Chiang Mai, Thailand is one of the most enchanting cities in Southeast Asia. From its spectacular mountains and forests to its vibrant culture and cuisine, it’s no wonder Chiang Mai consistently ranks as a favorite destination for families. Traveling to chiang mai with kids? Let’s discover together the best outdoor and indoor activities.
Beyond the classic tourist attractions, there are plenty of activities that can be tailored to fit young kids – both educational and fun. To help you plan your next family holiday, here are 5 amazing things to do in Chiang Mai with kids.
Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures or cultural experiences, Chiang Mai has something for everyone!
Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium
Chiang Mai Zoo is Thailand’s second largest zoo and home to over 300 species of animals. It is the first commercial zoo in northern Thailand, established on 16 June 1977.
The zoo has a wide variety of animals, including tigers, lions, elephants, giraffes, and rhinos and two lovely giant pandas. Giant pandas Lin Hui and Chuang Chuang arrived at the zoo on 12 October 2003, and are on 10-year loan from China.
The zoo also has an aquarium with over 200 species of fish. The aquarium is one of the largest in Southeast Asia.
Chiang Mai Zoo is a great place to take the young ones. The zoo has a lot of activities for kids, including a petting zoo, a playground, and a safari train. The zoo also has a restaurant and a gift shop.
If you little one is too little you can explore the zoo by riding the tram and get dropped off at any spot. In this way you can see all the park without getting tired!
Combo tickets for one day pass can be bought online. Adult prices start from 19$/person while kids pay 16$. Visiting the Panda and adding the tram pass will cost you 24$/adult and 15$/child.
Chiang Mai Zoo & Aquarium Opening Hours: 8pm to 5pm every day.
Elephant Day Care at Chiang Mai Mountain Sanctuary
Elephant Day Care at Chiang Mai Mountain Sanctuary is one of the most amazing things to do in Chiang Mai with kids. It is an experience they will never forget!
At Elephant day care, your kids will get to feed, bathe, and play with elephants. They will also learn about elephant behavior and how to care for them.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get up close and personal with these gentle giants!
While kids under 9 years old pays 32$ for a half day visit the adults price is 34$. If you have more time you better go with the full day experience!
Grand Canyon Water Park
Grand Canyon Water Park is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Chiang Mai. The park features a number of different water slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. There is also a playground and a restaurant on-site.
If you are planning to stay whole day long you better pick the 1 day package with Board starting from 61$/person or select your preferred package that allows access to the Floating Aqua Park, Kid Zone, Giant Slider, and Zipline
The park is open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
GoKart at Chiang Mai X-Centre
Go-Karting is one of the most popular activities at Chiang Mai X-Centre. They have a large track with both indoor and outdoor sections. The karts are electric and there are double karts available for those who want to race with a partner.
The staff is very friendly and they offer helmets and safety gear for those who want it.
Kids Karts are available for children aged between 6 to 9. Prices start from 20$/person for a ride up to 15 minutes.
The centre is open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm.
Chiang Mai Night Safari
Chiang Mai is home to a unique and exciting night safari that your kids will love! This safari takes place at the Chiang Mai Zoo, which is open until 9pm. You can explore the zoo on foot or by tram, and there are plenty of photo opportunities with the animals.
The tour also includes a visit to the nocturnal animal house, where you can see bats, owls, and other creatures of the night.
The tour lasts around an hour and it is an absolutely thrilling experience to witness predators like the lion, spotted hyena and white tiger in their natural environment.
Admission + Safari Tram Ticket costs 24$/adult and 12$/child; please note that the kids must have at least 101cm to 140cm in order to enter the park.
The night safari starts around 5.30 and the sunset is early and most of the time at the same hours in Thailand.
Opening hours: 11:00 a.m. -10:00 p.m.
