Save this guide to the best free things to do and places to visit in Bangkok for free with your kids
Keeping kids entertained in Bangkok doesn’t have to mean spending a fortune. The city offers plenty of things to do with kids, but if you’d rather save your money on kid friendly restaurants or family friendly short weekend getaway trips, we’ve got suggestions that won’t cost a thing.
As Bangkokians ourselves, we know how to enjoy the city without splurging. Whether your little ones love books, planes, art, nature or hands-on learning, there’s something here to spark their curiosity. We’ve rounded up the best free things to do in Bangkok with kids, so you can plan family adventures without stretching your budget.
Free things to do indoors with kids in Bangkok
Read in a charming heritage house at Neilson Hays Library
Visiting this historic library is one of the best free things to do in Bangkok with kids. Built in 1922, the venue houses around 20,000 books, including a children’s collection. Young readers can browse storybooks beneath elegant columns and teak details designed by Italian architect Mario Tamagno. Following its award-winning restoration, the space feels both grand and welcoming. There are also events such as kids’ workshops and a bi-annual book sale in May and November, giving families even more reasons to spend time at this charming heritage landmark.
Best for: Kids who love books and imagination
Where: 10 minutes walk from BTS Chong Nonsi, Bangkok. Call: 02-233-4999
Opening hours: Tue–Sat 9:30am–5pm (closed on Sun–Mon)
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Train through history at Hua Lamphong Railway Station
Even though many long-distance routes have moved to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, Hua Lamphong remains one of Thailand’s most historic railway landmarks and a spot for free things to do in Bangkok. Opened in 1916, it long served as the country’s main rail hub. Families can admire its Neo-Renaissance architecture and visit the free Thai Railway Museum, located beside the main entrance. The small but engaging museum showcases vintage photographs, historic tickets, railway uniforms and century-old artifacts that trace the development of the country’s rail network.
Best for: Young history buffs
Where: Bangkok Old Town, connected to MRT Hua Lamphong, Bangkok. Call: 02-220-4334
Opening hours: Open 24 hours for the railway station; Wed-Sun 8:30am–4:30pm (closed Mon–Tue) for Thai Railway Museum
Visit Bambini Villa for free indoor playground
This family-oriented community mall is designed as an engaging space for children. While many tenants are schools and cafes, there are plenty of free things to do in Bangkok with kids. Little ones can play at the public indoor playground featuring wooden toys, slides, rope bridges and balance bars. The mall also hosts seasonal themed events with free entry and entertainment such as magic or bubble shows. Families can browse the kid-friendly bookstore and reading corner or explore the multi-level space built around its urban family concept.
Best for: Kids who need space to burn off energy
Where: 5 minutes drive from EmQuartier, Bangkok. Call: 090-969-9559
Opening hours: Daily 9am–10pm
Bambini Villa Facebook Bambini Villa Instagram
Watch a traditional Thai puppet show at Artist House
Also known as Baan Silapin, this 200-year-old wooden house is a charming free thing to do in Bangkok with kids, offering a creative escape from the city’s bustle. The highlight is the traditional Thai puppet show, usually held on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 2pm, with donations appreciated. Upstairs, a small gallery showcases local art and traditional Khon masks. You can sit on the wooden boardwalk with your legs dangling over the water, watch the longtail boats zip by and soak in the “Venice of the East” atmosphere of the Thonburi district.
Best for: Little art lovers
Where: 15 minutes walk from MRT Bang Phai, Bangkok. Call: 065-691-5655
Opening hours: Weekdays 10am–6pm; Weekends 9:30am–6pm
Take off at Royal Thai Air Force Museum
One of the lesser-known free things to do in Bangkok. The Royal Thai Air Force Museum offers a look into Thailand’s aviation history. Explore over 30 rare aircraft, including the world’s only Curtiss Hawk III and Paribatra, the first locally built plane. Kids will love climbing inside selected helicopters and aircraft for an up-close experience. Wander through air-conditioned indoor hangars filled with vintage uniforms, engines and memorabilia, then head outside to view impressive planes displayed on the grounds for memorable family photos.
