Board an early train from New Delhi to Haridwar so you arrive mid-morning; Haridwar is the most convenient rail gateway for Rishikesh and Mussoorie. Choose a morning Shatabdi/express to suit your group's berths — book 20 seats/berths in advance.
Check into your Haridwar hotel and take the group to Chotiwala (Haridwar) for a reliable vegetarian spread — spacious and good for large groups and kids. Chotiwala is typically open 6:00am–10:00pm.
Easy riverside stroll toward Har Ki Pauri and surrounding ghats — ideal after train travel for kids to stretch and for photos; the area is accessible and stroller-friendly in parts.
Attend the evening Ganga Aarti (typically 5:45pm–6:30pm in winter) at Har Ki Pauri — a calm, memorable cultural experience for the whole group; arrive 20–30 minutes early for good viewing spots.
Choose a family-friendly dhaba like Mohan Ji Puri Wale (Haridwar) or your hotel's dining — quick, filling, and gentle on kids. Many Haridwar restaurants open until 9–10pm.
Explore the graffiti-ruined meditation ashram turned open-air art site (typically open 8:00am–6:00pm); it’s fascinating for adults and visually interesting for older kids. Paths are uneven; bring light wraps.
Walk the Laxman Jhula suspension bridge, visit small temples, and pick up souvenirs — short walks and many shaded sit-outs good for families; shops open mid-morning through evening.
Choose a comfortable early-dinner spot—Chatsang or your hotel restaurant for varied menus and kid-friendly options; many places open late but plan earlier for a large group.
Book a half-day family-friendly rafting run (grades I–III) with a reputable operator — runs typically between 7:00am–4:00pm; suitable raft options exist for kids aged ~8+ (check operator age limits).
If kids are energetic, do the ~20–30 minute gentle trek to Neer Garh Waterfall (open daytime); otherwise relax at the hotel, swim or play area if available.
Drive early to Mussoorie via Dehradun (approx 2–3 hours depending on stops); this minimizes traffic and gives an afternoon in Mussoorie. Arrange a private coach/tempo traveller for the group.
Check into a Mussoorie hotel with family rooms; Kalsang Tibetan Restaurant or your hotel restaurant is dependable and kid-friendly (open mid-morning–late evening).
Drive/up to Landour area to visit small bakeries and viewpoints; Landour Bakehouse opens early and is perfect for snacks and warm drinks (open ~7:30am–7:00pm).
Choose from cozy evening restaurants on Mall Road or your hotel’s dining — Emily’s and The Tavern are popular, but reserve ahead for a 20-person group.
Take the ropeway up to Gun Hill (ropeway generally operates ~9:00am–6:00pm) for panoramic views and a small amusement area — short, fun for children and very photogenic.
Drive ~30–40 minutes to Kempty Falls (open roughly 8:00am–5:00pm) — kids enjoy the water pools and photo ops; bring warm clothes as water is cold in December.
If the group is up for a short climb, Surkanda Devi temple offers great views; note this involves steps and may be skipped with small kids — otherwise enjoy village walks.
Drive down to Dehradun station (preferred for Mussoorie) or Haridwar depending on your booked train; allow extra time for traffic and boarding a large group.
Board your return train to Delhi with comfortable reservations; overnight trains also possible but for a day return choose an afternoon/evening service.