33 Fun Things To Do With Kids In Bangkok
Bangkok is a city that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or just want to have some fun, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. If you’re traveling with kids, Bangkok has no shortage of things to keep them entertained. In this blog post, we will share 33 fun things to do with kids in Bangkok!
If you’re visiting Bangkok with younger children, there are plenty of fun things to do. From the glittering nightlife to the bustling markets, Bangkok has plenty to offer. It’s not all about just visiting the temples and markets though; you can also enjoy some great entertainment for kids in Bangkok.
Key Takeaways
- Bangkok is a safe city, and the Thai people are warm and welcoming. It’s an ideal place to travel with your family.
- The city has many activities to enjoy with your kids, from ice skating, and fun rides to visiting Buddhist temples and learning about the local culture.
- The food in Bangkok is delicious, and many restaurants cater to kids’ tastes.
There are many great places to take kids in Bangkok
When you’re traveling with kids, it’s hard to know where to go. Luckily, there are plenty of great places to take kids in Bangkok. The city has a lot to offer, from the bustling markets of Thailand to the peaceful temples that dot the cityscape. Here are some of our favorites.
Best Temples and palaces to visit with kids in Bangkok
1. Be awed by the beauty of Wat Arun
Wat Arun, or the Temple of Dawn, is located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, directly across from Wat Pho. Although Wat Arun is a Buddhist temple, the architecture and murals are Hindu. Even the name is derived from Aruna, the Hindu sun god’s chariot driver.
Wat Arun is so popular in Bangkok that its image is minted on 10-baht coins. The temple has been restored to its former, gleaming glory after four years of restoration work that was completed in 2017.
2. Avoid the crowds at Wat Mangkon Kamalawat
Phra Archan Chin Wang Samathiwat (Sok Heng) built the temple in 1871 to spread Mahayana Buddhism. Later, King Chulalongkorn/King Rama 5 renamed the temple Wat Mangkon Kamalawat (Dragon Lotus Temple). The ubosot (Ordination Hall) was built in Chinese architectural style, with waving roofs and animal and floral stucco designs.
The main Buddha image is gold in color and Chinese style. An altar for religious rites stands in front of the ubosot. Images of Thao Chatulokaban (The Four Guardians of the World) are installed inside the wiharn (Sermon Hall), with all of the Thao Chatulokaban dressed in Chinese warrior costumes.
There are several statues of local Chinese Saints. In the temple’s backyard, there are three pavilions: one for Guan Yin (Goddess of Compassion and Mercy), one for the temple’s founder, and one for Saint Lak Chao. The faithful believe that paying homage to all the saints in the temple will bring them good fortune in various aspects of their lives. With the belief it has cultivated over the years, many tourists visit this temple to pray and believe in the fortune it holds.
3. Take in the views from Wat Saket
Phu Khao Thong also referred to as the Golden Mountain, is located at Wat Saket. The large artificial hill has a golden chedi on top, which is said to hold a Buddha relic.
A 360° view of Bangkok is the reward for climbing the 344 stairs to the chedi and viewing platform. For merit, people ring bells and sound gongs as they go. Compared to Wat Pho and Wat Phra Kaew, Wat Saket is frequently less crowded and simpler to enjoy.
4. Dazzle your kids at The Grand Palace
The most well-known landmark in Bangkok without a doubt is the brilliant, magnificent Grand Palace. It is a must-see attraction that every visitor to the city must see. It was constructed in 1782 and served as the Thai King’s residence, the Royal court, and the administrative center of government for 150 years.
A proud tribute to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Thai people, the Grand Palace in Bangkok is a grand old dame indeed that never fails to leave visitors in awe with its exquisite architecture and minute detail. Additionally, it housed state agencies, the mint, and the Thai war ministry. The complex is still the Thai Kingdom’s spiritual hub today.
5. Check out the giant reclining Buddha inside Wat Pho
The Giant Reclining Buddha is located lazily in the heart of Bangkok, surrounded by the magnificent bustle of the city. Even though the Royal Grand Palace is right next door, you’ll notice when you visit that it has a completely different vibe.
Once you pass the main attraction at Wat Pho, the atmosphere is considerably quieter than the Grand Palace, which is lined with hundreds of tourists hoping to catch a glimpse of the Emerald Buddha.
6. Visit Wat Phra Kae
Wat Phra Kaew, located within the grounds of Bangkok’s Grand Palace, is Thailand’s most visited temple. It makes sense—the temple is home to the Emerald Buddha, a jade statue from the 1400s revered as Thailand’s protector. The Buddha statue is dressed in a gold garment that the King of Thailand changes seasonally.
