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Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka, is not just a city of palaces and heritage—it’s also a wonderful destination for families traveling with kids. On my visit to Mysore with my 5-year-old son, I was amazed by the number and variety of kids-friendly tourist attractions in Mysore that are fun, safe, and even educational.

From interactive museums and sprawling zoos to amusement parks and beautiful gardens, Mysore offers a perfect mix of fun, learning, and adventure for children of all ages.

I am not talking about places like Mysore Palace, St. Philomena’s Cathedral, or even Brindhavan Gardens. No, I have here a list of 12 unique attractions to visit in Mysore with Kids that are meant to be explored with your little ones.

	12 Best Places to Visit in Mysore with Kids
1.	Mysuru Rail Museum
2.	Mysuru Zoo
3.	Snow Palace Mysuru
4.	Lokaranjan Aqua World Underwater Zoo
5.	GRS Fantasy Park
6.	GRS Up Down
7.	Melody World Wax Museum
8.	Sand Museum Mysore
9.	Payana Vintage Car Museum
10.	Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary
11.	Karanji Lake
12.	Regional Museum of Natural History
	12 Best Places to Visit in Mysore with Kids

Mysuru Rail Museum

Visiting Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults, ₹20 for children (Toy train ride extra)
Why Great for Kids: The toy train ride, vintage engines, and hands-on exhibits turn this museum into a fun outdoor playground for young kids.

The Mysuru Railway Museum is a fantastic spot to introduce kids to the history and wonder of trains. The museum displays vintage locomotives, royal coaches, and old railway artifacts in an open garden-like setting. Children will especially enjoy climbing aboard the old engines, turning wheels, and imagining themselves as train conductors.

The highlight is the mini toy train ride that loops through the premises—always a big hit with little ones. There are also interactive exhibits, a small indoor gallery, and plenty of space for kids to run around. It’s a charming blend of fun and learning, perfect for curious young minds and a relaxing outing for the whole family.

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens (Mysuru Zoo)

Visiting Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for children
Why Great for Kids: A well-laid-out zoo with shaded paths, clean facilities, and a huge variety of animals that keeps kids engaged for hours.

Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens, or Mysuru Zoo, is a must-visit for a Mysore with kids trip. Home to over 150 species of animals and birds, it offers kids an exciting opportunity to see elephants, lions, giraffes, rhinos, and exotic birds up close. My son had the time of his life watching zebras and giraffes and singing, “I like to move it move it” from the Madagascar movie.

The enclosures are thoughtfully designed for easy viewing, and the entire zoo is stroller-friendly with wide, shaded walkways and rest areas.

Informational boards help introduce kids to wildlife conservation in a simple, engaging way. The zoo is very clean, well-maintained, and even includes a children’s play area. You can easily spend 3–4 hours here, making it one of the most enjoyable and educational attractions for kids in Mysore.

Pro-Tip: The Mysore Zoo is huge. Your kiddo may feel tired and cranky with all the walking. Plan to have pit stops at the benches on the way for a pleasant experience, and take your time with the zoo. While you can’t take any food items inside, there is a cafeteria about halfway through the zoo where you can get refreshments to recharge yourself and the little ones.

Snow Palace Mysuru

Visiting Time: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹500 per person (includes jacket, boots, and gloves)
Why Great for Kids: A fun and safe winter wonderland where kids can enjoy snow play, even in the middle of South India.

Snow Palace Mysuru is an indoor snow park that brings the magic of winter to a tropical city—perfect for children who’ve never seen snow before. With artificial snow, chilly temperatures, and fun features like snow slides, igloos, and snowball zones, it offers an exciting and immersive experience. Jackets, gloves, and boots are provided at the entrance, making it comfortable for kids to play.

The environment is kid-friendly, with colorful lighting and upbeat music that creates a playful, festive vibe. Whether your child wants to slide down a mini slope or simply enjoy making snow angels, this spot delivers lots of laughs and memorable moments. It’s a great way to cool down and break up the sightseeing with some indoor fun.

