In Thailand kids rule the world (one day a year)

Vol. 16 - Jan 2026

When we’re planning a trip, we don’t spend hours comparing tours anymore. We book our experiences through GetYourGuide, it’s simple, reliable, and full of great options, from well-known highlights to smaller experiences you wouldn’t easily find on your own.

We like knowing exactly what we’re booking, reading real reviews, and having the flexibility to change plans if needed. If you want travel planning to feel easier (and more fun), this is a great place to start.

👉 Have a look at experiences on GetYourGuide

Children’s Day in Thailand (Wan Dek) arrives every second Saturday of January, a day when families spill out into parks and museums, and every corner of the city fills with balloons. It is a celebration of joy, curiosity, and the beautiful noise of growing up here.
This year, we followed that sound and collected our favorite spots for family days around Bangkok. Some are indoors and shaded, others open to sky and breeze, all within easy reach. Whether you’re raising little explorers or visiting with nieces and nephews, there is something here for every age and rhythm.

So, gather snacks, sun hats, and good shoes. The best way to celebrate is to simply join in.

Enjoy this weeks List!
Ploy & Jochem

A (Kids) travel story

We’ve listed our 10 favorite spots by age group, so you can find what fits your family best - from gentle indoor play zones to full-day adventures outdoors. Each place is easy to reach from Bangkok and made for an awesome family day filled with laughter, small discoveries, and memories that linger long after bedtime.

Safe, shaded, and full of gentle play.

1. Children’s Discovery Museum Bangkok
Open 10:00–16:00 (closed Mondays)
Across from Chatuchak Park, this colorful museum feels built from children’s imagination. It is free to enter and filled with water play, pretend cities, and open lawns where parents can sit under trees while little ones dig and pour. The rhythm is slow and joy comes easily here.

2. MELAND (Siam Paragon)
Open 10:00–21:00
Inside Siam Paragon, MELAND is a calm and organized space of pastel colors and quiet laughter. Toddlers can climb, slide, and explore safely while parents sip coffee nearby. The staff are kind, the layout clear, and it always feels like a small pocket of peace in the middle of the city.

3. Harborland
Open 10:00–21:00
Found in malls from Mega Bangna to Central WestGate, HarborLand is a favorite for parents who value easy plans. There are bright play zones, soft floors, and helpful staff. Everything is designed for safety and fun, making it perfect for an hour or an afternoon, especially on hot or rainy days.

Curious minds, endless questions, and short bursts of energy.

4. SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World
Open 10:00–20:00
Beneath Siam Paragon, the city suddenly turns blue and calm. Sharks glide overhead, penguins shuffle by the glass, and children fall silent in wide-eyed awe. Clear bilingual signs make it easy to follow, and the tunnels feel almost magical. It is small enough for a morning visit but big enough to stay in their memories.

5. Bangkok Planetarium
Open Tuesday to Sunday, 9:00–16:00
Bangkok’s beloved planetarium has guided generations through the stars. Inside the dome, the lights fade and the ceiling becomes a moving sky. English shows are limited, so check times before you go. Afterward, wander through the Science Center next door for hands-on fun and nostalgic displays.

6. Royal Thai Air Force Museum
Open 8:00–17:00 daily
Near Don Mueang, planes rest proudly under open skies. Children climb into cockpits, stand beneath wings, and imagine flying across Thailand. The grounds are spacious and free on Children’s Day, with volunteers explaining history in both Thai and English. Bring water and sunscreen, and let imagination take flight.

Bigger days, faster rides, and shared excitement.

7. Dream World
Open 10:00–17:00 (longer on weekends)
Thailand’s classic amusement park still feels timeless. There are roller coasters, snow zones, photo gardens, and parades that make everyone smile. Families can rest by the lake with snacks or join the laughter near the rides. It is the kind of place where the day disappears in happiness.

8. Siam Amazing Park
Open 10:00–18:00
Half amusement park, half water park, and always full of color. Older children chase the thrill rides, younger ones splash through gentle slides, and parents float along the lazy river. The park is large but easy to navigate, with shaded corners to rest and watch.

Gentle discoveries and time outdoors.

9. Khao Kheow Open Zoo (Chonburi) 🦛
Open 8:00–17:00
Say hello to the social media sensation, the little hippo ‘MOODENG’! About ninety minutes from Bangkok, Khao Kheow feels refreshingly open. Families ride trams through wide green spaces, spotting elephants, giraffes, and deer. There are shaded cafés, picnic spots, and an overnight option for those who want to stay surrounded by nature.

