Traveling to Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies can be an unforgettable adventure, filled with cultural experiences, natural beauty, and family-friendly attractions. Chiang Mai offers a great star location that is perfect for families exploring north Thailand with young children.
As a mom traveling with my three little ones (ages 1, 4, and 6), I spent two wonderful weeks exploring Chiang Mai and its surrounding areas. If you’re planning a family trip to Thailand, I strongly recommend spending at least one week in each location to truly soak in the local culture. Our days quickly fell into a delightful routine of morning explorations, afternoon naps (essential with little ones!), and evenings spent sampling delicious street food at the night markets, zipping around in colorful tuk-tuks, and watching my children’s eyes light up as they experienced the magic of Thailand.
During our time in Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies, we enjoyed various family-friendly activities that catered to different age groups, ensuring that everyone had a memorable experience.
Chiang Mai Night Bazaar: A Feast for the Senses
This vibrant market is a must-visit when in Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies. The lively atmosphere and abundance of kid-friendly food options make it a family favorite.
The Night Bazaar is undoubtedly one of Chiang Mai’s most vibrant attractions and surprisingly kid-friendly! Located on Chang Khlan Road, this nightly market stretches for nearly a kilometer and offers everything from handcrafted souvenirs to delicious street food. My children were absolutely mesmerized by the colorful displays, the sounds of bargaining, and the enticing aromas wafting from food stalls.
Pro Tip for Parents: The food court area has plenty of seating and high chairs available, making it an excellent spot for a family dinner. My 1-year-old particularly loved the mango sticky rice, while my older kids couldn’t get enough of the pad thai (we requested it mild for their sensitive palates).
Hours: Daily from 6:00 PM to 10:30 PM
Wat Chiang Man: A Baby-Friendly Cultural Experience in Thailand Chiang Mai with Kids and Babies
Visiting Wat Chiang Man is an enriching experience for families traveling in Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies, offering a peaceful environment to learn about Thai culture.
As the oldest temple in Chiang Mai (built in 1296), Wat Chiang Man offers a perfect introduction to Thai Buddhist temples for young children. The grounds are spacious enough for toddlers to explore safely, and the temple’s elephant statues were a huge hit with my kids. The temple houses two important Buddha images: the marble Phra Sila and crystal Phra Satang Man.
What made this temple particularly suitable for our family was the relaxed atmosphere—unlike some of the more crowded temples, we didn’t feel rushed or worried about our children making noise. My baby napped peacefully in the carrier while the older ones counted elephants and admired the gold decorations.
Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: 40 baht for adults, free for children
Siam Insect Zoo: Bugs, Butterflies, and Beaming Smiles
Traveling in Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies means finding attractions like Siam Insect Zoo, where both fun and learning come together.
Located about 30 minutes from the city center, the Siam Insect Zoo is an exciting place for families visiting Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies. This unique attraction houses an impressive collection of insects, butterflies, and arthropods.
The staff was exceptionally patient with young visitors, offering magnifying glasses and helping little hands hold some of the insects (even a scorpion!). Even my 1-year-old was fascinated by the colorful butterfly displays.
Pro Tip: Visit in the morning when the butterflies are most active. Bring mosquito repellent as the location is somewhat rural.
Plan your visit to Siam Insect Zoo when traveling in Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies for an unforgettable experience!
Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Website: Siam Insect Zoo
Entrance Fee: 200 baht for adults, 100 baht for children
Zombie Café: Surprisingly Family-Friendly Fun
Zombie Café is a fun stop when exploring Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies, offering a playful atmosphere that kids love.
Don’t let the name fool you! Zombie Café is actually a quirky, themed café that my older kids found absolutely hilarious. Located in the Nimman area, this unique establishment features zombie-themed décor that’s more playful than scary. The staff members wear light zombie makeup and occasionally do silly “zombie walks” that had my 5-year-old in stitches.
The unique cafe is located on a shallow river, and some of the tables were located in the water! Local Thai people were sitting on those tables, having their breakfast while soaking their feet in the water! Defiantly interesting and a great ideas for hot days.
