Things to do with kids in Bangkok
Contrary to popular belief, Bangkok is a fantastic place for parents to bring their kids on holiday. From zoos and theme parks, to museums and indoor playgrounds, there are plenty of things for children to see and do, and more than enough to keep the little ones happy. When the sun is shining, parents can take their kids to one of the fantastic water parks, such as Siam Park, Leoland Water Park, or even Fantasia Lagoon to cool off; or for something really cool, families can try ice skating at the Sub Zero Ice Skate Club. For something a little less energetic, families can take a stroll through the Queen Sirikit Gardens and stop in at the Butterfly Garden and Insectarium, where the kids will enjoy the hundreds of beautifully coloured butterflies dancing around them. When the weather in Bangkok is either too hot, or it's raining and outdoor activities with children are not an option, families can visit one of the many indoor playgrounds dotted around the city, such as Yoyoland in the Seacon Square shopping complex, or Jamboree Land in the Emporium Shopping Complex. Older kids will enjoy the Hero City Arcade, located in the MBK Shopping Centre.
Royal Grand Palace
The Royal Grand Palace is a popular Bangkok attraction. Construction of the palace began in 1782 and was completed in time for the coronation of King Rama I, and opened in 1785 to …
Royal Grand Palace
The Royal Grand Palace is a popular Bangkok attraction. Construction of the palace began in 1782 and was completed in time for the coronation of King Rama I, and opened in 1785 to signify the end of the Burmese invasion of Thailand. The palace itself is made up of a complex array of smaller buildings, most notably the Wat Mahatat (the Palace Temple) and the Wat Phra Keow (the Royal Chapel), which houses the famous Emerald Buddha sculpted from a single piece of jade. It's one of the most revered objects in Thailand.
Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing
Wat Suthat is among the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok and is home to the beautiful 13th-century Phra Buddha Shakyamuni, a 25-foot (8m) tall bronze Buddha image that was bro…
Wat Suthat and the Giant Swing
Wat Suthat is among the oldest and largest temples in Bangkok and is home to the beautiful 13th-century Phra Buddha Shakyamuni, a 25-foot (8m) tall bronze Buddha image that was brought from Sukhothai and contains the ashes of King Rama VIII. It is also known for exquisite wall paintings that were done during the reign of Rama III. The enormous arch made of teak outside the wat is all that remains of an original swing that was used to celebrate and thank Shiva for a bountiful rice harvest. Teams of men would ride the swing on arcs as high as 82 feet (25m) into the air, grabbing at bags of silver coins with their teeth. The swing ceremony was discontinued in 1932 due to countless injuries and deaths, but the thanksgiving festival is still celebrated in mid-December after the rice harvest.
Lopburi Monkey Temple
The two and a half hour, 100-mile (150km) train ride to the Monkey Temple in the town of Lopburi is an easy day trip out of Bangkok. Legend has it the temple was founded by a falle…
Lopburi Monkey Temple
The two and a half hour, 100-mile (150km) train ride to the Monkey Temple in the town of Lopburi is an easy day trip out of Bangkok. Legend has it the temple was founded by a fallen arrow of Hanuman, the Hindu Monkey God. The animal kingdom hierarchy is reversed here, as the temple gives the monkeys free roam and food. Often novelty turns into nervousness, as visitors are followed by crowds of the impolite inhabitants. Visitors can buy packs of sunflower seeds for THB 10 to feed the monkeys, but should keep watch of loose items suchas glasses, purses, and especially food, as the monkeys are keen pickpockets and they bite. November is the Monkey Festival in Lopburi but it is interesting to visit year-round.
Bangkok Children’s Discovery Museum
Featuring fun, interactive exhibits, the Children's Discovery Museum in Bangkok encourages hands-on experience in science, nature, culture and society. With galleries themed Body a…
Bangkok Children’s Discovery Museum
Featuring fun, interactive exhibits, the Children's Discovery Museum in Bangkok encourages hands-on experience in science, nature, culture and society. With galleries themed Body and Mind, Culture and Society, and Technology, children can learn about a multitude of sciences in an interesting and enjoyable way. The best times to visit are in early morning and late afternoon, in order to avoid large school groups.
Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World
Located in the Siam Paragon Shopping Centre, Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World is one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia and features different zones that include tropical ocean…
Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World
Located in the Siam Paragon Shopping Centre, Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World is one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia and features different zones that include tropical ocean, coral reef and rocky beach. The aquarium features 30,000 marine animals, including Oriental Small-Clawed otters, ragged-tooth sharks, stingrays and giant groupers. Children will simply love Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, as they can watch live shows, have a shark encounter, ride in a glass-bottom boat, or enjoy a 4D cinema experience.
Website www.visitsealife.com/bangkok/
Snake Farm (Thai Red Cross Farm)
Originally set up for research into extracting the venom from snakes to make anti-venom, the Snake Farm is a great place to take the kids if they're interested in these slithering …
Snake Farm (Thai Red Cross Farm)
Originally set up for research into extracting the venom from snakes to make anti-venom, the Snake Farm is a great place to take the kids if they're interested in these slithering creatures. Featuring Malayan Pit Vipers, King Cobras, Banded Kraits and Russell Vipers, the Snake Farm educates the public on snakes and safety surrounding them. Venom-milking and snake-handling shows are held daily at 10:30am and 2pm on weekdays, and 10:30am on public holidays.
Website www.saovabha.com/en/snakefarm_service.asp
Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
Located between the Queen Sirikit Gardens and the Children's Discovery Museum, this massive enclosure with rockeries, plants, ferns and a waterfall features some of the most dazzli…
Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
Located between the Queen Sirikit Gardens and the Children's Discovery Museum, this massive enclosure with rockeries, plants, ferns and a waterfall features some of the most dazzlingly beautiful butterflies in Thailand. Boasting dozens of species, including rare butterflies, looking up at the dome at any given moment, visitors to the Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium can see more than 500 types of butterflies, such as the Golden Birdwing or Siam Tree Nymph. The Queen Sirikit Gardens are a wonderful place to take a walk and feature magnificently coloured flowers, mazes, ponds and shady trees. Visitors who come here can enjoy a wonderful day of stunning gardens and scenery, butterfly spotting and even picnicking.