Family trips that teach without feeling like school

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

The best learning happens when children do not realise they are learning. These trips combine fun with discovery.

History you can touch

• Delhi and Agra: Mughal history comes alive at the Red Fort and the Taj Mahal.
• Hampi: clambering among the ruins of an empire.
• The Cellular Jail, Port Blair: India's freedom struggle, with a light-and-sound show.
• Rome: gladiators at the Colosseum.

Science and space

• Jantar Mantar in Jaipur: giant astronomical instruments.
• Singapore's Science Centre and Gardens by the Bay. See Singapore.
• Tokyo's science museums. See Tokyo.
• Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Nature and wildlife

• Tiger safaris in Ranthambore or Kanha.
• Snorkelling in the Andamans.
• Tea factories in Munnar or Darjeeling.
• Kaziranga's rhinos.

Cultures and languages

• Cooking classes in Thailand or Vietnam.
• Craft workshops such as block printing in Jaipur.
• Festivals like Durga Puja or Holi.

Make it interactive

• Ask children to keep a travel journal.
• Give them a camera.
• Let them plan one day.

For schools

Planning a school trip? See Planning a school or college educational tour: a guide for teachers and our Educational tours page.

Planning tips

• Read a little about the destination together before the trip.
• Hire guides who are good with children; ask for them specifically.
• Keep sessions short; museums are better in the morning.
• Mix learning with play: a beach afternoon after a morning at a fort.
• Let children ask questions to guides directly.

The goal is curiosity, not a test at the end.