10 Things to do in Phuket with Kids

Taking the little ones to see Phuket is a great way to create family memories. The island has recreational attractions for all ages. I just recommend you take out travel insurance, as children tend to get sick more easily away from home.

Among the best things to do in Phuket with children are visits to the water parks. The best season for such adventures is from November to April. You'll also see sights that will leave you in awe, such as aquariums, unforgettable beaches, theme parks, museums and more.

James Bond Island probably sounds familiar - it's where all 25 of the blockbuster Bond films were filmed. In fact, a fun fact is that years ago the island was called Koh Tapu but after the ninth movie, it changed its name.

If you're travelling with kids who enjoy action movies or spy adventures, they'll probably have a quality time. They will have the opportunity to tour the filming locations of this saga. You can integrate this visit into your things to do in November, as the weather conditions are ideal for setting sail for the island.

Phuket's water parks are an escape from the ordinary. Children will not only be able to play in the water and cool off, they will also have the opportunity to slide down amazing water slides. For the adults there are live shows and entertainment depending on the season.

This is one of the best things to do in Phuket in August, as the hot summer weather makes the parks more appealing. Children are sure to look forward to a holiday in the sun.

Due to the good weather, there are a variety of options to suit your budget and preferences. There are even parks where they can look after the children for you, in case you want to enjoy a romantic getaway.

The childcare system offered by the parks is completely safe. However, I recommend you consider it as a last option, as children will have a better time if they share this adventure as a family.

Blue Tree Water Park

The Blue Tree Water Park is a place with family attractions for all ages. Activities are organised by schedule in the pools, for example you can play basketball in the water, play tennis, sign up for a ninja show, take contemporary dance classes or surf on some wave pools.

It is the only water park in Phuket where they offer a childcare system, specifically for children between two and seven years old. But Blue Tree isn't just about pools and slides, there's also a lagoon, a forest park and an unwinding village.

Splash Jungle Water Park

Splash Jungle is a water park inspired by different cultures of the world, hence its diversity of spaces. It has a hydrotherapy pool, ideal for you to relax.

You won't have to worry, as there is a children's pool, with a shallow depth of just a few metres. In addition, there is a first aid station, restaurant, as well as beaches and artificial rivers.

Andamanda Water Park

Feel like a kid again at the Andamanda Water Park, which is very special as it encompasses Thai mythology. The decoration of the park is based on plaster creatures that protect the enclosure.

Children will have fun discovering the slides and sliding at different speeds. Don't worry! They are all completely safe, as access depends on age. There is a market and restaurants where you can eat, as well as a souvenir bazaar.

A comparison of the different water parks in Phuket

Elephants are a very important part of Thai culture, and in recent years they have become popular on the Internet. However, many places use them as display products or for tourist shows. The Elephant Sanctuary fights against exploitative practices to provide them with a safe home in a suitable habitat.

Here children can learn about and foster respect for animals. Most elephants are rescued from fairs, circuses and tourist exhibitions. This sanctuary is their final home, where you can walk at a safe distance and observe the daily activities of these friendly animals.

The elephants enjoy a pond, open fields, hillsides and other outdoor spaces. You should not bathe the animals without asking and it is forbidden to ride on their backs.

To provide an ethical experience, the sanctuary allows only those elephants that need to be bathed. At all times you should observe them from a distance, until they decide to approach you.

The city's aquarium is one of the best things to do in Phuket, especially if you're going with your family. It's an interactive space where professionals feed the animals in front of visitors, inviting them to learn about marine life.

The Phuket Aquarium has fish, reptiles, sharks and other species that will amaze children. The opening hours to enjoy the available exhibits are Monday to Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Some of the exhibits include swimming with rescued turtles or sharks while learning about the conservation of these species.

The Bird Park is a cultural spectacle not to be missed, especially if you are visiting Phuket with children. It is considered an ideal zoo to take the kids to explore.

The whole family will undoubtedly marvel at more than 1,000 birds representing at least 100 species from the region. There are giant ostriches, eagles, peacocks and more. To get there you can use the Wat Chalong temple as a landmark.

The park also has a Jurassic activity for children, which will take them back to the time of the birds of prey.

You can't miss out on this adrenaline-filled experience, which will take you on an extreme sport in a safe way. The zip line jumping takes place at Hanuman World, a park located in the forest of Phuket.

This activity is available for people between the ages of four and eighty, and there are guided tours that take you through a Thai jungle. Plus, daring children will experience what it's like to fly like a monkey through the treetops.

This is a great option, as children will burn off energy and create new family memories.

The Museum of 3D Illusions is an attraction for all ages, where you'll find trompe l'oeil style murals. This type of decoration uses a technique to trick the eye using optical effects.

