In pictures: 10 Kolkata hotspots for a playful and educational day out

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Science City: From the Earth Exploration Hall and Maritime Centre to the Space Odyssey — a day in Science City is a day well spent experiencing and marvelling at all things scientific and technological. You can book your ticket online or avail them from the ticket counter. Entry fee is Rs 65 per head and Rs 5 for BPL card holders. Charges vary for various attractions. Science City is open 10am to 6pm

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M.P. Birla Planetarium: A visit to the planetarium also means a quick stop at St. Paul’s Cathedral to soak in its serenity. The planetarium is the go-to place for minds inclined towards the fascinating aspects of astronomy. Catch a glimpse of the Milky Way or the Cosmic Collisions. The planetarium offers both online and offline ticket bookings and costs Rs 120 per head; and Rs 50 per head for students in a group of 25 or more. Children older than three years need a ticket and the timings are 12.30pm to 6.30pm

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Victoria Memorial Hall: This visit is never just about brushing up on your history and architecture, but also soaking in the sun and the greenery. It is open between 5.30am and 6pm and tickets for Indian nationals cost Rs 20. The gallery timings are 10am to 6pm and is Rs 30 per head

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Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden: With over 12,000 varieties of flora and fauna, and many of them very rare, a trip to the botanical garden is like being in the lap of nature and soaking in the heritage that the 1787-established, 109-hectare garden holds. Do not miss The Great Banyan Tree, and the Indian mongooses, jackals and a wide variety of snakes. The garden is open from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10am to 5pm. The entry fee is Rs 10, or Rs 20 if you are carrying a camera

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Ramakrishna Mission Swami Vivekananda’s Ancestral House and Cultural Centre: Open between 10am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 5pm (except Mondays), the house is one of the heritage treasures of the city. Step in paying a small fee of Rs 5, visit the museum, the memorial shrine, the library and learn about the many courses offered by the establishment

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Indian Museum: Art, history and heritage stand side by side in the premises of the Indian Museum. The museum holds several interesting events throughout the year. You can book tickets online or at the counter for Rs 50 (adults) and Rs 20 for children above five. Camera charges vary. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm

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Professor Shonku Park: Located in New Town, the park is a wonderworld for all Satyajit Ray fans. Professor Shonku and his cat Newton welcome the visitors at the entrance and make way to catch glimpses of his lab in Giridih, iconic moments from his adventures and interesting murals. The entry fee is Rs 10 and is open from 5am to 8.30am and 2.30pm to 7.30pm from Tuesday to Saturday. And from 5am to 9.30am and 2.30pm to 7.30pm on Sundays

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Maidan: No fee, no timings and with the Victoria Memorial in view, the Maidan is a breather for adults and a huge playground for kids. Nature is the grandmaster and there can’t be a better teacher than that. Carry a picnic basket, bask in the pre-winter sun and enjoy the nip in the air

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Birla Industrial & Technological Museum: BITM on Gurusaday Road was the precursor to science museums in India and is the ideal place to ingrain scientific thought in young minds. It is open between 9.30am and 6pm everyday. Single entry costs Rs 55. Rates vary for the 3D or science shows, a visit to the Taramandal or the coal mine