Mumbai for kids: Water world in Vashi

I've been here more than 15 years ago, way before my kids were born; and way before I used to take my two nieces out during their evening play time. Vashi's Mini Shore has no sea and no shore but it is the oldest recreational spot in Navi Mumbai, long before massive malls and their funky brands and their indoor play spaces sprung up. Any of the older denizens of Navi Mumbai will endorse that when it came to a happy, go-to space for kids, they headed to this lake in Navi Mumbai called Chowpatty or Mini Seashore. I still remember the park that we would walk across, the rides, the warm cone of peanuts and the long walkway.

There's a steady drizzle as Vani, my 11 year old and Ammol, my nine-year-old hail an auto with me and head for Sector 10-A. Yet, I am taken aback when we reach. The place is more than well-maintained. The opposite maidan may need some tough mowing but a brightly painted train is parked in the grass as are tracks that cover the circumference of the maidan. In the inside circle of the tracks are life-sized sculptures of animals - from deer, elephants to cows. The train that plies here is called the toy train but it's bigger than the toy trains at malls and this one comes with a proper station and engine that actually chugs briskly, hooting as it reaches the station. During the rain, train services are stopped. But in a month's time they will restart. The fee for each child is only Rs 5.

On the opposite side is the Mini Seashore bustling despite a steady drizzle. There are children and families and people out for a jog; but it has mostly become a place where clusters of adolescents hang out.

The walkway is a long circle and makes a great place to walk pets, push a pram, take a stroll or jog. Despite the rain, there were people doing all of that, including catching the great sunset and taking selfies. There's boating and paddling too, but these too restart next month. The pavement offers quick snacks - roasted corn on the cob, peanuts, chaat and candy floss, gola - and rides - hand-pushed merry-go-round, horse rides, giant-wheels and a rocking boat. Balloon sellers add to the colour.

Throughout the walkway, we spotted families resting on cabanas, enjoying their evening out. There were kids cycling, playing games, and skating. Ammol went horse riding (Rs 20) and Vani pulled me along for the rocking boat ride. We walked half the entire circumference of the walkaway and stopped to watch the sunset. Peaceful.