Things we do with Kids in Bangkok
As many parents in Bangkok know, the city lacks space for children to play and explore the world outside commercial play centers in shopping centers. We, therefore, created a list of things to do for parents who raise children in Bangkok and in particular around Silom, Sathorn, Sala Daeng or Lumpini Park.
Forest of Play, The Play Museum
PlanToys, a leading manufacturer of wooden toys, has opened The Forest of Play Museum. This wonderful space allows children to experience learning by play and release their imagination. Stretching over two floors, children can interact with many different creative installations, climb on beautiful structures or simply play with a massive collection of wooden toys.
Good to know:
- There is another floor on the top for outdoor play
- There do a lunch break, so be aware of you check the times
- It’s free of charge
Getting there with a stroller:
- It’s a 10 minutes stroller-walk from BTS Chong Nonsi
- Another option is to take a car
Map & Hours:
https://goo.gl/maps/uyuB5kP9zZu
Baan Kukrit
M.R. Kukrit’s Heritage Home is a museum set in a beautiful garden. Even though it is located just a stone’s throw away from busy Sathorn Road, it feels a bit like being in the countryside. Five traditional teak houses set inside a luch garden, showcase a rich collection of artifacts, including ceramics, traditional Thai masks, works of art, rare books and other collectibles from the life of Thailand’s former prime minister M.R. Kukrit. On the grounds, there are ponds, gardens, and animals for the whole family to enjoy.
Good to know:
- In the back of the garden is a mystic pond, with a large barrel of fish food. Take some of the fish food and throw it into the lake and you’ll likely get to see some huge catfish.
- Look out for the big pink fish in the pond in the front and take your children to visit some of the chickens and cocks in the other parts of the garden.
- Just next door is Il Bolognese, a fantastic kids-friendly Italian restaurant, in case you go there before noon and want to finish the trip with a good pizza for lunch.
- Young kids are free, entrance fee for adults is 50 THB,
Getting there with a stroller:
- It’s a 10 minutes stroller-walk from BTS Chong Nonsi (when getting down the sky bridge after crossing Sathorn Road you need to hand-carry the stroller…).
- Another option is to take a car.
Map & Hours:
https://goo.gl/maps/uyuB5kP9zZu
Lumpini Park
Lumpini Park is the largest park in the city center. There are waterways, herb and flower gardens, two playgrounds, an outdoor gym, a running and cycling track, and more. It is an excellent place for children to explore the natural world around them in a safe and interactive environment. You can visit the children’s library, bring bread to feed the fish and see if you can’t spot the infamous water monitor lizards that call the park home.
Good to know:
- Inside the park is the HSBC Lumpini Park Children’s Library, a modern learning center, which is an excellent retreat on hot days. The library has the unique shape of a turtle and provides children with fun activities to complement their reading. The library features a playground, a creative reading space and an open area dedicated to learning activities and workshops. The library is open from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm from Tuesday to Saturday and from 9:00am to 5:00pm on Sunday.
- We recommend entering the park from the back at Sarasin Road (Gate 7). It’s a quieter and cleaner part of Lumpini Park and not far from the main playground. Also in the back, close to gate 7, are some interesting farming projects from the Lumpini Park Gardners.
- To ensure it is safe for your child to play for long periods, check the air quality at this sensor right next to the park.
Getting there with a stroller:
- If you come with the MRT get off at Silom Station, it has direct access to the main entrance of the park.
- If you come by BTS, get out at Sala Daeng and take the skywalk to the MRT and then cross via the MRT train station
- If you come by car, you can park inside the park entering from Wireless or Rachadamri road. Both car parks can full during early morning or late afternoon.
- If you come with a driver, we recommend entering from the back at Sarasin Road (Gate 7). It’s a quieter and cleaner part of Lumpini Park.
Map & Hours:
https://goo.gl/maps/fi6xddH2k4t
Open House at Central Embassy
Open House is a beautiful open area bookstore on the top floor of Central Embassy, which also holds a variety of cafes and restaurants, along with a children’s play area. The Open Playground has something to do for all ages, with soft stairs to climb and a ball pit for the littlest ones, as well as a net area and big slide for children 3 years and older. 1 round is for 30 minutes, and the staff will be around to make sure your children have fun and stay safe. The Open Playground is safe, but you will want to keep a closer eye on the kids in the rest of the bookstore where there are several small sets of stairs and a few displays roped off at toddler height. On weekends you can find live music for the children to enjoy.
Good to know:
- The best time to go is when the Open Playground isn’t too busy. Most parents come between 15:00-19:00 on weekdays and 11:00-16:00 on weekends.
