Cultural curiosity is the new cool: Indian kids want museums, community experiences and food markets on holiday

Time of India

9 hours ago

It all started with a simple question– Have you ever been allowed to plan the family holiday? Not your parents. Not the travel agent. Just… you?
This year, a bunch of kids worldwide said, Move over, grown-ups! We're done with mall strolls and anime reruns. We want to taste, learn, play, and explore our way through new cultures.
And it turns out, Indian kids are leading the way when it comes to packing more than just snacks and sunglasses—they're bringing along something far more powerful: Curiosity!
Curiosity that asks: What do people eat elsewhere? Can we visit a palace? Can I make friends from another country? And also… please tell me there's a water park!
A recent global survey by Experience Abu Dhabi spoke to over 7,000 kids (and their parents) aged 5 to 12 across nine countries, including India, asking the ultimate question: 'What makes a holiday truly awesome?'
Let's face it, most holidays are built around what adults want. Meanwhile, kids are just tagging along, quietly wishing for splashy slides, street snacks, and the chance to make new friends. And that's how you end up hearing the usual holiday chorus from kids: We're so bored!
That's where today's kids are shaking things up. They have a whole new vision of what holidays should be…
Take Indian kids, for example! 96% say splashing in a water park or doing water sports is non-negotiable. 91% want open green spaces to run wild in. Clearly, cooped up in a hotel lobby is not their vibe.
From food markets to palaces–Culture is the new cool
But it's not just about fun and games only. These kids are curious, open-minded, and ready to dive into unexplored cultural experiences.
90% want to explore local food markets and see how the world eats.
80% dream of walking through grand palaces.
Another 80% are eager to understand how people live in other countries.
And 79% would love to try actual adventure sports—yes, even climbing!
Even museums, long seen as 'boring' by kids, are getting a glow-up. 3 in 4 Indian kids now say they want to visit one on their holiday. The Dora the Explorer spirit? Alive and thriving.
Globally, the numbers tell the same story. 84% of kids want to try local food, 81% want to learn how other kids live, and 86% want to make new friends, just like 93% of Indian kids.
Whether it's a science zone, cooking class, or beach game with strangers-turned-buddies, today's young travellers aren't just seeking recreation, they're seeking connection.
More than just fun—It's about family and friendship
And here's the sweetest part! Despite their super exciting itineraries, 97% of kids globally still say the best part of any trip is having fun with family.
So maybe next time, skip the 'Top 10 Sights' list and just ask your kids: What do YOU want to do?
Their answers might surprise you, and might just lead you to a day of palace strolls, food market pit stops, dinosaur exhibits, splash zones, exploring new culture and maybe even a few new friendships along the way.
Because for this generation, travel isn't about ticking boxes, it's about collecting stories.
And honestly? That sounds like the kind of trip we'd all want to go on.