Phuket With Kids - 15 Things to Do for Families

Phuket is a destination for the whole family, offering something for every taste. Many people associate Phuket only with nightlife, but there is much to discover beyond that, even for the little ones. If you are wondering whether Phuket is really a good vacation spot with children, take a look at our 15 tips for family-friendly activities.

Our Tips for a Trip to Phuket with Children

If you don’t want to dive right into the hustle and bustle with children in Phuket, you should look at the northwest coast from Kamala Beach, Surin Beach, Bang Tao, and upwards. There, you’ll find a completely different crowd compared to party spots like Patong. Places like Naiharn in the south are also suitable. Phuket is huge and offers something for everyone to have an unforgettable time on the Thai island with the family.

How to Get to Phuket

There are many ways to get to Phuket, the most chosen one is the airplane. Phuket airport is approached by several airlines within Thailand, but also by flights from Europe, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and more. All flights as well as duration, connections and prices are best compared on Skyscanner.

Furthermore, you can travel by bus from many different places in Thailand, such as Krabi, Bangkok, Khao Lak etc. or just take the boat to Phuket. There are e.g. ferries from Koh Phi Phi or Koh Yao Yai. You can find more bus and boat connections on 12go.asia. There you can also book tickets directly. A train to Phuket does currently not exist.

Accommodation on Phuket – Our Hotel Tip

The JonoX Phuket Karon Hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from Karon Beach. It is a very new and modern hotel with a beautiful rooftop swimming pool. The rooms are equipped with all amenities, and there are also family rooms with an additional bunk bed (ideal for 4 people) available. Furthermore, a simple breakfast buffet is offered, and there is a small room with toys for children at the reception. A great starting point to explore Karon itself without a scooter or car.

However, Phuket offers many accommodations for various budgets. If JonoX doesn’t suit you, feel free to check out other hotels here. There will definitely be the right one for you on Phuket.

In our tips for Phuket family hotels you will also find a few recommendations that are perfect for a Phuket trip with children.

1. Going to the Beach

If you’re on a tropical island vacation with the family, the beach is number one for most people when it comes to activities. We are all too aware that our kids can be true water lovers, and it can be challenging to get them outside. Phuket offers many beaches around the island, some are more suitable for children, and some are less.

Especially the beaches on the west coast north of Patong are child-friendly. We can recommend, for example, Bang Tao Beach. Here, the water is usually very shallow and therefore also ideal for smaller children. The other beaches on the west coast like Naiyang or Naithon are also great. But other areas of the island are also popular with families, such as the beaches around Kata, Karon, and Naiharn. The selection on the island is huge!

Of course, in Phuket, you will also find many family-oriented resorts and accommodations right on the beaches, tailored to the needs of children. Some resorts offer special kids’ clubs and activities to keep the little guests entertained while the parents can enjoy moments of relaxation. Building sandcastles, collecting shells, or just swimming, your children will have fun at the beach.

But beware: do not underestimate the sun in Thailand. A good sunscreen to protect your little ones is essential. We highly recommend appropriate headgear like a sun hat.

2. Aquaria Phuket + Trick Eye Museum

These two attractions are a great activity for Phuket with kids, especially if it happens to rain. You can find them in the Central Phuket Floresta Mall, and they can be perfectly combined. At Phuket Aquaria, you can embark on a journey into the underwater world and admire a variety of marine life, such as penguins, rays, and turtles. It is especially a highlight for children.

The AR Trick Eye Museum, on the other hand, is a place of illusions and creativity. You enter a world where art and technology merge. The interactive 3D artworks allow you to become part of the art and take unique photos. It is open daily from 10:30 AM to 7:00 PM, and the price for a combo ticket starts at 1305 Baht for adults and 756 Baht for children. There are special discounted tickets for families. You can book online or buy the ticket on-site.

3. Visiting Water Parks

If you’re looking for a slightly different kind of water fun (other than the beach), Phuket also offers family-friendly attractions, particularly water parks. A visit to one of the water parks is an unforgettable experience for children of all ages.

The island offers three large water parks. The Andamanda Phuket near Phuket Town, the Blue Tree Water Park near Bang Tao, and the Splash Jungle Water Park located at Mai Khao Beach. They all offer a variety of slides and pools for all ages, from thrilling high-speed slides to gentle wave pools. Admission prices for adults are about 1,500 Baht and for children around 1,000 Baht for the Andamanda Phuket and the Splash Jungle Water Park. The Blue Tree Water Park is slightly cheaper.

They all open at 10:00 AM and close between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. All three water parks not only offer fun and adventure for families with children in Phuket, but also safety and comfort. There are numerous food stands and relaxation areas, making a full-day stay enjoyable. If you would like to experience this with your children, check out tickets online beforehand.