Lokaranjan Aqua World Underwater Zoo

Visiting Time: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM on weekdays and 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM for weekends
Entry Fee: ₹150 for adults, ₹100 for children
Why Great for Kids: A colorful underwater world with exotic fish and reptiles that sparks wonder and curiosity in kids.

Lokaranjan Aqua World Underwater Zoo is a fun and educational stop in Mysore for families with children who love animals and sea creatures. The aquarium features a wide variety of freshwater and marine fish, along with turtles, snakes, and even crocodiles in well-maintained enclosures.

The tunnel-like viewing zones and colorful lighting give kids a chance to feel like they’re walking under the sea. Educational displays and interactive sections make the experience more engaging, while the compact layout makes it easy to explore even with young kids. It’s a great spot to beat the heat while sparking a love for marine life in curious little minds.

GRS Fantasy Park

Visiting Time: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Water rides from 11:00 AM)
Entry Fee: ₹849 for adults, ₹749 for children (below 4 feet)
Why Great for Kids: Water slides, lazy rivers, and dry rides cater to kids of all ages, making it a full-day fun zone.

GRS Fantasy Park is one of Mysore’s most popular amusement and water parks, perfect for a full day of fun with kids. The park has dedicated kids’ zones with mini water slides, splash pools, a lazy river, and gentle dry rides suitable for younger children. It’s clean, well-organized, and offers plenty of shaded rest areas and food stalls for breaks.

The child-friendly environment, safety measures, and variety of attractions make it a great pick for energetic children and parents alike. Whether your child loves the thrill of water rides or prefers dry play areas, GRS Fantasy Park guarantees a memorable time.

GRS Up Down

Visiting Time: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹200 per person
Why Great for Kids: Illusion rooms and upside-down setups offer endless photo ops and giggles for kids and parents alike.

GRS Up Down Museum is a quirky, illusion-based attraction that turns your world literally upside down—making it a fun and unique visit for kids. The museum features creatively designed rooms where furniture and everyday setups are mounted on ceilings, giving the effect that you’re walking on the roof.

Kids love posing for photos and figuring out the tricks behind the illusions, while parents can enjoy capturing all the hilarious, mind-bending moments. It’s an indoor activity that doesn’t take long to explore, but leaves you with plenty of entertaining memories. Great for all ages and perfect for a fun break from traditional sightseeing.

Melody World Wax Museum

Visiting Time: 9:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹40 for adults, ₹20 for children (Separate fee for musical instrument section)
Why Great for Kids: The colorful wax figures and musical instrument displays are engaging, playful, and perfect for sparking curiosity.

Melody World Wax Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum in Mysore that blends art and music in a fun, kid-friendly space. Kids will enjoy walking through rooms filled with life-size wax figures dressed in vibrant costumes, holding musical instruments from around the world.

The museum also has an entire section dedicated to real instruments, where children can see everything from tribal drums to classical stringed instruments. The themed rooms, from rock bands to cultural performances, make it feel like walking through a giant stage show. It’s not just visual fun—it’s a great way to introduce children to global music in an imaginative setting.

Sand Museum Mysore

Visiting Time: 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹60 for adults, ₹30 for children
Why Great for Kids: Giant sand sculptures of animals, cartoon characters, and mythological figures fascinate children and make for a relaxed, creative visit.

The Sand Museum in Mysore is a unique open-air attraction showcasing more than 150 intricate sand sculptures carved by a single artist. Kids will love spotting familiar characters like Ganesha, Santa Claus, and even scenes from jungle adventures—all made entirely from sand.

The walk-through layout is stroller-friendly and not overwhelming, making it ideal for young children. It’s a calm, inspiring spot where kids can marvel at art in a form they’ve likely never seen before. With its creative themes and large, photo-worthy displays, the museum offers a short but memorable stop perfect for curious young minds.

Payana Vintage Car Museum

Visiting Time: 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100 for adults, ₹50 for children
Why Great for Kids: A fascinating collection of vintage and classic cars that excites kids who love vehicles and wheels.

