The City of Nawabs and Nizams – Hyderabad, is a metropolitan jewel and one of the country’s most historical cities that dates its existence back to 1591 when it was established by Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah, the fifth sultan of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty. The city is specked with beautiful monuments, historic buildings, idyllic lakes, traditional markets, extremely delicious food spots and colorful bazaars.
Hyderabad is a city for all ages. You can find loads of activities to do here with your family and kids. Lose yourself in the expansive film city of Ramoji or indulge yourself in some food bonanza by having mouthwatering delicacies such as Hyderabadi biryani and Hyderabadi Haleem. Hyderabad is a cultural hub that will certainly not disappoint you.
Here is a brief comprehensive guide for you to enjoy a memorable time in the city with your family and kids:
PARKS, LAKES AND WILDLIFE DESTINATIONS
NTR GARDENS 
NTR Gardens is one of the most famous family hotspots in the city. It lies right adjacent to the Hussain Sagar Lake. If you have a travel itinerary to follow given to you by an agent, you will most likely find NTR Gardens in it.
The vast urban park covers an area of 36 acres and provides entertaining facilities for the enjoyment of families and kids such as souvenir shops, children’s play area, a toy train, a Japanese garden, boat rides and extremely colorful gardens. The large 2000 square meter themed restaurant is also quite famous among visitors.
There are various indigenous and exotic species of plants that have been planted here. It is a great place to spend a few quiet hours in the heart of the city, as NTR Gardens is situated quite close to other significant landmarks such as Necklace Road, Lumbini Park and Birla Mandir. NTR Gardens is a fun place to be at in the company of family and kids.
LUMBINI PARK 
Although smaller in size compared to the neighboring NTR Gardens, Lumbini Park is one of the most visited tourist sites in the city. The 8 acre park situated on the banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake was constructed in 1994 and has since been used famously by tourists for boating activities. The boats also occasionally take you to the gigantic Buddha statue at the middle of the lake.
India’s first multimedia water fountain show was installed in Lumbini Park and it plays each evening. A wide range of laser shows, sound shows, rhythmic fountain and light beam effects engage audiences in an exciting manner, portraying Hyderabad’s rich historical and cultural aspects. A day outing at Lumbini Park is sure to provide entertaining activities for kids and family.
PUBLIC GARDENS (BAGH-E-AAM) 
The Public Gardens is a beautiful place to be amidst nature, surprisingly in the heart of the city. It is the oldest park in Hyderabad, which was built by the Nizams of Hyderabad.
There are vast open spaces here to enjoy some free and adventurous time. You can go cycling or simply spend some time relaxing and enjoying a picnic with your loved ones. There is also a park for kids to have fun at. It is home to some of the most famous landmarks and public buildings in the city like the Telengana Legislative Assembly, Jubilee Hall, Telengana State Archaeology Museum, Shahi Masjid, Jawahar Bal Bhavan etc.
NEHRU ZOOLOGICAL PARK 
The Hyderabad Zoo or Nehru Zoological Park was opened to the public in 1963 and has since been the go-to destination to enjoy and relish the presence of majestic wildlife. It is one of the most frequented tourist destinations in Hyderabad due to its wide diversity of wilderness.
It is situated right next to Mir Alam Tank and spreads for nearly 400 acres and houses some of the best known indigenous species of animals such as Royal Bengal tiger, Asiatic lion, Indian rhino, panther, slender loris, Indian elephant and variety of deer species. The spacious open enclosures at the zoo here make it an engaging experience for visitors. There is also a natural history museum and a small train that runs through the park, along with the many adventurous safaris provided here.
The nocturnal house at the zoo is famously known for reversing the times of night and day so as to keep the nocturnal animals like bats, leopard cats, civets, hedgehogs, owls etc active when visitors flock during the day. Nehru Zoological Park should be on your itinerary when you visit Hyderabad!
MAHAVIR HARINA VANSTHALI NATIONAL PARK 
Located on the National Highway 65, at a distance of approximately 15 kilometers southeast of the city center – a drive of about 30-40 minutes (subjecting to traffic conditions), will take you to the fantastic Mahavir Harina Vanasthali National Park. It is said to be the largest green lung space within the city limits.