Wat Phra Kaew’s full name is Wat Phra Si Rattana Satsadaram. Expect little peace inside the country’s busiest temple. Instead, tourists will be jostling for positions to take selfies.
Unlike some other temples in Bangkok, Wat Phra Kaew strictly enforces proper attire. If you arrive in shorts, a sleeveless top, or stretch pants, you will be directed to nearby stalls to purchase or rent appropriate clothing.
Best Museums to visit with kids in Bangkok
7. Take a guided tour of the Bangkok National Museum
The Bangkok National Museum is one of Thailand’s most important museums, housing a diverse collection of artifacts from Thai history. There are three permanent displays at the museum, each with its unique collection of historical treasures.
The Bangkok National Museum was the first National Museum in Thailand, and it now houses the most extensive collection of Thai antiques and art in the country. The museum, which was built in the late 1800s on the grounds of the Grand Palace, comprises several structures, each housing a particular type of art.
There are three permanent exhibition galleries, each with its topic and sculptures and artifacts: a Thai History Gallery, an Archaeological and Art History collection, and a Decorative Arts and Ethnological Collection.
8. Visit Jim Thompson’s House
Jim Thompson’s House is a Bangkok historical museum with an extraordinary collection of Asian art, including Buddhist statues and Thai paintings depicting scenes from Buddha’s life. The museum is located in Khwaeng Wang Mai, Khet Pathum Wan, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10330, Thailand on Rama Rd.
Jim Thompson House displays art and artifacts collected by Jim Thompson, an American businessman who helped revitalize Thailand’s silk industry in the 1950s. His house was built from the remnants of six antique Thai houses to showcase his art collection. It is under royal patronage and has become one of Bangkok’s most popular tourist destinations.
9. Enjoy MOCA– Bangkok’s Museum of Contemporary Art
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) is a privately owned museum in Bangkok’s Chatuchak district that exhibits spectacular contemporary Thai art. The museum has an area of 20,000 square meters over five stories and provides impaired access via sign language guides and accessible restrooms.
The Museum of Contemporary Art, located away from the bustling city center, is one of Bangkok’s privately owned museums, displaying exquisite pieces of Thai art gathered by Boonchai Bencharongkul over more than 30 years over a huge area of 20,000 square meters across five levels. The Museum of Contemporary Art Bangkok’s insignia is a lotus-inspired sculpture at the entrance. The museum also offers a souvenir and book shop, and a cafe, and is accessible to the disabled, with sign language guides and accessible restrooms.
10. Discover Erawan Museum’s unique features
The three-headed elephant monument at the Erawan Museum is one of the largest in the world. There is also a collection of Thai antiques and relics at the museum.
The three-headed elephant (Erawan) towers fourteen stories above Sukhumvit Road; Erawan Museum houses an amazing collection of antiquities and religious art pieces collected by the museum’s owner, Khun Lek Viriyapant. The gardens around the museum are ornately decorated with magnificent flowers and Buddha statues.
11. Visit the museum at The Siam Hotel
This museum contains interactive displays about Thai history, with a focus on the indigenous culture of the country. The museum is well-organized, with thematic halls covering a wide range of topics from Buddhism through Suvarnabhumi to modern Thailand. There is also a theater room where films on Thailand’s history are shown.
The Museum of Siam, also known as the Discovery Museum, is a well-designed and laid-out multimedia exhibition that focuses on the questions of “who are Thais” and “what is Thai culture?” The museum traces Thai history from past to present, going through a series of different rooms looking at different aspects of Thai history, from Suvarnabhumi (the Golden Land) to Buddhism, to the founding of Ayutthaya, to Thailand today and its relationship with the world.
Visitors can interact with a range of digital exhibits and video exhibitions in each area, which poses questions about what “Thai-ness” might be while also teaching the region’s history and ethnography.
Everything is translated or subtitled in English, so foreign visitors can enjoy the exhibits just as much as Thais and the friendly staff greets everyone upon entry with a map of the museum and the instructions to “please touch everything.”
12. Ancient City (Muang Boran) offers a glimpse of Thailand in one place.
Muang Boran is an open-air museum that features life-sized and scaled-down replicas of Thailand’s most iconic buildings and landmarks. The grounds are designed to seem like Thailand, making it a fantastic place to get away from the rush and bustle of the city.
