10 Family Activities In Bangkok For Fun With The Kids

Think of Bangkok and images of night markets, grand temples and tuk-tuks zipping down the street might come to mind. Or perhaps the thought of the dizzying array of tantalising food options is what you look forward to most. But while the capital city of Thailand might not seem like a children-friendly location initially, there are many sights and entertainment created to excite and educate the little ones. Ahead, we share with you 10 recommendations for family activities in Bangkok, from where to stay to places to let your kids learn, play and spend their inexhaustible energies.

1. Grande Centre Point Ratchadamri

One of the most important things to settle first is the lodgings. A tried-and-true location to stay at is the Grande Centre Point Ratchadamri. It is situated in the Pathum Wan district and is within walking distance of three BTS stations — Siam, Chit Lom and Ratchadamri — that easily bring you to other parts of the capital. The Centralworld and Siam Paragon shopping malls are also nearby in case you want to shop. For some nature, Lumphini Park is down the road.

More importantly, the hotel has a swimming pool, fitness centre, sauna, jacuzzi, an in-house spa for the adults and games and playrooms for the kids to entertain themselves. Certain suites also offer a panoramic view of the cityscape. Lastly, the hotel also has a restaurant, Arun Thai Cuisine by See Fah, on its ground floor, so you'll never need to leave the hotel for Thai food.

Grande Centre Point Ratchadamri is at 153, 2 Ratchadamri Rd, Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. Visit its website for more information.

2. The Ancient City

Visiting cultural sites such as the Grand Palace and Wat Pho with younger kids in tow can be challenging. But if you would still like to admire traditional Thai architecture and take pretty photos as a keepsake, head over to The Ancient City. It is an outdoor museum park that touts itself as the largest of its kind. The area is shaped like Thailand, with different zones introducing the various landmarks and cultures distinct to each region. It was founded by Thai-Chinese businessman Lek Viriyahbhun to celebrate and preserve Thai culture. Tickets cost ฿700 per adult and ฿‎350 for children between six and 14.

The Ancient City is at 296, 1 Sukhumvit Road, Bang Pu Mai, Mueang Samut Prakan District, Samut Prakan 10280, Thailand. Visit its website for more information.

3. Chul Farm at Sansiri Backyard

Chul Farm resides within a private community operated by Sansiri, a luxury Thai property developer. At this urban farm, you and your kids can look at how vegetables and fruits are grown organically and get up close and personal with various animals ranging from chickens, goats and fish. You can purchase animal feed to feed them too. Otherwise, Chul Farm is a quiet location within the city to unwind and enjoy a bit of nature. There is also a shop that sells produce grown onsite as well as a cafe to refuel with some nosh. Do remember to bring anti-mosquito patches and sun protection. Entry to Chul Farm is free.

Chul Farm is at Sukhumvit 71 Rd, Phra Khanong Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok 10110, Thailand. Visit its Facebook page for more information.

4. Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World

While Singapore has its own aquarium, its rather inaccessible location in Sentosa means that it usually isn’t a place we would think to head to. However, Sea Life is situated in Siam Paragon, just beside the centrally located Siam BTS station. Plan your trip there ahead of time as there are public feeding sessions happening on certain days and times. Otherwise, enjoy the splendour of nature with the various themed zones that introduce penguins, sea mammals, fishes and more. Sea Life also has a new exhibition on rainforests to highlight the importance of that ecosystem on our planet. Tickets cost upwards of ฿1,090 per adult and ฿‎890 for children between three and 11.

Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World is at 991 Rama I Rd, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand. Visit its website for more information.

5. Children's Discovery Museum

Because the Children's Discovery Museum is located right next to the Chatuchak Weekend Market, it can be a pit stop in between your shopping sprees. Or perhaps, you could have your spouse or relative who isn't too keen to shop to care for your child as they explore the museum as you head to the shops. Once there, the museum has a variety of indoor and outdoor fun, interactive and educational activities for children to learn with their hands — digging for fossils, for example. Entry to the Children's Discovery Museum is free.

Children’s Discovery Museum is at 810 Kamphaeng Phet 4 Rd, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900, Thailand. Visit its Facebook for more information.

6. Get Growing Community Farm

If you don't want your kids to always be stuck indoors or if they love getting dirty exploring outdoors, then head to the Get Growing Community Farm. The farm is located across the Chao Phraya River in the state of Samut Prakan and was opened in 2019. Once you're there, let your child run wild through the outdoor jungle gym and obstacle maze, play on mud slides (kids can splash through the mud on little mats), and whizz down the zipline. You get to pet and feed animals too. Don't forget to pack towels, clean clothes, and sun and insect protection.

Get Growing Community Farm is at 22 2, Bang Kachao, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan 10130, Thailand. Visit its Facebook for more information.

7. Safari World

A zoo is a great place for animal-loving families to interact with wildlife. Safari World sits on about 200 acres of land and houses over 100 animals from all over the world in its Safari Park and Marine Park sections. The former has animals such as tigers, lions, bears and zebras while the latter has sea creatures ranging from dolphins to sea lions. Again, plan your visits ahead of time so that you can check out the various animal shows (sea lion, orangutan, elephants and more) and feeding times. Tickets cost upwards of ฿750.

Safari World is at 99 Panya Indra Rd, Sam Wa Tawan Tok, Khlong Sam Wa, Bangkok 10510, Thailand. Visit its website for more information.

8. Siam Amazing Park

Those travelling with older thrill-seeking children can consider Siam Amazing Park. Also known as Siam Park City, the amusement park was built in 1980 and boasts the largest wave pool in the world in its water park. There are six zones within, with offerings ranging from roller coasters and free-fall rides to carousels and water slides. Forgot to pack your swimsuits? The water park offers rental of swimwear, tube floats and towels. Tickets cost upwards of ฿1,000 for adults (131cm+) and ฿850 for children (101-130cm).

Siam Amazing Park is at 203 Suan Sayam Rd, Khan Na Yao, Bangkok 10230, Thailand. Visit its website for more information.

9. Dream World

Dream World is another amusement and water park option. Though it is slightly further from the Bangkok city centre (it is located in a neighbouring state), Dream World has the Snow Town attraction, where you have to dress up in winter gear to play with snow and even go for a sled ride. But if your family isn't up for the frost, then there are multiple roller coasters, water rides and human and animal shows to indulge in. There are also more chill rides such as the cable car and bicycle boat. Tickets cost ฿1,119.30 per person while children below the height of 90cm enter for free.

Dream World is at 62, Moo 1, Rungsit-Ongkarak Road Bang Yitho, Thanyaburi 12130 Thailand. Visit its website for more information.

10. Harborland

If your kids still have lots of energy to burn, bring them to Harborland, an indoor playground provider. The brand began life in Pattaya in 2016 and has since expanded to 22 locations nationwide. Within Bangkok, there is Harborland at popular locations such as Iconsiam, EmQuartier (by Phrom Phong BTS station), Central Rama 9 (besides Jodd Fairs) and Gateway Ekkamai (by Ekkamai BTS station). Certain branches have multiple zones with different games.

Available for small toddlers (65-80cm) and older, children below 10 need to be accompanied by their parents while those between 10-15 can play without adult supervision. If cleanliness is especially important for you (and why should it not be?), Harborloud takes sanitation seriously as the place smells like disinfectant and staff has been seen cleaning each ball in the ballpit individually. Pricing varies by location and age.

Harborland has multiple locations in Bangkok. Visit its website for more information.