5 Kid-Friendly Weekend Getaway Options From Chennai

Everybody loves a break from the monotony of city life. Our jam-packed weekly schedule makes those occasional vacations even more special. It sure is quite a task to find time for a holiday. With children, the challenge of travelling is even more immense.

Here is a better idea. Ditch your hard to plan, tough to execute and impossible to pack for; long holidays for some quick staycations and weekend getaways! 

Given the busy calendar of the parents and the difficulty of planning long vacations with our easily bored cuties, it sure does make sense to swap those yearly vacations for more exciting weekend getaways that are closer to home.

Not only are weekend getaways easy to plan and light on the pocket, but they also give children a much-needed change from their daily routines more often. The change of environment and all the exploration that comes with a holiday makes it a very interesting experience for them. As a parent, the real challenge lies in planning weekend outings in places that are lively, full of fun and frolic and truly child-friendly.

Here are some interesting child-friendly weekend getaway recommendations around Chennai.

1. The Farm

Located in Semancheri Village on the Old Mahabalipuram Road, The Farm is one of the closest off-city places to go spend the day with your little one. They have farm animals like turkeys, cows and horses which could be very exciting for the little ones. This place serves amazing farm-fresh food with a very cool outdoor (and indoor) seating arrangement that your child will just love! They also offer a farm tour which can be very educational for children (especially if they haven’t seen a real farm before). What’s more? You can take some of their goodness back home with you, thanks to their store that retails their produce.

Where: 1/277, Semancheri Village, Old Mahabalipuram Road, Chennai – 600119
Contact: +91 +91 9176050562, +91 9384677571
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: The Farm Chennai
Twitter: @TheFarmChennai

2. Ideal Beach Resort

This is a beautiful property about 50kms off Chennai and comes with a great pool and private beach. Their private beach is a cleaner, less crowded alternative to the beaches closer to the city. We often visit this property when we are in the mood for a staycation because they have spacious rooms with lovely views and a lot of places for kids to run around and play freely. This is a convenient pocket-friendly getaway as it is also close to the ancient marvels in Mahabalipuram.

Where: Mahabalipuram – 603 104
Contact: 91 044-27442240 / 2443
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: Ideal Beach Resort

3. MGM Beach Resort

A popular family destination on the East Coast Road, about 35 km from Chennai; the MGM Beach Resort is surely going to be loved by the children. This property has lush green lawns, a well-maintained pool, a lovely beach and a great restaurant to go with it all. But what makes this place great for kids is the small amusement park they have attached to it that has some amazing rides for little children and also provision for short boat rides. This is a great option for you to spend a nice weekend with your family, friends and little ones.

Where: 1/74 East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chennai
Contact: 044 3910 2400, 098400 30255
Email: [email protected]
Facebook: MGM Beach Resorts

4. Dakshinchitra

If you want to spend a fun day outdoors with your little ones, you must check out Dakshinchitra, located just 25kms off Chennai City. This is a lovely place dedicated to curating the cultural heritage of South India. You can have a fun day with your kids here, engaging in lovely cultural programmes, and activities like pottery and also indulge in some handicraft shopping for yourself. This is a vibrant, fun and educational place to visit and get exposed to folk art, and vernacular architecture and get closer to our history and heritage. Your child will just love spending time here.

Where: East Coast Road, Muttukadu, Chengalpet District – 600 118.
Contact: 044 2747 2603
Facebook: Dakshinachitra Instagram: Dakshinachitra
Twitter: @Dakshinachitra

5. Chokhi Dhani

Near Queensland Amusement Park, on NH4 is this lovely Rajasthani Village Fair that comes to life from 4 pm to 10 pm. You can spend a lovely day out here exploring the Rajasthani way of life – complete with the display of their traditional hutments, food and culture. You will love the fun activities there for families that include photo shoots in their traditional attire, bullock car rides, watching their acrobatic shows and indulging in authentic Rajasthani cuisines.

Where: NH-4, Near Queensland Theme Park, Kevlur Road Tandalam Sriperumbudur
Contact: 080560 06677
Facebook: Chokhi Dhani  Instagram: Chokhi Dhani

So, pack your bags and get going, and I bet you will come back to thank us later!