Exploring Phuket with kids: 12 family-friendly activities

A tropical Thai paradise, Phuket is one of the best destinations in Thailand for a family getaway. From days spent soaking up the sun to activities that are a blast even on a rainy day, you’ll find family-friendly activities across the island. While there are plenty of outdoor experiences, from snorkeling and ziplining to surfing and swimming, there are also countless unique attractions. Zoom down waterslides at Andamanda Water Park, watch a dazzling display of color and light at Carnival Magic, or visit the largest Buddhist temple in the city. Get started planning with these 12 things to do with kids in Phuket.

The best things to do with kids in Phuket at a glance

The best thing to do with young kids in Phuket: The best thing to do with young children in Phuket is to visit Carnival Magic, a colorful theme park filled with music performances, parades, and more.

The best activity for teens in Phuket: Teens visiting Phuket will love sliding down waterslides at Andamanda Water Park, snorkeling, and learning how to surf.

The best free, family-friendly experiences in Phuket: Simply lounging on the island’s beautiful beaches is the best free, family-friendly experience in Phuket.

1. Visit the fantastical Carnival Magic theme park

Voted one of the World’s Greatest Places by TIME, Carnival Magic is a wild and wonderful explosion of Thai culture and color. Explore over 20 acres of enchanting, carnival-themed parades, palaces, games, rides, and light shows. A genuine wonderland for children and adults, the main attractions are the nightly parade, illuminated palaces, and boat rides along the River of Lights. You’ll also find several restaurants, just as bedazzled as the rest of the theme park, from snack stands to luxury dining options. The main, can’t-miss parade occurs every evening at 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

Address

999 Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83150.

Opening hours

Open 5:30 PM–11:30 PM Mon, Wed, & Sat.

2. Take a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands

A day trip to the Phi Phi Islands is an excursion that everyone in the family will enjoy. Set sail from Phuket to these tropical islands in the Andaman Sea. Little ones will love spotting fish and other sea creatures along the way, while teens can snorkel and swim. Several isolated beaches will undoubtedly be on the itinerary, making for the perfect spot to splash, regardless of age. Parents can also relax knowing that many of these excursions include food and drinks, making planning all the easier.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

3. Go snorkeling around Coral Island

Snorkeling is one of the best family-friendly activities in Phuket! An experience that even small children will love; spend at least one of your days snorkeling along the island’s beaches or venturing a bit further afield for the best spots. While you don’t need to hop on a dedicated excursion to snorkel in Phuket, Coral Island is one of the best places, as you’re guaranteed to see teeming reefs and colorful fish.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for children five years and older, must be a strong swimmer.

4. Zipline through the jungle

There’s no better way to explore the lush jungle outside Phuket than by zipline. With dozens of different zipline courses, including Hanuman World, the largest zipline in Thailand, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes time to pick. Teens and adventurous older children will love flying above the rainforest canopy and adding fun additional activities like abseiling and ropes courses high in the trees. Courses are tucked deep in the forest and right on the edge of town, so it's easy to plan an entire day of ziplining or simply take part in a half-day adventure.

Who is it recommended for?

Children must be at least four years old and weigh over 44 pounds.

5. Splash and swim at Freedom Beach

Often touted as the most beautiful stretch of sand in Phuket, Freedom Beach is the perfect spot to spend a warm day splashing around and snorkeling. This crescent-shaped beach is tucked away in an isolated cove with serene water that’s great for little ones to practice swimming. Parents will also love the deserted island vibes with swaying palm trees and drink stands just a few steps away. Remember that reaching the beach from the parking area, which takes around 15 minutes, is a bit of a hike.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

Address

ถนนศิริราช Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83100.

6. Visit the largest temple in Phuket

While Phuket doesn’t have many museums to explore, the city’s temples are perfect for learning more about Thailand’s heritage and culture. Head for Wat Chalong, the largest temple in Phuket and an important religious site, home to a bone fragment from Buddha himself. You’ll also find a weekend market that takes place around the temple on Saturday and Sunday nights from 4:00 PM–11:00 PM.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

Address

70 หมู่ที่ 6 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Rd, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000.

Opening hours

8:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.

