Shillong isn’t just a hill station — it’s a place where kids can be kids, and parents can truly relax. Surrounded by green hills, fresh air, and peaceful views, this city gives families a perfect mix of fun, comfort, and quiet time together.
Kids often get bored with regular sightseeing. But Shillong has spots that keep them curious and happy. At the Butterfly Museum, they’ll be amazed by the bright colors, unique patterns, and the quiet beauty of each butterfly — all carefully displayed in a calm and peaceful space.
Worried about high places?
No problem. Not everything is up a hill. Ward’s Lake in the city center has paddle boats, pretty gardens, and easy walking paths — all without any scary heights.
And what if it rains?
Shillong’s weather can change quickly, but that’s okay. You can head to a cozy café for hot chocolate and games or visit places like the Don Bosco Museum with fun and colorful displays that even kids enjoy.
Want a full day out in nature?
Just visit Umiam Lake. There’s space to run, relax, or stay overnight at a lakeside resort — perfect for fresh air and family bonding.
This guide shares the best things to do in Shillong with kids — not just to keep them busy, but to help them (and you) truly enjoy. It’s the kind of trip you’ll all want to take again.
1. The Secret Butterfly House: Where Nature’s Colors Never Fade
Just a short drive from the center of Shillong, there’s a small, quiet museum that feels like a world full of color. It’s called the Butterfly Museum, or the Wankhar Entomology Museum, and it’s one of the most unique places in the city — especially for kids and families.
Why is there a butterfly museum in Shillong?
Because the nearby Khasi Hills are home to many rare and beautiful butterflies — so this local Khasi family started collecting and preserving them over the years. Today, they’ve saved more than 1,600 kinds of butterflies, moths, and beetles from the area and beyond!
All the butterflies here are no longer alive, but they’ve been carefully kept behind glass. You can see their wings up close — shining in colors like blue, green, orange, and gold. One of the most famous butterflies here is the Kaiser-i-Hind, a rare green butterfly with golden spots, often called one of the most beautiful in the world.
Kids love spotting big butterflies that look like they have “eyes” on their wings, or tiny ones that sparkle in the light. It’s peaceful inside, and perfect for rainy days or quiet moments — no loud noise, no big crowds.
This museum isn’t big, but it’s full of wonder. It helps you see how special nature is, and how many treasures come from the hills around Shillong. It’s a fun and gentle stop that leaves both kids and grown-ups amazed.
2. Enjoy a Colorful Day at Don Bosco Museum
The Don Bosco Museum is a fun and interesting place where children can learn about the people and traditions of Northeast India. It is located in Mawlai, just 3.5 km from Police Bazaar, and is easy to reach by car in about 10–15 minutes.
The museum has seven floors, each showing something different like tribal clothes, tools, musical instruments, houses, and even how people used to live long ago. There are big models that kids can walk through, videos to watch, and lots of things they can see and learn from. Everything is colorful and neatly arranged, which makes it fun and easy to understand.
One of the most exciting parts is the skywalk on the roof, where families can get a wide view of Shillong city. It feels like an adventure and is a favorite for many children.
The Don Bosco Museum is clean, well-organized, and made for curious minds. Its a best things to do in Shillong with Kids will enjoy the bright displays, and parents will love that it’s both fun and educational.
3. Boating Fun at Ward’s Lake
Ward’s Lake is a calm and beautiful place right in the middle of Shillong, just 1 km from Police Bazaar. It’s so close that families can even walk there from many hotels. This peaceful lake is perfect for a short and easy outing, especially if you have small children or a stroller.
Kids will enjoy paddle boating on the lake, watching the ducks and fish, or simply running around the wide walking path. The path goes in a circle around the lake and is lined with colorful flowers, green trees, and benches where families can sit and relax.
It’s not crowded, and the area feels safe and open — a great place to take a break from busy sightseeing and let kids have some fun in the fresh air.
4. Ever Living Museum – Where Learning Feels Like Adventure
The Ever Living Museum is a quiet and special place in Mawshbuit, about 4.5 km from Police Bazaar. It takes only 15–20 minutes by car, and it feels more like visiting someone’s home than going to a big museum.
The museum was started by Mr. Kyntiewbor War, a kind and friendly man who has collected many amazing things over the years. Inside, you’ll find tribal tools, musical instruments, fossils, old coins, and even beautiful stones and plants — all from Meghalaya and nearby places.
What makes this museum really special is the experience in Shillong with kids. Children can walk around the garden, look closely at the displays, and sometimes even hear interesting stories from Mr. War himself. He loves sharing what he knows and often answers questions in a fun, simple way that kids enjoy.
It’s calm, clean, and not crowded — a great place for curious kids to learn, explore, and enjoy a peaceful moment with family.
5. Umiam Lake – A Peaceful Day by the Water
Umiam Lake is a big and peaceful lake about 17 km from Shillong, and it takes around 30–40 minutes to reach by car. It’s one of the best places for a family day trip or even an overnight stay close to nature.
The lake is surrounded by pine trees, quiet hills, and fresh air, making it perfect for kids to play and explore. There are open lawns where children can run around or play simple games, and families can enjoy a picnic together by the water.
You can also go boating on the lake, is one of the best things to do in shillong which is safe and fun for kids. Some resorts around the lake offer family cottages, where you can spend the night in a cozy, quiet space. These resorts often have small play areas or outdoor activities that are great for young children.
