Are you planning a trip to Phuket with kids and looking for family-friendly activities? Keep scrolling to check out the coolest things to do in Phuket with family!
This list of kid-friendly things to do in Phuket with family was written by family travel expert Marcie Cheung and contains affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of my affiliate links, I may earn a small commission that goes back into maintaining this blog.
Many people don’t realize that Phuket, Thailand, is one of the best places in Southeast Asia for a family vacation. There are many fun activities, exciting day trips, ocean adventures, and more. This makes it perfect for younger children, older kids, and, of course, parents.
There’s no question the whole family will fall in love with Phuket. Whether you’re lounging on beautiful beaches, splashing in a wave pool at a water park, or exploring islands in the Andaman Sea, your family vacation will be anything but boring
Keep reading to discover all the best things to do in Phuket, Thailand, to keep the kids entertained from day one.
23 Popular Things to Do in Phuket with Kids
Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao Beach is Phuket’s longest beach and one of the best things to do in Thailand with family. It’s located on the north side of Phuket Island in Sirinat National Park. And even though it’s a long stretch of gorgeous, soft sand and calm waters, there’s so much more to do here than lay out in the sun.
Mai Khao is home to the thrilling Splash Jungle Waterpark, a turtle sanctuary, and several walking trails through the park. The turtle sanctuary is one of the best places to visit in Phuket with family.
During the Songkran Festival, there’s also a baby turtle release on the beach. For something a little more exciting, there are water sports all along the coast and other things to do in the park.
Splash Jungle Waterpark
Splash Jungle Waterpark is in Sirinath National Park, near Mai Khao Beach, and is one of the best Phuket tourist attractions for family.
It has five main attractions, including water slides, a lazy river, splash pads, and many more fun things. While you can stop by for a few hours when exploring Mai Khao Beach and Sirinat Park, there’s so much for children to do that it’s worth dedicating an entire day to the water park.
Go Beach-Hopping
Mai Khao Beach is a bit of a trek from Phuket, but don’t worry—there are plenty of other incredible beaches in Phuket. In fact, one of the best things to do in Phuket with family is to explore all the amazing beaches.
Kata Beach is one of the best beaches in town. It’s a lengthy beach lined with restaurants and bars near plenty of other shops. Patong Beach is another popular place in the center of all the action. However, traveling to Phuket with kids might not be as appealing, as Patong Beach is known more as a party place.
Just north of Patong Beach, there’s Kamala Beach. Kamala Beach is one of the best places for younger kids as there are fewer people and much less of a party vibe than neighboring Patong. And even further north of Kamala Beach, there’s Bangtao Beach, which is also relatively quiet and calm.
Rawai Beach is on the southern tip of Phuket and is worth visiting. It’s a little further from Phuket Town, home to the lovely Rawai Kids Club (more about this one later), and is perfect for families.
Nai Harn Beach is another great beach spot with few tourists, a relaxing atmosphere, and beautiful waters. It’s also on the southern point of Phuket, yet remains relatively untouched.
There are a few restaurants on the beach, beach massage stands, boho clothing shops, and souvenir shops. For a more laid-back afternoon in the sun, it’s definitely worth visiting Nai Harn Beach while in Phuket with kids.
Join a Boat Tour
Boating and snorkeling are one of the most fun activities in Phuket. The turquoise blue water, the lively coral, and tropical fish everywhere make it the perfect setting for snorkeling (or even scuba diving).
If the kids are a little older and comfortable with swimming, a snorkel tour is the most fun full-day activity. There are so many different bays, beaches, and snorkel spots. The snorkel tours go to other places, depending on the day and the company you go with. However, you won’t be disappointed with any of them.
Phang Nga Bay is another must-see spot near Phuket. When you see pictures of Phuket, you’ll likely come across one from this bay. It’s the most recognizable image, with a massive rock formation from the ocean. Many boat tours include a stop at Phang Nga Bay, sometimes for snorkeling, other times for kayaking, and always for pictures.
This Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip visits Pileh Lagoon, Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach, and Maya Bay (the spot where Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach was filmed). The tour includes two snorkeling spots, snacks, a buffet-style lunch, a professional guide, and excellent facilities.
This Phang Nga Bay and Canoeing Tour by Big Boat is one of the best boat trips on Thailand’s west coast. The tour stops at Panak Island, Ko Hong, Phang Nga Bay, James Bond Island, and Khao Phing Kin. It’s on a massive two-story boat, which is also better for those who get seasick.
Island Hop Around Phuket
One of the most popular things to do in Phuket is to go island-hopping. Phuket is well-known, but it’s also a great starting point for other famous destinations. James Bond Island is just a short boat ride away, and so is Koh Phi Phi, another popular tourist destination.
Several ferry docks are departing for various islands around Phuket. However, the easiest thing to do is to join an island-hopping tour.
The islands are also the most fun family-friendly day trips from Phuket, and there’s no shortage of options.
Koh Phi Phi is the most well-known island worth visiting. However, there are several other islands worth visiting.
Koh Yao Yai is a little hidden gem an hour’s ferry ride from Phuket town. It is an exciting place. The majority of the population is Muslim. There are few bars and restaurants, and hardly anyone is on the beautiful beaches.
You can only swim during high tide, which varies daily. But it’s home to Thailand’s most picturesque (largely empty) beaches. It’s one of the most family-friendly things to do in Phuket.
The Similan Islands are another popular day trip from Phuket. The islands are 62 miles (100 km) off the shore of Phuket. They were once open for overnight stays and resorts but have been restricted to day visitors to preserve the environment. However, there is incredible snorkeling, beautiful beaches, and great viewpoints.
This Similan Islands Snorkeling Trip by Speedboat is an excellent day trip to the islands. The tour stops at seven places, including several for snorkeling, walking, and various viewpoints. It’s an enjoyable day in the sun and one of the best boat trips in Phuket.
Phuket Aquarium
If you’re in Phuket during the wet season or simply want to spend a little time indoors, consider visiting one of the aquariums in Phuket (there are two).
Phuket Aquarium was the first aquarium in Thailand. It’s located in Cape Panwa. While it’s not the most impressive aquarium in the world, kids love it. There’s a small tunnel, sea turtles, and several interactive exhibits.
Phuket Aquarium is the perfect indoor activity. You can also learn more about the vibrant marine life, see some rare species up close, and support a positive conservation effort in Thailand.
Aquaria Phuket
Aquaria Phuket is the other aquarium near downtown Phuket. It is the largest aquarium in Thailand and offers a wide variety of activities and exhibits.
The Aquaria is much larger than the Phuket Aquarium, with thirteen giant fish tanks and other fun activities. However, Phuket Aquarium spends more time and resources on local conservation efforts, while Aquaria is more of a traditional aquarium.
Both aquariums are great fun for kids and adults alike. And it’s enjoyable to learn more about the marine life of the Andaman Sea while in Phuket with kids.
Visit Phuket Town
Old Town is the perfect place to visit if you want a little break from the beach and aquatic fun. It’s located around the island’s center, so it’s a bit of a drive from the beaches and resort area. However, it’s still worth visiting.
Fun photo opportunities include colorful buildings, parks, temples, murals, and more. There isn’t much to do in Phuket Old Town other than shop, eat, and admire the Sino-Portuguese architecture. There’s nothing like Phuket Old Town, so you don’t want to miss it.
Go To The Old Town Sunday Market
The Phuket Old Town Sunday Market is the best thing to do in Old Town. It’s a large outdoor market covering an entire block in Phuket.
There are so much food, drinks, desserts, and little souvenirs. It’s just one street (turned into a walking street only during the market), with booths in both directions. It’s a lot of fun and excitement.
The only problem with the Sunday Market is how crowded it gets. This activity is better for the older kids, as it can be hard to keep everyone together. People generally walk shoulder-to-shoulder during peak hours, and there can be a long wait at the most popular food stalls.
