Ahmedabad with children

Science City

Science City, on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, is one of the largest science centres in India. It has an IMAX 3D theatre, a planetarium, and interactive halls on space, energy and the human body. Children can press buttons, pull levers and watch live demonstrations. The outdoor Energy Park has giant models of solar panels and wind turbines that explain renewable energy in a hands-on way.

The aquarium inside the complex displays freshwater and marine species. A separate hall for toddlers has soft play areas and simple experiments. Plan at least three to four hours here. Weekday mornings are quieter. The centre is well signposted and has a large car park. Metro and BRTS stops are within walking distance.

• Check the IMAX and planetarium show timings on arrival.
• Carry a water bottle; refill stations are available.
• The outdoor areas are shaded but can be hot in summer.

Kankaria Lake

Kankaria Lake, built in the 15th century by Sultan Qutb-ud-din, is a large artificial lake in the south-east of the city. The lakefront has been developed into a family leisure zone with a toy train, a balloon ride, a zoo, and a children's play area. The walkway around the lake is about 2 kilometres and is popular for evening strolls. Pedal boats and rowboats are available for hire.

The Nagina Wadi garden on an island in the lake is accessible by a bridge. It has fountains, a small amphitheatre and food stalls. The zoo on the eastern side houses lions, tigers, bears and reptiles. The aquarium and the butterfly park are nearby. Kankaria is especially lively during festivals and on weekends. Entry to the lakefront is free; charges apply for rides and the zoo.

• The toy train runs on a loop around the lake; children enjoy it.
• Evenings are cooler and the lights on the water are attractive.
• Avoid the balloon ride if your child is afraid of heights.

Sabarmati Riverfront

The Sabarmati Riverfront runs along both banks of the river through the centre of Ahmedabad. It has wide paved promenades, cycle tracks, children's play areas and gardens. The Atal Bridge, a footbridge between Ellisbridge and Sardar Bridge, connects the east and west banks. Families can walk, cycle or simply sit on the steps by the water. The riverfront is clean and well maintained.

Several ghats along the riverfront host cultural events and yoga sessions in the mornings. The play areas have swings, slides and climbing frames. There are public toilets and drinking water points. The riverfront is accessible from multiple points; the best entry for families is near the Ellisbridge end. The walk from the Atal Bridge to the Gandhi Ashram is about 2 kilometres and takes you past gardens and sculptures.

Short heritage outings

The walled city of Ahmedabad is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Children can explore the narrow lanes called pols, with carved wooden havelis, chabutaras (bird-feeders) and khadki gates. A short walk from the Teen Darwaza to the Jama Masjid takes about 30 minutes. The mosque's courtyard is large and safe for children to run around. The Sidi Saiyyed Mosque, famous for its stone jali windows, is a five-minute walk from the riverfront.

The Bhadra Fort complex has a small museum and open spaces. The Calico Museum of Textiles requires a booked guided tour and does not allow photography; it is more suitable for older children. The Dada Harir stepwell, about 15 minutes from the walled city, is a five-storey stepwell that children find fascinating. The Hutheesing Jain Temple, built in 1848, has a marble courtyard and intricate carvings.

Sabarmati Ashram

The Sabarmati Ashram, also known as Gandhi Ashram, is on the west bank of the river. Gandhi lived here from 1917 to 1930. The ashram complex has a museum designed by architect Charles Correa, with photographs, letters and models related to Gandhi's life. The museum is free to enter. Children can see the small room where Gandhi stayed and the spinning wheel he used. The ashram grounds are peaceful and shaded by trees.

The ashram also has a library and a souvenir shop. The Dandi March started from here on 12 March 1930. A short film about the march is shown in the museum. The ashram is open every day except Monday. It is about a 20-minute walk from the riverfront or a short auto-rickshaw ride. The site is wheelchair accessible and has clean toilets. Plan about an hour here.

Practical tips for families

Ahmedabad is largely vegetarian, and most restaurants serve thalis that are easy for children to eat. Carry snacks and water, especially when visiting outdoor sites. The city has a good network of metro, BRTS and auto-rickshaws. The metro is clean and air-conditioned. Auto-rickshaws are metered and widely available. For longer distances, app-based cabs are convenient. The airport is about 9 kilometres from the city centre.

The best time to visit is from November to February, when the weather is warm during the day and cool at night. Summer months from March to June are very hot, often above 40 degrees Celsius. The monsoon from July to September brings rain but also greenery. Gujarat is a dry state; alcohol is not sold freely. Visitors may be able to obtain a temporary permit; check the current rules. Most foreign visitors need an Indian visa; many nationalities can apply for an e-Visa online.