Places to visit in Dehradun with kids come in two kinds. Some are free, easy and right in town. Others are half-day trips that need a car and a packed lunch. This list has both, with the timings and fees published as of November 2026. Fees do change, so use them as a rough guide.
In the city
1. Gandhi Park, Rajpur Road
One of the city's oldest parks, opposite Astley Hall and about half a kilometre from the Clock Tower. There's a children's play area with swings and slides, a small toy train, walking paths and a food kiosk. It's open from 7 am to 7 pm. If you're already shopping around the Clock Tower, this is the easiest place to let the kids run around for an hour.
2. Forest Research Institute (FRI)
FRI has six museums, including an insect museum and a timber museum that are a good fit for kids. Campus entry is ₹100 per person per session, and school groups pay ₹30 per child for the museums. There are two sessions, 10 am to 1:30 pm and 1:30 to 5 pm. Doon Dekho has a full FRI guide.
3. Mindrolling Monastery, Clement Town
Locals call it the Buddha Temple. You can climb several floors of the tall stupa, with murals inside and a view from the top. Entry is free, and there's a small Tibetan market outside.
Nature and animals
4. Anand Van, Jhajra
A 50-acre urban forest park in the Jhajra forest range, about 14 km from the railway station. Along with walking paths and a 3 km cycling track, it has rope activities: a zip line (₹50), commando net (₹50), Burma bridge (₹40), tyre net (₹20), bamboo ladder (₹20) and a tree hut (₹50), or all of them for ₹150 as a combo. Entry is ₹50 for adults and ₹20 for children aged 10 to 15. Under 10s go free. It's open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm.
5. Dehradun Zoo (Malsi Deer Park)
The zoo at Malsi, about 10 km from the city on the Mussoorie road, used to be Malsi Deer Park. The walking paths between the enclosures are shaded, and most families spend one to two hours here. It's open roughly 10 am to 5 pm and closed on Mondays.
6. Sahastradhara
The sulphur springs and dripping caves, 14 km out of town, are fun for older kids who don't mind getting wet. There's a ropeway and some small rides too. Go on a weekday morning, and keep little ones away from the river after rain.
7. Robber's Cave (Guchhupani)
A narrow gorge where you walk through water that's ankle to knee deep, and children love it. It's about 8 km from the city and open from around 7 am to 6 pm. Go early, and pack sandals and a change of clothes.
Amusement and water parks
8. Fun 'N' Food Kingdom, Prem Nagar
An amusement and water park at Kohlupani, on the Prem Nagar side of the city. Tickets were listed at ₹600 for adults and ₹500 for children. Plan a full day for it. It's a favourite for school trips.
9. Fun Valley, Haridwar Road
A water and amusement park at the 28th km on the Haridwar road, open from 9 am to 6 pm. It's an easy stop if you're driving towards Rishikesh anyway.
10. Asan Barrage (for older children)
The wetland at Asan, on the Dehradun-Paonta road, was Uttarakhand's first Ramsar site. From November to March it fills up with migratory ducks, ruddy shelduck among them. Take binoculars and go early in the morning. It suits kids who can stay patient and quiet for an hour.
Tips for a day out with kids
- Go to outdoor places before noon if you can. In summer the afternoons get hot, and at weekends they get crowded.
- Check the weekly off before you leave. The zoo, for example, is shut on Mondays.
- For Robber's Cave and Sahastradhara, pack spare clothes and a towel.
- Carry some cash for small entry fees and activity tickets.
Frequently asked questions
Which is the best place in Dehradun for kids?
It depends on the kids. Anand Van suits active children, the zoo at Malsi suits younger ones, and Gandhi Park is free and central.
Is Dehradun Zoo open on Monday?
No. The zoo is closed on Mondays and open roughly 10 am to 5 pm on other days.
What is the entry fee at Anand Van?
₹50 for adults and ₹20 for children aged 10 to 15. Children under 10 get in free. Rope activities cost extra.
Are there water parks in Dehradun?
Yes. Fun 'N' Food Kingdom in Prem Nagar and Fun Valley on the Haridwar road both have water parks.
Find more on Doon Dekho
Every place in this guide has its own page on Doon Dekho, with directions and sources. Browse Explore → Places to Visit → Parks & family fun for the full list.