We recently spent two fun-filled days exploring this vibrant city with our two young kids. We had some hits and some misses — but ultimately, it was a great adventure! Let’s dive into our family itinerary and explore things to do in Bangkok with kids…
Exploring Bangkok with Kids – Day 1: Culture and Nature Highlights
Morning: Check-in at Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel
We kicked off our adventure by staying at Phranakorn-Nornlen Hotel. It’s an incredibly cute hotel, and kid-friendly! Each curated room is uniquely furnished, with tons of personality – one of our rooms had floral wall paintings, and our other had cute painted chickens. Of course, but the end of the trip, each chick had been given a name and a complex backstory! (Check out our full review of the Phranakorn-Nornlen hotel.)
Phranakorn-Nornlen was a great hub for us. Easy to get to transportation and the riverboat. And, just oh so delightful! The restaurant downstairs was always accommodating, and we never felt like we were disturbing anyone. The place is full of curated art and fun knickknacks to look at and explore—old signs, a row of ancient tube TVs, and old gumball machines.
Mid-Morning: Visit the Grand Palace & Wat Phra Kaew
We headed to the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha) early to avoid the crowds and the midday heat. These sites are breathtaking and rich with history, but I’ll admit, they can be overwhelming for little ones. We kept it brief — about an hour — and focused on the highlights. The kids loved the shimmering gold temples and the intricate murals.
Tip: Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees). We brought shawls just in case, and it was a good idea. Also, bring bottled water and hats — it gets hot fast, and the crowds can be intense.
Challenge: The traffic around the Grand Palace is wild, so plan for a 30-minute taxi ride from Riverside. We used Grab (the local ride-hailing app), which was reliable and convenient with kids.
Lunch: Back to Hotel!
After sightseeing, we returned to the hotel for a relaxed lunch. Phranakorn-Nornlen has a diverse menu and space to unwind, with floor seating and cushions, and relaxed vibe.
Afternoon: Explore Lumpini Park
Post-lunch, we went to Lumpini Park, a peaceful oasis in the city center. Here, the kids loved watching the giant monitor lizards from a safe distance and riding the playgrounds.
Tip: Bring some snacks and a blanket. The park has paddle boats on the lake, which our kids adored — just be prepared for the queues later in the afternoon.
Lesson Learned: Visiting later in the day meant fewer crowds and cooler weather. The park’s open green space was perfect for a relaxed sit-down after busy sightseeing.
Pro tip: Take the “hop on, hop off” riverboat at least once! It’s a great way to get around. Don’t worry about getting the day pass — usually a 1 way ticket to your destination is enough. You’ll get to see the sights and quickly get to your next destination!
Evening: Dinner at Baan Khanitha
For dinner, we chose Baan Khanitha, a beautiful restaurant serving authentic Thai cuisine in a traditional teak house. The ambiance was relaxed, and the staff was very attentive with kids’ needs.
Tip: They have a kid-friendly menu, and the atmosphere allowed for a leisurely meal without feeling rushed. Our children enjoyed the mild flavors and fresh ingredients.
Challenge: Bangkok traffic can be heavy in the evenings, so allow plenty of time to get back to the hotel. We learned to leave early and enjoy some downtime in the hotel’s pool afterward.
Bangkok with Kids – Day 2: Indoor Adventures and Family-Friendly Shopping
Morning: KidZania Bangkok at Siam Paragon
We started Day 2 with a big hit: KidZania Bangkok. It’s an indoor “city” where kids can role-play different jobs — fire fighter, chef, pilot — in a safe, colorful environment. Our 6-year-old was in heaven, and the 3-year-old loved the play areas.
Why it worked: It’s indoors, cool, and fully kid-proof. Plus, it’s close to shopping malls, so we could easily combine activities.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance to avoid long lines. Also, arrive early — the place gets busy by mid-morning.
Lunch: Food Court at Siam Paragon
The Siam Paragon mall has an extensive food court with a variety of options — from Japanese ramen to local Thai dishes. We kept it simple with some noodles and fresh fruit, which satisfied everyone.
Lesson: The mall has stroller-friendly pathways and clean facilities, making it easy to visit with little ones.
Early Afternoon: Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World
Next, we headed to Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World, right inside Siam Paragon. The kids loved the giant tanks filled with sharks, rays, and colorful fish. The underwater tunnels made us feel like we were walking through the ocean.
Tip: Pick up a map at the entrance so kids can have a “treasure hunt” for their favorite sea creatures — it adds a fun element to the visit.
Challenge: It’s quite popular, so go early or later in the afternoon to avoid big crowds.
Late Afternoon: Asiatique The Riverfront
To wind down our busy day, we took a short taxi ride to Asiatique The Riverfront. It’s an open-air night market by the river, full of shops, food stalls, and street performers. The kids enjoyed riding the Ferris wheel with a view of the city skyline.
Why it worked: It’s stroller-friendly, safe for children, and has plenty of space for them to run around. We snagged some souvenirs and had a relaxed dinner at one of the many casual spots.
Tip: Be prepared for the evening heat and humidity. Bring fans or cooling towels — we learned that the hard way!
Final Tips for a Smooth Trip to Bangkok With Kids
Travel Light & Be Flexible: Traffic can be unpredictable, so plan for delays. We always kept our plans flexible and carried essentials like water, hats, sunscreen, and snacks.
Stay Near Key Attractions: Our Riverside hotel was a game-changer — easy access to major sights and a peaceful retreat from the city noise.
Use Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab is reliable, safe, and affordable for families. Avoid renting scooters or taxis without seat belts.
Prioritize Early Mornings & Late Evenings: Sightseeing is best early in the day or late in the afternoon when it’s cooler and less crowded.
Avoid Overloading Your Schedule: Two days is enough to get a taste of Bangkok. Focus on quality, not quantity
Be Mindful of the Climate: It’s hot and humid, so dress lightweight, apply sunscreen regularly, and take plenty of breaks.
Final Thoughts
Exploring Bangkok with kids was an incredible adventure. The city is lively, colorful, and surprisingly accommodating for families. But it also can be quite chaotic and tiring. With a little planning, you can enjoy its rich culture, beautiful parks, and delicious food without feeling overwhelmed. Our kids ended the trip with tired legs but happy hearts!
