Although Bangkok’s weather doesn’t always lend itself to outdoor play, many areas are accommodating of the heat with shade, water play, and pockets of air con for some relief. It’s worth checking out the below 10 places with toddlers to learn how to grow plants and vegetables, zoom down water slides, feed turtles, eat ice creams and run in the shade.
1. Lumpini Park
Occupying a central location, Lumpini Park is lovely for children (and adults). Shaded walkways and paths around the perimeter of the park are perfect for walking and taking in the sights. There are two large playgrounds with sand pits, and many sheltered niches for picnicking or rest. Bring your own scooters, strides bikes and bicycles (but please note that they are only permitted after 10am).
2. Sansiri Backyard Urban Farm
Not just gardening… but a great inner city haven where children can learn how to make household items out of natural products, learn sustainable living practices and how to grow their own food. They often have STEM related workshops and kids activities during the weekend and there is always something happening from picking your own pumpkins to collecting tadpoles or petting sheep in their pop-up farm exhibits.
3. Wat Prayoon
Situated within a lush compound on the Thonburi side, this temple is a hit with young children, thanks to its huge and tranquil turtle pool. Children will enjoy watching and personally hand feeding the turtles (food is sold on the premises).
4. Suan Rot Fai
For those with babies and toddlers, this is a fantastic place to bring the stroller. You can also rent bicycles, including those with baby seats. Moreover, the on-site Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium off the bike path serves as a lovely attraction. Kids can also keep active in the park’s playground.
5. Benjakitti Park
Get outside to the wonderful green space of Benjakitti Park! This is a great place for little ones to run in the shade, play in the two play areas available and explore the wildlife in and around the lake! There are peddlo swans that you can take out in the middle of the lake and more recently the forest extension to the park has opened which is a great family trek in the cooler hours.
6. Benjasiri Park
With two designated play areas, one for older and one for younger children, this is a refuge from bustling Sukhumvit Road. Get back to nature for a while and relax. Feed the turtles and the fish (food sold on the premises) and explore the beautifully maintained gardens.
7. Get Growing Community Farm
Get Growing Community Farm is the new place in town for fun family activities. Located in “the green lung of Bangkok.” This relatively new community farm offers allotment gardens where families can grow their own fruits and vegetables, as well as a natural playground where children can have fun, get dirty and unleash their creativity. They even have showers for dirty little feet and hands after climbing or swimming and have a small café in which parents can relax at whilst the children are having a blast in nature! Get Growing incorporates animals to familiarise children on the responsibility of taking care of those around them and those who depend on you, plus it definitely brings a big smile to anyone’s face when you’re feeding an adorable baby goat. Get Growing is open all week from 9.30am to 5pm, except Tuesday, no reservations needed.
8. Fantasia Lagoon
With two branches in Bangkok, this fun-filled water park is tucked-away on shopping centre rooftops. Each features multiple swimming pools, water slides and gushing fountains. Young ones can splash around in shallow pools or run around in the designated toddler water play area. Along with a parent or guardian, they can also explore other zones, including a lazy river.
9. Children’s Discovery Museum
Located behind Chatuchak market, the museum has a fantastic splash area for younger children to cool off. There are also other outdoor areas such as a dinosaur excavation pit and a treehouse-style climbing course. If it gets too hot, there is one room dedicated to educational toddler crafts, activities and free play.
10. Suan Luang Rama 9 Park
This huge expanse of green lends itself wonderfully to sunny, yet breezy afternoons playing under the canopy of the many huge trees. With a great play area, lake, pristine gardens and café to cool off, this is a great place to visit.
