Top Places for Family Activities in Colombo – Cosmopolitan City of Sri Lanka

The Viharamaha Devi Park located in Cinnamon Gardens is the oldest and largest central park in the country. Formerly known as the Victoria Park this huge sanctuary of lush greenery is located right smack in the city centre. Step into the folds of the park and you leave behind the bustling traffic, honking horns of vehicles and general hustle and bustle of Colombo. The park was recently upgraded to include jogging tracks and cycle paths. The shady trees provide cosy little nooks where a family can sit down for a picnic while a kids zone complete with a huge jungle gym and petting zoo are ideal for keeping the little tykes occupied for a long periods of time. The park is beautifully inlaid with water features and garden benches, where one can sit down and enjoy a book or simply 'people watch' and laze the day away. At night the Viharamaha Devi Park is well lit up for enjoying the cool summer breezes as you take on a nigh time jog or walk around the lush grounds.

Since colonial times Galle Face Green has been a prominent landmark in Colombo. It was once the huge lawn belonging to the Governor's mansion; later it was transformed into a seaside race track, to later end up as the city's most famous family green. The Galle Face Green is framed by the wide expanse of the Indian Ocean and it is always light and breezy there. These soothing environs have given rise to the green being popular for kite flying – the annual kite festival is held here – as well picnicking, walking and jogging. There are loads of food kiosks scattered around the green where one can grab a delicious bite to eat. Galle Face is also surrounded by the best Colombo five star hotels; and is the ideal place to choose a luxurious Colombo city hotel. Walking distance from the Gale Face green is The Steuart by Citrus; and the green is indeed the best place to head over to after a lovely meal at one of the excellent restaurants of Colombo city. Relax and unwind as the wind whips your hair and you enjoy a walk along the edge of the green, to sights of the waves lapping the beach below.

The Colombo Museum is a treasure trove of attractions. Located within a colonial mansion in the heart of Colombo 7 the museum is home to many ancient artefacts. There is a king's throne, a royal sword, royal attire, weapons and jewellery. There is a section on the pre-historic inhabitants of Sri Lanka as well as many vintage artefacts such as pots, weapons and utensils depicting various eras of Sri Lankan history. The museum will prove to be a fascinating browse for the whole family.

A place filled with fun activities and food stalls, once a popular hanging out spot of teenagers and families alike, excel world is still worth the visit with your kids. With coin operated arcade games, pool parlour, bowling alley and the latest addition the Excel Cinema, it is surely a place to keep the youngsters entertained. Majestic City is also a place to visit if you are in the mood to enjoy the latest movie in town, grab a quick bite at the food court which is always bustling with families and teenagers. Be it shopping with your family, or simply enjoying a leisurely walk, Colombo's first ever Shopping Mall is still among must visit attractions in the commercial hub.

Nothing like stepping back in time to experience the good old culture of Sri Lanka, Ape Gama located in Battaramulla is an ideal representation of the local village and the characters involved in day to day life. Witness the likes of the "Vee Bissa", a place where paddy were stored back in the days, traditional grinder "kurahan gala" and handloom machine used to craft fine fabric as well as traditional dance performances that depicts the proud history of the nation.