We are back with our guide series that highlights the best places in the area for fun and entertainment for the entire family. This time we bring you the heart of Bangalore, the central business district.
If you’re from Ulsoor, M.G. Road, Richmond Road or nearby areas, you’d know that parks, museums, game zones, and fun activity centres form the core of Central Bangalore’s excitement zone. We’ve listed out the best places where you can head out to have a wonderful family time. Find out if you knew about them all.
Exciting things to do and kids’ activity centres in central Bangalore
1. Funky Monkey, MG Road
They are the pioneers of safe indoor soft play areas and provide kids a safe, hygienic, and climate-controlled environment for free play.
Address: Level 4, 1 MG Road Mall, Trinity Circle, Opposite Taj Vivanta, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Bangalore 560008
Age Group: 6 months to 12 years
2. Katharangam, Richmond Road
Stories are the best way to escape into a world of goodness and fantasy. Katharangam brings you fantastic storytelling events, performances, and workshops conducted by wonderful storytellers. What a lovely way to get entertained!
Address: B-1, 3 Kingston Road, Richmond Town, Bangalore 560025
Age Group: 4 years & above
3. Honey Bees Nature Club, Richmond Town
How often we lament the loss of nature and lack of activities that use more of outdoors and green spaces! Well, not anymore. Honey Bees Nature Club organizes various kinds of games and activities for the entire family amidst Nature in and around Bangalore.
Address: F3, NP Mansion, Alfred Street, Richmond Town, Bangalore 560025
Age Group: All ages
Gaming Zones
Get your heart pumping with excitement that comes purely from pushing the correct buttons. That’s right, we’re talking from a true blue gamer’s perspective! Check out these zones that will give wings to your fantasies.
4. Smaaash, MG Road
A complete and superior virtual reality experience in gaming and sports awaits you at Smaaash! Together with a fabulous dining experience and music for your ears, this place is a must-visit for the young and old alike.
Address: 2nd Floor, 1 M.G.- Lido Mall, Trinity Circle, MG Road, Bangalore 560008
Age Group: 4 years & above
5. Amoeba – HM Leisure (Gaming Zone), Church Street
Anyone who’s a fan of bowling would know that Amoeba Gaming Zone is the place to be for an excellent experience. Apart from bowling, one can take kids for an amazing time playing air hockey, indoor games, racing games, and much more.
Address: No.22, Church Street, Bangalore 560001
Age group: 5 years & above
6. Amoeba Kids Zone, Magrath Road
Apart from bowling, kids will have a crazy time with the mind-blowing 7D games and rides. There’s even a scary house to scream out in fear and joy.
Address: 3 rd Floor, Garuda Mall, Magrath Road, Bangalore 560025
Age Group: 5 years & above
7. The Living Room, Residency Road
Relax in this upscale gaming zone that also doubles up as your own living room. Relax with your family in a boutique lounge and play a virtual reality game with consoles and hi-tech equipment amongst one another along with snacks and beverages for a perfect weekend.
Address: #45/7 Residency Cross Road, Next To Corner House, Bangalore 560025
Age group: 7 years & above
Exclusive Spots for a different experience
8. Visvesvaraya Industrial & Technological Museum, Kasturba Road
A perfect place for all those tech nerds to hang out and explore the interesting museum, activities, and events based on science. Not a big fan of science? Never mind, shows like Taramandal and sky observation can enthuse even those who prefer to watch this fascinating world from the sidelines.
Address: P. B. No. 5216, Kasturba Road, Beside Karnataka State Government Museum, MG Road, Bangalore 560001
Age group: All ages
9. Bangalore Aquarium, Kasturba Road
Located close to Cubbon Park, this aquarium can be an interesting place for young children who are fans of the sea creatures. The colourful variety of species will keep the tots engaged and enthralled.
Address: Cubbon Park, Kasturba Road, Near Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium, M G Road, Bangalore 560001
Age group: All ages
10. Indira Gandhi Musical Park and Fountain
An exquisite show of wonder and entertainment, the musical fountain dances to patriotic songs, Bollywood, and a few Kannada numbers. The perfect synchronization along with the light effects create a magical ambience. The Park is also an energy park with solar panels, windmills and the likes.