10. Sri Ayutthaya Lion Park (Ayutthaya)
Open 9:00–17:00
A day trip north leads to this clean, well-kept park where lions rest behind glass and cubs nap under trees. The staff are welcoming and knowledgeable, and children under 140 cm enter free. It is easy to reach from Bangkok and makes a nice mix of learning and light adventure.

Songs for discovering Thailand: from scenic drives to hidden escapes. New vibes added every week .

Click on any of the tracks below to get in the travel mood.

• 8:00 am : Easy breakfast at home or your favorite café

Start slow. Pancakes, tropical fruit, or Thai rice porridge (โจ๊ก, jòok). Let the kids choose their juice and take an extra moment with your coffee. No rush, it’s the weekend! :)

• 9:30 am : Playtime at the Children’s Discovery Museum

Grab hats, water bottles, and head to Chatuchak. The museum opens early and fills with laughter fast. Let the little ones climb, splash, and explore while you find a shady bench nearby.

• 11:30 am : Lunch at Café at the Museum

Playing builds up your appetite! Across the street, this café serves simple rice dishes, smoothies, and good air-conditioning. It’s quiet enough for a short rest (well deserved!) before the next stop.

• 01:00 am : Explore SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World

Cool off underground and walk through glowing blue tunnels. Penguins, rays, and the soft rhythm of water everywhere. Keep the visit short and light; an hour or two is perfect.

• 03:30 pm : Sweet break at After You (Siam Paragon)

Treat time. Shaved ice, toast, or just cold milk tea. Find a window seat and watch people with kids hurry past while you do the opposite.

• 5:00 pm : Early evening at Benjakitti Park

Drive or take the BTS to Queen Sirikit Station and stroll the new elevated boardwalk. Kids can bike, parents can sit by the lake, and the city feels calm as the light fades.

• 6:00 pm : Dinner at Kiew Kai Ka (Ekkamai)

Family-style Thai food with a modern touch, stir-fried morning glory, grilled chicken, papaya salad. Plenty to share and space for everyone.

• 7:30 pm : Head home, full and happy

Maybe a short drive with quiet music. Kids half-asleep in the back seat, city lights passing by. The best kind of tired.

• Chicken Fried Rice (ข้าวผัดไก่, kâao phàt gài) : Mild, familiar, and comforting. Fried rice with egg, tender chicken, and a squeeze of lime. Easy to find everywhere and never too spicy.

• Thai Omelette with Rice (ไข่เจียวหมูสับ, khài jiao mǔu sàp) : Golden, fluffy omelette with minced pork served over warm rice. Slightly crisp at the edges, soft inside. Thailand’s favorite comfort meal for all ages.

• Tom Jued (ต้มจืด, tôm jùet): A clear, mild soup with tofu, minced pork, and vegetables. Gentle flavor, perfect for younger children or light eaters.

• Bang Kachao : Bangkok’s “green lung,” just across the river, where kids can bike along raised paths and spot butterflies between coconut trees. Rent bicycles at the pier, stop for smoothies, and spend the morning breathing slower.

• Santi Chai Prakan Park : Next to Phra Sumen Fort by the Chao Phraya River, this small riverside park has lawns, shade, and gentle breezes. Bring snacks, let the kids run barefoot, and watch longtail boats pass as the sun sets.

• Bangkok Tree House (Bang Kachao) : Reachable by a short boat ride across the Chao Phraya River, this eco escape feels far from the city yet close enough for a day trip. Families wander along wooden walkways between mangroves, watch boats glide by, and stop for smoothies under the trees. Simple food, clean air, and space to breathe.

You can book your stay at Bangkok Tree House here.

• The Botanist Lab (Ari) : Part café, part mini garden studio, this small spot lets children mix soil, plant succulents, and learn a little about nature. Parents browse handmade pots and enjoy iced coffee while the kids proudly carry home their tiny plants. Best visited mid-morning before it gets busy.

Every week we drop new pins onto our Local Secrets Maps - special spots you won’t always find in the guidebooks. Street stalls tucked down alleys, rooftop bars only locals know, temples that feel like they belong to you alone.

This map is just for Insiders, and it grows with every edition - a living guide that keeps unlocking Thailand, piece by piece.

👉 Tap the link on your smart phone or computer, and choose “Open in Google Maps” for the full interactive experience! 🌏

We hope you enjoyed this edition of The Thai List. If you did, please share the love 💕 by inviting your friends and family to join our little community.

Each week we uncover local secrets, hidden escapes, and the best food and drinks Thailand has to offer.

Don’t miss out on the journey.

Wishing you save travels,

The Thai List - Your weekly postcard from Thailand 🇹🇭