Travelling with children can often be quite a challenge. Keeping them occupied and content is not always the easiest task. Kolkata fortunately offers a wide range of entertaining and educational options for the whole family to enjoy, including an aqua park, a zoo, the educational Science City and non-stop entertainment at Space Circle.

Aquatica Water Park
This park provides visitors with the perfect getaway from the pollution and noise of the crowded city. An artificial river gives the impression of being near a trickling stream, while random sprays squirt water throughout the park for a refreshing respite from the Indian heat. The Aqua dance floor is a fun activity, allowing you to enjoy the fun of a disco in the water.

Birla Planetarium
The second largest planetarium in the world, the Birla features a daily multi-lingual show and plenty of entertaining and educational information on astronomical phenomena.

Bowling
There is nothing more fun than a group trip to the bowling alley, especially if there are children. Bowling alleys can be found at Metro Plaza, an enormous entertainment centre, and Space Circle.

Clown Town
This fun park has much more to offer than just the playful antics of its clowns. There is no end of activities to delight and entertain from slides, swings and roller skating to child-sized jeeps, cars and bikes as well as bungee jumping, wall jumping and assault zones for the older kids.

Nikko Amusement Park
This is the perfect place for a great family outing in the park, located near the Salt Lakes northeast of the city. Nikko offers a range of exciting rides and attractions, including a cable car, water chute, flying saucer and a toy train.

Rollerblading
Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional,  the Space Circle is the place to go. There is a blading rink, rollerblades for hire and professional staff to assist visitors.

Science City
Science City is a wonderland of all things science presented in an educational yet superbly fun manner, making the subject of science an excuse for a fun-filled family day out. Children and adults alike will benefit from information presented on earthquakes, tornadoes and quicksand in the form of simulated representations. Life-sized dinosaurs will send a bewildering shiver down the spines of young and old, while the collection of birds and insects provides insight into earth’s tiny creatures. Once you have learned all that there is to know at Science City, head for some serious fun in the form of swings, slides, ropeways and jungle gyms. The spectacular musical fountain features water sprays dancing in time to lively music.

Space Circle
This adventure centre provides endless options for a range of fun activities in which both young and old visitors can partake. Attractions include a four-lane bowling alley, a rock climbing wall, a rollerblading rink and a virtual games arcade. Further options are the heated swimming pool, karate gym and, for a real treat, a discotheque where all the family can get down to a lively mix of tunes.

Zoo
Kolkata’s Alipore Zoo is one India’s largest. It has all the usual attractions from elephants and monkeys to dolphins and underwater animals. Among the most interesting of the zoo’s animals are the striking white tigers that have been brought in from Rewa. There is also an excellent aquarium which houses over a thousand species of fish and a reptile house.

Kolkata, with its wealth of art, history and music, is the perfect place to indulge in the rich cultural offerings of the region. The city’s museums and galleries are home to a range of artistic styles, while handicrafts and local products are available for purchase throughout the city. Sports are also an important feature of the city’s long-standing recreational activities.

Academy of Fine Arts
This wonderful institution offers a look at the best works of the city’s contemporary artists, while the local theatre and dance companies provide traditional entertainment that is definitely worth a look. The Rabindra Gallery’s tribute to Rabindranath Tagore includes collections of his personal belongings, paintings and manuscripts. The gallery is easily accessed via the city’s tram line.

Cricket
With India consistently leading the pack on the international cricket stage, it is a national passion and certainly worth experiencing while on holiday here. One will often see young boys playing in the lanes of the city’s residential areas, but for a look at the country’s best head to Ranji Stadium to witness one-day internationals and test matches.

Kabadi
Almost like an adult version of tag, this is one of the country’s most popular and fun sports. Ask your hotel reception desk where you can catch a game and if you are brave enough, you may be given the chance to join in.

Meditation and Yoga
Both of these mind and body relaxation methods are widely practiced and taught throughout the city. Your hotel reception desk should be able to give you relevant information. Basic courses run for a minimum of 6 days.

