Things to do with kids in Bangkok

Things to do with kids in Bangkok

1. BuyThonburi

   Bang Ramat Market

   A local outdoor marketplace filled with food, refreshments, clothing, souvenirs and miscellaneous items by various independent local vendors. The market has a variety of clothes for sale, including new, used, Western and Eastern style clothes. Also for sale are CDs/DVDs/VCDs, children's toys, phone accessories, purses, weapons (handguns, hunting knives, ammunition), toiletries, ceremonial gifts, souvenirs and other small accessories. Children can go to the large inflatable playpen. It is popular and well-known by locals, but barely-known or visited by tourists. It is best to visit the market in the middle of the afternoon when it is most lively.

   afternoon-evening daily

2. SeeSiam Square

   Bangkok Sea Life Ocean World

   สยามโอเชี่ยนเวิลด์

   The largest aquarium in Southeast Asia, exhibiting over 30,000 marine animals from all over the world and featuring a wide range of rare and exotic species. The area of the aquarium spans over 10,000 sq m, as wide as two football fields. The aquarium also offers a "dive with the sharks" package where you can scuba dive in the oceanarium side by side with sharks and rays, plus a "5D Cinema EXTREME" with specially rigged seats to add a kick to the typical 3D film experience.

   09:00-22:00 daily·900 baht

3. SeeSilom

   Bangkokian Museum

   พิพิธภัณฑ์ชาวบางกอก

   This typical wooden Thai-style family house was built in 1937 and originally was the home of the Suravadee family. It was converted into a museum that gives an insight into the lifestyles of middle-class Bangkokians during World War II and the 1950s. On display are antiques, household items, a kitchen, sanitation and toilet facilities used during the war. Part of museum is devoted to maintaining the history of Bang Rak and Silom, showing the farms, canals and windmills that used to be characteristic for this area.

   Wed-Sun 10:00-17:00·Free

4. SeeRattanakosin

   Bodhi Court

   You might stumble across a tree on a pedestal when walking from Phra Chan Market to Thammasat University. Why is this tree placed on a pedestal and decorated with garlands? Well, the tree has been linked with Thailand's struggle for democracy and the role Thammasat University has played here. The Bodhi Court is the birthplace of the 8 October 1973 student movement that grew into mass demonstrations for democracy and a new constitution. The students protested against the military junta and insisted on the release of 13 people that had been arrested for demanding a national charter. The number of protesters swelled to the hundreds of thousands and were relocated to the university's football field. On 13 October 1973 this large group of people started to move onto the streets. The following day, the government violently suppressed this mass demonstration, a key event in Thai modern history and the reason why the October 14 Memorial was erected near Khao San Road. On 4 October 1976, the Bodhi Court was the stage of an open-air stage performance that mocked the political culture of that time. When these parodies took hold of the newspapers' headlines on 6 October, the military junta violently attacked the student groups for being defamatory to the royal family. In 1991, a military coup d'état followed and a constitution was drafted that basically maintained the status quo. Students again gathered at the Bodhi Court to protest against the junta. After the 1992 general elections, the opposition to the junta gathered at the Bodhi Court, starting demonstrations that would evolve into more than 200,000 participants. The junta again cracked down in an event known as the Black May Massacre, but eventually all protesters were freed and the junta stepped down in favour of democracy. An important tree, indeed.

   Free

5. SeePhahonyothin

   Children's Discovery Museum

   พิพิธภัณฑ์เด็ก

   Discovery and interactive museums are the new hype in Bangkok, and this Children's Museum is no exception. The construction was completed in 2001 and completed in time to celebrate the 60th birthday anniversary of HM Queen Sirikit. It is a large complex with eight galleries with 123 exhibits and activities, spread over three buildings and one outdoor space. The goal is to learn children in a fun way about human life, science, culture, society, nature and the environment, and there is an exhibition in honor of HM Queen Sirikit. While mostly catering to Thai families, foreigners can bring their children as well.

