Fort Kochi: Things to Do That Your Kids Will Love (And You Will Too!)
If you’re thinking about visiting Fort Kochi with kids, you’re in for a treat. This charming coastal town in Kerala is packed with history, culture, and fun activities that even little travelers can enjoy. Unlike the chaotic bustle of some big cities, Fort Kochi is walkable, relaxed, and easygoing, making it an excellent place for families to explore at their own pace.
From watching the iconic Chinese fishing nets to wandering the narrow, historic streets, Fort Kochi has a mix of educational and fun experiences that will leave your kids entertained while still giving you a taste of Kerala’s rich history.
Let’s dive into the best things to do in Fort Kochi with kids—plus insider tips to make your visit smoother!
Why Visit Fort Kochi With Kids?
If you’re looking for a family-friendly travel destination in India, Fort Kochi is a fantastic choice. Unlike the fast-paced energy of big cities, this coastal town in Kerala has a laid-back atmosphere, historic charm, and plenty of open spaces, making it ideal for families with young children.
When we visited Fort Kochi with our kids, we loved how walkable and easygoing the town felt. The streets were less chaotic compared to other parts of India, making it a stress-free place to explore with little ones. That being said, it’s still a popular tourist destination, so we noticed that certain areas—especially around the Chinese fishing nets—could feel a bit crowded. But overall, it was a wonderful experience, and I’d absolutely recommend it for other traveling families.
What Makes Fort Kochi Great for Families?
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Walkable and Easy to Explore – Fort Kochi is compact and best explored on foot, with far less traffic than the main city of Kochi.
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Rich in History and Culture – From the Chinese fishing nets to the Dutch Palace, Fort Kochi offers plenty of opportunities to make history and culture engaging for kids. Unique Experiences – While there aren’t amusement parks, the area offers hands-on activities, such as watching local fishermen at work, taking a ferry ride, or exploring colorful murals along the streets.
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Less Hustle and Bustle – Compared to Kochi city, Fort Kochi is more relaxed, but it is still a major tourist attraction. The crowds here are manageable, and there are plenty of quiet corners to take a break with kids.
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Great Food Options – Whether your family enjoys local Kerala cuisine or prefers more familiar Western-style meals, Fort Kochi has plenty of restaurants that cater to different tastes, including vegetarian and vegan options.
What Should Parents Know
It’s a Walking-Friendly Town
Most of Fort Kochi’s attractions are close together, making it a great place to explore on foot. However, parents with toddlers, recommend using a child carrier to navigate longer walks.
It’s Safe, But Expect Crowds in Peak Seasons
Fort Kochi is generally a safe and welcoming destination for families. However, certain areas can get busy, especially between December and January, which is peak tourist season.
Be Prepared for Pushy Vendors
Near major tourist spots, particularly around the Chinese fishing nets and Jew Town, vendors can be persistent in selling souvenirs or offering paid experiences.
When we visited the Chinese fishing nets, we were invited to step onto one of the platforms to see how the system worked. It was a cool experience, but the fishermen were pretty pushy about getting a tip, which we had expected. If you go, just be prepared for this interaction, and have some small change ready.
Best Time to Visit Fort Kochi With Kids
Timing your visit correctly can make a big difference when traveling with children.
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November to March – This is the best time to visit Fort Kochi with kids. The weather is warm but not too hot, and there is little to no rain. Evenings are cooler, making it comfortable for walking around.
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April to June – Avoid visiting in summer. The temperatures rise above 95°F (35°C) with high humidity, making it uncomfortable for families with young kids.
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June to October (Monsoon Season) – Fort Kochi experiences heavy rains during this time.
During our trip, we visited in the cooler months (80s-90s), and it made all the difference. The humidity was still there, but it was manageable, and we didn’t have to worry about sudden rainstorms disrupting our plans.
Getting Around Fort Kochi With Kids
While walking is the best way to explore Fort Kochi, other transport options are available if little legs get tired:
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Auto-rickshaws (Tuk-Tuks) – A fun and affordable way to get around. Negotiate the fare before the ride, as meters are rarely used.
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Ferries & Water Metro – If you want to cross the water to Vypin Island or Ernakulam, the Water Metro and local ferries are quick, inexpensive, and a fun experience for kids. We took the Water Metro at the end of the day, and while it was cool, the tinted windows made it hard to see outside, which was a bit disappointing.
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Taxis & Ride-Sharing Apps – Services like Uber and Ola operate in Kochi.
Watching the Iconic Chinese Fishing Nets
One of the most famous sights in Fort Kochi is the Chinese fishing nets—huge wooden structures that have been used for centuries to catch fish. Known locally as Cheena Vala, these nets are believed to have been introduced by Chinese traders in the 14th century and are now an iconic part of Kerala’s coastline.
