Summer in Ernakulam: 5 Screen-Free Activities Your Kids Will Love (And Learn From!)
A few decades ago, summer break meant slurping on mangoes, chasing ice cream trucks, and playing hopscotch under the sun. But today, for many families, the holidays have quietly morphed into endless hours of screen time. Tablets replace playtime. YouTube trumps badminton. And the joy of idle afternoons has been replaced by the blue light of devices.
But this summer, what if we could reclaim some of that magic — with a little adventure, a touch of nature, and a lot of laughter?
Here are five fun, safe, and engaging ways to unplug your children from screens and plug them right into joy, movement, and connection — all in and around Ernakulam.
1. Have a mini jungle adventure at Chittilappilly Square
Tucked near Bharat Matha College in Ernakulam is Chittilappilly Square — a wellness park that feels like a theme park without the crowds. Whether it’s a double rope course that gets kids swinging like Tarzan or a swooping zip line that makes them squeal with joy, this park is built for fun and fitness.
With jogging tracks, family cycles, an open gym, and a pool, the park promotes fitness for both kids and adults. Picture credits: Chittilappilly Square
What’s more, it’s a place where the whole family can join in — from jogging tracks and four-wheeled family cycles to an open gym and a swimming pool. It’s designed as a space where health doesn’t feel like a chore, but an adventure.
Location: Near Bharat Matha College, Ernakulam, Kerala
Time: 6 AM – 9 AM & 12 PM – 9 PM
Tip: Entry is ticketed; bring sports shoes for the rope course and sun caps for the afternoon heat.
Click here for more details.
2. Saddle up for horse-riding classes
What better way for children to spend their break than making friends with a horse? Ernakulam’s equestrian academies are introducing kids to the joy of trotting, balancing, and bonding with animals.
Let kids experience the joy of socialising with animals and discover the beauty of building bonds with them.
Beyond the thrill, horse riding teaches discipline, confidence, and compassion. It’s also a brilliant way to introduce children to responsibility — from grooming the horses to understanding their moods.
Location: Black Stallion Horse Riding Academy & Black Caviar Riding Academy, Ernakulam
Time:
Weekdays: 4 PM – 8 PM
Weekends: 6 AM – 9 AM; 5.30 AM – 9.30 AM, 3.30 PM – 6.30 PM
Age recommendation: Suitable for kids above 5 years old
Note: Most academies offer trial classes and require helmets and riding boots (often available on rent).
Click here for more details.
3. Chug along on a toy train at Ernakulam Children’s Park
One of the city’s oldest family hangout spots, the Children’s Park at Marine Drive still charms with its retro vibe. Kids can hop onto a toy train that circles through trees, try their hand at pedal boating, or ride miniature electric cars — all within a safe, shaded space.
For older children, there are bumper cars, cycles, and classic playground rides, while parents can lounge by the serene waterfront, shaded by banyan trees.
Location: Marine Drive, Ernakulam
Time: 12.30 PM – 8 PM
Pro tip: Carry snacks and water bottles — there’s plenty of room for picnics under the trees.
4. Kayak through Kerala’s quiet backwaters
Kerala’s famed backwaters aren’t just for houseboats. Shallow tributaries and mangrove-lined canals make the perfect setting for safe, family-friendly kayaking trips. Kids over the age of seven can paddle (under supervision) through calm waters, spot birds, and get a gentle upper-body workout too.
It’s an immersive way to experience nature — and builds teamwork when done in tandem with parents or siblings.
Kerala’s lush waterways, including shallow canals lined with mangroves, make for perfect family-friendly outings. Picture Credits: Oars Watersports
Where: Oars Watersports and other local providers
Time: 6 AM – 9 AM, 5.30 PM – 7.30 PM
Safety first: Life jackets are mandatory; opt for sunrise or sunset batches for cooler weather and better views.
Click here for more details.
5. Watch (and learn from) elephants at Kodanad Elephant Centre
A little over an hour’s drive from Kochi, nestled on the lush banks of the Periyar River, lies Kodanad Elephant Training Centre — a place that’s less about spectacle and more about co-existence.
Just an hour’s drive from Cochin, the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre lets kids and adults alike watch these gentle giants up close.. Picture credits: Kerala Tourism
Here, kids can observe elephants being bathed, fed, and cared for in a green sanctuary surrounded by native flora. While earlier visitors could interact directly, current guidelines ensure a safe distance is maintained to protect both the animals and visitors post-COVID.
Location: Kodanad, Kerala
Time: 8 AM – 5 PM
What to pack: Binoculars, reusable water bottles, and curiosity.
Pro tip: Combine with a visit to the nearby Abhayaranyam Ecotourism project, a forest-based wildlife rehabilitation centre.
Click here for more details.
Edited by Khushi Arora
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