Rajasthan is home to many energetic cities and one of them is Jaipur. The pink city was founded in 1727 by Maharaja Jai Singh II and has since been a major center of activity. Jaipur is the capital and the largest city in the desert state, at a distance of 270 kilometers from the national capital of India. It is a major tourist destination and frequently forms part of the Golden Triangle circuit on tourist’s itineraries – the two other cities being Delhi & Agra.
Jaipur is a wonderful city to experience stunning architecture, rich history and vibrant culture, and amidst such delights it is really hard to cut out the city from your travel plans. It is famous for its gigantic royal forts and palaces, pink cityscape, old temples and vintage museums. There are a lot of activities to do and experience here. Jaipur is a fun family destination to unfurl your high spirits and enjoy some amazing time in the company of your family and kids!
Here’s a brief guide on where to go and what to do in Jaipur during your stay :-
PALACES, FORTS AND OTHER HISTORIC BUILDINGS
AMER FORT / AMBER FORT 
Built entirely of red sandstone and marble, Amer Fort is one of most impressive feats of engineering and construction. The majestic fort and palace can be viewed from miles away as it sits on top of a hill, 10 kilometers from the city of Jaipur in the town of Amer. It is one of the most visited tourist sites in Rajasthan, let alone Jaipur. With huge gates, vast courtyards, verdant gardens and a serene lake that overlooks the lofty Aravalli ranges, it sure is an unmissable attraction. Sheesh Mahal (Palace of Mirrors) in the fort is a no-miss since the whole building is fitted with mirrors and glasses which shine together even when one ray of light falls upon them.
In the evenings, the walls of the fort are mightily illuminated by colors and the light cum sound show will transport you back in the time when the region was ruled by the Rajput maharajas. You can also find elephants in the fort premises and may also be able to ride one. Visit the place in the morning if you want to beat the heat and obviously, the crowd. Take your kids and family for a fun outing day at Amer Fort to experience a rich culture and beautiful architecture.
NAHRAGARH FORT 
Overlooking the city of Jaipur, Nahargarh Fort is a historic complex that was built as one of the three strongholds of defense to protect Jaipur – the other two being Amer Fort and Jaigarh Fort. But, it was mainly used for retreat purposes by the rajas and it never came under attack in the course of its history.
The fort offers 360 degree views of the city as it is located on the Aravalli hill ranges and the cityscape is simply amazing to see from here. Sunset views are to die for and post sunset you can hang around to have a bite at the many food outlets here. Nahargarh Fort is a great place to visit with your kids and family for an amusing and relaxing weekend or weekday getaway from the Jaipur traffic!
JAIGARH FORT 
Jaigarh Fort is situated close to the Amer Fort and was primarily built to protect the latter from enemies during times of attacks or invasions. The highly fortified complex was built by Jai Singh II in 1726 and named after him. It is home to ‘Jaivana’ (built here in 1720), which was once one of the largest war cannons in the world. It is amusing to note that Jaigarh Fort and Amer Fort are connected via subterranean passages and corridors that run beneath the buildings and into the hills.
It is the highest of the three major forts in Jaipur and stands almost 400 meters above the neighboring Amer Fort. There is also a museum on the fort grounds which houses many age-old artifacts. The views from the top of Jaigarh are absolutely wonderful and you should not miss the sunset if you do plan to visit. Do not forget to carry your hat or cap along as it might get really hot!
JANTAR MANTAR 
Jantar Mantar is a historic astronomical observatory built by the founder of Jaipur, Sawai Jai Singh II in 1734. The name Jantar Mantar literally translates to ‘calculating instrument’ and the five highly accurate architectural instruments with the fourteen geometric devices constructed at the site do an amazing an job in measuring time and tracking the movement of the stars, especially the sun.
Samrat Yantra, the largest sundial is the world is present here. The observatory has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the perfect place to be for kids and students who have a liking for science and the subject of astronomy. It is frequented by students, kids, adults and families, who are all mesmerized by the accuracy of this man made wonder.