   Tue-Fri 09:00-18:00, Sat-Sun 10:00-19:00·50-70 baht

6. SeeRattanakosin

   City Pillar Shrine

   ศาลหลักเมือง Lak Muang

   According to an old Thai tradition, a city pillar has to be built upon the establishment of a new city, to provide a home for guardian spirits. King Rama I had the Bangkok city pillar erected near Wat Phra Kaeo on April 21, 1782, an astrologically determined date for the auspicious founding of Bangkok. The city pillar includes the city's horoscope inside. Every town in Thailand has a similar city pillar shrine, so there are thousands of these all across the country. The original pillar was carved out of cassia wood, measuring 75 cm thick and 27 cm high. In the reign of King Rama IV, the old dilapidated pillar was replaced by a new one that measures 270 cm in height with a wide base of 175 cm. At that time it was placed in the prang-shaped shrine as seen today. Thonburi was merged into Bangkok in 1972, and its city pillar has been incorporated in the shrine. Hundreds of locals pray and place flowers here every day, as they believe the shrine has the power to bring good luck. Traditional dance ceremonies are often held, paid by wealthy families that saw their wishes granted.

   05:30-19:30 daily·Free

7. BuySukhumvit

   Dasa Book Cafe

   Great collection of used English, French, German, Scandinavian, and Finnish books, 15,000 in all. General fiction and guidebooks can be found on the ground floor; mystery, children’s, history, politics and non-fiction are on the first floor; horror, true crime, sports, philosophy, psychology, nature, and language books are found on the third floor. Prices range from 50 to 3,000 baht, although most books are priced around 200 baht. Used books are usually priced at half the price of new books. Owners are Kaweewut Wuttiwibhu and Donald Gilliland.

   Daily, 10:00-20:00·THB 30-5000

8. SeeDusit

   Dusit Palace

   พระราชวังดุสิต

   PERMANENTLY CLOSED! Sometimes called New Royal City, Dusit Park, Dusit Garden, or simply Dusit, is a complex of palaces and royal residences in the south of the Dusit district. The palace was established by King Rama V, the first Thai monarch to visit Europe. He was impressed by the royal parks and residences he had seen there, which were leafy, relaxed, spacious and cool, as opposed to the Grand Palace, which was cramped with buildings for his numerous wives, children, and servants. These buildings blocked air flow inside the Grand Palace, which heated it up considerably. As a replacement, King Rama V started building the Dusit Palace.

   Closed · opens 9:30 am

9. SeeDusit

   Dusit Zoo

   สวนสัตว์ดุสิต

   The zoo is an excellent destination for families and children. It is a lush and green zoo with many flowers, trees and ponds. A fun activity is floating on the water with the foot-peddle boats, or riding the small tram, but it costs 60 baht more. There are many playgrounds and picnic areas, as well as some restaurants in case you get hungry. They also have animals, such as giraffes, zebras, deer, hippos, elephants and tigers.

   Daily, 08:00-18:00·100 baht

10. DrinkYaowarat and Phahurat

    Eiah Sae

    As always in Yaowarat, this coffee joint does not sell the usual latte or cappuccino. The special treat is Chaozhou coffee, a bittersweet Chinese brew. It's locally famous for its coffee beans, which are roasted and blended following a secret family recipe. This place is over 80 years old and has been in the family for four generations. This place has a real character and still serves as a meeting place for old Chinese businessmen. Its simple wooden chairs, Art Deco purple walls and old paintings on the wall give it a unique retro atmosphere. Besides coffee, you can try their traditional sweet drinks, such as nor kao (a tea and coffee mix) or heng yim (an almond-flavoured drink).

    04:00-20:00 daily·50 baht

11. DoRamkhamhaeng

    Fantasia Lagoon

    A water park with a large swimming pool suitable for exercise, a lazy river, and slides suitable for smaller and larger kids. Appears to be better maintained than the water park at Siam Park City which has much higher prices for foreigners. An option if your accommodation lacks a pool but you crave to swim.

    Mon-Fri 10:30-22:00; Sat-Sun, hols 10:00-22:00·100-120 baht

12. DrinkRattanakosin

    Foxhole

    A hole-in-the-wall family-run cafe. Oozing with character. Small outside and inside seating areas. High quality Thai coffee. Savory pies. Pastries. Excellent all-day breakfasts. Friendly and fast service. Free Wi-Fi. Nondescript elevator music.