We were really looking forward to seeing them in action, and while it was a fascinating sight, there were some things we didn’t expect—including how much trash was scattered along the shore. It was still a memorable experience, but if you’re visiting with kids, being prepared helps.
What Makes This a Must-See Experience for Families?
If you’re traveling with kids, the Chinese fishing nets are a fun, interactive sight to check out. Even though modern fishing methods have largely replaced this technique, some locals still use the nets to catch fish.
Here’s why this experience is great for families:
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Kids will be fascinated by the giant nets being lifted out of the water. Watching the massive wooden beams and ropes move together is pretty impressive, even for little ones.
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You can step onto the fishing platforms to see the process up close—but be prepared to tip the fishermen for the experience.
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The best time to visit is early morning or evening, when the lighting is great for photos, and the sun isn’t too harsh.
When we visited, we were invited onto the fishing platforms, which was a great way to see the process in action. However, the fishermen were pretty pushy about tips, so be ready for that. If you don’t want to participate, you can still watch from the shore, but it’s a more engaging experience when you get closer.
What to Expect When You Visit
Here’s what you need to know before going:
You Might Not See Fish Being Caught
When we were there, the nets weren’t catching any fish. The fishermen explained that the best fishing depends on the season, particularly during the monsoons when more fish come closer to shore.
Be Prepared for Pushy Requests for Tips
If you step onto the nets, expect the fishermen to ask for money. We were aware of this beforehand, but they were a bit more aggressive than expected. A small tip is appropriate, but have your amount ready so you don’t end up feeling pressured to pay more.
The Area Has a Lot of Trash
One of the biggest downsides was the amount of litter on the beach. It was pretty overwhelming to see, and it stretched along the entire length of the water near the nets. There is a pier to get out on the nets so you’re not walking through it.
Nearby Activities & What to Do After
Since the Chinese fishing nets are right on the waterfront, you can easily combine this stop with other nearby activities:
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Playground near the fishing nets – If your kids need a break, there’s a large, enclosed playground nearby where they can run around.
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Fort Kochi Beach – While not ideal for swimming, you can walk along the beach, watch the boats, and enjoy the ocean breeze.
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Street food vendors – There are plenty of stalls selling fresh seafood, but after seeing the trash situation near the water, we were hesitant to try fish straight from the shore.
Santa Cruz Cathedral Basilica
Walking Through Fort Kochi’s Historic Streets
Fort Kochi is best explored on foot. Unlike the fast-paced chaos of major Indian cities, this coastal town has a laid-back charm that makes wandering through its narrow, colonial-style streets a joy—especially for families. The blend of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences is visible in its architecture, and the streets are filled with quirky cafes, art galleries, and hidden courtyards waiting to be explored.
We spent a lot of time just wandering around, letting our kids take the lead in pointing out interesting details—whether it was an old wooden door, a stray cat lounging in the sun, or a brightly painted wall. It was easy to walk at our own pace, stop when needed, and soak in the atmosphere without feeling rushed.
How Do You Keep Kids Entertained While Exploring?
Since Fort Kochi doesn’t have big tourist attractions designed specifically for children, keeping kids engaged while walking is key. Here’s what worked for us:
Let Them Hunt for Murals and Street Art
One of the best ways to keep kids entertained is to turn the walk into a scavenger hunt for murals. Fort Kochi is filled with colorful street art, especially around Princess Street, Burger Street, and near the Kerala Kathakali Centre.
We had fun spotting murals featuring local life, animals, and abstract art, and our kids enjoyed taking pictures with them. Some of them are tucked away in small alleys, so wandering without a strict plan often led to cool discoveries.
Point Out the Architecture and Old Buildings
The mix of colonial influences in Fort Kochi’s buildings makes the town feel like a step back in time. Many of the structures are over 300 years old, with faded pastel walls, wooden shutters, and red-tiled roofs.
Our kids were fascinated by how some of the old buildings looked like something out of a storybook.
Some key spots where the architecture stands out:
St. Francis CSI Church
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St. Francis Church – The oldest European church in India, where Vasco da Gama was originally buried.
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Dutch Cemetery – A peaceful, lesser-known spot with centuries-old tombstones.
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Princess Street – One of the most well-preserved colonial streets, lined with cute cafes and boutiques.
Stop for a Cool Drink or Snack at a Kid-Friendly Café
Walking in the heat and humidity can get exhausting, especially with kids. Thankfully, Fort Kochi has plenty of cafes and juice bars where you can take a break.
Some of our favorite stops:
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Kashi Art Café – A mix of art gallery and café, with refreshing juices and sandwiches.
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Lila Curated Experiences- Another art gallery/restaurant with local Kerala flair cuisine.
