When someone mentions the word “Chennai,” what comes to mind? Aren’t there lovely beaches, gorgeous temples, a commercial hub, and exciting activities? Chennai definitely offers a lot to explore!
Well, Chennai is really all about it, and with so many entertaining things to do here in Chennai, you wouldn’t expect anything less. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is now one of the most famous tourist attractions in the country’s southern reaches. It welcomes a huge number of visitors, either as holidaymakers or as employees of its large workforce.
Many factors contribute to Chennai’s prominence. Art, architecture, dance, music, and theater are some of the fascinating things about it.
12 Best Indoor and Outdoor Places To Visit In Chennai With Kids
You’ve come to the correct place if you’re new to Chennai and looking for best things to do with kids in Chennai. Traveling with kids is frequently challenging, yet Chennai is completely child-friendly. When traveling with children, it is recommended to visit Chennai between June and February to avoid the sunny summer months.
I’ll tell you about some of the most spectacular things you can (and should) do with your kids in the city in this article. So, here we go, everyone.
The Government Museum of Chennai – Best place to visit in Chennai with baby
Do you and your child like learning about history? If you want to learn about the history of Chennai or Tamil Nadu, make a point of visiting the Madras Museum. So many galleries of artifacts maintained and presented in this Museum would pique your child’s interest.
The Government Museum, often known as the Madras Museum, is the country’s second-oldest museum. The museum, which first opened in 1854, houses the world’s greatest collection of Roman antiquities outside of Europe. It comprises about 40 galleries dedicated to archaeology, numismatics, geology, botany, art, anthropology, and zoology, among other subjects.
The doll gallery is the most popular among the children who visit this location. They say that traveling teaches you something. So there you have it!
| Location | Egmore, Chennai |
| Open | All days open except Fridays and National Holidays |
| Timing | 9:30am to 5pm |
| Amenities | Parking and guide services |
What is the fee for visiting the Government Museum
For Indians – Rs.15 per adult and Rs.10 per child, Rs. 5 for bonafide students
Foreign nationals – $5 per adult, $2.5 per child and $1.5 for bonafide students
Advisory: The museum is big; touring all of the galleries likely takes more than half a day.
Gingee Fort- Best outdoor place to visit in Chennai with kids
Gingee Fort is in Tamil Nadu’s Villupuram District, some 160 kilometres from Chennai, the state capital, and close to the Union Territory of Puducherry.
This is yet another fantastic place in and near Chennai for families with children. The Gingee Fort is a well-known historical site with a big space to fascinate you and your youngster. While exploring the depths of this fort, you may also enjoy a perfect picnic.
The ruins of the Gingee fort, with their stunning beauty, create a tranquil backdrop that makes it a worthwhile stop. As a result, a day excursion to the fort is unavoidable. You’ll undoubtedly return with some incredible photographs and a deep understanding of history.
| Location | Sevalapurai post, Melmalayanur taulk, gingee main road VILLUPURAM DIST .167 CHECK-INS, Tamil Nadu 604202 |
| Open | All days open |
| Timing | 9:00 am to 4:30 pm |
| Time Required | 1-2 hours |
What is the fee for visiting the Gingee Fort
Indian citizens- INR 15
Foreign citizens- INR 100
Dakshinachitra- The best place to visit in Chennai in 1 day
A trip to Dakshinachitra is recommended to grasp southern Indian culture and traditions.
This is one of the most fascinating sites for children in Chennai, with great exhibits of art and craft.
This living museum of performance arts, crafts, and culture helps children comprehend the culture of Chennai, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Workshops for children and adults are also held by Dakshinachitra. To learn more, visit their website. Private vehicles, taxis, and buses can all be used to get to the museum.
