From glittering temples and floating markets to rooftop skywalks, night markets and giant monitor lizards, this is your complete guide to the best things to do in Bangkok with kids.
Bangkok might have a reputation for wild nightlife, but look beyond the headlines and you’ll find one of Asia’s most exciting, diverse and surprisingly family-friendly cities.
We’ve visited Bangkok with our own kids a few times and discovered that it offers the perfect mix of culture, adventure and downtime.
You can explore golden palaces in the morning, cruise along ancient canals, cool off in an air-conditioned aquarium, spot lizards in a city park and finish the day with street food or a sunset skyline view.
In this guide, we share:
- The must-see temples (and how to survive them with kids)
- The best markets and food experiences
- Fun attractions and theme parks
- Outdoor spaces to burn off energy
- Modern “wow factor” experiences
- Age-based tips for toddlers through to teens
- Family-friendly hotel recommendations
- Practical transport advice
Whether you have one day or three, this guide will help you plan a Bangkok family trip that’s fun, manageable and memorable.
We have always liked to focus on the cultural side of Bangkok when we have visited, and this article reflects that.
However, if theme parks and more obvious kids activities are more your thing, we also have recommendations for some of the most popular family attractions at the end of the article.
Table of Contents
Top Tips for Families visiting Bangkok
No matter the age of your kids, Bangkok works best when you:
- Start early
- Avoid the midday heat
- Stay near public transport
- Don’t overschedule
It’s tempting to cram everything in, but Bangkok rewards a slower, flexible approach, especially with kids.
You may also like this article: Fun Facts about Thailand for Kids.
Top Things to do in Bangkok for Families
Read on for our pick of some of the best things to do in Bangkok for families.
Bangkok Canal Tour
Bangkok was once known as the ‘Venice of the East’ thanks to its large network of canals. One area where many of these khlongs or canals remain intact is Thonburi, which has maintained much of its original rustic charm.
Taking a Canal Tour allows you to cruise the criss-cross of canals and admire the old wooden bridges, ramshackle teak buildings and traditional temples.
Most tours visit the old Artists’ house, a 200-year old teak building, where there’s the opportunity for mask painting and you might also catch a traditional puppet show. You’ll also pass by Bangkok’s biggest Buddha.
Our tour of the canals was an absolute highlight of our Bangkok family trip and is definitely recommended. It’s a great way to see a different side of Bangkok.
Click here to book a Tour of Bangkok Canals .
The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha)
No visit to Bangkok is complete without a trip to The Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew.
This sprawling complex of intricately decorated temples is home to the most sacred Buddhist temple in Thailand, and the highly revered Emerald Buddha.
Top Tip: The temple complex is crowded with tourists, and with the hot weather it is best to plan to arrive early and don’t plan on staying too long if you have young kids in tow.
Our kids enjoyed exploring the different buildings and posing for photos with the giant towering gate-keeperstatues. There was enough gold and glittering jewels to keep them impressed for a short time.
Essential to know: There is a strict dress code for Wat Phra Kaew. Everybody must have their legs and shoulders covered.
While you can cover your legs with a sarong, it is not acceptable to wrap a sarong or scarf around your shoulders – you must be wearing a top with sleeves (a short-sleeved t-shirt is fine). Men also cannot wear shorts or a sarong and must wear long trousers to visit Wat Phra Kaew.
If you arrive at the temple without proper attire, you will be directed to an office where you can purchase long trousers/t-shirts with sleeves for your visit.
Wat Pho
From The Grand Palace, it’s a short walk to nearby Wat Pho, where the enormous reclining Buddha is a hit with the kids.
You can make a donation to the temple and collect a jar of coins to distribute into the bowls lining the walls: one in each bowl for good luck. It keeps the kids amused while you admire the surroundings.
It is easy enough to visit these temples on your own. But if you prefer to visit with a guide, you can book a private guided tour here.
Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn)
Just across the river from Wat Pho, Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn) is one of the most striking temples in Bangkok, and one that older kids especially tend to love.
Its towering central prang is covered in colourful porcelain tiles that sparkle in the sunshine, and yes… you can climb it. The steps are famously steep, which makes it feel like a mini adventure for tweens and teens (you’ll want to hold hands with younger kids).
The views from the top across the Chao Phraya River are fantastic and give you a real sense of how vast Bangkok is.
Top Tip: It’s much quieter here first thing in the morning or later in the afternoon. If you’re already visiting Wat Pho, simply hop on the short river ferry across the water.
