Updated in November 2024!
Palm trees, gorgeous beaches, shallow waters, a conscious lifestyle, and breathtaking nature – that’s Koh Phangan! The beautiful 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. Even though we don’t have a water park, now, Koh Phangan is slowly competing with Koh Samui.
We have been living in Koh Phangan for 5 years, and here are my absolute favorite kids activities in Koh Phangan – for babies, toddlers, older kids and teens!
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 in Haad Yao: 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 are the best places to have dinner on the beach before heading 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. Don’t forget to bring sports shoes, as flip flops aren’t suitable for this hike. Check out the best tips for hiking with kids!
Hike to Phaeng Waterfall
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 (or Thong Sala), 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).
Swiss Farmacy
Swiss Farmacy is a lovely spot in the heart of Madue Wan. They have freshly baked German bread, cheese, cakes, and other yummy treats. But the real highlight? The animals! There are chickens with their chicks, a pig, a parrot named Jackie, a cuddly sheep, and a few geese. I often bring my daughters here to cuddle the animals and enjoy some delicious German “Laugenbrötchen” and “Apfelschorle”.
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 / Harmony Beach Club
Nice Beach Club in Baan Tai with a huge skate park. Sunset Walk, no called “Harmony Beach Club” is also a good place for parents, who 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. The Surf Skate Zone costs 100 THB per day.
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.
My tip: If you long for fewer people after an evening at Zen Beach, head over to Saladhut at Salad Beach. It’s very kid-friendly and they have amazing Thai food.
Phangan Elephant Sanctuary
Phangan Elephant Sanctuary is Koh Phangan’s first ethical elephant sanctuary. Here, the elephants are treated with care—no riding, no bathing, and no shows. You can feed the elephants, take a walk with them, and learn about their stories of rescue. It’s a great spot for anyone who wants to support elephant conservation and experience these beautiful animals in a natural, respectful way. Check out my honest review here.
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, a small playground with swings, hammocks, a pool (only for guests), paddleboards, and kayaks to rent (please bring your own life jackets, if needed). Not to forget: Really delicious Israeli and Thai food. A great option for slow evenings!
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 that gives you a different perspective of the island. 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.
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. The perfect place 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 Kids Activities in Koh Phangan
Tiny House
At the very new Tiny House (former Wonderkids), you’ll find a play space for the smallest ones (age 8 months +). In this nursery, 2 lovely Thai nannies look after babies and toddlers and offer overnight stays. Find all details, opening hours, and contact info here.
Amor Infinito
This lovely place is the perfect nature playground for children aged 3 and older. 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.
Culture Club Koh Phangan
Culture Club Koh Phangan, located in Chaloklum, is a family-friendly restaurant with a dedicated kids’ play area, making it a great spot for parents with young children. The play area includes slides, climbing structures, and a variety of interactive toys to keep kids entertained while parents enjoy their meal. Check out their events here.
Le Petit Prince Playground
If you’re spending time at Malibu Beach or working in a beachfront café in Chaloklum, Le Petit Prince kindergarten offers a play area for all children, with both indoor and outdoor spaces. The facility includes a shaded rope park and an indoor climbing wall.
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.
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 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 100 percent fulfill my idea of species-appropriate husbandry, it is still going in the right direction and, therefore, is worth supporting.
My tip: To make the most of one of the best kids activities in Koh Phangan, 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.
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.
Catch Restaurant
Although I typically don’t promote places that primarily serve meat and fish, I must recommend the new Catch Restaurant in Thongsala. They’ve created an incredible, modern, roofed kids’ club featuring swings, a climbing frame, a bouncy castle, and a ball pit. Plus, they have nannies who actively engage with the children. I genuinely hope they expand their menu soon to offer more vegetarian-friendly options.
In the recent years Koh Phangan has truly changed. But in a very good way for families. What are your favorite kids activities in Koh Phangan? Do you already plan your family holidays? Let me know in the comments. Thank you for reading! Yours Lulu
PS: Are you traveling to Thailand with your little ones? Don’t miss my guide to the best kids’ activities in Chiang Mai and Bangkok!
