Expat families and kids in Bangkok have no shortage of ways to stay entertained, even in a city known for its frenetic energy. Expats considering moving to the Thai capital will find plenty of child-friendly activities and attractions scattered throughout the metropolis.

The weather shapes how families spend their time throughout the year. During the sweltering summer months, everyone flocks to water parks, and then sudden tropical downpours send everyone indoors. Air quality has become an equally important factor, particularly between January and March, when PM2.5 dust levels spike, and many families opt for indoor play centres over outdoor adventures.

Outdoor activities for kids in Bangkok

Wachirabenchathat Park (Suan Rot Fai) in Bangkok by Nopparuj Lamaikul on Unsplash

Outdoor activities for kids in Bangkok centre around water parks when summer temperatures soar. Siam Amazing Park (still widely known as Siam Park City) is the largest in the city, featuring the world’s largest wave pool, along with countless slides and a full amusement park. Children of all ages can easily spend an entire day here. 

Harbor Island at The Mall Bangkae offers a modern rooftop water park experience. Flow House Bangkok on Sukhumvit 26, the city’s only urban surf spot, offers older children the chance to learn to surf with its FlowRider wave machine. 

The Chao Phraya River and its labyrinth of canals offer boat trips for those who prefer to stay dry. Benjakitti Forest Park draws families to its elevated walkways and cycling tracks, which provide respite even on hotter days.

Weather in Bangkok

Indoor activities for kids in Bangkok

Indoor activities for kids in Bangkok peak during the rainy season and on days with poor air quality. 

KidZania offers a scaled-down city where children play at being grown-ups within a functioning ‘economy’. Children can work as dentists, mechanics, or dozens of other professions, earning KidZo currency in a controlled environment that pairs education with entertainment. Located on the fifth floor of Siam Paragon, it stays busy with expat families.

Museums in Bangkok cater to diverse interests, from the Human Body Museum at Chulalongkorn University to the Batcat Museum & Toys in Bang Kapi, although many museums suit older children and teens better. The Museum of Siam offers the most family-friendly entry point for learning about Thai history and culture. Its interactive ‘Decoding Thainess’ exhibition is housed in a striking neoclassical building near Wat Pho. The THAINOSAUR Museum at Asiatique has immersive dinosaur experiences.

What do expats say about family days out in Bangkok?

"There are a lot of family attractions and activities in the city, whether it’s going to the park, bowling, cinemas, climbing, and many other options. But also, don’t hesitate to leave Bangkok. Just a few hours' drive from Bangkok you have way more options, from hiking in the mountains of Khao Yai to relaxing by the beach in Hua Hin or Chonburi."

Learn more in our expat interview about Bangkok with French expat Matt.

"My son is five, so the plentiful indoor playgrounds are nice. Dreamworld is a good escape for the day if you can put up with the heat."

Learn more with Canadian expat Greg in our expat interview about living in Bangkok. 

Further reading

►Education and Schools in Thailand gives a good overview of the national schooling system.

Are you an expat living in Bangkok?

Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Bangkok. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute, or fill in our expat interview form to be featured.