In what was once the hunting grounds for the Nizam rulers of Hyderabad, the national park is now exclusively dedicated to the deer population that thrives here. Safaris and guided tours are held here for the entertainment of visitors and wildlife enthusiasts.
Few other animals that live in the park are blackbucks, Asian water monitor lizard, panther, peacocks pond herons, cormorants, kingfishers and different birds. A visit to the park is a wonderful way to engage with mother nature.
HUSSAIN SAGAR LAKE 
The treasured pearl of the city, Hussain Sagar Lake is spread over a large area of 6 square kilometers and is fed by the Musi River – the primary river of the city.
The man made reservoir was built by the founder of the city, Mohammed Quli Qutb Shah. A giant Buddha statue was erected in the middle of the lake in 1992 and now it stands tall attracting thousands of visitors on a regular basis. The lake symbolizes the concept of love and it was mainly built to fulfill the irrigation and drinking purposes of the residents of the city.
The area around the lake is known for the fantastic activities and attractions it provides to families and kids, such as Lumbini Park, Snow World, Birla Mandir and NTR Gardens. There is also a sailing club here and regattas (boat races) are held every now and then. Hussain Sagar Lake is an amalgamation of wonderful fun and entertainment facilities for families and especially kids.
OSMAN SAGAR LAKE 
Osman Sagar Lake is situated on the western fringes, right outside the Nehru Outer Ring Road that encompasses the city. The reservoir is also popularly known as Gandipet. It was created in 1920, before the independence of the country, by the former and last Nizam of Hyderabad – Osman Ali Khan.
The damming the Musi River led to the creation of the lake, which was done in order to provide the residents of the city and the region with an additional source of drinking water. Osman Sagar is a popular tourist spot among families and kids who come here for a day outing or to enjoy a picnic. The monsoon season fills the reservoir waters to its full extent and is a beautiful sight of verdant greenery. This is a lovely place to celebrate a day out and have fun with your family and kids.
HIMAYAT SAGAR 
Hyderabad is rightly called as the City of Lakes. Himayat Sagar is one of the many reservoirs that are dotted around the city. The idyllic and scenic lake is a well-liked picnic destination among Hyderabadis because of its calm and peaceful environment.
The man made reservoir lies next to the larger Osman Sagar lake and serves the same purpose as its neighbor. The clear cloudless skies, lush green grasslands and sky blue of the lake make it an amazing getaway in nature’s lap. A drive of approximately 15-20 kilometers from the city center will take you here. It is an ideal picnic spot for anyone to get away from the busyness and chaos of city life.
SHAMIRPET LAKE 
Shamirpet Lake is an artificial man made reservoir located almost 30 kilometers north of Hyderabad, via its twin city Secunderabad. It is a famous picnic spot among residents and tourists as many come here to observe the flock of indigenous and exotic birds that visit the lake during evening times.
The lake is an amazing spot for birdwatching and you can spend a great time sightseeing here. Several resorts are present near the lake for entertainment options. Visit Shamirpet Lake for a fun day with your family and kids.
DURGAM CHERUVU 
One of the more famous in-city lakes is Durgam Cheruvu. The lake was building almost 500 years ago and it served as a source of drinking water for the prominent Golconda Fort. It spreads for over 80 acres in the city and has earned the nickname Secret Lake because of its presence between the localities of Jubilee Hills and Madhapur. Some of the activities you can do here are fishing and boating.
An artificial waterfall along with a rock garden is also built here for people to enjoy natural surroundings. It is a popular picnic spot for family and kids to have fun. Recently, provisions were made to enjoy adventure activities like rappelling, hiking and rock climbing. You can entertain yourself to a fun day in the middle of the city.
KASU BRAHMANANDA REDDY NATIONAL PARK (KBR NATIONAL PARK) 
Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park is one of the country’s largest urban national parks encompassing an area of nearly 2 square kilometers (400 acres).
It is situated in Jubilee Hills and very close to the affluent neighborhood of Banjara Hills. The park is frequently described as a jungle amidst the concrete jungle, in reference to the high density of buildings in the city. It hosts the vast palace complex of Chiran Palace that has huge bungalows and villas, stables for elephants and horses and a small museum for vintage cars.
