A Kid Friendly Holiday in Colombo

Museums in Colombo

Sri Lanka has a wonderfully rich history that is bound to fascinate both child and adult alike. There are a number of museums in Colombo that offer interesting insights into life in ancient Sri Lanka during the times of kings as well as after the island was colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch and British.

Parks in Colombo

There are two parks in the heart of Colombo that are easily accessible and free to use. The Viharamahadevi Park in Town Hall and the park surrounding the Independence Square in Colombo Seven are perfect places to take your kids so that they can blow off all that pent-up energy.

Galle Face Green Promenade

This promenade is located in Colombo, overlooking the Indian Ocean, and is extremely popular amongst local families. Head over to the site a little before sunset and grab a couple of kites from the many vendors present. Mom and dad can sample some of the delectable street food that is sold along the promenade, but it’s best to take your own snacks for the kids, as the food at the venue may be too spicy.

Mount Lavinia Beach

Head over to the stretch of beach in Mount Lavinia if your kids love the sand and sea. The public beach there is a great place for kids to play on the shore, or even dip their feet in the ocean, with parental supervision of course! There are also a number of restaurants on the beach that serve kid friendly meals and beverages, so you don’t need to worry about taking snacks along. If you would like the family to spend the day poolside, but your hotel does not have a pool, just head over to the Mount Lavinia Hotel. Walk-in guests can dine at the restaurant and use the pool for a fee.

Odel Department Store

Sri Lanka is famous for the availability of stylish, yet affordable garments and clothing accessories. Although there are many large stores dotted around Colombo, it may be best to head over to Odel if you have kids in tow. The store has a wide range of clothes and accessories for men, women and children. There are also many cafes, snack bars and restaurants within the compound, should the kids get fussy.

Cinema

There is no doubt about the fact that kids all over the world love movies! Colombo has a number of cinemas that constantly show kid-friendly movies. You can head over to the cineplex at Colombo City Centre, Majestic City or Scope Cinemas and treat the kids to a movie or two.

Carnival Ice Cream

Ice cream is a universal food loved by kids of all ages. Carnival Ice Cream Parlour, located along the Galle Road in Colombo Three, is an extremely popular spot amongst Colombo dwellers. Boasting of a large variety of flavours, the ice cream parlour has something for every palette.