Payana Vintage Car Museum, on the way to Srirangapatna, is a hidden gem for families, especially if your child is fascinated by cars. This compact but well-curated museum displays over 40 vintage vehicles, including models from Rolls Royce, Dodge, and Austin. Each car is showcased with brief descriptions, and many are beautifully restored, making them a delight to look at.

The space is easy to walk through, and children will enjoy seeing the differences between modern and historic vehicles. It’s a great mix of nostalgia for parents and discovery for kids, and the staff is friendly and happy to answer questions. A fun and educational stop that car-loving kids will absolutely enjoy. To be honest, we had more fun here than our 5-year-old!

Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary

Visiting Time: 6:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Entry Fee: ₹75 for adults, ₹25 for children (Boat ride extra: ₹100–₹150 per person)
Why Great for Kids: A peaceful nature outing where kids can spot birds, crocodiles, and enjoy a thrilling boat ride.

Just 30 minutes from Mysore, Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary is a scenic and serene spot for nature-loving families. Kids can enjoy spotting storks, kingfishers, herons, and even crocodiles sunbathing on rocks during the guided boat ride. The boat ride is gentle and safe for children, offering a close-up view of birds nesting on small river islands.

The sanctuary has shaded walking paths and watchtowers for wildlife viewing, making it ideal for a calm half-day trip. It’s not only fun but also a wonderful opportunity to introduce kids to birdwatching and wildlife in a natural habitat. Don’t forget binoculars and snacks!

Karanji Lake

Visiting Time: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
Entry Fee: ₹50 for adults, ₹25 for children
Why Great for Kids: A large peaceful park with a walk-through aviary, butterfly garden, and space to play and relax.

Karanji Lake is yet another lovely nature spot nestled in Mysore city, perfect for families with young children looking to unwind. The lake is surrounded by walking trails, a large butterfly park, and one of India’s biggest walk-through aviaries, where kids can see peacocks and other birds up close.

The park also has paddle boats, shaded seating, and open spaces where children can run around freely. It’s less crowded than other attractions and makes for a refreshing, budget-friendly outdoor escape. Educational, peaceful, and filled with natural beauty—Karanji Lake is a great way to spend a slow-paced morning or evening with kids in Mysore.

Regional Museum of Natural History Mysuru

Visiting Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed Mondays & national holidays)
Entry Fee: Free for all visitors
Why Great for Kids: Interactive exhibits, discovery rooms, and tactile galleries make learning about wildlife and ecology engaging and hands-on.

Nestled next to Karanji Lake with Chamundi Hills as its backdrop, the Regional Museum of Natural History is a vibrant, child-friendly space in Mysore dedicated to southern India’s biodiversity and ecological heritage. The museum features two main galleries—Biological Diversity and Life Through the Ages—where children can walk through an evolutionary tunnel and see lifelike models of species from the Western Ghats, rainforests, wetlands, and marine habitats.

The Discovery Centre offers hands-on activities like specimen handling, puzzles, mini-theaters, and even a bioscience computer lab—perfect for curious young minds. With free entry, guided tours, film screenings, and a small botanical garden featuring a touch-and-learn area, it’s a fun, educational retreat that stimulates wonder about nature.

Wrapping: Best Places to Visit in Mysore with Kids

Mysore is a delightful child-friendly destination that goes beyond history and heritage to offer engaging experiences for children. With its unique blend of educational attractions and playful adventures, the city creates lasting memories for both kids and parents.

Our trip to Mysore turned out to be one of the most memorable family vacations we’ve had. Watching my child’s eyes light up while riding the toy train at the Railway Museum or giggling at the playful chimp in the zoo reminded me why travelling with kids is so special. Mysore truly offers a beautiful balance of learning, fun, and bonding time.

If you’re visiting Mysore with young children, these 12 places will keep them curious, entertained, and happy—all while giving you a glimpse of the city’s charm through their eyes.