Chiang Mai, set in the stunning mountains of northern Thailand, is a perfect family getaway. With its rich culture, breathtaking landscapes, an array of kid-friendly attractions, and wide selections of family hotels it’s clear why families flock here to create unforgettable memories. This article highlights the best things to do in Chiang Mai with kids, ensuring fun for everyone.
Why Chiang Mai is an Ideal Place to Visit with Kids
Chiang Mai is a fantastic destination for families with children. Here is the reason why.
Nature: Explore Stunning Landscapes, Chiang Mai is a playground of natural beauty waiting for kids to discover. With its majestic mountains and vibrant forests, families are invited to step outdoors. Doi Inthanon National Park offers thrilling hikes and wildlife spotting, making Chiang Mai an ideal destination for parents and young adventurers.
Culture: Engage with Local Traditions Rich in history, Chiang Mai provides countless chances for kids to learn through fun. Chiang Mai offers choices of tourist attractions, from temples to cultural workshops and lively festivals, the city immerses children in local traditions and customs.
History: Discover Educational Landmarks The city’s ancient temples and ruins serve as captivating educational tours. Kids can dive into the fascinating history of Chiang Mai and the Lanna Kingdom, ensuring their visit is both enjoyable and enlightening, making it the ideal Chiang Mai family activity to try.
Best Things to Do in Chiang Mai with Kids 2024
Chiang Mai has various family activities you can enjoy with kids, So today we will take you to explore the most popular place and activity you should not miss out on.
1. Chiang Mai Night Safari
Experience the world’s largest night safari—an unforgettable adventure for families. This unique attraction offers thrilling day and night safari options, with the night safari standing out. Board an open-air tram to encounter nocturnal creatures like tigers, lions, zebras, and giraffes up close.
The park is divided into zones, including Predator Prowl, where you can observe some of the most formidable animals, and the Savanna Safari, home to herbivores from around the globe.
Beyond the tram ride, enjoy animal shows like the Tiger Show and Night Predators Show. It’s both exhilarating and educational, providing insights into animal behavior in a natural setting—perfect for kids.
Available: Open daily, from 11 AM – 10 PM
Price: THB 100++
2. Explore Art in Paradise 3D Art Museum
Immerse yourself in a playful world at Art in Paradise, Chiang Mai’s first interactive 3D art museum. Featuring over 130 paintings with optical illusions that create a three-dimensional effect, visitors are encouraged to step into the art.
From riding a magic carpet over a desert to balancing on a tightrope above the city, each room offers a unique theme—fantasy, underwater worlds, and classic art reimagined in 3D—giving endless opportunities for creative photography.
Kids will love posing in themed rooms, escaping dinosaurs, surfing giant waves, or wandering through a rainforest. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy art that captivates both children and adults, one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai on a rainy day.
Available: Open daily, from 9 AM – 7 PM
Price: THB 260++
3. Visit the Chiang Mai Aquarium
Chiang Mai Aquarium boasts Asia’s longest underwater tunnel, offering a 360-degree view of marine life, including sharks and rays. Interactive experiences, like feeding giraffes and elephants, make it a perfect family outing filled with fun and learning.
With its blend of adventure and education, Chiang Mai Zoo and Aquarium is a family must-visit and one of the most popular Chiang Mai tourist attractions.
Available: Open daily, from 9 AM – 5 PM
Price: THB 350 – 450
4. Attend Cooking Classes for Kids
Chiang Mai shines with its rich food culture, offering several cooking schools that provide classes tailored for children. These engaging, hands-on sessions allow kids to explore Thai cuisine under the guidance of experienced chefs.
They’ll whip up traditional dishes like Pad Thai and mango sticky rice, starting with a trip to a local market to discover fresh ingredients. Back in the kitchen, each child has their workstation in a safe environment.
The best part? They get to savor the delicious meals they’ve crafted. These classes are fun and instill valuable kitchen skills and a love for diverse cuisines.
Available: Upon booking
Price: Depends
5. Visit Doi Inthanon National Park
Known as the “Roof of Thailand,” Doi Inthanon is the nation’s highest peak, standing at 2,565 meters, and is one of the most visited Chiang Mai’s tourist attractions. The national park surrounding it features stunning scenery, including waterfalls, cloud forests, and terraced rice fields.
Families can explore a variety of hiking trails suitable for all ages, like the Ang Ka Nature Trail—a short, easy walk through a lush forest—or the Kew Mae Pan Nature Trail, which presents breathtaking mountain views.
The park also hosts the renowned Wachirathan and Mae Ya waterfalls, perfect for some refreshing splashes. Doi Inthanon is not just a natural wonder; it also carries cultural significance, with two chedis (stupas) honoring the late King and Queen of Thailand.
It’s an ideal spot for families to soak in the beauty of northern Thailand while enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and birdwatching.
Available: Open daily, from 5 AM – 6 PM
Price: Depends
Best Family Hotels in Chiang Mai 2024
In Chiang Mai, there are various types of accommodation for you to choose from. However, if you were planning to stay to stay with the families Novotel Chiang Mai is an ideal place for you.
Novotel Chiang Mai Nimman Journeyhub is an excellent choice for a family hotel in Chiang Mai. The hotel offers spacious family rooms equipped with modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay.
Parents can relax by the rooftop pool with a panoramic view of the city while the children enjoy their time. The hotel’s location in the trendy Nimman area makes it convenient for families to explore nearby attractions, restaurants, and shopping centers.
Perfect Hotels for Families
Novotel Chiang Mai Nimman Journeyhub caters to families with children, offering facilities designed to keep kids entertained, both hotels are an excellent option for a family hotel in Chiang Mai. The swimming pools at both hotels provide a great spot for children to splash around and have fun.
We ensure that family needs are met, making them ideal choices for a family-friendly stay in Chiang Mai.
Family Hotel in Chiang Mai Promotion: Novotel Chiang Mai Nimman Journeyhub – Fully Flexible Offer
For families looking for flexibility in their travel plans, Novotel Chiang Mai Nimman Journeyhub offers the promotion. This deal allows families to make changes or cancellations to their bookings up to 1 day before arrival without incurring any fees, providing peace of mind for those whose plans may change.
Key Benefits of the Fully Flexible Offer:
- Free Modifications & Cancellations: You can modify or cancel your reservation without any charge up to 1 day before your arrival date, making it easy to adapt to any sudden changes in plans.
- Flexible Booking Options: Guests can choose between room-only bookings or include breakfast with their stay, offering customizable options to fit their family’s needs.
- Accor Plus Members Discount: Accor Plus members enjoy an additional 10% discount, adding further savings to an already flexible offer.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi: Stay connected with free high-speed Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
- ALL – Accor Live Limitless: Earn Reward Points and enjoy additional benefits through the Accor loyalty program during your stay.
This special promotion is available for bookings from December 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024, with room rates starting from THB 2,910 net per night. Whether you’re planning an early family vacation or a spontaneous getaway, this offer allows you to book with confidence while ensuring your family can enjoy all that Chiang Mai has to offer.
Chiang Mai is a family-friendly destination that offers a wide range of activities and attractions suitable for children of all ages. From exploring nature and learning about local culture to enjoying interactive museums and visiting animal sanctuaries, there is something for every family to enjoy.
The city also boasts a variety of family-friendly accommodations and dining options, making it easy for families to plan a memorable vacation. Whether you’re looking for adventure, education, or relaxation, Chiang Mai has it all.