JAL MAHAL 
Located right in the middle of the Man Sagar Lake, Jal Mahal is a beautifully constructed building with a special charm of its own. The magnificent palace looks like it is floating in the calm still waters of the lake with the majestic hills of the Aravalli ranges in the background. Jal Mahal literally translates to ‘Water Palace’. The five storied red sandstone building half submerges when the water levels in the lake rise during peak seasons.
The palace is known to exude in all its glory in the evening times, just before nightfall – when its premises are illuminated in stark contrast to its dark surroundings. It is not open to visitors and can be viewed from the shores. Boating is also carried out sometimes in the lake waters. An outing to Jal Mahal can be a calm, but entertaining affair as there are numerous food stalls and eateries in its vicinity. It is a quick stop destination and can be a great addition to your itinerary! Kids are bound to have a nice and fun time here.
HAWA MAHAL 
Hawa Mahal is one of the most recognized buildings in the country, let alone Rajasthan or Jaipur. It is an icon of Jaipur. The famous tourist site is also known by the sobriquet – ‘Palace of the Winds’, mainly because of the cool breeze that pass through the several beehive of colorful windows, which made it the favorite sanctuary of its creator, Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh.
The red and pink sandstone building is an exceptional creation of master craftsmanship and artwork. It represents the crown of Lord Krishna in Hindu mythology and is dotted with 953 small windows, each with exquisite vibrant designs. An archaeological museum is also present in the Hawa Mahal’s courtyards. A trip to Hawa Mahal will mesmerize anyone and is a lovely place to visit with family and kids as there are a lot of activities to do around the site, such as shopping and eating.
CITY PALACE 
City Palace came into existence at about the same time Jaipur was established as a city by Jai Singh II. The vast palace complex was once the seat of the Rajput rajas and maharajas who ruled the region with an iron fist, with Jaipur as their capital center. You can witness the co-existence of Mughal and Rajput styled architecture in the City Palace.
The presence of large and magnificently decorated gateways, impressive wall art, expansive open courtyards, countless corridors and passages, hidden doorways and colorful halls, make this particular palace a go-to destination. A significant portion of the palace has been turned into a museum and an art gallery where you can see historical artifacts, weapons, tools and many other items belong not only to the Rajputs who ruled here, but also from the Mughal empire. Kids will absolutely love City Palace!
ANOKHI MUSEUM OF HAND PRINTING 
A trip to an unique textile museum located in a historic haveli (mansion) in the first capital of the Rajput dynasty? Why not? Situated at a ten minute walking distance from Amer Fort in the ancient capital of the Rajputs, lies Anokhi Museum of Hand Printing. The special museum is entirely dedicated to the preservation and conservation of hand-made textiles that have survived over the many decades and centuries.
This is a site for all ages, whether you are an adult or a curious kid. The museum houses various collections of printed textiles along with the tools, images and objects related to their production. People who visit the place also have a chance to try out their skills in creating a unique piece of textile, all by hand! The Anokhi foundation promotes talent when it comes to the fashion industry and also strives to maintain the rich culture and history of the region
ALBERT HALL MUSEUM / GOVERNMENT CENTRAL MUSEUM 
The Albert Hall Museum is a fantastic place to learn about the prosperous history and culture of the region. Its history dates back to 1876, when the Prince of Wales laid its foundations and it was subsequently built within the same period. The museum is rich and affluent in historical objects such as pottery, ivory items, jewelry, sculpture and crystal works.
It holds several numismatics (coin and currencies) from various periods of the Mughal, Gupta, Delhi Sultanate and British periods. Arguably the most odd and unique member of this museum is an Egyptian mummy! It is a great destination is visit for kids and families to educate themselves. Albert Hall Museum is a fun place to be!
PARKS, LAKES AND WILDLIFE DESTINATIONS
JAIPUR ZOO 
The Jaipur Zoo is a great attraction to visit in order to appreciate and enjoy wildlife. It is one of the oldest zoos in the country, opened in 1877. One of the main attractions of the Jaipur Zoo is the presence of conservation and breeding programs of reptiles – where you can witness large congregations of gharials, cheetals and crocodiles.
