Northern Thailand is a wonderful travel destination for the entire family and there are lots of things to see and do, from cultural exploration to adventure trips. Check out these 7 unforgettable things to do in Chiang Mai with kids that will give you memories to last a lifetime!

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If you’re embarking on a trip to Chiang Mai with the family, one of the best things you could do is to work with locals that know a lot about what is available in Chiang Mai. A great choice is the Withlocals’ tours in Chiang Mai since this offers a completely personalized experience allowing you to plan your own adventure.

There are some truly unforgettable things to do in Chiang Mai as a family, and here are some of the best:

Family-Friendly Things to do in Chiang Mai

Siam Insect Zoo

The Siam Insect Zoo offers a fun, educational and interactive experience that is perfect for kids who love insects. There is a huge collection of live insects, ranging from beetles to scorpions and plenty more, as well as various specimens from around the world.

Children usually love the zoo since insects are not seen just in glass encasements. Those that are courageous can also pick up some specimen boxes. You can even hold some live insects in your hand! If you visit, be sure to opt for the guided tour.

Tiger Kingdom

The Tiger Kingdom of Chiang Mai gives you a wonderful chance to get really close to tigers. It is even possible to go inside an enclosure and even stroke some tigers, with plenty of photo opportunities available.

It is free to walk around Tiger Kingdom, but there is a charge if you want to enter an enclosure for one of the animal encounters. The price depends on whether you want to see large tigers, medium tigers or cubs.

Chiang Mai Night Safari

Chiang Mai’s Night Safari is inspired by the Singapore Night Safari, which is renowned all around the world. It is around half an hour from the city and hosts different exotic nocturnal animals like lions, tigers and leopards.

There is an open-sided tram allowing you to see the creatures. Various trails can be explored and there are guided explanations available through an included speaker system.

This safari is not just opened during the night. Even if you decide to visit during the day, it is still a lot of fun. The day walking trail gives you access to numerous animals like ostriches and hippos. If you have children, you can enjoy the outdoor covered playground, which has various play structures and slides.

Art In Paradise Museum

The fun and modern Art In Paradise Museum is great for all children visiting Chiang Mai. It is interactive and gives you access to over 130 incredible 3D paintings. There are even some life-size 3D art pieces where posing is possible! This leads to the creation of funny and surreal images. How about having a photograph as you run away from the monster King Kong? Kids always love that.

Bua Tong Sticky Waterfalls

Chiang Mai’s countryside features countless waterfalls that are simply beautiful, however the most popular one is Bua Tong. This area is known locally as the ‘sticky waterfalls’.

In the area there are limestone formations that make waterfalls sticky. This means everything is very simple to climb. You can easily play in the water right among lush nature and beautiful scenery.

Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary

In Chiang Mai, elephants stand out as a huge attraction. In the past, the animals were used for working purposes. As the natural habitats of the elephants were destroyed, fewer animals remained. This eventually led to the increase in popularity of Thailand elephant tourism.

In the Elephant Sanctuary you can get personal and close with these lovely giants. This is a true once-in-a-lifetime meeting where kids and adults can have a lot of fun. Just make sure that you talk to the locals since there are strict rules surrounding elephant tourism.

Huay Tung Tao Lake

This is a wonderful opportunity to get rid of the hustle of the city for a quick escape. It is around 30 minutes away from Chiang Mai, and is a huge manmade reservoir allowing you to fish, swim or just relax. The surrounding nature is beautiful and all families love the experience. You can easily factor in some relaxation time here.

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Have you tried any of these amazing things to do in Chiang Mai? Leave a comment below and let us know – we’d love to hear from you!