Chiang Mai: The 20 Best Activities for Kids

Updated in March 2024!

Mountains and mild temperatures – Chiang Mai offers the perfect change from the tropical south of Thailand. And although the north, in particular, is known for excellent local cuisine, cool bars, and lots of art, kids won’t get bored either. Here is the ultimate guide for kids’ activities in Chiang Mai!

We have visited, tested, and found sound in all the places I suggest to you. And since there are sometimes rainy afternoons – especially during the rainy season between May and October – they are divided into indoor and outdoor activities.

The best Indoor Activities in Chiang Mai:

Mall Playgrounds

Almost every mall in Chiang Mai has a children’s area. Some even offer supervision for older children so parents can do their shopping in peace. Our favorites are the supervised playground at Central Chiangmai, FUN Planet at Central Chiangmai Airport, and Mini World at Tesco Lotus Kham Thiang (don’t be confused by Google Maps saying it’s closed, status September 2022 all three places are open). Don’t forget to pack socks for you and the kids. Otherwise, you will have to buy them on-site.

Astro Park

How much do you weigh on another planet? And how does the evacuation of a city after an earthquake work? At the NARIT Astro Park, children can get to the bottom of all this. Especially great: countless experiments explain simple and complex physical phenomena. The exhibition is free of charge. Admission to the planetarium in the north of Chiang Mai costs only a few baht.

After School

This new playground is a vast covered sandbox with modern climbing frames and slides. All around, parents can sit, drink coffee or eat something. Tip: Bring your sand toys. Otherwise, you can buy some there for 200 THB.

BLOCK and PLAY

This indoor playground in Chiang Mai is divided into two zones. The free café with a mini-playground (where I like to spend time with my 1-year-old) and a separate building with a “premium” area. There are tons of high-quality LEGO building sets, dollhouses, and sophisticated toys. Our 5-year-old loves this place and regularly sinks into the play tunnel.

Progression Vertical Climbing Gym

If you want action and sports, you should go to this modern, beautifully designed climbing hall. Both children and adults can try their skills here. The routes are marked with colors according to difficulty. There is a playground next door for smaller children, including a giant trampoline.

Noina Art Studio

A wonderful studio in the old town where adults and children can let off steam artistically. For 200 THB/hour, you can decide what you want to create. Noina provides all the material and is available to advise you. It is best to register with her beforehand via Facebook.

Art in Paradise Chiang Mai

This interactive 3D art museum is full of surprises. From artistically created landscapes to optical illusions and a unique comic cafe – it’s not just the kids who have fun here, but the parents too. Come early in the morning so you can take excellent photos undisturbed!

Bear Hug Cafe

It’s raining, and you and your kids crave sweets? Then you should head to the Bear Hug Cafe. This place is known for the unique and adorable 3D bear designs on their lattes. It’s very interesting to watch the baristas creating the bears. My kids loved this place.

The best Outdoor Activities in Chiang Mai:

Horizon Village

Horizon Village is located on the outskirts of Chiang Mai and is distinguished by its botanical gardens and commitment to environmental sustainability. The property spans several acres and is home to a variety of plant species, themed gardens, and water features, designed to showcase the region’s diverse flora and promote ecological awareness. Families can enjoy a huge kids’ zone, rent Paddle Boats, Bicycles or explore the maze garden.

Lanna Mini Zoo

Tucked away from the hustle and bustle, this quaint zoo in the north of the city offers a unique opportunity to get up close with a variety of animals in a cozy, welcoming environment. You’ll find goats, Maras, Ponies and other domesticated animals.

Let Grow

In the south of the city lies this beautiful wooden playground. Unlike many other places, kids can get dirty and be wild here. An adjacent skate track provides running bikes and scooters for the little ones. For an additional fee, kids can make their pizzas. Not for babies, but from running age, it’s fun here!