There is also a huge aviary present here that houses birds like peacock, emu, owl, duck, varieties of parrots, pink flamingo, vulture etc. In total, there are more than 500 animals that call the zoo their home. The zoo attracts huge number of families with kids and is a wonderful place for kids to have fun and experience majestic wildlife with a first-hand experience. It is maintained and regulated by the Central Zoo Authority of India.
SISODIA RANI PALACE AND GARDEN 
Sisodia Rani Palace & Garden is a serene tourist attraction with a history of its own. Dedicated to queen Sisodia of Udaipur who was the second wife of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, it was a symbol of the love the king had for his queen. It is spotted with lush green gardens, flower beds, fountains, galleries, large courtyards and beautiful pavilions.
The lovely palace grounds served as a summer retreat for the queen and her escorts. The garden is built with a special mix of Rajput and Mughal architecture and is sometimes referred to as the largest in Jaipur. Numerous references to Krishna and Radha are imbibed in the paintings, artwork and sculptures here at the palace complex. This is a fantastic place to spend a couple of quiet hours with your family and kids!
KANAK VRINDAVAN 
The wonderful Kanak Vrindavan gardens was built on the orders of Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh at the bottom of Nahargarh hill of the Aravalli ranges, on the top of which the famous fort stands. The gardens were built around 300 years ago and provide a verdant green scenery in stark contrast to the dry desert landscape around the nearby hilly areas.
If you are visiting Nahargarh Fort or any other forts such as Jaigarh or Amer which are close by, make sure to spend some calm time here at the Kanak Vrindavan gardens. There are beautifully designed marble works, series of fountains and even a temple within its boundary. Kanak Vrindavan is a great addition to your visit sites.
CENTRAL PARK 
What place is better to chill at and beat the heat, than the biggest park in the city itself. Constructed and maintained by the Jaipur Development Authority, Central Park is a great getaway from the busyness and traffic of the city. Vast open areas, green spaces, chirping exotic and indigenous birds and fountains dot the gigantic park.
The Rambagh Polo and Golf clubs are located adjacent to the park. The park is frequently visited by people of all ages and is a hotspot for running and exercising as it possesses a 5 kilometer long jogging and walking track. Take your kids for a peaceful and fun day out in the nature away from all the chaos.
ELEFANJOY | ELEPHANT SAFARI PARK 
Elefanjoy is an absolutely delightful place to spend an enjoyable time with your family and kids. You will be in the company of tens of gentle giants with whom you can play around! What’s more fun than that? This elephant farm promotes walking with one rather riding one! It all began in 1995 when the elephant park was established in the company of a single elephant called Tarra.
Here, you can feed them and also paint them in beautiful vibrant colors. Safaris with the elephant are conducted in the nearby Nahargarh Biological Park. This is a great initiative that needs more recognition and is certainly one of the best places in and around Jaipur to have fun with kids.
Maotha Lake 
Maotha Lake is located in the ancient city of Amber, at the base of the prominent Amer Fort. The lake is particularly famous as the sidekick of the majestic fort that overlooks it, but another great feature is the presence of an island in the middle of the lake.
It is called Kesar Kyari Bagh or saffron garden whose plants are said to have been planted by a maharaja nearly 400 years ago, before the Amer Fort was constructed. When Amer Fort was in its full glory, the lake served as the only source of water for its purposes. Maotha Lake is famous as the place where statues and idols of Ganesha are submerged after Ganesh Chaturthi. Couple your visit with Amer Fort and have a fun day outing at Maotha Lake with your family and children.
NAHARGARH BIOLOGICAL PARK 
Situated at a distance of 20 kilometers and a 30 minute ride from Jaipur city center, Nahargarh Biological Park is the perfect place to fulfill your wildlife cravings. The entry fees is minimal and is an awesome place for a family outing. It is one of the largest zoological parks in the Jaipur area, near the Jaipur – Delhi highway (NH8).