We stopped at Kashi Art Café for a break, and it was a lifesaver after a long walk. The smoothies were a hit with our kids, and we were able to sit in the shade and cool down before continuing.
Visiting Mattancherry Palace With Kids
This historic palace, also known as the Dutch Palace, is a great place to introduce kids to Kerala’s royal history.
What makes this interesting for children?
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The intricate murals inside tell stories from Indian mythology, which kids might enjoy.
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It’s small and not overwhelming, so even young children won’t get bored.
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You can combine this with a visit to nearby Jew Town, which has souvenir shops and spice markets.
Fort Kochi Beach
Playing at Fort Kochi Beach (But Not Swimming!)
Fort Kochi Beach isn’t your typical family beach destination—it’s not the place for building sandcastles or swimming in the ocean. But it still turned out to be a great place for our kids to run around, play, and take in the coastal views.
Unlike some of the other waterfront areas in Fort Kochi, this beach was relatively clean, and while the water wasn’t safe for swimming, we still enjoyed walking along the shore, watching the fishermen, and taking in the peaceful atmosphere.
What Can Families Do at Fort Kochi Beach?
Even though you won’t be swimming here, there are plenty of other ways to enjoy the beach with kids:
1. Dip Your Feet in the Water
The warm, shallow waves made it fun for our kids to splash around at the edge of the water. While swimming is not advised due to pollution and strong currents, we found that just dipping our feet in the ocean was enough for the kids to feel like they were enjoying the water.
2. Watch Local Fishermen at Work
One of the most interesting parts of visiting Fort Kochi Beach is watching the local fishermen in their wooden boats. There’s always something happening—whether it’s nets being hauled in, boats docking along the shore, or locals gathering to buy fresh fish.
The kids were curious about the fishing process, and while we didn’t see a big catch while we were there, they enjoyed watching the boats bob in the water and observing the daily routine of the fishermen.
3. Enjoy the View of Passing Boats and Ships
Fort Kochi Beach is right along a major waterway, so there’s always something interesting to see.
We spent time just sitting on the shore and watching the large ships, ferries, and fishing boats passing through. The kids loved guessing where the big ships were headed and watching the waves from their movement crash along the shore.
4. Take a Sunset Walk
We visited just before sunset, and it was definitely the best time to be there. The golden light made the ocean and sky look stunning, and the heat of the day had started to cool down. Evening is the busiest time at the beach, with locals and tourists gathering to take in the sunset.
What to Expect at Fort Kochi Beach
1. The Beach is Cleaner Than Other Areas—But Not Perfect
Compared to the area near the Chinese fishing nets, Fort Kochi Beach is noticeably cleaner. However, it’s still not pristine—there were still some patches of trash, and we made sure to watch where we stepped.
That said, it was much nicer than we expected, and it didn’t take away from our experience.
2. The Public Restrooms Are Not the Best
We attempted to use the public restrooms near the beach, but they were not well-maintained. My daughter walked in and immediately turned around, saying she wasn’t going to use it.
If you’re visiting, be prepared for this, and if possible, use a restroom before heading to the beach.
3. No Lifeguards or Swimming Areas
Unlike some other beaches in Kerala, Fort Kochi Beach doesn’t have designated swimming areas or lifeguards. The currents are strong, and locals advised us not to go in too deep, which is why we stuck to just dipping our feet in the water.
Best Family-Friendly Cafes & Food Experiences
Kerala is famous for its flavorful cuisine, but let’s be honest—not all local dishes are kid-friendly. Many traditional Kerala dishes lean toward the spicy side, which can be a challenge if your little ones prefer milder flavors. Luckily, Fort Kochi has plenty of family-friendly cafes that serve a mix of local and Western options, so there’s something for everyone.
We had a great time trying out different spots, balancing local flavors for us with kid-approved meals for the little ones. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick coffee break, a full meal, or just a snack, these spots worked well for our family.
Best Cafés for Families in Fort Kochi
Here are some great family-friendly spots where we ate and enjoyed.
Kashi Art Café – A Perfect Blend of Art and Food
This was one of our favorite spots in Fort Kochi. The atmosphere is relaxed, the walls are covered in artwork, and it felt like a calm oasis away from the busy streets.
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Why it’s great for families: The menu has Western-style food, including sandwiches, salads, and fresh juices.
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What our kids loved: They enjoyed the fluffy omelets and simple toast options.
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What we loved: The seating area in the courtyard was a great place to relax.
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Location: Burgher Street, Fort Kochi
Lila Curated Experiences – More Than Just a Café
Lila Curated Experiences is not your typical café—it’s a blend of art, culture, and food, making it a unique stop in Fort Kochi. With a boutique shop, art gallery, and thoughtfully curated menu, it’s a great place to relax and explore.
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Why it’s great for families: A calm, open space where kids can enjoy the art while parents sip coffee.
