13 Adventurous Things to do in Thailand with Kids
Thailand is a Southeast Asian country known for its tropical beaches, royal palaces, and ancient ruins. It is filled with many attractions that make it a great holiday destination for families with children of all ages. From the idyllic islands of Phuket and Koh Phi Phi to the stunning temples of Chiang Mai, there are plenty of things to do in Thailand with kids!
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Best Things to do in Thailand with Kids
1. Explore the Floating Market in Bangkok
A visit to the famous Floating Market in Bangkok is a must-do for families. The market, which takes place on the waterways of Thonburi, offers an insight into traditional Thai culture and cuisine that will fascinate children.
You can take a boat tour to explore the canal and see vendors selling everything from fruits and vegetables to hand-crafted souvenirs. The kids will be equally impressed by the locals fishing and navigating their way through the canals.
2. Taste Street Food in the Night Markets of Bangkok
Thailand is known as one of the best foodie destinations in Southeast Asia. The night markets of Bangkok are a great place to explore local street food and a wonderful way to start doing things in Thailand with kids. They can get involved in trying different dishes and snacks, such as Pad Thai, fried bananas, and Thai tea.
A few of the best night markets to visit in Bangkok include Old City (Rattanakosin) known for its kebabs, Boat Noodle Alley at Victory Monument (Anusawari) for noodles, or Baan Klang Nam 2 (Rama III Road) for seafood and local vibes.
When trying street food in Thailand, take precautionary measures such as checking to make sure the food is fully cooked to ensure that children are eating safe and clean food.
3. Spend a Day at the Amusement Park Dream World
Dream World is Thailand’s largest amusement park! This family-friendly destination is located in Thanyaburi, just north of Bangkok, and offers thrilling rides and a water park for kids! There are also exciting weekend shows to watch such as a parade or a Hollywood battle.
The family can spend the whole day having fun at Dream World since there are plenty of food options to sustain even the hungriest eaters!
Tickets to Dream World range from $5-$20 depending on the ticket type and the park is open from 10 AM to 5 PM daily. Spending a day at the amusement park is a fun-filled thing to do in Thailand with kids.
4. Visit a Temple and Learn to Make an Offering
A visit to one of Thailand’s Buddhist temples is a must-do when visiting the country. Kids can learn about Buddhist culture, admire the intricate architecture of the temples, and make offerings of flower garlands to bring good luck.
The most popular temple in Bangkok is Wat Saket, also known as The Golden Mount, which dates all the way back to the Ayutthaya era–Thailand’s most prosperous times. At Wat Saket, you can ring the line of bells for good luck as you walk past them.
5. Swim in the Sticky Waterfalls in Chiang Mai
Sticky Waterfalls, also known as Bua Tong, is a magical natural attraction located in Chiang Mai. Typically, rocks at waterfalls are so slippery that it’s hard to make your way up the waterfall.
However, the unique feature of Sticky Waterfalls is that the rocks are covered in limestone deposits, which means that the rocks are not slippery and can be climbed up and down!
The kids will have a blast climbing up and down the waterfalls and swimming in the pools at the foot of the falls. There are also plenty of shaded areas for picnics and breaks.
6. Go Shopping for New Clothes at the Night Market in Chiang Mai
The night markets of Chiang Mai are a great place to go shopping with kids! They offer a variety of unique clothing items, from traditional Thai garments to modern Western fashions. Kids can have fun picking out their new clothes. You can get a great deal if you bargain well with the vendors!
The Chiang Mai Night Bazaar is located on Chang Klan Road and is open from 5 PM to 12 AM every day. Other popular night markets include Warorot Market and Saturday Walking Street, which are also great places to find unique souvenirs for the family!
7. Visit an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai
Elephant sanctuaries are a great way for kids to learn about conservation first-hand. Chiang Mai has many elephant sanctuaries, such as Elephant Nature Park and Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, that offer educational tours and experiences.
Kids can feed the elephants and learn about their natural environment. They will also get the opportunity to interact with elephants up close, which is an unforgettable experience!
Depending on the sanctuary you go to, some will allow you to bathe the elephants while others prefer elephants to bathe themselves. Typically the most ethical sanctuaries will not allow you to ride the elephants.
