Colombo with Tweens | A Weekend in Colombo, Sri Lanka with Kids
Colombo, Sri Lanka, is a city many tourists tend to skip or only pass through at the start or end of their trip. For me, though, this bustling South Asian city is home—I was born here and still spend most of my time in Colombo whenever we visit Sri Lanka. Of course, my experience comes with the unique perspective of the diaspora, where visits are often about family, obligations and nostalgia rather than sightseeing. But on this trip, I was determined to explore Colombo through a tourist lens.
It had been nine years since my last visit, and I was struck by how the city balances its old-world charm with exciting new attractions. While I’ll always love my ‘old school’ favourites, I was pleasantly surprised by the modern family-friendly spots that makes Colombo a fantastic place to explore with tweens. In this article, I’ll share both my nostalgic highlights and a practical guide to spending a weekend in Colombo with kids-especially for first-time visitors.
Colombo with Tweens
This historic port city has been shaped by Portuguese, Dutch and British influences and today it’s a vibrant mix of colonial landmarks, colorful temples, bustling markets and modern attractions. If you’re looking for city vibes, fantastic restaurants, stellar shopping and some history, then Colombo is certainly the right place for your family. Like any city, there’s something for everyone and every budget. Needless to say, Colombo is the perfect place to start (or end) your Sri Lanka road trip. Let’s start planning your weekend in Colombo with tweens!
Best Things to Do in Colombo with Tweens
Colombo may be busy and bustling, but it’s also full of family-friendly attractions that tweens will actually enjoy. From wide-open green spaces and fascinating museums to colorful markets and modern malls, the city offers a great mix of fun, culture and adventure. Whether your kids are curious about history, eager to try new foods or simply need space to run around, Colombo has plenty to keep the whole family entertained.
I was born here, and while I never lived in Sri Lanka full time, I spent most of my childhood holidays in Colombo. I’ve brought my kids here as toddlers and now again as tweens and teens—so trust me when I say there’s loads on offer for families! When it comes to safety, I have no qualms about exploring by foot during daylight hours. After sunset, I prefer using PickMe or Uber to get around (and as a tip: I’ve found Uber fares from the airport much more reasonable than local taxis).
Experience Colombo’s Modern Side at Port City
Colombo’s Port City is one of the newest and most exciting additions to the city’s landscape-not everyone will agree but hear me out. Built on reclaimed land by the ocean, this modern development is quickly becoming a hub for leisure, dining and entertainment. It’s exactly what we’d hunt down when visiting North American cities so I was delighted to see such a space in Colombo. Families can enjoy wide open spaces, waterfront views and new attractions that are still unfolding. It’s a glimpse of Colombo’s future and a fun spot to check out with kids who enjoy exploring something “brand new.” My cousins did warn me that reclaiming this unused land has caused some issues such as lost wildlife and erosion of beaches nearby so I am aware of some negative impacts but similar to what’s happening in Toronto with Ontario Place, I also see the ability to offer opportunities for people to be in nature and enjoy a variety of entertainment options.
We visited close to sunset and walked on the bridge, giving kids the chance to run wild and free. We visited the Bellevue restaurant with a private beach entry (all beaches in Sri Lanka are public) and saw that the entry fee can be put towards your food and beverage and even though kids have to pay the entry fee just like adults, they also have special access to a bouncy play area.
Port City is home to various activities like go karting, dune-ing, golfing, watersports and so much more. The board walk is also great for runners and those who like to workout outdoors. This article shares more details if you’re looking for some active fun in Colombo. There’s also an open air food hall of sorts by another section of the beach and this one is free to access. We mostly grabbed drinks and splashed at this beach area and it was truly such a relaxing way to ease into our trip. This is the kind of spot I’d hang out at often if I were living in Colombo because the kids can play while the adults chill.
Heads up – getting an Uber or PickMe from Port City after sunset proved to be an impossible task (and a cousin had to come rescue us) so I’d pre-arrange a pick up with the driver who drops you off if possible (or call a taxi company). Don’t forget to see the Colombo skyline lit up in the distance because it caught me by surprise – reminding me of Dubai and Singapore (in the best way possible).
Get a Bird’s-Eye View from the Lotus Tower
Standing tall at 350 meters, the Lotus Tower is Colombo’s most iconic modern landmark. Families can ride up to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city and the Indian Ocean—tweens will especially love spotting places they’ve visited, from above. We got to the Colombo Lotus Tower at 10 a.m. but my kids had a MEGA fight which meant that I nearly abandoned the whole idea. Took them nearly an hour to calm down before we could buy tickets and explore the space.
