Goa is an ideal family vacation place! Think about the sand castles on gold beaches, swimming in warm blue water, and enjoying good food. Goa is not a place to party alone, but it is also one of the most Best family holiday destinations in India. You will have young kids or teenagers, everyone will have something fun to do.
I have several times been to Goa with my family. Every trip has been a joyful and relaxing one. It is also family-friendly because of the friendly locals, beautiful scenery, and safe environment. Goa is a place with calm beaches and all the excitement of water sports. I would like to discuss my recommendations to facilitate your own memorable family holiday in Goa!
How to Plan Your Family Trip to GOA?
When to travel to Goa for a family vacation
November to February is the most good time to visit Goa. The weather is cool and sunny. It is ideal in beach and sightseeing. Avoid the weather during the monsoon season (June to September) as it rains a lot. Very hot in March to May, but early mornings and evenings are also good.
How Long Should Your Trip Be?
A Goa family trip takes 5 to 7 days. This will leave you with time to visit the most appropriate places without being in a hurry. You can discover the beaches, churches, water sports, and rest.
Budgeting for Your Trip
- Goa is family friendly. Budget for:
- Hotels: Villas or Beach resorts.
- Food: Fresh Seafood and domestic meals.
- Travel: Car hire or taxi.
- Activities: Water sport and entrance charges.
Estimated Budget for a 5-Day Family Trip to Goa
Expense Category | Estimated Cost (for a family of 4) |
---|---|
Accommodation | 30,000 - 60,000 |
Food | 15,000 - 20,000 |
Transportation | 8,000 - 12,000 |
Activities | 10,000 - 15,000 |
Total | 63,000 - 107,000 |
Where to stay: Family-Friendly Accommodation.
Beach Resorts vs. Villas
In Goa, I would suggest that you spend your family vacation in a beach resort or a villa. There are kids clubs, kids pools, and easy direct access to the beach. Villas provide you with privacy.
Top Family-Friendly Resorts:
- The family-friendly La Cabana Beach Resort in North Goa offers easy access to the beach.
- Dona Sylvia Beach Resort (South Goa): It is a peaceful resort with beautiful gardens. Great with families who want some quiet time.
- Taj Holiday Village Resort (Candolim): It is a resort that has numerous activities for children in a luxurious manner.
Why I Like Villas to Stay With Big families?
Villas are ideal when visiting grandparents or other relatives. Everyone can stay together. You can prepare food and have good time. My family spent the time in a villa in Cavelossim. It was a kind of second home.
Top Family friendly beaches in Goa. Goa has over 30 beaches! Some are busy and noisy. Others are silent and good with families. Here are my top picks:
1. Agonda Beach (South Goa)
Agonda is a secluded beach with fine sand and little waves. Children are allowed to play in the water. Beach shacks selling delicious food are present. We enjoyed taking coconut water as the children constructed sandcastles.
2. Palolem Beach (South Goa)
Palolem is a lovely crescent beach. It is very clean and peaceful. You have the opportunity to go on a boat to view dolphins. Here we stayed at The Art Resort. It was fantastic .
3. Candolim Beach (North Goa)
Candolim is friendly and not overcrowded. The water is peaceful and children are safe. We enjoyed sunset walks here .
4. Mandrem Beach (North Goa)
Mandrem is a favorite of mine! It contains blue water and white sand. Here we remained in the La Cabana Resort. The children spent hours of play in the sand.
Table: Best Beaches to visit in Goa- comparison of the best beaches.
Beach Name | Location | Best For | Why Families Love It |
---|---|---|---|
Agonda Beach | South Goa | Young kids | Gentle waves, clean sand, peaceful |
Palolem Beach | South Goa | All ages | Dolphin tours, beautiful scenery |
Candolim Beach | North Goa | Teenagers | Water sports, easy food options |
Mandrem Beach | North Goa | Toddlers | Soft sand, shallow water, safe |
Cultural Attractions: Churches, Museums and More
Beautiful Churches
There are numerous old churches in Goa. They are lovely and quiet. My top picks for families:
- Basilica of Bom Jesus: UNESCO World Heritage. It has the body of St. Francis Xavier. Children are interested in the history.
- One of the biggest Asian churches is Se Cathedral. The world is familiar with its golden bell.