This café is a charming spot when exploring Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies, allowing for relaxation and play.
What makes this place family-friendly is their dedicated kids’ menu with fun names like “Monster Milkshakes” and “Zombie Fingers” (which are just chicken strips). They also provide coloring sheets and simple games to keep young ones entertained.
Don’t miss the chance to visit Zombie Café during your trip to Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies for quirky fun!
Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM Location: Nimmanahaeminda Rd, Soi 11
Mon Jam: Breathtaking Views and Open Spaces for Little Explorers
Mon Jam is another fantastic spot when you’re in Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies, offering beautiful views and open spaces.
Located about an hour’s drive from Chiang Mai in the Mae Rim district, Mon Jam offers breathtaking panoramic views of mountains and agricultural terraces. The cool mountain air and vast open spaces make it an ideal spot for kids to run around and explore after being confined in the city.
We visited the Royal Project agricultural station where my children learned about different vegetables and flowers grown in the highlands. The strawberry picking activity was a highlight for my 3 and 5-year-olds, who proudly collected their own berries (with a bit of help).
There are some cafes with breathtaking porches – very much recommended!
Pro Tip: Planning your visit to Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies means considering the winding roads to Mon Jam. The road up to Mon Jam is quite winding, so bring motion sickness remedies if your little ones are prone to car sickness. Also, pack a light jacket as it can be several degrees cooler than in the city.
Hours: Open daily from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Air Diamond Café: Perfect for Parents and Kids in Thailand Chiang Mai with Kids and Babies
Air Diamond Café is a favorite when visiting Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies, offering a unique atmosphere that kids enjoy.
This gem of a café is an actual airplane which was transformed to a cafe. I guess my kids found it fascinating even though we spent so many hours on real flights getting to Thailand. The café has a lovely outdoor garden where kids can run around safely while parents relax nearby.
Their menu includes kid-friendly options like fruit smoothies and mini sandwiches that even my picky eaters enjoyed.
Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM Location: 114 Charoenrat Road
Dantewada: Magical Forest and Fairy Tale Experience
Families can enjoy magical experiences at Dantewada when in Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies
Dantewada is a hidden gem that feels like stepping into a fairy tale. This enchanting forest park, located about 40 minutes from the city center, features whimsical sculptures, tree houses, and magical-themed play areas that captivated my children’s imagination.
The walking paths are stroller-friendly, making it accessible even with a baby. My older kids loved the various interactive displays and the small stream where they could splash their hands. The shade from the trees also makes this a good option for hot days.
Dantewada offers an enchanting atmosphere when visiting Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies, perfect for family fun.
Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entrance Fee: 100 baht for adults, 50 baht for children
Elephant Nature Park: Ethical Elephant Experiences for Young Animal Lovers
Choosing an ethical elephant experience was extremely important to me, and Elephant Nature Park exceeded all expectations. This sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates elephants from the tourism and logging industries, providing a natural environment where they can live peacefully.
Families visiting Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies can learn about elephants while enjoying their visit to Elephant Nature Park.
Elephant Nature Park provides an ethical experience that families love when in Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies.
The park offers family-friendly half-day visits where children can observe elephants from a safe distance. My kids were absolutely thrilled to prepare food for the elephants and watch them bathe in the river. The guides were exceptional at explaining elephant behavior in child-friendly terms, turning the visit into an educational experience.
Pro Tip: Book well in advance as this popular attraction fills up quickly. The park provides transportation from most hotels in Chiang Mai.
Hours: Daily visits from 8:00 AM to 1:00 PM or 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Website: Elephant Nature Park
Phachor Canyon: Natural Wonder for Adventurous Families
Often called “Thailand’s Grand Canyon,” Phachor Canyon features striking soil formations created by erosion. Located about an hour and a half from Chiang Mai city, this natural attraction offers easy walking trails suitable for families with children who can walk independently.
Phachor Canyon is a great natural wonder for adventurous families exploring Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies.
