20+ Best Places to Visit in Chennai with Kids

Warm weather, fresh coconut water, and serene temples – all this comes to mind when you think of Chennai, right? But what if we tell you that besides these, there are many unique and untouched places to see in Chennai that nobody knows about? Yes, the bustling city of Chennai is filled with activities to engage tourists and locals alike. The city boasts fabulous beaches, parks, entertainment centres, ancient temples, museums, amusement parks, and everything else you can think of. The tourist places in Chennai are endless and memorable. If you are planning a trip to the iconic Chennai with your family, we suggest reading about these best places you can visit in Chennai with your kids so you don’t have to go through planning.

23 Amazing Places for Children in Chennai

Chennai has something to offer to people of all age groups. If you’re visiting the city for the first time or wish to discover some amazing new spots, here are the best places to visit in Chennai in 1 day and the day after.

Museums and Historical Places in Chennai

These must-visit places are suitable for everyone.

1. Government Museum

This is India’s second oldest museum. It has 40 galleries and takes about half a day to visit.

Location:

Egmore, Chennai

Attractions:

Contemporary Art Gallery, Roman Antique Gallery, Children’s Museum and Dolls Gallery

Visiting Hours:

Open on all days from 9:30 am – 5 pm except Fridays and National Holidays

Entry Fees:

• For Indians: Adult- INR 15, Child- INR 10, Students- INR 5
• Foreign nationals: Adult- $5 (INR 347), Child- $2.5 (INR 174), Students- $1.5 (INR 104)

Facilities Available:

Parking and guide services

2. Railway Museum

Loved by kids, the Railway Museum features numerous exhibits including a Vintage Engine models section and a children’s park.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

Villivakkam, Chennai

Attractions:

AV shows, Joyrides, Fowler ploughing engine, miniature scale models of historical trains

Visiting Hours:

All days from 10 am – 6m except Mondays

Entry Fees:

INR 10 per person

Facilities Available:

Car parking

3. Vivekananda House

This museum is now a landmark in Chennai. It’s the building where Swami Vivekananda stayed for 9 days after his return from the US.

Location:

Triplicane, Chennai

Attractions:

Exhibition on the life of Swami Vivekananda

Visiting Hours:

All days from 10 am – 12:15 pm and 3 pm – 7 pm except Mondays

Entry Fees:

Adult- INR 10, Child- INR 5

Facilities Available:

Parking

4. Fort St. George

Built in 1644, it’s the first English fortress to be built in India. It serves as a museum that showcases artefacts from the East India Company and houses the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

Rajaji Salai, Chennai

Attractions:

St. George Museum, St. Mary’s Church

Visiting Hours:

All days 9 am – 5 pm except Fridays

Entry Fees:

Indian Citizen- INR 5, Foreign National- $2, free entry for children up to 15 years of age

Facilities Available:

Parking, food stalls/canteens, restrooms

5. Alamparai Fort

The Alamparai Fort was built by the Mughals in the 17^th century. It was later seized by the French and then, the British Empire. You will need a taxi or private vehicle to get here. It’s best to visit during the day.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

100km from Chennai

Attractions:

Picturesque scenery from the ruins and backwaters, photography, bird-watching and boating

Visiting Hours:

Open on all days

Entry Fees:

Free entry

Facilities Available:

Parking

6. Tharangambadi

Formerly known as Tranquebar, it is home to a 400-year-old Danish Fort. This port town is a popular tourist hub with resorts and things to see.

Location:

270km from Chennai

Attractions:

Dansborg Fort, Zion Church, Town Gate and Ziegenbalg Museum Complex

Visiting Hours:

Open on all days and overnight stay is needed to visit all the sightseeing spots

Entry Fees:

Free Entry

Facilities Available:

Accommodation and restaurants

Beaches and Lakes

Chennai has a number of beaches that your kids would love to cool off in.

1. Marina Beach

The most visited beach in Chennai, it receives 30,000 people every day. Being 13 km long, Marina Beach is the world’s second-largest urban beach.