Address: Opp to Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium, Raj Bhavan Road, Bangalore 560052
Age group: All ages
11. Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
Introduce your child to the magical world of the space beyond the sky at this planetarium. The variety of well-researched shows replete with educational value is a treat to the eyes as we expand our knowledge to the world of stars, planets, galaxies, and their mystic behaviour.
Address: Sri T Choudaiah Road, High Grounds, Bangalore 560001
Age group: All ages
12. Kempegowda Museum
Named after the founder of Bangalore, this museum houses statues, pictures, and posters of the history and past events from that era (1513-1569). Get to know about the glorious past through picture recap of forts. temples, reservoirs built by this impressive personality.
Address: Field Marshall Cariappa Road, Ashok Nagar, Bangalore 560001
Age group: All ages
13. Philatelic Museum
A collector’s haven and a new-age wonder for this generation, this museum is where you can view stamps from the British and post-Independence era. Considering how handwritten letters and post offices are fast becoming outdated, this is an outing that can serve as nostalgia or educational and exotic value depending on which generation you belong to.
Address: General Post Office Building, Raj Bhavan Road, Bangalore 560001
Age group: All ages
14. The Legends Motor Cycle Cafe And Museum
Do you have a pre-teen or teen who’s crazy about vintage bikes? This museum that has over 20 vintage motorbikes will surely provide a visual treat. On a usual Sunday afternoon, one can find bike connoisseurs sharing trivia about their common love over cups of aromatic coffee and snacks at the cafe. (please note this is not ideally a kids cafe, teens with a keen interest in bikes will enjoy it.)
Address: 15 Wheeler Road, Fraser Town Bangalore
Age group: 12 years and above
15. National Military Memorial Park
Located close to the Indira Gandhi musical fountain, this place will make your heart chuff up with pride for our war soldiers who gave up their lives to protect their countrymen. While a lovely way to teach our kids about these bravehearts and their families, the park will appeal to the young with its many models of planes, tanks, and missiles.
Address: 2, Millers Tank Bund Rd, Vasanth, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560051
Age group: All ages
16. Rangoli-Metro Art Centre, M.G. Road
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has set up this lovely space to promote culture through performing and visual arts. It’s a great place of convergence for artists from all walks of life to showcase their creativity.
Address: MG Road Boulevard, beside MG Road Metro Station, near Anil Kumble Circle, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Shivaji Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Age group: All ages
17. Bowring Club, St. Marks Road
While this is a club only for members, there’s a special attraction for kids besides the children’s play area. And, that is this old charm post box. Surely, a fun way to teach kids about how letters were stamped and posted a few decades ago.
Address: 19, St Marks Road, Bengaluru, Karnataka
Age group: All ages
18. The Dog Park, Cubbon Park
This place is truly a haven for dog/pet lovers. The park bustles every Sunday with the furry friends enjoying a special time with their owners (mostly kids), playing games and doing other fun activities. You can also watch out for some unique treasure hunt activities organized for kids at the park over weekends.
Address: Behind High Court of Karnataka, Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Age group: All ages
19. St. Mark’s Cathedral, MG Road
Located peacefully off the busy main road, this cathedral on M.G. Road is a pure treat to the eyes with its splendid colonial architecture replete with majestic ceilings and beautiful stained glass windows. One can simply visit this ancient church irrespective of one’s faith to admire the beauty of it all.
Address: #1, M.G. Road, Near To Chinnaswami Stadium, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Age group: All ages
20. Gurudwara Guru Singh Sabha, Ulsoor
Image courtesy: Wikipedia
Located on the banks of Ulsoor lake, this religious monument embodies faith and tranquility. Sikhs are known for their large-heartedness and the langars in the Gurudwaras are a true testimony to how devotees irrespective of their faith are welcomed with love and openness.
Address: Gurdwara Road, Near M G Road Mall, Ulsoor, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008
Age group: All ages
21. Mayo Hall, M.G. Road
This historical monument was built to commemorate the administrator Lord Mayo. One can view the Ulsoor lake and parade grounds on one side and Shoolay lake and the race course on the other. The Kempegowda museum too is located on the first floor of Mayo Hall.
