50 THINGS TO DO AND ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS IN BANGKOK:
Pororo AquaPark
WHAT: This waterpark is hard to miss if you are traveling down Bangna Trad as it sits 7 stories up, right on top of Central Plaza Bangna. Some of the colorful waterslides even protrude off the edge of the building! The waterpark is about 10,000 square meters and has a number of different water play zones, waterslides, and swimming pools all designed around the theme of Pororo - the popular Korean cartoon character, and his friends.
WHERE: Central Plaza Bangna, 585 Bangna-trad Road, Bangna, Bangkok 10260, +66 02-745-7377. Click here for discounted tickets!
Sea Life Bangkok
WHAT: Forget you are in sweltering Bangkok for a bit and step inside the cool, underwater world of Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World. This aquarium covers 10,000 square meters on the bottom floor of Siam Paragon mall, conveniently located right off of the BTS line. There are hundreds of species here with well-designed educational displays and several feeding programs throughout the day. Plus, the mall has a great food court and restaurant selection so you’ll have tons of options for where to go next after a day at the aquarium.
WHERE: B1-B2 Floor, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, +66 02-687-2000 Click here for discounted tickets!
Nong Bon Water Sport Center
WHAT: This is one of the best bargains in the city for water-sports lovers. It’s much less well known than The Kings Park (Suan Luang) nearby but a favorite place among locals who want to get outdoors in Bangkok. The park consists of a lake surrounded by a 4km paved bike trail. If you want to get out on the water, you can go sailing, windsurfing, kayaking and more for only 40 baht for the year (you’ll need a passport and two photos to sign up). That’s right, just over a dollar for the entire year, and it even includes gear and some basic instructional sessions each day.
WHERE: Chaleom Phrakiet Ratchakan Thi 9 Road Soi 43, Khwaeng Nong Bon, Khet Prawet, Bangkok 10250, +66 02-328-0236
Dream World
WHAT: Dream World is a large, well-maintained amusement park just outside of Bangkok in Patum Thani province. The park can be likened to a miniature Disney Land and offers plenty of fun things for kids of all ages in its different zones. From proper roller coasters to a fun-filled water playground and even a snowy area, you’ll have a hard time getting the kids to leave.
WHERE: 62 Moo 1, Rangsit-Ongkarak Road, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, 12130, +66 02-577-8666 Click here for discounted tickets!
Fantasia Lagoon Waterpark
WHAT: Fantasia Lagoon is a large waterpark with two different rooftop locations in Bangkok. You can find it on the top levels of The Mall Bang Kapi and The Mall Bang Kae, both of which are shopping centers on the outskirts of the city. Toddlers and older children will both find plenty to keep them entertained for hours across the park’s variety of themed zones.
WHERE: 2 Locations: The Mall Bang Kae, 275 Moo 1, Petchkasem Road, Phasicharoen, Bangkok 10600 and The Mall Bangkapi, 3522 Lat Phrao Road, Khlong Chan, Bang Kapi, Bangkok, 10240, +66 02-487-1000
The Flowhouse
WHAT: Want to escape to the waves down south but don’t have the time? Visit the Flowhouse to experience real beach waves right in the heart of Bangkok. The Flowrider machine simulates real ocean waves of varying levels. Children can have fun and play whereas adventurous teens and adults can go for an extreme ride. The unique surface of the attraction is made out of something similar to a trampoline so even when you crash and burn, it won’t be too painful. This attraction is appropriate for riders from ages 5 and up.
WHERE: A-Square, 120/1 Sukhumvit 26, Klongtan, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110, +66 02-108-5210 Click here for discounted tickets!
Imaginia Playland
WHAT: Imaginia is one of the newer indoor playgrounds in Bangkok, appearing on the scene toward the end of 2015. It is conveniently located inside Emporium Department Store’s EmPlayground Zone, just off of Phrom Phong BTS station. The play area has 19 different play areas meant for children from ages 2-10. There’s everything from arts and crafts to construction play and a reading area with books in both English and Thai.
WHERE: 622 Sukhumvit Road, Klongton, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110, +66 02-664-8338
Siam Amazing Park
WHAT: Founded way back in 1980, Siam Park City is Southeast Asia’s oldest amusement and water park but it is still quite popular today. It’s best known for its bright, rainbow-colored waterslides and absolutely massive wave pool. In fact, the wave pool has the Guinness World Record for being the largest in the world. The amusement side is divided into themed areas with sections catering to younger and older kids alike. The park isn’t as modern as some of the other theme and water parks around Bangkok and it certainly shows its age in places, but it is still good for a day of family fun in the sun.
