Which mountain hill you like the most? Grassy, snowy, or the one with a shining stream running through dense green forests? Does this intrigue you?
Manali has everything you could, need to travel for a peaceful mind! Any traveller will stay fascinated by the beautiful scenery and stunning stopovers that envelope the route. Located in the beautiful state of Himachal Pradesh, Manali is no less than a treat for adventurers and even art lovers.
Couples and singles do not have to worry about missing out; Manali is an excellent place for any traveller, but families get to enjoy their company! You can plan a Manali trip with kids as well, and the hill station offers a chance to bond with your family and enjoy the holiday. Manali and the nearby attractions are surrounded by beautiful destinations which will surely impress the traveller.
Here are 15 things to do in Manali with Kids & Family. Make sure you don’t miss out on any because later you may regret it.
1. Sledge Riding –
Best Time to Enjoy: Winters
Best Place to Enjoy: Solang Valley
Sledging is a must-do activity during the winter season when Manali becomes a wonderland. The thrill of sliding down gently on the snowy slopes will be enjoyed by kids of all ages. With its well-groomed slopes and availability of rentals, Solang Valley is a popular sightseeing place near Manali and is often covered on a day excursion.
2. Camping –
Best Time to Enjoy: Winters
Best Places to Enjoy: Manali
With a camping excursion, travellers can escape the hubbub of the city and immerse in the tranquillity of nature. Family-friendly camping is ensured at various camps in the Manali region. Kids will have a great time listening to stories, toasting, marshmallows around a bonfire and sleeping outdoors under a canopy of stars.
3. Zorbing –
Best time to Enjoy: Summer
Best place to Enjoy: Solang Valley
Rolling down a hill in a massive inflatable ball is a new and exciting experience called Zorbing. With opportunities for land and water zorbing, Solang Valley is a popular experience. Kids will giggle and scream with delight as they roll and spin within the zorb. It’s an enjoyable way to get the thrill of rolling down a hill.
4. Shopping –
Best time to Enjoy: Throughout the Year
Best place to Enjoy: Mall Road, Manali
The bustling markets of Manali are a veritable gold mine of handicrafts, souvenirs, and local goods. Mall road in the heart of the hill station lined up with shops selling everything from Tibetan crafts and wood relics to wooden garments and shawls. Kids will enjoy exploring the colourful stalls and choosing their souvenirs.
5. Picnic at Van Vihar –
Best time to Enjoy: March and June
Best place to go: Van Vihar
A peaceful retreat from the city chaos of Manali, Van Vihar is a beautiful park located on the Beas River banks. Pack a picnic basket and spend a relaxed afternoon amid the greenery. Kids can enjoy feeding the ducks, boating on lakes, and sliding on the swings and slides. It is ideal for a family picnic due to the extensive shade provided by the tall deodar trees.
6. Museum of Himachal Culture & Folk Art –
Best time to Enjoy: March to June or October to November
Best place to go: Manali
Take your kids to the Himachal Culture & Folk Art Museum to acquaint them with the rich culture and folk art of Himachal Pradesh. The museum showcases an interesting range of traditional artefacts including costumes, musical instruments, arms, and sacred relics.
7. Pin Valley National Park –
Best time to Enjoy: June to October
Best place to go: Spiti Valley
Pin Valley National Park is a family favourite destination for an interesting day trip. Snow leopards, Himalayan Ibex and Tibetan wolves are just a few of the several species inhabiting the Spiti Valley Park. Kids will love observing these rare animals in their natural habitat. Scenic views of the wild mountains and glaciers can be seen in the park.
8. Hot Spring Bath –
Best time to Enjoy: Winter
Best place to go: Manikaran
Manikaran is popular for its natural hot water springs and is located near Manali. Take your kids along for a rejuvenating and relaxing hot spring soak. Following a day of sightseeing, the water is believed to have healing properties and is a great way to wind aching muscles.
9. Hidimba Devi Temple –
Best time to Enjoy: May to October
Best place to go: Manali
Among a dense deodar forest, the strange and interesting Hidimba Devi Temple is dedicated to Mahabharata’s Bhima’s wife. Kids will be interested in the surrounding myths and pagoda-style architecture of the temple. It’s a nice and interesting place to visit due to the tall deodar and peaceful atmosphere.
10. Beas Kund –
Best time to Enjoy: September to October
Best place to go: Beas River
Families who love to trek and have kids will enjoy a trek to Beas Kund. Hike up to the highlands is Beas Kund, the origin of the Beas River. Enjoy the scenic sights of meadows, snow-tipped mountains and glaciers can be enjoyed during the trek. The trek is moderate and can be completed in one or two days.
11. Jeep Safari –
Best Time to Enjoy: Winter Season
Best places to go: Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley and Naggar
Embark on a thrilling jeep tour to find Manali’s and the region’s unseen gems. Jeep safaris are offered by various travel operators to places like Rohtang Pass, Solang Valley and Naggar. The bumpy ride and scenic views from the open jeep will be enjoyed by kids. It’s a great way to experience the witness the region’s beauty and traversing a vast distance.
12. Exploring Tibetan Monastery –
Best time to Enjoy: November to January
Best places to go: Manali
There are several Tibetan monasteries to be discovered in Manali, offering a glimpse of the rich traditions and culture of Tibetan Buddhism. Explore the monasteries like the Himalayan Nyingmapa Gompa and Gadhan Thekchhoking Gompa. The serene environment, prayer wheels and colorful murals will fascinate kids.
13. Quad Biking –
Best time to enjoy: April to October
Best places to go: Solang Valley
Quad biking is a thrilling activity for family members seeking a rush of adrenaline. Quad biking on authorized tracks is offered by several providers in Manali. Kids will love the excitement of taking challenging terrain on an ATV. It’s a fun and safe experience to enjoy the thrill of road discovery.
14. Cable Car Ropeway –
Best time to enjoy: April to October
Best places to go: Solang Valley
For breathtaking views of Manali and the mountains around it, take a ride through the scenic cable car. The village, the Beas River and the snow-capped peaks can all be explored from above the ropeway. Kids will enjoy the thrill of riding the cable car as much as the stunning views from the top.
15. Snow Scooter –
Best time to enjoy: Winters
Best places to go: Solang Valley
Snow scooters are an exciting and fun means of enjoying the snowy terrain of Manali in the winter season. The thrill of moving across the snow on a snow scooter will be loved by children.
Manali has a lot of intriguing activities to ensure your family’s memories last an eternity. There’s something for everyone, be it a thrilling experience or a cultural experience. So, pack your bags and get going to Manali for a family vacation that will be remembered forever.