Sanctuary tours typically last a full day and cost around $50 per adult and $25 for kids. Meals are included if you choose a full-day visit and there will be pick up and drop off from your accommodation.
8. Float on a Bamboo Raft in Mae Wang District of Chiang Mai
Mae Wang district in Chiang Mai offers some great adventures for the whole family. One of the best experiences is floating down the river on a bamboo raft! The whole family will be able to enjoy this unique experience, as the rafts are big enough for up to 4 people, depending on weight.
The bamboo rafting tour includes pick-up from your accommodation and lasts a full day. Along the way, your family will stop to visit a Karen (Long Neck) village and you may see elephant sanctuaries on the river.
9. Snorkel in the clear waters of Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is an incredibly beautiful island in Thailand, filled with stunning beaches and crystal clear waters. It’s the perfect place to take the kids snorkeling!
The waters around Koh Phi Phi are teeming with marine life, from brightly colored fish to sea turtles. Kids will be able to explore all types of coral and learn more about the ocean. The best places to snorkel are Maya Bay, Shark Point, and Bamboo Island.
Snorkeling tours can last a few hours and cost around $20 for snorkeling rentals. Boat rides will cost up to $50 and should include snorkeling gear–just ask to double-check! Make sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen!
10. Fly through ziplines at Hanuman World in Phuket
Hanuman World in Phuket is an adventure park that offers many thrilling experiences, making it an adventurous thing to do with kids in Thailand. From the best ziplines to the infamous skywalk, children can explore the treetops and feel like they are flying through the air!
The ziplines range from beginner to advanced levels, and the park permits kids from ages 4 and up. Visitors can buy different passes depending on how much time everyone would like to spend at the park.
11. Relax on the beaches of Phuket
Phuket is an amazing place to relax and unwind with kids. There are plenty of stunningly beautiful beaches to explore, such as Patong Beach, one of the most popular beaches, or Kata Noi Beach, a little quieter beach.
The kids can splash around in the warm waters of the Andaman Sea, build sandcastles on the soft sandy beach, and explore the colorful reefs nearby. There are also water activities to do, such as wakeboarding or sea kayaking.
Be sure to have plenty of snacks and drinks on hand for a full day of beach fun!
12. Take a Thai Food Cooking Class
Thai food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world, so why not take your family to learn more about it? Taking a cooking class is one of the best things to do in Thailand with kids to learn how to make traditional Thai dishes.
In the class, kids will be able to learn how to make delicious dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, and the delicious dessert mango with sticky rice. Kids will have fun learning about the ingredients and techniques that go into making authentic Thai food. Moreover, your family can also go on a market tour to learn how to pick the freshest ingredients.
The best part about taking a cooking class is being able to cook those dishes with your kids when you get back home.
13. Learn the Art of Muay Thai by taking a class
Muay Thai is a great martial art for kids to learn. It teaches discipline, respect, and focus, plus it’s a lot of fun! One thing to do in Thailand with kids is to sign them up for a private Muay Thai class to learn the basics of this martial art.
The instructors will provide one-on-one instruction tailored to the skill level and age of the kids. Kids will learn the basics of Muay Thai, like stances and strikes, as well as more advanced techniques. Plus, they’ll get to practice drills with partners in class and have fun!
A Muay Thai class is a great way for your family to bond and learn something new together. The classes are usually $45 and last up to 2 hours. With this class, you’ll also get exclusive tickets to see a Muay Thai boxing match.
Final Thoughts: 13 Adventurous Things to do in Thailand with Kids
Thailand is an amazing country full of adventure and fun things to do with kids. From snorkeling in the crystal clear waters around Koh Phi Phi to learning how to make traditional Thai dishes, you are bound to make memories together with your family.
Don’t wait any longer – book your next flight to check out the best things to do in Thailand with kids! Make memories that will last a lifetime and give you an experience you won’t soon forget.
About the author: Pafoua is the author and creator of Her Wanderful World and writes from her numerous excursions about all things travel, from fun itineraries to creating memorable experiences on the road. When she’s not traveling, Pafoua loves a fun board game night with her friends or is snuggled up reading a good book.
