July 20, 2023

Planning a trip to Bangkok with children and wondering what you can do to keep both kids and adults entertained? Discover 8 family activities to enjoy during your Bangkok stay. Temples, museums, amusement parks, floating markets, tuk tuk rides, and boat tours—everyone will love it!

1. Take a Tuk Tuk

No Bangkok visit is complete without riding in a tuk tuk. This iconic vehicle is the heartbeat of Thailand's capital, weaving through traffic and taking you anywhere you need to go. One thing's for sure—your tuk tuk ride will delight everyone, from the youngest to the oldest!

Tip: Remember to negotiate the fare before getting in, and make sure the price quoted matches the total number of passengers to avoid scams. Also, insist on being taken to your intended destination.

2. Visit the Grand Palace and Wat Pho

If there are two must-see sites during a family trip to Bangkok, they are the Grand Palace and Wat Pho.

The Grand Palace: Royal Residence and Temple of the Emerald Buddha

The Grand Palace is undoubtedly the city's most iconic landmark. Built in 1782, it has served as the residence of Thailand's king for 150 years. This massive complex includes several temples, pavilions, and stunning gardens. Don't miss the Wat Phra Kaeo temple, home to the renowned and deeply revered Emerald Buddha, dating back to the 14th century.

Wat Pho and Its Famous Reclining Buddha

Continue your exploration with a visit to Wat Pho, located right next to the Grand Palace. This magnificent 18th-century royal temple is certainly one of Bangkok's most beautiful temples. It houses, among other treasures, an enormous reclining Buddha (151 feet long and 49 feet high). Definitely impressive for the whole family!

Note: At both sites, respectful attire is required. Both men and women must cover their shoulders and legs.

3. Explore a Floating Market

Floating markets are living windows into traditional ways of life, offering a unique experience of commerce conducted from small boats. Whether walking the banks or riding in a canoe or traditional Thai long-tail boat, visiting a floating market will captivate the entire family.

To help you choose, check out our selection of the best floating markets to see in Bangkok and the surrounding area.

4. Explore Bangkok by Boat and Discover the Klongs

Boats are the most economical way to explore Bangkok. Crossed by the Chao Phraya, one of Thailand's most important rivers, the capital has 4 public boat lines and a tourist line that stops at major attractions.

By taking these water taxis and buses, you can reach numerous tourist sites while discovering Bangkok from a different perspective. You'll witness the fascinating lives of klong residents with their traditional waterfront homes.

5. Stroll Through Lumpini Park

Need a break from the hustle and bustle? Head to Lumpini Park, Bangkok's largest park. Known as the "green lung" of Thailand's capital, this central park offers a chance to relax away from the crowds.

You can have a family picnic, paddle on the lake, enjoy children's play areas, or observe the impressive monitor lizards wandering around the water features. These dinosaur-like reptiles will astound your kids. Though generally shy and harmless, it's best to keep your distance.

6. Visit the Children's Discovery Museum Bangkok

Planning a Bangkok trip with young children? The Children's Discovery Museum Bangkok is a great option for keeping them entertained for a few hours. Admission is free, and you'll find indoor (air-conditioned) and outdoor play areas. The museum features interactive activities, an archaeologist and dinosaur zone, and a water play area.

For more information, visit the Children's Discovery Museum Bangkok official website.

7. Visit Madame Tussauds Museum

If you're traveling with older children, consider a visit to the famous Madame Tussauds wax museum. The concept is well-known worldwide, so there's little need for introduction.

You can take photos with your favorite celebrities, and your kids will find their own favorites and beloved characters like Spiderman, Wolverine, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, Cristiano Ronaldo, and many others.

For more information, visit the Madame Tussauds Bangkok official website.

8. Cool Off at a Water Park

Suffering from the heat? Take the whole family to a water park for some refreshing fun! Bangkok has numerous themed water parks, with the most well-known being:

– Fantasia Lagoon,

– Pororo AquaPark,

– Dream World,

– Siam Park City (water park and amusement park)...

To note: Since most water parks are situated on rooftop terraces of Bangkok's massive shopping centers, you can combine shopping and attractions in a single day!

Also discover our itinerary for planning a family trip to Thailand combining culture, nature, cultural immersion, and beach time.

Florine Dergelet

Florine Dergelet

A travel writer for over 10 years, Florine Dergelet is a traveler driven by the desire to discover the world with an open heart. Each of her articles is an invitation to slow down, to listen, to understand. For her, travel is not about ticking countries off a map, but weaving connections—often invisible yet always powerful—with places, peoples, and all kinds of creatures in the animal kingdom. Her philosophy? Advise travelers with integrity, raising awareness about animal welfare, cultural respect, and the importance of humble, sustainable tourism. Because the most beautiful memories often come not from the spotlight, but from the shadows of a trail, in the heart of a conversation, or in the quiet rhythm of a world we finally take time to truly hear…