places to visit in chennai with family near me

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Best Places To Visit In Chennai With Kids & Family

Let’s start with the history of Chennai! Chennai, formerly known as Madras, is the capital city of the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. This metropolis is often referred to as India’s cultural capital due to its deep-rooted traditions and long history. The city serves as the entryway to the remainder of South India. It has the world’s second-longest seashore, located on the Coromandel Coast of the Bay of Bengal. With a population of over six million, it is India’s sixth most populous city.

The British founded the city in the 17th century, and it grew to become a significant urban centre and naval port. By the twentieth century, it had become a major administrative city, serving as the Madras Presidency’s capital. From before Independence to the present, the people of Chennai have played a significant part in defining the country’s political future.

Chennai’s economy has a diverse industrial base that includes automobile, technology, hardware manufacturing, and healthcare businesses. The city is India’s second-largest exporter of software, information technology, and IT-enabled services (ITeS). A significant portion of India’s vehicle manufacturing business is located in and around the city. Chennai, sometimes known as the Detroit of South Asia, accounts for 60 per cent of the country’s automotive exports.

Picture this: it’s a balmy Sunday morning in Chennai. The aroma of filter coffee wafts from homes, mingling with the fragrance of blooming jasmine. Your excited kids are up early, backpacks ready, impatiently waiting to explore the city they call home. Here is a list of the top family-friendly attractions in Chennai if this situation sounds similar to yours.

We’ve compiled a list of 25 top-notch destinations that will engage, entertain, and educate your kids while giving them a whirlwind tour of Chennai’s charm. These handpicked destinations will transform an ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure, from uncovering ancient secrets at the historic Fort St. George to engaging in a snowball fight at the Chennai Snow Kingdom. So, here goes, our hand-picked list of the best places to visit in Chennai for children.

Places To Visit In Chennai For Kids

Here is a list of some things to do in Chennai

1. Guindy National Park

During the 1670s, a garden area was created within the Guindy forest.

Later in 1978, this area; which popularly has been known as Guindy DeerPark; was declared as a national park. This park has been playing a crucial role in the ecological environment of Madras.

Guindy National Park offers a range of services to help with Afforestation, soil conservation, land use planning, protecting plants and animals, restoring damaged ecosystems, managing Wetlands, and creating Urban tree planting Management Plans, among others.

Guindy Childrens’ Park

Located in the heart of Chennai, this park covers 22 acres of land and was officially opened on 14 August 1959 by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who was the Prime Minister of India at that time. It functions as a Nature Education Centre to raise awareness about biodiversity and involve people in conservation efforts. Additionally, the park’s diverse wildlife creates a serene atmosphere and clean surroundings for city residents to enjoy at sunrise.

There are a total of 50 animal species residing in the park, which includes 10 mammal species, 30 bird species, and 10 reptile species. These animals are carefully displayed in naturalistic settings so that visitors can observe their natural behaviors, habits, and habitats.

Home for a variety of species

Mammals: Jackal, Palm Civet, Porcupine, Barking Deer, Sambar Deer, Black Buck and Spotted Deer.

Birds: Grey Pelican, Painted Stork, White Ibis, Grey Heron, Spoonbill, Night Heron, Bengal Vulture, Pigeon, Great Horned Owl and Barn Owl.

Reptiles: Venomous snakes, crocodiles and tortoises.

Location: Raj Bhavan, Chennai Timings: 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays) Entry Fee: INR 20 for adults, INR 10 for children Things to Do: Explore diverse flora and fauna, enjoy picnics, guided nature walks. How to Reach: Easily accessible by taxi or auto-rickshaw from any part of Chennai. Nearest Metro Station: Kotturpuram.

2. Marina Beach

Chennai’s most popular tourist spot is the vast Marina Beach, but the strong undercurrent makes it challenging for anyone except the most experienced swimmers. Keep an eye out for the statue of “Kannagi” on the beach, depicting the tale of this iconic figure from a South Indian epic.

Marina beach in Chennai, located along the Bay of Bengal, is the longest beach in India and the second longest in the world. Stretching for almost 12 kilometers, this sandy shoreline runs from Beasant Nagar in the south to Fort St. George in the north.

Beach Activities

Marina beach is bustling with activity during the early morning and evening hours. Taking a stroll along the shore during sunrise or sunset is a delightful experience for everyone. As the sun sets, the beach transforms into a lively fairground with various stalls selling handmade crafts, unique souvenirs, traditional jewelry, and delicious food. Kids can be seen playing games and having fun.