Swabhumi’s Village Haat
Many Indian villages, town and cities will host a market-like entertainment and crafts fair once a week. Kolkata’s version is a wonderful day out and a fabulous introduction into the local culture with a distinctly ethnic ambience. Stilt-walkers, folk singers and paan-walaas give the affair a sense of circus-like antics, while the food offerings from around the country make it a culinary celebration. Craftspeople provide rows of hand-created products, which are perfect gifts to take back home.

There are endless amounts of diverse sporting and outdoor activities in which to immerse yourself while in Kolkata. From boating, canoeing and leisurely river cruises to rock climbing, mountain biking and hill treks, there is something for everybody to enjoy in the outdoors of Kolkata.

Boating
Many of the city’s hotels offer boats for hire; if not, the concierge desk should be able to provide information on the best places for boating. Nalban lake has paddle boats, shikaras and hovercraft available for hire to cruise the waters at your leisure. For something a little more adventurous, why not try a water scooter ride or a touch of parasailing. The floating restaurant is the perfect place to sit back and relax in the surrounding beauty of this peaceful location.

Bird-watching
India as a whole has a massive array of flora and fauna, including hundreds of species of birds that can be spotted in many of the city’s parks and outdoor areas. The Botanical Gardens are a great place to see some of the best examples, while also being surrounded by the indigenous plants of the country. Science City has plenty of information on the birds that inhabit the local areas.

Canoeing / Kayaking
Canoeing and kayaking are ideal ways to explore the nature surrounding Kolkata’s waterways. These are great for families with teenagers or groups travelling together.

Golf
The Royal Calcutta Golf Club is the oldest golf club outside of Britain. This challenging 18-hole course offers some beautiful scenery to take in while teeing off. For information and green fee bookings call: +91 473 2790. The only all-women’s golf course is also found in this part of the country and can be reached by calling +91 247 3566.

Hooghly river cruise
This three-day cruise offered by the West Bengal Department of Tourism is a great way to saunter through a number of nearby towns and historical sites at a leisurely and peaceful pace. Among the destinations reached once the boat has set out from Outram Ghat jetty are Murshidabad, Kalna and Belur Math.

Horse racing
Get dressed up and bring lots of cash for this upper class day of racing, eating and drinking. Race meetings are usually held on Saturdays and racing seasons usually run from July to September and November to March.

Horseback riding
If you’re charged up from watching the horse races, you can hop on the back of one of these beautiful creatures yourself. Tollygunge Club offers horses for treks into the surrounding countryside, and these are especially popular with couples and families looking for a fun but easy day out.

Kolkata Maiden
This is an artificial forestry project set up to bring a certain sense of nature to the largely unnatural city that is Kolkata. The park features a number of paths, including an ornamental walkway, landscaped gardens and picturesque fountains. It is the ideal place for a family outing, allowing the kids to stretch their legs and burn some energy.

Mountain biking
One of the most exhilarating ways to explore nature on the outskirts of the city is by hopping on a mountain bicycle. For more information on the tour that will best suit you, contact Mountaineering Association Chandannagar: +91 683 7111.

Polo
Few people know that India is where this exciting sport played on horseback actually originated. Thus, what better place to watch the game or take part in it? The Polo Club office can be reached at: +91 33 473 1430.

Rock climbing
The Space Circle complex is home to a manmade climbing wall. All equipment is provided and instruction available. For more information please contact: +91 579 6008-10

Rowing
Located on the banks of the Rabindro Sarobar lake, the Kolkata rowing club has been in action for over 150 years. For beginners there are regular induction classes, while those with experience can join either competitive or recreational squads.

Trekking
Get out and explore the hills, villages and towns lying on the outskirts of Kolkata with a group of friends and family. For information on various trekking companies contact a local travel agency upon arrival to the city.

