20 Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai with Kids: Unforgettable Family Fun Awaits

Introduction

Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of Northern Thailand, offers a treasure trove of exciting activities for families. With its blend of outdoor adventures, interactive learning experiences, and family-friendly attractions, it’s no wonder Chiang Mai is a top destination for travelers with children. In this post, we explore the 20 best things to do in Chiang Mai with kids, helping you create lasting memories while enjoying a fun-filled family vacation.

1. Explore Chiang Mai Night Safari

If your kids love animals, Chiang Mai Night Safari is a must-visit. With nocturnal animals as the stars of the show, this safari experience takes you on guided trams through the open zoo to encounter lions, zebras, and giraffes. The night safari is interactive, with feeding zones where kids can give snacks to friendly animals.

2. Visit the Elephant Nature Park

A visit to the Elephant Nature Park offers children the opportunity to learn about elephant conservation in a respectful environment. Families can enjoy observing elephants up close, feeding them, and even participating in their daily care routines. This experience teaches kids the importance of wildlife conservation.

3. Spend Time at Art in Paradise

Art in Paradise is an interactive 3D art museum perfect for children. Kids will love posing with optical illusion paintings that transport them into imaginative scenes—from flying carpets to underwater worlds. It’s not just a museum; it’s a playground for creativity and photography.

4. Explore the Old City Temples

Introducing your children to Chiang Mai’s rich culture through temple visits is a great idea. Temples like Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh offer insight into Thai traditions and history. The atmosphere is serene, making it a gentle way to expose kids to Buddhism and local customs.

5. Adventure at the Grand Canyon Water Park

For thrill-seeking families, Grand Canyon Water Park provides hours of entertainment. With floating obstacle courses, zip lines, and kid-friendly water slides, this park ensures fun for all ages. Safety is prioritized, with life vests provided for all participants.

6. Relax at Huay Tung Tao Lake

Looking for a quieter family outing? Huay Tung Tao Lake is a beautiful, man-made lake surrounded by mountains. Families can rent bamboo huts, enjoy a picnic by the water, and even rent pedal boats. It’s an excellent way to unwind after busy sightseeing.

7. Take a Cooking Class Together

Chiang Mai offers family-friendly cooking classes where kids can get involved in making their own Thai dishes. These classes typically include market tours, giving children a firsthand look at local ingredients. A fun activity to do together, it also ensures kids learn something new about Thai cuisine.

8. Visit the Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium

The Chiang Mai Zoo offers much more than just animal exhibits. Families can explore the zoo by tram or on foot, visit the panda enclosure, and explore the walk-through aquarium. There’s also a mini-water park within the zoo, perfect for cooling down on hot days.

9. Zipline Through the Jungle with Flight of the Gibbon

For adventurous families, Flight of the Gibbon provides a ziplining experience through lush rainforests. The course is designed with safety in mind, and kids over a certain age and height can participate. Flying through the trees is a thrilling way to experience Chiang Mai’s nature.

10. Visit the Tribal Museum

Located near Huay Kaew Road, the Tribal Museum offers insight into the cultures of Northern Thailand’s hill tribes. Kids will enjoy seeing the traditional costumes, tools, and art of the different tribes. It’s a fascinating way to learn about the diversity of Thailand’s people.

11. Enjoy the Chiang Mai Saturday Night Market

Strolling through the Saturday Night Market is a sensory adventure. Families can enjoy street food, shop for handicrafts, and enjoy performances by street artists. Kids will love the colorful stalls, and there are plenty of child-friendly snacks like fruit smoothies and sticky rice treats.

12. Visit Baan Kang Wat Artisan Village

This artistic community is perfect for families seeking a creative outing. Baan Kang Wat offers workshops in pottery, painting, and handicrafts, allowing kids to create their own souvenirs. There are also cozy cafés where parents can relax while kids explore the area.

13. Go on a Bike Ride Around the Countryside

Cycling through Chiang Mai’s countryside is a great way to explore the region at a slower pace. Many tour operators offer family-friendly biking routes that take you through rice fields and small villages, providing children with a glimpse of rural life in Thailand.

14. Spend the Day at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs

A day trip to San Kamphaeng Hot Springs is both relaxing and fun. Kids can enjoy the natural hot spring pools, and there are even areas where families can boil eggs in the hot water. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, it’s a peaceful retreat from the city.

15. Participate in a Lantern Making Workshop

Children will love learning how to make traditional Thai lanterns, especially since Chiang Mai is known for its annual Yi Peng Lantern Festival. Many workshops allow kids to design and decorate their own lanterns, providing a hands-on cultural experience.

16. Experience the Lanna Folklife Museum

The Lanna Folk life Museum offers interactive exhibits about the Lanna Kingdom’s history and traditions. Children can dress in traditional costumes, explore models of Lanna-style houses, and enjoy a glimpse into the local way of life.

17. Go Strawberry Picking at Mon Jam

Located on a hilltop, Mon Jam offers not only stunning views but also fun activities for kids, like strawberry picking. The cool mountain air and relaxed atmosphere make it a great place to spend a day.

18. Take a Tuk-Tuk Ride Around the City

Kids will love the experience of riding in a colorful tuk-tuk around Chiang Mai’s streets. It’s a fun and unique way to explore the city, and many drivers can take you on a short city tour, passing key attractions.

19. Explore the Botanical Garden at Queen Sirikit Park

Families can enjoy a leisurely day exploring the Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden. The garden features glasshouses, a canopy walkway, and themed sections that showcase Thailand’s native plants. It’s an educational and relaxing outing for children.

20. Visit Chiang Mai Playgrounds and Indoor Play Centers

Chiang Mai offers several indoor play centers and playgrounds that are perfect for younger children. Places like Bouncing Bobo and Balloon Land feature soft play areas, ball pits, and trampolines, providing hours of entertainment.

Conclusion

Chiang Mai is full of exciting activities and attractions that cater to families with children. Whether you’re interested in cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, or hands-on workshops, there are plenty of things to do in Chiang Mai with kids. With so many options, you can create a balanced itinerary that ensures everyone in the family has a great time.

From exploring the Chiang Mai Night Safari to participating in creative workshops, every experience will leave you with cherished memories. So, pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Northern Thailand!

FAQ for “20 Best Things To Do in Chiang Mai With Family and Kids”

1. What are the best things to do in Chiang Mai with kids?

Chiang Mai offers a variety of activities such as visiting the Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai Night Safari, Grand Canyon Water Park, and taking part in cooking classes or cultural workshops.

2. Is Chiang Mai family-friendly?

Yes, Chiang Mai is very family-friendly, with numerous activities, parks, and museums that cater to children and parents alike.

3. Are there educational activities for children in Chiang Mai?

Absolutely! Families can explore the Lanna Folklife Museum, visit the Tribal Museum, or take lantern-making workshops to learn about local culture.

4. What outdoor activities are available for kids in Chiang Mai?

Popular outdoor activities include visiting the Grand Canyon Water Park, taking a bike ride through the countryside, ziplining with Flight of the Gibbon, or enjoying a picnic at Huay Tung Tao Lake.

5. Are there any animal-related attractions in Chiang Mai?

Yes, the Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium, and the Chiang Mai Night Safari are great options for animal-loving families.

6. What’s the best way to get around Chiang Mai with kids?

Families can get around using tuk-tuks, taxis, or rental cars, though tuk-tuk rides are often a favorite among children for their unique experience.

7. Are there indoor activities for kids in Chiang Mai?

Yes, families can explore Art in Paradise, indoor playgrounds like Bouncing Bobo, and other interactive museums.