4. Hanuman World

Hanuman World is an exciting adventure park offering zip lining experiences amidst a jungle setting. It has something to offer for both children and adults. With various zip lines, climbing and rope activities, as well as a skywalk, you can have a great time here with your family.

It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, certain packages are only offered at fixed times. Prices depend on the chosen activities and usually start at around 1,500 Baht per person. Hanuman World is suitable for children aged 4 and up, with selected activities available depending on age. For more information on prices and activities, click here.

5. Sweet Talk

The Sweet Talk ice cream café on Beach Road opposite Karon Beach is a recommendation for families with children. Here, you can find delicious ice cream and cakes, as well as the opportunity to take photos with ice statues at the entrance. Although the ice cream is not very cheap, there are free activities offered for children.

Right next to the café is the Thavorn Palm Beach Resort with a petting zoo and an indoor playground for children, which Sweet Talk guests can use. It is open daily from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM and from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. You can visit it for free, making it a perfect addition to a visit to Karon Beach.

6. Dino Park Minigolf

The Dino Park Mini Golf, located between Karon and Kata on Beach Road, is a family-friendly mini golf course with a dinosaur theme. Here, you can test your skills on 18 holes with the whole family. For small children, there are even tiny golf clubs so they can join in the fun.

The entrance fees vary by age: Adults 550 Baht and children 450 Baht. Admission is free for children under 3 years old. It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Since it gets very hot during the day, playing mini golf in the evening hours is recommended. If you just want to see the dinosaur scenery, it costs 350 Baht for adults and 250 Baht for children.

7. Visiting the Island’s Playgrounds

A visit to Phuket with children promises not only relaxing days at the beach, but also a great time for your kids on the island’s playgrounds. One of the highlights for families is the large playground by the lake in Naiharn, located near the beach. This playground is a true paradise for children and offers modern play equipment, as well as plenty of space for picnics and relaxation in the shade of the trees. There are slides, swings, and climbing frames.

Another spot is the Rawai Park with its colorful design and a variety of play areas, including water games that will make children’s hearts beat faster. The park is safe and fenced, giving parents the opportunity to relax while their children explore the different activities.

Another beautiful playground is located in the Sirinat National Park, not far from Mai Khao Beach, where Phuket’s airport is situated. This nature-based playground offers children the chance to unleash their creativity and sense of adventure while playing in nature.

8. Football Crazy Golf

Football Crazy Golf Phuket is just a 10-minute drive from Patong. To get there, take the road over the hills towards Phuket Town. After you see a go-kart track on the right, turn left and follow the road around the curve for another minute. On the right-hand side, you’ll see Football Crazy Golf Phuket.

The facility offers fun for all groups, including families, friends, and couples. Instead of a golf ball, you play on the 18-hole course with a football. With bunkers, tunnels, and entertaining obstacles, the course is suitable for everyone, regardless of football skills. Drinks are available on-site, and a round takes about 90 minutes. The facility also offers pickups from many parts of the island. Opening hours are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and prices start at 800 Baht for adults and 400 Baht for children. Group discounts are also possible.

9. Magic Carnival

The Magic Carnival is an exciting addition to Phuket FantaSea and is located right next to it. It offers entertainment for the whole family, including carousels, games, and a lively atmosphere, including the River Palace of Kamala or the Kingdom of Lights.

The Magic Carnival is open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays from 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM, with parades at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM. Ticket prices vary depending on the package and activity, but start at around 2,100 Baht for adults and children. If you want to visit the Magic Carnival, it is worth buying a ticket online in advance. This includes skip-the-line admission and round-trip transfer, making the evening as smooth as possible for you and your family.

10. Mai Khao Beach

The 11-kilometer-long Mai Khao Beach, the longest beach in Phuket, is known for its peaceful atmosphere. This beach is particularly unique as it is located right at the end of the runway of Phuket International Airport. As a visitor, you can witness the impressive spectacle of planes taking off and landing up close and take great photos. It’s also very popular with children, who enjoy watching the planes.

The best way to reach this section of the beach is by heading north from the airport to Mai Khao Beach. With a scooter, you can use a small path, or you can take one of the tuk-tuks directly to the airport beach section, which costs 20 Baht per person. Apart from this area, the beach offers opportunities for swimming and peaceful spots, as most visitors only come to the beach section in front of the airport.

11. Kidzoona Phuket

Kidzoona in Phuket is a colorful indoor playground that offers children a variety of activities. There are several locations, for example, in the Jungceylon Mall in Patong or in the Central Festival. From role-playing areas to inflatable castles to creative crafting stations – here children can unleash their imagination, develop social skills, play with other children, and engage in physical activities.

