The Top 15 Things to Do with Kids in Bangkok

As the gateway city to Thailand, Bangkok is one of the most popular destinations for family travel. To help you fully immerse yourself in Bangkok's exotic highlights, we've handpicked the following 15 cultural and experiential gems for you.

This list will not take you to the usual indoor play centers or amusement parks that you could easily find in your home country, offering similar experiences. Instead, we will show your family the real Bangkok, from iconic temples to immersive local life adventures.

1. Explore the Cultural Marvels of the Grand Palace and Wat Pho

If you're interested in Thailand's incredible past and architectural gems, the Grand Palace and its neighbor Wat Pho (the Temple of the Reclining Buddha) are absolute must-sees.

The Grand Palace would amaze you with its beautiful Siamese architecture, vibrant murals, and ornate decorations. Your kids would be in awe of about the 46-meter-long (151-foot) reclining Buddha inside Wat Pho, the largest one in the world. Listening to the monks' chants there also provides a better understanding of Thai Buddhism.

When exploring these historical landmarks, a knowledgeable and informative guide (like ours) is necessary. they would make history come alive for kids, navigate the route to escape the crowds, and show you the best photo spots.

2. Snap Family Photos at Wat Arun at Sunset

If you're looking to capture a picture-perfect family moment with a touch of Bangkok's charm, don't miss the sunset at Wat Arun. This iconic temple is renowned for its small yet exquisite pagoda.

You could climb to the pagoda to enjoy the visual feast with a stunning sunset. For an immersive experience, wear traditional Thai clothing and capture some memorable family photos.

As the steep stairs are not very friendly to weak knees, you could also choose to look out upon it via a long-tail boat ride or the viewing point at Tha Tien Pier.

A sunset drink or a fine dinner at a restaurant or bar just opposite Wat Arun with views of the lit pagoda is a bonus for a big celebration. Sala Rattanakosin Restaurant is one of the best options.

3. Cool Escapes: the National Museum Bangkok and Museum Siam

If you'd like to escape the heat and crowds, museums in Bangkok offer great educational chances for your school-aged kids with a serene vibe. The National Museum Bangkok tops the list for its most cherished collections and exquisite treasures, while Museum Siam is best at interactive displays.

At the National Museum Bangkok, halls 2, 4, 5, 6, and 10 are highly recommended to see Buddhist art and statues, murals, and royal chariots.

Museum Siam would show you the Thainess from history to daily life. In a game-like manner, learn about the history of Thailand via a "pop-up" exhibit, open exhibit drawers in a blind-box manner, and even try on Thai clothing in the display room.

Get some inspiration on itineraries for a 10-day Thailand family trip, including Bangkok.

4. Chill Out with a Longtail Boat Ride

Want something immersive beyond the temples? A longtail boat ride over the Chao Phraya River would be a great choice.

If you seek an exclusive family hour, a private longtail boat ride would be a treat. A 40-minute boat ride from/to Tha Tien Pier is highly recommended as you could perfectly combine it with your Grand Palace tour. You could see the local life along the waterways, pass by the big Buddha, and feed the catfish.

The public boat is commonly used by locals in a cost-effective way. If you take it, make sure that you could find the piers as they are not indicated.

If you have limited time in Thailand, see our One Week Family Vacation to Thailand from/to Bangkok.

5. Watch Thailand's Most "Dangerous Market": Maeklong Railway Market

If you'd like to take your kids to experience something unique in Bangkok, Maeklong Railway Market is not to be missed. Known as the most dangerous railway market, you could see a train going straight through an active market. The train passes within 6 inches of you when it goes through the market.

Before the arrival of the train, you could witness the stall holders pulling back their goods from the tracks. The huge amount of people cheering at the train is another interesting scene.

Instead of looking at it from the side of the railway track, taking the train through this market and saying hello to the locals offers a more engaging view.

As there are just four trains a day (usually at 6:20 am, 9:00 am, 11:30 am, and 3:30 pm), you'd better schedule your visit to see one pass through. Allow 1½  to 2 hours for a drive from Bangkok.

If you seek some off-the-beaten experiences beyond Bangkok, check out our 14-Day Thailand Adventure Tour.

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6. See the Unique Lifestyle at Local Floating Markets

Floating markets showcase a unique lifestyle of Southeast Asia, and Bangkok is one of the best places to experience it.

Damnoen Saduak Floating Market is one of the most famous ones. It is very lively (which also means crowded), and the crowded waterways are sometimes filled with unpleasant smoke/fumes from motorized boats. For a better experience, visit early in the morning before the big groups arrive.

If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, the Amphawa Floating Market is a good option. However, note that, unlike Damnoen Saduak Floating Market (7 am-11 am each day), it is not open every day. It only operates in the afternoons on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (10 am-9 pm).

7. Thrill Your Kids with a Tuk-Tuk Ride in Bangkok

A Tuk-tuk ride is one of the main types of transport in Bangkok. If you're looking for a thrilling experience for your active teens/young adult children, look no further than this.

Most tuk-tuks can fit two to four people in them and can take short cuts and go along narrow streets more quickly, especially during rush hours. You could try a short ride between key attractions in the old city, such as between the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.

Or you could enjoy our classic night food tour via tuk-tuk rides from your hotel to Chinatown. Hop on a tuk-tuk, witness the illuminated night views of the city, and taste the typical street foods of Bangkok.

