Chiang Mai with Kids: Family-Friendly Places in Mae Hia
If you are traveling to Chiang Mai with kids, stay close to Mae Hia, south-west of the city and about 15 minutes from the airport. The Night Safari, Royal Park Rajapruek, and open rice fields are all within 5 km of each other. That means short car rides, more time outside, and easy places to stop for food and rest.
Chiang Mai Night Safari
- Best for
- all ages
- Hours
- 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM (ticket office closes at 9:00 PM)
- Kids' tickets (foreigners)
- free under 100 cm, child rate for 101 to 140 cm. See the official ticket page.
- Strollers
- yes
- Time needed
- 3 to 4 hours
Ride an open tram through the Savanna and Predator zones after dark. Giraffes often come right up to the tram, and kids can feed them by hand. Between tram rides, walk the 1 km lakeside Jaguar Trail, then finish with the Musical Fountain Show, with water jets, lasers, and music over the lake. It is a great way to end the day.
Tip for small kids: Take an early night tram (English trams start at 5:30 PM) so children don't get too tired.
Royal Park Rajapruek
- Best for
- all ages, especially kids who need space to run
- Entry
- 200 THB for foreign adults, lower rate for children
- Getting around
- park tram, bicycles, and golf carts for rent
- Time needed
- 2 to 3 hours
A huge botanical park with wide lawns, flower gardens from around 30 countries, and an orchid house. Kids can run safely away from traffic, and parents can rest in the shade. The park is big, so use the tram or rent bicycles instead of walking everywhere. Go in the morning before it gets hot. The best season is November to February.
Mae Hia Rice Fields by Bike
- Best for
- kids who can ride a bike, or small kids in a child seat
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours
Cycle along the irrigation canal past rice paddies and water buffalo, something most city kids have never seen. Roads are flat and quiet, and there are small cafes along the way for a cold drink.
Sample One-Day Plan with Kids
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Bike ride through the rice fields while it is cool |
| 10:00 AM | Royal Park Rajapruek |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch and rest at a cafe or your hotel |
| 4:30 PM | Chiang Mai Night Safari |
| 5:30 PM | First English night tram, then Jaguar Trail and fountain show |
| 8:30 PM | Back to the hotel |
Family Tips
- Beat the heat: Do outdoor activities before 11:00 AM and rest at midday. The hottest months are March to May.
- Pack: hats, sunscreen, water bottles, mosquito repellent (important for the Night Safari), and a light jacket from November to February.
- Getting around: Grab and Bolt are easy here. If you need a car seat, book a private driver in advance, because ride-hailing cars usually don't have one.
- Stay nearby: Staying in Mae Hia cuts travel time and makes midday naps possible.
Flying out soon? See things to do near Chiang Mai airport.
FAQ
Is Chiang Mai good for kids?
Yes. Mae Hia in particular has a night zoo, a large park, and countryside rides within a short drive of each other.
What age is the Chiang Mai Night Safari good for?
All ages. Foreign children under 100 cm enter free, and strollers are allowed.
What is the best time to visit Chiang Mai with kids?
November to February, when the weather is cool and dry and the flowers at Royal Park Rajapruek are in bloom.
Where should families stay in Chiang Mai?
Mae Hia is a good choice if you want to be close to the Night Safari, Royal Park Rajapruek, and the airport.
