Dhaka is the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, a megacity of roughly 10 million people in the city and more than 20 million in the metro area on the Buriganga River. It combines Mughal and colonial monuments, the crowded lanes of Old Dhaka, Louis Kahn's parliament building and some of South Asia's best biryani and street food.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Bangladesh National Museum
Large museum in Shahbag with natural history, Bengali art, independence-war galleries and ethnographic displays; air-conditioned and easy to visit in monsoon.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan
Shaded open space with paths, lakes and tea stalls in central Dhaka; best in the morning.
Duration: 1-2 hours
National Zoo (Mirpur)
Bengal tigers, elephants and birds in Mirpur; animal welfare standards vary, so many families keep the visit short; go early on winter mornings.
Duration: Half day
Sadarghat boat ride on the Buriganga
Colourful wooden boat ride among launches with views of Old Dhaka's riverfront; life jackets are not always provided, so use only for short crossings with adult supervision.
Duration: 1 hour
Fantasy Kingdom (Savar)
Amusement and water park on Dhaka's outskirts with rides and pools; a traditional family outing for Bangladeshis, best on weekdays.
Duration: Full day
Hatirjheel lakefront
Modern promenade with bridges and lights; popular for evening strolls and small boat rides.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Liberation War Museum
Powerful museum about 1971; some galleries include graphic photographs, so adults should preview content for younger children.
Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Dhaka Metro Rail ride
Air-conditioned elevated train with city views, a highlight for children and a fast way to skip traffic.
Duration: 1 hour
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Radisson Blu Dhaka Water Garden
International 5-star in the Cantonment area with a large pool, gardens and family suites.
Family features: Outdoor pool, family suites, kids' menu, secure parking, breakfast included
Le Meridien Dhaka
Upscale hotel near the airport with a pool and multiple restaurants; practical for arrivals and departures.
Family features: Pool, connecting rooms on request, airport proximity, several restaurants
Lakeshore Hotel Dhaka
Quiet lakeside hotel in Gulshan with spacious rooms and a garden.
Family features: Lake views, family rooms, room service, cots on request
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Choose air-conditioned, busy restaurants in Gulshan, Banani and Dhanmondi with visible hygiene; hotel kids' menus are widely available.
Mild dishes for children include plain rice with dal, chicken tikka, grilled fish, naan, paratha with egg and khichuri; ask for less spice ('jhal kom').
Give bottled or filtered water only for drinking and brushing teeth; avoid ice, salads and unpeeled raw fruit for young children.
Carry snacks, formula or baby food and wipes; imported baby food is sold at Agora, Shwapno and Meena Bazar supermarkets.
Dinner at 8-10PM is normal locally, so eat early (6-7PM) for quieter service with young children.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.