Vernacular architecture – regional dwellings from the four states replicated for visitors; folk performances; and a glass blowing demonstration are among the museum’s key attractions.
| Location | Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu |
| Open | All days, except Tuesdays and Diwali |
| Timing | 10 am to 6 pm |
| Amenities | Parking, restaurant |
What is the fee for visiting the Dakshinachitra
For Indians:- Rs. 100 per adult, Rs. 30 per child, Rs. 50 for students,
Foreign nationals Rs. 250 for adults, Rs. 70 for students
Railway Museum- Unique place to visit in Chennai
Because of this unique Railway Museum, Chennai has become one of the most popular summer holiday destinations for children. This museum has everything intriguing for kids, from miniature train models to different elements of the tracks and even spectacular demonstrations of the system. The main attractions are Joyrides, AV shows, the flower plowing engine, and scaled models of many trains from India before and after Independence. A historic engine replica is also on show at the museum. To add to the allure, there is a children’s park outside the museum that will keep them completely amused.
| Location | Villivakkam, Chennai |
| Open | All days, except Mondays |
| Timing | 10 am to 6 pm |
| Attractions | Joyrides, AV shows, Fowler plowing engine, and scaled models of several trains from India, before and after Independence. |
What is the fee for visiting the Railway Museum
Rs 10 per person
Pulicat Lake And Bird Sanctuary – Best place to visit in Chennai with kids
The Pulicat Lake, India’s second largest saltwater lake, is a haven for migrating birds such as flamingos, pelicans, and painted storks. The magnificent view of the lake, mixed with the variety of birds, is the major attraction.
Due to pollution and silt, the Pulicat lake is on the verge of drying up completely in the next 100 years. A trip to the lake can teach your children about environmental issues. Between November and February is the best time to come and the suggested hours are 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. This location also has a fantastic packing facility.
| Location | 93.3 km from Chennai |
| Timing | 6 am to 5 pm |
What is the fee for visiting the Pulicat Lake
Free for all
Yercaud- Perfect for kids day out in Chennai
Yercaud is a popular picnic and camping spot in the Chennai area. Without a doubt, this hill station is stunning and has absolutely superb natural beauty! Also, your children will enjoy camping and trekking in this safer and greener habitat. The most appealing feature of Yercaud is its large, natural lake, which is known as the Emerald Lake. This lake is a visual feast, surrounded by beautiful cloud-peaked hills and a well-kept garden on its banks. In Yercaud, there are also some spectacular waterfalls where you and your child will undoubtedly enjoy playing in the pouring and streaming water.
| Location | Shevaroy Hills |
| Open | All days |
What is the fee for visiting the Yercaud
Free for all
Muttukadu Lake – Best Places for kids in Channai
The bamboo floating boathouse on Muttukadu Lake is one of the kids’ famous attractions. At the lake, you may also try out different boating activities with your family. Water activities, pedal boating, row boating, speed water bicycling, and boat races are the primary attractions for children. Although entry is free, speed boat rides and high-speed aqua scooter rides in the backwaters are not.Here you will find parking, restrooms, and a restaurant.
| Location | 40 kilometers from Chennai on the East Coast Road |
| Timing | 9 am to 5 pm |
What is the fee for visiting the Muttukadu Lake
Free for all
VGP Golden Beach – Top 10 Chennai Tourist Places
If you and your children enjoy beaches and are seeking for an affordable and pleasant way to spend an entire day at the beach in Chennai, VGP Golden Beach is a good option.
The VGP Golden Beach, a private beach managed by the VGP Universal Kingdom entertainment park, is one of Chennai’s most stunning beaches. Other tourist attractions include the Aqua Kingdom, Panneer Fort, and the Statue Man, as well as the VGP 2000 Millennium Tower. Under the supervision of the guides, swimming is a safe activity. It is also one of Chennai’s cleanest beaches. Take a look at our travel tips to keep your toddler engrossed during travel.
| Location | Injambakkam, Chennai |
| Timing | 11 am to 7:30 pm |
| Amenities | Car parking, food stalls, restrooms |
What is the entry fee for visiting the VGP Golden Beach
Rs.350 for adults and Rs. 300 for kids for the VGP Universal Kingdom.
Rs. 475 for adults and Rs. 375 for children for the Universal Kingdom and the Aqua Kingdom
Elliot’s Beach – Best things to do with toddlers in Chennai
Elliot Beach is another peaceful beach popular in Chennai. The beach is lovely, and there are various food stalls nearby, as well as plenty of parking. Flamingos and pond herons can be seen on the beach early in the morning. You can reach the beach easily by public transport. Ensure you have car seat for your kids because car seat is a safer option for kids during road trips.
| Location | Besant Nagar, Chennai |
| Timing | 7 am to 7 pm |
| Amenities | Parking, food stalls |
What is the entry fee for visiting Elliot’s beach?