Families will love the hiking opportunities at Phachor Canyon when visiting Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies.
My 4 and 6-year-olds were fascinated by the unusual rock formations and enjoyed the short, manageable hiking trails. The baby stayed in the carrier, and while some areas required careful footing, overall it was quite accessible with young children.
Pro Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid both the heat and crowds. Bring plenty of water and sun protection as there’s limited shade.
Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entrance Fee: 40 baht per person
Old City Gates: Historical Exploration Made Fun
Chiang Mai’s Old City is surrounded by ancient walls and gates that date back to the late 13th century. Walking or biking around these historical structures became a fun activity for my kids as we turned it into a scavenger hunt to find all four major gates: Tha Phae Gate (east), Chang Puak Gate (north), Suan Dok Gate (west), and Chiang Mai Gate (south).
The moat surrounding the old city walls was particularly fascinating for my children, who loved watching the fish and making wishes with coins. Many of the gates have adjacent parks or open areas where kids can run around and play.
Exploring the Old City Gates in Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies turns historical exploration into fun family activities!
Pro Tip: Rent bicycles with child seats to make exploring the old city more manageable with little ones. Many guesthouses and hotels offer bicycle rentals.
Playground: Kids’ Paradise in the Heart of the City
This public playground is a perfect spot for kids to enjoy while families explore Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies.
Inside the old city near the Three Kings Monument, there’s a public playground that became our daily retreat during the hottest part of the day. This well-maintained play area features swings, slides, and climbing structures suitable for various ages.
What makes this playground special is its location—surrounded by ancient temples and historical sites, it offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion and kid-friendly fun. Local Thai children often play here too, giving my kids a chance to make temporary friendships despite the language barrier.
Hours: Open daily, best visited in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat
Grand Canyon Water Park: Splashing Fun for All Ages
Chiang Mai’s Grand Canyon Water Park was the perfect way to beat the heat during our stay. Located about 30 minutes from the city center, this water park features slides, swimming areas, and inflatable obstacles floating on a beautiful canyon lake.
The park has dedicated shallow areas for younger children, which was perfect for my 1-year-old. Life jackets are provided for all ages, and there are plenty of shaded areas for taking breaks. My older kids couldn’t get enough of the giant inflatable playground floating on the water.
Grand Canyon Water Park is a splashing good time for families visiting Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies during the hot season.
Pro Tip: Bring your own towels and water-resistant sunscreen. The park rents lockers for storing valuables.
Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Website: Grand Canyon Water Park
Entrance Fee: 400 baht for adults, 200 baht for children under 120 cm
Animal Village: Up-Close Encounters with Friendly Creatures
Located about 20 minutes from the city center, Animal Village offers children the opportunity to interact with a variety of animals in a safe environment. From feeding rabbits and goats to petting deer, this attraction was absolute magic for my animal-loving children.
Animal Village is another highlight when exploring Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies, offering up-close encounters with animals. Families will love interacting with friendly creatures at Animal Village when visiting Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies.
The grounds are spacious and well-shaded, making it comfortable even on hot days. Feeding bottles for the animals are available for purchase, and staff members are always nearby to assist and ensure both animals and children are comfortable.
Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: 150 baht for adults, 100 baht for children
Hidden Village: Traditional Thai Culture Through a Child’s Eyes
The Hidden Village (Baan Kang Wat) is a charming artisan village combining traditional Thai crafts and contemporary art. What makes it wonderful for families is the relaxed atmosphere where children can observe artisans at work and even participate in simple craft activities.
My 6-year-old loved the pottery demonstration, while my 4-year-old was fascinated by the traditional Thai musical instruments. The village also features small cafés with garden seating where kids can run around safely while parents enjoy Thai tea or coffee.
Hidden Village offers cultural experiences for families exploring Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies, making it a special outing.
Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Location: 8/1 Suthep Road
Kadmanee Market: Local Flavors and Family-Friendly Shopping
While night markets can sometimes be overwhelming with young children, Kadmanee Market offers a more relaxed alternative. Kadmanee Market is perfect for families exploring Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies, offering a more relaxed shopping experience. This charming market has wider walking paths than most, making it stroller-friendly, and features a good mix of food stalls, crafts, and children’s items.
