What to do in Pattaya with kids: best family-friendly entertainment

Best parks and gardens for walks with kids

In Pattaya and its surroundings, there are several large parks where you can spend a whole day. Kids can run around, feed animals, watch shows, and enjoy nature. We've picked the most interesting options.

Nong Nooch Tropical Garden

The largest botanical garden in Southeast Asia with thousands of orchids, palms, and cacti. But the main attraction for kids is the elephant show. Elephants paint pictures, play football and volleyball. There are also traditional Thai dances and martial arts performances. Plan for half a day to explore the grounds: you'll be walking a lot under the blazing sun, so bring water, hats, and sunscreen.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 08:00 to 18:00. Elephant show and traditional show — at 10:30, 11:30, 13:30, 15:30.

💵 Entry fee: from 600 baht (adult) / 400 baht (children). Combo tickets with show and bus — up to 1000 baht. Tip: buy tickets online on Trip.com — a ticket with bus costs only 445 baht (save about 300 baht).

🚶 How to get there: Nong Nooch on the map. Most convenient with a group tour (from 800 baht with transfer). On your own: taxi from the center — about 300 baht, rented motorbike (from 150 baht/day) or car.

Mini Siam Park

A park with miniature copies of famous landmarks from around the world. It features not only Thai sights but also replicas of St. Basil's Cathedral and the monument to the defenders of Stalingrad. For kids, this is a fascinating journey around the world where they can compare the sizes of pyramids and the Eiffel Tower. In the evening, the lighting comes on, so it's best to come before sunset.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 19:00.

💵 Entry fee: adults — 300 baht, children — 150 baht. Discounted tickets.

🚶 How to get there: Mini Siam is in northern Pattaya on Sukhumvit Road near Soi 33 (Mini Siam on the map). Take a songthaew to North Road, then cross Sukhumvit via the pedestrian bridge.

Million Years Stone Park and Crocodile Farm

A "living museum" of three kingdoms of nature: petrified trees aged 100 million years, a zoo with tigers, giraffes, and elephants, and Thailand's largest crocodile farm. Kids will love the crocodile show where trainers put their heads into the reptiles' mouths. All of this with one ticket.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 8:00 to 17:00. Crocodile shows: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00.

💵 Entry fee: adults — 500 baht, children (90–120 cm) — 250 baht, children under 90 cm — free. Photos with crocodiles — 200 baht, feeding crocodiles — 100 baht.

🚶 How to get there: the park is east of Sukhumvit Road in northern Pattaya (Million Years Stone Park on the map). Better to take a tour — the price is roughly the same as going on your own.

Zoos and aquariums: getting to know animals

There are over a dozen zoos around Pattaya. We've picked the best ones for kids — where you can not only watch but also feed, pet, and even bathe with the animals.

Underwater World

An aquarium with a 105-meter underwater tunnel. Kids will see sharks, rays, turtles, and many colorful fish. Feeding shows are held. A great place to escape the heat and get to know the inhabitants of the Gulf of Siam.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 9:00 to 18:00.

💵 Entry fee: adults — 550 baht, children (91–130 cm) — 350 baht.

🚶 How to get there: Underwater World on the map. From the center, take a songthaew to Lotus's South Pattaya, then walk 1 km along Sukhumvit.

Pattaya Elephant Village

The oldest elephant sanctuary. The main attraction here is riding an elephant through the jungle (30–45 minutes), feeding them bananas, and participating in elephant bathing. Kids will be thrilled. There's a show here too, but it's less spectacular than at Nong Nooch.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 08:00 to 18:00. Rides start at 09:00, 10:30, 12:30, 16:00.

💵 Entry fee: entry + show — from 300 baht; entry + ride — from 600 baht; combo — from 800 baht. Online tickets are cheaper: Trip.com.

🚶 How to get there: Elephant Village on the map. Best to take a tour with transfer. Taxi — about 200–300 baht.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo

A huge open-air safari park. Animals live in spacious enclosures. You can hand-feed giraffes and deer, see the dwarf hippo Moo Deng (an internet celebrity), watch elephant and penguin shows. The grounds are huge, better to take a car or bike (can be rented inside). Plan for half a day.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 08:00 to 17:00. Shows: elephant bathing — 11:00 and 14:30, penguin parade — 10:00 and 14:00.

💵 Entry fee: adults — 350 baht, children (90–140 cm) — 120 baht. Car entry — 80 baht, motorcycle — 40 baht. Online tickets are cheaper.

🚶 How to get there: Khao Kheow Zoo on the map. Only by taxi (500–700 baht) or tour with transfer.

Tiger Park Pattaya

Here you can enter the enclosures and sit next to tigers — from tiny cubs to adults. Under the supervision of keepers, it's safe. Kids will be thrilled to pet a tiger cub. The grounds are small, for 1–2 hours.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 18:00.

💵 Entry fee: entry ticket — 320 baht; tickets with contact and photos — from 600 baht. Trip.com — from 240 baht.