Flying kites and enjoying pony rides are among the favorite pastimes at this beach.

Beach Attractions

The Marina beach offers a variety of attractions to visitors. Among them, the aquarium and the Ice House stand out as the main highlights. Additionally, there are several historical buildings situated along the beach drive, such as the Chepauk Palace, Senate House, PWD office, Presidency College, and Chennai University.

When strolling along the Marina beach, you’ll also come across notable statues that add to its charm. Among them The Victory of Labor and Mahatma Gandhi statues are particularly prominent.

Location: Along the Bay of Bengal, Chennai Timings: Open 24 hours, best visited during early morning or late evening. Entry Fee: Free Things to Do: Build sandcastles, kite flying, and enjoy street food. How to Reach: Well-connected by city buses and taxis. Nearest railway station: Chepauk.

3. Arignar Anna Zoological Park

The Arignar Anna Zoological Park, founded in 1855, holds the distinction of being the first zoo in the country. Spanning over 602 hectares of land, it stands as one of the largest zoos in Southeast Asia. Renowned for its modern and scientific management, it has earned the title of the “Best Zoo” in the country, achieving an impressive score of 82% in the initial Management Effectiveness Evaluation conducted by the Central Zoo Authority, MOEF & CC. The park is dedicated to the conservation breeding of rare and endangered animals, as well as providing veterinary care and promoting conservation education.

Location: Vandalur, Chennai Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; closed on Tuesdays Entry Fee: Around INR 30 for adults, INR 10 for children Things to Do: Safari tours, wildlife photography, educational programs How to Reach: Reachable by bus or taxi; the nearest railway station is Vandalur

4. Science City

Science City operates independently under the Government of Tamil Nadu’s Department of Higher Education. It is officially registered under the Tamil Nadu Societies Registration Act, 1975. The boundaries of Science City are defined by the Buckingham Canal to the East, 100 feet Road in Tharamani to the South, Velachery Road to the West, and the Adayar River to the North. This designated area houses over 69 educational and research institutions, making it a distinctive hub of learning and innovation.

Location: Kotturpuram, Chennai Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM; closed on national holidays Entry Fee: Approximately INR 50 per person Things to Do: Interactive exhibits, science shows, planetarium How to Reach: Accessible by metro (Kotturpuram station), buses, and taxis

Here are some places to visit in Chennai with Kids

1. Birla Planetarium

The Planetarium is like a mini universe inside a building. It can simulate different motions like day and night, seasons, and even the Earth’s wobbling. The special projectors inside create stunning visuals on the dome. With its interactive activities and multimedia projections, the Planetarium offers an exciting experience. It’s fully computerized and can accommodate 236 people at once.

Since its inauguration on May 11, 1988, the Planetarium has presented 35 programs on various topics like the Solar System, Stars’ Life Cycle, Extraterrestrial Life, and more.

There are several fascinating exhibits at the BM Birla Planetarium, such as the Solar System, Cycle of Stars, Sky and Seasons, Comets, and Man on the Moon.

Daily sky presentations are held at scheduled times in various languages. These presentations explore subjects like the sky, seasons, eclipses, Earth, moon, comets, shooting stars, and stellar cycles.

Location: Kotturpuram, Chennai Timings: Show timings vary, usually from 10:00 AM – 5:45 PM Entry Fee: Around INR 40 for adults, INR 25 for children Things to Do: Astronomy shows, science exhibitions How to Reach: Near Kotturpuram metro station, accessible by bus and taxiVandalur

2. Reserve Forest

Perfect for adventure-seeking kids, this reserve forest is a thrilling destination for spotting wildlife and experiencing the tranquillity of nature.

The State has a Recorded Forest Area (RFA) of 22,877 sq km, with 20,293 sq km being Reserved Forest, 1,782 sq km being Protected Forest, and 802 sq km being Unclassed Forests.

Location: Vandalur, South-western outskirts of Chennai Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; varies seasonally Entry Fee: Approximately INR 20-30 per person Things to Do: Wildlife spotting, guided tours, nature walks How to Reach: Best reached by car or taxi; also accessible by local buses

3. Dakshina Chitra

DakshinaChitra, which means “a picture of the south,” is a museum that showcases the rich heritage and culture of South India. Situated 25 kilometers south of Chennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, this living-history museum was established by the Madras Craft Foundation (MCF) and opened its doors to the public on 14 December 1996.

Your kids will enjoy interactive exhibits, workshops, and the chance to see traditional homes and artisans at work.

