10 Awesome Things To Do in Chiang Mai with Kids in 2024

Are you ready to find out what amazing things you can do in Chiang Mai with kids?

A trip to Chiang Mai with your kids may turn out to be an unforgettable adventure.

Chiang Mai is a city that is brimming with wonders around every corner. Being the capital of northern Thailand, this temple city is a top destination for tourists who want to marvel at the wonders of Thailand and its people’s culture.

🤔 First things first, though: before we get into all the fun, how exactly does one become oriented in a city that is so crowded and so foreign?

While you are packing your travel essentials, you may find yourself thinking about the most important travel questions: how to get around, where to eat, and what to do in Chiang Mai with kids.

Worry no more! We have put together a list of some attractions for families visiting Chiang Mai with children as a way to get you ready to explore this mesmerizing city on your own. 📑

✔️ Continue reading to learn about the family-friendly activities that are available in Chiang Mai.

There’s a good chance this post contains affiliate links. This means that if you purchase anything through one of our links, we’ll receive a small fee (it won’t cost you anything, promise!). If you would like to learn more about our affiliate partners, click here for our disclaimer.

---

Things to do in Chaing Mai with Kids

#1 Visit Elephant Nature Park 🐘

Visiting the Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand and spending time with these majestic animals will be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you and your children.

The Elephant Nature Park is a sanctuary with the mission of disseminating information about the inhumane treatment of elephants in the tourism industry.

 They are also dedicated to the cause of rehabilitating large animals and releasing them back into the wild where they can interact with elephants and other rescued animals.

The animal rights movement in Thailand is fighting against a history of animal abuse that has benefited the country economically.

You have the option of visiting the sanctuary for either half a day or the entire day, but this will depend on your itinerary.

👌We recommend that you book a full-day program so that you can learn about the center and these incredible animals, feed them, shower them in a small river, and give them a compressed herbal massage.

As the most upscale elephant experience in Chiang Mai, Elephant Nature Park is also the most pricey. 💰

#2 Explore Narit Astronomy Museum 🪐

Bringing your kids to museums is a good example of informal learning environments where they focus primarily on the lifelong process of informal education. And in their formative years, would fascinate children more than outer space?

📍Upon entering the planetarium, your journey will begin with exhaustive information about and miniatures of moons, solar systems, satellites, and planets.

📍 You will then proceed to the lower level with an exhibit of the planets with a few interactive stations you should definitely check out. 

Other sections also feature a meteorite information station, spectrometers, and all other cool science tools.

They also offer a one-hour planetary show which will surely awe you and your kids. 🔭

📝 All amazing displays are completely free, although there is a nominal fee for the planetarium performance. Children and students pay only 30 baht, while adults pay 50 baht. You can visit them any day of the week between 8:30 and 4:30.

🔍 Find out if your preferred language will be used by checking the planetarium’s schedule.

#3 Visit Doi Suthep

Exposing your kids to places like mountains and temples will benefit them in the long run by instilling in them a love for nature and respect towards the diversity of beliefs in the world.

And there’s no better place to do this that in Wat Phra Thai Doi Suthep. People would say that you really have not gone to Chiang Mai unless you have visited Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.

Doi Suthep, like many other mountains in western Thailand, is located close to the city of Chiang Mai and features stunning natural scenery. It is one of a granite mountain’s two peaks, and it stands at a lofty 1,676 meters above sea level (5,499 feet).

Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a temple in the Chiang Saen style with a golden pagoda and exquisite Lanna architecture, was constructed in the early 19th century and is characterized by the beauty of its seven-headed serpent statues that line the stairs leading up to the temple. 🐉

The Temple Wat on Doi Suthep and Phra That Doi Suthep, are among the holiest Buddhist sites and the most popular tourist destination in this region. Both see a significant influx of visitors each year.

It is a tranquil place which is a perfect spot to observe how religion and culture correlate. You can also get the best of Thai arts and architecture through the elaborate structures and paintworks you can find at the temple.

Of course, you would also be awed by the view of Chiang Mai from the temple.

📝 As of June 2022, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park began charging an entrance fee of 100 Thai Baht for adults and 50 Thai Baht for children aged 3 to 14 years.