The park space holds nearly 150 bird species, 30 varieties of reptiles and more than 500 species of flora. The green space has added value to the ever expanding city population. It is a fantastic place to spend quality time with your family and kids.
MUSEUMS AND HISTORICAL PLACES
CHARMINAR 
The crown jewel of the city and the poster monument that is virtually known almost everywhere. Charminar is an exquisite creation of architecture that has stood strong for nearly 450 years! The famous mosque was built in 1591 and is one of the most recognized buildings in the country.
Charminar is statistically the most visited monument and historic building in Hyderabad. The name literally translates to ‘Four Minars/Pillars’. All the tours that take you through the city will definitely make sure you enjoy the spectacle of the grand monument.
The old city where Charminar is located certainly deserves to be explored. Make sure you take your family and kids to witness the best of Indo-Islamic architecture and art. This is a fun way to spend some quality time with your kids and family.
GOLCONDA FORT 
Golconda Fort is a vast expansive fortification and a hill citadel, located 10 kilometers west of the city. The fort was built as the capital of the Qutb Shahi Dynasty that established and ruled over the city for over a hundred years.
Golconda is famously known for its huge fortification walls, bastions, eight gateways, four drawbridges, royal residences, temples, mosques, stables, vast courtyards etc. It is hardly possible to explore the entire for in a single outing. One of the most fascinating engineering and acoustic marvels can be witnessed here at the fort.
A slight hand clap at the Fateh Darwaazan (one of the gateways of entry), can be heard at the Bala Hisar pavilion on the top of the fort, almost a kilometer away. This worked as a warning in case of attacks or invasions. Golconda is also known as the home to many of the famous diamonds mined and produced in India such as the Koh-i-noor, Hope Diamond, Prince Diamond, Daria-i-noor, Regent Diamond etc. The fort is a must-visit if you are visiting Hyderabad, for a day outing with the family and kids, full of fun.
QUTB SHAHI TOMBS 
Located very close to the Golconda Fort, in Ibrahim Bagh in Mehdipatnam, the Qutb Shahi tombs are a set of tomb complexes and mausoleums dedicated to the rulers who established the city of Hyderabad. The Indo-Persian architectural forms used in the tombs are wonderful and majestic to witness.
The large domes are built on a square foundation, all of which are surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens. The Qutb Shahi tombs are a testament of the great powers that the rulers held during their lifetime. Intricate archways, amazing vast lush green gardens, fantastic artwork and subtle calligraphy adorn the complex. The Qutb Shahi tombs are a fantastic place to visit, along with Golconda Fort.
M BIRLA SCIENCE MUSEUM AND PLANETARIUM 
The Science Museum is a brilliant place to explore your kid’s interests towards science. The museum is situated south of the Hussain Sagar Lake and is home to a planetarium, dinosaurium, art gallery and a science center to engage people of all ages.
The dinosaurium has an exhibit of a dinosaur called Kotasaurus which is from the Jurassic period, nearly 160 million years ago! It was excavated by paleontologists and archeologists in the region in the 1970’s. It is a great place to awe children because of the richness of the things the museum possesses. The B.M. Birla Science Museum is a wonderful outing to engage in and have fun with kids and family.
NIZAM’S MUSEUM / PURANI HAVELI 
The Nizam’s Museum is located in Purani Haveli, which literally translates to ‘old mansion’. The museum is known for showcasing the mementos, gifts and souvenirs received by the last Nizam of the Hyderabad state, Osman Ali Khan Asif Jah VII. It was opened in 2000 to display the ornamental artifacts of a bygone era.
Some of the valuables housed here are a 150 year old manually operated lift, gold throne, gold tiffin box studded with diamonds, paintings of the last Nizam, gold, silver and diamond studded daggers, caskets and silver perfume containers called ittars. The Nizam also owned several royal automobiles which are now on display – a 1930 Rolls Royce, Jaguar Mark V and a Packard. It is a great place to witness the rich display of artifacts and enjoy some fun time with family and kids.