The Sinhala name for the Lotus Tower is Nelum Kuluna and it is the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia and the tallest skyscraper in the country. Pixel Bloom, South Asia’s first immersive digital art experience was also taking place during our visit so we bought a combo ticket and spent 30 minutes there and then 30 minutes at the top of the tower’s observation deck. Pixel Bloom gave a kid friendly (cartoon animated) history of Sri Lanka and there were interactive light displays that helped calm my two hot-heads.
There are some gaming options on the ground level if you’re looking for additional entertainment and I highly recommend checking out the gift shop because there were some cool stuff there. The observation deck isn’t the highest point of the tower and when the cousins I was visiting with found out, they insisted that we check out the restaurant with the highest viewing point. The buffet here ended up being one of our favourite meals in Colombo and I’ll share more about that in the food section further down!
The tower also has quick service restaurants and an entertainment area, making it more than just a quick photo stop. It’s a must-do for anyone looking for a unique perspective of Colombo with kids.
Dive into Marine Life at Colombo’s First Public Aquarium
Water World is one of the oldest aquariums in Asia and remains a popular stop for families visiting Colombo with kids. Located about 30 minutes from the city center, this aquarium and oceanarium houses both freshwater and marine species, giving tweens the chance to see everything from river fish to sharks, stingrays and colorful reef life.
One of the highlights is the River Safari boat ride that takes you through a man-made amazon like trail that has fish and birds. There’s also an outdoor section with crocodiles and birds, making it more than just a traditional aquarium.
Tickets are reasonably priced (with discounts for children) and visiting in the morning or on weekdays helps you avoid crowds (but you may encounter the many school field trips). While my kids enjoyed the experience, I did notice that some tanks and enclosures felt on the smaller side. It’s something to be mindful of if, like me, you prefer animal attractions with spacious, natural habitats. I don’t ever remember my parents bringing me here but I was told that this attraction has been around for many decades. There’s a playground here if little ones want to run around!
Shopping with Kids: Colombo City Centre & Pettah Markets
Colombo offers shopping experiences that suit every kind of family. At Colombo City Centre mall, you’ll find international brands, a modern food court and air-conditioned comfort—perfect for tweens who want a familiar vibe. I was a bit disappointed that my favourite Majestic City Mall wasn’t as happening as it used to be (it also had some major construction going on during my visit so there’s hope for the future).
For something more adventurous, head to Pettah Market, where colorful stalls sell everything from toys and trinkets to fresh fruit and spices. Bargaining at Pettah can be an experience in itself and kids often love the lively energy. Choose a cooler time of day to venture here because you’ll be roaming the streets for a while if you have a shopaholic!
If you’re looking for souvenirs shop at Paradise Road, Laksala and Barefoot. If you want some fancy spa products Spa Ceylon offers a very fun shopping experience (think of it as a Sri Lankan Body Shop with better ingredients). For clothing visit Odel, Cotton Collection, Tropic of Linen and Dillys. I also fell in love with the batik patterns at Shreedevi Batiks!
Explore Galle Face Green: Picnics, Kites & Street Food
Galle Face Green is one of the best places in Colombo for families to unwind. I have fond memories of running around her as a child but it has been many years since I popped in to fly a kite and grab a snack. This seaside promenade comes alive in the evenings with locals flying kites, kids running around and vendors serving street food favorites like isso vadai (prawn fritters) and achcharu (spicy pickled veggies and fruits). Tweens will love the open space to play, while parents can enjoy the stunning sunset views over the Indian Ocean. It’s a must-visit stop on any Colombo family itinerary. Galle Face Hotel is nearby and I’ve already shared my love for this Colombo hotel afternoon tea.
Discover Sri Lanka’s History at the National Museum
If your kids are curious about history, the Colombo National Museum is the perfect stop. Home to ancient artifacts, royal regalia and exhibits that tell Sri Lanka’s story from ancient kingdoms to colonial times, this museum makes learning both fun and engaging. Tweens can marvel at the Kandyan throne and old manuscripts while parents appreciate the cultural depth. It’s said to be one of the top educational family attractions in Colombo but I will be honest, I am yet to take mine in here.