🚶 How to get there: Tiger Park Pattaya on the map. From the center — 15–20 minutes by taxi (from 150 baht).

Monster Aquarium Pattaya

An indoor aquarium and zoo in northern Pattaya. Under one roof — fish tanks, a terrarium, enclosures with birds, predators, monkeys, and a petting zoo with farm animals. You can feed animals (food — 20 baht), have photos taken with birds and reptiles. A visit with feeding will take 2–3 hours. Air-conditioned — a lifesaver from the heat.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 09:00 to 18:00.

💵 Entry fee: adults — 300 baht, children (90–139 cm) — 150 baht, children under 90 cm — free.

🚶 How to get there: Monster Aquarium on the map. Only by taxi (from 200 baht) or rented transport.

Shows and entertainment for the whole family

In the evening, Pattaya turns into a city of lights. But contrary to stereotypes, there are many shows here that are suitable for children. And we're not just talking about cabaret.

Tiffany's Show Pattaya

The famous cabaret show that ranks among the top 4 best cabarets in the world. Bright costumes, sets, music — the show is suitable for family viewing. Lasts 75 minutes. After the performance, you can take photos with the artists (tips — 100 baht).

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily, shows at 18:00, 19:30, and 21:00.

💵 Entry fee: from 1200 baht. Children under 100 cm enter free. Tickets from 900 baht.

🚶 How to get there: Tiffany's Show on the map. In central Pattaya on Pattaya Second Road.

Alcazar Cabaret Show Pattaya

The second famous cabaret show. Essentially similar to Tiffany's, but according to reviews, slightly more modern and spectacular. Also 75 minutes of music, dance, and bright costumes. Suitable for families.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily, shows at 17:00, 18:30, 20:00, and 21:30.

💵 Entry fee: from 1200 baht. Children under 100 cm free. Tickets from 900 baht.

🚶 How to get there: Alcazar on the map. Also on Pattaya Second Road.

Colosseum Show

A new show in a building modeled after the Roman Colosseum. A 1000-seat hall, 14–16 bright performances. Located closer to Jomtien, which is convenient for tourists in those areas.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily, shows at 17:30, 19:00, and 20:30.

💵 Entry fee: from 600–800 baht. Trip.com.

🚶 How to get there: Colosseum Show on the map. Located on Thepprasit Road in Jomtien.

Ramayana Water Park

Thailand's largest water park. Over 50 attractions, including the world's longest slide (240 meters), a wave pool, a lazy river, and large children's zones. Clean water, well-maintained grounds. A great option for a full day with kids.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 11:00 to 18:00 (closed on Wednesdays).

💵 Entry fee: 1099 baht for adults and children over 106 cm. Children under 106 cm, seniors (60+), and pregnant women — free. Discounted tickets on trip.com.

🚶 How to get there: Ramayana Water Park on the map. Taxi 300–400 baht one way. Hotel transfer available (240 baht round trip).

The View Ferris Wheel

A 100-meter ferris wheel on the night market grounds. Air-conditioned cabins, two full rotations in 10 minutes. Great views of the city and the bay. Children under 120 cm enter free.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 16:00 to 01:00.

💵 Entry fee: standard cabin — 480 baht, VIP cabin — 600 baht. Children under 120 cm — free.

🚶 How to get there: The View Ferris Wheel on the map. Located on the grounds of Runway The Market on Pattaya Second Road.

Art in Paradise 3D Museum

Over 150 paintings that you can pose in front of to create optical illusions. Kids love interacting with the exhibits. A great place for family photos.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily, 9:00 – 21:00.

💵 Entry fee: adult – 400 baht, child depends on height: under 100 cm – free, 100–130 cm – 200 baht. Discounted tickets.

🚶 How to get there: museum on the map. At the end of Second Road opposite Tiffany's Show.

Ripley's Believe It or Not! Museum

A museum of collector Robert Ripley with unusual exhibits: mummies, paintings made from trash, figures of the tallest people. Besides the museum, there's a mirror maze, moving wax figures, and the "Pharaoh's Tomb" attraction (a dark corridor with mummies). Great fun for older kids.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 11:00 to 23:00.

💵 Entry fee: from 300 to 700 baht depending on the package. Discounted tickets.

🚶 How to get there: Ripley's on the map. In Royal Garden Plaza mall on Second Road.

Best beaches in Pattaya for a holiday with kids

Beach holidays with kids in Pattaya are a whole different story. The main rule: don't swim in the center. The water there is murky, and waves can be strong. The best options for families are Jomtien, Koh Larn Island, and small coves in the Pratamnak area. Entry to all beaches is free, you only pay for sun loungers (from 100 baht).

Jomtien Beach — best for families

The main family beach in Pattaya. Length — 6 km, gentle entry into the water, light soft sand. Water is noticeably cleaner than in the center. Along the beach — a promenade for stroller walks. Sun loungers with umbrellas — from 100 baht per day. Many cafes and restaurants with kids' menus. Peaceful, no nightlife. Ideal for a full day with kids.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: beach is open 24/7.