If you’re planning temple visits with kids, pairing the Grand Palace, Wat Pho and Wat Arun together makes for a brilliant cultural morning before retreating somewhere air-conditioned or hitting the hotel pool.
Visit a Floating Market
My kids were obsessed with visiting a floating market during one of our Bangkok trips.
We did some research and chose Khlong Lat Mayom floating market as the best option to get a feel for local Thai life.
As a lesser known floating market, it is not overrun with tourists as many others are now. Unlike most floating markets, Khlong Lat Mayom is close by and easily accessible from the city.
The market is a foodie’s paradise with every kind of Thai snack available. We enjoyed many new food experiences, as well as some of the best mango sticky rice in town.
However, although we loved the authentic local atmosphere of the market, it didn’t quite deliver the image the kids have of hundreds of boat vendors competing for our business.
In hindsight, for a floating market for children to enjoy, we may have been better exploring a busier one such as Damnoen Saduak or Amphawa, even though these involve a bit more travel out of town.
For authenticity and local life, Khlong Lat Mayom is a great option. For more frantic touristy fun, then I’d say opt for one of the bigger ones.
Click here to book a tour to the Damnoen Saduak floating market.
Chatuchak Weekend Market
If you’re in Bangkok over the weekend, don’t miss Chatuchak Weekend Market, one of the largest markets in the world.
This place is enormous. We’re talking over 8,000 stalls selling everything from quirky souvenirs and vintage clothes to handmade crafts, toys and artwork.
Teenagers will love browsing, while younger kids are usually happy if there’s coconut ice cream or mango smoothies involved.
It’s hot, it’s busy, and it’s chaotic! That’s all part of the fun, but I do think it’s better suited to families with older kids.
Top Tip: Go early (before 10am if possible) to beat the worst of the heat and crowds. Take cash and dress lightly.
King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk & Observatory
If your family has a head for heights (I do not, but my daughter loves all this stuff), head up to the King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk, Bangkok’s highest observation deck.
Located at the top of the iconic pixelated Mahanakhon Building, this sky-high experience gives you sweeping 360-degree views across the entire city.
The main attraction? The Glass Tray.
Stepping out onto the transparent platform 310+ metres above the ground on the 78th floor is equal parts terrifying and thrilling. Tweens and teens will absolutely love it. (You won’t catch me dead out there!)
There’s also an indoor viewing area if you prefer to stay off the glass, plus a rooftop bar for sunset views (more my style!)
Top Tips: Go late afternoon and stay for sunset if you can and book tickets online in advance to save time and guarantee your chosen time.
SeaLife Aquarium Bangkok
My plans for a purely cultural Bangkok family trip were foiled when my kids spotted SeaLife Bangkok Ocean World out of the Skytrain window.
We gave in to their incessant pestering and spend a morning admiring the ocean life here.
Despite my best intentions, this was one of my kids’ favourite family activities in Bangkok!
They loved checking out all the sharks, seahorses and spider crabs here. They also loved the glass bottom boat ride and the 4D cinema.
Top Tip: If you are planning to visit SeaLife Bangkok Ocean World, plan to get there early as it can crowded. I would also recommend buying tickets online in advance to save queueing for tickets.
Click here to buy discounted tickets to SeaLife Bangkok.
This would also be a good option for a rainy day. It is located in Siam Paragon, a huge shopping complex, which is linked to a Skytrain station and has plenty of eating options inside.
Lumpini Park
If you need a break from temples, traffic and shopping malls, head to Lumpini Park, Bangkok’s answer to Central Park.
This large green oasis right in the middle of the city is the perfect place to slow the pace with kids. There are shady walking paths, open lawns for running around, playground areas and even paddle boats you can hire on the lake.
But the real highlight for kids? The giant monitor lizards.
Spotting these prehistoric-looking creatures wandering near the water was one of my kids’ favourite unexpected Bangkok moments.
It’s also a lovely early-morning or late-afternoon stop when the heat is more manageable and locals are out doing tai chi or jogging.
Dinner at Sala Rim Naam
For a fun evening and some great food, take the family to dinner and a show at the Mandarin Oriental’s famous Sala Rim Naam restaurant.
Located on the banks of the Chao Praya River, Sala Rim Naam is renowned for dishing up some of the best Thai food in Bangkok.
We took a seat on the floor at a traditional table and enjoyed a procession of fabulous Thai dishes. They have a special kids set menu, and they were also happy for us to order a few small dishes a la carte for the kids instead.
The kids loved watching the traditional Thai dance show and were in awe of the beautiful dancers who come around the tables to have their photos taken with them.