Attend Phuket’s Carnival Magic in the Evening
Carnival Magic is perhaps one of the most exciting shows in Phuket and a must-see for families traveling to Phuket with kids. It is Thailand’s first cultural carnival park.
It’s a little hard to describe exactly what Carnival Magic is, but it’s basically a massive, colorful party. There’s a large indoor parade with over 50 impressive floats.
The Kingdom of Light features over 40 million lights, creating the most beautiful setting. Several other attractions have broken Guinness World Records (including the world’s largest popcorn machine). There’s even a dining area with good food!
Carnival Magic also has some little games throughout that the kids always enjoy. But really, this is the ultimate activity for kids. Between the show, the lights, and all the other activities, it’s truly a treat for the senses.
You can purchase tickets directly through the Carnival Magic official website or get them as a package deal that includes the main attractions, transportation, and the dinner buffet.
This Carnival Magic Theme Park Bundle is a great package that includes transportation and food if the options are selected.
Spend a Day at Blue Tree Phuket
Blue Tree Phuket is a recreation and entertainment hub with endless adventure and excitement. It’s an amusement park with massive water slides, wakeboarding activities, kayaking, paddleboarding, and so much more.
Blue Tree Phuket is designed for people of all ages. Older kids can enjoy the more intense water activities, water slides, lazy rivers, and other fun things. There is also great fun for younger kids, including a rolling ball game with prizes and a dunk tank.
Blue Tree Phuket is located on Crystal Lagoon near downtown Phuket. The lagoon isn’t traditional; it feels more like a massive pool. But it’s so large, and there are so many water activities the family can entertain for days.
You can purchase your Blue Tree Phuket tickets in advance and redeem them at the counter, making entry easy and fast for the family.
Rawai Park Kids Club Phuket
Rawai Park Kids Club Phuket is another must-do activity for families in Phuket with kids. The massive playground features all the most exciting activities for kids.
There’s a large kids club, several outdoor playgrounds, a water park, a family restaurant, relaxing areas for the adults, gardens, and even a mini-zoo.
Rawai Park is a hotel, as well. So, if you’re looking for an adventurous place to stay in Phuket, this could be a good choice. However, you don’t have to stay at the hotel to have all the fun. They also offer very affordable day passes for non-guests.
Phuket Wake Park
You can’t go to Phuket with kids without spending a day at Phuket Wake Park. This is one of the most exciting, action-packed places in Phuket.
The wake park is located near Patong Beach and offers heart-pumping wakeboarding. However, it’s not just that. The park offers lessons for beginners, basically guaranteeing that everyone will be able to get up before leaving.
Phuket Wake Park also has other amenities, including a restaurant, shops, a seating area, and other fun activities for the whole family. It’s a fun attraction if the kids like water parks but want something more unique.
Support Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
Elephant sanctuaries are one of the most popular places to visit in Thailand with family . However, there are very few ethical elephant sanctuaries around Southeast Asia.
You can generally tell whether an elephant sanctuary is ethical by whether it allows you to ride the elephants. Riding is uncomfortable for them, and they have to train the elephants to be calm, usually done with force.
Fortunately, the Ethical Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket is the perfect place for the whole family.
You’ll walk through the sanctuary and learn much about the elephants and their habitats. The sanctuary goes out of its way to protect the elephants and ensure their comfort. It’s much better to support an ethical elephant sanctuary than one that possibly abuses its animals.
A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is one of the best guided tours of the sanctuary. You’ll walk through the tree-top sanctuary and watch the elephants in their natural environment.
The guides also explain the effects of harmful tourism while also educating about elephants in general. It’s such a wonderful experience and a great way to support the cause.
Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is another must-do activity in Phuket if your young kids like animals.
The Gibbon Project rehabilitates injured and lost gibbons until they are ready to return to the wild. They are very clear about not being a zoo, so that’s important to remember. But it’s a beautiful activity that’s very different from many other activities in Phuket town.