    Wed-Mon 09:30-17:30

13. DoRamkhamhaeng

    Happy & Healthy Bike Lane

    It is a 25-kilometer, one-way cycle path around Suvarnabhumi Airport. Planes land and take off nearby—sometimes right above you. They’re very strict about the rules: no kids, no strollers, and no pedestrians allowed, so you can go full speed. Since it’s a one-way track, there’s no turning back, so be prepared to ride all 25 kilometers. There are three rest stops along the way with benches and vending machines. You can rent a good bike at the rental station near the information center.

    06.00 AM. - 09.00 PM. ( Last Entry 07.30 PM)·Free entry

14. BuyPratunam

    Indra Square

    อินทรา สแควร์

    Indra Square is an indoor shopping mall with more than 300 retail and wholesale outlets. The first floor is mostly about fashion, silk and accessories, and has some fast-food outlets. The clothes here are remarkably cheaper than elsewhere in the city, and unlike City Complex, there is a decent supply for men and children as well. The second floor has a more diverse set of products, including arts, crafts, toys and mobile phones. If you're getting hungry, there's a food centre on the second floor. There are some clothing shops at the ground level of the nearby Baiyoke Tower II as well.

    Daily 08:00-20:00

15. BuyThonburi

    Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

    ตลาดน้ำคลองลัดมะยม

    This is a major attraction, with a pleasant and shaded atmosphere. The floating market corresponds to both sides of the Lat Mayom canal on Bang Ramat Road. This floating market dates from 2004, and is not frequently visited by boats. However, it does have many shop stalls, a small boat museum, several walking paths around the market, small toilet, a few outdoor restaurants and a variety of foods and merchandise for sale. Occasionally, it does feature live outdoor performances by local children or organisations. It is only open on weekends and easily accessible (and used as a prolonged stopover) on some tourist tour boats from Taling Chan Floating Market.

    Sat Sun hols 09:30-16:00

16. DrinkRattanakosin

    Krisa

    Small family-run cafe. Cozy and relaxed. Traditional Western-style decor. Close to the Grand Palace. Iced chocolate a specialty. Simple Thai dishes.

    10:00-18:00 daily

17. BuySiam Square

    MBK Center

    มาบุญครอง

    MBK is a vast and always packed shopping centre full of tiny stalls (2,500 of them, to be exact) selling, well, everything. There's a heavy emphasis on clothing, especially the cheap and trendy teen type, and the Super Sports Factory Outlet on the third floor sells discontinued sport wear and shoes at a discount, but the fourth floor devoted to electronics is Bangkok's best place to buy mobile phones, MP3 players and digital cameras. Before buying a phone you have to be sure which band supports and which ones your country has. The fifth floor focuses on furniture in the rear, and electronics in the front, including a very large Canon store. Stuff on sale include gold, furniture, food, and a part of the sixth floor has been dedicated to handicrafts and souvenirs. Don't miss the dried fruits and Chinese-style snacks (like pork floss) at Champ on the fourth floor, near the central escalator. The top floor has film theatres and restaurants, and there's a large Tokyu department store bolted on the north side. It is possible to bargain for cheaper prices on some items at some independent shop stalls, especially if you are with a Thai friend or family member.

    10:00-22:00 daily

18. BuyRattanakosin

    Monk Bowl Village

    บ้านบาตร Ban Bat

    During the alms ceremony in the morning, in which monks at their temple receive donations of the people, the monks usually carry big bowls for receiving the donations. These bowls are known as 'bat' and have been made by hand for centuries. As factories took over the production of these bowls, most of the communities that made a living of producing them have vanished. An exception is Ban Bat, or Monk Bowl Village, a small alley near the Golden Mount with a couple of families that still make a living with the handicraft of making these bowls. Don't think this is a very authentic experience though — locals don't buy these bowls and once an interested traveller walks in, hunting season has begun. Bowl producers will follow you even outside the compound. That's why a visit can only be recommended for those who are actually interested in buying a bowl (which costs a couple of thousand baht).

