Are you planning a trip to the mountains with your family and kids? Then what better than Manali, a place with children-friendly hotels, ideal attractions, activities for kids, and breathtaking views.
It is a mesmerizing hill station in the Kullu Valley of Himachal Pradesh. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains, pristine rivers, spectacular lakes, and scenic landscapes, Manali is one of the best holiday destinations to visit with your kids.
Apart from its dazzling beauty, the place has several kid-friendly tourist attractions that make it the best choice for those traveling with their families. From Paragliding in Solang Valley to visiting the Museum of Himachal Culture and Folk Art, you can do numerous exciting things on your trip to Manali to have a rejuvenating and memorable time with your kids.
The place has many amazing things that will make your children love this picturesque place. Their first-ever skiing experience and camping in the lap of nature near the Bias river are just a couple of checklist items.
So when you head to Manali this season for an adventurous and exciting vacation, below are the top 5 things you can do with your kids for a fun-filled vacation!
Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art
Established in 1998 near the famous Hadimba Devi Temple in the Utopia Complex, this Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art is a treat, especially for family travelers. It displays several models of traditional Himachali dresses, ancient temples, vintage homes, historical forts, and palaces.
The museum also houses rare and unique collections of antique Himachali traditions, culture, art, and handicrafts such as wood carvings, paintings, musical instruments, etc., that reflect the forgotten history of Himachal Pradesh.
If you want your kids to learn about culture, history, and traditions and dive deep into the heritage of Himachal Pradesh, take them to the Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art in Manali for the best experience. This place has preserved Himachal’s forgotten culture and lost memories.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Timings: 8 am to 8 pm
Go Zorbing in the Breathtaking Solang Valley
How about seeking adventure with your kids? When in Manali, take your kids for Zorbing in the nearby Solang Valley, where they will be sitting inside an orb made of transparent plastic and roll downhill while having no idea where the giant ball will go!
It is a perfect amalgamation of adventure, thrill, excitement, fun, screams, and a lot of laughter. Several family travelers especially visit the Solang Valley to make their kids experience this amazing sport which is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for them.
And why just kids? Even you can relive your childhood by trying Zorbing here in this beautiful valley covered with snow-capped mountains and scenic views!
Best time to visit: During summers, from March to June
Timings: 8 am to 5 pm
Go River Rafting in the Beas River
Do you have a family that loves adventure and would be excited to try something that will give a crazy adrenaline rush? Then, I suggest you go river rafting on the famous Beas river, where you will face the exciting rapids while rowing your raft in the challenging waters.
The rafting starts from Pirdi and goes down to Jhiri, a 14 km stretch. A professional guide and expert will ensure your safety with live jackets and other assistance to provide a secure and adventurous experience.
Moreover, these experts will accompany you on the raft and help you have a thrilling time. However, your kids need to be a minimum of 8 years of age for rafting in Manali for a 14 km stretch.
Best time for rafting in Manali: Between February to June.
Experience the Hot Spring Bath at Manikaran
If you want to witness the true charisma of nature, visit Manikaran for its hot water springs. Besides bathing in hot water springs (which also has several health benefits), your kids can learn about India’s mythological past and history.
Sulfur deposits are believed to make these hot springs therapeutic; hence, hundreds of travelers and tourists visit this majestic place to enjoy nature at its best. You can also take your kids to the famous Manikaran Gurudwara and the ancient Vashist Temple near Manikaran.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year, but it’s best to see between April-June for the most wholesome experience.
Offer Prayers At the Hidimba Temple
Built back in 1553 CE by Maharaja Bahadur Singh, Hidimba Devi Temple is one of Manali’s most popular tourist attractions, known for its mesmerizing wooden architecture. This beautiful place of worship is dedicated to Goddess Hidimba, the wife of the strongest and the most potent Pandava brothers—Bhima.
Also known as Dhungari Temple, it is surrounded by dense forests covered with old deodar and pine trees. Tourists and travelers who visit Manali often go to this temple to offer prayers.
If you want your kids to see the magic of this spiritual place, witness the centuries-old architecture, and learn about Indian mythology, visit this beautiful temple situated on a hill in Old Manali.
Best time to visit: Throughout the year
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Final Takeaway
Manali is a place full of enthralling beauty, beautiful trails, ancient temples, and several monasteries.
You can also take your kids on an exciting trek to places like Parashar Lake and visit the famous monasteries like Tsering Jong Monastery, Zabsang Choekhorling Monastery, Bhumang Jampaling Monastery, and Dechen Choekhor Buddhist Monastery.
Furthermore, you can also take your family to Manali’s famous Mall Road for some mouth-watering dishes and cuisines,