Address: City courthouse, M.G. Road, Bangalore
Age group: All ages
22. Vidhana Soudha, Sampangi Rama Nagar
Image courtsey: Wikipedia
The magnificent structure built in the Dravidian style is the state legislative building of Karnataka and also the largest legislative building in India. On Sundays and other public holidays, the building is all lit up and makes for a very pretty sight.
Address: Vidhana Soudha, Ambedkar Veedhi, Sampangi Rama Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Age group: All ages
Sports Facilities & Coaches
Image Courtesy: IACA Facebook Page , Karnataka State Hockey Association & Coles Sports World
Sports teach little minds a lot more than the game. It’s about team building, team spirit, getting along with different minded players, fighting with energy and spirit but also losing with grace. Get them trained for their favourite sport with the best facilities and under professional coaches in these academies.
23. Imtiaz Ahmed Cricket Academy, Richmond Circle
Address: No 6, Commanders Place, Ground Floor, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road, Next to Woodlands Hotel, Richmond Circle, Bangalore 560025
Age Group: 6 years & above
24. Brijesh Patel Cricket Academy, Lavelle Road
Address: Shop No. 1B, 1/2, Lavelle Road, Ashok Nagar, Bangalore 560001
Age Group: 6 years & above
25. Karnataka State Hockey Association, Langford Town
Address: Hockey Stadium, Rhenius Street, Langford Town, Bangalore 560025
Age Group: Please contact the association website for details
26. Coles Sports World, Frazer Town
Address: #26/1 Stephens Road, Bangalore – 560005 (Skating Classes Only)
Age Group: 3 years & above
Playgrounds & Parks
Parks are routes to Nature’s paradise while museums provide us with the educational and historic depths and insights. Central Bangalore has these in abundance and makes for an enthusiast’s delight.
27. Jawahar Bal Bhavan, Cubbon Park
This wide expanse of green cover with plenty of avenue trees is a favourite hangout with most Bangaloreans. There are exclusive areas for young children to play or have picnics. The toy train ride is quite a hit with the young and the old.
Address: Kasturba Road, Bangalore 560001
Map & Directions
28. Coles Park, Frazer Town
This park named after the Arthur Henry Cole, a British resident of Mysore, was famous for its bandstand and tennis courts. The park, today, has been given a make-over to make it an inclusive park and is thronged by joggers, nature lovers, and children for their dose of outdoors and fresh air.
Address: Promenade Road, Frazer Town, Bangalore 560005
29. Science Park, Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium
Let your kids examine the structure of a DNA strand, look though an optic tree, whisper to a giant dish and play in around the molecular structure of a crystal! Your child may not yet recognise the science and concepts behind the many unique play pieces at the Nehru Planetarium Science Park, but that’s definitely not going to come in the way of them having a whole lot of fun.
Address: T. Chowdaiah Road, Bangalore
Map & Directions
30. High Street Children’s Park, Cooke Town
Address: High Street,, Cooke Town, Bangalore 560084
Map & Directions
31. Ulsoor Lake & Park (Swamy Vivekananda Park)
Address: Sivanchetti Gardens, Kensington Road, Bangalore 560008
Map & Directions
Art and other fun activity classes
Yoga, painting, storytelling, performing arts, activities such as these are not only fun to learn but can even turn into a potential career if one has the aptitude and passion for it. Find the one that seems right for your child and watch him/her thrive.
32. Puraw Vida, Lavelle Road
Kids at Puraw Vida learn yoga developed by the famous yoga guru B.K.S. Iyengar. Yoga increases stamina and improves concentration and it’s indeed a great idea to start them young.
Address: # 3A , Martha’s place, 5th Cross, Lavelle Road, Bangalore 560001
Age Group: 4 years and above
33. The Arts Village
A perfect place where the moms can do their own thing, enjoy a little me-time doing Zumba or Salsa while the child is equally engrossed in a variety of activities from storytelling to dance to art and craft to enhancing reading skills. The setting is quite lovely too, making it an enjoyable experience.
Address: 57, 58, 60, St Mark’s Road, Opposite Bowring Institute, Bangalore 560001
Age Group: 6 months to 10 years
34. Kalari Academy Of Performing Arts, Brigade Cross Road
Image courtesy: Gurukulam
Expose your kids to this ancient form of martial arts. They have regular classes, workshops, summer camps, and a residential program too. Check it out, Parents!
