Family-friendly Pattaya: Top things to do with your kids
There is more to amazing Thailand than Bangkok and Phuket. Sure, the allure of cosmopolitan life and beautiful beaches are reasons enough to visit, but if you are looking for more family-friendly attractions, then Pattaya is your best bet.
Located south of the capital Bangkok and overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, Pattaya is known as a resort city and home to the biggest and most exhilarating water theme park in the country.
With the year-end school holidays around the corner, it is never too soon to plan your next family getaway.
Cartoon Network Amazone
Escape the heat and humidity by splashing in the world’s first Cartoon Network-themed water park, featuring over 25 slides and attractions from Cartoon Network shows such as Ben 10 and Adventure Time, as well as the Flow Rider that is sure to thrill both kids and the young at heart.
After you dry off, be sure to catch more than 22 live shows and appearances by your favourite Cartoon Network characters such as the Powerpuff Girls, Finn and Jake from Adventure Time, and We Bare Bears.
Frost Magical Ice of Siam
After a day of fun in the sun, cool off in the Arctic weather by entering the wintry world of Frost Magical Ice of Siam. Experience sub-zero temperatures of -10°C as you walk around the ice dome and marvel at the stunning ice sculptures based on Thai culture and attractions.
Complete your “cool” experience by getting your complementary drinks at the chilly ice bar. Illuminated with stunning lights, you will not believe that you are right in the heart of the tropics while being here.
Nong Nooch Tropical Garden
Sitting on a vast 2.4-sq-km piece of land, Nong Nooch Tropical Garden is a well-manicured park, perfect for an easy day trip with the whole family.
Far from its former days as a fruit plantation, the estate now boasts themed gardens such as French, Italian and Stonehenge inspired by the owner’s trips abroad, Thai-style accommodation, as well as daily cultural and elephant shows.
Kids will no doubt live out their Jurassic Park fantasy at Dinosaur Valley, the latest attraction at the sprawling garden which features life-size dinosaur replicas such as the Triceratops and Tyrannosaurus.
A’ la Campagne
Don’t let its French name fool you – this tourist attraction is home to a popular Thai-Western restaurant. Somtum Villa’s menu focuses on Thai cuisine with a few Western options. If you want Western food, there’s Tea Factory and More that offers a wide range of teas and Western dishes.
For parents, Tea Factory and More offers activities where you can learn about different types of tea and also how to blend your own unique mix to bring home. There’s also an urban farm and garden on the property which hosts activities for kids that let them interact with animals and learn the basics of gardening.
Rubberland
Just because school is out, it does not mean learning should stop. Insert a bit of education for the kids by visiting Rubberland, the only museum in Thailand dedicated to rubber. The edutainment centre offers visitors the chance to learn about the hows and whys of rubber, a key economic crop for Thailand.
Join the animated tour around the plantation and the factory, and then towards the end wander into the fantastic world of Rubber Fantasy where everything is made of bouncy rubber!
Pattaya Dolphin World
Open in 2011, Pattaya Dolphin World is a child-friendly attraction. Here, kids can safely interact and swim with dolphins under the supervision of attentive staff, as well as catch the intelligent marine mammals performing tricks and talents in a 45-minute show.
Many of the dolphins in the show are rescued animals, and children can pose for photos with the creatures too. Besides that, there are other attractions such as a toy museum, a goat petting zoo, and an ATV ride.
KAAN Show
Blending a sense of surrealism with live action wonder, get ready to be blown away by 75 minutes of dazzling performances in Kaan. Adapted from classic Thai literature, Kaan tells of a young man who embarks on a fantasy adventure into ancient realms, alongside his sidekick “Gabilpuksa”.
Presented by Singha Corporation, the production marks a new era in the history of Thailand’s entertainment industry by combining elements of live action, stage performance and world-class technology.