19. SeeRattanakosin

    Museum of Siam

    มิวเซียมสยาม

    The renovated European-style mansion of the Ministry of Commerce of Thailand has been turned in good use. It now is the Museum of Siam, a permanent exhibition about the history of the Thai nation, its culture and its interaction with other nations and cultures. As with all the new museums in town, it's a so-called "discovery museum", in which visitors can play and interact with the objects shown. It is a lot fun, for children and adults alike, and informative at a superficial level. First you watch a subtitled short film about Thai-foreign interaction, with some Thai inside jokes about foreigners. Then you'll walk through several historically-themed rooms, starting in prehistory and ending in the modern age. Make sure your camera is charged and its memory unit empty, as there are many photo opportunities. You can sit in a tuk-tuk, prepare fake Thai food, bomb medieval armies, wear colonial-age clothing, present a news programme and sit in a 50s-style diner.

    Tue-Sun 10:00-18:00·300 baht for foreigners, free entry 16:00-18:00

20. EatSilom

    Queen of Curry

    Known as one of the best restaurants of Bangkok, don't expect grandeur or expensive bills. This modest restaurant lacks any appearance, you might even see children do their homework in the back. But the customers rave about the food. With great service for a small price, this is a gem.

    Daily 10:00-22:00·150-300 baht

21. SeeRattanakosin

    Rommaninat Park

    สวนรมณีนาถ

    This public park is built on the old prison grounds of the Bangkok Remand Prison near Wat Suthat. Three blocks, a cellblock, a side of the prison wall and two watchtowers were preserved and turned into a museum, the Corrections Museum, which is at the southeastern corner of the park. The park features many fountains, some basketball courts, a playground and a weight lifting area.

    05:00-20:00 daily·Free

22. DoRamkhamhaeng

    Safari World

    ซาฟารีเวิลด์

    Safari World is Bangkok's greatest open zoo and leisure park. The 300-acre complex comprises a safari park that is populated by African and Asian mammals, a marine park with amusing performances of well-trained dolphins and seals, a bird park, and a games corner. There are separate tickets for Safari Park and Marine Park.

    09:00-17:00 daily·Combined ticket price: adults 900 baht, children 550 baht

23. SeeRattanakosin

    Sanam Luang

    สนามหลวง

    When Rattanakosin was established as Siam's capital, King Rama I designed this vast open field between the northern wall of the Grand Palace and the eastern wall of the former Wang Na Palace. At that time, the ground was a rice field sometimes used for royal crematoria. The ground was called "Thung Phra Men", which means crematorium ground in Thai. Considering that name was inauspicious, King Rama IV renamed the ground "Thong Sanam Luang", or the royal ground, and all rice farming there was ceased. Later, King Rama V had Wang Na's eastern wall demolished and enlarged Sanam Luang to its current size. The place has been used as the crematorium ground for kings, members of the royal family and nobility, in addition to being a royal sporting ground. 365 tamarind trees are placed around it. Sanam Luang is Bangkok's equivalent of a 'speaker's corner' where the people get together to talk politics. In recent history, the ground has been used for political rallies and demonstrations, such as the yellow and red shirt protests in the late 2000s. At December 5th, the birthday of HM King Bhumibol Adulyadej, literally a million people come here to celebrate his birthday. Every night, a flea market is held on the streets surrounding it.

    Free

24. SeeRattanakosin

    Saranrom Park

    สวนสราญรมย์

    This park was created as a royal garden in the Saranrom Palace, built in 1866 by King Rama IV. He wanted to use it after he stepped down as a monarch, but died before it was completed. When King Rama V took over, he gave the palace to his younger brothers, and turned the park into a zoo. When he built the Dusit Palace in the early 20th century, he moved all the animals to the Dusit Zoo. The park then became a property of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, before being turned into a public park in 1960. The basic layout still resembles its design by King Rama IV. It is a lush garden created around a lake, home to glasshouses, ancient trees and wooden pagodas. A great place to relax and escape the heat. After work, many locals run around the paths for exercise or do aerobics on (very) loud music. There's also a table tennis table and always someone who wants to play. At the south end of the park is a marble monument dedicated to HM Queen Sunantha Kumareerat and HRH Prince Kannaporn Phetcharat, who died in a boating accident during the reign of King Rama V.