If you decide to go to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center, you must make an appointment with them beforehand. They limit the number of visitors daily and are usually not open unless someone has an appointment. You’ll also want to ensure a spot for the family, especially during high season when things get much busier.
Bang Pae Waterfall
The gibbon center is about 45 minutes from Phuket Town, next to Bang Pae Waterfall. The waterfall is also an enjoyable family activity, so you can do both on the same day.
The waterfall itself is very small, but there’s a nice, short nature walk to the waterfall that’s a great way to spend an afternoon outside. You can swim in the waterfall, take some nice photos, and see a different side of Phuket.
After all, the beach and sun can be a little tiring when you are with kids in Phuket. So, Bang Pae is a nice little escape and an excellent way to spice up the vacation.
Guided Rainforest Hike with Lunch is a full-blown jungle experience that includes a stop at Bang Pae. It’s a full day of hiking through the jungle, and the pace can be a little fast depending on the group, so be prepared.
The trek also isn’t recommended for children under eight. However, it’s a lot of fun and a unique activity in Phuket.
Explore The Upside Down House
If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity for a rainy day, the Upside Down House is the perfect place for the family.
The Upside Down House is a 3D museum with many good photo opportunities and laughs for younger kids. It’s a lot more exciting than your traditional 3D museum, too. One of the highlights of the museum is the garden maze.
The maze is a 1,000 sqm garden/maze that’s fun for everyone. It also has an escape room and other fun, interactive exhibits.
Take Photos At Phuket Trickeye Museum
If you visit during the wet season, you’re in luck because a few places around town are great for a rainy day. The Phuket Trickeye Museum is another perfect spot for those in Phuket with kids.
The Trickeye Museum is another 3D museum. This differs slightly from the Upside Down House in that it focuses more on art installation for clever, entertaining photos. There isn’t an outdoor proponent, making it even better for the rainy season.
However, it’s still one of the most fun family activities on the West coast of Thailand, so it’s worth visiting with the children.
You can purchase tickets to Phuket Trickeye Museum in advance to make the trip a little less stressful.
Play at Dino Park Mini Golf
Dino Park Mini Golf is one of the most fun kids’ activities for golf or dinosaur lovers. This massive outdoor mini golf park features enormous dinosaurs looming over the course and a good restaurant.
It’s an enjoyable activity, especially for the younger ones who like dinosaurs and golf. It’s your average mini gold course, not too challenging or easy. But the overall atmosphere is electric, and it’s a fun family outing if you want to take a break from the beach.
See the Big Buddha
You must visit the Big Buddha if you’re in Phuket with kids. It is on a large hill, towering over Phuket Town. It’s near Kata Beach, and you can drive to the top or even go on a quick hike from Kata Beach.
You can see the Big Buddha anywhere in town, so it’s great fun to take the family to the top to admire the view from above and marvel at the Buddha.
The Buddha is the third largest Buddha in Thailand, standing at 145 feet (45 meters) tall. It’s an important symbol and a working monastery. Remember that it’s respectful to cover the legs and shoulders (although they also have free sarongs available to cover up).
Visit Wat Chalong
The Big Buddha is one of the best temples because of its views and beauty, but Wat Chalong is Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple and possibly one of Thailand’s most stunning Buddhist temples.
The temple’s architecture is breathtakingly intricate, and its history goes back hundreds of years. It’s also a working temple and a popular tourist attraction, so there will likely be many other visitors during the peak hours.
As with any temple, dress modestly and respectfully. Guests who don’t have the appropriate attire for inside the temple can borrow sarongs. As far as what not to do in Phuket, the list is short. But disrespecting monks is at the top of that list.
Phuket City Tour: Karon View Point, Big Buddha, Wat Chalong is a great way to visit both temples and some other parts of the city. It’s a guided tour, so you’ll also learn a lot about Phuket places to go, and things to see. It makes traveling around Phuket and to the temples very stress-free, as well.
