Kochi shines on Kerala’s coast like a jewel by the Arabian Sea. This city mixes old history with vibrant culture and natural beauty. It is perfect for families wanting a fun day out. From ancient fishing nets to luxury cruises, Kochi has activities for all ages. Picture your children excited by colorful boats or laughing on a breezy walkway. This guide plans a family-friendly trip through Kochi’s highlights, finding the best things to do in Kochi. It includes heritage, relaxation, and modern fun. Neo Classic’s Classic Imperial cruise adds luxury and excitement to your day.
List of Best Things to do in Kochi with Family
| Destination | Description |
|---|---|
| Fort Kochi | Fishing Nets, Vibrant Streets, and a Beach Walk |
| Mattancherry | Mattancherry Palace and Jew Town |
| Cruise Ride | Classic Imperial |
| Marine Drive and Lulu Mall | The Modern Kochi |
| Palace or Beach Vibes | Hill Palace and Cherai Beach |
| Restaurants and Hotels | Good Food, Good Life |
| Cultural | Kathakali |
Fort Kochi and Fish Nets
Start Your Day at Fort Kochi and Chinese Fishing Nets. History is found here in its cobbled streets. The Chinese Fishing Nets are a must-see. These are located at Vasco da Gama Square. Chinese traders brought these wooden nets a long time ago. People still use them today. Your family can watch the fishermen. They pull in their catch. You will see a steady rhythm of ropes and water. The sea breeze makes the area feel lively making it one of the best things to do in Kochi. You will also hear the fishermen talking.
Children will enjoy taking photos or asking about this old method. Walk along Princess Street and Burgher Street next. These quiet streets have colourful buildings and art by local students. Stop at a small café for mango juice to keep everyone happy. St. Francis Church, India’s oldest European church, offers a calm spot to think about Kochi’s past. Its simple stone walls tell tales of Portuguese and Dutch times.
Finish your morning on the Beach Walkway by Mahatma Gandhi Beach. The open space lets children run while you spot boats on the water. Fort Kochi is easy to walk and full of charm for families.
Mattancherry Palace and Jew Town
Take a short auto-rickshaw ride to Mattancherry. This area is full of history. The Mattancherry Palace is also called the Dutch Palace. It shows Kerala’s past. Its wall paintings are striking. The palace mixes Indian and European styles. Your children might like the detailed art, which sparks questions about old kings.
The palace’s cool rooms are a break from the sun. Nearby, Jew Town has a busy market. You can find spices, antiques, and handmade items. The Paradesi Synagogue, with its bright chandeliers, adds a special touch. Let your children pick a small keepsake, like a spice packet. The auto-rickshaw ride is fun too. Many drivers let children “steer” with help, making travel playful. This mix of history and lively shopping suits families well.
Backwaters and The Classic Imperial
Kochi’s backwaters offer a peaceful break. A boat ride shows green trees and quiet villages along the water. For a special treat, book Neo Classic’s Classic Imperial cruise from Marine Drive. This luxury ship makes your afternoon exciting.
The cruise ship has two air-conditioned floors. It includes a stylish bar. There are also spaces for live music and dance shows. Families like the songs and performances. The cruise takes about three to four hours. This includes meals like breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It can hold 150 people. This makes it perfect for family trips or parties.
You will see amazing views as you sail on the Arabian Sea. Your children might dance to music or watch boats pass by. Parents enjoy top service and comfort. Neo Classic, with 25 years of experience, makes the trip smooth. This cruise mixes fun and calm, a highlight for any family in Kochi.
Modern Kochi: Marine Drive and Lulu Mall
Later, explore modern Kochi at Marine Drive. This lovely walkway runs along Vembanad Lake with beautiful views. Families can stroll, stopping at cafés for ice cream or snacks. The sound of water and sight of boats are relaxing. Children will like spotting colourful boats or chasing birds. For a change, visit Lulu Mall, one of India’s biggest shopping centres. It has shops, a food court, and fun activities. Children can play in the play area or try arcade games.
Parents can shop or eat in comfort. Lulu Mall’s bright, cool spaces contrast with Kochi’s old sites. It shows the city’s mix of old and new. Whether you walk or shop, this stop adds modern joy to your day.
Evening at Hill Palace or Cherai Beach
As evening comes, pick between two lovely ways to end your day. Hill Palace in Tripunithura is a big museum with green gardens. It holds old coins, paintings, and royal items. Families can walk through displays and imagine Kerala’s kings. The gardens are calm for an evening stroll. Or, drive 45 minutes to Cherai Beach. Its soft sand and gentle waves are great for families. Children can play in shallow water or build sandcastles. Parents can enjoy the sunset’s glow. Both places offer a quiet end to a busy day. Choose history at Hill Palace or nature at Cherai Beach based on what your family loves as one of the things to do in Kochi.
The Taste of Kochi
Kochi’s food adds flavour to your day. Stop to try Kerala’s dishes, made for all tastes. In Fort Kochi, small cafés serve crispy Dosas and sweet coconut desserts. Jew Town’s spice markets lead to restaurants with fish curry or appam and stew. On the Classic Imperial cruise, meals shine, with options like Kerala biryani or fresh seafood. Marine Drive’s cafés have quick snacks like Vada or ice cream for children. These food stops blend into your day, adding tasty memories. Encourage your family to try new dishes for a shared adventure over food.
Cultural Fun with Kathakali
Before leaving Fort Kochi, try to see a Kathakali show at the Kathakali Centre. This old theatre, from the same time as Shakespeare, uses bright costumes and big movements. The 6:00 PM show lasts one hour and suits families. Children will love the colourful makeup and dramatic faces, especially in exciting scenes. Arrive at 5:00 PM to see performers put on their face paint, which is a show itself. Tickets cost Rs500, free for children. Bring snacks to keep little ones happy. This cultural stop adds a bright spark to your day as one of the things to do in Kochi, linking your family to Kerala’s art.
Conclusion
Kochi is like a storybook, with each page showing a new family adventure. From Fort Kochi’s old streets to the luxury of Neo Classic’s Classic Imperial cruise, your day is full of wonder. Mattancherry’s palaces and markets bring history alive. Marine Drive and Lulu Mall offer modern fun. Hill Palace or Cherai Beach gives a calm finish. Kochi mixes old charm, nature, and new comforts for a perfect family trip. This plan of things to do in Kochi makes every moment special, creating memories your family will treasure. Let Kochi’s magic carry you through a day of joy!