Click here to read more about the Sala Rim Naam show and dinner.
Take a Food Tour or Cooking Class
I am a huge fan of doing a food tour and/or a cooking class wherever we go. It’s a great way to learn the local culture – and often where you will eat the best food of your trip.
Both activities are perfect for families, although if you are travelling with young kids, I recommend doing a day-time food tour and also consider booking a private food tour so that you can go at your own pace.
A cooking class is a great family bonding opportunity and a good way to introduce your kids to the local cuisine – they are often more likely to try what they have cooked themselves! Many cooking classes also include a visit to the market, which is always fun, and educational.
Click here to book a family-friendly cooking class in Bangkok.
Visit Asiatique The Riverfront
This riverside open-air mall is a popular nightime activity in Bangkok.
It’s a fun place to do some souvenir shopping, eat some local food and watch some street entertainment. There’s a huge choice of restaurants here and a few cultural shows to watch, including Muay Thai – and even a Ferris wheel to ride!
Many of the riverside hotels offer free shuttle boat services to Asiatique in the evenings.
Other Places to Visit in Bangkok for Kids
So those are some of the more cultural activities we have covered during our visits to Bangkok. Below are some other popular things to do with kids.
Dreamworld
One of the most popular places for kids in Bangkok, Dreamworld is Thailand’s answer to Disneyland.
This fun theme park has rollercoasters and rides suitable for kids of all ages. There are also shows to watch, fairytale characters to meet and even an indoor snow park where you can play in real snow!
Click here to buy discounted tickets to Dreamworld.
Children’s Discovery Museum
This child-focussed, interactive museum is designed to get kids thinking outside the box. The focus is on hands-on interactive learning through having fun.
The museum is huge and divided into different themes, meaning there is something for everyone. Kids can build giant Lego, dig for dinosaur bones and there’s a water play area and playground too.
Closed on Mondays.
Click here to visit the website.
Siam Park City
Siam Park City is a good choice for hot days, as it not only has thrill rides for the whole family, but also water slides to cool off in, including the world’s largest wave pool!
There are five fun zones to explore at Thailand’s largest theme park, including X-Zone for adrenaline junkies and Small Zone for the little ones.
Click here to buy discounted tickets to Siam Park City.
Bangkok with Kids: Age-Based Tips
Bangkok really can work for all ages, but what you prioritise will depend on how old your children are. Here’s what I’d recommend based on our experiences.
Bangkok with Toddlers & Preschoolers
Bangkok is busy and hot, so pacing is everything when travelling with little ones.
Best activities for younger kids:
- Canal boat tour (short and engaging)
- Lumpini Park for space to run around
- Sea Life Aquarium (air-conditioned win!)
- Hotel pools for afternoon downtime
- Children’s Discovery Museum
Top Tips:
- Start early and plan indoor breaks in the afternoon heat.
- Choose accommodation near a BTS Skytrain station to minimise walking.
- Bring snacks and plenty of water.
- Consider splitting temple visits over two mornings rather than doing them all at once.
Bangkok with Primary School Kids
This is a fantastic age for Bangkok. They’re old enough to appreciate the spectacle of the temples, but still young enough to get excited by boat rides and street food.
Big hits for this age:
- Wat Pho (the giant reclining Buddha is always impressive)
- Wat Arun (climbing the steps feels adventurous)
- Floating markets
- Asiatique Ferris wheel
- Paddle boats at Lumpini Park
Top Tips:
- Turn temple visits into a scavenger hunt game
- Consdier a food tour or just let them choose a snack at markets, it keeps them engaged.
- Build in some “fun” activities (aquarium, market, Skywalk).
Bangkok with Tweens & Teenagers
Older kids often love Bangkok the most. The energy, skyline, markets and food scene feel exciting and very different from home.
Great choices for teens:
- King Power Mahanakhon Skywalk
- Chatuchak Weekend Market
- Chinatown at night
- Food tours
- Tuk tuk rides after dark
Top Tips:
- Give them some shopping time at the markets.
- Visit the Skywalk at sunset for maximum impact.
- Don’t miss the street food, it’s often a highlight.
Getting around Bangkok
Travelling around Bangkok with kids is actually pretty easy. The city has an excellent public transport system with the Skytrain (a monorail that connects most tourist areas) an MRT (underground/subway) and a network of boats plying the Chao Praya River.
We mostly travelled around using the Skytrain. The trains run from 6am-midnight daily, and with just two lines on the network it is easy to navigate.
Most bars, restaurants, hotels and attractions in Bangkok are within a short walk of a BTS Skytrain station.