Address: No.25, VN Plaza Bazaar Street, Brigade Cross Road, Bangalore 560025
Age group: 6 to 14 years
35. Light Room Book Store, Cooke Town, Frazer Town
Nothing like a well-equipped neighbourhood library to keep kids interested in reading. This cozy place offers a huge variety of books for all ages and while you’re there, keep a lookout for some exciting workshops that take place there.
Address: 1, Lewis Road, Cooke Town,Bangalore 560005
Age Group: 0 to 18 years
36. The Lewis Foundation Of Classical Ballet, Ulsoor
The Lewis Foundation of Classical Ballet strives to give ballet its due in the colourful, cultural diaspora that is India. Their aim is to move beyond the studio and embrace artistry, technique and musicality that’s such an inherent part of this beautiful dance form.
Address: #34/1, P1 and P2, Salma Bizhouse, 5th Floor, Meanee Avenue Road, Opposite to Lake Side Hospital, Ulsoor, Bangalore 560042
Age Group: 4 years and above
37. The Nathaniel School Of Music, Langford Town
If your child has a voice for music or a keen ear to play instruments, this school is a good place to get started on training and developing the talent. They have a unique course that goes beyond the technical knowledge and can even get your child to perform within 4 months.
Address: #10 Berlie Street Road, Near the hockey stadium, Langford town, Bangalore 560025
Age group: 4 years+ (piano); 7 years+ (other instruments)
38. La Force Vitale, Cooke Town
Image courtesy: La Force Vitale Facebook page
Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art is a perfect form of meditation and physical form of exercise that enhances agility and calms the mind. It’s also perfect for any age group. So, you could even give it a try as get your child enrolled for it.
Address: Hutchin’s Road, 2nd Cross, Cooke Town, Bangalore 560084
Age Group: 5 years and above
39. Institute Of Jiu-Jitsu, Fraser Town
Image courtesy: Institute Of Jiu-Jitsu Facebook Page
They teach the Brazilian form of martial arts Jiu-Jitsu in a completely safe and friendly environment. In an age where learning self-defense techniques is no longer an option but a necessary skill, one can use all the forms to get empowered.
Address: #95 , Mosque Road, Frazer Town, Bangalore 560005
Age Group: 5 years and above
40. Papagoya, Frazer Town
A kindergarten based on the Norwegian pedagogy has curated special equipment and tools specifically designed for a child’s creative growth. They organize a variety of interesting workshops and activities for children of all age groups over the weekends.
Address: # (4) 8 Saunders Road, Frazer Town, Bangalore 560005
Age group: 1 to 6 years
Library
When there’s a well-equipped and cozy library around the area, there’s no need to look for any other form of entertainment, right book lovers? So, all you book nerds, head out to this oldest library with an excellent range of books and magazines.
41. Eloor Library, Infantry Road
42. Lightroom Bookstore, Cooke Town, Frazer Town
43. JustBooksclc, Frazer Town
Eating out with kids
44. Eden Gardens, Infantry Road
Address: 21/1, Behind The Hindu, Cunningham Road, Bangalore
45. Hard Rock Cafe, St. Marks Road
Address: 40 St. Marks Road, Opp. LIC Building, Anil Kumble Circle, Bangalore
46. Blimey, MG Road
Address: 1 MG Mall, Opposite Vivanta by Taj, M.G Road, Bangalore
47. Yauatcha, M G Mall
Address: Level 5, 1 MG Road Mall, MG Road, Bengaluru
48. California Burritos, MG Road – Garuda Mall
Address: 3 rd Floor, Garuda Mall , Magrath Road, Bangalore 560025
49. Crepe Connection, M G Road – Garuda Mall