    05:00-20:00 daily·Free

25. EatYaowarat and Phahurat

    Shangarila Restaurant

    ร้านอาหาร เชียงการีล่า

    A large banquet restaurant that resembles the typical dim sum restaurants you can find in Hong Kong. It's mostly families that come here in large groups for dim sum, seafood and other Cantonese dishes.

    11:00-22:00 daily·250-500 baht

26. DoRamkhamhaeng

    Siam Park City

    สวนสยาม

    The water amusement park section contains a man-made sea with towering slides. Most of the park area is now covered with amusement park rides, a dinosaur exhibit, a dinosaur diorama safari, an African diorama safari, children's playgrounds. Foreigners must pay more for tickets than Thais.

    Daily, 10:00-18:00·120-1000 baht

27. SeeThonburi

    Sunthorn Museum

    พิพิธภัณฑ์สุนทร

    This is a private museum operated by Mr Sunthorn Chunothaisawat. It houses antiques such as BMW Motorcycles from the interwar period, clocks, lamps, children toys made out of zinc, radios, irons, typewriters, fans and sewing machines. All are well-maintained and in a good condition.

    Sat 11:00-17:00·200 baht

28. SeeYaowarat and Phahurat

    Wat Pathum Khongkha

    วัดปทุมคงคา

    This ancient monastery was founded in the Ayutthaya period. It was renovated during the reign of King Rama I by a rich Thai citizen, who gave the temple its current name. The main Buddhist image in the temple is in the subduing mara posture. The doors and windows are exquisitely decorated in with lacquered ornamentation in gold leaf patterns. Behind the temple is the Execution Stone, where King Rama III ordered the execution of Krommaluang Rak Ronnaret for planning a rebellion against him. The canal in front of the temple is a holy site as the ash of cremated members of the royal family and the royal elephants are scattered here. The temple has been completely restored, making the golden Buddha images look shinier than ever.

    07:00-18:00 daily·Free

29. SeeSiam Square

    Wat Pathum Wanaram

    วัดปทุมวนาราม

    This temple is between the two largest shopping centres of Thailand and is still often overlooked. While it is not as remarkable as the temples found in Rattanakosin, it is a reminder of the spiritual history of Thailand. Wat Pathum was founded in 1857 by King Mongkut (Rama IV) when the area was surrounded by canals and rice fields. It was built to function as a place of worship close to the Sra Pathum Palace. At the temple is the Phra Meru Mas, a reconstruction of the crematorium of the Princess Mother, whose remains were transferred here after her cremation at Sanam Luang. During the May 2010 red shirt protests the temple was a safe haven for protesting women and children.

    07:00-18:00 daily·Free

30. Do Not mapped

    Bangkok Biking

    Bicycle tours in small groups to and through unseen parts of Bangkok. Mostly free of traffic. A fun excursion for the whole family.

    950-2,400 baht

31. SeeSukhumvit Not mapped

    Benchasiri Park

    สวนเบญจศิริ

    This compact park was built to commemorate the 60th birthday of HM Queen Sirikit in 1992. It features a huge sculpture of a commemorative coin illustrating an image of HM Queen Sirikit and 12 pieces of contemporary sculptures including children's works.

    05:00-20:00 daily·Free

32. DoYaowarat and Phahurat Not mapped

    Chinese New Year

    เทศกาลตรุษจีน

    A great time to visit Yaowarat, when Bangkok's Chinatown goes on steroids. Yaowarat Road will be closed to traffic as street festivities, lion dances, and food fairs take place. Generally, a member of the Thai royal family comes over to celebrate among the Chinese community. Temples will be more packed than ever with many Thai-Chinese coming over to pray and burn incense. The best temples to visit this time of the year are Wat Mangkon Kamalawat and Thien Fa Foundation.

33. DrinkSukhumvit Not mapped

    Gulliver's Traveler's Tavern

    A large, western sports bar with English-speaking staff serving Western and Thai food and drinks. There are large flat screen TVs all around, so a variety of sports are shown simultaneously (baseball, football, rugby, golf, etc). Plenty of pool tables are in the rear, with female Thai players ready beat you. Unusually for Thailand, children are not admitted, making this place no good for families.