Fun Learning at Colombo’s Science Centre and Planetarium
For families looking to mix fun with learning, the Colombo Science Centre and Planetarium are excellent choices. Tweens can explore interactive exhibits on science and technology, then sit back for an immersive journey through the stars in Sri Lanka’s only planetarium. It’s a great way to keep kids entertained while sneaking in some education during your trip. This attraction is ideal for curious minds and makes for a nice break from temples and shopping.
Family-Friendly Temples & Cultural Stops
Colombo is dotted with colorful Hindu kovils, peaceful Buddhist temples and historic churches that give families a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity. Gangaramaya Temple, with its mix of modern and traditional architecture, is especially engaging for tweens thanks to its quirky museum and resident monks. These visits are a chance to slow down, take in the sights, and talk with your kids about different traditions and beliefs. Exploring temples together is both educational and memorable. If you’re planning to visiting Sri Lankan temples elsewhere, I’d take avoid visiting them in Colombo, only because if your kids are like mine, they’ll whine about going to too many religious places and the ones in places like Kandy and Kataragama are more grandiose. Also, be mindful that you need to be covered above your knees when visiting temples.
Kid-Approved Eats in Colombo
Sri Lankan food is unique and like many cuisines, it’s varied depending on the community you’re in. I encourage you to to try the various curries (experiment with Tamil, Malay, Sinhala and Burgher dishes) and indulge in the variety of fruits and veggies. Sri Lankan food can be spicy so it’s something to be mindful of when you’re ordering dishes for kids but my visit during the summer of 2025 was very different to our visit in 2016. I found that many places had reduced the spice levels (to cater to the foreigners I assume) and I found myself telling them to make it spicier. The kids had no issues digging into the short eats and and kothu everywhere! Sri Lankan food naturally extends itself to those following a vegan, vegetarian or gluten free diet so it’s not hard to find things to eat if you have food sensitivities.
A few years ago I wrote about the Sri Lankan food you must try and so I won’t repeat it because it still stands true!
Sri Lankan Street Food to Try with Tweens in Colombo
Kids love short eats, and in Colombo, you’ll find them everywhere. No matter which part of the city you’re in, there’s always a spot offering these savory little bites. Colombo’s street food scene is quite sanitary, especially when compared to other South Asian countries. Akira and Apollo were constantly snacking on favorites like Chinese rolls, cutlets, stuffed rotis , Kimbula bunis (sugar coated bread) and vadae—crispy, fried lentil fritters that are addictive once you’ve tried them.
On our most recent trip, we leaned right into the street food culture, stopping at roadside stalls for snacks, grabbing quick bites between sightseeing stops and mixing in a few café visits and buffets. It gave us a nice balance between casual eats and sit-down meals.
If you’re looking to satisfy a sweet tooth though, I have to recommend Sits Bakery. They’ve got an incredible selection of cakes, cupcakes and other baked goods that are perfect for celebrations or an afternoon treat. Full disclosure: one of my aunts happens to be a lead there, so our first visit was simply meant as a quick stop to say hello and give her a hug. But once we sampled what was on offer, we realized how good it was and ended up trying quite a few things. The cupcakes were a hit with the kids and later on we even ordered full-sized cakes for a birthday celebration.
Family-Friendly Colombo Buffets
Sri Lanka KNOWS how to buffet. TRUST ME. The spreads are varied and there’s definitely something for everyone. I also magically never felt overly stuffed to the brim with oily foods when I indulge in buffets in Sri Lanka. There were two Colombo buffets that stood out to me and so, if you’re looking for a fabulous buffet in Colombo, take a look at these two!
AYU Seafood Buffet at NH Collection Colombo
I’ll be sharing all about this family-friendly Colombo hotel below, but first I HAVE to tell you about one of its biggest highlights: the weekend seafood buffet. If you’re a seafood lover, this is the place to be. While there are plenty of non-seafood items on offer (so no one goes hungry), this spread is designed to impress anyone who dreams of prawns, crab or lobster piled high on their plate.
What really stood out to me was the raw seafood counter. You can pick your favorites (whether it’s fresh lobster, prawns or fish) and have them cooked in front of you. Just look at that lobster I scored! 🦞 Perfectly grilled, seasoned and absolutely delicious.
The hot dishes didn’t disappoint either. From rich, flavorful Sri Lankan crab curry to delicately prepared local fish and an array of international options, everything was cooked to perfection. It felt like the best of both worlds-authentic Sri Lankan flavors alongside crowd-pleasing global classics.
