What to Do in Phuket with Kids?
Travelling to Phuket with kids is much easier and safer than most people imagine. Hotels in Thailand have high standards, higher than in most Western countries, even the budget ones, and Thai people love kids and will always smile at them. Many restaurants have menus for children; finding what you need, food, medications, and clothes, even for the youngest kids, is easy.
Keeping the kids happy is easy and fun, even for the parents! Waterparks, activities, fun places, and the immense white beaches are free! Safety is good if you follow your common sense, don’t swim when the flags are red, keep an eye on them in the pool, drive safely, etc.
Where to Stay in Phuket with Kids?
Choosing the right hotel makes or breaks a family holiday in Phuket. The best family hotels have kids’ clubs with supervised activities, large swimming pools (ideally with a children’s section), and direct beach access so you don’t need to cross a road. Some resorts also offer connecting rooms or family suites, which makes a big difference with younger children.
The best beaches for families are Kata, Bang Tao, and Mai Khao. Kata has a gentle slope and calm water during high season. Bang Tao has a long stretch of sand with several luxury resorts that cater specifically to families. Mai Khao is quieter and home to the JW Marriott, which has one of the best kids’ clubs on the island. Patong is convenient but noisy, and the nightlife area is not ideal for young children.
Best Beaches to Stay in Phuket with Family
22 Best Family Resorts in Phuket
12 Hotels with great swimming pools in Phuket
10 Best Family Hotels in Kata Beach
8 Best Family Hotels in Bang Tao Beach 🧸
8 Best Family Hotels in Patong Beach 🧸
10 Best Family Hotels in Karon Beach 🧸
6 Best Family Hotels in Kamala Beach 🧸
6 Best Family Hotels in Mai Khao Beach 🧸
Oto Play Park at Central Phuket
Keeping the kids happy during your holiday is important!
Oto Kids Play Park is a smart interactive space with slides, climbing walls, trampolines and interactive play zones that kids don't want to leave. Trained nannies supervise while you enjoy shopping or a proper meal, your entry fee works as food credit! Two locations: Central Phuket & Robinson Chalong.
Popular Family Stories on Phuket 101
These are some of the pages I recommend most for families planning a trip to Phuket. Start with my full list of things to do in Phuket with kids.
Phuket Waterparks
Phuket has two water parks. Andamanda Water Park in Kathu is the bigger one, with themed zones, wave pools, a lazy river, and slides for all ages. It opened in 2022 and quickly became one of the most popular family attractions on the island. Splash Jungle in Mai Khao Beach is smaller, more relaxed, and closer to the airport. It suits younger kids well. Both parks are open year-round, and yes, they are just as fun when it rains.
Photo Playgrounds
These are the places where kids (and parents) can take fun and unusual photos. The Upside Down House on the bypass road near Phuket Town flips an entire three-storey house on its roof. Every room is inverted, and kids love trying to figure out which way is up. The AR Trick Eye Museum at Central Floresta uses augmented reality so you can step into 3D paintings and scenes. Themes include dinosaurs, underwater worlds, and fantasy settings. Both are fully indoors and air-conditioned, making them good rainy-day options too.
Active Holidays with Kids
Phuket has plenty of ways to keep active kids busy beyond the beach. Formula Fun Karting near Phuket Town has indoor electric go-karts suitable for older kids. Several surf schools on the west coast offer lessons during the monsoon season when the waves pick up. Zip-lining through the jungle canopy is available in several locations, and ATV tours take families through rubber plantations and quiet back roads. Some Muay Thai camps run classes for children too. Most activities accept kids from around 6 years old.
Shows for the Family
A few evening shows in Phuket are family-friendly and worth considering. Siam Niramit (when running) is a large-scale cultural performance covering Thai history and traditions with elaborate costumes and special effects. Phuket FantaSea in Kamala is a long-running theme park and show combining Thai culture, acrobatics, and animals. Both shows start in the evening and include dinner options. They are a good way to end a beach day, especially if the kids are too tired for a restaurant but not ready to sleep yet.
See the Animals
Phuket has several places where kids can see animals up close. Aquaria Phuket at Central Floresta is the largest aquarium in Thailand, with walk-through tunnels, touch pools, and over 25,000 animals. Ethical elephant sanctuaries in Phuket let children observe, feed, and walk with elephants in a natural forest setting without riding. The Phuket Aquarium at Cape Panwa is a smaller government-run facility with a glass tunnel and local marine life. It is more modest but still enjoyable for younger kids, and the drive to Cape Panwa is a nice trip in itself.