Free for all
Cocoplaynut – Best indoor play area in Chennai
In Chennai, Cocoplaynut is a real-time children’s play area. It is one of Chennai’s best indoor play spaces, well-designed to provide utmost safety to children without jeopardizing the fun factor. Cocoplaynut’s indoor play zone includes a Toddler Play section. It is well-designed just for curious and adorable toddlers. To ensure the safety of children, all of the equipment in the toddler play area meets the strictest safety standards. There’s also a party hall, a mother’s room, and a large cafeteria here in an indoor space. Outdoor play areas are also designed with a large arena of entertainment components for the enjoyment of children. Cocoplaynut is the ideal blend of learning, growing, and exploring to round out your child’s life in a variety of different ways. A fun-filled day in Cocoplaynut is one of the best things to do in Chennai with kids. Grab these fun-filled holiday craft activities to add more fun to your holidays.
| Location | Address: No.3/519, Lakshmana Perumal Nagar, 5th Cross Street, Kottivakkam, Chennai, Tamil Nadu – 600041. |
| Open | From Tuesday to Sunday (Closed during private parties) |
| Timing | 11:00AM – 7:00PM |
| Phone No | +91 70920 02244, +91 44 4868 8051 |
| hello@cocoplaynut.com | |
| Website | www.cocoplaynut.com Follow: https://www.instagram.com/cocoplaynut/ (For latest events and updates) |
Express Avenue Mall – Best thing to do with toddlers in Chennai
Your children will like the Express Avenue Mall, which houses South India’s largest gaming arcade. The mall contains a play area named Fun City, which offers more than typical mall rides. Older children may appreciate the 5D movie theater on Express Avenue. A play zone is suitable for kids from 4 to 12 years. Aside from that, the restaurants are excellent with several food and beverage options, and there is so much to buy that you may shop till your heart’s content.
Overall, it is a fun spot for the kids to hang out. If you have a day off between touring and traveling, take advantage of it by visiting the Express Avenue. It’ll be a hit with your kiddos.
| Location | Roypettah, Chennai |
| Open | All days |
| Timing | 10:30 am to 9:30 pm |
| Phone | 044 2846 4646 |
| Amenities | Parking, pharmacy, ATMs, restaurants and restrooms |
What is the fee for visiting the Express Avenue Mall
Free for all
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Forum Vijaya Mall – Best places to visit in Chennai with baby
After a long day of touring or travelling, a mall is the ideal location to relax. The Forum Vijaya Mall is enormous, with a large food court serving a variety of cuisines to tempt your taste buds. A children’s play area with mini slides, basketball, and automobiles is also available in the mall. A glass wall separates the play area from the food court, allowing parents to keep an eye on their children as they eat.
| Location | Vadapalani, Chennai |
| Open | All Days |
| Timing | 10 am to 10 pm |
| Amenities | Parking, restrooms and restaurants |
What is the entry fee for visiting the Forum Vijaya Mall
Free for all
Spencer Plaza – Perfect for kids’ day out in Chennai
Spencer Plaza is India’s oldest commercial mall and a landmark in Chennai, having been constructed under the British Raj. Many famous boutiques, private banks and organizations, and restaurants may be found in the old-fashioned mall. In addition to Ceylon tea, spices, apparel, and footwear, the mall contains around 15 Sri Lankan brand stores.
| Location | Anna Salai, Chennai |
| Open | All days |
| Timing | 10 am to 10 pm |
What is the entry fee for visiting the Spencer Plaza
Free for all
MGM Dizzee World – Best Outdoor place to visit in Chennai
MGM Dizzee World is one of India’s oldest and largest amusement parks. During summer vacation, from mid-April to the end of May, and winter break, from mid-December to the end of January, it is open until 7:30 p.m. There is something for everyone at the park. There are intense thrill rides, but there are also beautiful and enjoyable ones. The kids’ rides include the Batman Jet, Caterpillar, Jurassic Train, Mini Slambam, Rough Rider, and Scooty Ride. Shoe House, Stone House, and Mushroom House are all fun and safe locations for the kids. There’s also an aqua park with a variety of fun rides and games, such as artificial ocean waves, that you can enjoy with your friends and family. The park sells large packages directly at the gate, so you don’t have to buy individual tickets for each ride. You will be able to ride all of the rides in the park with this one-time payment. We’ve rounded up hassle free travel tips to keep your toddler happy and engrossed during travel. Have a look at the post.
