Goa Beyond Beaches: 10 Offbeat Things to Do in Goa with Family
When it comes to beaches, fun, and parties, there’s nowhere quite like Goa. The tropical coast of India never disappoints, whether it comes to top events or top tourist attractions in Goa. But, how about going on a family vacation to Goa? How does that sound? Well, contrary to common belief, many are hesitant to bring their families to Goa. This is due to finding enough family-friendly activities in Goa or just engaging in the common yet popular activities in Goa, such as visiting churches, going to beaches, dining at casual restaurants, and, of course, avoiding the party scene.
However, that’s not the case here. We’ll jot down some of the most thrilling things to do in Goa with family, which aren’t very touristy. You can go on to discover Goa’s rich biodiversity, get acquainted with the culture, and take part in events that not only teach you the local way of life but also to have fun along the way. Find your own susegad amidst Goa’s seaside allure!
In this Blog
1. Spot Dolphins on the Arabian Sea
Spot humpback dolphins, jellyfishes, and other captivating marine life while sailing the Arabian Sea, making this one of the top 10 things to do in Goa with family. Situated amidst the scenic destinations in South Goa, this excursion offers an exquisite blend of education and fun, guaranteeing to impress kids and adults alike while fostering an appreciation for marine conservation. The Ocean Biodiversity Tour by Terra Conscious is an ethical and educational adventure that looks like a lot of fun. Your family will be ecstatic to witness these magnificent animals in their natural habitat as you set off on this thrilling adventure, making it the highlight of Goa sightseeing.
2. Swim in Cola Beach’s Blue Lagoon
Go on to visit the undiscovered treasure of South Goa’s Cola Beach to get away from the crowded beaches of Goa. This spot has an amazing blue lagoon encircled by dense coconut palms. Apart from just admiring this beauty, go swimming, kayaking, or just lounge in the water. This can also be one of fun ways to enjoy each other’s company better given that it’s away from the bustle of major tourist destinations in Goa thanks to the serene surroundings.
3. Indulge in Goan Street Food
One of the must things to do in Goa is to explore the street food culture, which not only fills your tummy but also provides you with a deeper insight of the native way of life. Go on to enjoy the mouth watering street food in Goa with a variety of dishes, like goan sausage bread, cutlet pao, and spicy xacuti gravy with Ros omelette. Your family will enjoy this culinary adventure thanks to the innovative style of meals and bright tastes.
4. Experience the Cultural Tunes Fado and Mandó
Introduce your family to Goa’s rich musical heritage by taking them to Madragoa, the birthplace of Mandó and Fado. Located within the Centre for Indo-Portuguese Arts (CIPA) in Panjim, this venue often hosts intimate music evenings that showcase these exquisite traditions. A unique cultural experience is offered by Fado and Mandó with their melancholic melodies and poignant lyrics. This cultural evening is one of the most rewarding things to do in Goa with the family.
5. Beyond Chapora Fort in Goa
The Bollywood movie “Dil Chahta Hai” has made Chapora Fort famous as an attraction spot, however, Goa also boasts many other historical forts that are worth exploring. For instance, there is a breathtaking view of the beach and the sea at Cabo de Rama Fort in Canacona or Reis Magos Fort in Bardez which are located on the banks of Mandovi River. These forts in Goa provide picturesque views and offer a glimpse of the rich past.
6. Rejuvenate at Verna Springs
Goa goes beyond its beaches with beautiful waterfalls and springs. Verna Springs or Kesarval Springs are excellent locations for a family picnic. The spring, which is close to Verna Cliffs, is well-known for its peaceful waters in stunning settings. This is situated approximately 20 kilometres away from Panaji and it offers a perfect escape from the bustling city life. Moreover, because of its closeness to nature and soothing, clean water features, this location is one of the best family-friendly spots in Goa especially during monsoons, where one can always have a good time.
