https://https://uk.trip.com/toplist/tripbest/recommend/sri-lanka/best-family-friendly-attractions/10070100084130
Family-Friendly Attractions
Top 10 Family-Friendly Attractions in Sri Lanka [2025]
Horton Plains National Park
4.6
/5
209 reviews
6.2
Based on 1,100 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +94 112 426 900
Address: Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
No.3 of Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka
Verified User Reviews
Horton Plains National Park is a breathtaking natural wonder in Sri Lanka, perfect for nature lovers and hikers. The scenic trails lead to stunning viewpoints like World's End and Baker’s Falls, offering incredible panoramic views. The park is home to diverse wildlife, including sambar deer and unique bird species. The cool climate and misty landscapes create a magical atmosphere. An early morning visit is best to catch clear views. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
Horton Plains National Park offers stunning landscapes, from rolling hills to lush forests. The famous World’s End viewpoint provides breathtaking views of the valley below. The trails are well-maintained, and the biodiversity is remarkable, making it a must-visit for nature lovers.
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Yala National Park
4.8
/5
244 reviews
6.1
>100 km from downtown
Phone +94-112-888 585
Address: Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 5-8 hours
No.4 of Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka
33% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
Yala National Park, located in southeastern Sri Lanka, is the country's most visited and second-largest national park. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, Yala is home to elephants, leopards, sloth bears, and a variety of bird species. The park's diverse landscapes include dry forests, grasslands, and wetlands, creating ideal habitats for wildlife. Yala is especially famous for having one of the world’s highest densities of leopards.
the wildlife is stunning but was told by other members of my tour group it is still not as jaw dropping as the safaris of Africa. the panther in particular is what the park is most proud of and they advertise them aggressively but do note that there’s like 33 of them in the park. so walk in with the expectation you don’t see it. the rest of the key animals you should be able to spot them
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Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
4.7
/5
256 reviews
5.9
76.4 km from downtown
Phone +94 352 266 641
Address: Rambukkana, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-5 hours
No.6 of Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka
Highlights:
Pink elephants & eco-friendly paper
Elephants bathing by the river
Verified User Reviews
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage offers a unique chance to see rescued elephants up close. Watching them bath in the river was a highlight. Arrive early to avoid crowds and get the best views from nearby cafés. Such a memorable experience!
Visiting Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was a unique experience. Watching the elephants bathe in the river was unforgettable. It’s clear the staff care deeply for the elephants, and the whole visit was both educational and heartwarming. A great stop for animal lovers!
No.
4
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Whale watching Mirissa with Geeth
4.7
/5
28 reviews
5.9
>100 km from downtown
Phone +94 77 637 6714
Address: Harbour Road, Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-4 hours
No.8 of Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka
53% positive reviews
Verified User Reviews
"Had an amazing whale watching experience in Mirissa with Geeth! His expertise and passion for marine life made the trip unforgettable. We were fortunate enough to see majestic blue whales and playful dolphins up close. Geeth's knowledge and commitment to sustainability made us feel comfortable and informed throughout the tour. The entire experience was well-organized, and the stunning views of the ocean were just the cherry on top. Highly recommend this tour if you're ever in Mirissa – a must-d
I went there expecting to see nothing, because it felt like looking for a needle in a haystack. In the end, I was especially grateful to the captain for his perseverance. I saw hundreds of dolphins returning. The crew kept looking for whales in the vast ocean. Everyone thought there was no hope today, but they found a group of whales and the ethereal sound of whales that can only be seen in documentaries. It was a pity that I didn't take a photo. It was an amazing day! It was worth it!
No.
5
Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya
4.6
/5
178 reviews
4.8
Based on 3,888 reviews
Peradeniya | 70 km from downtown
Phone +94 812 388 088
Address: Royal Botanic Gardens, Kandy - Colombo Rd, Kandy 20400, Sri Lanka
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
No.20 of Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka
Verified User Reviews
Kandy Royal Botanic Garden (Peradeniya Royal Botanic Gardens) is one of Sri Lanka's most representative botanical gardens and one of Asia's oldest and largest. It is located in the city of Kandy in the central province of Sri Lanka, adjacent to the Mahavili River (Mahaweli River), covering an area of about 60 hectares.
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy is the best tropical botanical garden in the world. It contains a considerable number of plant species and scientific and technological information in bioengineering, ecology, conservation and classification.
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