Updated in February 2024!
Palm trees, gorgeous beaches, barefoot walking, a conscious lifestyle, and breathtaking nature – that’s Koh Phangan! The island in south Thailand is mainly known for the monthly Fullmoon Party. But forget this tourist event for teens and party people! Because Koh Phangan is a dream destination for families with children. In 2023, there was a huge influx of families, which is why the infrastructure for children was also massively expanded. We have been living in Koh Phangan for 4,5 years, and here are my absolute favorite activities for babies, toddlers, and older kids.
Best Outdoor Kids Activities in Koh Phangan:
Bizarre Bazaar at Seaboard Bungalows
Every Wednesday, a mini-festival is held on the premises of Seaboard Bungalows: Bizarre Bazaar. Here, you will find market stalls with food, jewelry, art, a DJ, and bars on the beach! That alone is great for kids, but sometimes there are also stalls where kids can get colorful strands braided into their hair or make magic wands. Either way, pack your swimsuits and enjoy the evening.
My tip: Right next door, you’ll find Cocco Locco and Vagga Bar – both perfect places to have dinner on the beach and then head over to Bizarre Bazaar.
Hike to Bottle Beach
A beautiful hike takes you through the jungle over a mountain to Bottle Beach, a hidden gem of Koh Phangan. At this beautiful beach, you can go swimming, order a drink at the local restaurant, and then take a boat back to Haad Khom Beach (from there, you have to walk about 10 minutes back to the starting point). This activity is something for older kids and sporty parents. But our 6-year-old managed the 1.5-hour hike with a couple of breaks. Check out the best tips for hiking with kids!
Saturday Walking Street Market
I hardly know a more charming Night Market than the Saturday Night Market in Koh Phangan. In the Walking Street in Thongsala, you can stroll around from about 5 o’clock in the afternoon, enjoy local specialties, and browse to your heart’s content. The Night Market stretches all the way to Thongsala Pier, where you’ll find some playgrounds for kids (admittedly a bit run down).
My tip: Look out for the stall where kids can color figures for only 40 Thai Baht. Our daughters spend hours there.
Tropi Quest
A 3-day adventure for 7- 14-year-old kids from the creators of the Dreamforest Camps. On this expedition, your child will visit the coolest natural playgrounds on the island, guided by experienced outdoor teachers. Extra plus: transfer to and from camp, healthy breakfast, and lunch, as well as personal souvenirs, are included!
Save 5% with the code “LULU24” if your child takes part in one day or a whole 10% for the entire 3 days! Check out their schedule here.
Sunday Nightmarket in Chaloklum
Just like the Night Market in Thongsala, this Night Market also takes place every week (on Sundays). What is particularly nice is that there is live music directly on the pier, some people dance, others sit on the beach and enjoy the atmosphere. This market can be a bit stressful with small children, but otherwise, it’s super nice!
Sunset Walk
Nice Beach Club in Baan Tai with a huge skate park. Parents can grab drinks and food at the Bliss Cafe and watch their kids skate and play. The staff is also very fond of kids. Please note: Sunset Walk requires a minimum consumption of 350 THB pp to enter the activity area.
Sunsets at Zen Beach
The evening gatherings at Zen Beach in Sri Thanu are notorious! Here, everyone meets at sunset to dance into the night to the sound of drums and music jams (every Friday evening, you’ll find a professional drum circle on the beach). Children can play in the sand, swim, and maybe even pick up a musical instrument.
Baan Manali Beach Cafe
This dreamy little resort is located near Thongsala on the beach and is a true paradise for children. There is a small zip line, swings, hammocks, a pool (only for guests), paddleboards, and kayaks to rent. Not to forget: Really delicious Israeli and Thai food.
Boat Ride to Why Nam
The legendary Why Nam Beach in the east of the island is a unique hippie paradise and simply a beautiful beach. Take a boat from Haadrin Beach and ride the 15 minutes over to Why Nam. There you can explore the area, go swimming and eat at Why Nam Restaurant.
My tip: Very special beach parties with selected DJs take place here regularly. Besides an older party crowd (not the Fullmoon Party people), you can always find a bunch of kids here. Lila loves to come along to the parties. Update 2024: Kids are not allowed at the parties anymore. So book a nanny and enjoy it with your adult friends!