WHERE: 203 Suan Siam Road, Kannayao, Bangkok, 10230, +66 02-919-7200 Click here for discounted tickets!
KidZania
WHAT: This is one of Bangkok’s pricier indoor play areas (especially by Thai standards), so if you have a large family it may be a stretch on the budget. However, you could easily spend most of the day here and there’s nothing else in the city that quite compares to its educational value. The play area is mostly themed around a scaled-down city where kids can try their hands at a variety of different real-world type “jobs” and activities. They will be paid in Kidzania’s own currency which they can then use to purchase items or services in the city. Most activities are designed for kids from 4-12 years of age.
WHERE: 5/F, Siam Paragon, 991 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, +66 02-683-1888 Click here for discounted tickets!
Totem Kingdom
WHAT: Totem Kingdom is an indoor playground themed around an Aztec jungle environment. You’ll find enough for your kids to fill a good part of the day here with trampolines, climbing equipment, animal totem poles, a massive ball pit, cars to ride around in, a pretend-play zone and much more. Directly outside of the entrance, there’s a small free play area and rocking toys as well as several coin-op rides and games.
WHERE: JAS Urban Srinakarin, 2/F, A221-A225, Samrong Nua, Samut Prakan, 10270, +66 093-453-9888
Sampran Riverside
WHAT: Long known to locals by its former name, The Rose Garden, Sampran Riverside is a delightful excursion just outside of the city limits in Nakorn Pathom District. The main attraction is a Thai Traditional Village where kids and adults alike can observe and participate in a variety of activities related to traditional Thai village life. You can practice Muay Thai, learn about the process of making silk, learn bamboo dancing, make flower arrangements, cook thai dishes and more. Feeding and interacting with elephants and water buffalo is a favorite activity among most kids who visit. The day is finished off with an exciting cultural performance that includes high-speed dancing, a Thai wedding drama, musical performance and martial arts.
WHERE: Km 32 Pet Kasem Road, Sampran, Nakorn Pathom, 73110, +66 34-322-544
Asiatique
WHAT: This is one of the classiest night markets we’ve ever seen and one of the most kid-friendly for that matter. The market occupies several renovated warehouses and newer buildings right on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. You are sure to see it if you visit the riverfront as it is marked by a massive ferris wheel on the riverfront. A variety of international restaurants are available as are plenty of shops and entertainment options for all ages. The market is spacious and not usually too crowded so you can certainly bring along a stroller for Jr.
WHERE: 2194 Charoenkrung Road, Wat Prayakrai, Bangkor Laem, Bangkok 10120, +66 02-108-4488
The “Green Lung” - Bang Krachao (also spelled Bang Kra Jao)
WHAT: Bang Krachao, or Bangkok’s “Green Lung” is a lush, green peninsula along the Chao Phraya. Even though it’s not far from the city center, not many have heard of it. The peninsula is best enjoyed by bicycle and you can bring your own or rent them on the other side. You can even hire guides for bike tours of the area. It’s probably best for older kids but they usually have bikes with toddler seats as well if you have adventurous young ones. It’s one of the best and easiest spots to escape to when you need to get out of the concrete jungle but don’t have time for a proper getaway.
WHERE: Bang Krasop, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan, 10130, +66 083-431-1165
Rot Fai Park (Wachirabenchathas Park)
WHAT: Rot Fai Park is a large, grassy park that was created by converting an old golf course. It is popular for picnicking and bicycling and is conveniently located just adjacent to the ever-popular Chatuchak Weekend Market. Bikes can be rented at the park’s entrance (opposite side from the BTS or MRT station) and bikes with kids’ seats are usually available. There are also paddle boats available if you’re more keen on water activities. In addition, the park is home to the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium complete with a large butterfly dome with many butterflies in a naturalistic habitat. The Butterfly Garden is worth a stop even if you aren’t planning to cycle.
WHERE: Kamphaeng Phet 3 Road, Chatuchuk, +66 02-537-9221
Bangkok Doll Factory and Museum
WHAT: Creepy or cutesy? This one could really go either way! Whatever your view, the Bangkok Doll Factory, and Museum has more than 400 handcrafted dolls dressed in an array of traditional clothing from countries around the world. It was created by a famous Thai doll maker named Khunying Thongkorn Chanthawimol. You won’t want to go here with very young children who can’t yet keep their hands off the dolls as they could easily be damaged by toddlers. However, if you have a doll lover in your family, this may be a highlight of their time in Bangkok.