8. Step Aboard the Manohra Luxurious Dinner Cruise on the Chao Phraya River

If you're celebrating a big family event in Bangkok, the fine dining on a dinner cruise would offer a fancy backdrop. Instead of modern busy party cruises for big groups (over 100 people), we highly recommend a Manohra Dinner Cruise for a calm and chill atmosphere, accommodating 20–30 people.

In this 2-hour dinner cruise journey, take your family onto an antique rice barge boat, sample the four-course Thai meal cooked by chefs from luxury 5-star Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort, and specially celebrate your big family events together, alongside the illuminated icons of Bangkok, such as the Wat Arun. With limited seats, early booking is a must, especially in the peak season.

9. Embark on a Night Foodie Adventure in Chinatown

If your family would love to experience the most vibrant nightlife in Bangkok, Chinatown is an ideal choice, blending Chinese culture and Thai charm. A night foodie adventure there is best for your family to discover it in an interactive way.

You could taste freshly-made takeaway snacks and drinks in its main street, Yaowarat Road. Or traverse the hidden alleys for a Michelin-starred food adventure, like Lim Lao Ngow for fish ball noodles, Patonggo Savoey for dough sticks, and Khao Gaeng Jek Pui for Thai curry.

As locals and tourists flock here to experience the beautiful chaos, you'd better prepare for the crowds. As well as that, it is baking hot in the open streets, particularly in the hot season (April to June), so get plenty of shade and hydration.

Celebrate New Year in Bangkok? Learn more about our 10-Day Best of Thailand New Year Countdown Tour.

10. Partake in Hands-On Family Cooking Adventures in Bangkok

In Bangkok, most shared cooking classes are held in cooking schools and are usually combined with market tours.

For more exclusive experiences, try our private cooking class at a local family's home in Nakhon Pathom. In addition to the local market visit and hands-on cooking experiences, you could also try the public BTS Sky train and take a scenic boat trip as the locals do.

If your time allows, Chiang Mai is a better alternative for cooking classes thanks to its cheaper prices and more engaging activities, like picking up the ingredients from organic farms.

11. Trek in the Jungle of Khao Yai National Park

An excursion to the Khao Yai National Park would add an adventure to your Bangkok trip.

Day trips to Kao Yai from Bangkok are doable with a 2½-hour road journey each way. While there, you could simply take a light hike along the gibbon route or the Haew Suwat nature trail, which are the top choices for all ages.

However, we highly recommend taking an overnight trip for a richer experience. You could hike deeper into the park, escape from the crowds to watch millions (we're not kidding!) of bats streaming out of the bat cave after sunset or take a popular night safari to spot wild animals in the dark.

Based on our experiences, we suggest staying outside the park for a cozier stay, as the accommodation inside, such as hotels and campsites, tends to be of a lower quality.

12. Cycle Through Historical Temples in Ayutthaya

If you're a culture and history buff, Ayutthaya would be a treat for you. Known for its UNESCO-listed historical park, you could cycle around it to appreciate the iconic Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, the most photogenic Wat Mahathat with a Buddha head embedded into a tree trunk, and the still active Wat Yai Chai Mongkhon for reclining Buddha.

After immersing yourself in the history, relax with a boat trip to Bang-Pa-In, the former royal summer residence. Or we could specially arrange a longtail boat ride on the more-rustic Chao Praya River. If you're lucky, you could see locals riding elephants in the river.

13. Surprise Your Kids with a Floating Resort Stay in Kanchanaburi

Apart from its World War II historical sites and national parks, staying in a floating house in Kanchanaburi offers a special experience. It is a great way to get closer to nature.

The resorts are usually equipped with 10–15 rooms. All floating rooms are tucked into a floating bamboo lodge moored along the river, surrounded by lush green mountains, the jungle, and the calls of the wild. (Please note that this experience is exclusive to the floating resorts in the National Park area. Avoid the floating houses in the downtown area where the water is polluted.)

During your stay, you could swim in the river, enjoy a sumptuous dinner at the riverside restaurant, watch the sunset, and go for a hike in the surrounding jungle.

The Float House River Kwai Resort is one of the most luxurious resorts. If you want to experience life without electricity, you could choose the River Kwai Jungle Rafts. The entire resort does NOT use electricity but instead utilizes traditional kerosene lamps at night, maintaining a true eco hideaway in nature.

14. Bike around Bang Krachao —the Lungs of Bangkok

If you'd like to escape from the chaotic city life of Bangkok, don't miss Bang Krachao. As a popular spot for locals' weekend trips, whether you are an experienced cyclist or a casual rider, the routes in Bang Krachao are perfect.

You could cycle around the island to enjoy mangrove forests, visit the Siamese Fighting Fish Gallery, and learn the art of making incense at the Herbal Incense Home. If your visit falls on a weekend, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and sample some delicious Thai snacks at Bang Nam Phueng Floating Market.

15. Have Close Contact with Animals in Safari World Bangkok

If your family loves animals but you don't want to travel far, Safari World Bangkok is a delight for a family with wildlife-loving kids as it is rich in animals in both its safari zone and marine zone.

In the safari park, your kids could hop on a truck safaris to feed the towering giraffes and lorikeets swaying from the branches, and take pictures with orangutans.

At its marine park, you could walk to the diverse marine exhibits from the big sharks to little jellyfish, or take a boat to spot animals like crocodiles, hippos, and giraffes. The most attractive part is their entertaining dolphin shows and elephant shows.