Snorkeling at Koh Raham
Whether you like scuba diving or not, you should jump into the water here! The snorkeling spot is located at the incredibly beautiful Koh Raham Restaurant at Haad Son Resort. Kindly, the staff feeds the fish while you snorkel, so you have a great fish swarm experience underwater. Diving masks can be rented on-site. Great for kids of swimming age and up!
Football at Atletikoh Phangan
This is the largest soccer club on the island, with two vast soccer fields. Check their training schedule here.
Best Indoor Activities for Kids in Koh Phangan
Amor Infinito
This lovely place is the perfect nature playground for children aged 5 and over. Amor Infinito offers daily activities – from building a tree house, gardening, drum circle, and music workshops to movie nights for the whole family. Check out their page to see what your children would like to participate in!
Tennis Club Oxygen
Whether it’s just you who wants to play tennis or padel, or your children too – Oxygen offers both. You can either rent a court, including equipment, or book a training session. This place is new so that you can look forward to modern facilities and high quality.
Martial Arts Academy
This boxing stable is owned by the current kickboxing world champion, Pascal Schroth (as of February 2024), and is state-of-the-art. MAA offers several training classes for kids and adults from Monday to Saturday, yoga, ice baths, and a juice bar. Check out their schedule here.
Circle of Sun
This wonderful kindergarten opens its premises for kids from 2 years + (kids aged 3 and above can be supervised by the staff) from 3:30 – 8:30 pm (Monday to Friday) and on weekends even longer. The kids can play in the green outdoor area or inside the cozy playhouse. If you book with Tanya in advance, she can cook a healthy veggie meal for your little one.
Lavender Blue Bookshop
This recently opened children’s bookshop is the place to go if you are looking for high-quality children’s books. In addition, the lovely owner, Katie, also offers amazing workshops for children where they can read, craft, and explore new games together. Check out the times of the upcoming workshops here.
Koh Play – Family Restaurant and Playground
Koh Play is a huge indoor playground with many different sports activities, English classes, craft workshops, and movie nights. On top of that, there’s a restaurant that offers food for kids and adults. Check their Facebook page for schedules and camps.
Purina Sheep Farm
On this lovingly maintained Purina Sheep Farm in the heart of Madue Wan Area live about 20 sheep and goats that want to be fed. How? With baby milk bottles! It is a very nice experience for kids, even more so when baby goats have just been born.
The Nest
This indoor and outdoor play area for babies and toddlers is pretty new. The interior of The Nest is designed and handmade built by the owners.
Zoo Cafe
Zoo Cafe is a small zoo that has been run by a Thai family for many years. Here, you can admire ostriches, giant tortoises, reptiles, deer, rabbits, parrots, and naked guinea pigs. Even if the place does not fulfill my idea of species-appropriate husbandry 100 percent, it is still going in the right direction and, therefore, in my opinion, is worth supporting.
My tip: Be sure to feed the giant Koi carp with baby bottles (20 Thailand Baht per serving). This is so much fun that even I, as an adult, do it every time.
Messy House
Messy House is a supervised indoor playground with a ball pool and countless climbing opportunities. Ideal for parents who want to leave their kids for a few hours.
My tip: You can also leave little babies here to play. Contact Messy House beforehand via FB messenger and book a nanny through them. Then you can enjoy some couple time without worries.
Wonderkids
Right next to Messy House, you’ll find a place for the smallest ones (age 8 months +). In this nursery, 4 lovely Thai nannies look after babies and toddlers and offer overnight stays. Find all details, opening hours, and contact info here.
Kiddies World
A beautiful large indoor and outdoor playground with numerous Montessori toys. Kiddies World Koh Phangan is a kindergarten during the day and is open to all from 3 pm on weekdays and the whole weekends. You may leave older children (4+) here alone. For smaller ones, you should stay there for supervision.
Kids Play Area at Big C
Don’t ask me why, but our daughter loves this tiny indoor playground at Big C in Thongsala. In my opinion, it’s nothing special, but the kids love it. It is supervised and open during Big C opening hours. Socks can be rented on-site.
What are your favorite activities for kids in Koh Phangan? Let me know in the comments. Thank you for reading!
Are you traveling to Thailand with your little ones? Don’t miss my guide to the best kids’ activities in Chiang Mai and Bangkok!