And for anyone wondering…yes, the dessert buffet is totally seafood-free! Think decadent cakes, puddings, fresh fruit and local Sri Lankan sweets. It was the perfect way to round out a meal that felt more like a feast.
If you’re planning a weekend stay at this hotel, I’d say the seafood buffet alone makes it worth booking a table.
Blue Orbit Rotating Buffet at the Lotus Tower
If you’re looking for a dining experience in Colombo that’s both unique and memorable, you definitely want to check out South Asia’s tallest revolving restaurant!
We stumbled upon it almost by accident. After heading up the Lotus Tower and enjoying the views from the observation deck, we realized that the highest point wasn’t the deck at all…it was the restaurant! Naturally, we decided to take a peek at the buffet, and within minutes we were seated and ready to dig in. To our surprise, the restaurant was practically empty around noon on a weekday, which made the whole experience even more special.
Here’s the fun part: the restaurant floor actually rotates. You sit at your table, and over the course of your meal, you’re treated to a slowly shifting, 360-degree panoramic view of Colombo. It’s almost like sightseeing while you eat. If you time your meal just right, you could start with the salad bar and make your way around to dessert as the room revolves…or skip straight to dessert if that’s your style!
And the buffet itself? Magnificent. The spread features over 300 delicacies from around the world, including Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Indian, Sri Lankan and Western cuisines. My kids were thrilled to find sushi on the menu (always a win with them!), while I gravitated towards the chaat cart and shawarma stand, which brought authentic Indian and Middle Eastern street food flavors right to our table.
One of the standout aspects for me was the fruit selection. The chefs clearly put effort into showcasing seasonal Sri Lankan fruits, and it was such a fun way to introduce the kids to flavors we don’t always get back in Toronto. From custard apples and jackfruit to exotic rambutans and mangosteens, the spread was fresh, colorful and truly reflective of Sri Lanka’s tropical bounty.
Beyond the food, it was the experience that made this visit memorable. Sharing an afternoon here with my cousins, watching Colombo’s skyline glide by through the restaurant’s windows, felt like something special. The slow rotation gave us plenty of time to chat, eat and take in the ever-changing views.
Where to Stay in Colombo with Kids
Over the years, we’ve stayed in all kinds of hotels and holiday apartments in Colombo—some questionable, but most really great. During our 2025 summer visit, we split our time between an Airbnb and a Colombo hotel, and here’s what I learned: Air bnbs give you more space and practical amenities like washing machines and full kitchens, while hotels offer the luxury of unwinding, relaxing and having everything taken care of. And if you choose your hotel wisely, you can enjoy a clean, comfortable, even fancy stay—something that isn’t always guaranteed with an Airbnb in Colombo!
Family Hotel with Pool in Colombo
When it comes to finding a hotel in Colombo that ticks all the boxes-central location, incredible views, family-friendly features and impressive seafood—NH Collection Colombo Hotel delivers on all fronts. Our family recently stayed here while exploring Sri Lanka’s bustling capital and this property quickly became one of our favorite Colombo city hotels. From lounging by the infinity pool at sunset to indulging in a seafood buffet that could rival any coastal feast, NH Colombo is a stay worth talking about.
Disclosure : We were guests of NH Collection Colombo but, as always, opinions are TOTALLY ours.
First things first—the location couldn’t be better. NH Colombo sits right in the heart of the city, making it an ideal base whether you’re visiting Colombo for sightseeing, business or just a layover before heading deeper into Sri Lanka. You’re close to major attractions, shopping centers and cultural landmarks, yet once you step into the hotel, it feels like a calm, elevated escape from the busy streets.
And the views? Absolutely epic. From our room we had sweeping cityscapes, and the rooftop lounge took it up a notch with 360-degree panoramas.
The breakfast buffet was a highlight of our mornings, offering everything from made-to-order eggs and pastries to Sri Lankan staples like Kiribath and Curries. It made getting the kids ready for a day of exploring so much easier, knowing they could pick and choose what they liked.
Lunch and dinner buffets kept the excitement going, with a wide variety of international dishes and local specialties. But the star of the show? The Saturday Seafood Dinner Buffet. Piled high with crab, prawns, fish and a tempting selection of Sri Lankan curries, it was a feast I’ll be dreaming about for a long time. As someone who’s sampled a fair number of hotel buffets, this one ranks among my favorites—it wasn’t just about quantity, but also quality and authenticity.
We enjoyed interconnecting rooms, which were a total game changer for our family. The kids had their own space (and their own TV!) but we could easily check in on them. Everyone slept better, and it gave us parents a chance to relax in peace after a busy day.
