3 Child-Friendly Activities in Goa in Summer

Family vacations are all about relaxation, bonding with loved ones, and creating cherished memories for a lifetime. While planning this holiday, there are several key factors to consider such as transportation, accommodation, food, and engaging activities. Families with children need to consider fun activities kids can indulge in that entertain as well as spark curiosity while creating unforgettable memories. 

Before making any vacation bookings, it is essential to think about the kind of experiences that will keep kids busy, excited, and happy, ensuring that they, too, have stories to tell about their vacation. Goa, with its blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and diverse attractions, ticks all the boxes for a family-friendly destination with an array of children-centric activities to explore.

Kid-Friendly Treks and Walks

Goa is strategically poised as a dream vacation destination due to its lush green and tropical landscapes, which include rivers, gardens, beaches, and forests, offering plenty of opportunities to explore and connect with nature.

Kid-friendly treks, such as short hikes to scenic waterfalls or guided village and city walks, are a great way to introduce children to the wonders of nature and culture as well. Many tour operators offer walks that focus on storytelling and interactive experiences, making it easier to engage kids. These treks and walks while offering breathtaking views, also allow children to experience the charm of Goa beyond just its beaches. Make sure to inform the tour operator that kids will be present and opt for beginner or kid-friendly treks and tours. Pack sunscreen, carry lots of water, and wear comfortable walking shoes. Keep an eye on the weather and choose early morning or late afternoon timings for a more pleasant experience.

Spice Plantation Tours

There are several spice plantations in Goa and a visit to one offers quite the sensory experience for kids as well as adults. Guided tours through spice farms help explore the origins of familiar spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and black pepper while walking amidst lush greenery. Many plantations offer additional activities such as elephant rides, spotting exotic birds, or small petting zoos to entertain kids.

Some of these plantations also offer authentic Goan lunches that people enjoy as well as gain an insight into the Goan life. These plantations are located in places like Keri, Ponda, and Savoi Veremand and are best visited during the summers from March to May. Parents can enjoy learning about Goa’s agricultural heritage while children delight in the vibrant colours, origin, and fragrances of the plantation along with how to grow them. While visiting a plantation, check the operational timings, wear comfortable clothing, carry mosquito repellent, and wear good walking shoes.

Explore Museums

Include a trip to a museum on the vacation itinerary to spark curiosity and engage the child’s mind. There are a little over a dozen museums to explore in Goa. The Big Foot Museum in Loutolim is a cultural treasure showcasing a life-sized Goan village with traditional occupations, homes, and festivals. It is quite an interactive museum, making it a fun learning experience for everyone.

Another must-visit is the Houses of Goa Museum in Porvorim, a quirky, ship-shaped structure showcasing Goa’s architectural heritage with old Goan building materials, articles, pictures, and literature. This small yet informative museum is open to the public from 10 am to 7.30 pm and is closed on Monday. Kids these days are extremely tech-savvy and most of them would enjoy the interactive museum at Aguad, formerly known as Aguada Jail. One can easily spend hours interacting with touch screens and engaging in tasks similar to those in video games while learning about Goa’s rich history.

The Archaeological Museum and Portrait Gallery is yet another window into Goa’s rich heritage, history, and culture. A visit to Old Goa is on almost everyone’s holiday list. Be sure to visit this museum and gallery located in the convent adjacent to the Church of St. Francis of Assisi as it provides a fascinating peek into Goa’s colonial past. Open from 9 am to 5 pm with nominal entry fees, children can marvel at ancient artifacts, portraits of Portuguese rulers, and sculptures that depict Goa’s historical timeline.

For a dose of excitement, head to the Goa Customs & GST Museum. It offers a peek into the world of taxation and the age-old battle of wits between customs officials and smugglers. A highlight of this museum is the ‘Gallery of Wits,’ where adults and children alike can see the clever tricks smugglers once used to evade customs duties and how customs officers caught them.

These spots provide kids with a fun, engaging way to understand Goa’s rich history and culture while making the trip educational.

Goa offers a multitude of experiences beyond its famed beaches and nightlife, presenting itself as a family-friendly paradise with activities and attractions for all ages. From immersing in nature and wildlife to diving into cultural explorations and adrenaline-pumping adventures, there’s something for everyone, especially children, to enjoy. Consider booking your stay in Goa one of Goa’s best serviced apartments or villas. After a day of exploring Goa, there are considerable benefits to coming back to a vacation rental that feels like home versus coming back to a hotel room.  For more things to do in North Goa when travelling with kids, visit our blog.