Whether you stay for a few hours or a whole night, Umiam Lake gives families space to relax, breathe fresh air, and enjoy time together away from the busy city.
6. Café Hopping on Rainy Days
Shillong often gets light rain, but that just makes it the perfect time to visit one of its many cozy cafés. In areas like Laitumkhrah and Nongrim Hills — just 1 to 4 km from the city center you’ll find lots of warm, welcoming spots that are great for families.
These cafés usually have soft music, comfortable seating, and kid-friendly food like pancakes, sandwiches, fries, and hot chocolate. Some even have books, board games, or small corners where children can sit and relax.
When the weather is wet and chilly, these cafés become the perfect place to take a break, warm up, and share a sweet treat with your kids. Shillong with kids and parent can enjoy a quiet cup of tea or coffee while children stay happy and full.
7. Waterfall Wonders at Elephant Falls
Elephant Falls is one of the easiest and most fun nature trips you can do with kids in Shillong. It’s located about 12 km from the city just a 30-minute drive and is a great choice for a short, exciting outing.
The waterfall has three levels, each with a lovely view and its own charm. The path is safe and easy to walk, with well-made steps and handrails, so even younger children can enjoy the walk without getting too tired.
Surrounded by green forest and fresh air, it’s a peaceful spot where kids can hear the sound of water, look at butterflies, and even get a little wet near the bottom tier. Just make sure to bring comfortable shoes and maybe a change of clothes if they decide to splash!
Tips for Visiting Shillong with Kids
Planning a trip to Shillong with kids? Here are a few easy tips to help your family stay happy and comfortable:
- Weather: Shillong weather can change quickly, and rain can come anytime — even on sunny days! It’s always smart to carry a light raincoat or umbrella, especially if you’re going for a walk or day trip.
- Transport: Local taxis and cabs are easy to find in the city. But for longer outings like Umiam Lake or Elephant Falls, it’s best to book a cab ahead of time to avoid waiting or last-minute trouble.
- Food: Most restaurants and cafés serve kid-friendly meals like rice, noodles, chicken, sandwiches, and eggs. You’ll also find plenty of fresh local fruits like pineapples and bananas, which are sweet and safe for children.
Conclusion
Shillong makes family travel feel easy. Whether your kids love nature, stories, or just running around in the fresh air, there’s something here for everyone.
There all of these things to do in Shillong with kids like on rainy days, you can visit the Butterfly Museum or explore the Don Bosco Museum, both fun and indoors. If the sun is out, enjoy a walk at Ward’s Lake or take a short trip to Elephant Falls for a little adventure. Want a quiet, learning moment? The Ever Living Museum is calm, friendly, and full of stories. And when it’s time to relax, Shillong’s cozy cafés offer the perfect break with pancakes and hot chocolate.
For a bigger outing, spend a day (or night) by Umiam Lake, where kids can play, boat, and breathe fresh mountain air.
Every place on this list is safe, easy to reach, and full of moments your family will remember. Happiness comes from the little things to do in Shillong a splash of water, a butterfly’s wings, or a warm snack after the rain.
FAQs – Shillong with Kids
1. Is Shillong safe to travel with kids?
Yes, Shillong is a safe and welcoming place for families. The people are friendly, and most tourist spots are quiet and not overcrowded. Just like in any travel, it’s good to stay alert, especially near water bodies or hill edges.
2. What’s the best time to visit Shillong with children?
The best time is from March to June, when the weather is cool and perfect for sightseeing. Winter (November to February) is also nice but colder. Try to avoid July and August, as heavy rains can limit outdoor fun.
3. Are there good medical facilities in Shillong for kids?
Yes, Shillong has good hospitals and local clinics. NEIGRIHMS and Civil Hospital are the major ones. Pharmacies are easy to find, but it’s a good idea to carry any special medicines your child might need.
4. Is Shillong stroller-friendly?
Some places like Ward’s Lake and the Don Bosco Museum are easy for strollers. But natural spots like Elephant Falls or Laitlum Canyon have steps or uneven paths, so a baby carrier is better for those areas.
5. What kind of food is available for children?
Shillong has many cafés and restaurants that offer simple and kid-friendly meals like noodles, fried rice, sandwiches, pancakes, and eggs. You’ll also find sweet fruits like pineapples and bananas that are safe and tasty for kids.
6. Are there family-friendly places to stay in Shillong?
Yes, you’ll find hotels, guesthouses, and homestays that are great for families. Some resorts near Umiam Lake have open lawns and peaceful surroundings, which are ideal if you’re traveling with small children.
7. What can we do on rainy days in Shillong with kids?
Rainy days are great for visiting indoor places like the Butterfly Museum or Don Bosco Museum. Shillong also has many warm and cozy cafés where you can enjoy snacks, read books, and stay dry with the kids.
8. Can children enjoy spots like Elephant Falls or Laitlum Canyon?
Elephant Falls is great for kids — the path has stairs and railings, so it’s safe and fun. Laitlum Canyon is more open and natural, better for older kids or teens. For younger ones, keep close supervision.
9. Are there indoor play areas for children in Shillong?
Shillong doesn’t have big indoor play zones, but many cafés and museums are child-friendly. Kids will also enjoy walking paths, gardens, and open lawns at lakes or museums for light, outdoor fun.
10. Should we book places or taxis in advance?
For sightseeing spots, there’s usually no need to book. But if you’re planning to stay near Umiam Lake or take a day trip, booking a hotel or taxi in advance is a smart idea, especially during busy seasons or holidays.