🌄 Start the day right and marvel at the sunrise at Doi Suthep and Wat Pha Lat with THIS DOI SUTHEP AND WAT PHA LAT SUNRISE TOUR!

#4 Wander around Sunday Walking Market

⌛ From 4 to 10 p.m. every Sunday, the Ratchadamnoen Road market becomes an insanely epic place to shop and eat street food.

Get your kids to experience authentic Thai Food and get some souvenirs as memories of your unforgettable Chiang Mai trip!

 Sunday Market is the largest night market in Chiang Mai. All along the main roads and even some of the side streets, you’ll find hundreds of stalls where you can watch and listen to dozens of street performers, musicians, and bands playing for tips.

🥢 Indulge in the delicious and cheap Thai food from throughout the region in the north of Thailand!

You can spend the entire evening there for just a few Baht, and you’ll be able to buy some truly one-of-a-kind gifts like carved and painted wood elephants, coconut bowls, keychains, necklaces, and soap.

🍜 You can also get your kids to taste the best Thai food in Chang Mai with this Chiang Mai Micheline Food Walking Tour!

#5 Elephant POOPOOPAAPER Park 📜

What better way to teach your kids to try out some handicrafts and DIYs than to show them how peculiarly their everyday products are made? Try out sustainable papermaking at the Elephant POOPOOPAAPER Park!

A unique outdoor museum that will amaze your kids, The Elephant Poop Paper Park explains and displays the one-of-a-kind methods used to create our renowned paper products from elephant poop fibers.

Using high-quality graphics, clear signage, and live demonstrations by their trained artisans, the self-guided and interpretive walking tour through eight separate pavillions explains every fascinating step of their process, from washing to product assembly.

Chiang Mai has a long and rich history of traditional paper-making and handicraft production, dating back to the city’s founding nearly two thousand years ago.

Visitors can also learn about the history of papermaking and its evolution across Asia, Egypt, Europe, and the Americas.

Chiang Mai’s Elephant POOPOOPAAPER Park has everything you need for a memorable vacation with your kids, from authentic eco-tourism to historical sites to cultural activities to artisans to local craft to educational opportunities to recreational and leisure pursuits to one-of-a-kind shopping.

It is almost certain that a trip to the Elephant POOPOOPAPER Park in Northern Thailand will be one of the most memorable experiences for anyone who travels to Chiang Mai with kids.

#6 Chiang Mai Grand Canyon

Chiang Mai Grand Canyon in Hang Dong is home to a peculiar aquatic tourist attraction, the Grand Canyon, where you can have fun waterboarding and playing on waterslides with your kids.

If you’re looking for a rush of adrenaline, cliff jumping at the canyon’s edge is the way to go, followed quickly by a trip down the nearby water slides.

If you’re searching for a more laid-back day out, you may also choose to float on bamboo rafts while sunbathing or supporting your friends who are seeking extreme sports before they leap. You can also remain cool by floating in an inner tube or swimming in crystal-clear waters.

The Tuang Thong Canyon View Restaurant is onsite and serves beer, mochi ice cream, coffee, fruit smoothies, and noodles. Also available are freshly grilled chicken snacks and cool coconuts from one of the surrounding shops.

👌Your admission to Grand Canyon Water Park includes a ride on the canyon’s longest zipline, which begins at the park’s entrance and extends to the exit.

While wakeboarding through the canyon is an additional fee activity, it is worth it.

📝 Adult admission to the Grand Canyon costs 600 Thai Baht, while a child’s ticket costs 450 Baht (4-8 years old).

✔️ Included in the price of your water park admission are the use of all of the facilities, a life vest, a floating aqua park, a kid zone, kayaks, and a giant slider.

#7 Huay Tung Tao Reservoir

If you want to take your kids to breathe fresh air away from the hustle and bustle of every city life, have fun with them at the Huay Tung Tao Reservoir.

Huay Tung Tao Reservoir, located in a military zone and regarded as a model village due to a royal notion, is one of Chiang Mai’s top tourist destinations.

The hallmark of Huay Tung Tao Reservoir is the stunning beauty of this enormous reservoir. It is surrounded by lovely natural scenery, and the reservoir has a sand shoreline that closely resembles the seaside.

 🎣 You can take the whole family fishing in this exciting body of water. The kids could also explore the area in the water raft that is provided.