- They sometimes have unique actives on the weekend, just check out their Facebook page for details: https://www.facebook.com/openhouse.ce/
- Bring socks for your kids to enter the play area
- If you forgot your stroller, you can borrow one free of charge at the help desk on the Floor M
- Play is free
Getting there with a stroller:
- If you come by BTS you can access from the walkway from either Ploenchit or Chitlom BTS stations, both of which have small flights of stairs if you have a stroller.
- Another option is the car, there is valet parking available if you access from Ploenchit road
Map & Hours:
https://goo.gl/maps/5NhcXpNMAXP2
Neilson Hays Library
Recently remodeled, Neilson Hays Library is a great place to go to teach your children the wonders and joys of reading. The vaulted ceilings, large wooden bookcases, and kid-friendly staff may make you nostalgic for your own childhood library experiences. The bright, tree-lined courtyard outside includes a cafe with food and drinks, although the quality of the food often does not match the higher prices.
Good to know:
- Saturday each week at 10:30 am, the staff teams up with local librarians and teachers to read stories, sing songs, and complete a craft. You can find details about upcoming events and membership details on their website
- The Neilson Hays Library Café is serving breakfast, lunch, snacks and drinks all day.
Getting there with a stroller:
- A short taxi ride away from BTS Chong Nonsi and MRT Sam Yan.
- By car, limited parking is available
Map & Hours:
https://goo.gl/maps/5PuQNuTQtKz
Goethe Institute Bangkok
The Goethe-Institut is a German cultural institution with branches all over the world. Along with German language and cultural appreciation courses, the Institute hosts cultural events such as shows, concerts, and independent films. Most events cater to a variety of cultures, promoting an appreciation of German and International cultures.
Good to know:
- The library features a fantastic selection of German movies many of which come with English and Thai subtitles.
- They have lots of fun activities for families and children, many of which are not exclusive for German-speaking children. Check their facebook page for events
- Schwarzwaldstube, the German Restaurant which is located on the same plot of land, offers some good traditional German treats before or after any activities. Most kids would love their special “Kaese Spaetzle” (German-style cheese noodles).
Getting there with a stroller:
- Since the walk from MRT Lumpini is not good, there are no sidewalks, we recommend to take a taxi from the MRT Station
- By car, parking is available
Map & Hours:
https://goo.gl/maps/divNVMh7Zgs
The
Alliance Française Bangkok
The Alliance Française Bangkok is a Franco-Thai cultural center promoting culture and teaching the French language. It offers a wide range of French and Thai courses, as well as cultural and art activities which include music, dance, or other forms of expressions that are not exclusive for French or Thai speaking kids.
Good to know:
– Check out their website, which unlike the Facebook page, has all information available not only in Thai or French but also in English.
Getting there:
- You can walk from the MRT Lumpini with a stroller, but much of that walk is not going to be shady and most likely very hot.
- Unless you go early mornings or late afternoons we recommend taking a car.
Map & Hours:
https://goo.gl/maps/eu7ofJkZaD22
Cafe Luka
Cafe Luka is a beautiful neighborhood cafe serving great coffee alongside a creative selection of yummy comfort foods. The airy space stretches over 3 floors and mixes bistro decor with a vintage look. The staff is very child-friendly and happy to fulfill your special orders for your little ones, such as plain scrambled eggs or avocado with sourdough bread.
Good to know:
- On the third floor is a boutique printing studio which is also home to a beautiful and huge cat. Bring your child up to look through the big glass door, you might be lucky and spot her out.
- It is dog-friendly
Getting there with a stroller:
- You can get there by BTS, station Surasak. From there it’s a five minutes walk and the sidewalks are not too bad.
- Otherwise car (there is parking).
Map & Hours:
https://goo.gl/maps/ALzWpC68A7K2
Blue Parrot
Blue Parrot is a venue that provides food and fun for all ages. With a play area for kids, a swimming pool, and even a Petanque course, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Their international menu has an eclectic selection, and each dish is delicious. Food options include a live BBQ and a kids menu. The staff is friendly and helpful. The space is green and clean, which makes Blue Parrot it an excellent place for the whole family to relax and play together. Blue Parrot is available to rent for private events, but they also host weekly and monthly events designed for adults only or the whole family.
Good to know:
- Your children will love the giant chalkboard, play table, and more set out for them. But be warned, a sign next to the children’s play area reminds parents “Unsupervised children will be given a free puppy and a coffee.”
Getting there with a stroller:
- Its a 10-minute walk from the BTS Chong Nonsi (leave the platform through the Sathorn Square office building and then exit via W Hotel in the back)
- Otherwise car us usual
Map & Hours: