Thanks to our hectic schedules, most of us struggle to find enough time to spend some time with our families or hang out with friends. In fact, family outings have largely become a rare occurrence. Sure, we all make impromptu dinner or movie plans, but how many of us plan a proper day out with family over the weekend? Well, if you are one of those people who haven’t been out with your loved ones in a while, take a look at our pick of the best places to visit in Karachi with your family and choose where you’re going to go this weekend.
12 BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN KARACHI
Here’s a brief overview of some of the most amazing places to visit in Karachi with family, along with their location, timings, and much more.
MAZAR-E-QUAID
Mazar-e-Quaid, the most significant and historically important landmark in the entire country, tops the list of tourist attractions in Karachi. Located on M.A. Jinnah Road, this pure white mausoleum surrounded by lush green gardens and vast fountains serves as the final resting place of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan.
Also known as Jinnah Mausoleum, this magnificent national monument was constructed in 1970. Several historic figures such as Fatima Jinnah, Liaquat Ali Khan, and Sardar Abdur Rab Nishtar are also buried within the premises. The sprawling complex also comprises a museum that houses vintage cars that were once used by Quaid-e-Azam along with his other personal belongings.
There is also a small cafeteria that serves snacks and light refreshments along with a souvenir shop.
The grand white mausoleum attracts several visitors throughout the year, but it remains especially crowded during national holidays. Official and military ceremonies are also held at Mazar-e-Quaid on special occasions.
If you have kids, planning a visit to Jinnah Mausoleum will help them learn more about their country and the foundation it was built on. Moreover, the vast gardens surrounding the tomb are also a great place for children to run around and play.
Location: M. A. Jinnah Road, Jamshed Town, Karachi.
Entry Fee: PKR 20
PORT GRAND
One of the best places to visit in Karachi at night, Port Grand is a popular recreational spot in the city. It boasts a shopping mall of international standards and a grand food street among other tourist attractions. The sprawling waterfront food and entertainment complex is one of the most visited places for a family outing in Karachi, drawing about 4,000 to 5,000 estimated visitors daily.
Port Grand in Karachi has something for everyone. Some of the most noteworthy facilities available at this stunning tourist attraction include a 6D cinema, karaoke stations, indoor and outdoor art galleries, a circus, an amusement park, palm reading, boating facilities, and much more. Throughout the year, Port Grand also holds concerts featuring famous national and international artists as well as cultural shows and exhibitions.
Apart from offering recreational family activities in Karachi, Port Grand also boasts some of the best eateries in the city. The list includes City Bistro, Ghaffar Kabab House, Mr Cod, Gardenia, and Babujees.
Location: Jinnah Flyover, M.T. Khan Road, Karachi.
Timings: Monday – Saturday 5:00 PM to 11:45 PM | Sunday 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM, 5:00 PM to 11:45 PM
Entry Fee: PKR 300, of which PKR 100 is redeemable. Moreover, children under the age of 5 and adults over the age of 60 can enter the premises free of charge.
THE PAKISTAN AIR FORCE (PAF) MUSEUM
The Pakistan Air Museum, also known as the PAF Museum, is one of the best places to visit in Karachi with family. Located on the main Shahrah-e-Faisal, this museum is easily accessible through public transportation. It is also one of the most popular spots for school field trips and educational tours in the city.
PAF Museum was inaugurated on Aug. 14, 1997, however, it was opened to the general public later that year in October. Some of the top attractions of the museum include Quaid-e-Azam’s aircraft, a grand convention center, a souvenir shop, an auditorium, a cafeteria and restaurants, an amusement park, and a designated area for summer festivals and other events.
The vast green lawns surrounding the convention center are home to several different aircraft, including Mirage, F-104 Starfighter, FT-6, F-6, F-86 Sabre, T-33, Antonov An-12, and several others. Equipment used by the Pakistan Air Force is also displayed throughout the complex to educate the visitors.
Location: PAF Faisal Air Base, Shahrah-e-Faisal, Faisal Cantonment, Karachi.