Top quality care is taken care of by the management for the conservation of flora and fauna, much of which have been shifted from the Jaipur Zoo. The recently inaugurated park is home to animals such as Asiatic lions, Royal Bengal tigers, bears, hyenas, wolves, deer, civet, wild dog etc. Take a jeep safari here, but don’t be surprised if you are visited by monkeys! It is a brilliant place for kids to have fun and experience raw wilderness.
JHALANA SAFARI PARK 
Famous for its leopard safaris, Jhalana wilderness park is one of the closest nature reserves to the pink city. It is a great place to be amidst nature and witness majestic animals in their natural habitat.
Spread across an area of nearly 15 square kilometers, it is an ideal tourist destination – especially for a family day out with kids. Some other mammals in the park include hyena, deer, sambhar, langur, and jackal. Jhalana is also particularly famous as the home to several species of birds such as flamingo, dunlin, owl, kingfisher etc. If you want to have a fun day out with your kids, this is the place to go!
ENTERTAINMENT DESTINATIONS
PINK PEARL RESORT AND FUN CITY 
A resort cum amusement park, Pink Pearl is a superb place to spend a day or two in the company of your loved ones. The expansive entertainment destination is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
It lets you relax and rejuvenate yourself. The place is located on the Jaipur – Ajmer expressway, 16 kilometers from the center of Jaipur city. The resort is extremely comfortable and the amusement park provides a wide range of fun activities for kids such as go karting, water slides, aqua disco, a huge pool and water activities. Visit Pink Pearl Resort and Fun City to have a memorable time.
ANGEL RESORT AND AMUSEMENT PARK 
If you are looking for a destination to relax and recharge yourself after a busy week, Angel Resorts and Amusement Park does the job for you. It is one of the best entertainment destinations in and around the capital area. The resort has great facilities such as amazing dining restaurants, comfortable accommodation, spacious banquet halls and outdoor pools.
In addition, the park provides kids and young children with an awesome arena to enjoy themselves and have fun. It is located 18 kilometers away from Jaipur on the Sikar highway. Different activities are also offered on site such as yoga, meditation and sport activities. This is one of the best places for activities for kids.
CHOKHI DHANI 
The traditional Rajasthani folk village resort center of Chokhi Dhani is the best place to experience the cultural and historical richness of the region. The ethnic village showcases various different aspects of the tradition followed here such as art in the form of paintings, music, folk dance, literature etc.
The colorful complex is illuminated with attractive lighting every evening when the performances and activities begin. It is certainly one of the best places to go for a family along with kids. Enjoy the traditions of Rajasthan all the while munching on some delicious local cuisines. There are also fortune predicting parrots here – you can try one of them out just for fun purposes.
SUNRISE DREAM WORLD 
Sunrise Dream World is a pleasant and enjoyable amusement park cum resort that has attracted families for a long time. It is quite famous around the city and is known for its traditional concept blended with ethnic aspects of three states – namely Rajasthan, Gujarat and Punjab.
Their local delicacies, art, culture, history and diversity has been portrayed in a very nice manner that is suitable for people of all ages. The amusement park provides games and activities such as mirror maze, scary house, bungee jumping, bowling alleys, and slides. The accommodation at Sunrise Dream World is very comfortable one can spend a peaceful weekend here. Spend some quality time with your family and kids here, with some fun!
APPU GHAR 
One of the best places to take a day off and breath some fresh air, especially for kids. That is what Appu Ghar is famous for.
The children’s play park is known for its adventurous rides and has several tens of them! The toy train, bungy trampoline, bull ride, zorbing, paintball, archery, roping, ATV racing etc some of the few thrilling rides that this place provides. If you want your children and kids to have a gala time and endless fun, Appu Ghar is the place to go.
Head to Rajasthan’s capital city to immerse yourself in the historic culture of the desert state and to have an awesome fun time with your family and kids. There is so much to see and do here!