With entrance fees of about 200-300 Baht per child for unlimited play, Kidzoona offers excellent value for money. It is the perfect alternative to beach days, especially for families looking for fun and learning in a safe, air-conditioned environment. Adults often enjoy free entry. But you can also, for example, explore the shopping mall while your kids have fun at Kidzoona.

12. Go-karting

Another fun activity, even for entire families once the kids are a bit older, is the Patong Go Kart Speedway. The racetrack offers exciting kart racing for all ages and skill levels. There are even two-seater karts where parents can drive together with their children.

On the 750-meter-long track, you can test your driving skills as you speed around the corners. The go-kart track is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:30 PM. Prices start at 600 Baht for a 10-minute ride, depending on the kart size. For more information, visit their website.

13. Patong Surf House

The Surf House Patong is a great place for surf enthusiasts and beginners of all ages. It is located on Beach Road, just a short distance north of Bangla Road. Regardless of the weather, you can try surfing here all year round. Surfing is simulated on artificial waves and promises a lot of fun.

The Surf House offers various activities, from beginner lessons to advanced courses, making it suitable for children from about 7 years old who want to try surfing. It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Prices vary depending on the duration of the lesson and the chosen package, but start at about 800 Baht per hour. There is also another Surf House at Kata Beach.

14. Upside Down House

The Upside Down House, also known as Baan Teelanka, is a truly great attraction for visiting Phuket with kids. The upside-down house is something for all ages. It stimulates the imagination and simultaneously provides unforgettable photo moments. Upon entering Baan Teelanka, you immediately feel transported to another world where the laws of gravity seem to be turned upside down. Furniture and decor hang from the ceiling while you, as a visitor, can walk on the “floor” above and constantly discover new, beautiful photo opportunities.

The Upside Down House is perfect for families looking for an unusual adventure. Besides the main building, which is completely upside down, there are other attractions such as a maze and an escape room, giving you even more to explore during your visit.

It is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The admission prices are not too high. For the Upside Down House, adults pay 470 Baht and children 240 Baht. The other attractions come at an additional cost. The maze is 230 and 140 Baht, respectively, and the escape room costs 780 and 360 Baht, respectively. There are also combo tickets if you want to do multiple things on-site, and booking tickets online works great too.

15. The Selfie Experience – Selfie Museum Phuket

A museum of a different kind is “The Selfie Experience – Selfie Museum Phuket.” It is a popular destination for families and friends looking for fun and unforgettable photo memories. The modern museum offers a variety of interactive and creatively designed rooms to take the funniest selfies. From dreamlike settings that seem to come straight out of a fairy tale to optical illusions that appear to bend the laws of physics.

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Admission is 500 THB for adults and 250 THB for children. Small children under 90 cm can visit the museum for free. Plan to spend some extra time during your visit, as there are over 40 different themed areas to explore.

Medical Care with Children in Phuket

The medical care for children in Phuket is excellent. There are a number of medical facilities, such as the Bangkok Hospital (in Phuket Town), where even specialized pediatricians can be found.

But even in the other smaller clinics, you will be helped at any time, as long as there are no serious cases. The facilities offer a wide range of medical services, from routine check-ups and vaccinations to specialized treatments and emergency care. The medical professionals on the island are well-trained and able to provide appropriate and high-quality care for children.

Additionally, there are many other international hospitals in Phuket that are prepared for emergencies and even attract many medical tourists. Generally, you don’t need to worry, and we as parents have not had any problems with our children in Phuket that the local doctors could not treat.

It is important, however, that you take out international health insurance to ensure that costs are covered in case of an emergency. Even though treatment costs in Thailand are significantly cheaper than in Europe.

Dining with Children in Phuket

Dining with children in Phuket is not really a big challenge. Thailand’s largest island offers a variety of dining options that appeal to the tastes of little gourmets. From traditional Thai dishes like Pad Thai, fresh fruit juices, and delicious fruits to international offerings like pizza, pasta, and burgers, there is something suitable for everyone.

Many restaurants on the island are designed to be child-friendly and have kid-friendly menus. Often, the staff take care of the children and even look after them. Thais are generally very child-friendly, and there are hardly any angry looks because your little ones can’t sit still. The relaxed atmosphere and Thai hospitality contribute to making meals with children a pleasant experience.

However, it is advisable to pay attention to the spiciness of the dishes if your children are sensitive to spices. Generally, children’s meals in all restaurants are not spicy. Special requests are usually no problem if your children are intolerant to certain foods.

Phuket With Kids: Tours and Tickets

Do you prefer to travel with a guide who knows the area very well? Then we recommend a guided tour with a local. This way you can get to know Phuket in a completely different way. GetYourGuide offers a wide selection of exciting tours for Phuket with kids.

What other tips do you have for a trip to Phuket with children? We look forward to your feedback in the comments.