There is much more to Goa than its beachside parties, thrilling water sports, and vibrant nightlife. While its beaches are an undeniable attraction, there are numerous gems and unique experiences in Goa that make it a destination worth visiting, time and again. Goa can be an incredible place for a complete family getaway if you know where to stay and what to explore. Travelling with your parents and kids? We’ve curated a list of tourist places and things to do in Goa with family that will make the trip unforgettable.
Things to Do In Goa With Family
Discover the magic beyond the famous tourist spots in Goa. With its rich heritage, serene landscapes, and family-friendly attractions, Goa is a beautiful family getaway destination waiting to be explored.
Explore Lesser-Known Beaches of Goa
The entire state is lined by a beach shore, making it an ideal destination for a beach lover. Over the years, popular beaches like Baga, Calangute, Anjuna, Candolim have seen horde of tourists. With family by your side, one naturally prefers quaint and peaceful spots to relax. You can ditch these and visit the lesser-known beaches of Goa like Betalbatim Beach, Kakolem Beach, Betul Beach in a fishing village in South Goa, Cola Beach, and Ashwem Beach.
Visit Reis Magos Fort
Located along the banks of the Mandovi River, Reis Magos Fort was one of the first bastions of the Portuguese rulers against enemy invasions. The strategic location and impregnable construction are worth admiring. It was restored in 2008 and has been turned into a cultural center. Being comparatively small, it wouldn’t take you long to explore around.
You can also opt for a luxury stay in Reis Magos. Belas Casas is our pet-friendly villa in Goa, nestled atop a hill offering riverside views.
Soak In The Views At Dona Paula
There is no dearth of beautiful viewpoints in Goa. Dona Paula is one such spot with an intriguing history. Named after the Goa Viceroy’s daughter Dona Paula de Menezes, the story goes, that she fell in love with a local fisherman of Goa and decided to marry him. When her father refused, she chose to end her life by jumping from the cliff.
If you are a group of couples visiting Goa, stop at this ‘lover’s paradise’ as it is also popularly called.
Even better, book a stay in Dona Paula and enjoy the panoramic view of the sea. Villa Solace is a modern villa with a rooftop pool in Goa.
Visit The Monumental Basilica of Bom Jesus Church
Churches in Goa are a popular tourist spots, be it among friends or families. The monumental Basilica of Bom Jesus is a great place to visit in Goa with family. A stupendous example of Baroque and colonial Portuguese architecture, it is among UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. This is more than 400 years old and has an interesting history to its construction process. It also houses sacred relics of the body of St. Francis Xavier, said to have healing powers.
Enjoy A Mandovi River Cruise
An evening river cruise is one of the fun things to do in Goa with family. Regular cruise pliers arrange an hour-long cruise ride in the Mandovi River blended with cultural experiences. Upbeat Goan songs and folk dances are arranged on the deck, where visitors can join for a jig.
Take the sunset cruises in Goa which ride to the island of Chorao. The Christmas time, when parts of Panaji are decked in lights and decorations is the best time to enjoy this cruise.
Indulge in the quaint riverside views some more – Stay at Glasshouse on The Bay, a 3BHK villa in Goa with a large glass facade offering unparalleled water views.
Walk Through History At the Museum of Goa
The Museum of Goa immerses in the rich cultural history of the state. It showcases contemporary art, historical artefacts, and thought-provoking exhibits that narrate the region’s storied past. If your parents often bond on art and history, this is an ideal place to visit in Goa with family. The museum offers an engaging journey through Goa’s heritage, combining traditional and peek into future elements seamlessly. It’s a spot where art meets storytelling.
Seek Blessings At Mangeshi Temple
An Indian family vacation seems incomplete without a temple visit. Located in South Goa, this temple is dedicated to Bhagavan Manguesh, an incarnation of Shiva. Among the oldest temples in Goa, it gives a peak into the Saraswat style of architecture. The seven-storied deepstambh (lamp tower) is also a highlight. Seek some blessings for your parents and kids, and feel the good vibes on the temple premises.
Get Close to The Wild In Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary
A popular tourist spot for families in Goa is this small wildlife park will entertain your little ones as they watch their favourite animals up close. Inside there is a small zoo and a botanical garden. Goa’s state animal Gaur can be easily spotted here. Besides, deer, sambhar, wild boar, porcupine, anteaters, giant Malabar squirrels, and jungle cats reside in the region. You can make a quick day trip here among other things to do in Goa with family.
Discover Arvalem Caves
For those who love exploring lesser-known places and hidden gems need to come here. Arvalem Caves, also known as Pandava Caves date back to the 6th century but there are many unanswered questions about its past. In close distance, are the Arvalem Falls, another place to visit in Goa with family. However, these falls are more prominent during the monsoon season only.
Plan Picnics By The Pool in Your Villas
One of the best and fun things to do in Goa with family, is picnicking in places which you can call your own. Confused? Book a stay at any of Lohono Stays’ villas and we can arrange entire picnic setups for you by the lush gardens or the poolside.
All our private villas in Goa have large swimming pools and gardens. Some of them have a gazebo or a spacious patio with BBQ services. On a day, when you don’t feel like stepping out anywhere, just have an indulgent picnic on the lawns. Let the kids run and play around, while you lay with a good read. Our teams can help with the snacks, drinks and some games too. Come, Lohono with us!
From historical sites to serene nature spots and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Book your next family getaway to Goa with us and create memories that will last a lifetime
