It is not fair to plan weekend trips without thinking about kids all the time. We always think from our perspective which place to choose to enjoy the day but sometimes we should give priority to our kids as they also need to enjoy their weekends. Why don’t we become or pretend to be children for a day and enjoy all the activities that our kids love. What is the problem in that? It will be a different experience for you. Now imagine you are a kid then which place you want to go or where you want to spend your day. You may want to go to shopping. But you should not forget kids hate shopping and you are a kid right now, isn’t it? So forget about it. Let me help you. I list out some places in and around Pune where kids can have a blast when you choose one of them.
Chokhi DhaniI guess everyone can guess by the name that it is Rajasthani style entertainment place. It is located in Wagholi, off Nagar Road in Pune. This place is full of all activities connected to Rajasthani culture. The important thing here is it is kid’s friendly zone and plenty of open space to enjoy and roam around for kids. It seems like you have to a small village of Rajasthan as you are served snacks and dinner in Rajasthani style and food is very delicious and pure vegetarian. The activities here kids and grownups can enjoy include kath putali dance, rope walking show, fire show, earthen pot making, bullock cart ride, elephant ride, horse ride, camel ride, magic show, etc. For elders there is a head message centre, astrologer, mehndi centre, folk dance and some small shops that sell Rajasthani items. It is nice place to spend weekend evenings with family. The timings are from 5 pm to 11 pm.
Katraj Snake parkIt is one of its kind parks in the city. It is located on the Pune Satara Highway in Katraj. By the name it sounds very creepy and yes it is creepy and I do not like to go there but if you think about kids they must go once to explore the creepy world of snakes. Apart from this here is a big zoo having different animals must be a good attraction for kids. There is a lake where paddle boats run and kids always love rides whether it is a swing ride or boat ride. It is a very spacious park and you need to walk a lot if you want to cover the complete zoo. Outside the park snack stalls are there but I don’t know the hygiene level of them so I advise you to carry water bottles and some snacks for your kids if they don’t have strong immune. The entry fee is almost negligible and thus you will find huge crowds here on weekends. It is closed on Wednesdays and the timings are from 10.30 in the morning till 6 in the evening
SanskritiIt is located on Solapur Road. It is a full family entertainment place similar to Chokhi Dhani. Activities here include magic show, puppet show, singing, dancing, etc. Here snacks and dinner is included in the entry fees.
Lekha FarmsThe Lekha Farm is situated Dehu Katraj Road. It is quite similar to Sanskriti but a liitle bit smaller than that. It has camel and horse rides. There is a swimming pool too to enjoy.AbhiruchiIt is a nice place almost in the city located on the Sinhgad Road. When I went there it was quite big and open but now as I know it has been altered and turned smaller. It has activities like puppet show, magic show, one big dinosaur slide (attraction for kids), tiny toy train, horse ride, cart ride, singing, dancing and not to forget very delicious vegetarian food. Here you find village khats (bed) to relax under open sky.
Fantasia Magic at Ishanya MallThe Ishanya Mall is located near Pune golf course where this show takes place. It is a laser, sound and water show. This show is there only on weekends and the timings are 7.30 to 8.00 pm only. The ticket for the show is Rs. 225 per person and kids below three years are free. You have both the options to book your tickets for the show. One is on the spot and the other is on phone tickets can be booked.Game of Golf for kidsKids do enjoy something different and a game like golf is not a common thing to do and if it is especially for kids then wow, they definitely going to enjoy this. There is a mini golf course in the famous ABC Farms which is located at the Koregaon Park.
3D Destination3D Destination is in Mukund Nagar. It is a fun zone loaded with variety of games and place for bowling alley. Kids and adults both can enjoy here. Not appropriate for very young kids as the place is very noisy. Food is ok here and birthday parties can also be held here for kids.
Wonder FunkeyIt is one of the best places to enjoy with family and especially kids. It is located at survey no. 71, near Chandni Chowk on Mumbai Bangalore Highway. It has a full game zone with different rides for small children. On the ground floor they have a ghost house and different chat stall to tickle taste buds. There is a vegetarian restaurant on top floor which is the most attractive and creative place as it has interior of a jungle with different animals and kids can’t resist watching this amazing restaurant. There is one merry go round on the entrance too. No doubt kids will have lovely time here.
Shaniwar WadaIf your kids like forts then you can choose to go to Shaniwar Wada which is located at Kasba Peth near Pune Railway Station in the heart of city. It is almost in ruins today but visit is still worth. There is a big green and well maintained lawn here. Apart from that a light and sound show has been set up by government at a cost of 1.25 crore rupees. The timings of the show are every day 7.15 pm to 8.10 pm (Marathi) and 8.15 pm to 9.10 pm (English). The tickets can be booked everyday from 6.30 pm to 8.30 pm. Kids enjoy the show.
Appu GharAppu ghar is located in Pradhikarn sector in Nigdi. It can be called a mini Disney land of Pune. But please don’t expect too much. It has various types of rides, merry go rounds, roller coasters, spinners, giant wheel etc. There is an artificial hill and lake is created for kids to explore. The timings are 12 in the afternoon till 8 in the evening. Japalouppe Equestrian CentreThe Japalouppe Equestrian Centre is the most exciting place to be for Kids. This place organizes horse riding for children at Rs. 600 with a trainer. Japalouppe also has special vacation camps wherein children are given horse riding lessons. The lesson duration is approximately of 45 minutes and the timings are from 9-11 am and 4-6 pm. There are certain rules pertaining to the horse riding sessions like wearing a comfortable attire, safety footwear, etc. This place also has a kenelling centre and a petting zoo which has a wide range of animals and birds. Japalouppe is situated at Shakarwadi on the Mumbai-Pune Highway (NH4). This place is recommended in case you plan for a one-day picnic with your family in and around Pune.Ruchi Mahajan