Delhi in a Day With Kids: A Child Friendly Itinerary
Traveling to Delhi with children? Don’t worry! There is a lot to keep kids happy and occupied in Delhi for one day. While the city is not what I consider super kid friendly (sidewalks are a mess or non-existent in many places, lack of guard rails, etc.), Indians are very family oriented and friendly. As a parent and someone that lives in Delhi, I think this itinerary will ensure you and your children have a great day.
I know Delhi isn’t the first city that comes to mind when planning a holiday with kids, but your child will be amazed by what they see. Auto rickshaws, cows wandering the streets, monkeys bouncing around from tree to tree, and a lot of men peeing in public – your kids will be thoroughly entertained before you even set foot in an attraction!
Delhi in a Day with Kids
This Delhi in a day itinerary should please both adults and children. Make sure to bring bottled water, sunscreen, a hat and comfortable shoes for you and your children.
If you’re in a hurry, here’s a summary of the itinerary:
1. Humayun’s Tomb
2. Sunder Nursery (lunch at Fabcafe by the Lake)
3. Lodhi Art District (drive through and stop for ice cream at Jaatre)
4. India Gate
5. Jantar Mantar
6. Connaught Place (dinner)
Start at Humayun’s Tomb (UNESCO)
A trip to Delhi would not be complete with visiting at least one world heritage UNESCO site. Start the day off at Humayun’s Tomb, one of Delhi’s most magical places.
It’s supposed to be open at sunrise every day, but I wouldn’t count on that. If you’re there by 8:00 am that should be good.
Try to buy your tickets online in advance through the Archeological Survey of India website. Adults are INR 550, and children under 15 are free. Even though there isn’t much of a line-up early in the morning, it’s better to buy your ticket online (and a little cheaper too).
This may not be the most entertaining site for you child, but by visiting it first you’ll get to see it while your child still has lots of patience. Plus, it really is the tomb of an actual emperor which kids find kind of cool.
Humayun was a popular Mughal ruler, but met an untimely death in 1556 when he tripped and fell down a flight of stone steps in his library. His queen was devastated by the loss and had this mausoleum built. It was finished in 1572 and houses the graves of over 150 royals and their entourage.
If you are staying in South or Central Delhi, you can take an auto rickshaw (most kids love this mode of Delhi transportation), or an Uber to Humayun’s Tomb. Riding the Delhi metro is safe and a great way to move around the city, but weekday mornings can be crowded and not ideal for children. Uber, Ola and BluSmart are the ride share programs widely used in Delhi.
Burn off Some Steam in Sunder Nursery & Have Lunch at Fabcafe by the Lake
If it’s not hot, you can walk to Sunder Nursery from Humayun’s Tomb. It is literally next door.
This park is very special and wonderful for kids. It has won several UNESCO awards for heritage conservation and sustainable development.
Sunder Nursery is Delhi’s newest heritage park. There’s a fantastic interactive playground which children adore, lots of walking paths, wide open spaces and giant swings hanging from enormous trees throughout the park. It’s a nature haven with over 80 species of birds and 40 species of butterflies.
The park is on the site of a 16th century Mughal garden called Azim Bagh. The central walkway sits on top of the Grand Trunk Road, the ancient trade route that linked Central Asia with India. There are also several beautifully restored Mughal monuments in the park.
Have lunch at Fabcafe by the Lake. It’s located in the park beside the lake, a little further down the path from the children’s playground. The menu is predominately Indian, but there is pizza and momos which kids usually love.
Entrance fee to Sunder Nursery is INR 200, children under 5 are free. There is an additional fee for the playground.
Stop for Ice Cream in Lodhi Art District
From Sunder Nursery, take an auto rickshaw to Lodhi Colony. This experience in itself will entertain your children. Lodhi Colony is India’s first open air art district – there are over 50 giant murals with social and ethical themes.
Tell the driver to drive up and down the lanes in the neighbourhood so you can see the art murals. This should be no more than INR 180, including the touring around to see the murals.
Here’s a handy map of the murals: St+Art India’s location guide.
Since you already had lunch at Fabcafe by the Lake, stop at one of Delhi’s best places for ice cream, Jaatre. The ice cream is excellent, and they serve some very Indian flavours like palm jaggery with roasted fig and fresh jamun. But don’t worry, they have chocolate and vanilla too!
It’s located right on the main road of Lodhi Colony in Meharchand Market.
Take an Uber or an auto rickshaw to the next stop, India Gate.
Visit the Iconic India Gate
Children will enjoy the carnival like atmosphere surrounding India Gate. Even though it’s a war memorial, it’s far from being a somber site.
There’s always tons of Indian families around taking selfies and picnicking, hawkers selling everything from cheap jewelry to wind-up toys and balloons, and plenty of street food vendors.
India Gate is one of the most iconic symbols of Delhi. It’s fun for kids, and easy to fit into a day in Delhi because of its central location. The parliament buildings sit directly opposite, down Kartavya Path. This is where Republic Day is celebrated every year with a grand military parade.
