14 November,2023 06:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Tanishka D’Lyma
Arpita Mukherjee
Visting different spaces with our children has really helped us get to know them in different scenarios, their likes and dislikes and what brings out their true personality. We have observed that both our kids, Kabir (above), 3, and Khia (inset), 21 months, are fond of water - they're water babies!
And fortunately, Mumbai is surrounded by beaches. Heading out for a beach day is so easy, even if it's a last-minute plan. It's great for all ages, and you can carry along toys and activities, too. Make sure to find a clean spot or clear the space on the sand where you settle. Lay down a beach towel and watch your child's
curiosity unravel.
Head to Versova, Chowpatty and Juhu beaches
Shabeena and Arham enjoy the outdoors on a trip
Public spaces like libraries and parks are great places to visit on a holiday, as they expose your young ones to the wonders of the city. My son Arham Rohila, 5, loves heading to open-air venues like Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Running around and soaking in the sounds and views promotes holistic development and encourages physical activity. A day at the Asiatic Society of Mumbai is also fun. Give your kid a chance to wander around, leaf through books, or read something to them. This will help in cognitive stimulation. We also enjoy heading to movie screenings and play areas with his favourite toys or characters which help in social interaction and emotional growth, too.
Head to Sanjay Gandhi National Park and The Asiatic Society of Mumbai
Pooja and Rivaan at the amusement park in Mira Road
Rivaan, 5, loves trying out different activities. I would definitely recommend a visit to the Vardhman Fantasy Amusement Park [Mira Road]. It has the seven wonders of the world and a lot of age-categorised rides. We have quite a few indoor spaces in the city for hot afternoons. One such place is Playseum [Santacruz]; they have nearly 50 activities where kids can role-play, use their imagination and learn while they have fun. Rivaan also likes Bounce Inc. [Malad] which is an indoor trampoline park, and HopUp [Andheri] which has different arcade games and bowling; it's fun for parents to join in as well. And if you want to take your kids outdoors, there's always Rani Baug in Byculla.
Head to Playseum, Vardhman Fantasy Amusement Park, Bounce INC and HopUp
Kavyansh poses at the Nehru Science Centre
My children Kanak, 15, and Kavyansh, 11, love exploring nature, science and history, so I take them to various places this amazing city has to offer. Nehru Science Centre and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya are the two places that they absolutely enjoy and I recommend it to every parent.
Kanak and Kavyansh play air hockey at an activity centre in Borivali
They are curious by nature and the science centre offers them an entire avenue to learn more about the subject; they always come back with new ideas and new sets of questions.
For gaming and activities, there are places like Box Zone Mumbai in Borivali and KidZania in Ghatkopar, which have fun options like basketball, air hockey, hula hoop, Segway, box cricket and more.
Head to Nehru Science Centre, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, KidZania and Box Zone Mumbai
>> Rambo Circus
At: Balasaheb Thackeray Manoranjan Maidan, Borivali West; St Andrew's Auditorium, Bandra West.
Till: November 19; 1.30 pm onwards
Call: 9611554897
Cost: Rs 500
>> Play N Learn
At: Oberoi Mall, Goregaon East.
Till: November 30; 11 am onwards
Log on to: in.bookmyshow.com
Cost: Rs 700 onwards