WHERE: 85 Soi Ratchataphan, Thanon Rachaprarop, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10400, +66 02-245-3008
Benjasiri Park
WHAT: One of the easiest parks to get to from central Sukhumvit, this well-maintained park is quite small but it has many facilities that make it a favorite among local families. There are two separate playgrounds for children of different ages - one for under 4s and then another for older kids so you don’t have to worry about your littles being trampled. There’s also basketball courts, a skatepark and plenty of room for mom and dad to go for a jog or practice yoga.
WHERE: Sukhumwit Road, Soi Sukhumvit 23, Khlong Tan Sub-district, Khlong Toei District, Bangkok 10110
Bounce
WHAT: Now with a couple of locations around Bangkok, Australian trampoline park franchise, Bounce Thailand offers tons of room for jumping fun. There are a large number of trampolines in the Trampoline Zone and an innovative “Clip ‘N Climb Zone” at The Street location where you can clip into a harness and climb a number of themed indoor climbing walls that each require different skills to complete. They have activities for all ages, but only those ages 5 and up can participate in the Clip ‘N Climb.
WHERE: 2 locations: The Street Rachada, 139 Ratchadaphisek Road, Din Daeng, Bangkok 10400 and The EmQuartier, 4th Floor - 4B02, The Glass QUartier, Bangkok 10110, +66 02 014 2446 Click here for discounted tickets!
Children’s Discovery Museum
WHAT: The freshly renovated Children’s Discovery Museum offers indoor and outdoor exhibits to encourage learning through play. The museum has enough activities to keep kids happy and busy for a whole day, although with the free admission, you won’t have to feel guilty if you don’t spend that much time there. There’s everything from digging up dinosaur bones in an archaeological dig, to creating giant bubbles, and playing in the water at an outdoor splash pad.
WHERE: Chatuchuk Park, Soi 4, Kamphaeng Phet Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, +66 02-246-6144
Easy Kart
WHAT: Easy Kart is one of the largest indoor go-karting tracks in all of Asia and certainly is the largest in Thailand. You’ll find everything you need for the speed-loving kids (and adults) in your family to have a wonderful day. There’s multiple engine sizes of the karts so that the track can accommodate drivers of different levels. This is a good attraction for adrenaline junkies ages 8 and up.
WHERE: Level 2, RCA Plaza, 31/8 Soi Soonvijai, RCA Road, Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok 10310, +66 086-028-0880 Click here for discounted tickets!
Flight Experience Bangkok
WHAT: For kids and adults alike who dream of what it would be like to take to the skies and pilot an aircraft, this is about as close as many people can get. Flight Experience offers opportunities to pilot a replica of a Boeing 737-800NG Flight Simulator. The experience is good for children and adults alike, although it’s probably best for older kids and teens. You can practice taking off, landing, flying from one city to another or piloting your aircraft around landmarks from around the world.
WHERE: Gateway Ekkamai, 2nd Floor, Sukhumvit Road, Prakhanong, Klongtoey, Bangkok 10110, +66 02-048-9922 Click here for discounted tickets!
Joe Louis Thai Puppet Theatre
WHAT: The Joe Louis Thai Puppet Theatre is a cultural heritage that is more than a century old. Today, the puppet theatre performs traditional Thai puppet shows nightly at Asiatique on the Riverfront. The puppet show is free for those who are dining at the restaurant and happen daily with the exception of Mondays. The shows are fun for kids and an interesting cultural experience that is distinctly Thai.
WHERE: Asiatique, S13, 2194 Chareonkrung Road, Wat Prayakrai, Bangkorlaem, Bangkok 10120, +66 02-108-4000
Kidzoona and Molly Fantasy
WHAT: Molly Fantasy is a chain of indoor play areas ran by a Japanese company, Aeon Fantasy. The play area has a few different areas including a number of noisy, coin-operated rides. It is also home to Kidzoona which is a large play area with a trampoline, massive ball pit, inflatables, pretend play areas, magnetic toys, blocks and more. Most of the attractions are designed for kids from 2-8 years but there is a small, separate area for babies and young toddlers so they won’t be left out.
WHERE: Various locations around Bangkok
Madame Tussauds
WHAT: Madame Tussauds is a wax museum and an international sensation with locations all around the world. Visitors flock here to mingle with the rich and famous, or at least their wax body doubles. You can have your pictures taken with Hollywood’s A-Listers such as Will Smith, Nicole Kidman, and Jackie Chan. Alternatively, join Michael Jackson or Madonna on stage or get up close and personal with life-size wax doubles some of the world’s most famous political leaders.
