Child Friendly Things to Do in Chiang Mai

March 30, 2025
Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a fantastic destination for families, offering exciting outdoor adventures, wildlife encounters, creative experiences, and cultural discoveries. Whether your little ones love animals, art, cooking, or simply playing in nature, the city is filled with attractions that will keep them entertained, engaged, and inspired.

At Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai, we believe in creating unforgettable family experiences by combining adventure, learning, and relaxation. That’s why we’ve compiled this guide to the best child-friendly activities in Chiang Mai, ensuring your family vacation is fun, safe, and enriching.

Animal Encounters

Chiang Mai Zoo

Meet Pandas, Giraffes & More

Location: Huay Kaew Road
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

Spanning over 200 acres, Chiang Mai Zoo is home to 400+ species, including elephants, tigers, giraffes, and pandas.

Highlights:

Panda Enclosure: Meet Chuang Chuang and Lin Hui, the zoo’s adorable panda duo.
Nakornping Bird Park: A paradise for bird lovers, with 1,500+ exotic species.
Chiang Mai Aquarium: Thailand’s longest underwater tunnel, filled with marine life.

Chiang Mai Night Safari

An Exciting After-Dark Adventure

Location: Hang Dong District
Opening Hours: 17:00 – 23:00

One of the few nocturnal zoos in the world, Chiang Mai Night Safari lets kids see animals in a thrilling, after-dark setting.

Highlights:

Savanna Safari & Predator Prowl: Ride a tram through open enclosures with lions, zebras, and giraffes.
Jaguar Trail: A walking route with interactive animal encounters.
Digital Zoo: Features laser games, holograms, and a musical fountain show.

Elephant Nature Park

An Ethical Elephant Experience

Location: 60 km from Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: Full-day & half-day programs

This renowned elephant rescue centre is perfect for families who want to observe and care for elephants ethically.

Highlights:

No riding, no tricks – just ethical conservation.
Children can help prepare food and bathe elephants in the river.
Additional rescue animals include dogs, cats, and buffalo.

Siam Insect Zoo

A Fun & Educational Bug Experience

Location: Mae Rim District
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 16:30

If your child is fascinated by insects, this interactive insect museum and butterfly garden is a must-visit.

Highlights:

Live tarantulas, stick insects, and scorpions.
Hands-on experiences with butterflies and beetles.
Educational exhibits explaining the insect world.

Adventure & Outdoor Fun

Grand Canyon Water Park

Chiang Mai’s Ultimate Splash Zone

Location: 20 km from Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 18:30

A huge floating water park, perfect for energetic kids who love water-based fun.

Highlights:

Giant inflatable obstacle course inspired by “Wipeout”.
Zipline, wakeboarding, and 10m water slides.
Dedicated shallow pools for young children.

Bua Tong Sticky Waterfall

Climb a Natural Wonder

Location: 60 km from Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

This unique waterfall is made of limestone rocks, making it easy and safe for kids to climb up the cascading water.

Highlights:

Non-slippery rock formations – perfect for climbing.
The surrounding jungle is beautiful and great for family picnics.

Flight of the Gibbon

Zipline Through the Jungle

Location: 50 km from Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 06:30 – 17:30

For adventure-loving families, this is Asia’s longest zipline tour, set in a lush rainforest.

Highlights:

2-3 hours of thrilling ziplining.
Nature walks with local guides.
Kid-friendly with a height requirement of 1m+.

Creative & Cultural Experiences for Kids

PooPooPaper Park

A Fun & Eco-Friendly Workshop

Location: 20 km north of Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:30

Kids can learn how elephant poop is transformed into eco-friendly paper in this hands-on workshop.

Highlights:

Make your recycled paper products.
Eco-friendly and educational fun.

Bo Sang Umbrella Village

A Hands-On Thai Craft Experience

Location: 18 km east of Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00

Watch local artisans paint traditional paper umbrellas and let kids decorate their own.

Highlights:

Interactive umbrella-painting workshop.
Colorful handmade Thai crafts.

Elephant Parade Land

Paint & Learn About Elephant Conservation

Location: Chiang Mai Old City
Opening Hours: 10:00 – 17:00

This art studio allows families to paint and decorate elephant statues while learning about elephant conservation.

Create a unique souvenir to take home.
Funds from painted elephants go towards elephant rescue efforts.

Relaxing Family Friendly Areas in Chiang Mai

Nong Buak Haad Public Park

A City Oasis

Location: Chiang Mai Old City
Opening Hours: 05:00 – 21:00

It is a peaceful park perfect for kids to run, play, and explore.

Playground, shady picnic areas, and ponds.
Hosts the annual Chiang Mai Flower Festival.

Huay Tung Tao Lake

A Hidden Family Escape

Location: 15 km from Chiang Mai
Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00

A scenic lake with bamboo huts, pedal boats, and swimming areas.

Relaxing lakeside dining with kid-friendly dishes.
Gentle water activities are perfect for families.

Family Adventure Begins with Aleenta Retreat Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai is a family paradise, offering thrilling activities, animal encounters, creative workshops, and peaceful outdoor escapes. Whether your little ones love water parks, exploring nature, or getting hands-on with crafts, there’s something for every child here.

Our boutique wellness hotel in Chiang Mai, provides villa accommodations, and personalised tours to ensure your family holiday is smooth, fun, and unforgettable.