Muang Boran, which means “old city” in Thai, is a massive outdoor museum stretched across 240 acres of grounds created to look like Thailand. The museum, which claims to be the world’s largest outdoor museum, contains over 100 miniature reproductions of notable Thai structures and places, all of which are positioned on the grounds in geographic proximity to their actual counterparts.
There are the famed Sukhothai temples and the historic capital of Ayutthaya, as well as the well-known Phimai sanctuary from Nakhon Ratchasima, and a replica of the disputed Phra Wihan (known as Preah Vihear to Cambodians) Khmer temple on the border.
Best markets and department stores in Bangkok for Kids
13. Enjoy a visit to Bangkok’s floating market
Enjoy a visit to Bangkok’s floating market a long time ago, the area now known as Bangkok was covered by a vast jungle. Animals and plants made the area nearly inaccessible. It wasn’t a very profitable location for merchants to set up shop. Instead, Thai business owners relied on inland waterways to move customers and inventory. Transport of goods and services was facilitated by the waterways, much like it is today.
Even though roads have changed the look of Thailand, they haven’t had much of an impact on the country’s famous floating market. By remaining on the river, merchants have created a tourist attraction that draws visitors from all over the world. These businesses have thrived on the water and continue to do so today, attracting customers from all over the world.
Floating kitchens are manned by vendors dressed colorfully who prepare and sell locally sourced foods. Thai meat and papaya salad are two examples of traditional dishes. Mango sticky rice and coconut rice dumplings are also available. The floating market is a sensory experience for the whole family, with its brightly colored stalls, lively music, and delicious aromas.
14. Spend time at the beautiful Icon Siam
Icon Siam has been a popular hangout for youths and young people for over three decades. Siam Center, which underwent a major renovation in 2013, is the epicenter of cutting-edge fashion and design, containing worldwide brands like Forever 21, Sephora, Steve Madden, and SuperDry, as well as a slew of Thai designer labels.
The shopping center has a strange futuristic vibe, complete with unusual lighting, techno music, and an electronic piano key stairway (which kids will enjoy!).
The top floor has a variety of kid-friendly restaurants, ranging from chain restaurants to specialty dessert cafes. Siam Discovery, located next door, has more international designer boutiques, as well as an ice rink and the Madame Tussauds wax museum.
Additionally, you can beat the summer heat at Siam Park City Bangkok!
15. Check out some amazing stuff Chatuchak weekend market
Chatuchak Weekend Market is without a doubt one of Bangkok’s most popular shopping destinations for both locals and foreigners. That’s why, whenever I visit Bangkok, I usually stop at Chatuchak Market to browse its incredible selection of items and clothing.
This massive outdoor market features thousands of stalls selling a variety of things at very low costs. The stalls are separated into 30 parts due to their vast size. This allows customers like you to shop more conveniently and save time. Each section is dedicated to a specific type, such as fashion items, gardening plants, collectibles, and so on.
16. Visit Pak Khlong Talat
Anyone familiar with Bangkok is aware of the city’s many skyscrapers and bustling malls. We’re not exaggerating when we say that the number of local markets you can visit is practically infinite. It’s impossible to count them all. Thus, it can be very challenging to decide on just one during your unique journey. If you were to ask a local, however, there wouldn’t be many places that came to mind as quickly as this one.
As its name suggests, Pak Khlong Talat is a market located at the canal’s terminus. Actually, unlike Bangkok’s dynamic atmosphere, this one-of-a-kind flower market has been around for quite some time. In reality, its origins can be traced back to the 1700s, to the reign of Rama I. The name “Pak Khlong” comes from its history as a floating market in the area. But by 1910, it had already been transformed into a fish market.
In time, however, the fish market evolved into the wildly popular flower market that it is today in Bangkok (yes, we have no idea how, too). This vibrant flower market has been open for over 60 years and is bustling day and night. Here, we can buy a wide variety of flowers, from dried to fresh and blooming, some of which we may have never seen before.
17. Shop & dine at MBK Center
The vast MBK Centre, while not as glamorous as its neighbors, is a hugely popular location for youths, young adults, and tourists. There are almost 2,000 businesses here that sell anything from casual clothing to ballet attire and cell phone accessories. The top floors have a massive food court with Thai and international cuisine, as well as an entertainment complex with cinemas, a bowling alley, karaoke rooms, and a computer gaming arcade. Check out the latest exhibits in the adjacent Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre to get away from the throng at MBK (BACC).
18. Enjoy Siam Paragon
Siam Paragon is yet another massive retail center filled with luxury fashion labels, well-known clothing brands, and upscale boutiques. Fine restaurants, cafes, quick food outlets, a food court, and a well-stocked grocery can be found on the ground floor.
