Gujarat is India's westernmost state, a broad sweep of Arabian Sea coastline, salt desert, and temple towns on the border with Pakistan and Rajasthan. It holds four UNESCO World Heritage Sites plus the walled city of Ahmedabad, the only Asiatic lion population on earth at Gir, the white salt flats of the Rann of Kutch, and the 182-metre Statue of Unity. It is also an alcohol-prohibition state with a famously vegetarian kitchen, from the multi-course Gujarati thali to Surat's locho and Kutch's dabeli.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Science City, Ahmedabad
Sprawling 107-acre Gujarat Science City with an aquarium, Robotics Gallery, Energy Park, hands-on science galleries, IMAX theatre and a musical fountain show in the evening - the best rainy-day and heat-of-day option for children in Ahmedabad
Duration: Half day to full day
Kankaria Lakefront and Balvatika
A 500-year-old circular lake with a promenade, toy train, Balvatika children's park, boating, food stalls and games, at its liveliest in the cool evening
Duration: 2-4 hours
Kamla Nehru Zoological Garden (Kankaria Zoo)
Compact city zoo beside Kankaria Lake with big cats, primates, reptiles and a butterfly and bird section, easy to combine with the lakefront
Duration: 2-3 hours
Sabarmati Riverfront and Atal Bridge Walk
Broad landscaped promenade along the Sabarmati River with cycling paths, gardens, and the kite-shaped Atal Pedestrian Bridge, comfortable for strollers and older children after sunset
Duration: 1-2 hours
Sabarmati Ashram (Gandhi Ashram)
Gandhi's simple riverside home for 13 years, with a museum, charkha (spinning wheel) demonstrations and calm grounds; a story-led history lesson for school-age children
Duration: 1-1.5 hours
Gir National Park Lion Safari (Sasan Gir)
The only wild home of the Asiatic lion, with a good chance of lion sightings from a licensed Gypsy jeep; permits are limited and must be booked in advance on the Gujarat Forest Department portal (girlion.gujarat.gov.in)
Duration: Half day (approx 3 hours per safari)
Devalia Safari Park (Gir Interpretation Zone)
A fenced safari park near Sasan with a guided bus ride past lions, leopards, deer and other Gir wildlife, a lower-effort alternative for toddlers and grandparents who cannot manage jeep safaris
Duration: 2 hours
Statue of Unity and Sardar Sarovar Dam Viewpoint
The world's tallest statue at 182 m with a lift to a viewing gallery, plus the Valley of Flowers, Sardar Sarovar dam views and nearby Sardar Patel Zoological Park
Duration: Half to full day
Sayaji Baug Zoo, Museum and Planetarium
Vadodara's central 45-hectare Victorian-era garden with a zoo, a natural-history and art museum, a planetarium and a toy train, popular with local families at weekends
Duration: Half day
Adalaj Stepwell
A five-storey 15th-century stepwell carved with elephants and dancers, cool inside on a hot day and a fun explorer setting for children (many steps, no lift)
Duration: 45 minutes
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad
Upscale international hotel on Ashram Road, a short drive from Sabarmati Ashram and the riverfront.
Family features: Outdoor pool, family rooms, kids' menus, buffet breakfast; reservations via hyatt.com (Ahmedabad property page)
Taj Skyline Ahmedabad
Five-star hotel on Sindhu Bhavan Road, close to cafes and Science City, with spacious rooms suited to families.
Family features: Pool, larger room options, children's dining; reservations via tajhotels.com
Fern Gir Forest Resort
Forest resort near the Sasan safari gates, practical as a base for lion safaris.
Family features: Cottage-style rooms, pool, lawns for children; verify current rates on the Fern Hotels website
Tent City Narmada (Ekta Nagar)
Government-promoted tented resort a short ride from the Statue of Unity.
Family features: Air-conditioned deluxe tents, family tents, on-site dining, activities for children; booking via tentcitynarmada.com
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Gujarati thalis are mostly vegetarian and mild; ask for less sugar or spice if children are fussy.
Most restaurants serve no alcohol and no beef; chicken and egg dishes are available only in select places.
Drink only sealed bottled water and ask for freshly cooked items.
Restaurants generally serve lunch 12-3PM and open again for dinner after 7PM.
Carry hand sanitiser and snacks for long drives.
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Best months for families are October to February, with pleasant days of 20-30 C.
Plan outdoor sights for before 11AM or after 4PM in summer.
Book Gir safari permits at girlion.gujarat.gov.in and Statue of Unity tickets at soutickets.in weeks ahead.
Carry a copy of each child's passport or ID; some sights offer age-based tickets.
Use Uber or Ola or hotel taxis rather than hailing auto-rickshaws at night.
Emergency numbers in India: 112 (unified), 100 (police), 108 (ambulance), 1363 (national tourist helpline); Gujarat Tourism toll-free 1800 203 1111.