Bangkok with School-Aged Kids: Hidden Gems Beyond the Temples

When hearing about Bangkok, the city often sounds like a place for grown-ups. Travellers who have been there talk about the shiny skyscrapers and temples, the bustling city vibes, a nightlife to match its energy, and, of course, about food! But what can a family holidaymaker with school-aged kids do in Bangkok? The answer? Plenty! 

Of course, visiting Bangkok’s temples is on the cards for all travellers and is a must-do in Bangkok tour packages, but beyond that, the capital city of Thailand has so much to offer for its little visitors. Here are the top things to do in Bangkok for families visiting with school-aged kids. Have a look!

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Chao Phraya River Cruise

It’s wonderful to take a road trip to see Bangkok, but seeing it from a different perspective makes it extra special. A cruise on the calm, glistening waters of the Chao Phraya River is perfect for kids. The evening river cruise is lovely, sailing through waters shimmering in the orange-hued sunlight. 

After dark, the water mirrors the city’s illuminations. The beauty of glowing temples and towers, seen in a one-to-two-hour cruise, will definitely leave a lasting impression on young minds.

Or, book this 2-4 hour dinner cruise including a buffet dinner with Thai and International cuisine, free beer, and a Thai cultural and cabaret show. It’s rated 4.5 stars from more than 3,500 reviews and is suitable for all ages.

Siam Paragon Mall

As one of the most sought-after malls in Bangkok, Siam Paragon Mall has gained more clarity about what exactly family tourists need when they visit a mall. Visiting a mall in Bangkok shouldn’t be just for shopping, dining, and getting a bit of relief from the tropical sun. It also needs to excite the kids in your group, and here’s where Siam Paragon Mall stands out. 

This mall is huge and located near Phrom Phong BTS station. Inside, you will find one of the finest indoor theme parks in Thailand – Meland. All decked out in pastel pinks, blues, and colourful LED lights, it has six exciting zones for kids to climb, slide, and enjoy fun entertainment.

Bangkok Dreamworld Amusement Park

If a compact amusement park does not quite fit your needs, and your kids want a full day spent on exciting rides in a theme park, head to Bangkok Dreamworld Amusement Park.

It’s a 50-minute drive north of Bangkok, but once you reach it, you will feel it’s the merriest place in the city, especially for kids. 

Located in the Thanyaburi district, this theme park sprawls 25 hectares and is divided into four fabulous zones: Dream World Plaza, Dream Gardens, Fantasy Land, and Adventure Land. Kids can spend their day enjoying rollercoaster rides, winding down on go-kart tracks, or enjoying water rides at an artificial river at Adventure Land. 

They can also ride a cable car over the floral Dream Gardens and even view mini replicas of the seven wonders of the world. At Fantasy Land, it feels like stepping into an otherworldly spot full of giant houses and dioramas. Choose a random weekday to explore the theme park without crowds.

Children’s Discovery Museum

In an age where little minds are more enticed by video games and pop-music singers’ worlds, open their minds with some scientific fun in Thailand. The Children’s Discovery Museum is a dedicated attraction in Bangkok with interactive indoor science exhibits inside two buildings. 

Outside, there are more play areas where science and fun mix perfectly. The best part: there is no entrance fee! Located in Queen Sirikit Park, this attraction is ideal for school-aged kids, especially those between 6 and 13. 

For the best experience, head to this spot early in the morning and on weekdays. The museum will be less crowded, giving your kids space and time to enjoy it to the fullest.

Pororo Aquapark 

Want something a bit more with heart-racing thrills and a dash of adrenaline rush? How about having a splashy time in pools and water rides? Visit Pororo Aquapark, located in Central Bangna. 

Here, the whole family can tag along with kids to splash in pools, swerve and plunge through high-speed rides like Pororo’s Funnel and Petty’s Speedway, or simply enjoy soaking up or floating on the lazy rivers. Kids love the ambience with themes based on a South Korean cartoon character – a cute, fluffy penguin! 

Unlike most theme parks, you won’t find the entrance to the theme park on ground level, because this water park is located high above on the sixth level of the sprawling Central Plaza Bangna Shopping Mall! That itself will be a tale kids can tell their friends back home, of spending a super fun day sliding on twisting, swirling rides at a rooftop water park!

Get your Pororo Aqua Park entry ticket here.

Space & Time Cube+

While Bangkok is all about high-level energy, the city is also artistically inspirational, not just through giant sculptures and murals dotted around the city, but also through digital experiences. Check out Space & Time Cube+, a virtual, sensory, immersive playground that has recently popped up in multiple Asian countries. 

In Thailand, it is located on the B floor of Seacon Bangkae Mall. This is where you experience how physical reality blends into a virtual fantasy land through new-age technology. From its outer appearance, it might seem quite ordinary, but step inside and the riot of bright colours will blow you away. 

Kids will love this super-cool setting, brimming with over 20 interactive attractions in 30 rooms, featuring virtual games and holographic displays on tunnel-shaped LED screens. Some of the best attractions here are the Rail Cinema 9D Rollercoaster experience, the VR Experience Hall, and LED-screen-covered, vortex-like rooms that make you feel as if you are walking through different landscapes.

This Space & Time Cube ticket includes 9D and VR options, the ideal option for maximum fun at this family-friendly attraction.

Kid’s Club and Cafes

Lastly, how can we ignore food and sweet treats? For kids, this is the ultimate joy of being in Thailand. To dig into the sweetness of sticky mango rice or to slurp lip-smacking noodles drenched in coconut milk is to experience an explosion of flavours. Even picky eaters will be tempted by the vibrant colours and delicious aroma. 

Yes, you might find tons of options in dining venues and street food stalls, but if you are looking for something more specifically catering to kids, Bangkok has loads of options. Some of the spots to check out are Miffy’s Voyage Cafe, My Little Farm Kids Cafe, Rider Kids Cafe & Playground, and Safari Garden Playground & Cafe, to name a few. 

These places look cute with interiors based on different themes. Some are even equipped with indoor and outdoor play areas, and menus with flavours and spices adjusted for kids’ taste buds.

Things to do in Bangkok with kids | In Conclusion

For family holidaymakers, the plan for a family trip is simple: keep the kids happy and engaged. Kids, especially those who are in the range of six years to teens, always perceive cities differently from adults. While Bangkok is loud and bustling, kids will gravitate toward what is vibrant and intriguing to them. 

It’s during their growing-up years that they look forward to new experiences, inspired by how unique and distinct each city in the world is. Bangkok, with its mix of culture, contemporary features, and cuisine, appeals to all ages, but for kids, it adds a dash of fun and entertainment to keep them fascinated throughout their trip.

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