 You can also go parachuting for fun, ride an ATV car, or get a great cardiovascular workout playing paintball if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush.

 If you work up an appetite after all your fun at the reservoir, you can choose from several excellent restaurants in the area serving genuine Thai cuisine.

 There is a designated camping area near Huay Thung Tao Reservoir where visitors can pitch a tent, enjoy the outdoors, and unwind with a Thai massage or foot massage from a masseuse whose number is posted on a nearby billboard.

📝 The entrance fee is 20 baht per person. The Huay Tung Tao Reservoir is open daily from 8 am to 6 pm and can be found in the Don Kaeo Sub-District of the Mae Rim District.

#8 Climb Namtok Bua Thong 🧗

Go picnic and get some happy ions at the Namtok Bua Thong!

In the Mae Taeng National Forest Reserve, about 1.5 hours north of Chiang Mai’s Old City, you’ll find Bua Thong, also known as the Sticky Falls, a fascinating natural attraction in Thailand.

It is a beautiful and one-of-a-kind series of waterfalls situated in a beautiful forest. Because of the calcium coating on the rocks, shoes or bare feet can be used to hike up the falls because they stick to the surface of the waterfalls. 

You can enjoy a little family picnic and enjoy drinks and light snacks at the top area of the park. They also have clean toilets, showers, and for-rent lockers ensuring that you can get comfortable while spending a family day at the park. 

💡 On weekdays, especially in the morning, you’ll find fewer tourists and more solitude if you want to explore the area around the Sticky Falls or hike up to the waterfall itself.

Because it is fed by a natural spring, this magnificent waterfall can be enjoyed at any time of the year. If you want to get there early, you can find reasonably priced hotels close by.

It’s one of the best family activities in Chiang Mai to take a trip to the sticky waterfalls.

📝 Beautiful Sticky Waterfalls can be visited from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm without paying an entrance fee.

💡 If you plan on driving or taking a grab taxi to the falls, it is recommended that you arrive as early as possible. Parking is not a problem; there is plenty of space over there.

#9 Art in Paradise Chiang Mai 🎨

 

Alongside visits to Nature Parks, Temples, and outdoor adventure, one of the best ways to educate your kids is to take them to an Art Museum.

Taking children to a museum can be an entertaining and instructive family outing. They would enjoy themselves immensely here because of all the interesting things to see and do.

And in Chiang Mai, visiting Art in Paradise will not only be enriching and fun – it would also be a break from the heat for you and your kids.

You can let your mind wander in this museum which features 3D artwork on its walls and floors. Get immersed in the details of the paintings and take home excellent photographs.

👌 Be prepared to take a lot of pictures and make sure your phone has enough space. You should also bring a portable power supply as you will have a chance to download their app which will make your 3D photos even more fun.

Masterpieces of “Interactive Art” encourage participation from young viewers and the whole family too.

There are eight distinct sections within the Art in Paradise 3D Illusion Art Museum: The “Aqua” zone, “Zoo” Zone, “Dinosaur” zone, “Surrealism” zone, “Classic” zone, “Lanna” Zone, “Thai” zone, and the “Egyptian” Zone.

📝 Located in Chiang Mai province, The Art in Paradise gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. Adult tickets cost 180 Baht, and children under 120 cm in height pay only 120 Baht.

#10 Doi Inthanon National Park

What to expose your kids to majestic waterfalls, stunning landscapes, and fantastic temples? A visit to the Doi Inthanon National Park is perfect for that.

Doi Inthanon National Park is a scenic, mountainous terrain located in Northern Thailand which is home to the highest mountain in Thailand, the Doi Inthanon, tall and amazing waterfalls, a few beautiful Thai structures and temples, breathtaking views, organic and delicious food, and coffee.

This is the chance to make your kids love the outdoors. Go trekking with them and explore nature. 🥾

This would also be the opportunity to teach your kids to love nature and the environment.

Yes! A hike in the Doi Inthanon National Park is indeed one of the must-dos when you go to Chiang Mai with the kids!

Enjoy the majesty of Doi Inthanon National Park and book a day tour with roundtrip transport HERE!

---

🏨 Where to stay in Chiang Mai with Kids

Chiang Mai is a wonderful place to take your children on vacation, and there are a large number of wonderful hotels in the area.