SALAR JUNG MUSEUM 
The art museum of Salar Jung is one of the most frequented historical sites to visit in Hyderabad. It is located close to the Nizam’s Museum, on the southern banks of the Musi River. Salar Jung Museum is one of the three national museums in India and one of the largest in the world. The museum’s artifacts were initially the collection of the Salar Jung family, a noble royal family from the Hyderabad state.
It now houses priceless souvenirs, memorabilia and artifacts such as jade crafted daggers of Shah Jahan, weapons belonging to Tipu Sultan and Jahangir, sculptures from the Gandhara and Chola dynasties, artifacts from the Vijaynagar empire and furniture from the time of Napoleon and King Louis XIV! The ones mentioned are just a small glimpse of the museum holds. Salar Jung Museum is a treasure trove waiting to be explored and is one of the best places for families and kids to visit and learn more about culture and history.
TELENGANA STATE ARCHAEOLOGY MUSEUM 
Located within the premises of the Public Gardens, the archaeology museum is an exciting destination to visit for history enthusiasts and art lovers.
The state museum is the oldest in Hyderabad and some of the treasures it possesses is invaluable. Arguably the most compelling and famous of all things in the museum is the Egyptian mummy that was brought to the state in 1930 for only 1000 pounds! It is only one of the six Egyptian mummies in the country. The largest collection of all is in fact the Buddha gallery with various finds from the Nizam era and the Kakatiya dynasty.
CHOWMAHALLA PALACE 
The former official residence of the Nizams of Hyderabad, Chowmahalla Palace is studded with landscaped gardens, large courtyards, water fountains, a mix of Persian and imperial architecture, beautiful corridors and amazing interior decorations.
The name literally translates to ”four palaces’, because of its many buildings. It is located in the old city, near the Charminar. The darbar hall in the palace is extensively decorated with marble flooring and beautiful chandeliers. There is also a vintage car collection here. A visit to Chowmahalla Palace is an exciting adventure and you will definitely have fun with your family and kids.
SUDHA CAR MUSEUM 
The handmade automobiles of Sudha Car Museum are sure to awe everyone in its presence. The cars here are built in such a way that they represent everyday things. The museum is located in the locality of Bahadurpura, 7 kilometers from the city center, near the Nehru Zoological Park.
It was established in 2010, through the initiative of Kanyaboyina Sudhakar, who began designing car models since his childhood. There are cars here shaped like a stiletto, shoe, camera, toilet, burger, computer, couch etc. The creativity at display here is immense. You can visit the Sudha Car Museum for a fun day to enjoy with your family and kids.
MECCA MASJID 
The 17th century Mecca Masjid is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the country. It can hold nearly 20,000 people inside its premises at peak hours. Mecca Masjid is situated in the heart of the old city of Hyderabad, very close to other eye-pleasers such as Charminar and Chowmahalla Palace.
It is said that the whole city of Hyderabad was planned to be built around Mecca Masjid and Charminar. The ornately designed mosque is grand in structure and attracts thousands of people every day due to religious and historic reasons.
ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATIONS
RAMOJI FILM CITY 
The premier entertainment destination for kids and adults alike, Ramoji Film City is truly a wonderful destination to fulfill all your entertainment needs. Ramoji Film City is at a distance of 30 kilometers from Hyderabad, a drive of about an hour southeast of the city. It is the largest film studio complex in the world, as certified by the Guinness Book of World Records.
It is spread over a gigantic area of 2000 acres and is known to service the shooting of nearly 200 films every year – with its nearly 500 film set models! Ramoji is visited by nearly 2 million tourists annually.
Famous Indian movies such as Krishh 3, Chennai Express, Baahubali, Bade Miyan Chhote Miyan, Ra One, Dilwale, Wanted etc have been shot here. Replicas and models of the Taj Mahal at Agra, Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri, Brindavan Gardens at Mysore have been constructed here to give a real life feeling. Separate permanent sets of railway stations, temples, hospitals, fire stations, police stations, school etc. are all here. You will literally get lost in this magnificent and utterly large film city! There are lot of activities to do for kids and this is one of the best places to go for fun.