Ginger Farm

About 30 minutes from the city center of Chiang Mai, you’ll find this charming spot. On the lovingly designed Ginger Farm, you will find rabbits, goats, horses, and even a water buffalo. My highlight, however, is the art area for children. For an extra charge of 150 – 250 THB, your children can make straw dolls, paint T-shirts, or even sew little mermaids out of fabric.

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep

Probably the most famous temple in Chiang Mai is located on the mountain range of Doi Suthep National Park. You can drive yourself or with one of the red Songthaews directly up and admire the complex there. If you climb the 200+ steps of the Naga staircase, you will arrive at the temple’s beautiful and shiny gold central part. Not only is the view great for kids, but they can also have a real monk tie a “Sai Sin” around them – a thread that brings luck and is supposed to protect.

Wildside

If your kids are older, it’s worth visiting this modern outdoor sports facility. Wildside consists of a large skate park, a climbing wall plumbing crises, a bike and running bike rental, and a café. You can rent the mobile bikes by the hour and watch your kids cruise around. The climbing wall is open to children eight years and older.

Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden

About 45 minutes from the city center of Chiang Mai is this beautiful botanical garden – or should I say “gardens”? Because the area consists of various stations, several greenhouses, and a large house with its own waterfall. Especially interesting for the kids: the greenhouse with the carnivorous plants. We found rather uninteresting: The Canopy Walk and the Nature Science Museum.

Sticky Waterfalls

A must-go if you are adventurous! Not for the very young (even with a baby carrier a bit too dangerous), but for children from about four years and their parents, it is a unique experience. The Namtok Bua Tong waterfalls are numerous small and large waterfalls that can be walked on and climbed. Because, as the name suggests – the stone floor “sticks,” and you will not slip. Pack your bathing suit. Valuables can be locked up on site.

Night Markets

Chiang Mai offers many different night market events, which can be pretty cool for kids. Babies and toddlers have an incredible amount to look at, and older kids enjoy treats, small souvenirs, and music at every turn — our favorites: Tha Phae Walking Street on Sunday nights and Wua Lai Walking Street on Saturday nights.

Siam Insect Zoo

Although I am an absolute zoo opponent and think that animals do not belong in captivity, I would like to recommend this zoo to you. I would instead call it a museum because it consists of 80 percent dead insects, which are great to show off. Children and adults can learn incredibly and even take an insect on their hands. Con: Unfortunately, smaller reptiles are also kept on the premises. I recommend pointing out to the staff that this is unnecessary and that you came for the insects. If enough people point this out, maybe something will change.

Nics Restaurant & Playground

This restaurant has a large adventure playground about 20 minutes south of the center of Chiang Mai. I highly recommend it for children of walking age. And for parents, there are Western and Thai food or Night Market Events. Bonus: The kids’ menu! I haven’t found such lovingly designed dishes with animal faces (and homemade baby puree).

The Top Neighborhoods of Chiang Mai – Where to Stay?

Nimmanhaemin is known for its trendy vibe with a high density of restaurants and cafes, ideal for younger residents or Digital Nomads, although it’s a bit removed from the Old City. The Old City itself, rich in history, is densely packed with eateries and is very walkable, making it suitable for families desiring a blend of convenience and culture.

Lang Mor and Naa Mor, near Chiang Mai University, are known for affordability and student-friendly amenities. For those seeking proximity to nature, areas like Jed Yod offer a quieter, more residential atmosphere with easy access to green spaces, though it’s spread out and slightly less convenient for transport. Wat Ket, near the Ping River, provides a more laid-back atmosphere with fewer tourist attractions. Santitham is emerging as a vibrant area with a mix of offerings, and the areas around Umong/Rampoeng/Pong Noi retain a traditional Thai village feel, though they are more remote.

