Top Activities for Kids in Thailand

Thailand is an ideal destination for families with children of all ages.

With 3148km (1956 miles) of coastline, Thailand offers plenty of beaches and watersports. Additionally, the country is home to 156 national parks, 120 protected forests, and 58 wildlife sanctuaries, covering over 30% of its land—perfect for hiking and wildlife observation. Urban explorers will find Bangkok packed with exciting activities and convenient day trips nearby.

Thai people are incredibly welcoming to children, often going out of their way to accommodate families; it's hard to find places that aren't kid-friendly. In this respect, Thailand truly lives up to its reputation as the “Land of Smiles.”

Why is Thailand family-friendly?

With its stunning beaches, mountains, lush landscapes, and enchanting temples, Thailand is a tropical haven. The country also offers ample infrastructure—such as reliable transportation, restaurants, and clean restrooms—making it easy to travel with children. Arriving in Bangkok? The Airport Rail Link (from Suvarnabhumi) and Don Mueang Airport Train (from Don Muang) conveniently connect you to the Skytrain (BTS) or subway (MRT) stations, most of which are equipped with elevators for easy access with luggage and strollers.

In Thailand's larger cities, shopping malls serve as popular gathering spots for families, often featuring dedicated children's entertainment areas. These malls may include play zones for younger kids, bowling alleys, cinemas, and even ice skating rinks. For example, Seacon Square in Bangkok boasts a 10,000-sq-m (107,639-sq-ft) indoor amusement park called YoYo Land. Dining options abound in these malls, where well-known chains like McDonald's and Starbucks coexist alongside local restaurants serving everything from Thai cuisine (Nara, Greyhound) to Japanese (Oishi, Fuji) and Italian (the Pizza Company, Peppina).

If you're in Bangkok with kids, public transport is incredibly easy. Children under 90cm (2.9ft) travel for free on both the Skytrain and subway, with height measurement scales located by ticket counters. For those between 90cm and 120cm (3.9ft), discounted fares apply for children under 14 years old.

Bangkok offers a wealth of family-friendly accommodation options, from standard hotels conveniently located near public transport and shopping areas to serviced apartments available for short stays and Airbnbs starting as low as THB1000 (US$29) per night. Many beach resorts, as well as some in popular spots like Chiang Mai, are well-equipped to cater to families, providing high chairs, kids’ menus, baby pools, and dedicated kids' clubs to keep young guests entertained. Most places can also arrange for extra cots or beds upon request.

Less frequented areas like the Northeast and some smaller islands can be a bit challenging to explore, especially with a stroller. Therefore, using baby carriers is recommended, particularly if you plan to be active during your visit. Kid-friendly menus might be limited, so having a go-to dish that’s easy to find is useful. Thai families often opt for khao pad gai (chicken fried rice), which includes rice, diced chicken, scrambled egg, and vegetables, sometimes topped with a fried egg. If chicken isn’t a favorite, you can switch it out for other proteins, such as khao pad puu (crab fried rice), khao pad nuea (beef fried rice), or khao pad jay (vegetarian fried rice).

What are the best destinations in Thailand for families?

From December to February, during the high season, and in March and April, the beach is undoubtedly the place to be. Visitors can enjoy pleasant temperatures ranging from 22–32°C (72–90°F), along with clear skies, soft sands, and warm, inviting waters. However, be prepared to share these beautiful spots with other travelers, both local and international, all seeking the same idyllic experience.

In the rainy season, which runs from May to October, beaches can often be crowded with jellyfish, particularly after monsoon rains. If you wish to dodge both their stings and the large crowds, Thailand’s national parks provide an excellent opportunity for kids to engage with nature while learning about the country’s distinctive ecosystems.

Top activities for families with babies and toddlers: enjoy the sun, sand, and water

What more could a baby want than gentle waves, soft sand, and a perfect spot for napping? Thailand is filled with beautiful beaches, but the most family-friendly include Nai Harn and Surin beaches in Phuket, Than Sadet beach on Ko Pha-Ngan, Tham Phra Nang beach at Railay, and Ko Samet, all offering ample dining options and changing facilities.

Hua Hin beach is a popular gathering spot for locals, featuring activities like banana boat rides, kite surfing lessons, and horseback rides for older children. The beach is also lined with restaurants, hotels, and the occasional vendor selling roti. If you prefer to avoid sand, check out Vana Nava, touted as the “world’s biggest water park.”

Top activities in Thailand for kids: elephants, hikes, and fireflies

Thailand is home to numerous national parks and wildlife sanctuaries that highlight the rich diversity of its flora and fauna. In the remote northern regions, elephant camps offer visitors a chance to interact with these gentle giants, believed to bring good fortune.

Near Bangkok, the renowned Khao Yai National Park features a variety of hiking trails suitable for all skill levels. By hiring a guide, you can better spot the wildlife, including monkeys, deer, and occasionally, elephants. Another great day trip from Bangkok is to Amphawa, a bustling floating market that reflects traditional Thai shopping. As night falls, guided boat tours let children witness the enchanting fireflies that gather around the banyan tree roots, and overnight stays are available right on the water.

Top activities for tweens and teens in Thailand: history, swimming, and rafting

While your tween or teen might seem glued to their phone, you can spark their interest with adventures into Thailand’s rich history. Visit Kanchanaburi, home to the notorious “Death Railway.” The Thailand-Burma Railway Centre is an engaging museum that reveals the railway's fascinating history. The river nearby offers thrilling activities like rafting, paddleboarding, or a relaxing guided float. Not far away, Erawan Falls invites gentle splashing while tiny fish nibble at your toes.

In Bangkok, Museum Siam provides an interactive exploration of what “Thainess” means, while a cruise on the Chao Phraya River is an enjoyable experience, whether you take a water taxi or one of the many complimentary hotel shuttle boats from Saphan Taksin.

Essential travel tips for families visiting Thailand

Thailand has a surprisingly good train system that can offer hours of entertainment. The overnight train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is particularly popular, but younger children might find it overwhelming (and parents may struggle for stroller space). The train from Bangkok extends down to Surat Thani, where you can switch to a bus for destinations like Samui, Krabi, or Phuket (using a baby carrier is advisable instead of a stroller).