Additionally, older children and teenagers will enjoy the multi-screen Paragon Cineplex, which features an IMAX theater, as well as the Blue-O Rhythm and Bowl cosmic-themed bowling alley. On Levels 4 and 4AF, additional resources include music, dance, martial arts, and language schools, among others.
The best places to eat with kids in Bangkok
18. Dine and ride at Riverside Night Food Market at Asiatique
Don’t tell me there aren’t enough places to shop and market in Bangkok. The Asiatique night market (Asiatique: The Riverfront) is perfect for those who are looking for something out of the ordinary. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River in Bangkok, The Khlong Saen Saep Boat Service runs the canals in central Bangkok and is used primarily by commuting locals. Asiatique is home to a wide variety of shops, eateries, and entertainment options, and the grand entrance is accessible by a free river shuttle.
A shopper’s and diner’s dream come true, this is Bangkok’s first “large-scale riverside shopping center” (although in terms of size and retail range, it has recently by surpassed by the nearby Icon Siam shopping mall that opened in 2018).
There are new culinary additions like the Sirimahannop heritage ship restaurant, but some of the Asiatique bars and restaurants away from the waterfront have closed (likely due to reduced visitor numbers either due to COVID or Icon Siam opening).
While the Asiatique night market still offers plenty of attractions, including the famous Ferris wheel, newcomers may be taken aback by the apparent “shrinking” of the venue.
19. Enjoy Great Food at Yaowarat Road
Those without a strong stomach should avoid Yaowarat Road. There’s a new restaurant about every five steps, and they all serve fantastic, inventive takes on regional specialties. Most notably, It doesn’t matter how much money you have in your wallet, you can walk in here and leave here with a full belly and a few dollars in your pocket.
In addition, if you’re hungry, you can get there in a few minutes by foot from the MRT Wat Mangkon Station. If you decide to join us on this short stroll, remember to budget some extra time for waiting in line, as Yaowarat Road is frequently crowded with late-night diners.
20. Visit May’s Garden House
Keep an eye out for future changes to the eatery! May’s Garden House Restaurant is conveniently located near several subway and Skytrain stops in the downtown area of Bangkok.
21. Have delicious Cake at One-day Wallflower
Located in the middle of Soi Nana, this flower-themed café is connected to a charming flower garden and the adjacent flower shop, One-day Wallflowers. It’s a haven for coffee aficionados and those who appreciate the beauty of nature and the arts. The winding staircase, adorned with artistic lamps and flower pots, is a photogenic spot before ascending.
A few of the sightseers even went so far as to leave their coffee and pastries in the lobby so they could go downstairs and get the perfect shot before returning upstairs. The café has a lovely, homey atmosphere, with plenty of windows and an attractive outdoor seating area.
22. Enjoy a great dining experience at Chocolate Ville
In Chocolate Ville, you’ll find beautiful European-style scenery and bright, cheerful colors. Without a doubt, it is a must-see attraction in Bangkok. As a bonus, there is no entry fee to this park. Guests can enjoy their meals while taking in the scenery at the park’s spacious restaurant. Different diners can find something to their liking from their extensive menu of Thai and Western dishes.
23. Visit Mermaid Castle Cafe (Siam Square)
When you get to the top floor and enter the cafe, you will see that it has been tastefully decorated with the right colors and designs. The walls are purple with artwork depicting characters from The Little Mermaid, the stools and benches are pink, and the tables feature an ocean theme. The inclusion of squishy mermaid tails that you can put your legs into is a novel touch. Instagram users who feel like their feeds are lacking in variety should take advantage of this chance to add some new elements.
24. Enjoy Riding a rainbow at Unicorn Café at Sathorn
Bangkok, Thailand is a city that never sleeps. But if you’re looking for a place to rest your weary head, look no further than The Unicorn Cafe in Bangkok.
The Unicorn Cafe is one of the most unique attractions in Bangkok. This is not a spot frequented by locals as much as it is by tourists, and for good reason: it’s Instagram heaven!
25. Enjoy treats at Sanrio Hello Kitty House Bangkok
There are a lot of great things to do with kids in Bangkok, but one thing we love about the city is how much it’s geared toward children. Tons of restaurants cater specifically to kids, and many of them have amazing themes.
One of our favorite places to eat with kids in Bangkok is Sanrio Hello Kitty House Bangkok. This restaurant is one of the most popular spots in the city for families with little ones—and it’s no wonder! It has an incredible atmosphere, and it’s super fun for kids.