7. Discover Goa’s Heritage
Visit the many museums in Goa with family to learn about its history. If you’re wanting to see the traditional Goan life head to Goa Chitra in Benaulim, while Indo-Portuguese Christian art is on display at the Museum of Christian Art in Rachol. A collection of antiques from the Portuguese era may be seen in Braganza House in Chandor, which is not technically a museum but it does feature spectacular works by Indian and foreign artists that are worth visiting. You can also check out The Museum of Goa which is located in Bardez. These museums in Goa are among the best sites for families interested in history and art to visit in Goa since they provide cultural and educational experiences.
8. Set Sail on a High Sea Cruise Adventure
Take your loved ones on a high sea cruise for a truly unique experience. As you and your family go on the expedition, go on to watch the sea move in waves and spot schools of fish or pods of dolphins, all of this while the breeze is blowing through your hair. This is one of the best things to do in Goa with family as it combines adventure and relaxation.
9. A Tour of Goa’s Feni Plantation
Experience a unique family outing in Goa at Cazulo Feni, which is home to the world’s first feni cellar and plantation. You can also be a part of the ‘floating feni’ experience, which lets you consume Goan specialties and soak your feet in a cool, shaded pond. A fun and interesting addition to your holiday is tasting cashew and coconut feni and learning about the production process. Aside from being a great way to learn about Goa’s traditional manufacturing processes and its distinctive drink, this is one of the top 10 things to do in Goa with family if you want to experience something different.
10. Spice Up Your Trip
This one is great for all those who love cooking. You can go on to shop for spices in Goa or visit a spice plantation in Ponda that will help you improve your culinary skills. Take home authentic Goan spices including Garam Masala, toddy vinegar, Cafreal spice mix, and much more. Alternatively, a visit of the Spice Plantation provides a fascinating peek into spice growing, culminating in the opportunity to purchase aromatic spices. This experience is not only instructive, but it also assures that you bring a taste of Goa home with you. Spice shopping is one of the most enjoyable activities in Goa to enrich your kitchen and delight your family.
Aside from the top 10 things to do in Goa with family, there are few other things you need to be aware of, such as where to eat and stay.
Where to Eat in Goa
Ranging from small gaddos (food trucks) to thali joints and fine restaurants, there are numerous restaurants in Goa for families. As mentioned above, enjoying the Goan street food is one of the must things to do in Goa with family. However, aside from the lively street food scene, Goa offers a diverse range of dining alternatives to suit all tastes.
Real Goan thalis, traditional fish curry, and rice are served at Vinayak in Assagao. For those who love seafood, Fat Fish in Baga is a great place to eat fried fish and delicious prawn curry. Visit Joseph’s Bar in Panjim, a local favourite famous for its laid-back attitude and Goan sausages. Apart from that you can also visit Maka Zai, Lollo Rosso, Jamming Goat, Thalassa and The Lazy Goose for a fine dining experience.
Read More: Must Try Restaurants in Goa: Goa Beyond Beaches: 10 Offbeat Things to Do in Goa with FamilyA Stay with Experiences
A stay in Goa is an experience that surpasses all expectations and goes beyond a typical vacation. Consider booking a fancy villa in Goa with your family if you want to make your vacation really unforgettable. Booking a villa is great for a peaceful vacation because they offer plenty of space, seclusion, and luxurious amenities.
Villas such as Villa Kinara, Prairie Haven, Oceanic Sunsets, and Stars by the Bay provide a variety of alternatives, ranging from beachfront villas to quiet getaways. For a more authentic experience, consider staying in an apartment or heritage villa in Goa, which allows you to explore hidden jewels and immerse yourself in local culture. If you’re a family of three, consider unit-level booking which does not need you to reserve the entire villa, making it even more cost effective. If you’re looking for one, you could book the Family Suite @ The Figueiredo House.
Read More: Villas in Goa for a Family Getaway: Goa Beyond Beaches: 10 Offbeat Things to Do in Goa with FamilyFrom dolphin watching and exploring hidden lagoons to eating Goan street food and learning about the rich cultural legacy, Goa has something for everyone. Take a trip to Goa with family and explore its diverse charm, where each experience generates lasting memories. Prepare to explore, relax, and have an unforgettable family holiday in Goa, a vivid paradise!
