Bangkok with kids: the best family-friendly activities & attractions

Sara Darling

Sara Darling

Whatever age your children are, there's something irresistibly exciting about Thailand's bustling capital. Bangkok moves fast, glows bright and never seems to sleep; yet, it is surprisingly child-friendly.

While it's not usually the first place that springs to mind when you're planning a family holiday (too hectic, too hot, too hard to navigate), there is, in fact, plenty to do for toddlers to teens and everyone in between, that will keep the whole family happy.

From zigzagging through the traffic jams on a tuk-tuk to inspecting floating market stalls or taking in the intriguing culture, the city is one big playground waiting to be explored. Just don't forget the SPF and plenty of water: Bangkok doesn't do things by halves, especially when it comes to heat.

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Dream World

A little further afield in Pathum Thani, Dream World delivers the kind of bold, brash fun kids dream about: fairytale castles, shriek-inducing rides and a faux "Snow Town" complete with real snow, which will wear out even the most robust little legs.

Think Disneyland with its very own Thai flair including more than 40 rides across seven distinct zones. Kids will love the whimsical roller coasters and log flumes, and you're all guaranteed a day of wild, sticky fun. But be warned, you might have to bribe them to leave.

KidZania

Back in central Bangkok, the international family sensation that is KidZania is a godsend. Tucked inside the glitzy Siam Paragon mall, this mini-city of make-believe lets kids up to the age of 14 play grown-ups.

They can live as firefighters, chefs, vets, airline pilots, to name a few, complete with tiny uniforms and working equipment. There's space to run around earning play money and living their best lives, while parents can enjoy a peaceful coffee in the lounge. Ten out of ten.

Floating markets

For something a little different, take the family to a floating market. Talingchan is one of the smaller, more manageable and completely memorable experiences.

Mingle with locals hawking fresh produce from pomelos to tiny skewers of grilled river prawns, whilst the mango sticky rice is a must for the kids. This market is more compact, friendlier alternative to the more tourist-heavy Damnoen Saduak.

Children's Discovery Museum & Bangkok Planetarium

For more kid-focused culture, the Children's Discovery Museum near Chatuchak is a bit old-school but totally hands-on: water play, science exhibits and shaded outdoor space for a runaround.

Also great for inquisitive kids is the Bangkok Planetarium in Ekkamai, with its interactive science centre and a surprisingly cool dinosaur zone.

Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew

If your children are a little older and want to know more about Thailand's complex history, the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew, complete with its glittering spires and golden Buddhas, offer an awe-inspiring introduction to Thai culture and its royal history. Go early to avoid the crowds and keep visits brief; it's beautiful but intense.

Lumphini Park

Nothing beats playing outdoors and in Lumphini Park, Bangkok's green lung, you'll find paddle boats, playgrounds and plenty of paths which are perfect for cycling or scootering.

Let the kids run around while taking time out in the shade and watching the locals doing Tai Chi nearby. Don't miss the enormous water monitor lizards (resembling real-life dragons) basking near the lake.

Unicorn Café

For all the bright sugary treats any kid could wish for, head to Unicorn Café. Handily located at a three-minute walk from Chong Nonsi BTS Skytrain station, this unapologetically over-the-top hangout serves an eclectic selection of outrageous creations in a pink bubble of a space.

We're talking sparkly unicorn decor, dress-up costumes, purple waffles with unicorn horns, burgers with 50 shades of cheese, rainbow spaghetti carbonara and cheesecake flavoured galaxy drinks in star-shaped glasses, to name a few.

Getting around the fun way

Exploring the city is actually relatively easy thanks to the BTS Skytrain. Air-conditioned, buggy-friendly and soaring over the worst of the traffic, it's worth booking a pass for the duration of your stay.

Though let's be honest, the highlight for children is always going to be the tuk-tuks. Nothing makes you feel more alive (or mildly terrified) than zipping through Bangkok's gridlocked traffic in a three-wheeled neon rocket.

Boat trips are also a must: take a lazy peaceful cruise down the Chao Phraya River, where locals snooze on balconies, you'll see saffron-robed monks going about their business and wave at the local kids who are leaping into the cool water making a splash.

For a more local experience, hire a longtail boat or take the affordable public boat service to explore the quieter canals, known as klongs.

Bangkok with kids is anything but boring; it's colourful, chaotic in the best way and full of surprising moments that will stick in your family's memory long after the trip is over. Whether you're after cultural immersion, adrenaline-fuelled activities or something in between, the Thai capital has it all.

Climate in Bangkok

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °C
32°C maximum daytime temperature in January in Bangkok32
33°C maximum daytime temperature in February in Bangkok33
34°C maximum daytime temperature in March in Bangkok34
35°C maximum daytime temperature in April in Bangkok35
34°C maximum daytime temperature in May in Bangkok34
33°C maximum daytime temperature in June in Bangkok33
33°C maximum daytime temperature in July in Bangkok33
32°C maximum daytime temperature in August in Bangkok32
32°C maximum daytime temperature in September in Bangkok32
32°C maximum daytime temperature in October in Bangkok32
32°C maximum daytime temperature in November in Bangkok32
31°C maximum daytime temperature in December in Bangkok31
Hours of sunshine (daily)
Days with some rainfall
1 day with some rainfall in January in Bangkok1
3 days with some rainfall in February in Bangkok3
3 days with some rainfall in March in Bangkok3
6 days with some rainfall in April in Bangkok6
15 days with some rainfall in May in Bangkok15
15 days with some rainfall in June in Bangkok15
17 days with some rainfall in July in Bangkok17
19 days with some rainfall in August in Bangkok19
20 days with some rainfall in September in Bangkok20
16 days with some rainfall in October in Bangkok16
6 days with some rainfall in November in Bangkok6
1 day with some rainfall in December in Bangkok1

The above guide shows the climate in Bangkok. Find out more about conditions across the country in our complete guide to the climate in Thailand.

Ready to discover Bangkok with kids? Find the latest offers on holidays with TUI.

More about Bangkok

Bangkok by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Sara Darling

Sara Darling

Posted in: Asia City Family

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