26. Go on a fun Chaopraya river dinner cruise
A touch of world-class dinner cruise in Bangkok. Dine on a stylish luxurious cruise. View the historical landmarks on a river cruise along the Chao Phraya
Experience dining at its finest with the best view of Bangkok. Enjoy the setting sun with your loved ones at this first-class restaurant located on the Chao Phraya River, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Bangkok’s gorgeous buildings while dining in style.
Other Fun Places to Take Kids to in Bangkok
27. Make time for Muay Thai
One of the most popular Thai sports is Muay Thai boxing, and if you ever wanted to give it a try, Bangkok is the place to do so. There are plenty of gyms around where you can take lessons and learn how to kick some serious butt.
28. Cooking with Poo in Klong Toey
Sukhumvit is one of the most popular places in Bangkok, and if you’re looking for something a little different to do, why not try cooking with Poo? This unique experience is located in Klong Toey and lets you learn how to cook Thai dishes using ingredients such as pork intestines, cow’s feet, and chicken heads. If you ever wanted to know what goes into making delicious Thai food then this is worth checking out!
29. Discover dinosaurs at the Children’s Discovery Museum
The Children’s Discovery Museum is a great place to take the kids if you’re on a family vacation in Bangkok. It features an impressive dinosaur exhibit, which showcases several real fossils and life-sized models of these prehistoric creatures. There are also other fun activities such as a hands-on discovery room, miniature train ride, and play areas for toddlers.
30. Enjoy Fun Rides at Siam Amazing Park
Siam Amazing Park is a fun place to go with younger kids on vacation in Bangkok. This amusement park has several rides, including some thrilling roller coasters, as well as wild water parks with swimming pools and slides. You can also enjoy live shows at night and there’s even an outdoor cinema if you want to catch up on some movies.
31. Have a blast at Dream World
Dream World is a theme park located in the suburbs of Bangkok. It’s home to over 40 rides, including some thrilling roller coasters and water slides. There are also many fun activities for kids such as a play area with a pirate ship, Jungle Bouncy Castle, and a dinosaur train.
32. Enjoy Ice Staking at CentralWorld ice rink
CentralWorld is a large shopping mall in Bangkok. It has an enormous indoor ice rink, which is perfect for families who want to enjoy some time together during their holiday. The rink is open throughout the year and offers public skating sessions at very affordable prices.
33. Enjoy Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World
Ocean World is a popular aquarium in Bangkok. It has many exhibits featuring marine life from around the world, including dolphins, penguins, and sharks. There’s also an outdoor area where visitors can interact with some of the animals themselves.
If you don’t know how to get around Bangkok, check this article out!
Top Things To Do With Kids In Bangkok FAQs
Is Bangkok a good place for the family?
Yes, Bangkok is a good place for family fun! Nowhere else in Southeast Asia has the same mix of lively street life, dedicated family attractions, and large city convenience. A trip to Bangkok will be an unforgettable experience, and there is a plethora of things to see and do with your children.
Young teenagers will find plenty of interesting things to do, and, contrary to popular belief, even tiny tots are cared for due to the enormous number of ex-pat families who now call Bangkok home.
Which month is best to visit Bangkok?
Bangkok is crowded all year, therefore the best time to visit for pleasant and dry weather is November to February, excluding Christmas and New Year’s Eve. These months are ideal for sightseeing because the heat and humidity are not an issue.
Is Thailand good to visit with kids?
Yes, traveling with children and babies is safe in Thailand. The culture values family and your family is no exception. With a few precautions, your trip to Thailand can be both safe and enjoyable for everyone.
How many days in Bangkok is enough?
You’ll need at least four to five days to visit this magnificent city. Not only is there so much to do in Thailand’s capital, but the tropical heat and throng can quickly tire you out. Booking at least four days in Bangkok will ensure that you have enough time to explore all of the city’s highlights.
What games do kids play in Thailand?
Tire racing, also known as tee-wong-law, is popular in Thailand’s rural communities. This game began with some free time and a bamboo ring salvaged from an old threshing basket.
Conclusion
Bangkok is an amazing city with a ton of history and culture to explore. If you’re looking for something to do with your kids, there are plenty of options. From visiting historical sites to playing in the park, there’s something for everyone. And if you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, consider taking a day trip to one of Bangkok’s many nearby beaches. Thanks for reading! I hope you enjoy your time in Bangkok!
Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for the best information about living in Thailand or reach out to us with any questions.