We have compiled a list of child-friendly accommodations that your children will enjoy.

HIGH END

Horizon Village & Resort sha plus

An oasis away from the bustle of the city, Horizon Village & Resort SHA Plus features a spa, a fitness center, four swimming pools, and even a small zoo. The resort’s neighbor, the Tweechol Botanic Garden, offers guests free admission.

The Horizon Village & Resort SHA Plus is conveniently located at a short distance from both the airport and the city center (about 25 minutes).

Horizon Village & Resort SHA Plus is a perfect example of northern Thai architecture. There is a terrace, closet space, and WiFi (for an additional fee) in each of the rooms.

Thai massages, which are widely regarded for their positive effects on health, are available at the resort’s spa.

Horizon Village & Resort SHA Plus also provides guests with yoga classes, paddle boat rides, and bicycle rentals, which could be one of the activities you enjoy with your kids on your trip to Chang Mai.

All the restaurant’s organically grown vegetables are produced in-house at Horizon Village & Resort SHA Plus.

The resort’s focus on family entertainment and the abundance of fun things to do ensure that children of all ages will have a fantastic time here.

This one-of-a-kind spot was designed with you and your children, offering serenity, inspiration, and a connection to nature’s beauty.

A lot of entertaining things to do that would keep kids busy can be found here, too.

MID RANGE

Por Daowadung Hotel

We had a wonderful time at the three-star Por Daowadung Hotel in the heart of Chiang Mai’s Hai Ya district, where my children had easy access to the pool, though I wouldn’t recommend leaving them unattended for any length of time.

The Hotel is close to both the famous Wat Daowadung and the city’s night market and is pretty cool when you decide to spend the night enjoying a night out.

It has nearby attractions that include Buak Hard Public Park and the Terra Cotta Art of Ban Phor Liang Meun, both of which are only five minutes away from the hotel.

Por Daowadung is only eighteen minutes away from the Buddhist temple of Wat Buppharam.

Each room features a flat-screen TV with satellite channels and a minibar, so the whole family can relax and unwind in comfort.

The whole place is nice as marble floors and soundproof windows are standard amenities in this hotel. Each morning, guests can help themselves to a free breakfast buffet.

👌 If you’re craving some authentic and tasty Asian food, a 5-minute stroll to B Samcook Home 16 will be worth it.

Budget

Chiang Mai Walking Street Home

Chiang Mai Walking Street Home is a budget-friendly hotel that can accommodate families and offers air-conditioned rooms with free WiFi and free bicycles to guests in Chiang Mai. It is also conveniently situated as it is located only 2.2 km from Art in Paradise and 400 m from the city center.

The B&B has a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom with free toiletries, a hairdryer, and a bidet. Towels and bed linens are available for a fee.

Guests can choose between an American, Asian, or vegetarian breakfast, all of which are kid-friendly.

Chiang Mai Walking Street Home is located near the City Art & Cultural Centre, the Museum of World Insects, and the Museum of Natural Wonders.

🛬 Chiang Mai International Airport is closer to the hotel than Lampang Airport, which is located 79 kilometers away. However, they do provide a shuttle service to and from the airport for a fee.

Book your kid-friendly hotel at the best deals HERE!

---

🍴Where to eat in Chiang Mai with Kids

Taking the kids to one of Thailand’s many excellent specialty kids’ cafes is a great way to keep them entertained during a trip.

If you’re looking for a place to escape the heat with your coffee and the kids can run around and play, Chiang Mai has some fantastic options.

Cool Sky Cafe Restaurant

At this garden-themed restaurant, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a verdant woodland.

It’s spacious, well-lit, and has soft seats; additionally, it gives off cold steam that makes you feel like you’re sitting in the middle of a fog.

Your kids will also have fun exploring the garden and looking for hidden spots. You can also have your breath of fresh air away from the scorching sun as there are lots of seats that are conveniently under the shade.

You can unwind in this ambiance. Rarely do you come across a shop in the city that exudes such a welcoming atmosphere.

📝 You can find it at 116 Moo 3, Nong Hoi Subdistrict, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai Province, 50000 Chiang Mai. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Mug Cafe & Bistro

The Mug Café and Bistro is unique because of its treehouse design and Lanna Thai architecture resulting in a relaxing exotic atmosphere.

