What Are the Best Kids Activities in Chiang Mai?
For indoors, I’d always choose Block and Play or After School. Both are easy, air-conditioned, and genuinely fun for kids. For outdoors, it’s Sticky Waterfalls if you want an adventure day, or the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden for a calmer, green half-day that works well with children.
The Quick Way to Plan Chiang Mai With Kids
Mountains and mild temperatures – Chiang Mai offers the perfect change from the tropical south of Thailand. And although the north is known for excellent local cuisine, many Buddhist temples, and lots of art, kids won’t get bored either. Here is the ultimate guide for kids’ activities in Chiang Mai!
We have visited and tested all the places that I suggest to you. Let’s go!
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The Best Indoor Activities in Chiang Mai
Mall Playgrounds
Almost every shopping 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 Bouncetopia at Central Chiang Mai, FUN Planet at Central Chiangmai Airport, 50FLY! at Tesco Lotus Hangdong, and Mini World at Tesco Lotus Kham Thiang.
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 great 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 sits just outside Chiang Mai and feels like a big green escape. There are gardens everywhere, water features, and plenty of space to roam.
Kids love the large play area, the maze, and renting bikes or paddle boats. It’s an easy full-day trip if you want nature without effort.
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 and join cooking classes. Not for babies, but from running age, it’s fun here and a great experience for parents, too!
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 and the main attraction 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, a bike rental, and a café.
You can rent mobile bikes for an 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 the Canopy Walk and the Nature Science Museum rather uninteresting.
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.
If you don’t want to figure out transport with kids, you can book a half-day trip here.
Night Markets
Chiang Mai offers many different night markets or also called “Chiang Mai Night Bazaar”, 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).
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to do in Chiang Mai with Kids
Chiang Mai is easy with kids because you’re never stuck. If it rains, there’s an indoor backup. If it’s dry, you go outside. That flexibility is what makes it such a good family base.
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! Thank you for reading! Yours, Lulu
FAQ: Best Kids Activities in Chiang Mai
What are the best kids activities in Chiang Mai?
For indoors, I’d always choose Block and Play or After School. Both are easy, air-conditioned, and genuinely fun for kids. For outdoors, it’s Sticky Waterfalls if you want an adventure day, or the Queen Sirikit Botanic Garden for a calmer, green half-day that works well with children.
How do you plan a great day in Chiang Mai with kids?
I keep it simple. One indoor playground to burn energy, one hands-on activity like art or science, and one outdoor place such as a botanic garden or waterfall. That balance kept my girls happy and stopped the day from turning chaotic.
What’s a good activity for kids in Chiang Mai on a rainy day?
Indoor playgrounds in the malls are the easiest option. If you want something calmer, an art studio or a science exhibition works well and doesn’t feel like wasted time.
What to do in Chiang Mai with a toddler?
Short outings and low expectations. Indoor playgrounds, easy cafes, and one gentle activity per day are more than enough. I’d skip anything that involves long drives or lots of stairs.
What can you do for free in Chiang Mai with kids?
Walk around the Old City, explore temples, visit night markets, and use public playgrounds. Some museums and exhibitions are free or cost very little and still feel worthwhile.
Is Chiang Mai safe for kids?
Generally yes, but traffic is the main issue. Sidewalks can be uneven and roads busy, so staying alert matters more than worrying about crime.
Is Chiang Mai better than Chiang Rai for families?
Chiang Mai is easier with kids because there are more playgrounds, indoor options, and short-distance outings. Chiang Rai works better as a short add-on, not a base. We loved visiting the White Temple, the Blue Temple and Elephant Steps in Chiang Rai with our girls.
5 Responses
Thanks a lot for your feedback! I’m happy that my article could help. Greetings from Thailand, Lulu
Thank you for your feedback! Have a great day!
Taking note of all the activities shared here! Helpful for planning ahead our days in CM, thanks my dear <3
Awh…so happy I could help! Thank you so much for your feedback, Cynthia!
Thank you for your positive comment! That warms my heart!