For attractions near the Chao Praya River, such as the Grand Palace and Wat Arun, river taxis are an easy way to get around.
We chose to take the Chao Praya Tourist Boat as it is less crowded than the local boats. It is also quicker as it only stops at select piers that are close to tourist attractions. Look for the blue flag.
There are plenty of taxis in Bangkok but traffic can be horrendous at times so it is often quicker to take the Skytrain.
Top Tip: If you do take a taxi, ensure the taxi driver puts the meter on, or agree a price before you set off. I have lost count of the amount of arguments I have had with taxi drivers in Bangkok!
A ride in a tuk tuk is always fun for kids and they can be a good option for short distances. There are no meters in tuk tuks, so definitely make sure you negotiate before you set off.
Read more about getting around Bangkok here.
Family Friendly Hotels in Bangkok
In order to enjoy the best of both worlds of the city centre and riverside locations, we split our time in Bangkok between the Sukhumvit and the Riverside.
Other family hotels in Bangkok are also highlighted below. You can read a bigger selection of family hotels in Bangkok here.
Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit
The Sofitel Sukhumvit is a 32-storey art deco inspired hotel that brings a touch of French elegance to the heart of Bangkok. Located just a 2-minute walk from Nana BTS Skytrain station, sightseeing from this city centre location could not be easier.
Enormous shopping mall Terminal 21 is just a five-minute walk away and legendary party street Soi 11 is just around the corner, with a choice of bars, restaurants and clubs. The Sofitel provides babysitting, so you can happily head out in the evening with the little ones tucked up in bed.
Rooms are stylishly decorated, blending French sophistication with local Thai design elements. But the highlight of this hotel from a family point of view is the gorgeous outdoor swimming pool on the 9thfloor.
Click here to learn more and check prices for the Sofitel Bangkok Sukhumvit.
Anantara Riverside Bangkok Resort
If you’re looking of a Bangkok hotel with kids club, then the Anantara Riverside is a great choice.
With more of a holiday resort feel to it, this kids friendly hotel in Bangkok has sprawling landscaped gardens and an ideal riverside location.
It also has a huge swimming pool with swim up bar, in addition to a drop-off kids club.
There are several restaurants to choose from, including an Italian restaurant serving excellent pizzas from a wood-fired oven and a fun Teppanyaki restaurant. Breakfast is a generous buffet served on the terrace overlooking the Chao Praya River.
Sightseeing from the Anantara is not as convenient as a city centre location, as it involves taking a shuttle boat to Saphan Taksin, from where you can pick up a riverboat or Skytrain.
If you’re looking for relaxing Bangkok resorts for families however, it is an excellent option.
Click here to learn more and check prices for the Anantara Riverside Bangkok.
Sukhothai Bangkok
This luxury Bangkok hotel is a tropical oasis in the heart of downtown Bangkok. This child friendly hotel in Bangkok is beautifully designed, taking its inspiration from the ancient city of Sukhothai with its chedis and pagodas.
There is a good choice of restaurants, including a decadent chocolate buffet at weekends, which is sure to be a hit with the kids! Families will also love the 25-metre infinity pool set in amongst the lush tropical gardens.
Click here to learn more and check prices for the Sukhothai Bangkok.
Sukosol Bangkok
For a mid-range family hotel in Bangkok, you can’t go wrong with the Sukosol.
This Bangkok hotel for kids has family rooms featuring two queen beds that are filled with kids’ amenities such as kid-sized robes and slippers. Kids are welcomed with a cuddly toy and colouring books too!
Another reason this is a great choice, is that it is just a short walk from Phaya Thai Skytrain station, making it easy for sightseeing and getting to/from the airport. The hotel has a good choice of restaurants and a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool for cooling off after a hot day of sightseeing.
Click here to learn more and check prices for the Sukosol Bangkok.
Buy Before You Go!
Get ready for your Bangkok family trip with these travel essentials.
- A lightweight packable backpack is always useful for city trips with kids,
- A sarong to keep in your bag in case you want to visit a temple and need to cover up your legs or shoulders last minute.
- Insect repellent to keep everyone in the family mosquito bite free
- Hand sanitiser for when you want to tuck into some yummy street food
- Insulated water bottles to ensure you always have cool drinking water on hand
Heading to the beaches in Thailand? Check out our guides to the best family resorts in Koh Samui and Phuket!
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It most be really nice and a great experience having the opportunity to travel with your kids sometimes not knowing what to expect but having your loved ones around. Love your travel blog by the way.