Timings: Saturday – Thursday 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM | Friday 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Entry Ticket: PKR 60 for adults. Children under the age of 3, senior citizens, and disabled citizens don’t need to purchase a ticket. Meanwhile, students and families of defense personnel can avail of a discount on the entrance fee.
PAKISTAN MARITIME MUSEUM
Pakistan Maritime Museum is also one of the most popular places to visit in Karachi with family. While the lush green lawns and various other attractions make it an aesthetically pleasing recreational spot, the stunning murals and displays inside the main museum building allow children to learn more about the history of their country.
Situated near PNS Karsaz, the naval museum comprises an auditorium, community center, artificial lake, lighthouse, auditorium, cafeteria, aquariums, library, children’s play area, prayer area, and much more. The main museum building houses six different galleries that display military artifacts, sculptures, murals, taxidermy, weapons, touchscreen computers, and a giant whale skeleton, among other attractions.
Furthermore, visitors can also take a look inside a submarine and maritime patrol aircraft displayed outside the main building. Several schools and colleges across the city organize educational field trips as well as other events on the premises throughout the year.
Location: Habib Ibrahim Rehmatullah Road, Karachi.
Timings: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Entry Ticket: PKR 30 for adults and PKR 20 for children.
SEA VIEW
What could be a better place to spend your day off other than the beach?
Clifton Beach, which is more commonly known as Sea View, is one of the most popular family picnic places in Karachi. Situated in the upscale neighborhood of Clifton, Sea View is the perfect place to relax and unwind after a long week. You can simply take a stroll on the sand, dip your feet in the water, or take a seat on the stairs to enjoy the mesmerizing view. There are also quite a few eateries located in the vicinity, along with the designated refreshment centers built for beachgoers.
If you have kids, they may also enjoy camel and horse rides, which are readily available on the beach along with other facilities. Just make sure to ask about the charges beforehand to avoid any arguments later.
Sea View is a must-visit place for those looking for fun things to do in Karachi, as you can also play Frisbee, fly kites, play volleyball, and build sandcastles on the beach.
Location: Clifton, Karachi
CHAUKHANDI TOMBS
Some 29 kilometers east of Karachi lies an early Islamic cemetery called ‘Chaukhandi Tombs that stands as a silent testimony to the city’s ancient past. These unique and intricately designed sandstone tombs, dating back to the 15th to 18th centuries, offer a mesmerizing glimpse into the Sindh region’s rich history and culture. The distinctive geometric patterns and intricate carvings on the tombs are a testament to the skilled craftsmanship of the local artisans. Visiting Chaukhandi Tombs is like stepping back in time, providing a serene escape from the bustling city and allowing visitors to explore the artistry and heritage of this historical site in a tranquil and captivating setting.
Location: A kilometer off the National Highway near Landhi, Karachi
Timings: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
EMPRESS MARKET
Empress Market, nestled in the heart of Karachi, is a vibrant and historic gem that beckons both locals and tourists alike. This bustling market, built during the British Raj, exudes an old-world charm that perfectly encapsulates the city’s rich cultural tapestry. With its ornate Mughal and Gothic architecture, it stands as a testament to Karachi’s diverse history. Notably, this market holds historical significance as it’s built on the grounds where native sepoys faced execution after the failed 1857 uprising against British rule, adding a poignant layer to its charm.
Visitors can explore a kaleidoscope of stalls and shops, offering everything from spices, textiles, and jewelry to fresh produce and exotic pets. After a shopping spree, unwind at Jahangir Park nearby, ideal for family outings. The bustling atmosphere, the cacophony of haggling, and the kaleidoscope of colors make a visit to Empress Market an unforgettable sensory experience and a must-see destination for anyone exploring Karachi.
Location: Saddar Town, Karachi
Timings: 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM
BAGH IBNE QASIM
Although there is no shortage of family parks in Karachi, Bagh Ibne Qasim in Clifton certainly tops the list as one of the most family-friendly places in the city. Covering an area of approximately 130 acres, it is also the largest park in Karachi. It houses murals of dinosaurs, a rose garden, and a turtle pond among other attractions.
