Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Colombo - A Fascinating Bonding Adventure

Start your family adventure in Colombo with a visit to the National Museum, a treasure trove of Sri Lankan history and culture. Located in a grand colonial-era building, this museum houses an impressive collection of artefacts, including ancient royal regalia, traditional masks, and intricate artwork. Children will be fascinated by the life-sized replicas of dinosaurs in the natural history section. The museum's well-maintained gardens provide a peaceful place to stroll and relax.

For a dose of fresh sea breeze and open space, head to Galle Face Green, a sprawling oceanfront promenade in the heart of Colombo. Families can enjoy leisurely walks along the coastline, fly kites, and even indulge in some delicious street food from local vendors. As the sun sets over the Indian Ocean, it's a great spot for a family picnic or to watch the traditional kite flyers at work, and you'll never run out of things to do in Colombo. Sri Lanka is defined by its seaside spectacles and beautiful views of the ocean can be enjoyed from the exquisite hotels next to Galle Face Green, and properties such as The Kingsbury Hotel make for excellent stays during vacations.

The Dehiwala Zoological Garden, commonly known as the Dehiwala Zoo, is a fantastic destination for families, especially if you're travelling with children. Spread across sprawling acres, this renowned zoo is home to a diverse range of exotic wildlife, providing an opportunity for both young and old to connect with the animal kingdom in an engaging and educational manner. It houses a wide variety of animals, including elephants, lions, and exotic birds. Kids will be enthralled by the daily animal shows, where they can watch sea lions perform tricks and elephants demonstrate their skills. It's a fun and educational experience that offers insights into the animal kingdom.

Escape the urban hustle and bustle at Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo's largest and most picturesque green space. This park features sprawling lawns, playgrounds, and serene lakes, and at the heart of the park stands a statue of Queen Viharamahadevi herself. This statue is not only a tribute to the park's namesake but also a symbol of the park's historical and cultural significance. Families can enjoy a leisurely stroll, have a picnic, or let kids play in the playgrounds. The park also houses a giant Buddha statue and the iconic Independence Memorial Hall, adding a touch of culture to your outdoor excursion.

The Nelum Pokuna Theatre is a prominent performing arts venue hosting a wide range of cultural and artistic events. It's a venue for concerts, theatrical performances, dance recitals, and other cultural presentations. The theatre plays a vital role in promoting the arts and culture in Sri Lanka. It hosts both local and international performances, contributing to the cultural enrichment of the city. The theatre is uniquely designed and shaped like a lotus flower (Nelum Pokuna), hence its namesake. The lotus flower represents purity in many local cultures. 

These modern malls not only provide great shopping and dining options for the whole family but also offer play zones where children can have a fantastic time. It's a convenient way to keep both parents and kids happy during your visit to Colombo.

• Colombo City Centre (CCC):

Play Area: The Colombo City Centre Mall has a dedicated play area for children. It features a range of play equipment and activities designed to keep kids entertained.

• One Galle Face (OGF):

Kiddies Play Zone: One Galle Face Mall also offers a Kiddies Play Zone, which is perfect for children to have some fun and burn off energy while you either shop or dine in the massive food court.