Neil Aronson Chiang Mai is our home and an amazing place to travel to. When your here it’s easy to figure out why most everyone is happy, and local kids are having fun. The way of life, culture, family, history, and the many fun things to do makes people love to live here and visit.
Lately I see more people on social media asking if traveling to Chiang Mai with kids is a good idea. Mostly people are worried about if there is anything to do with kids between 2 and 12 years old. Well I have always believed having foreign experiences as kid, especially in developing counties helps shape a child’s view on the world, in a positive way.
If your debating a trip with kids to Chiang Mai, then we are here to tell you there is more than enough fun things they will enjoy. Health care is very good and easy to access should you need it. Shopping and western food is also easy to come by should you also need that. Increasingly we see couples traveling with young kids and toddlers throughout Chiang Mai and Thailand.
My wife and I are surrounded by nieces and nephews and friends and neighbors with kids. Here is a guide to many fun things and educational that we know kids enjoy in Chiang Mai firsthand. Also if your worried about food for picky eaters, don’t. Chiang Mai has every type of food available you can imagine. And some of the best pizza places anywhere!
Resources
Agoda is the best place to book cheap affordable hotels in Thailand, especially near national parks. They also book flights as well.
Expedia is my favorite place to book flights, hotels, cars, and more. Their group includes Hotels.com and Vrbo for vacation rentals.
Viator is the top choice for activities. Book everything from a waterfall tour to scuba diving, jungle trekking to cooking classes.
12Go is the top transportation source for Asia. From busses to trains to regional flights.
Where To Stay & Eat With Kids
Bodhi Serene (Old City) Our top pick. Incredible value for how nice it is. Great location to walk and friendly staff. The pool is beautiful, as are the grounds. The rooms are super nice. We stayed in a standard room which was a little small. However we also have stayed in a 2 bedroom suite, for less than $100, and it was gigantic with full kitchen, dining room, and two hot tubs. Great for two couples or family. Also walk to excellent restaurants.
Por Thapae Gate (Old City) One of my top 3 favorites for location, outdoor spaces and super friendly staff. The breakfast is great, rooms are smaller but very nice. Right on the Sunday Walking Street.
Somwang Boutique House (Old City) is a small boutique hotel with nice outdoors and pool. Excellent walking location. Our standard room was very big. Staff is friendly. Only 2 parking spots since most people do not have cars. I always see families with young kids here.
Arch 39 (Nimman) is a hotel with rooms that are turned into playgrounds with climbing structures, slides, and hanging nets.
Horizon Village and Resort (Doi Saket) There is so much to do here you might not even need to leave the resort. From multiple playgrounds, to a petting zoo, gardens, a hedge maze labyrinth, two swimming pools and so much more.
Shangri-La (City Center) This large hotel boasts the biggest pool in the city, along with 277 guest rooms. The Shangri-La’s range of facilities makes it ideal for parents travelling with kids. There’s cartoon bedding for younger travelers, playpens, coloring sets, everything you need to feed/bathe a newborn, mini-bathrobes and slippers, a splash zone, kids’ club, and supervised creative activities run daily. Then while the kids are being entertained, you can indulge in a traditional Asian healing treatment at CHI, The Spa.
Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline Camp & Resort (Mae Rim/Mon Jam) is an extremely popular place for kids and families. Glamping at an amusement park. See more below in activities.
Fun Places To Eat
Breakfast Word is an amazing place in the old city. If your hotels does not offer free breakfast, this place will remind you of breakfast back home with a local twist.
On The Bread in the Nimman area is a small and tasty place to go if you want a simple western breakfast, particularly on a bagel.
Sunday walking street has a lot of choices. In fact the Sunday walking street on Rachadamnoen Rd is one of the best places to eat, with dozens of amazing vendors to choose from. And you won’t believe what you can get for just 60 baht. There are many fun snacks and items kids will love, plus they can watch it being made.
Airniversary Camp and Cafe Ratchaphakinai Rd in Old Town. This is one of my favorite places to eat and hang out. Incredible treehouse atmosphere, with fantastic food variety from Thai to Wood Fired Pizza. Our nephews love the food and vibes. There are many options kids will like, and they will enjoy climbing around the ‘tree house’ like different levels.
By Hand Pizza. They cook your woodfired pizza in a brick oven basically on the street. Highly recommend. If your kids want pizza, then this is fun local spot, where they cook your pizza out in the open so you can watch.
Smash Daddy’s Burgers is a spot kids will love for all their burger, milkshakes and other fried food needs. Located in Nimman area.
19 Fun Places And Activities For Kids
Bai Orchid & Butterfly Farm (Mae Rim) is fun for all ages, and kids really love seeing all the different butterflies. North of the city in Mae Rim, it is located just off the main road and easy to find. The main butterfly area is full of different species that will land on you and hang out.
X-Centre (Mae Rim) is down the road from the butterflies, and is an extreme sports complex for off roading. So for more older kids, but they do have younger activities like Go-Kart, Mini Golf, and Mini ATV. There is also Bungy Jumping.
Phoenix Adventure Park (Mae Rim) for all ages, High rope courses and Zipline where they have 2 programs and up to 24 platforms that you can choose for a family-friendly adventure. There is also a Train Ride inside, Sheep Farm, Kids Play areas, along with coffee shop and restaurant that are included in the programs.