ESCAPE WATER PARK 
Want to beat the Hyderabad heat and chaos? Don’t know where to go? This is the place to go! Escape Water Park is one of the best places around Hyderabad to visit for an outing full of fun and amazing entertaining activities for kids. It is a perfect place to visit with family, friends and kids.
Some fun rides here include Zumba Loop, Crazy Rapids, Jumbo Raft, Super Combo and Cracker Curve. But, it is known more importantly for its water rides such as Wave Pool, Spiral Slides and Mat Free Fall. Separate attractions and rides have been created for kids to enjoy such as a mini pool and mini slides. You can leave all your tension behind and enjoy an unforgettable day here at the Escape Water Park.
SNOW WORLD 
The most easily accessible amusement park is centrally located within Hyderabad for all kinds of visitors, from families and children to adults and couples. This is a destination to have unlimited fun. It is located on the banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake and beside Indira Park.
Snow World is the best place to go and there is no better place to beat the city heat. It is one of the country’s largest snow parks and houses amazing amenities and facilities such as sleigh slide, snow wars, play area, ice bumping cars, ice skating rink and a sub-zero merry go round! Experience a natural snowfall or spend some time in an igloo, it is left to you. You must visit Snow World for a memorable experience with your family and kids.
JAL VIHAR WATER PARK 
Also located on the banks of the Hussain Sagar Lake on the opposite northern side, beside the Sanjeevaiah Park, Jal Vihar Amusement Park spreads over an area of 13 acres and provides fantastic entertainment facilities. The wave pool in the water park claims to be the largest in the country, capable of holding nearly 1,000 people at a time.
There are many water rides for people of all ages. It has a mini toy train for kids, food court, game zone etc. The game zone has amenities and games such as Air Hockey, Battery Jets, Bungy Trampoline, Water Shooter, Mini Basketball, Dashing Cars etc. The party space of the amusement park has a well landscaped garden area that can hold nearly 1,500 people. You can enjoy a great fun time here with family and kids.
OCEAN PARK 
Ocean Park is located in Gandipet, close to the Osman Sagar Lake. It is one of the most visited water parks in the region, along with Jal Vihar and Escape Water Park. The park occupies nearly 15 acres and provides a host of entertaining activities for everyone.
Few water rides at offer here are Aqua Trail, Aqua Glide, Crazy Cruise, Hara Kiri, Rain Dance, Pendulum, Tornado, Wave Pool, Zip Zap Zoom etc. There are different rides for kids such as Pirate Ship, Jumping Frogs, Peacock Train, Sun Moon etc. Ocean Park should be your next stop if you wish to have a fun time!
WONDERLA 
Wonderla Amusement Park is India’s premier and leading entertainment destination that is favored by nearly thousands of families and people. Wonderla offers an exciting range of activities and amenities for kids and families with adults. Situated at a distance of 25 kilometers south of the city, a drive of one hour, Wonderla is an unmissable park to visit if all you are wishing for is fun and entertainment.
There are so many exciting rides here that you will literally get confused as to what to hop on first. Some exciting and adventurous rides are Equinox, Maverick, Boomerang, Twin Flip T-Rex, Recoil and Space Jam. There are endless activities to do here. So, plan a day out at Wonderla for a memorable and unforgettable fun day with family and kids!
SHILPARAMAM 
Shilparamam arts and crafts village is located in the developing locality of Madhapur, where the famous HITEC software park is present. It is the perfect place to engage in a day of exploring traditional arts, crafts and vibrant culture of the country. Here, there is a Sculpture Park, Rock Museum, Village Museum, Water Park and Recreational Area to enjoy and be entertained.
The initiative of the arts and crafts village is to provide a common platform for artists to showcase their creations and talents without any hindrance. The amphitheater conducts various regional and cultural performances from time to time. It is the best place for art lovers to spend their time at. The souvenir shops here are a great place to shop for a memorabilia and gifts. Shilparamam is a great weekend outing with children, as they will undoubtedly enjoy the colorful diversity of the region and country’s dynamic culture.
Hyderabad is a beautiful city with a blend of various cultures. The plethora of food delicacies, national monuments, historic museums, colorful markets and heartwarming people make it a great tourist destination. It provides a great platform to indulge is fantastic activities and have some unforgettable memories!