Location: Muttukadu, East Coast Road, near Chennai Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM; closed on Tuesdays Entry Fee: Around INR 100 for adults, INR 30 for children Things to Do: Explore traditional houses, participate in craft workshops, watch cultural performances How to Reach: Accessible by buses and taxis along the East Coast Road

4. Madras Crocodile Bank

The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology (MCBT) is a reptile zoo and research station for the study of reptiles and amphibians. It is situated about 40 km (25 mi) south of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. The center is not only a registered trust but also a recognized zoo, operating under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. It falls under the jurisdiction of the Central Zoo Authority, which is a part of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. The facility is spread across 8.5 acres (3.4 ha) of land covered by coastal sand forests, located along the Bay of Bengal coastline.

Location: Along the East Coast Road, towards Mahabalipuram Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM; closed on Mondays Entry Fee: Approximately INR 50 for adults, INR 30 for children Things to Do: Crocodile viewing, educational tours, night safaris (on specific days) How to Reach: Located on the East Coast Road, easily reachable by bus or taxi

5. Chennai Rail Museum

As the name suggests, this is a railway museum situated in Chennai, TamilNadu, India.

The museum was established on April 16, 2002, at the Furnishing Division of the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) close to Perambur. Spanning 6.25 acres (2.53 ha), the museum showcases technical and heritage displays, featuring a significant assortment of steam engines from the British Raj era. Additionally, it houses antique coaches like the Ooty trains that were once prevalent on Indian railways.

6. Semmozhi Poonga

Semmozhi Poonga, also known as Semmoli Poonga, is a beautiful botanical garden located in Chennai. It was established through a collaboration between the Horticulture and Agricultural Engineering department of the Government of Tamil Nadu. This enchanting garden was inaugurated on 24th November 2010 by the former Chief Minister, M. Karunanidhi, and holds the distinction of being the city’s very first botanical garden.

This botanical garden offers 20 acres of lush greenery, beautiful themed gardens, and serene ponds—a natural oasis in the heart of Chennai.

Location: Cathedral Road, Chennai Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:30 PM Entry Fee: Around INR 15 per person Things to Do: Botanical garden walks, photography, children’s play area How to Reach: Easily reachable by bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw

7. MGM Dizzee World

MGM Dizzee World in Chennai offers an exciting getaway to one of India’s biggest and oldest amusement parks. Since its establishment in 1993, this iconic park has been captivating over a million visitors annually across its sprawling 60-acre property. From heart-pounding rides like the famous Rolling Thunder and Rainbow Coaster to top-notch safety standards, there’s no shortage of thrills here. With attractions like the Amphitheatre and other unique offerings, a visit promises an unforgettable time. Whether you’re planning a family day out or a fun hangout with friends, our amusement park in Chennai guarantees a memorable experience for all. Come and immerse yourself in a day of adventure, creating memories that will last a lifetime!

Location: East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chennai Timings: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM; weekends till 7:30 PM Entry Fee: Varies, starting from around INR 699 per person Things to Do: Amusement rides, water park, live shows How to Reach: Located on the East Coast Road, accessible by bus or taxi

8. Chennai Snake Park

The Chennai Snake Park, or the Guindy Snake Park, is a non-profit organization founded in 1972 by herpetologist Romulus Whitaker. It is India’s first reptile park and is situated near the Children’s Park in the Guindy National Park. The park, which was previously the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust, houses various species of snakes including adders, pythons, vipers, cobras, and other reptiles. In 1995, it received official recognition as a medium zoo from the Central Zoo Authority.

Location: Near Guindy National Park, Chennai Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM; closed on Tuesdays Entry Fee: Approximately INR 20 for adults, INR 10 for children Things to Do: Snake and reptile viewing, educational tours How to Reach: Adjacent to Guindy National Park, easily reachable by local transport

9. Elliot’s Beach

Edward Elliot’s Beach, also referred to as Elliot’s Beach or Besant Nagar Beach, is a well-liked urban beach in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. Located in the Besant Nagar area, it is next to the southern tip of Marina Beach. The beach was dedicated to Edward Elliot, a former chief magistrate and police superintendent in colonial India. On the coastline, visitors can explore the Shrine of Our Lady of Good Health, also known as Annai Vailankanni Church, and the nearby Ashtalakshmi Temple.