We found adorable handmade toys and clothes at reasonable prices, and the food vendors were happy to accommodate requests for less spicy versions of dishes for my children. The market often features live traditional music, which fascinated my little ones.
Hours: Friday to Sunday from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Chang Klan Road
Tweechol Botanic Garden: A Visit to WonderLand
Don’t be fooled by the name ‘botanical garden’. It is more like a nature sculpture garden with many interesting points for children. Located about 30 minutes from the city center, Tweechol Botanic Garden offers 80 acres of beautiful landscapes, including a topiary garden, orchid nursery, and various themed gardens. The spacious grounds are perfect for children to explore while learning about different plant species.
My kids especially loved the animal-shaped topiaries and the small zoo section featuring birds and rabbits. The garden also has a small train that circles the property—an absolute hit with my train-obsessed 4-year-old.
For parents visiting Thailand Chiang Mai with kids and babies, Tweechol Botanic Garden combines learning and fun in a beautiful setting.
Pro Tip: Rent bikes at the entrance for better exploring this huge place. There is also bikes with baby carriers.
Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Website: Tweechol Botanic Garden
Entrance Fee: 100 baht for adults, 50 baht for children
On Our Way to Pai: Mok Fa Waterfalls
If you’re planning a side trip to Pai (which I highly recommend during the peak season), the Mok Fa Waterfalls make for a perfect stop along the winding road. Located about halfway between Chiang Mai and Pai, these picturesque falls offer a refreshing break from the car journey.
The main waterfall drops about 60 meters into a pool suitable for swimming. While the current is too strong for very young children to swim, there are shallow areas perfect for wading and splashing. The short walk from the parking area to the falls is manageable even with a stroller on dry days.
Pro Tip: Pack a change of clothes and towels, as children invariably want to play in the water!
Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM Entrance Fee: 200 baht for adults, 100 baht for children
Traveling to Chiang Mai with young children was one of the most rewarding experiences of our Thailand adventure. The city offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and family-friendly activities that cater to all ages. By allowing ourselves a full two weeks to explore at a child-friendly pace, we were able to truly connect with this magical destination without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
If you’re considering Thailand for your next family vacation, I cannot recommend Chiang Mai enough. The warm hospitality of the Thai people, combined with the city’s manageable size and wealth of kid-friendly attractions, makes it an ideal destination for families seeking authentic cultural experiences that everyone—from babies to parents—can enjoy.
Have you visited Chiang Mai with your children? What were your favorite family-friendly spots? Share your experiences in the comments below!
Travel Tips for Visiting Chiang Mai with Babies and Young Children:
- Accommodation: Look for hotels or guesthouses that specifically mention being family-friendly. Many places offer family rooms and amenities like cribs and high chairs. Personally we prefer apartments, Booking and Vrbo have plenty to choose from.
- Transportation: While tuk-tuks are fun, they lack seat belts. Consider using Grab (Southeast Asia’s equivalent to Uber) for longer journeys, as they can provide car seats upon request if booked in advance. For rides within Chiang Mai we used tuk-tuks, but for the day trips we had a rental car with our own car seats.
- Baby Supplies: Major supermarkets like Tops and Rimping carry international baby brands. Diapers, formula, and baby food are readily available in the city.
- Medical Facilities: Chiang Mai has excellent hospitals with English-speaking staff. Chiang Mai Ram Hospital has a dedicated pediatric department. Unfortunately we had to visit the hospital with our baby, and we got very professional and quick treatment.
- Weather Preparation: Visit during the cool season (November to February) if possible. Otherwise, plan indoor activities during the hottest part of the day (11 AM to 3 PM) and always carry hats, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
- Food Safety: Stick to freshly cooked hot foods from busy stalls for the safest street food experience. Many restaurants can adjust spice levels for children—just ask for “mai pet” (not spicy). Drink water only from bottles.