Water sports
Rabindra Sarobar is the top destination for the best of Kolkata’s water activities. The Lakes, as the resort is commonly known, offer an activity-filled day excursion for the entire family, with a number of rowing clubs, boating clubs, a children’s park and a cultural centre on hand.

Two of the most popular and often rewarding activities in Kolkata are dining and shopping. Indian cuisine is known and loved around the world for its burst of flavours, mixing spices and herbs with locally grown vegetables and often organic meats. Among the most popular internationally and most commonly found in all regions of India are chapattis, which is served with five sauces and bean curd, and the famous chicken tandoori, which is mild and creamy.

Both pakoras and samosas are popular as an appetizer or snack, while naan bread is an Indian staple and the perfect accompaniment to any dish. Curries steam with spice and are certainly worth at least one try. Fruit lassis are available everywhere and are a healthy and filling drink. One of the country’s most popular desserts is a type of rice pudding known as kheer.

Whatever your culinary desire, Kolkata can provide it. Restaurants with excellent international menus can be found across the city. Pick up local specialities from any street stall if you’re on the go, or try some food from other Asian countries while in the area. Eating is one of the most enjoyable experiences in India.

Throughout the city, every street has something to nibble on while you’re out and about. Some first-time visitors to India are wary of eating from street vendors, so if you are concerned about stomach troubles, there are endless eateries offering the best in local specialities, the more well-known Indian dishes and Western dishes, all at very affordable prices.

Eating in Kolkata should never be a chore. With such varied choices and delectable products, delve into the cuisine culture that is abundant all over.

Walking through the crowded streets across the city, you will find stalls, shops and bazaars selling everything from local food specialities to handmade jewellery and some curious yet fascinating antiques. Modern Kolkata is also home to a number of large retail and shopping complexes featuring international brands.

The expression ‘shop ‘til you drop’ is certainly applicable in Kolkata, thanks to the vast array of shops to be explored. There are more than enough markets that could warrant a visit but be sure to check out some of the individual shops located in almost every corner and area of the city that offer many a hidden gem.

The area around Chowringhee road extending to Lindsay street is one of the main commercial areas in the city. One of the locals’ favourite markets is New Market, a large area housing shops selling just about anything; it is worth the visit to see what curious items and boast-worthy bargains you can pick up. The Grand Hotel Arcade and Sheeram Market are two modern complexes offering a range of shops, with shoes being a main feature. Treasure Island is a wonderland of small stalls but can be hard work to navigate, with many outlets cramped into a small space.

The South Park street shopping area sprung into being quite recently and has since become one of Kolkata’s slightly upmarket and very pleasant shopping areas. A number of shopping centres offer a range of goods from local handicrafts to high street goods. The air-conditioned market in this area is one of the oldest complexes in the city. Here, you will find a vast centre selling everything from clothes and jewellery to watches, electronic gadgets and novelty items. The massive Metro Plaza is home to over 200 shops and a vast range of goods. It also features an entertainment centre called the Mega Bowl. One for the ladies, the Vardaan shopping complex offers a cool retreat from the heat of the city streets and a cooler mix of knick-knacks, novelty items, cosmetics and jewellery.

Southern Kolkata’s answer to Chowringhee road is the area of Gariahat. No matter what your shopping list may contain, you are sure to be able to find it here. Dakshinapan is one of the largest markets in the area and is home to a wide selection of goods. It is the perfect one-stop spot to pick up everything at once. Among the more interesting offerings in the complex are local handicrafts, textiles and handlooms.

The opposite end of the city is not lacking in shopping treats either. Kolkata’s northern area is home to Uttarayan, an excellent complex of emporiums from around India. Most people who come to Kolkata take a trip to Salt Lake City. While here, be sure to check out the Charnock City, an impressive state-of-the-art structure with various items for sale and a stunning rooftop garden overlooking the cityscape.

Visitors can often pick up ornaments, local produce, handicrafts and various bits and bobs while out and about on the streets. Street stalls line many residential and commercial areas alike and although they may be at times tiresome to navigate, they can often offer some of the best bargains.