Attractions for Children in Phuket

In a previous article, we considered whether Phuket is a good destination to bring the kids and recommended a few hotels that are family friendly. Once you have decided to bring your children to Phuket, that is just the start. Now you need to keep them occupied. You probably don't want to keep them cooped up in the hotel all holiday. Phuket has plenty of good attractions for children so rent a car or hire a driver and go to explore a few of them.

Beaches

Of course, the beaches have to be top of the list. They are what Phuket is famous for and kids will love playing in the soft sand and warm water.

I would particularly recommend Nai Yang Beach, Bang Tao Beach (southern end), Kamala Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach and Nai Harn Beach. Older children may well enjoy the activities and action at Patong Beach such as the jet-skis and banana boats. If your children are ready for an introduction to snorkeling, they will love a trip to Freedom Beach or perhaps Paradise Beach.

Parents should be aware that the rainy season from May to October is not a good time for children to play in the sea. The waves are too big and there are dangerous rip tides. However, there are a couple of sheltered beaches where the kids can usually have a safe splash all year round. There is a reef offshore at Nai Yang Beach that shelters the beach from the worst of the waves. At Layan Beach, Kala Island shelters the beach and forms a shallow bay ideal for small children to have a paddle and run around.

Parks

There are a couple of parks where you can take your kids for a run around. Loma Park at Patong Beach is good for the little-uns. It is a small area next to the beach with slides, swings, see-saws, etc. It is directly opposite the big football pitch.

King Rama IX Park in Phuket Town is a large green park with a lake in the middle. It is nice for a walk and there are a few slides and play areas dotted around the park. There a couple of exercise classes in the late afternoon and many people come to jog or play sport. You can access the park from Chao Fa Road or Wai-Rat Hong-Yuk Road.

Attractions

Phuket Zoo: This is a nice trip for the kids. Don't expect anything amazing. It is a small zoo but they do fit a lot into the space and they have a monkey show, crocodile show and elephant show. You will pass a pleasant few hours and the kids will enjoy it.

Aquarium: Again, you should not expect anything spectacular but it is a nice little display with a couple of big tanks at the end. The kids will enjoy it for an hour. Don't forget to do the little walking trail outside when you have finished looking at the fish. The whole place will only take an hour to go round so perhaps you could come here first and then combine it with a trip to the zoo.

Dino Park: This is a crazy-golf course with a dinosaur theme. The course winds its way through a landscaped dinosaur park with model dinosaurs, waterfall, streams and a volcano. There is also an open-air restaurant and a street-side bar. It is a little expensive for crazy golf but it is much more than crazy golf and the kids will love it. Dino Park is at the top of the little hill on the road between Kata and Karon.

Fantasea: This is a fantastic show with an entertainment park. It is probably better for slightly older kids but the show is only an hour and 15 mins so it should not stretch their attention threshold. The kids will love the elephants and tigers and there is plenty to keep them occupied outside.

Phuket Stunt Show: Another great show that the kids will love. Again, it is probably better for slightly older kids.

Shopping

Perhaps shopping is not ideal children's entertainment but Phuket's shopping malls do offer a bit of fun for kids. Jung Ceylon, Tesco Lotus and Big C all have play-pens and arcade games in the area next to their food halls. Jung Ceylon also has a multiplex cinema, games arcade and 10-pin bowling on the third floor. Big C also offers 10-pin bowling while Central Festival has arcade games and a multiplex cinema.

Related Articles:

Is Phuket a Good Holiday Destination for Children - We consider whether Phuket is a good place to bring the kids and look at a few of the best hotels for children.

Good Restaurants for Children in Phuket - There is not much worse than trying to enjoy a meal while your kids are whining. We recommend a few restaurants that are child friendly.