WHERE: 989 Rama 1 Road, Khwaeng Pathum Wan, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, +66 02-658-0060
Lumphini Park (also spelled Lumpini)
WHAT: Lumphini Park is one of the most popular public parks in Bangkok. It has been an icon of the city since 1920 and is used today for fitness, recreation and exploring nature. The park is great for taking a nature walk, and you are nearly certain to run into mostly harmless monitor lizards, some nearly as large as an alligator as they are plentiful in the park. The lizards themselves can be an exciting attraction for many visitors. There are two large playgrounds as well as shaded walking paths and paddle-boats available for rent.
WHERE: 139/4 Thanon Witthayu, Khwaeng Lumphini, Khet Pathum Wan, Bangkok, 10330, +66 02-252-7006
Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA)
WHAT: For those who love the arts, or parents who just want to expose their kids to more culture, this is a must-see when in Bangkok. The museum is well-kept and includes more than 800 pieces laid out over 6 stories of a beautifully designed building in central Bangkok. The collections include a nice variety of both Thai and international contemporary art.
WHERE: 499 Kampangpetch 6th Road, Ladyao, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, +66 02-016-5666
Neilson Hays Library
WHAT: English-language libraries in Bangkok aren’t easy to come by, but the Neilson Hays Library holds one of the largest collections of English language books in all of Thailand as well as an impressive selection of magazines and newspapers. The library caters especially well to families with a dedicated children’s book corner and weekly storytelling events and other kid-friendly events throughout the year. Every Saturday there is a storytime and a craft all in English for kids ages 3-7 years old.
WHERE: 195 Thanon Surawong, Si Phraya, Khet Bang Rak, Bangkok, 10500, +66 02-233-1731
Peppermint Bike Park
WHAT: This bike park is relatively small park packed with fun features. There are two main courses that cross each other at various points, making it possible to choose a number of routes. One of the paths is a paved “Urban” path while the other features hills, ridges and wooden bridges and is designed to mimic mountain biking. The trails are nicely lit so it is a good, safe option for night riding.
WHERE: Soi Yothin Phatthana, Lat Phrao, Bangkok, 10230, +66 02-932-7051
Science Centre for Education
WHAT: The Science Centre for Education is a government-run museum designed to educate the public about science, technology, the environment, and astronomy. There are four main buildings including a Planetarium. The museum isn’t the nicest in the city, but it is very cheap (less than $1 USD) and easy to get to from most of Bangkok. You’ll find some of the displays to be dated and in disrepair, and others will only have Thai language on the displays. However, young children will enjoy the interactive displays, pirate ship, robots, dinosaurs and more.
WHERE: 928 Sukhumvit Road, Khwaeng Phra Khanong, Khet Khlong Toei, Bangkok, 10110, +66 02-391-0544
Happiness Theatre at SF World Cinema, CentralWorld
WHAT: Not sure your little one can sit through a feature-length film at the movie theater without causing a scene? Try out the Happiness Theatre at CentralWorld which is a specially designed cinema that plays a wide range of children’s films. The open-concept theater has plenty of room to roam, popcorn included and bean bags to sit on if they do decide to sit still.
WHERE: 999/9, CentralWorld 7/F, Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, +66 02-268-8888
Thailand Knowledge (TK) Park
WHAT: TK Park is billed as a “living library” but you’ll find more than just books in this fun, educational space designed to be a fun learning experience for children. The interior is colorful and inspires creativity. The walls are lined with shelves upon shelves of books in both English and Thai and there are boxes of toys and wooden games set up throughout. There is a special kid’s room with a children’s hideaway, a cushion pool and a ladder with nooks for reading. There’s even a treehouse!
WHERE: 8/F, Central World, Dazzle Zone 4, Ratchadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330, +66 02-257-4300
Chatuchak Market
WHAT: You have to put Chatuchak Market on your list of things to do in Bangkok as it is one of the largest outdoor markets in the world. But, be prepared that it’s not the easiest to do with kids. Make sure to take it slow and research in advance the main areas you want to hit because it can feel quite maze-like when you get inside. Kids tend to love the souvenir area, coconut ice cream stands and the exotic pets zones the most. The market is right next to Children’s DIscovery Museum and Rot Fai Park (both listed separately above), so if your kids can’t handle the market, you have an easy backup plan.
WHERE: 587/10 Kamphaeng Phet 2 Road, Khwaeng Chatuchak, Khet Chatuchak, Bangkok, 10900, +66 02-272-4813 Click here for tickets to a half day tour of the market!
Wat Pho
WHAT: If you were only going to visit one temple in Bangkok, Wat Pho is a strong contender for that pick. The temple is relatively easy to get to and has one of the most impressive buddhas in the country - a massive, reclining Buddha statue which spans virtually the entire length of the temple. It is quite awe-inspiring. Visit the temple in the late afternoon and then walk down the street a bit to the riverside and dine with sunset views of Wat Arun across the way.