Pongyang Jungle Coaster Zipline Camp & Resort (Mae Rim/Mon Jam) is an extremely popular place for kids and families. Getting there is a little bit of a drive however as it is located on the mountain on the way up to Mon Jam. Built for kids and families, enjoy zipline courses, small roller coasters, jungle courses, and lots of other activities. My nephews loved this place when they were younger. Stay overnight with different room options, and are available to book on Agoda.
Visit Elephants (Mae Rim) One of the true ethical elephant sanctuaries in Thailand is Mae Sa Elephant Camp. They have evolved over time and since Covid no longer allow riding of elephants or shows. As a result of changes, this is a care and educational facility run by donations.
Siam Insect Zoo (Mae Rim) is just down the road from the butterfly farm, on the way to Mae Sa waterfall. Obviously you need to want to see and enjoy bugs. They do a lot of kids educational programs, and have a live insect zoo.
Mae Sa Waterfall (Mae Rim) is a popular 10-tiered cascading waterfall along a nearly 2.5 km trail into the forest. This is a very popular local attraction for the area. Because it has multiple tiers of small waterfalls, it is a great place for kids to wade in the water or swim. Winter months are safest, as it is the dry season. Very shady with areas to picnic, and plenty of good restrooms.
Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls (Mae Taeng) is super fun for kids. It is a naturally “sticky” waterfall where the unique texture of the rocks allows kids to climb up and down safely. Bring swimsuits and water shoes, and consider bringing a picnic for a day out in nature. Located about an hour north of Chiang Mai, a tour can be booked on Viator.
Montha Than Waterfall (Doi Suthep) is smaller but beautiful and easy to access from the city. This is a fun waterfall for kids. It has two levels, so you hike a trail to get to the upper part. The upper falls is where the kids like to play in the water.
To get there, on route 1004, you will take a right turn into the entrance. There is a large sign from the road, but it does sneak up on you. Lots of grassy areas for a picnic, and best of all there is a big tree canopy, so it is almost all shady, which is also a bonus for kids. There are also many butterflies.
Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium is located at the bottom of Doi Suthep and is easy to access from the Old City or Nimman areas. The Zoo and Aquarium is Thailand’s oldest zoo and a favorite with visiting families. My wife took my when we first met many years ago! Hundreds of species are represented between the zoological park and its aquarium, including a pair of giant pandas. The aquarium’s 436-foot-long (133-meter-long) aquatic tunnel ranks among the longest in the world.
Chiang Mai Night Safari (Hang Dong) is another zoo that stays open late. Kids will be fascinated to see animals up close and at night. You can see how animals such as tigers, rhinos, hyenas, lions, cheetahs, wildebeests, and giraffes behave after dark. It’s modeled on Singapore Night Safari but is twice the size; the site is sprawled across some 300 acres (120 hectares) and is home to around 1,400 animals.
The Grand Canyon Water Park (Hang Dong) caters to everyone’s needs and to those of all ages. This family day out will be full of adventure and trying new things, while inter-mixed with relaxation for parents and grandparents too. What’s great is that there are lifeguards everywhere to ensure your family’s safety as you enjoy the park. Not too far from the city center.
Jungle Adventure Park (Hang Dong) is a newer theme park with rides and activities for kids. From small coasters to zipline to Go Karts. Your kids will have a blast all afternoon splashing around in the many water activities as well.
50Fly! (By Airport) is Indoor Family Entertainment Center with dozens of fun activities, and out of the sun! A place for laser tag and huge trampoline zone. You must sign up for a session, and there are toddler sessions.
Art in Paradise (3D Art Museum) Is an interactive museum that has 3D paintings that let kids (and adults) become part of the artwork. It has Over 130 3D paintings and photo ops in every corner, and the paintings inside the museum can be divided into six zones with different themes.
Cooking Classes are a great way for your kids to have fun and be educated as well. Bring your older kids along to a Thai cooking class, where they can learn about the culture and new skills. All recipes have precise measurements, easy techniques, simple instructions, and (most importantly) child-friendly dishes shielded from chilies. I have done a few myself and had a blast. They can be booked on Viator. I recommend Smile Organic Farm Cooking School for a great farm education and experience.
Experience A Parade Or Festival. Every year in Chiang Mai and throughout Thailand are annual festivals and local ones. Most have amazing parades like during Loy Krathong and Chiang Mai Flower festival. This a great, and free, way to experience the culture and a lot of fun to see. See our event calendar for when.
Visit National Parks. What kids doesn’t like to play outside and run around in nature chasing butterflies. Chiang Mai has access to some of the best in Thailand, many less than an hour away. Two of the best I think for kids would be Mae Wang, Ob Khan and Doi Inthanon. See amazing waterfalls at Doi Inthanon, view the ‘Little Grand Canyon’ in Mae Wang, or have a picnic by the river in Ob Khan. Check out or guide for all the details. Best Northern National Parks.
Shopping Malls. Lastly you could see a movie and one of the modern theaters, and explore the indoor malls. Two to the largest in Chiang Mai are Central Airport Mall and Maya Shopping Mall. Bowling and other fun things for kids are at the malls, plus any type of food they could want.
We hope this list helps you find things to do with your kids and will ease your mind about traveling with kids to Chiang Mai. Keep in mind as we are focusing this list on Chiang Mai, most other tourist areas in Thailand also have similar places for kids.