Best for: Little aviation enthusiasts
Where: Connected to BTS Royal Thai Air Force Museum, Bangkok. Call: 02-534-1764
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9am–3:30pm (closed on Mon)
Royal Thai Air Force Museum Facebook
Discover Bangkok’s diverse heritage at Assumption Cathedral
A free thing to do in Bangkok with kids where they can admire elegant European-inspired architecture. This red-brick cathedral dates back to 1809. Inside, children can look up at vaulted ceilings painted with golden stars and marvel at colourful stained-glass windows that brighten the nave. It’s a calm space to learn about history and the city’s diverse heritage. As it remains an active place of worship, visitors should dress modestly and keep noise to a minimum.
Best for: Young history buffs
Where: 15 minutes walk from BTS Saphan Taksin, Bangkok. Call: 02-234-8556
Opening hours: Daily 9am–4pm
Take an art break at Bangkok Art and Culture Centre (BACC)
Right in the heart of Bangkok near the Siam area, this kid friendly museum gives children a break from the bustling shopping scene and immerse themselves into exhibitions. Bangkok Art and Culture Centre is a bright, white, spiralling building where creativity fills every corner. Kids and families can wander through this nine-floor gallery of ever-changing exhibitions featuring photography, sculpture, design and film by Thai and international artists. It’s also a home for big city festivals like the annual Bangkok Art Biennale and BKK Comics Art Festival.
Best for: Little art lovers
Where: Siam, connected to BTS National Stadium, Bangkok. Call: 02-214-6630
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10am–8pm (closed on Mon)
Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Facebook Bangkok Art and Culture Centre Instagram
Uncover royal couture at Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles
Known for her timeless style, the late Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, The Queen Mother earned worldwide admiration and left a fashion legacy that still inspires people today. Set within the Grand Palace, the exhibition of this gallery showcases the elegant outfits she wore during her decades of service in Thailand and abroad. The Decades of Style exhibition displays her iconic looks, including gowns designed by French couturier Pierre Balmain, blending Thai silk with modern fashion. The Chud Thai exhibition highlights the eight official styles of Thai national dress created and refined by the Queen Mother. The gallery also features the Woven Dialects exhibition, where kids can see colourful textile art and traditional weaving techniques. In tribute to her passing, the venue has opened its doors to the public for free until further notice.
Best for: Young creators curious about fashion and textiles
Where: The Grand Palace, Bangkok. Call: 02-225-9430
Opening hours: Daily 9am–4:30pm
Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles Facebook Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles Instagram
Explore science and creativity Children’s Discovery Museum 2
Children’s Discovery Museum 2 is the little sibling of the original museum in Chatuchak (where the popular weekend market is). This gallery was created to bring learning to life for curious kids. These cheerful exhibitions are all about discovery through play, with hands-on zones that spark imagination. Kids can dive into various exhibitions of science, nature, art and technology by touching, building, experimenting and exploring freely. Whether they’re splashing in the water play area, building huge creations with giant blocks or joining fun workshops and outdoor games, this children discovery museum offers a safe environment where every moment feels like a mini adventure.
Best for: Kids who like interactive activities
Where: Thung Khru, 20 minutes drive from Central Rama 3, Bangkok. Call: 02-426-3623
How much: No entry fee
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 10am–4pm (closed on Mon)
Children’s Discovery Museum 2 Facebook Children’s Discovery Museum 2 Instagram
Learn how money is made at Bank of Thailand Learning Centre
This kid friendly museum helps kids explore Thailand’s banking history in an engaging way. The Bank of Thailand Learning Centre transforms the old note-printing house and gold depository into an interactive gallery where young visitors can discover early forms of money, such as cowrie shells and bullet money, as well as modern banknotes. You can step into the Ancient Coins Room exhibition, the Thai Banknotes Room exhibition and the Note Printing exhibition, which features a real first-generation printing machine. There’s even a Gold Depository which is a secure vault where a country stores its gold reserves and plenty of interactive exhibitions.
Best for: Kids who enjoy money mysteries
Where: Bangkok Old Town, 10 minutes drive from MRT Sam Yot, Bangkok. Call: 02-356-7766
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9:30am–8pm (closed on Mon)
Bank of Thailand Learning Centre Facebook
Trace how Thailand lit up at Mea Spark
This gallery offers loads of learning opportunities to discover electricity in Thailand from its first light to the future. The gallery is set inside the restored three-storey building of the country’s first power plant. This children discovery museum is all about light, power and electricity exhibitions. Step into the First Electric Light in Siam exhibition to see what life was like before lights switched on. Be wowed by displays showing how electricity spread and helped Thailand grow at the Sustainable Electric Light exhibition. At the Symphony of Light exhibition, futuristic light-and-sound art shows what smart cities and future energy might look like. Kids might even spot a large model electricity-generating machine.
