A combination of modern neighbourhoods and beautiful villages, Tamil Nadu’s capital city has a lot to offer to youngsters. Whether you are a seasoned traveller or a person who is just looking to hang out with his/her friends, the city will pleasantly surprise you with an array of popular tourist attractions. While Marina Beach has become a tad bit crowded, there are now a good number of quirky cafes and artsy boutiques for you to explore. And for those of you, who are simply looking forward to having a good time, go through our list of things to do in Chennai for youngsters. We have tried to keep it short and full of unique things to do around Chennai, so take notes as you read along.
1. Hang Out with your Tribe at Elliot Beach
One can always go for a long walk along Marina Beach. It is, after all, the longest beach in India. However, if you are planning to spend some lone time with just your friends, head to Elliot Beach. Located in Besant Nagar, the beach forms the end-point of the Marina Beach shore. Touted as one of the cleanest seafronts in India, Elliot Beach is perfect for getting that perfect suntan. You can take a walk along the beach, or simply watch the sun go down as you catch up with your friends.
There are a variety of cafes and restaurants nearby making it perfect for people who would love to sample different cuisines (both South Indian and Malaysian); New Shangri La and Lee’s New Chinese Restaurant are some recommended ones.
2. Indulge in Watersports at Muttukadu Boat House
Just an hour’s drive away from Chennai is the serene and small coastal village of Muttukadu. Renowned for its pristine beaches and stunning landscapes, this place is perfect for letting your hair down and simply relaxing. If you want to take your experience to the next level, head to the boat house and indulge in watersports. You can rent row boats, speed boats, peddle boats, motor boats and even high-speed jet skis.
- Location: East Coast Road, Muttukadu
- Timings: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm; everyday
- Ticket Price: ₹ 120 to ₹ 700 (depending on boat)
3. Party the Night Away at the Best Nightclubs
Chennai’s nightlife scene has evolved a great deal with an impressive line-up of some amazing rooftop lounges and nightclubs. So, whether you are looking for a mellow ambience, wherein you and your friends can simply catch up on life, or a buzzing one which makes you want to dance the night away, Chennai has a club for you.
Some of the most popular nightclubs in Chennai are:
- Gatsby 2000
- Pasha
- Ink 303
- Cycle Gap
- 10 Downing Street
- Radio Bar
4. Experience Rain Dance at MGM Dizzee World
While the water park at MGM Dizzee World is pretty amazing, the one thing that you have to experience in your youth is the rain dance. With your friends by your side and the grooviest Tamil music (or Bollywood) in tow, a fun time is guaranteed.
- Location: East Coast Road, Muttukadu
- Timings:
10:30 am to 06:30 pm; weekdays
10:30 am to 07:30 pm; Weekends and Public Holidays
- Entry Fee*:
Jumbo Package* per Adult – ₹ 699 per person
Jumbo Package per Child – ₹ 549 per person
5. Devour Books at the Anna Centenary Library
If books and coffee are your thing, plop down on one of the chairs at the Anna Centenary Library. This magnificent library is among the largest in all of Asia. Yes, you read that right! After all, it does have 9 floors with more than 1.2 million books. Reading books in the library is one of the most amazing things to do in Chennai alone. You just have to stop by at this library and you might end up spending a couple of hours.
So, which book are you going to pick up on your next visit to this beautiful library?
- Location: Kotturpuram
- Timings:
Own Book Section – 08:00 am to 09:00 pm
Other Sections – 09:00 am to 08:00 am
- Entry Fee: Free Entry
6. Watch the Conservation Process of Olive Ridley Turtles
A proper conservation walk is organised along the beaches of Chennai between December and April. This is the season when the Olive Ridley sea turtles lay their eggs, and if you care about animals and environment in general, do take part in this fascinating walk. It includes finding the eggs spread across the beaches and getting them to safety to ensure they incubate and hatch in a good environment. It is one of the most interesting things to do in Chennai for youngsters, who love nature or are simply looking for an offbeat experience.
7. Catch Fish at the Barracuda Bay
Tripping around Chennai won’t be complete without a session of fishing at Barracuda Bay. After all, Chennai is a delightful coastal city. However, if you want to learn more about the types of fishing techniques, signing up for a class here would be a good idea. While the idea of catching a fish and roasting it for your dinner sounds appetising, how about trying angling for environment’s sake?
- Location: Royal Madras Yacht Club
- Timings: 6:00 am to 5:00 pm; everyday
- Entry Fee: ₹ 6500 (2 hours); ₹ 8600 (3 hours)
8. Go on the Best Open Boat Ride of Your Life
In short – catamaran rides. Yes, they have a term for this fascinating and amazing activity that might seem a bit daunting at first, but is totally worth it. Let the waves splash on your face, and if you feel like, take a dip or two in the ocean and climb back right up. It is one of the most adventurous, and at the same time relaxing things to do in Chennai. Don’t forget to sip on the much-deserved Pina Colada after such a thrilling adventure; the drink has references in 19th-century seafaring lore, being associated with pirates.
9. Watch a Movie at Sathyam Complex for Just ₹ 10
This iconic theatre of South India has its tickets priced as low as ₹ 10. So, what if you get to sit closest to the screen, you get to watch an entire movie for just ₹ 10, which is less than any subscription service you must be using right now. Go check out their shows right away! Read also – Places to visit in Chennai
Bet you didn’t know about at least a few of these amazing things to do in Chennai for youngsters. If you haven’t ticked off any of these activities from your list, it is time to start jotting them down right now.