- The stunning white Church of Our Lady Immaculate Conception is located in Panjim.
Museums for Kids
- Big Foot Museum: This is a kids fun museum in Loutolim. Through interactive exhibits they can be informed about the Goan culture and history.
- Goa State Museum: It is filled with art and sculpture exhibits. Great for rainy days .
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Portuguese Colony Walk
The stunning white Church of Our Lady Immaculate Conception is located in Panjim. We liked walking in its small streets. It felt like being in Europe!
A list of fun activities to do in Goa with kids
Water Sports and Activities
There are numerous water-based exploits in Goa. Some of the safe choices that families can make are as follows:
- Dolphin Watching Tours: This was a boat trip at Palolem Beach. It was exciting to watch dolphins jumping!
- Banana Boat Rides: Children love it! It is fun and not too scary.
- Swimming: In most beaches there are small waves. Keep a close eye on kids when they swim.
Experiences in Nature And the Wild
- Dudhsagar Waterfalls: This is an essential natural site. The name means "sea of milk." We swam among the cool water, and saw fish feeding on bananas!
- Spice Plantation Tours: Discover spices and taste the traditional food. Children like to watch the growth of spices.
Fun Parks and Entertainment
- Goa Science Center: Interactive exhibits are fun to learn.
- Arpora Saturday Night Market: The market has music, food and shopping. Teens will love it!
- Goan Food: Eating with the Family.
Goan Food Is Delicious! The Following Are Kid Friendly
Must-Try Dishes
- Fish Curry Rice: As a mild curry, which children find good.
- Prawns Xacuti: A curry made of coconuts. Not too spicy.
- Bebinca: A dessert made of sweets. Everyone loves it!
Best Family Restaurants
- Fisherman Wharf (Cavelossim): This is a place offering fresh seafood in a casual atmosphere.
- Sheela Bar and Restaurant (Vasco): Sheela Bar has their beef tongue roast--so famous!
- Beach Shacks: The majority of shacks sell straightforward food items such as pancakes, omelets, and chips. Perfect for picky eaters .
Sample Goa Family Trip Itinerary 5 Days
Day 1: Arrival and Beach Time
- Arrive at Dabolim Airport.
- Stay at your resort in South Goa (e.g. Cavelossim).
- Spend the night in the beach. Watch the sunset!
Day 2: South Goa Exploration
- Visit Agonda Beach. Relax and swim.
- Take a dolphin-watching tour out of Palolem.
- Enjoy dinner at a beach shack.
Day 3: Cultural Day
- See the Se Cathedral and Basilica of Bom Jesus.
- Explore the Big Foot Museum.
- Tour Fontainhas (Portuguese enclave).
Day 4: North Goa Adventure
- Travel to North Goa. Visit Mandrem Beach.
- Do water sports such as banana boat rides.
- Go shopping at Anjuna Flea Market.
Day 5: Nature and Departure
- See Dudhsagar Waterfalls or spice plantation.
- Enjoy a last Goan meal.
- Go off to the airport to take the flight home.
Summary: Your Family Goa Adventure Away
A family getaway to Goa is a matter of creating fun memories. Be it sandcastle building, trying new foods or traveling across cultures, Goa has it all. Family holiday destinations in Goa are the best places to have relaxation and adventure.
I believe that this guide will be useful in your trip planning. Do not forget to take as many photos as possible and to have fun. The state of Goa will embrace you and send you away with plenty of stories to bring back years later! Have you visited Goa with your family? Comment about your experiences below!
FAQs
Q1: Does Goa look safe with families that have small kids?
Yes! Goa is very safe. The people are friendly. All you need to do is observe kids around water.
Q2: How do you think it is possible to travel in Goa with family?
It is best to hire a driver car. It allows you to investigate at your own speed. There are also taxi and auto-rickshaws.
Q3: Do kids have any educational activities in Goa?
Absolutely! Go to museums such as the Big Foot Museum or spice plantations. They are entertaining and informative.
Q4: Is it possible to get vegetarian food in Goa?
Yes! There are numerous restaurants with vegetarian food. Sample such foods as vegetable vindaloo or vegetarian thalis.
Q5: What do we pack to come to Goa on a family trip?
Light cotton garments, bathing suits, sun tan lotion and hats. Do not forget about sunglasses and kids beach toys!