National Bal Bhavan

National Bal Bhavan is a children’s learning and activity centre on Kotla Marg in Delhi, with spaces for art, science, performance and play. Children can explore the National Children’s Museum, try hands-on activities, and ride the toy train. A science park, mini zoo, aquarium, library and traffic park add more to a visit. The centre is designed for children aged 5 to 16, with activities spanning creative arts, physical fitness and cultural programmes. Go in the morning to leave time for the different areas.

A centre for children’s creativity

National Bal Bhavan is an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Human Resource Development. It was established in 1956 by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to give children opportunities to explore and develop their interests beyond formal classroom learning.

The centre is intended for children aged 5 to 16. Its activities range from science and literary programmes to photography, creative arts, performance and physical fitness. Workshops, exhibitions and performances give children different ways to try new skills and share their work.

Museum, play and discovery

The National Children’s Museum is part of the centre. Its exhibits are planned with children’s ways of observing the world in mind, and participatory activities let them experiment, observe and analyse. Other attractions include a science park, a mini zoo, the Jawahar fish aquarium, a library, a traffic park and a toy train.

The toy train has limited capacity, and tickets cost ₹30. A parent may accompany each child on the ride. There is also a cafeteria inside the centre, with food options outside as well.