Traveling To India with Kids: Family-Friendly Activities We Loved in New Delhi

Ever since I moved to the U.S. for college, it’s been important to me to visit India at least once a year. These trips have always been meaningful, but now (with two little kids along for the ride) they’ve taken on a whole new energy. Sure, traveling with children comes with its fair share of challenges, but honestly, the joy far outweighs the stress.

In addition to spending time with family, India offers so many fun possibilities for families with young children. Watching my kids experience India for the first time – its culture, its language, its food – has brought a whole new level of happiness to our visits.

Here are a few quick tips that have helped us travel more smoothly with kids:

Use reliable transportation: We usually stick with ride apps like Ola or Uber and hire a driver for the day (it just makes things easier when you’re managing car seats, snacks, and nap schedules).

Keep your itinerary flexible: We try to plan just one main activity per day and leave room for breaks, snacks, and unexpected adventures. A slower pace keeps everyone happier.

Prep your kids with a bit of Hindi vocab: Obviously, I’m biased 🙂but giving your kids a basic foundation in Hindi before the trip can really enrich their experience. Check out our worksheets to introduce simple vocabulary. And once you’re in Delhi, turn outings into little language lessons – point to animals or fruits in the market and ask, “Yeh kya hai?” ("What is this?").

Family Activities We’ve Enjoyed in New Delhi

🍦 Eat Street Food

Whenever we’re in New Delhi, we have to stop anytime we pass a Quality Walls ice cream vendor. I personally love grabbing a streetside mango popsicle! And if you’re a bit more adventurous, enjoy some of the famous pani puri at Prince’s.

🛍️ Shopping – Khan Market & Dilli Haat

We love visiting Khan Market in Delhi for dress shopping or, my husband’s favorite, the stationery store Anand Stationery. But with kids, I’ll always recommend Dilli Haat. Dilli Haat is a cultural bazaar in New Delhi with handcrafted clothes, gifts, and art from all across India. Here, we’ve picked up handmade stuffed elephants for the kids, watched dance performances, and had the best momos in the city.

🕌 Visit the Taj Mahal – Agra (Day Trip from Delhi)

Wait, wasn’t this a list of things to do in New Delhi? It is – but visiting the Taj Mahal (arguably the most iconic sight in India) is easily done as a day trip from the capital. You can book a guided tour that includes transportation and meals, so it’s all taken care of for you. Leave in the morning, be back by evening, and take plenty of pictures. No trip is complete without the classic family photo “holding” the Taj by the tip. :)

🚂 National Rail Museum

We visited the Rail Museum in Delhi on our last trip, and we’re sure to be back. There are tons of vintage trains to explore and climb on, and you can ride a toy train around the entire property. It was such a fun (and educational) way to spend the afternoon.

🛕 Akshardham

Akshardham is more than just a temple – it’s an experience. In addition to the beautiful architecture, there's an IMAX film and a boat ride through Indian history that feels straight out of Disneyland. 

🇮🇳 India Gate – New Delhi

India Gate is the perfect place to stretch your legs, especially in the cooler evening hours. Families gather here to enjoy snacks, fly kites, and let their kids play in the open lawns. I never leave without grabbing a Quality Walls ice cream.

Whether it’s your first visit or a homecoming with little ones, New Delhi is full of possibilities for family travel. With some thoughtful planning, a relaxed schedule, and a bit of curiosity, traveling through Delhi with kids becomes more than manageable – it becomes unforgettable.