Location: Besant Nagar, Chennai Timings: Open 24/7 Entry Fee: Free Things to Do: Beach walks, local eateries, water sports How to Reach: Accessible by bus or taxi, nearest metro station is Thiruvanmiyur

10. Click Art Museum

The Click Art Museum in Chennai is a must-visit tourist spot, boasting an impressive array of 3D wall art that captivates visitors of all ages. As India’s first ‘Trick Art’ museum, it offers a delightful experience for everyone. This unique museum is like a gallery, filled with a fantastic collection of Trick Arts waiting to be discovered by tourists.

Location: VGP Snow Kingdom, East Coast Road, Chennai Timings: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM Entry Fee: Around INR 200 per person Things to Do: Interactive 3D art exhibits, photography How to Reach: Located within VGP Snow Kingdom on East Coast Road, accessible by bus or taxiI

11. ISKCON Chennai

Visit for a peaceful spiritual experience and to educate your children about the Hare Krishna movement and Indian culture.

The ISKCON Temple in Chennai, also called the Sri Sri Radha Krishna Mandir, is a temple in Chennai, India that follows the Gaudiya Vaishnavism tradition. This temple is devoted to Lord Krishna and Radha. It was officially opened on April 26, 2012.

Location: Injambakkam, Chennai Timings: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM Entry Fee: Free, donations accepted Things to Do: Temple visit, spiritual sessions, vegetarian dining How to Reach: Situated on the East Coast Road, easily reachable by bus or taxi

Outing Places In Chennai With Family

Here are some outing places in Chennai with Family

1. Express Avenue Mall

This mall has a range of entertainment options including a cinema, gaming arcade, and kid’s play area.Looking for a place where you can shop, eat, and have fun all in one place? Here it is, one of the top entertainment places in Chennai.

Location: Royapettah, Chennai Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Entry Fee: Free entry to the mall Things to Do: Shopping, cinema, food court, kids play area How to Reach: Central location in Chennai, well-connected by bus, metro, and taxi

2. Ripon Building

The Ripon Building in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, serves as the main office and headquarters for the Greater Chennai Corporation. This magnificent structure showcases a blend of Ionic and Corinthian styles, representing neoclassical architecture. Standing proudly near the Chennai Central railway station, the Ripon Building is a striking all-white edifice.

Location: Near Chennai Central Railway Station Timings: Best viewed during daytime, no specific visiting hours Entry Fee: Free Things to Do: Architectural viewing, photography, nearby parks How to Reach: Very close to Chennai Central, easily accessible by train, bus, or taxi

3. Kapaleeshwarar Temple

Introduce your kids to spiritual heritage and stunning Dravidian architecture at this ancient temple.The Kapaleeshwarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva located in Mylapore, Chennai in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple was built around the 7th century CE and is an example of South Indian Architecture.

Location: Mylapore, Chennai Timings: 5:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM Entry Fee: Free Things to Do: Religious visit, admire Dravidian architecture, cultural exploration How to Reach: Accessible by bus, taxi, and auto-rickshaw; Mylapore is a well-known area

4. Cholamandal Artists’ Village

Cholamandal Artists’ Village, situated in Chennai, India, is a vibrant artists’ commune. Since its establishment in 1966, it has become the largest artists’ commune in the country. Nestled in the charming neighborhood of Injambakkam along the southern coast, this community has played a significant role in shaping the Madras Movement of Art (1950s–1980s). This movement introduced modernism to the art scene in South India. The artistic brilliance of the Cholamandal artists is widely acknowledged, and their exceptional work is regularly showcased in galleries throughout India. Not only have these talented artists exhibited their creations in Europe, the United States, and South America, but they have also left an indelible mark on the global art stage.

Location: Injambakkam, East Coast Road, Chennai Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM Entry Fee: Approximately INR 50 per person Things to Do: Art exhibitions, watch artists at work, purchase artworks How to Reach: Located on East Coast Road, reachable by bus or taxi

5. Fort St. George

Fort St. George, also known as White Town in the past, stands as a fortress in the coastal city of Chennai, India. Established in 1639, it marked the beginning of English (later British) presence in India. The fort’s construction spurred more settlements and trade, transforming the once barren land. It’s safe to argue that the city, previously called Madras, developed around this stronghold. Today, the fort is home to the Tamil Nadu legislative assembly and various government offices.

Location: Rajaji Salai, Near Chennai Harbour Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; closed on Fridays Entry Fee: Around INR 15 for Indians, INR 200 for foreigners Things to Do: Museum visit, historical exploration, photography How to Reach: Accessible by bus, taxi, or auto-rickshaw; close to Chennai

6. Harbour MGR Film City

This Film City, located in Taramani, Chennai, is a comprehensive film studio complex. Its establishment in 1994 aimed to draw in filmmakers and tourists. Initially, it was named JJ Film City after the former chief minister of Tamil Nadu, MG Ramachandran, by the AIADMK government. However, when the DMK came back into power in 1996, it was renamed MGR Film City in honor of the beloved actor and late Chief Minister, M. G. Ramachandran. Additionally, the complex is home to the MGR Film and Television Institute, a renowned film school.

