. Shivanasamudra Falls, Mandya
Shivanasamudra is a small city located around 135km from Bangalore. The fall is 98 meters high and lies on the banks of River Kaveri, near the small town of Malavalli. The waterfalls are segmented forming smaller drops and causing the water to plummet over the cliff. Besides the falls, the area also has a few temples if you want to visit. The best time to visit these falls is between July and October. The falls are segmented into two – the Gaganachukki and the Bharachukki falls. Where: Mandya district, 135km from Bangalore Attractions: Waterfalls, temples Days open: All days Amenities: Parking Things to consider: There is a watch tower, which gives a breathtaking view of the falls.
18. Yelagiri Hills
A three-hour drive from Bangalore will take you to a picturesque hill station in Tamil Nadu, called the Yelagiri Hills. If you have a day or two to spare, a trip to this nature lover’s paradise can be refreshing. The hill station may not be as popular as Ooty, but it is just as spectacular, if not more. It is a great place for nature treks and hikes with the family. While you are there, visit the Jalagamparai Falls nearby. Where: In Tamil Nadu, around 160km from Bangalore Attractions: Waterfalls, trekking, bird watching and nature parks Days open: All days Amenities: Parking Things to consider: You will need to stay there at least two days to experience the beauty of nature here.
19. Nandi Hills
Nandi Hills is perhaps the nearest nature trail and hiking destination around Bangalore. An ancient hill fort, the place was under the control of Tipu Sultan many years ago, the proof of which you can see in the forts and palaces he built here. The place also has a few temples, including the famous Nandi temple. If you are not up for a trek with the kids, go to Nandi Hills for a picnic. Where: Chikkaballapur, 61.1km from Bangalore Attractions: Tipu’s Summer Palace, Tipu’s Drop, Nandi Temple Days open: All days Things to consider: Start early in the morning for a pleasant day hike. The hill is over 1,100 meters high, so a trek with younger kids may not be practical.
Malls In Bangalore
A mall is where you will most likely find most Bangaloreans over the weekend. The city has some of the simplest and plain-looking malls to the fanciest ones in the country.
20. Royal Meenakshi Mall
One of the biggest malls in Bangalore, the Royal Meenakshi Mall is also one of the newest shopping destinations in the city. The mall has a number of retail outlets, a multiplex and gaming zones with pool tables, simulation flying, bowling alley, and kids play arena. There is so much to do and buy in the mall that you might not even notice how quickly the day passed. Where: Hulimavi, Bannerghatta Main Road Attractions: Sports Unlimited, Active Kids play zone and Dark House Days open: All days Hours: 10am to 11pm Amenities: Parking, restrooms, restaurants/food court Things to consider: Stop at this mall on your way back from the Bannerghatta National Park to save time.
21. Garuda Mall
One of the oldest malls in Bangalore, Garuda Mall is located in the heart of the city and is a destination for people looking to shop, eat or just have fun. The mall has six floors and 120 stores and a huge food court that serves local as well as global cuisines. The mall also has a bowling alley, a kids fun zone and a 7D theater. Where: Magrath Road, Bangalore Attractions: Amoeba bowling and kids zone, Scary House Days open: All days Hours: 9am to 10pm Amenities: Parking, restrooms, restaurants/food court Things to consider: The place is close to MG Road shopping streets, so you can visit it when you go shopping.
22. Mantri Square Mall
The Mantri Group has created some of the biggest malls in south India and the Mantri Square Mall in Malleshwaram, Bangalore, is one of them. The mall covers an area of 1.7 million square feet and has over 250 retail stores. That’s a lot even for shopaholics. Besides the stores, the mall also houses a cineplex and play areas for kids. Where: Malleshwaram, Bangalore Attractions: Giria’s Children’s Emporium, 9D Virtual Reality, Amoeba Bowling Alley Days open: All days Hours: 10am to 11:30pm Amenities: Parking, restrooms, restaurants/food court Things to consider: The mall is one of the biggest in the country and warrants a visit, even if only for a few hours.
23. Phoenix City Mall
Another mall that the people of Bangalore throng during weekends, the Phoenix City Mall is the biggest in the city. The mall is located a little away from the busy streets and covers an area of 1.4 million square feet. There are over 270 stores in the mall along with play and fun zones for kids, a huge food court and a multiplex for cinema fanatics. Where: Whitefield, Bangalore Attractions: Bowling alley, Dialogue In The Dark Days open: All days Hours: 10:30am to 11pm Amenities: Parking, restrooms, restaurants/food court Things to consider: Aptly named Phoenix Market City, the mall offers a number of shopping, dining and entertainment options.
24. The Forum Mall
The Prestige Group’s Forum has become a brand of its own when it comes to malls. The Forum in the prime Koramangala area is the flagship mall created by the Prestige Group and was the first full-fledged mall in the area. It is also a weekend hotspot for many in the city. The mall attracts college goers, families and techies alike. There are five floors with retail stores, cafes, restaurants and gaming zones for the kids. The mall also has a cineplex. Where: Koramangala, Bangalore Attractions: Timezone kids play area, Flights 4 Fantasy Days open: All days Hours: 10am to 11pm Amenities: Parking, restrooms, restaurants/food court Things to consider: If this mall is too far from where you are, you can visit the Forum Value Mall in Whitefield.
25. Inorbit Mall
Inorbit Mall in Bengaluru is also located in Whitefield and offers shopping, dining and entertainment to the visitors. The mall also hosts events and provides space for hire for private parties and activities. The mall has a cool breakout place for families, as well as exclusive kids play zone and a multiplex for cinema goers. Where: Whitefield, Bangalore Attractions: That Awesome Place, Time Zone Days open: All days Hours: 11am to 9:30pm Amenities: Parking, restrooms, restaurants/food court Things to consider: If you have an Inorbit Mall in your city, you can skip this.