Location:

From Fort St. George to Foreshore Estate, Chennai

Attractions:

Long walks on the beach, water sports, horseback riding, beachside aquarium

Visiting Hours:

Best time to visit is between 6 am and 7 pm

Entry Fees:

Free

Facilities Available:

Car parking, food stalls

2. VGP Golden Beach

The most beautiful stretch of the Marina beach, the VGP Golden Beach is managed by the VGP Universal Kingdom amusement park.

Source: Pinteres

Location:

Injambakkam, Chennai

Attractions:

A beautiful and clean private stretch of the Marina beach, VGP 2000 millennium tower, Panneer fort, rides in the Aqua Kingdom

Visiting Hours:

Recommended hours are 11 am – 7:30 pm on all days

Entry Fees:

• Adults- INR 350, Children- INR 300 (VGP Universal Kingdom)
• Adults- INR475, Children- INR 375 (Universal Kingdom and the Aqua Kingdom)

Facilities Available:

Car parking, restrooms, food stalls

3. Covelong Beach

The beach is located next to Covelong, a quiet fishing village. Those who love blue waters and white sands would love this beach.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

40 km from Chennai

Attractions:

Long walks along the beach, water sports, fishing and ruins of a Dutch fort

Visiting Hours:

Recommended hours are 6 am – 7 pm on all days

Entry Fees:

Free

Facilities Available:

Parking, restaurants, restrooms

4. Pulicat Lake and Bird Sanctuary

India’s second-largest saltwater lake, the Pulicat Lake is a sanctuary for migrating birds such as flamingos, pelicans, painted storks, etc.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

93.3 km from Chennai

Attractions:

Scenic views of the lake, flamingos and other birds

Visiting Hours:

Recommended hours are 6 am – 5 pm. The ideal time to visit is between November and February.

Entry Fees:

Free entry

Facilities Available:

Parking

5. Muttukadu Lake

The scenic Muttukadu Lake is popular for its bamboo floating boathouse. You can also try other boating experiences with your family at the lake.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

Muttukadu, Chennai

Attractions:

Water sports, pedal boating, row boating, speed water biking and boat races

Visiting Hours:

Open on all days from 9 am – 5 pm

Entry Fees:

Free. However, tickets need to be bought for boat rides.

Facilities Available:

Parking, restroom, and restaurant

6. Odiyur Lake

This lake en route to Mahabalipuram is a popular tourist destination. Water sports and bird watching are some of the most common activities here.

Location:

90 km from Chennai

Attractions:

Kayaking, pedal boats, row boats and speed scooters for families and children, flamingos, kingfishers and migratory birds

Visiting Hours:

All days from 9 am – 6 pm

Entry Fees:

Free. Tickets need to be bought for the water sports activities.

Facilities Available:

Parking, and restaurants

7. Breezy Beach

If you are looking for a quiet and isolated beach to spend time with your family, Breezy Beach can be considered as an ideal option.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

Valmiki Nagar, Chennai

Attractions:

The beach offers breathtaking sunset views and boat rides by local fishermen

Visiting Hours:

All days from 6 am – 7 pm

Entry Fees:

Free

Facilities Available:

Nil

8. Elliot’s Beach

Another gem of a beach in Chennai, Elliot Beach is known for its spectacular early-morning vistas of flamingos and pond herons.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

Besant Nagar, Chennai

Attractions:

Peaceful beach and breathtaking views

Visiting Hours:

All days from 6 am – 7 pm

Entry Fees:

Free

Facilities Available:

Parking space and food stalls

Malls and Entertainment Places in Chennai

1. Forum Vijaya Mall

The Forum Vijaya Mall has everything you and your family needs. Spacious food courts with a great variety of cuisines, stores for shopping and a play area for kids where the fun never ends are the highlights of this mall.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

Vadapalani, Chennai

Attractions:

Play zone with video game arcade, toy train rides and other mini rides for children

Visiting Hours:

Open on all days from 10 am – 10 pm

Entry Fees:

Free entry

Facilities Available:

Parking, restrooms, and restaurants

2. Spencer Plaza

This is one of the oldest shopping complexes in India and a landmark in the city. It’s home to a number of stores, restaurants, organizations, and banks.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

Anna Salai, Chennai

Attractions:

Stores for shopping, excellent food at low prices

Visiting Hours:

All days from 10 am – 10 pm

Entry Fees:

Free

Facilities Available:

