10 Best Things To Do in Delhi, India, With Kids

Cool Off at Snow World

The weather in Delhi can be considerably steamy, especially during the summer months. When it gets to be too much for the little ones, take the family to cool off at Snow World, located within the DLF Mall of India, where the temperature is 14 degrees Fahrenheit (–10 degrees Celsius) and you can play in the snow during a one-hour session.

Entry costs 1,000 rupees, or about $13 per person, and while socks are required, everything else—snow jackets, gloves, and snowshoes—is provided. After you've made enough snow angels to last a lifetime and taken in the thrills of an indoor snow fall, give some of the other available cold-weather activities, such as snow boarding, ice skating, sledding, bobsledding, and snow tubing a try.

Stop by Shankar's International Dolls Museum

Think of Shankar's International Dolls Museum as a sort of mini United Nations, with one of the biggest doll collections in the world—more than 7,000 dolls representing 85 countries—housed inside a 5,184-square-foot space within the Children's Book Trust in Delhi. Browse the 160 glass cases full of dolls from all around the world, as well as a special display highlighting more than 150 Indian doll costumes made locally at museum-hosted workshops.

Play at Children's Park at India Gate

Delhi's famous landmark, India Gate, is a well-known war memorial that was built in memory of the Indian soldiers who fought in World War I. What you may not know is that there's a fantastic 10-acre Children's Park nearby. It was renovated in 2002, and now offers an assortment of games, play equipment, a digital library, a musical fountain, a theater, and an amphitheater. The whole area is beautifully illuminated at sunset.

Watch Craftspeople at Work

Delhi's inspiring Crafts Museum has a rural ambiance that is great fun for kids. The site consists of a Village Complex featuring 15 structures from different parts of India, crafts demonstrations by 50 artisans in residence, and galleries ranging from textiles to tribal crafts. Children can run around and explore, as well as watch the craftspeople at work. Crafts can be purchased at discounted prices, and there's a popular cafe on the premises as well.

Try Street Food and Marvel at the Colors in Dilli Haat

One of the best markets in Delhi, Dilli Haat offers a colorful dose of culture that your children will love. Craftsmen from all over India come to sell their wares at stalls here. The kids can find out about handicrafts and have a fun time bargaining with the shopkeepers as you shop. If they're feeling adventurous, they can even try food from different regions in India at the food court. Enjoy regular cultural performances, including folk dances, as well. Keep in mind that there are three Dilli Haat markets across Delhi, so try to stop by at least one during your time here.

Drive a Train at the National Rail Museum

The National Rail Museum is an ideal place to take kids and adults who consider themselves to be train enthusiasts. Spread over 11 acres, the museum showcases India's extensive rail heritage with roughly 100 indoor and outdoor exhibits including static and working models, signaling equipment, antique furniture, historical photographs, and literature. The royal rail cars, which are also on display, are notable—one car, called the Prince of Wales Saloon, was built in 1875 especially for royal family members who were traveling to India. Kids will love the train joyrides, 3-D reality experiences, and interactive train simulators.

Get Hands-On at the National Science Center

A renowned center of learning for children of all ages, the National Science Center is one of the largest of its kind in Asia, featuring seven galleries over eight levels covering science and technology, the information revolution, human biology, prehistoric life, fun science, emerging technologies, and water. There are also working science exhibits, a number of hands-on displays explaining the laws of physics, a multimedia center, and 3-D films to keep everyone busy during a visit.

Go For a Stroll in the Spacious Lodhi Gardens

Delhi is starved for open space, so the scenic Lodhi Gardens are definitely worth a visit. This 90-acre park, located on Lodhi Road, is popular with runners, walkers, and of course, families. It's also dotted with 15th-century Mughal tombs, which kids will love to explore, while adults should be sure to bring their binoculars—the urban bird watching here is great! Pack a picnic and have lunch there, too.

Tour Gandhi's Former Home

Even young kids will enjoy the Gandhi Smriti museum, where they can learn about the country's most famous leader, Mahatma Gandhi. He lived here for a few months of his life just before his assassination in 1948. While the museum houses traditional displays featuring photos and other historic memorabilia, kids should head upstairs for the digital multimedia exhibition, which includes hands-on activities, such as playing the harp or starting a train's engine. 

See the Animals in Deer Park

Another breath of fresh air from overcrowded Delhi, Deer Park, located near Hauz Khas Village, offers visitors another experience unique to the city: the opportunity to see animals up close. While Deer Park has deer to check out (obviously), it's also home to other creatures like peacocks, pigs, rabbits, and guinea pigs. Kids can explore the Mughal tombs or just run around and play on open grassy lawns dotted with trees.