The best things to do in Thailand with kids, by age

It might be a bit of trek to reach, but once you are in situ, Thailand is the dream with babies and toddlers. From glorious weather to the welcoming locals, and plenty of easy, low-stress days out – exactly what parents want

Resorts are generally well set up for kids of all ages and getting around is straightforward thanks to private transfers and short domestic flights, reducing the need for long, tiring journeys. Add in excellent private hospitals and pharmacies, and it’s easy to see why lots of parents find Thailand a great option for their a first long-haul as a family

Starting with Bangkok, don’t be put off by the thought of a big city with tinies – it’s more accessible with little ones than you might expect. Hop on a gentle river cruise along the Chao Phraya River – it’s easy, relaxing, and actually rather nap-friendly as you gently bob along. For space to crawl and run, head to Lumpini Park, where toddlers can watch monitor lizards (from a safe distance!) and paddle boats drift by. Air-con breaks are easy too, with play areas inside malls like Siam Paragon

Up north, Chiang Mai is perfect for a slower pace. If you staying in this area Chiang Mai Hidden Village is the ideal place to take little kids. Essentially a big play park, think friendly dinosaurs popping up around every corner, open space to potter about and just enough animals and colourful displays to keep tiny attention spans happy. It’s not huge or overwhelming and there are shady spots, cafés, and places to sit

For beach time, you are totally spoilt for choice as pretty much every coastal spot has somewhere you can hang out with little ones and dip toes in bath-like sea water. For example, Kata Beach in Phuket is a winner, with soft sand and gentle waves as is Choeng Mon in Koh Samui, while Fisherman’s Village in Koh Samui offers relaxed evenings, beachfront restaurants where you can park up your buggy and all eat together

Check out our baby friendly itinerary for the perfect Thailand holiday with little ones

This is the age where Thailand really comes into its own. For younger children, everything feels new and exciting – long-tail boats instead of buses, tuk-tuks whizzing past, night markets full of colour, sound and tempting smells, and of course beaches where they can play for hours

Bangkok is not to be missed on any trip to Thailand. With plenty to capture their attention – from glittering temples to bustling floating markets and lively street scenes – kids will love this city. Break up sightseeing with stops at SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World or the wonderfully interactive Children’s Discovery Museum. For easy, family-friendly exploring, companies like Expique and TakeMeTour offer relaxed guided days that mix culture, food and fun in a way that genuinely works for kids

Away from the city, Chiang Mai is where nature takes centre stage. Spend time at ethical sanctuaries like Elephant Nature Park, where children can have the magical experience of watching elephants roam and bathe in the river. For fresh air and easy adventure, head into the hills around Doi Inthanon National Park, where short walking trails, waterfalls and cool mountain air make exploring manageable. Food is a huge part of any Thai holiday – from street stalls to amazing family-friendly restaurants. Why not try cooking classes where kids get hands-on and rustle up some delicious snacks

When you are ready to head to the coast beaches in Phuket, Krabi and Koh Samui are ideal for families, with soft sand and calm, shallow waters. Older kids can try gentle water sports like paddle boarding or kayaking, while boat trips to nearby islands add a sense of adventure without being too full-on

And when it’s time to dial things up, there’s no shortage of big hits – think splash-filled days at Andamanda Phuket and Black Mountain Water Park, both packed with slides, lazy rivers and dedicated kids’ zones

Teenagers tend to love this place. The sense of independence, adventure and freedom appeals strongly, especially when paired with a destination that still feels safe and well organised. Teen-friendly activities are everywhere, from zip-lining and rock climbing in Krabi to snorkelling, paddleboarding and surfing in Phuket and Koh Samui

Culturally, Thailand offers teenagers a broader cultral view of the world but it’s also seriously cool. While they might be a bit young for full-on beach parties, there’s loads of exciting (and totally age-appropriate) stuff to get stuck into – with parents happily along for the ride

Bangkok will 100% appeal to teens. Think cool city tours, zipping through the alleyways in tuk-tuks and diving into the buzz of Chinatown’s street food scene. Or take things up a level -literally – at King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalk for unreal skyline views (and great photo ops). For something more hands-on, try a Thai boxing class (way less scary than it sounds) or catch a thrilling live match at Rajadamnern Stadium. Definitely just for older teens but a unique experience worth seeing. If shopping’s their thing, the huge MBK Center and Jodd Fairs Night Market are perfect for bargain hunting and soaking up the energy

Head north to Chiang Mai for full-on outdoor adventure. This is where teens can really get their adrenaline fix – jungle trekking, waterfall hikes, and white-water rafting. Ziplining through the rainforest canopy at Juggle Flight is a guaranteed highlight. For something a bit different, explore mountain temples like Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, or cycle through the countryside on a guided bike tour – active, scenic, and just the right amount of off-grid

It’s a lot – we get it. Which is exactly why Tiny Travel Agency exists. Run by a superstar team of exceptionally well-travelled mums, we’re ready and waiting to take all the hassle out of planning your family holidays:

• We can tailor-make your whole trip. After listening to your needs and requirements, we will pull together a bespoke itinerary – we’re not just talking hotels that meet your needs, but also booking the best way to get from A to B (keeping the kids in mind), activities based on your interests, restaurant reservations, childcare – even spa treatments for a little parental pampering (and it’s a complimentary service!)
• We have all the answers you’re looking for! We’ve done these trips ourselves (with kids!), plus we’ve spoken to hundreds of parents who’ve been – meaning our ear is well and truly to the ground when it comes to all things family travel
• We’re on hand 24/7 for support if you need us, before and while you’re away (though we hope you don’t, sometimes these things happen. Rest easy knowing we’re waiting to solve any issues, saving you the stress! )
• We can unlock extra perks at thousands of leading, family friendly hotels around the world. It’s a complete myth that booking with a travel agent is always more expensive – you might find we can get you added benefits, that you wouldn’t receive if going direct
• And we’re super flexible as well! We can take care of absolutely everything for you, or if you want to find your own flights (for example, if you’ve got points or vouchers to use) that’s fine too!