Spend A Rainy Day At Jungceylon Shopping Mall
Most people don’t go to Phuket to spend the days inside a shopping mall, but Jungceylon Mall is another excellent activity for a rainy day and traveling in Phuket with kids.
One of the best things about the mall is the indoor play area and Froggy’s Fun Park. Froggy’s Fun Area is like a trampoline park, which is a massive hit with kids of all ages. It has a colorful indoor playground and different events for different holidays.
Of course, there’s also a cinema, food court, and plenty of great shopping. It’s a nice mall, but it’s only worth visiting if you’re out of ideas and want to spend some time indoors.
Relax Poolside
Phuket is known for its beautiful beaches, choice of exciting boat trips to different islands, and overall excitement. However, if you’re visiting Phuket with kids, having some more relaxing days around the hotel pool might be nice.
There are many wonderful family-friendly hotels in Phulet, including a kids’ club. Here, the children can play while the adults enjoy some quiet time by the pool.
You should try to choose a Phuket hotel with a highly rated kids club and other family-friendly amenities (some might even have a play park, colorful playground, and other fun activities). This way, the kids can have fun, and the adults can have fun.
Book your hotel in advance if you’re visiting during the high season (November through April). Phuket is a popular vacation destination, and hotel rooms at the best family hotels may sell out quickly.
Visiting Phuket with Kids FAQs
Is Phuket good for families?
Yes, Phuket is fantastic for families. It has a reputation as a party place, and certain parts are too wild (for example, Bangla Road in Patong). However, so much of the island is designed for families and children. There are incredible animal conservation efforts, exciting boat tours and snorkel trips, water parks and theme parks, and much more.
Is Phuket safe for families?
Yes, Phuket is safe for families. It’s not the calmest place in the world, but the city relies heavily on tourism, and most locals are warm and welcoming. The resort areas are all excellent, and there are very few reported petty crimes and the like on tourists.
Are things in Phuket cheap?
Phuket is one of the most expensive areas in Thailand. It’s much more costly than lesser-known islands and beach towns and much more expensive than places like Chiang Mai and Bangkok. However, it’s all relative.
Thailand is one of the most affordable places to holiday. For example, a Phuket family vacation would only cost a fraction of a Hawaii vacation.
Is it safe to swim in Phuket?
Yes, it is safe to swim in Phuket most of the time. However, there are some problems with jellyfish. Most of the time, the jellyfish are tiny, transparent white jellyfish. They can wash up on shore and float in shallow (and deeper) waters. These jellyfish sting and it can cause mild discomfort.
Fortunately, the jellyfish aren’t always present. However, you should stick to the more popular beaches and check with your hotel reception for any swimming precautions.
The water in Phuket is usually very calm and perfect for kids.
Is Phuket worth visiting with family?
Yes, Phuket is a fantastic place to visit with the family. There are so many things for everyone that you won’t have a single day of boredom. The beaches are incredible, and all the great amusement parks, theme parks, marine activities, and educational conservation efforts are perfect for everyone in the family.
Visiting Phuket with Kids Wrap-Up
Phuket for kids is like Las Vegas for adults because there are so many great things to do. Phuket has been a major tourist hub for decades and has successfully built one of the best tourist communities in the world.
The beaches are incredible, the landscape unique and mesmerizing, and the outdoor activities endless. Between the parks, boat tours, beaches, national parks, and other exciting events, opportunities for fun are endless.
Some know it as more of a party place, and certain areas are a little more eccentric, but it’s such a large island with so much variety, that’s not all it is.
You can visit Phuket a dozen times, but you still have not touched on everything the island (and neighboring islands) offer.
Looking for more Phuket travel resources? Check out Top 10 Phuket Day Trips for Adventurous Families Visiting Thailand, 14 Best Hotels in Phuket for Families Visiting Thailand, Exploring Thailand with a Baby, and Where to Stay in Phuket with Kids: Luxury Villas or Family Resorts?
