Bangkok Breathers

Thailand

May 15

Kid friendly places to take a break and visit in Bangkok

If you are a visitor to Bangkok and your children need a break from hitting the major tourist attractions, here are some places to bring your younger travellers:

Benchakitti Forest Park (also spelled Benjakitti)

Drop by this park in the middle of busy Bangkok for much needed exposure to peaceful green space. Arrive early or later in the day to avoid the heat as there are not a lot of shade trees. Walk on pathways and elevated walkways with views over large patches of lotuses, other water plants in a more natural setting and manicured landscapes. Look for water monitors, lizards and birds. This “forest” park is next to the older Benchakitti park with a jogging loop around a large pond. This park is also connected to Lumpini Park with the Lumpini-Benchakitti elevated walkway, which does not have shade either, so go during cooler times.

To access with BTS skytrain, you can walk from Asok station. Or walk from Queen Sirikit National Conventions Center. There is parking by the “forest” park area.

Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World

It is said to be the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. Located in the lower floor of Siam Paragon department store. A great place to stay cool and a hit with the kids. I have never seen so many different sharks in one place. Walk to Siam Paragon from BTS skytrain Siam station.

Lumpini Park

Nothing like the classic Lumpini park in the heart of Bangkok. Always a pleasant walk through this 57 hectare old established central park with it’s big shade trees and lakes. Locals come here to stroll around, exercise and picnic on the grass. Enjoy the swan boats, paddle boats, and kayaking available on the lake. These days the park is home to many many water monitor lizards. Very exciting for kids to look for. See how many they can count. The lizards are pretty chill and used to people but keep your distance and don’t touch them. There are many ways to get to Lumpini. From Phloen Chit Road, hop on a bus on Wittayu Road and get off at the Lumpini police station stop. Or Silom MRT and BTS stations are at the southwest corner of the park.

Snake Farm

Around the southwest corner from Lumpini park, located in the Queen Saovabha Memorial Institute, is the Snake Farm. The farm is located behind the Memorial Institute building that is visible from road. The farm has snake exhibits, venom extraction shows, snake handling shows and photo opportunities with a large snake at the end of the show. Walk around and see the different snakes in the enclosures. The snake handling show about local snakes was educational, enjoyable and funny. Watch them handle the cobras! Shows are presented in both English and Thai. Only one show a day so plan accordingly and get there a bit earlier than the showtime to get a good seat. Snake Farm info here. Reachable by MRT subway, walk from Sam Yan station.

Department stores

The department stores of Bangkok often have places for children’s activities. And are great to get away from the heat! Here are some recommendations for ones reachable by BTS skytrain:

Central Embassy

Open House -the entire 6th floor is a large high airy space with walls lined with books. In addition to the books, stationary stores, family restaurants, cafes and desserts, there is a children’s zone with a giant kids slide and padded climbing space (probably most appropriate for kids under 10). Parents can chill with a coffee while the kids play. Bring socks. There might be a requirement to spend a certain amount at the Open House to use the kids zone.

Icon Siam

Mega Harborland - on the 6th floor is a massive 5000 square meters of indoor playground with many slides, interactive ball arenas, jungle gym, trampolines, and bounce house. For ages 5 months to 15 years old. Harborland has several branches throughout the city in other malls as well. You might have to buy their anti-slip socks. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.

Emquartier

Bounce - on the 4th floor of the Glass Quartier is a large indoor “adrenaline playground” with interconnected trampolines and other adventure features.

Further out from central Bangkok:

Corgi in the Garden - Corgi Cafe

So much cuteness at the corgi cafe. Drinks, desserts and dogs. Very clean and well designed modern cafe space. The cafe attendants will line up the corgis so you can get your photo taken with them too. The cafe is located off the busy Kallapaphruek Road to the west of the Chao Phraya river and is best reached by car/taxi/rideshare.

Koh Kret day trip

Visiting Koh Kret is a nice day trip getaway from central Bangkok area. This small island is located in the northern area of Bangkok on the Chao Phraya river. It is a calm oasis with laid back local village streets with cafes, restaurants, stores, and pottery. Traditional food vendors are open only during the weekend market. Prices are very reasonable. Spend the day exploring the village lanes away from the main shopping street. Stop for lunch or dessert and drinks and relax at one of the cafes with river views. We relaxed at the hip Rongsi Studio Cafe/Restaurant/Homestay on the island.

Enjoy food and drinks by the water at Baan Hia Cafe

How to get to Koh Kret

To get there, take a taxi or ride to Wat Sanam Neua temple, walk to the pier in the back of the temple and take the ferry over to the island for a minimal fee. You can also take the Chao Phraya Express boat to Nonthaburi Pier stop and get a boat from there to the island.

Shiki Huang

I am an architect single mom and my son and I travel whenever we can. I love traditional Japanese architecture, onsens, beaches and exploring new places. My son is into ships and all creatures that move — fuzzy cute animals, insects, reptiles, and sea creatures. We like to find places where we can both enjoy our interests. Hope these posts help your travels with your children.