Another unexpected hit? The bathtub with city views. Even though we had space to spread out, the kids loved hanging out in the tub, splashing around while watching the skyline light up at night. Sometimes it’s the little things that make a hotel stay memorable, and this was definitely one of them.
City stays can be hectic, so having a pool to retreat to is always a treat. NH Colombo’s infinity pool and hot tub were the perfect spots to unwind. By day, the pool offered a refreshing break from the heat. By evening, it transformed into a magical space where you could watch the sun sink over Colombo’s skyline. The pool closed at 7 p.m. so there were no late night swims here!
While the kids were thrilled with the free cookies in the lobby (seriously, this became a daily ritual for them), I was more than happy to take advantage of the hotel’s salon services. I ended up getting one of the best haircuts I’ve ever had, right there at the hotel. The stylists were professional, attentive and the prices were incredibly reasonable compared to what I’d pay back in Toronto. I also treated myself to threading, which was quick, efficient and left me feeling FRESH. For parents juggling travel with kids, having these kinds of convenient and affordable services on-site is such a win.
One quick note for travelers: your bags will be screened before entering the lobby. It used to be a standard security measure in Colombo and it was quick, efficient and didn’t take away from the warm welcome waiting on the other side.
I liked that the NH Collection Colombo had sophisticated touches for the adults and thoughtful conveniences for the kids. Colombo is a city of contrasts—historic temples beside modern skyscrapers, bustling markets next to serene coastal stretches. Staying at NH Colombo let us experience that energy while still giving us a peaceful base to return to at the end of each day.
Budget-Friendly Options for Families
Booking an AirBnB in Colombo can be a fantastic option, especially if you’re traveling with a group or extended family. It’s usually more budget-friendly than booking multiple hotel rooms and you’ll often get more space to spread out and relax. For us, this was particularly true during the first part of our Colombo trip when we had family staying with us. Instead of cramming into a couple of hotel rooms, we opted for a three-bedroom Airbnb in the same neighborhood as the NH Colombo Hotel—a neighborhood I’ve already mentioned is perfect for a vacation base.
We stayed at The Palm Court apartment, and it turned out to be a wonderful choice. Having a larger space made such a difference to our trip. My aunt enjoyed cooking a few homemade meals in the fully equipped kitchen and we were able to host family dinners and even late-night card games in the living room. These little moments of connection are exactly what make a trip special…specially if you’re part of the Sri Lankan diaspora returning “home” to reconnect with family. In that case, opting for a bigger space like this makes even more sense.
The apartment itself was well set up for travelers. In addition to the three bedrooms, there were two bathrooms, a spacious living room, a laundry room and reliable fast internet (a lifesaver when traveling with kids and teens). The building had a lift/elevator, which was particularly helpful when we arrived at 4 a.m. with several suitcases in tow. The caretakers were friendly and welcoming and the host/owner was very responsive to our questions and easy to communicate with throughout our stay.
Of course, no place is perfect. The only issue we ran into was a sewer smell in one of the bathrooms, which I hope the owner addresses soon. Aside from that, everything else was smooth, and I would happily book this Airbnb again for a short-term stay in Colombo.
Overall, if you’re looking for an alternative to hotels, especially when traveling with a bigger group or extended family, this kind of AirBnb rental in Colombo can be a great way to save money, enjoy more space, and still feel connected to the local neighborhood vibe.
Practical Tips for Families Visiting Colombo
When it comes to Colombo city travels with kids, I preferred taking Trishaws (Tuk Tuks) and used the apps to call it so I didn’t have to deal with price gauging or having the exact amount of cash. The challenge here is that most seat 2 or 3 people so if you’re a larger family, you may want two trishaws or a car. The trishaws are faster but it’s open air and traffic fumes and sounds may be a challenge at times. They also don’t have seatbelts which was a big concern for Chris.
Definitely get an e-sim. I was a fan of the Dialogue package that gave me data and a phone number but also loved that social media and whatsapp was unlimited! We need more e-sim plans like that around the world!
PickMe and Uber are both great – I would check both apps to see which had a better offer. I used the parcel feature to get random things picked up and dropped off to me (thinking shopping orders, catering, medicine packages from the ayurvedic doctor e.t.c)
Many years ago I shared my insider tips for those visiting Sri Lanka and those are still very valid, so take a read if you’d like a few more tips!