Location: Taramani, Chennai Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Entry Fee: Approximately INR 100 per person Things to Do: Film sets tour, behind-the-scenes look at movie making How to Reach: Accessible via public transport; Taramani is a well-connected area

7. Valluvar Kottam

Valluvar Kottam, located in Chennai, is a monument honoring the renowned Tamil poet philosopher Valluvar. This cultural center stands as the largest of its kind in the city.

The structure includes a beautiful arch, a large auditorium that can hold approximately 3,500 individuals, and the Kural Manimandapa, where all 1,330 couplets from the 133 chapters of Kural literature are engraved on bas-relief. The standout feature of the monument is the 39-meter-tall (128 feet) stone chariot, a copy of the renowned temple chariot of Thiruvarur.

Location: Nungambakkam, Chennai Timings: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM Entry Fee: Around INR 20 per person Things to Do: Monument visit, learn about Tamil poet Valluvar, cultural experience How to Reach: Easily accessible by bus, taxi, and auto-rickshaw; Nungambakkam is a central location

8. Chennai Snow Kingdom

We have created India’s most amazing snow theme park with a team that is full of creativity, passion, and a love for fun. Our dedication has resulted in three incredible theme parks that are not only the best in the country, but also in the entire continent.

Also situated in other cities.

Location: VGP Snow Kingdom, East Coast Road, Chennai Timings: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM Entry Fee: Approximately INR 550 per person Things to Do: Enjoy snow activities, play in artificial snow How to Reach: Part of VGP Snow Kingdom on East Coast Road, accessible by bus or taxi

9. Kalakshetra Foundation

Kalakshetra Foundation, previously known as Kalakshetra, is a cultural and arts academy that focuses on preserving the traditional values of Indian art and crafts, particularly in Bharatanatyam dance and Gandharvaveda music. It was established in January 1936 by Rukmini Devi Arundale and her husband George Arundale, and is located in Chennai, India. With Arundale’s guidance, the institution gained both national and international recognition for its distinctive style and commitment to perfection. In 1962, Kalakshetra relocated to a new campus in Besant Nagar, Chennai, which spans across 40 hectares (99 acres) of land.

Location: Thiruvanmiyur, Chennai Timings: 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM; closed on Sundays Entry Fee: Varies for performances and workshops Things to Do: Watch classical dance and music performances, attend workshops How to Reach: Accessible via bus or taxi; Thiruvanmiyur is a well-known locality

10. Queensland Amusement Park

With thrilling rides and attractions, this park ensures an action-packed day of joy and excitement for your kids.It covers about 70 acres (28 hectares) of land. It opened in August 2003.

There are a total of 51 rides available, with 33 designed for adults and 18 for children. Children are allowed to go on certain adult rides as long as they are accompanied by an adult. Some of the popular rides include the Free Fall Tower and Super Waves. Additionally, there are water rides that are only operational in the afternoon.

Location: Poonamallee, Chennai Timings: 10:00 AM – 6:30 PM; closed on Wednesdays Entry Fee: Approximately INR 550 for adults, INR 450 for children Things to Do: Enjoy various rides and attractions, water park How to Reach: Located on the Chennai-Bengaluru Highway, best reached by car or taxi

Chennai is a beloved city for a reason, with its unique blend of modernism and heritage, vibrant cityscapes, and peaceful beaches. We sincerely hope that you liked our list of the best places to visit in Chennai for Children. This guide will help you find some of the best things to do in Chennai. As you embark on these adventures, your family will collect a treasure trove of memories, weaving stories that your children will fondly recollect for years to come.

In the course of these explorations, if your little ones develop an interest in learning and growth beyond their regular curriculum, EuroKids is an excellent option to consider. EuroKids is renowned for its ‘Child-First’ ideology, blending learning with interactive fun. Visit our website to learn more about us!

Note: The timings, entry fees, and transportation options are subject to change, so it’s always best to check the latest information before planning your visit.

For informative and accurate articles on all things related to your new born-toddler’s development, growth, health and nutrition, follow EuroKids Blogs and do check out our nationally recognized preschools – EuroKids for the first step in your kid’s educational journey!

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