MGM Dizzee World is about 35 kilometers from Chennai’s central business district. It is located on the well-traveled East Coast Road. As a result, you can get there by utilizing public transportation. However, if you want to travel by car or cab, you can do so as well. Traveling by Fast Track cabs will save you 20% on the entrance fee. Read here about why a car seat is a better option for kids during road trips. and if you’re looking for the best car seat options in India, <<< tap here.
Overall, this amusement park is an excellent choice for a fun day out with your family and children.
| Location | 1/74, SH 49, Muthukadu, Tamil Nadu 603112 |
| Open | Monday – Friday( 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM) & Saturday – Sunday( 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM) |
| Time Required | 4-5 hours |
What is the fee for visiting the MGM Dizzee World
Adults: INR 699 & Children: INR 549
KartWheel- Kids Play & Party Zone – Top place to visit in Chennai with kids and toddlers
In Chennai, Kartwheel was the first to provide a playspace and a pleasant entertainment play zone for children. A relaxing environment for youngsters accommodated with remarkable and well-planned activities for children aged 1 to 7. Here, you’ll find a big indoor play area with a 3,000-ball ball pool, a bouncy castle, a rock climbing wall panel, a jumbo rope slide, and an air-conditioned room to beat the heat. The other major characteristics of this kids’ play zone are the kitchen toy and shopping market with carts and the clean and comfortable bathrooms with small potty and wash basins for young kids. It is the greatest venue to provide you and your children with a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you are looking for the best travel food tips for your kids during travel, take a look at this post.
| Location | New No.21, Old No.9 Balaram, Road, Adyar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600020 |
| Open | Closes 8PM |
| Phone | 044 42660909 / 99401 83296 / 98408 92939 |
| kartwheelindia@gmail.com |
What is the entry fee for visiting the Kartwheel
Rs.200/- Per Child for 2 Hours
Birla Planetarium- Best Outdoor place to visit in Chennai
The Birla Planetarium in Chennai, one of the few planetariums created by the Birla Foundation, is a terrific spot to spend time with youngsters. It comprises eight galleries dedicated to topics such as physical science, innovation, transportation, and energy. The planetarium also provides two science shows, one in English and the other in Tamil, that are frequently repeated throughout the day. Overall, it is a nice place to visit with young learners.
| Location | Kotturpuram, Chennai |
| Open | All days, except Republic Day, Independence Day and Gandhi Jayanthi |
| Timing | 10am to 5:45pm |
What is the fee for visiting the Birla Planetarium
Entry fee: Rs. 45 for adults and Rs.25 for children for a complete planetarium package
VGP Universal Kingdom – Unique places to visit with kids in Chennai
The VGP Universal Kingdom, formerly known as VGP Gardens, is an amusement park located on Marina Beach. It’s a popular hangout spot for locals and tourists alike due to its proximity to the beach and handy location. The park offers a variety of thrill rides for kids, teens, adults, and families. If you’re lucky, you might get a glimpse of a Hollywood star or two filming a scene in the park. You can visit the VGP beach and the amusement park on the same day if you prepare beforehand.
| Location | Injambakam, Chennai |
| Open | All days |
| Timing | 1 am to 7.30 pm on weekdays and till 8 pm on weekends |
| Amenities | Parking, restaurant, restrooms, locker facility |
What is the entry fee for visiting the VGP Universal Kingdom
Rs. 350 per adult and Rs.300 per child for the amusement park
Rs. 475 per adult and Rs. 375 per child for the amusement park and water park
Semmozhi Poonga – Best Things to do with kids in Chennai
Semmozhi Poonga or Semmoli Poonga is a Botanical garden quite popular amongst nature lovers.
| Location | Teynampet, Chennai |
| Open | All days |
| Timing | 10 am to 7 pm |
| Amenities | Parking and restrooms; eatables or plastic bags are not allowed |
What is the fees for visiting the Semmozhi Poonga
Rs. 5 per person
A Brief History Of Chennai and fun facts about Chennai
Chennai, India’s fourth-largest city, has a long and illustrious history. Chennai was originally known as Madraspatnam, a fishing community. The East India Company afterward built Fort St. George, India’s first major English settlement. As a result, Chennai was the first British settlement on Indian soil. Chennai is the first city in India to have a comprehensive Wi-Fi network.
