National Children's Museum

We visited this museum in early April around 11am. I'm not sure if the indoor exhibits are air conditioned, but at this time of year, it's still cool inside even if it was difficult to be out in the full sun outdoors.

This place is huge and has various kinds of exhibits, including several indoor displays (such as an exhibit on the sun, the ramayana, some children's work on ecology, etc.) and outdoor works.

The highlights for my kids were the mini train ride (20 rps/adult, 10rps/kid) which was pleasantly long (and unexpectedly hilarious when we passed behind residential buildings and got to have a great view of people's undergarments -- also unexpectedly dangerous when we passed over an empty fountain/pool and since we weren't chained in, anyone who fell over would fall quite a distance into a tile pool). 

The kids also enjoyed the "mini-aquarium" which is great if you think of it as visiting a fish shop, not expecting a world class aquarium.

Lastly, there is a "science park" that has playground equipment but a lot of it was in disrepair. There were a couple slides, swings, and see-saws that were usable. But definitely you would need to supervise and watch closely for rusty, broken equipment.

Honestly I found this place a bit strange. The "traffic park" consists of a small square area with traffic lights, signs, and roads. The Sun exhibit had a strange amalgam of religious beliefs about the sun and scientific facts about the sun. The outdoor "village" exhibit seemed not very well maintained and the bird aviary seemed dangerously overcrowded with birds and even rabbits. All the indoor exhibits also required you to write your name, address, comments and signature.

 

There is also a large grassy area where kids could run free, but being high noon and summer, we didn't do that option.

TARA'S (6 y.o.) TIPS: The train ride was very fun because it's kind of long. Some of the rooms were scary because they were dark. I liked the aquarium.

STROLLER: I took a stroller for my preschooler and it was helpful but there were quite a bit of steps where I had to make her get out and walk. 

AUTO: It was quite easy to get here by auto and to leave by auto, since it's so close to ITO.

FOOD: There are lots of chips/drinks/ice cream vendors right outside. A cafeteria and vendor inside but I didn't purchase from them. We brought our own snacks and had no problem eating it inside.

FINAL VERDICT: Not sure this is worth a trip for tourists or out of towners. I would only recommend this for locals who live nearby and who want an inexpensive outing for their kids. Supposedly there are lots of crafts/art classes for kids in the summer. 

FEE: free for kids, 20 rps/adult, no foreigner charges

From the Delhi Tourism Website:

National Children's Museum

Localtion: 1 Kotla Road, Near I.T.O.
New Delhi
Timing: 9.00am To 5:30 pm
Closed: Sunday & Monday
Attractions::
Institution for enhancing creativity among children. It holds regular classes and workshops on performing & creative arts.

• Mobile Planetarium
• Mini zoo
• Aquarium