The lush green beachfront public park is a great spot for family outings in Karachi. It provides children with an open space to play and run around while the adults can relax under the elegant stone canopies built across the park. Visitors can also bring along homemade food or snacks to munch on, so there’s no need to spend money on expensive food items either.
The park also serves as a venue for various cultural events, and exhibitions as well as food and music festivals all around the year.
Moreover, the Jehangir Kothari Parade, one of the most historical monuments in Karachi dating back to 1919, is also located in Bagh Ibne Qasim.
Location: Block 3, Shahrah-e-Firdousi, Clifton, Karachi.
Timings: 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM
TURTLE BEACH
Nothing can be more refreshing than a view of the clear blue ocean. Of all the incredible beaches in Karachi, the serene Turtle Beach definitely stands out as the prime picnic spot in the city.
This beautiful sandy beach has no rocks or reefs and serves as a nesting ground for Olive Ridley Turtles and Green Sea Turtles. However, you can’t see turtles anywhere near the beach during the daytime.
Turtle Beach in Karachi offers a large number of fun activities to beachgoers. This includes speed boating, jet skiing, fishing, horse and camel riding, and much more. There are also quite a few lavish huts available for rent at the beach if you are planning to stay the night or want to make your trip as comfortable as possible. There are also lifeguards present on the beach to prevent any unfortunate incidents. However, it is recommended that you refrain from swimming in the ocean, especially during high tide.
There’s also a WWF Wetland Center in the vicinity to ensure the safety of the nesting ground. It also aims to raise awareness about the conservation of sea turtles.
Location: Located between Hawke’s Bay and Sandspit. It is easily accessible via Lyari Expressway.
DAY AND NIGHT ZOO
Located in Bahria Town, Day and Night Zoo, also known as Danzoo, is yet another great place for a family outing in Karachi. Inaugurated in May 2018, it is the first zoo of international standards in Pakistan. Danzoo houses a large number of exotic animals and offers a range of recreational activities for children and adults alike. It also offers separate day and night safari adventures.
Spread over an area of about 70 acres, Day and Night Zoo offers visitors an option to explore the park on a golf cart free of cost since covering the place on foot can be rather tiring. It also offers boating facilities with proper safety gear for rather affordable charges, making it one of the best zoos in Karachi.
Some of the animals present at Danzoo include lions, white lions, Asiatic black bears, Bengal tigers, panthers, leopards, cheetahs, monkeys, giraffes, zebras, and deer among others. There are also several domestic and imported birds present in the zoo, such as peacocks, parrots, ostriches, white swans, black swans, doves, and macaws to name a few. The zoo also holds a live animal show every weekend at 8:00 PM, which is rather popular among kids.
Location: Precinct 19, Bahria Town, Karachi.
Timings: 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Entry Fee: PKR 700 for adults and PKR 400 for children between 4 to 12 years of age.
MANORA BEACHFRONT
The newly inaugurated Manora Beachfront is a sight for sore eyes. The clean sandy shores and cool blue waters create a stunning view against the backdrop of the setting sun. This mesmerizing beach is located a short drive from the popular Sands Pit Beach. Regardless of where you live in Karachi, you can easily travel through the Lyari Expressway to reach Maripur Road and then drive onwards to Kaka Pir before finally entering the Manora Cantonment Area.
Alternatively, you can reach the Manora Beachfront by taking a boat from Kemari Port. If you plan to travel by road, please make sure to keep your original CNIC with you, as you will be required to submit them at the entrance of PNS Himalaya.
The park itself is quite expansive and allows visitors to experience a complete beach experience with a few upgraded amenities. While the waves crashing against the shoreline certainly take the spotlight, the park also features a large play area for kids comprising a multitude of swings, slides, a bouncing castle, and other rides. Moreover, the food street provides beachgoers with a vast range of options to choose from. Whether you want a light snack or a full-course meal, you will easily be able to find something of your liking at Manora Beach Park.
It is also worth mentioning that the park comprises several oceanfront gazebos that are available for rent for PKR 500 per three hours. If you plan on staying there for longer, you can pay additional charges and continue to enj