It also serves excellent coffee and delicious fare. Kids are also a priority for the owners, so they’ve included some fun amenities.

This naturally shaded outdoor space boasts excellent views of the playground and sandbox.

Being in such a beautiful natural setting makes you feel calm and peaceful. I’ve noticed that the kids here play more quietly and peacefully than I’ve seen anywhere else.

📝 You can find Mug Café & Bistro at No. 69, Village No. 1, Ban Bo Sala, Nam Phrae Subdistrict. They cater to tourists from Tuesday to Sunday from 8 am to 5 pm (GMT +8).

Nekoemon Cafe Chiang Mai

Looking for a sushi bar in Chiang Mai that welcomes children? This Japanese-style restaurant is definitely for you!

Nekoemon Café is a huge Japanese garden-themed café where you will experience walking through a bamboo forest as if you are on a trip to Japan.

They serve sushi, seafood, and a lovely atmosphere. The area is kid-friendly, with plenty of room to run around and a variety of fun things to do.

The restaurant’s garden is huge and exquisitely landscaped to make diners feel as though they’re in Japan.

They have a lot in common with Kyoto. The most recent addition to the store, and now a prime spot for taking photos.

📝 You can find it in Chiang Mai, Thailand at 107/3 Moo 2, Chom Phu Subdistrict, Saraphi District, 50140. They are open from 9 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday, and from 9 am to 10 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

---

🗺️ How to Get around Chiang Mai with Kids

There are so many ways to get around Chiang Mai and getting around it is extremely convenient.

✅You can ride tuk tuks, songthaews, bicycles, and  Grab. It’s highly advised that you get some assistance in wandering around the city.

🚶 You can explore Chuang Mai’s historic district on foot. When you take a stroll down any given street, you’ll inevitably come across teeny, tiny alleys that will leave wondering how a car could fit through them.

Chiang Mai’s best family-friendly modes of transportation include, of course, strolling around the city. Each presents a novel viewpoint and, perhaps, an unforgettable opportunity.

The outskirts of Chiang Mai are worth checking out if you have some free time or are planning to leave the city. 👌

Chiang Mai was established long before the era of modern urban planners, so it has fascinating, historic architecture that would captivate your eyes. ✨

---

🚩 Frequented Places in Chang Mai that you May Skip

Chiang Mai Zoo

One of the most memorable childhood memories your kids would have is, introducing them to a rare species of animal that can be found in Chaing ai.

While a zoo is said to be a place to educate your children about animals, the Chang Mai Zoo is a zoo where you can teach your kids what not to do with animals.

While zoos have always been a subject of debate as to whether it is good for animals to be kept in captivity, you will not have a such moral struggle when visiting Chang Mai Zoo.

There, the animals are kept in tight dirty enclosures and they are so thin you would wonder if they were well-fed. You will also be depressed looking at how weak the animals seem and how unhappy they are to be there.

Tiger Kingdom

Visiting tigers sounds fun! However, Tiger Kingdom is just not the place to have this fun.

In the Tiger Kingdom, you will find these beautiful ferocious creatures in their weak state, kept in small enclosures, and suffering from the Chang Mai heat.

Tigers are ferocious predators who do not ordinarily hang around humans. In the wild, except for mothers and their cubs, tigers do not socialize and are solitary creatures. However, at the Tiger Kingdom, the tigers were tamed enough that you can take pictures with them.

When taking pictures inside the cage, a guide (sometimes with a stick) will be with you to slap the tigers into submission if they get to their ferocious nature.

---

Chiang Mai with Kids FAQs 🤔

---

Wrapping up Chiang Mai with Kids

Chiang Mai, in Thailand, is without a doubt, one of the most amazing cities in Southeast Asia to travel through with your kids, and we sincerely hope that you have as much fun there as we did.

Leave a comment below and tell us about a place you’ve been or one that you’d like to visit.

Safe travels! ✈️

Mums on Flipflops is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, amazon.de, amazon.fr, amazon.it and amazon.es. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Babs Rodrigus is the co-founder and main writer of Mums on FlipFlops . She is absolutely crazy about traveling – especially together with her wife and kids. Babs loves animals, chocolate (what did you expect from a Belgian?), reading, and writing.