7. Eat your way through the Old Town Sunday Night Market

Phuket’s Old Town Sunday Night Market, also known as Lard Yai, is a must-visit on a trip to this island paradise. Eat your way through steaming street stalls, sampling dishes that even the pickiest eaters will love from Pad Thai to mango sticky rice. You’ll also find plenty of unique souvenirs to bring home from small toys to keep little ones entertained and clothing for teens to peruse.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

Address

Dibuk Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000.

Opening hours

Open 4:00 PM–10:00 PM Sun.

8. Fly down water slides at the Andamanda Water Park

While snorkeling and surfing are fun, there’s nothing like spending a sweltering day at a water park. Head to Andamanda, a Thai-heritage-themed water park, for a day of water slides, lazy river floats, delicious food, and even a dazzling daily parade. Different park sections are suited to different ages, from toddlers to teens. Little ones will love discovering the three-story play structure in Coral World, while older children will be eager to race each other on water slides or swim in the wave pool.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages, but children must be at least 91 centimeters tall for small water slides and 122 cm tall for large water slides.

Address

333, Kathu, Kathu District, Phuket 83120.

Opening hours

Open 10:00 AM–7:00 PM daily.

9. Take a Thai cooking class

Learn to cook Thai cuisine that even children will love in a cooking class with a local. You’ll browse a nearby Phuket market for vibrant ingredients like cilantro and fresh lime, before heading back into the kitchen to cook as a family. Choose to prepare various dishes from chicken cashew nut and Pad Thai to panang curry, papaya salad, and fried mango. Parents will love being able to recreate their favorite Thai dishes back home, and little ones can participate as much or as little as they like.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

10. Race each other at the Phuket Kart Speedway

Have you ever had the chance to race go-karts on a real-deal racetrack? Head to Phuket Kart Speedway to buzz around their 750-meter racecourse. Children can drive their own kid-sized go-karts, which reach a maximum of 25 mph or hop in a larger go-kart with an adult. Safety gear, including helmets, is provided. If any of your youngsters are little adrenaline junkies, this is one of the most fun things to do in Phuket!

Who is it recommended for?

Children eight years and older and at least 1.25 meters tall.

Address

46, 129 หมู่ที่ 6 Phrabaramee Rd, Kathu, Kathu District, Phuket 83120.

Opening hours

Open 9:00 AM–7:00 PM daily.

11. Pay a visit to the whimsical Upside Down House

Phuket’s Upside Down House, also known as Baan Teelanka, is a wacky wonderland and optical illusion that’s great for keeping kids entertained. Step inside this topsy-turvy home, entering from the roof, to reveal a kitchen and even a tuk-tuk stuck to the ceiling alongside more fun exhibits. You’ll also find a garden maze to explore once you’ve toured the quirky interior of the house. This is the perfect rainy day activity in Phuket.

Who is it recommended for?

Suitable for all ages.

Address

หมู่ที่ 5 51/11 Chalermprakiat Ratchakan Thi 9 Road, Ratsada, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000.

Opening hours

Open 10:00 AM–6:00 PM daily.

12. Learn to surf in the Andaman Sea

Have your kiddos always wanted to learn how to surf? Phuket is the perfect place for beginners as waves are typically small and easy for novice surfers to ride in. Learn from a local pro who will also help little ones learn to paddle out and balance on the surfboard. Keep in mind that most lessons are only available from May to November, when there are actually waves to catch in the typically serene Andaman Sea.

Who is it recommended for?

Children seven years and older.

FAQ

What are the best museums for kids in Phuket?

Phuket isn’t a destination that focuses on museums; there are only a few in the center of town. A good alternative would be visiting the largest temple in Phuket, Wat Chalong, to learn more about local heritage and culture.

What are some fun outdoor activities for kids in Phuket?

Some of the best outdoor activities in Phuket for children include ziplining, snorkeling, and learning to surf.

What are some things to do with older children and teens in Phuket?

Teens visiting Phuket will love learning to surf or flying down waterslides at the Andamanda Water Park.

Are there any free kid-friendly activities in Phuket?

Visiting Phuket’s beautiful beaches is the best free, kid-friendly activity in Phuket. While there are beaches all over the island, Freedom Beach is often thought to be the most beautiful.

What day trips from Phuket are suitable for families with kids?

One of the best day trips from Phuket for families is cruising around the Phi Phi Islands. You’ll have the chance to snorkel, visit remote beaches, and swim the day away. Many of these excursions also include food and drinks to make planning with little ones even easier.