Best for: Kids who prefer interactive fun over traditional galleries
Where: Bangkok Old Town, 10 minutes walk from MRT Sanam Chai, Bangkok. Call: 02-220-5200
How much: No entry fee
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9am–5pm (closed on Mon)
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Free things to do outdoors with kids in Bangkok
Head to Benchasiri Park for an outdoor playground and turtle spotting
Right across from the popular shopping mall EmQuartier and right next to EmPorium, Benchasiri Park is the perfect “kids run wild while parents breathe actual fresh air” combo. The playgrounds are great for climbing, sliding, and burning off that post-brunch sugar rush. However, there’s a little hidden gem that adds onto the playground fun, and that is: the turtles. Stroll over to the landing step at the lake-slash-pond in the middle of the park and you’ll spot these little legends popping their heads up like tiny park residents saying hello. It’s simple, wholesome, and weirdly exciting for kids. Some fishies also often come up to the surface, too. A super easy thing to do in Bangkok when you’re already in the Phrom Phong area with zero planning needed.
Best for: Nature and animal lovers
Where: Just opposite EmQuartier, BTS Phrom Phong, Bangkok
Opening hours: Daily 4:30am–10pm
Hunt for wall art at Talad Noi
One of Bangkok’s oldest riverside neighborhoods, Talad Noi has transformed its narrow historic lanes into a vibrant open-air gallery. Families can wander through colourful alleys filled with murals that reflect the area’s Chinese-Thai heritage and everyday community life. Along the way, you’ll spot quirky installations and the famous rusted antique turtle car, now a beloved photo landmark. It’s a free thing to do in Bangkok with kids that lets little ones discover art in an outdoor setting.
Best for: Little art lovers
Where: Bangkok Old Town, 10 minutes walk from MRT Hua Lamphong, Bangkok
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
Walk among butterflies at Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium
This free thing to do in Bangkok with kids lets children step into a lush butterfly dome that feels like a mini tropical forest. Inside, little ones can wander through leafy gardens filled with ferns and bright flowers while colourful butterflies flutter overhead. Wooden bridges curve over small streams and a gentle waterfall cools the air. There are also simple displays showing how caterpillars transform into butterflies.
Best for: Kids who need space to burn off energy
Where: State Railway Park, 15 minutes walk from Chatuchak Weekend Market, Bangkok. Call: 02-272-4359
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 8:30am–4:30pm (closed on Mon)
Bangkok Butterfly Garden and Insectarium Facebook
Wander above the city at Dusit Arun Park
Having opened last year, this newly developed park is a refreshing free thing to do in Bangkok with kids. Spanning over 11,200 square metres, it offers an elevated green escape above the busy streets. Designed with multi-level walkways and lush tropical greenery, it offers families space to stroll, run and explore safely. Kids can enjoy open paths, gentle slopes and water features while taking in skyline views. With shaded seating areas and jogging tracks, it’s an outdoor stop for fresh air and a break from the city’s fast pace.
Best for: Little nature explorers
Where: 4th–6th Floor, Dusit Central Park, Bangkok
Opening hours: Daily 6am–10pm
Dusit Central Park Facebook Dusit Central Park Instagram
Trade concrete for canopy at Metro Forest
The Thai capital may feel like a concrete jungle, but this free thing to do in Bangkok with kids offers a chance to explore a real urban forest. Metro Forest, also known as the PTT Green in the City project, is an award-winning ecological park built on formerly abandoned land. Families can stroll along an elevated skywalk through the treetops and climb the observation tower for sweeping views of the greenery and skyline. Kids can spot birds, insects and native plants, then visit the exhibition hall to learn how the forest was carefully restored.
Best for: Little nature explorers
Where: 20 minutes drive from BTS Udom Suk, Bangkok. Call: 061-385-4414
Opening hours: Tue–Sun 9am–6pm (closed on Mon)
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