Top Kid-Friendly Attractions in Bangkok

Our Local Expert Says:

The Grand Palace is a Bangkok must-see, but beware of tourist traps! If a tuk tuk driver tells you that the Palace is closed for the day, make sure to get confirmation. And definitely think twice before agreeing to take the city tour he'll probably offer.

Description:

Bangkok's Grand Palace served as the official residence of Thailand's kings from the time it was built in 1782 until midway through the 20th Century. Although the entry fee is considerably higher than most at 300 baht, the grounds are gorgeous and provide an unforgettable glimpse at Thai history and architecture. Sitting on over 215,000 square meters, the Grand Palace houses government offices, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, and royal residences. A trip to the Grand Palace is worth combining with Wat Pho, its next-door neighbor of equal cultural importance.

Our Local Expert Says:

If Northern Thailand is not on your itinerary, Dusit Zoo offers the chance to ride an elephant.

Description:

While the zoo is not huge, it is plenty of distraction for children in the Bangkok heat. Dusit Zoo has been open since the 1950s and occupies a 47-acre space not far from attractions such as the Grand Palace. You'll see monkeys, giraffes, chimpanzees, crocodiles and elephants. Alternatives include Siam Ocean World over at Siam Paragon mall or a day's trip outside of Bangkok to the expansive Khao Kheow Open Zoo. 

Our Local Expert Says:

If you're not too busy watching the group fitness routines, look out for Lumphini's wildlife. Giant monitor lizards and tropical birds make you forget you're in the middle of a city!

Description:

Smack in the heart of the city lies Lumphini Park, an oasis of nature within bustling Bangkok. The first of its kind in Bangkok, plans for the public park began in 1925. Lumphini Park is named after the Buddha's birthplace and covers approximately 58 hectares, gracing the city with greenery and waterways for picnics, pick-up sports and paddleboat rides. Early mornings are unforgettable: hordes of fitness group regulars engage in synchronized aerobics, while others jog peacefully and practice tai chi. Lumphini Park is a great place to take a timeout during a long day of sightseeing.

Description:

This is a great place to see cobras, kraits, vipers and pythons in all their glory. You can also hold a giant python and see snakes "milked" of their venom and see lectures and demonstrations delivered in English and Thai. The snake farm is part of a larger research facility operating a traveler immunization clinic where visitors can get vaccinated against rabies, hepatitis A and B, typhoid fever, tetanus, polio, Japanese encephalitis, influenza and cholera.

Description:

Travel through seven zones of the underwater world at an aquarium facility larger than two football fields. Check their website for schedules of daily feedings for the sharks, eagle rays, penguins and other creatures. Divers enter the tanks on an hourly schedule as well and communicate with visitors adding another aspect of learning to this fascinating educational experience. The location at Siam Paragon at the center of the SkyTrain system makes visiting a snap.

Description:

Dream World provides family fun in its 70-acre park just outside Bangkok. The park is divided into four parts: Dream World Plaza, Dream Garden, Fantasy Land and Adventure Land. On offer are rides, games, go-carting, and a variety of entertaining shows. Children shorter than 90 centimeters enter for free.

Description:

The Suan Lum Night Bazaar closed in 2010 several years after the lease ran out on the land. It will soon be developed into commercial space. Most of the vendors are expected to relocate to the Ratchada Night Market which is expected to open in 2012.

Description:

Located on 440 acres of land, this park is indeed a fantastic haven for children and adults alike. It comprises the Safari Park, where wild animals like zebras, deer, giraffes, tigers, lions and bears prowl freely in commune with nature and the Marine Park, where marine animals dip, dive and explore their watery habitat. Daily Shows include the Orang Utan Boxing Show, Sea Lion Show, Bird Show, White Tiger Show, Stuntman Show, Dolphin Show. Children below 140 centimeters free.

Description:

This kid's paradise is all about having fun while they learn. The intention is to let kids discover for themselves how the world works rather than making them party to boring displays. There are several apparatus, games and galleries to foster learning through experimentation. At the Bangkok Children's Discovery Museum, children can create gigantic bubbles, learn about illusion through mirrors and listen to the recordings of languages all over the world. They can even learn Thai cooking, host their own radio show and read a book in the reading zone. There are music rooms, folk art rooms and auto engines. Truly a place for kids to let their hair down and acquire some knowledge in the process.