    12:00-01:00 daily

34. SeeDusit Not mapped

    H.M. King Bhumibol's Photographic Museum No 2

    HRH Princess Bussaban Bua-Phan Residential Hall

    Besides being the King of Thailand, H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej is also a photographer. Some of his works are on display in this building, that used to be the residence of HRH Princess Bussaban Bua-Phan, a sister of King Rama V. The collection includes pictures of the king playing music and pictures showing HM Queen Sirikit and other members of the royal family.

35. DoSilom Not mapped

    Joe Louis Traditional Thai Puppet Theatre

    นาฏยศาลา หุ่นละครเล็

    The establishment of this theatre was inspired by Sakhon Yangkhieosot, or Joe Louis, who wished to preserve the art of operating Hun Lakhon Lek puppets. In operating the puppets, the puppeteers require basic skills of Khon performance as they will have to move their footsteps and hand gestures to coincide with those of the puppets. Each puppet is operated by three puppeteers, lending it lifelike movements. Hun Lakhon Lek usually performs the story of Ramakian, the Thai version of the Ramayana epic. Sakhon Nattasin is the only performing troupe of Hun Lakhon Lek in Thailand. The show is in Thai with translations into English, and there is a segment where the puppets interact with audience members that is popular with children. There is also a corner inside the theatre where Khon mask making is demonstrated, with a gallery of the Hun Lakhon Lek puppets and their background.

    Daily 19:30-20:45·3,000 baht

36. EatDusit Not mapped

    Krua Apsorn

    ครัวอัปสร

    A great restaurant that places emphasis on its authentic Thai dishes prepared in a traditional way. While it looks unpretentious at first, it has won the "best restaurant" contest of the Bangkok Post in 2006, and has served members of the Thai royal family. The staff watch local soap operas on the TV and their children run around as if it were kindergarten, but disregard the surroundings. It's all about the food and a must-try is the mouth-watering crab omelette.

    Mon-Fri, 10:30-19:30; Sat, 10:30-18:00·100-250 baht

37. DoYaowarat and Phahurat Not mapped

    Mooncake Festival

    เทศกาลไหว้พระจันทร์

    Every year around late September or early October. Also known as mid-Autumn Festival or Lantern Festival, is held. Chinese families and friends gather under the full moon to pay respect to the Goddess of the Moon. Their celebrations include the eating of mooncakes and pomelos together under the light of the bright moon. Many stores in Yaowarat sell mooncakes during the festival, so you might want to try one of these sweet cakes in all their many varieties.

38. SeeSukhumvit Not mapped

    National Science Centre for Education

    ศูนย์วิทยาศาสตร์เพื่อการศึกษาแห่งชาติ

    This is an exhibition centre about the variety of scientific knowledge. Among the attractions are a planetarium, an aquarium as well as a permanent exhibition on sports science, communication technology and natural environments. One-hour shows at the planetarium start at 11:00 and at 14:30 with additional shows on Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 and 13:30.

    Tue-Sun 08:30-16:30·20-40 baht

39. EatPhahonyothin Not mapped

    Pad Thai Aree

    ผัดไทย อารีย์

    This small, unassuming shophouse is owned by a friend of the royal family (note the picture of the princess on the wall), and serves up some delectable pad Thai (and many variations) at slightly more than street stall prices.

    Daily, 10:00-20:00·45-95 baht

40. DoThonburi Not mapped

    Pandan Tour Company

    This company offers whole-day tours, which are slightly different whether you're taking them on weekdays or weekends. The weekday tour starts at the Wat Sai Morning Market and then takes you to an exotic orchid nursery, the Wat Pa Chang Lane or the "Jungle Temple", then onto a traditional wooden house of a local miniature boat making family and the "Artists' House" for a traditional Thai puppet show. The weekend tour takes you to the Artists House first and then brings you to the Lat Mayom Floating Market. The weekend tour is recommended as the Lat Mayom Floating Market is more authentic and more fun than the Wat Sai market. These tours use a Thai traditional teak boat, and life-vests are offered. Unlike other tours, you can ask the staff to stop anywhere along the canals. Call ahead for inquiries (ask for Tom, the Thai-American owner).

    08:00-16:00 daily·1,000+ baht

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Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Bangkok (CC BY-SA 4.0).