India Gate is always a hive of activity and a wonderful spot to hang out for a bit. There is no entrance fee.
Check Out Ancient Astronomy at Jantar Mantar
Take an auto rickshaw from India Gate to Jantar Mantar. This should be no more than INR 80.
If your kids are interested in science or astronomy they’ll enjoy this outdoor observatory. It’s a collection of 13 architectural astronomy instruments built in the 1700s.
The instruments are not cordoned off, which means you can walk through them, sit on them, and generally explore to your heart’s content.
Jantar Mantar is an open area without much shade, so skip it if it’s really hot.
I recommend buying your ticket in advance on the Archeological Survey of India website. Tickets are INR 250, children under 15 are free. If you have to buy your tickets on site, make sure you go to the foreigner ticket window – the lines are always shorter. Tickets at the site are INR 300.
Have Dinner and Do Some Shopping in Connaught Place
The last stop on the kids friendly Delhi in a day tour is Connaught Place. It’s basically the unofficial centre of Delhi and known as CP locally. CP is the commercial and retail hub built by the British.
If you want to buy souvenirs or anything else, you can do it here. This is where international and domestic brands all have shops. For souvenirs I recommend Khadi India (shop 10, Regal Building), or the Shop (shop 24, Regal Building).
The colonnaded shopfronts are set out in concentric circles and lettered, making it easy to navigate with kids. Covered walkways provide welcome shade in the hotter months.
There are numerous restaurants in Connaught Place’s. Good options for children are:
- Nando’s
- Chili’s
- Unplugged Courtyard (outdoor venue with good pizza)
- Yeti – The Himalayan Kitchen (mild soups, momos and noodles)
- United Coffee House (a bit upscale, but they have a vast menu)
By now it’s probably dark, so take an Uber or Ola back to your accommodation. I avoid auto rickshaws and the metro after dark. Plus your children will probably fall asleep on the way back…they did a lot today!
Other Things you Can do with Kids if you Have More Than a Day in Delhi
If you have an extra afternoon or day in Delhi, I highly recommend these sites for you and your children. The following are my top choices, but I have a lot more suggestions in this list of 39 things to do with kids in Delhi.
Akshardham Temple
Delhi’s most child friendly temple will captivate you and your kids. It’s absolutely stunning, and the largest Hindu temple in the world.
Your kids will enjoy the 3D dioramas, movie about the life of the young Swaminarayan and cultural boat ride. There’s a playground, a large cafeteria, and a sweet shop. Every evening there’s a water show (make sure you’re there 30 minutes before start time – it’s popular).
- Hours and Cost: 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, daily (closed Monday); free but there is a fee for the exhibitions and water show
- Akshardham website
Sound and Light Show at the Red Fort
Here’s your chance to see another of Delhi’s UNESCO world heritage sites. Every night an hour long sound and light show is played out against Delhi’s most famous historic site, the Red Fort. The show is called Jai Hind (long live India) and it’s narrated by India’s own superstar, Amitabh Bachchan.
Before the show, take a short wander up Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi (right across from the Red Fort) and get chole bhature from Kanwarji Raj Kumar Bhatura Junction. Your child will get to experience Old Delhi and street food!
A separate ticket is required to enter the Red Fort, but your Jai Hind ticket gives you access after 6:00 pm.
- Hours and Cost: 8:45 pm (English) Tuesday to Friday; INR 500 to 1,500 depending on seat (arrive 30 minutes before show time)
- BookMyShow website for tickets
National Rail Museum
This is a wonderful museum for children located in central Delhi. The grounds are set up like a railway yard, with many historic carriages and locomotives that kids can explore and roam around on. There’s an onsite restaurant, a playground, indoor displays and a mini Joy train ride.
- Hours and Cost: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm Tuesday to Sunday (closed Monday); INR 50 adult, INR 10 children (rides on trains are extra – prices double on weekends and public holidays)
- National Rail Museum website
The Best Delhi Hotels to Stay at with Kids
South or Central Delhi are the best areas of Delhi to stay in with children. These are nicer parts of the city, and you’ll be close to everything in this itinerary.
These are all kid friendly hotels with pools, and most offer babysitting and special kids activities.
My top picks for kid friendly hotels in Delhi are:
Maidens Hotel – luxury heritage hotel in Central Delhi
Sheraton New Delhi – mid-range hotel in South Delhi, next to two of Delhi’s best shopping malls with restaurants and a movie theatre
Prakash Kutir Bed & Breakfast – budget guest house in South Delhi, well located for exploring the city
The Wrap-up on Delhi in a Day with Kids: A Child Friendly Itinerary
This itinerary will give you and your kids a great day in Delhi. Between the sites you will see, and the sheer cultural differences of Delhi, your family is going to have a great Indian adventure.
You might also be interested in…
- 42 Great Things to Do With Kids in Delhi
- Where to Stay in Delhi – Best Areas and Hotels for Every Budget
- Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour from Delhi: Three Great Options
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