Address: 3 rd Floor, Garuda Mall , Magrath Road, Bangalore 560025
50. Barbeque Nation, M G Road – Lido Mall
Address: 1/4, Ground Floor, Lido Mall, Swami Vivekananda Road, Ulsoor, Bangalore 560008
51. Sancho’s, UB City
Address: 204, UB City, Vittal Mallya Road, Near Lavelle Road, Bangalore
52. Cafe Noir, UB City
Address: 204, UB City, Vittal Mallya Road, Near Lavelle Road, Bangalore
53. Smoke House Deli, Lavelle Road
Address: 52/53, Ground Floor, Lavelle Road, Bangalore
54. Smally’s, Church Street
Address: 1A, Church Street, Opp Starbucks Cafe, Bangalore 560001
55. Brik Oven, Church Street, Church Street
Address: 19 Church Street, Bangalore 56000
56. Koshy’s, M.G. Road
Address: 39, St. Marks Road, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Also, check out our complete List of Kid-friendly restaurants in Bangalore
Desserts & Ice Cream Parlours
57. Art of Delight, Residency Road
Address: 44/1, Residency Road, Bangalore
58. Bangalore Baking Company, Vittal Mallya Road
Address: JW Marriott, 24/1, Vittal Mallya Road, Lavelle Road, Bangalore
59. Marzipan Cafe & Bakery, Ulsoor
Address: 8/1, Near Ulsoor Lake, Ulsoor Road, Ulsoor, Bangalore
60. Amande Patisserie, Lavelle Road
Address: 2nd Floor, UB City, Vittal Mallya Road, Lavelle Road, Bangalore
61. Slice Of Heaven, Ulsoor
Address: Splendid Skywalk, 2nd Floor, Assaye Road, Ulsoor, Bangalore
62. Waffle Stories, Brigade Road
Address: 25, Lower Ground Floor, Opp Vero Moda, Brigade Road, Bangalore
63. Dolci, Cunningham Road
Address: 18/3, Ali Askar Road, Near Kingfisher Airlines Office, Cunningham Road, Bangalore
64. Dunkin Donuts, Brigade Road
Address: Mota Royal Arcade, Brigade Road, Bangalore
65. Mini Melts, Brigade Road
Address: 5th, Avenue Mall, Brigade Road, Bangalore
66. The Chocolate Room, Brigade Road
Address: 1st Floor, St.Patricks Complex, Brigade Road, Bangalore
67. Gelato Italiano, Garuda Mall
Address: Ground Floor, Garuda Mall, Magrath Road, Bangalore
68. Lake View MilkBar, MG Road
Address: 89, Kannan Building, MG Road, Bangalore
69. Cream Stone, Frazer Stone
Address: 64, MM Road, Frazer Town, Bangalore
70. Pabrai’s Fresh & Naturalle Ice Creams
Address: 6, Wood Street, Ashok Nagar, Off Brigade Road, Bangalore
71. Richie Rich Ice Cream, St Marks Road
Address: 3/14, St. Marks Plaza, Opposite Bank of India, St Marks Road, Bangalore
72. Movenpick Ice Cream, Lavelle Road
Address: 4/1-1, Lavelle Heights, Near UB City, Lavelle Road, Bangalore
73. YOYO.ooo Frozen Yogurt
Address: 1st Floor, New Oxford Store, 1 MG Mall, MG Road, Bangalore
Also, check out our complete list of 28 Best Dessert Places in Bangalore for Every Family to try and 25 Best Ice Cream Parlours in Bangalore that you must try
Shopping for kids
74. Faye, Brigade Road
Address: No 4, Block A, St Patrics Complex, Brigade Road, Bangalore – 560025
75. Big Kids Kemp, M G Road
Address: No 18, Ground Floor, Ramana Sri Arcade, M.G. Road, Ulsoor, Bangalore 560001
76. Sapphire Toys, M G Road
Address: 62, Prestige Corniche, Richmond Road, Victoria Layout, Bangalore 560025
77. Mother Care, M G Road
Address: Garuda Mall, 2nd Floor, Garuda Mall, Magrath Road, Bangalore
78. Shoppers Stop, MG Road
Address: 2nd Floor, Garuda Mall, Magrath Road, Bangalore
79. Full Of Toys, Lavelle Road
Address: #68, Lavelle Road, Land Mark: Below Hotel Shezan, Bangalore – 560001
80. Lilliput, Lido Mall
Address: # 2, 2nd Floor, Lido Mall, Ulsoor, Bangalore 560008
81. Hamleys, MG Road
Address: Level 1 ,1 MG Road Mall, Bangalore 560008
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