WHERE: 2 Sanamchai Road, Grand Palace Subdistrict, Pranakorn District, Bangkok 10200, +66 02-225-9595 Click here for tickets to a walking tour!
Safari World
WHAT: Safari World is an open-concept animal park where you can drive through with your own car, or aboard the park bus and see animals roaming free over 280 acres. There’s also a section that is more akin to a traditional zoo with enclosures, animal shows and vendors selling a variety of products. The drive through the park is a total of 8 kilometers long and offers opportunities to observe zebras, rhinos, camels, giraffes and a large number of birds. Lastly, in the “Predators Den” section you’ll be able to see bears, big cats, and more. Just make sure to keep your windows rolled up!
WHERE: 99 Panyaintra Road, Samwatawantok, Klongsamwa, Bangkok 10510, +66 02-914-4100 Click here for discounted tickets!
Paron School of Art
WHAT: Calling all mini Picassos! This art school offers fun and innovative programs for artists of all ages. They host a number of different weekend classes, drop in sessions, holiday camps for kids and private classes for ages 4-adult in their bright studio space right along central Sukhumvit.
WHERE: 61 Sukhumvit 26, Khlong Tan, Khlong Toei, Bangkok 10110, +66 089-795-8765
The Museum of Siam
WHAT: If you really want to dig deep and learn about Thailand, Thai people and Thai culture, this museum is a great stop. The various displays are both modern and engaging and many have interactive elements, making the museum enjoyable for both young and old. Kids are sure to especially love the room full of traditional Thai clothes and a food cart where you can step inside and pretend to make Thai street food favorites.
WHERE: 4 Sanam Chai Road, Khwaeng Phra Borom Maha Ratchawang, Khet Phra Nakhon, Bangkok 10200, +66 02-225-2777
Stanley Miniventure
WHAT: Step inside a miniature world at Stanley Miniventure - the largest 1:87 scale miniature town and railroad in Asia. You’ll see more than just a model railroad and scenery, there’s an airport, a port, a beach and many other interesting areas. The entire place is built in astounding detail and features scenery and iconic buildings from all around the world including, of course, a display related to Bangkok.
WHERE: 982/22 Gateway Ekkamai, Sukhumvit, Bangkok, Thailand 10110, +66 02-048-9924
Bangkok Nanta Theatre
WHAT: Who knew a nonverbal show could be this exciting? Bangkok Nanta Theatre is a comedy show meet intense cooking demonstration where the actors dance, cut vegetables and prepare meals in an impressive performance geared toward families. The show is truly unique and has everything from circus acts to percussion numbers built in. Everything happens at a very fast pace, which keeps even young children engaged and entertained.
WHERE: RCA Plaza, 1/F, Soi Soonvijai, Rama 9 Road, Bangkapi, Huaykwang, Bangkok, Thailand, 10300, +66 02-641-4407
Terminal 21
WHAT: Bangkok has malls at every turn, and many of them offer interesting and unique shopping experiences. However, none of them are perhaps as fun and interesting as Terminal 21, just off of Asoke BTS station. The mall was designed around the theme of an airport, with different floors representing different countries and meticulous details throughout, like individually designed, themed restrooms on each of the floors. Whether or not you are looking to buy anything, browsing Terminal 21 is a great way to cool off in the air con and enjoy a unique shopping experience.
WHERE: 88 Soi Sukhumvit 19, Khwaeng Khlong Toey Nua, Khet Wattana, Bangkok, 10110, +66 02-108-0888
Khlong Tours
WHAT: Bangkok is a city that was built around the water, and as such, seeing the city by boat is one of the best ways to experience its charm. There are a number of khlongs or canals throughout the city where one can easily hail a long-tail boat for a private tour. Ranging from a few hours to a full day, taking a Khlong tour is a great way to see everyday life in Bangkok from another angle than many tourists.
WHERE: Various locations throughout Bangkok
Tooney Museum
WHAT: The Tooney Toy Museum houses a dazzling collection of more than 100 thousand toys, dolls, action figures and other collectibles. Some of the highlights include a room dedicated to Coca-Cola merchandise, Marvel and DC comic action figures, wands from Harry Potter, Lego Minifigures and a whole room dedicated to the Toy Story trilogy. You’ll find a small toy shop and cafe on site as well.
WHERE: Srisaman 8 Alley, Tambon Ban Mai, Amphoe Pak Kret, Chang Wat Nonthaburi 11120, 086-337-0136