Groovy walks
Instead of mall hopping, take the family on a guided mangrove walk with Naturalist Explorers. Mumbai’s mangroves, which protect the shoreline, also offer surprisingly cooler temperatures compared to city streets, thanks to dense greenery and natural breezes.

Contact: Naturalist Explorers via Instagram @naturalistex for bookings and the full schedule

Paddle with pooches
We are sending you on a surf trip in the hills. Seems odd? But you need to thank Roysten Misquitta for this experience. A year ago, this adventure junkie launched Stand up Paddleboarding (SUP) in the green hills of Kamshet. The best part? You can surf with your pet!

SUP feels a bit done? Head to Lonavala instead and try Jet Surfing. Offered by Outdoorsy Lonavala, it’s a 30-minute ride on a motorised jetsurf board that is equipped with a stability-enhancing tube. This makes it easy for beginners to balance. A quick briefing is all you need to cruise across the lake with ease, although this activity is only allowed for ages 12 and above. 

Price: Rs 2,500 per person and Rs 3,500 per person with a pet for SUP Rs 3,500 for jet surfing (includes photos)
Contact: WhatsApp 9820068611 to book or DM @lonavalalocal or @outdoorsylonavala on Instagram for either experience

Jugnoo watch
There’s something timeless about sitting under a starry sky and watching a thousand fireflies light up the trees around you. Mid May marks the beginning of the firefly season in Bhandardara and nearby Purushwadi. For two to three weeks, this area turns into natural fairylands

The experience also offers a soft introduction to camping: basic tents, barbecue dinners, and simple storytelling under the stars. Several trekking tourism groups organise overnight trips. We recommend Treks & Trails, as they organise Bhandardara Fireflies Camping — Firefly Fest.

Price: Rs 1,299 for ages 4 to 9 and Rs 1,899 for ages 10 and above 
Contact: www.treksandtrails.org to book

Make your gelato and eat it too
What’s better than eating gelato? Making it yourself. Trove Experiences curates a gelato-making experience along with Nova Artisan Gelato at Kemps Corner. The artisanal gelato brand offers hands-on workshops where families can learn to churn classic Italian-style gelato from scratch, and taste eight flavours to understand the nuances and taste of the dessert

Price: Rs 2,500 per person
Contact: troveexperiences.com to book

Capsule time 
Imagine opening a box 10 years from now filled with today’s favourite toys, a photo of your pet, handwritten notes, concert tickets, or a trending meme. Building a family time capsule is a simple, sentimental project that turns into a priceless treasure trove over time.

Get the kids involved in decorating the box, picking items, and writing little letters to their future selves. Stash it safely in a closet, as we have no backyards in Mumbai to burry things — just don’t forget to agree on a “do not open until” date!

Be an acrobat
If your child is bouncing off the walls, why not direct that energy somewhere productive? Sportspark Gymnastics is a professional gymnastics training academy, specialised in the coaching of artistic gymnastics.

Think obstacle courses, trampoline sessions, strength training, and safe tumbling techniques taught by professional coaches whose students have competed at international gymnastic sporting events. The best part? Gymnastics builds flexibility, focus, and confidence. These are skills that carry over into everyday life and every other sport, too.

Contact: 7020856923/8369833800 to enquire about classes

Museum hop
Take advantage of Mumbai’s museums and science centres rolling out summer-exclusive exhibits designed for kids. Think science models and interactive art installations. Scroll through the schedules of the CSMVS Children’s Museum, MuSo, Nehru Science Centre, Playseum, Nehru Planetarium for summer listings, and you will find it worth your while. These spaces cleverly balance entertainment and education, offering families a full day of discovery

Host a gallery opening
Your fridge door deserves a breather. Instead of cluttering it with sketches, encourage your children’s creativity by hosting a mini art exhibit at home.

Frame their best doodles, sculptures, and paintings. Set up a “gallery” in the living room. Invite friends and family over for a viewing. Serve snacks and drinks and let the little one take visitors on a guided tour, explaining the inspiration behind each art piece. Here’s another tip: Let them name their artworks and write tiny “artist statements” for full effect