School’s out, and summer is calling. You’re headed for sun-drenched shores—but how do you keep the little ones entertained once the beach towels are down and the novelty of sandcastles wear off?
Fortunately, Phuket isn’t just paradise for grown-ups. This island delivers family-friendly fun in spades, with everything from ziplining through jungle canopies to ethical animal encounters and splash-worthy water parks. Whether your crew is craving adrenaline, creative play, or a rainy-day escape, we’ve curated a guide to the island’s best activities that strike the perfect balance between childlike wonder and grown-up indulgence.
Let the adventure begin.
What to do with the kids in Phuket
Get their Adrenaline Pumping
Splash around at Andamanda Phuket
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In central Phuket, the expansive Andamanda Water Park spans blends Thai mythology with splash-worthy thrills. The park features over 25 rides and attractions, including the country’s longest lazy river at 550 metres, towering waterslides like the Eagle Flyer and Racing Nagas, and a sprawling wave pool with real surf.
For little ones, Wonder Waterland and the Little Reef zone offer gentle slides, fountains, and shaded splash pads designed for safe, all-day play.
Learn to surf on a FlowRider
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If the surf is on your kids’ minds, stop by Phuket Surf House. Right in the heart of Patong, this surf club’s double FlowRider surf simulator create an endless sheet wave, letting kids and adults alike ride on a bodyboard or flowboard in a safe, controlled environment.
Certified instructors are on hand for guidance, while the laid-back beach club vibe — with a café, lounge seating, and music — makes it just as fun to watch as it is to ride. Whether your minis are trying surfing for the first time or just want to splash around, this is one wave the whole family can catch together.
ZipLine through the beautiful rainforest with Flying Hanuman
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Set in Phuket’s dense tropical jungle, Flying Hanuman delivers an exhilarating aerial adventure for the whole family. This eco-friendly zipline park features a network of treetop platforms, rope bridges, spiral staircases, and some of the longest ziplines in Thailand—one stretching up to 400 metres.
With professional guides, top-grade safety gear, and courses suitable for kids as young as four, it’s a seamless mix of thrill and nature immersion. Expect breathtaking views, a fun jungle trek, and refreshing snacks post-flight, all in one unforgettable rainforest escape.
Looking for more tropical adventure? Head north of Phuket and explore the Jurassic World Rebirth Filming Locations.
ATV around the island
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This might not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a family-friendly day out, but ATV tours in Phuket are guaranteed to be a hit with your thrill-seeking minis. Whether you’re cruising through muddy jungle trails, powering across open fields, or taking the scenic route up to the Big Buddha, it’s a high-energy way to explore the island’s wilder side.
Depending on the provider’s protocols, kids over ten can usually drive their own ATV, while younger ones (aged four and up) can ride along with an adult—just be prepared for dust, mud, and lots of excited squeals.
Enjoy the Natural World
Go on a snorkeling trip
With crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, snorkelling in Phuket is a magical way to introduce kids to the underwater world—where they can find Nemo, spot colourful corals, and maybe even believe in mermaids. As long as they can swim, little explorers can join a range of snorkelling tours offered by providers or simply hop in from shore.
Top spots include Kata Noi, Paradise Beach, and Ya Nui — all calm, shallow, and perfect for family-friendly sea adventures.
Take a Hike to a Waterfall
For a short and refreshing jungle break, Bang Pae and Kathu Waterfalls offer easy hikes perfect for families. Bang Pae, in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, is a flat 15-minute trail that ends at a gentle 16-metre cascade with shallow pools—great for a splash and a picnic.
Across the island, Kathu Waterfall is steeper but still short, with a stair-stepped path alongside a rushing stream. Both trails can be done in under an hour, making them ideal low-effort adventures for kids and nature lovers alike.
For more hiking routes, check out our guide to Phuket hiking trails for nature lovers.
Our go-to favourite: Island hopping!
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You’re in Phuket; you’re surrounded by clear waters and some of the most extraordinary island formations you’ll ever find – you must go island hopping. Charter a boat and head out to Phang Nga Bay (where you’ll find James Bond Island and one of the filming locations of Jurassic World Rebirth), the Phi Phi Islands and more.
Read next: Set-Jetting Picks: 6 Real Travel Destinations Inspired by Film and TV
Explore the Animal Kingdom
Visit Rescue Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
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The first ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a home for rescued elephants who would have previously suffered in the logging and tourism industries. At the sanctuary, these majestic creatures can roam, bathe and socialise on their own terms. Here, you can feed them pineapples and bananas, and watch them as they enjoy their freedom.
Meet the Gibbons of the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
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To see and learn about Gibbons and their environment, it’s worth taking the whole family to visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. The project works to rescue, rehabilitate and release gibbons back into the jungle. Only the gibbons that cannot be released, for a variety of reasons, are available to be viewed by visitors. This makes it a great way for kids to get to know these animals while keeping the gibbons that can be released away from human contact and ensuring they can survive in the wild.
Learn about the local aquatic life at Aquaria Phuket
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Diving beneath Phuket’s sandy shores, Aquaria Phuket immerses families in Thailand’s largest indoor aquatic adventure, tucked beneath Central Phuket Floresta. You’ll wander through nine themed zones—from Mystic Forest tunnels to shark-filled ocean galleries—meeting over 25,000 marine and freshwater creatures, including sharks, stingrays, otters, penguins, and jellyfish.
It’s a top pick for a mid-day cool-down, with wide, stroller-friendly pathways and interactive daily shows like mermaid parades and feeding demos
Drop them off and Have a Couples Day
Explore the Kids Planet at Blue Tree Phuket
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Set on 56 acres of land, Blue Tree is a massive entertainment destination with a range of facilities like a lifestyle retail mall, 17 restaurants, enormous human-made freshwater lagoon with water activities, beach club, fitness centre and yoga retreat.
It’s an excellent place for you to spend the day with the kids, but also a great place for you to relax and do your own thing. Blue Tree has a kids club, Kid Planet, where you can drop the kids off with their team of professional childcarers, while you get a well-deserved massage or try out Blue Tree’s fully equipped gymnastics area.
Plan your un-Phuketable family escape with The Luxe Nomad.