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What our kids loved: The mix of art displays and creative décor kept them curious.
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What we loved: The homemade bread, fresh salads, and great coffee, plus the boutique with locally made crafts.
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Location: Parade Road, Fort Kochi
What If Your Kids Are Picky Eaters?
If your kids aren’t adventurous eaters, don’t worry. Most cafes in Fort Kochi have Western options, including:
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Pasta with mild tomato sauce or creamy versions
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Sandwiches and toast, often with cheese, eggs, or vegetables
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Pancakes and waffles
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Chicken nuggets or grilled chicken
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Fresh fruit juices and smoothies
When we were in Fort Kochi, our kids were a little hesitant about trying Kerala’s spicier dishes, so we balanced meals by mixing in kid-friendly foods like pancakes, toast, and smoothies. That way, they had something familiar, while we got to enjoy local Kerala flavors
Nehru Park
Finding Playgrounds & Open Spaces for Kids
While Fort Kochi is a great place for walking and exploring, there aren’t a lot of traditional playgrounds for kids to burn off energy. That’s why Nehru Park, located near the Chinese fishing nets, was a welcome find for us. After spending time adult time wandering through the historic streets and markets, our kids needed a break, and this playground was the perfect spot to let them run around and play freely.
What’s Great About Nehru Park?
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It’s large and enclosed – The entire playground is enclosed, making it a safe space for kids to play without worrying about traffic.
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Plenty of space to run and play – There’s enough room for both younger and older kids to enjoy themselves.
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Shaded areas for parents – Some seating areas are shaded by trees, which was great when we needed a break from the sun.
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Free entry, but paid bathrooms – The park itself is free to enter, but if you need to use the restroom, you’ll have to pay a small fee.
We visited in the late afternoon, which turned out to be a good time—it wasn’t too hot, and there were other local families with kids playing there, making it feel safe and lively.
What to Expect at Nehru Park
1. The Playground Equipment is Simple but Fun
The park has basic playground equipment, including slides, swings, and climbing structures. While it’s not the most modern playground, it was still a fun and much-needed break for our kids.
2. The Bathrooms Are There, But Not the Best
We quickly realized that the public restrooms here aren’t the best. You can find water on the ground of many restrooms as people clean themselves off with a hand held wand.
3. It’s a Good Spot for a Snack Break
Since we had just visited the Chinese fishing nets, we had some snacks with us, and the park benches provided a nice spot to sit and refuel. There are no food stalls inside the park, but there are plenty of local vendors nearby selling coconut water, fruit, and light snacks.
Exploring Local Art & Culture With Kids
Fort Kochi has a thriving art scene, and even kids will enjoy some of its cultural performances and exhibits.
What cultural experiences are good for families?
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Kathakali dance performances – This traditional dance drama is visually stunning for kids.
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Lila Art Experience – A museum-café hybrid where kids can see local artwork.
Easy Day Trips From Fort Kochi With Kids
If you have extra time, consider a short trip outside of Fort Kochi for more adventure!
Best family-friendly day trips near Fort Kochi:
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Vypin Island – A quiet beach escape, just a short ferry ride away.
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Thattekad Bird Sanctuary – A great place to see exotic birds and go on a nature walk.
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Kerala Folklore Museum – A hands-on cultural museum that’s fun for kids and adults alike.
Essential Travel Tips for Parents
How can families get around Fort Kochi easily?
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Walking is best—the town is compact and stroller-friendly.
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Auto-rickshaws are great for short trips, but negotiate the fare in advance.
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The Water Metro is a unique and fun way to get across the water (though the windows are tinted, so the view is limited).
What should families pack?
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Sun hats & sunscreen (it’s hot year-round!).
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Hand sanitizer & tissues (not all public restrooms are clean).
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A lightweight carrier or stroller for little ones.
Final Thoughts
Absolutely. Fort Kochi is one of the best destinations in India for families who enjoy history, culture, and outdoor exploration at a relaxed pace. Unlike big cities, it’s walkable, slow-paced, and full of interesting sights, making it ideal for kids who don’t love being stuck in a car all day.
We found it to be a great mix of adventure and relaxation. Some days, we wandered through narrow historic streets, pointing out old Portuguese and Dutch-style buildings. Other times, we stopped at a quiet café for a juice break, or let the kids run around at Nehru Park after a long morning of sightseeing. It never felt overwhelming, and that’s what made the experience so enjoyable.
That said, it’s important to plan accordingly. Fort Kochi has a lot to offer families, but it’s not a resort town—there are no amusement parks or big playgrounds, and some places (like the beaches) aren’t suited for swimming. However, if you enjoy slow travel, cultural experiences, and hands-on learning, Fort Kochi is a fantastic place to visit with kids.
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