Children will have a memorable experience as the building is filled with three-dimensional illusions. The entrance fee is approximately €10 per person. It is located on PhangNga Street and operates daily until 7:00 p.m.

It's a great option if you're looking for things to do in Phuket at night and want to include the kids.

Most kids enjoy roller coasters, so I suggest you take them to check out the FantaSea Amusement Park. It's a fun experience, which takes place a few metres from Kamala Beach.

After a beach swim, children can enjoy colourful shows, such as rituals, dances and performances of Thai culture.

Here the little ones can learn about the history of the Prince of Kamala, while having a look at the statue built in his honour. During Carnival, the park organises themed events, so there are plenty of tourists in the area.

Specifically, you can take advantage of the activities to do in Phuket in November, when the Carnival Magic takes place and around 20,000 people are expected each year.

DinoPark is a versatile park where kids will have a great time. Inspired by Jurassic dinosaurs, it offers a mini golf course with a prehistoric setting, vegetation everywhere, as well as training and special effects shows. The most interesting attraction is the simulation of a volcanic eruption, hidden in one of the holes of the mini-golf course.

I suggest you prepare your camera for the best family memories.

The Upside Down House or Baan Teelanka is a fantastic attraction located in the north of Phuket Island. Here children can experience a variety of emotions, in a house where everything is upside down. Starting with the furniture on the roof.

Additionally, you can wander through the hedge maze, the tree house and the escape rooms. There is a photo area, ideal for capturing entertaining memories that will live on in time.

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, it is also one of the most visited. Therefore, it is a great choice for a variety of family activities. An interesting fact is that it is connected to the rest of Thailand by a kilometre-long bridge.

Activities are hard to come by, so I suggest you plan a 5-day visit to Phuket, at least. Also, book each attraction in advance, so that you can enjoy this wonderful and memorable experience for the kids.

Phuket Big Buddha

Children are sure to be thrilled to see Thailand's third largest statue, and be prepared for their curiosity to be piqued by its unique shape. The Big Buddha of Phuket is a cultural and historical monument measuring more than 145 metres.

It's one of the most popular tourist attractions in the province, so in high season it's at its peak. Don't worry! It's one of the things to do in Phuket in October, as it's less crowded.

You will be able to spot this statue easily, as it is located at the top of Nakkerd Hill, its location is ideal for you to take home some of the best views of the island.

Michelle's Traveller Tip

This statue represents the Buddhist religion, so it is important to respect the dress code. I recommend you avoid bare shoulders or legs.

Diving with children

Thousands of people travel to Phuket every month just to explore the seabed. The island is surrounded by areas with ideal conditions for diving, snorkelling, kayaking and other water sports.

One of the most special is Phi Phi Island where you can dive or explore by submarine, at completely safe depths. Keep in mind that diving is a sport recommended for children, as it helps them to work on their flexibility, agility and strength, as well as their lung capacity.

Remember that when diving with children you should wait a reasonable time before boarding a plane, it is recommended not to dive forty-eight hours before or after taking a flight.

This is because during a dive your body absorbs nitrogen, which is eliminated over the hours. Therefore, this experience is ideal only if you plan to visit Phuket in 7 days.

A holiday with children should not be taken lightly. It certainly requires planning and seriousness to give them a quality trip. Booking accommodation and flights in advance will give you the privilege of access to the best quality hotels.

Phuket has resorts near the sea with excellent entertainment options for children. The most sought after areas are in the villages near Katong, Kata, Ra Wai and Kalim beaches.

Avoid night-time activities

If you're planning things to do in Phuket at night, you should look for alternatives for the little ones. The island has an active nightlife, but I don't recommend taking the kids to certain types of activities.

Most of them are for adults, as they are themed parties where there is alcohol and late-night entertainment on offer. There are childcare services that work at night, but you should choose carefully, as the safety of your children is at stake.

Update vaccinations before you travel

Have your children's vaccination cards up to date, and I suggest taking them for a medical check-up before your trip. The recommended vaccinations for the whole family are:

• Yellow fever.
• Typhoid fever.
• Tetanus.
• Cholera.
• Rabies.
• Hepatitis.

Additionally, you can take out life insurance, as it is the best way to prevent and save. This type of coverage not only covers medical emergencies, but also includes lost luggage, repatriation and other essential services when travelling abroad.

Use sunscreen

The island of Phuket is known for its exotic coves and beaches, which offer ideal recreational activities for children. The locals believe that Thai sand is therapeutic, and there are masseurs on the shore to prove it.

For these hours of fun, don't forget to apply sunscreen, especially at midday when the sun is at its brightest. In general, between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. the sun in Phuket can be intense and you run the risk of sunstroke.