The Ancient Walls of the Old City

Chiang Mai’s ancient walls, remnants of the city’s historical fortifications, reflect its rich history dating back to the Lanna Kingdom. These walls once served as protection against invaders and now stand as significant landmarks. Traffic around the Old City is unique due to the square layout defined by the walls and the moat, with four main gates providing access points. This layout influences the city’s traffic patterns, making navigation around the historic center distinctive compared to other parts of Chiang Mai. It took me several weeks to understand the quickest way to aim into the Old City.

Interesting Facts About Chiang Mai

As of 2024, the estimated population of Chiang Mai is approximately 1,228,773, reflecting steady growth over the years​. Being the main city in Chiang Mai province and the second biggest in Thailand, it’s very important for the area’s culture and its economy.

A lot of tourists come to Chiang Mai every year because of its interesting history, which dates back to 1296, when it was the capital of the Lan Na kingdom. Its good location for trade has also made it an important place for cultural and business activities. Chiang Mai has seen a significant increase in Chinese tourists, particularly after the release of the Chinese film “Lost in Thailand,” which was shot in the city. This film, being one of China’s top-grossing films, has contributed to making Chiang Mai a popular destination among Chinese visitors. Some people say that in high season, there are more Chinese tourists than Thai residents in Chiang Mai.

Farming is a big part of life in Chiang Mai, with many people working in agriculture. This includes everything from growing crops to managing water and soil. The city is also doing well in making and selling food, showing that farming is a key part of its economy. Chiang Mai is also becoming known for making healthy foods using science to make farming products better. This includes making special teas like kombucha.

Education and innovation are key drivers of Chiang Mai’s economy, with institutions like Chiang Mai University leading in research and development. The university’s emphasis on agriculture, biotechnology, and health sciences contributes to the region’s economic growth and sustainability. These institutions are not just educational centers but also incubators for innovation, fostering a culture of research and entrepreneurship that extends to various sectors including food, health, and technology​​.

The Hill Tribes of the North

Chiang Mai is home to several hill tribes, each with its unique culture and traditions. These include the Karen, Hmong, Lisu, Lahu, Akha, and Mien tribes. These communities maintain practices steeped in centuries-old customs, from intricate textile weaving to sustainable agriculture and spiritual rituals. Visitors eager to delve into these rich cultures can explore eco-cultural villages and dedicated tribal museums in the area, where they can witness traditional dances, craftsmanship, and daily living practices up close. Please note: There is conflicting information on whether it is ethical to visit the tribes via tourist tours. I haven’t done it myself. You should do your own research before deciding to book a tour.

Chiang Mai and Coffee

The earliest official records of coffee in Thailand trace back to King Rama III’s era (1788-1851), who had coffee planted in his palace gardens. The coffee industry in Thailand, particularly in Chiang Mai, got a significant boost from the Royal Project initiated by King Bhumibol Adulyadej in 1969. This project encouraged the northern highlands’ communities to shift from opium cultivation to more sustainable and legal crops like coffee, aiming to alleviate poverty and promote environmental conservation​​​​.

Chiang Mai’s cool climate, especially during a few months each year, makes it an ideal place for both coffee growing and consumption. The city is in Thailand’s primary arabica-growing region, a change driven by the Royal Project’s efforts to replace opium production with sustainable agriculture, including coffee farming. This initiative not only transformed the region’s agricultural landscape but also positioned Chiang Mai as a significant player in both domestic and international coffee markets​​.

The coffee culture in Chiang Mai is vibrant and diverse, characterized by a wide array of cafes that range from modern, glass-encased spaces to quaint, hidden spots. These cafes are not just places for a caffeine fix but are also social hubs where ideas and conversations brew alongside coffee. This cafe culture, supported by the local production of high-quality arabica beans, makes Chiang Mai a unique destination for coffee enthusiasts​​.

I try my best to keep this list up to date for you. Do you notice anything missing? Or have you found one of the tips particularly helpful? I look forward to your comments!

Are you traveling to Thailand with your little ones? Don’t miss my guide with the best kids activities in Koh Phangan! If you plan to visit Australia, check out the coolest things to do with kids in Melbourne!