Parking, restrooms, and restaurants

3. Queens Land

Queens Land is a popular amusement park with over 50 rides. The park is family-friendly and both parents and kids can have a blast.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

Chembarambakkam, 13.3 km from Chennai

Attractions:

Wave pool, Himalayan Water Ride, Cable Car, Bumper Car, Go-karting

Visiting Hours:

All days from 9:30 am – 6 pm except Mondays

Entry Fees:

Adults- INR 550, Children- INR 450

Facilities Available:

Parking, restrooms and restaurants

4. MGM Dizzee World

The Dizzee World is one of Chennai’s most-loved amusement parks. It offers 35 amazing rides that are great for both children and adults.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

Muttukadu, Chennai

Attractions:

MGM Express, boating, wave pool, hot air balloon, splash pool, simulator rides

Visiting Hours:

• Weekdays – 10:30 am – 6:30pm
• Weekends and public holidays – 10:30 am – 7:30 pm

Entry Fees:

Adult- INR 599, Child- INR 499 (inclusive of all rides)

Facilities Available:

Parking, first aid, food courts, and restrooms

5. VGP Universal Kingdom

Located next to Marina Beach, this amusement park is one of the best places to have fun in Chennai.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

Injambakam, Chennai

Attractions:

VGP Beach, roller coasters, Statue Man, Dashing Car, Water Chute, Doll Kingdom and Jungle Car

Visiting Hours:

Weekdays from 11 am – 7:30 pm and weekends from 11 am – 8 pm

Entry Fees:

• Adult- INR 350, Child- INR 300 (Amusement park only)
• Adult- INR 475, Child- INR 375(Amusement park and water park)

Facilities Available:

Parking, restaurant, restrooms, lockers, and first aid

6. Express Avenue Mall

Housing the largest gaming arcade in South India, Express Avenue Mall is every child’s dream. The mall houses a spectacular play area called Fun City for children to enjoy. For adults, it has a 5D movie theatre to enjoy a relaxing movie. There’s more! The vibrant and fancy restaurants and vibrant shops are enough to bring out happy hormones in you and your family. Rest assured, your kids will love it!

Source: Pinterest

Location:

Roypettah, Chennai

Attractions:

Fun City and 5D movie theatre

Visiting Hours:

Open all days from 10:30 am to 9:30 pm

Entry Fees:

Nil

Facilities Available:

Parking, restaurants, and washrooms

Other Kids-friendly Places

Be sure to visit these places as well.

1. Birla Planetarium

The Birla Planetarium is a wonderful place where your kids can learn all about space, science, innovations and other advancements.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

Kotturpuram, Chennai

Attractions:

Planetarium shows, Science Park, display model of rockets

Visiting Hours:

Open on all days from 10 am – 5:45 pm except Gandhi Jayanthi, Republic Day and Independence Day

Entry Fees:

Adults-INR 45, Child- INR 25

Facility Available:

Parking, and restrooms

2. Guindy National Park

Spanning an area of only 270 hectares, this thorny forested area is considered the smallest national park in India. Despite its size, it’s home to various animals like spotted deer, black bucks, jackals, pangolin, jungle cats and elephants.

Source: Pinterest

Location:

Teynampet, Chennai

Attractions:

Forested area, wild animals and birds

Visiting Hours:

9 am – 6 pm on all days

Entry Fees:

• Adult- INR 15, Child- INR 10
• Fee for Still Camera- INR 25, Video Camera- INR 150

Facility Available:

Parking, and restrooms

3. Tada Falls

The Tada Falls is a favourite weekend getaway for many residents of Chennai. It’s an ideal trekking spot for families with young children. The trail is easy to walk on and offers a great view. It’s also possible to take a dip in the water.

Location:

95 km from Chennai

Attractions:

Hiking, waterfall, and camping

Visiting Hours:

Open on all days

Entry Fees:

Free

Facilities Available:

Parking close to the waterfalls

These are the best places to visit in Chennai with your children. There’s something they can learn from every place and on top of that, the fun never ends.

Also Read:

Fun Places to Visit in Delhi With Your Kids
Places to Visit in Pune With Your Children
Amazing Places to Visit in Mumbai With Kids
Best Places to Go on Vacation With Kids in India