Madras was appointed the capital city of Madras State following independence, and Madras State was renamed Tamil Nadu in 1969.
Marina Beach, the world’s second-largest beach, is located in Chennai. The ‘Gateway to South India’ is another name for it.
Bharatnatyam, India’s oldest classical dance form, was born in Chennai. Every year, Chennai hosts the Madras Music Season, which is one of the world’s most important cultural events.
Chennai residents are enthusiastic about movies, which is why it is one of the very few places in India where movie tickets are low. This is because of a rule that prohibits multiplexes and cinema halls from costing more than Rs. 160 each ticket.
List of Amazing Places for Children in Chennai
Children love parks, rides, boating, and seeing animals they have only read about in their books or watched on TV. Chennai has some amazing places for children to whet their appetite for fun n frolic. below listed are some amusement parks, lakes, beaches, etc.
- Railway Museum at Villivakkam, Chennai
- Marina Beach for picnic and water sports
- VGP Universal Kingdom amusement park
- Pulicat Lake and Bird Sanctuary
- Muttukadu Lake for boating
- Queens Land Amusement park
- Children Museum
- MGM Dizzee World- Amusement park
- Birla Planetarium
- Guindy National Park
- The Madras Crocodile Bank Trust and Centre for Herpetology (Reptile zoo)
List of Museums and Historical Places in Chennai
Chennai is one of the most popular cities in India and holds a prominent place in Indian history. It is also among the most visited Indian cities by foreign visitors. Chennai was ranked the 36th-most visited city in the world for the year 2019. Below are some of the historical places that you must visit if history interests you.
- Chennai Rail Museum
- Cholamandal Artists village
- Government Museum
- Live Art Museum
- Fort Museum
- Mahabalipuram
- Vivekanand House
Beaches and Lakes in Chennai
Chennai boasts of having one of the largest urban beaches- The Marina beach which is 14 km long. The other popular beach is Elliot’s beach. There is also Covelong beach, popular as one of the most beautiful beaches in the city.
- Marina Beach
- Elliot’s Beach
- Covelong Beach
- Breezy Beach
- Pebble Beach
- Kasimedhu Beach
- Santhome Beach
- VGP Golden Beach
- Neelankarai Beach
- Nettukuppam Beach
- Palavakkam Beach
- Mahabalipuram Beach
Malls and Entertainment Places in Chennai
Malls are turning into comfortable shopping hubs in any city. Chennai has many good malls. Below listed are some of the best malls in Chennai
- Express Avenue- Biggest Mall in Chennai
- Phoenix Marketcity Mall- Best Mall in Chennai
- VR Chennai
- The Marina Mall
- Ampa Mall
- Forum Vijaya Mall
- Bergamo Luxury Mall
- Chennai City Centre Mall
Best Play areas in Chennai
Kids long to let their energies out, they need safe play areas and entertainment centres, especially indoor ones in the hot weather. Chennai has some really good play areas and entertainment centres. We have listed some of these below-
- Kartwheel soft play area
- Fun City ( there are 4 centres in Chennai)
What is famous in Chennai for kids?
There are many wonderful and fascinating places to take your children. The city houses several kid-friendly museums, parks, and lakes. Marina Beach, Chennai Government Museum, and Dakshinachitra, the Railway Museum, MGM Dizzee World, VGP Universal Kingdom, Arignar Anna Zoological Park, and Yercaud are the best places for kids in and near Chennai
Which beach in Chennai is famous among children?
The Marina is one of Chennai’s most popular beaches for kids. Marina promenade is the world’s first natural urban beach. The beach stretches for 13 kilometers, making it the world’s second-longest natural urban beach. Every day, about 30,000 people visit the beach. Entry is free for everyone. The best time to visit is between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. You may find excellent parking and a variety of delectable food vendors here.
Which is the coolest place in Chennai?
Nagalapuram is a hill station in the Chittur district of Andhra Pradesh, around 90 kilometers south of Chennai. There are five falls in all, however some say there are seven. It is known as the “Queen of WaterFalls” and is one of Chennai’s coldest areas.
If you’re looking for best travel toys and games for kids to engross them on long road trips, have a look at our Best Toys For Kids section.
These are most visited places to visit in Chennai and if you have any suggestion to add kid-friendly place in the list, share below in the comment box. For any business queries drop us an email at neha@sharingourexperiences.com.