💵 Entry fee: free. Sun lounger — from 100 baht.

🚶 How to get there: Jomtien on the map. From the center — by songthaew (15+15 baht) or taxi (from 200 baht).

Koh Larn Island — turquoise water 30 minutes from the city

If you want true tropical beauty — take the ferry to Koh Larn. There's turquoise water, white sand, clean and beautiful. Tawaen Beach and Samae Beach are the most popular. There are sun loungers, cafes, equipment rentals. For kids — calm sea without waves. The ferry from Bali Hai Pier costs 40 baht one way, travel time — 30 minutes.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: ferries run from 8:00 to 17:00.

💵 Entry fee: beaches are free. Ferry — 40 baht. Sun lounger — from 100 baht.

🚶 How to get there: Bali Hai Pier on the map. Next to Walking Street.

Cosy Beach — a secluded cove in the Pratamnak area

A small cove with picturesque views. Free entry, but at low tide, swimming is not possible — rocks are exposed. A great place for those seeking peace and beautiful photos. Cafes nearby. Walkable from Pratamnak Hill.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: accessible until 7:00 PM (access through restaurants).

💵 Entry fee: free.

🚶 How to get there: Cosy Beach on the map. Taxi to Phra Tamnak 4 Alley, then down on foot.

Free entertainment: temples, viewpoints and walks

Not all good places are paid. In Pattaya, there are temples, parks, and streets you can enter without a ticket. This is a great way to diversify your vacation and save money.

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

An active temple on a hilltop with an 18-meter golden Buddha statue. Free entry. Kids will find it interesting to see the "Emaciated Buddha" and feed the fish in the pond.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM.

💵 Entry fee: free.

🚶 How to get there: Big Buddha Hill on the map. From the center, about 2 km on foot.

Wat Yan Temple (Wat Yanasangwararam)

A snow-white stupa with Buddha's relics, pavilions in the styles of eight countries, a lake with pink lotuses. Quiet, green, and completely free. A great place for a peaceful walk.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 08:00 to 17:00.

💵 Entry fee: free.

🚶 How to get there: Wat Yan on the map. Only by taxi or rented transport.

Buddha Mountain (Khao Chi Chan)

A mountain with a laser-engraved Buddha image 130 meters high. Well-maintained gardens around. Free entry. Worth combining with Wat Yan.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 08:00 to 18:00.

💵 Entry fee: free.

🚶 How to get there: Khao Chi Chan on the map. Only by taxi or rental.

All Saints Orthodox Church

The first Orthodox church in Thailand. You can light candles, sit in silence. Free entry. A great place for a quiet hour.

Practical information

🕐 Opening hours: daily from 08:00 to 20:00.

💵 Entry fee: free.

🚶 How to get there: All Saints Church on the map. In the Naklua area.

Stroll along Walking Street — evening from 6 to 8 PM

The main pedestrian street of Pattaya, starting from Bali Hai Pier. The best time for a walk with kids is from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. At this time, neon signs are already lit, creating a festive atmosphere, but the street hasn't yet turned into a nighttime adult attraction. Establishments are just opening, and the main "adult" life starts later. You can calmly stroll, take photos against the bright signs, pop into souvenir shops, or grab a bite at a street cafe. After 8:00 PM, the crowd gets denser, and we don't recommend staying with kids — better to leave.

Night markets

Entry to all markets is free. You can just walk around, browse souvenirs, watch local life. Food is also inexpensive. Great evening entertainment for the whole family.

Terminal 21 Pattaya Mall

A shopping mall designed like an airport. At the entrance — a real airplane. Inside — a food court with city views, children's zones. You can stroll around for free as long as you like.

Central Festival Mall

A huge mall in the very center. You can walk through the floors, browse window displays, escape the heat. In the evening, at the exit, there's a mini street food market.

Tour or on your own? What's cheaper and more convenient

The main question for parents: take a ready-made tour or go on your own? Each option has its pros and cons. We've looked at both approaches based on personal experience.

When a tour is better:

• You're going to a park far from the center (Nong Nooch, Khao Kheow Zoo, Ramayana Water Park). A taxi round trip can cost 800–1500 baht, while a tour with transfer often costs the same as the entry ticket but already includes delivery.
• You don't want to worry about logistics. With kids, this is especially important — you don't need to find a ride back, negotiate with a driver, or wait.
• You came with small children (under 5). A tour bus or minivan — air conditioning, comfortable seats, and predictable travel time.

When it's better to go on your own:

• You're traveling with a large group or family (4+ people). In this case, renting a car (from 500–1000 baht per day) or a taxi with waiting often comes out cheaper than buying a tour for each person.
• You want to control your own time. On a tour, time is strictly scheduled, and with kids sometimes you need more time for feeding, resting, or sudden "I need to go to the bathroom."
• You've been to Pattaya before and know where you're going. Then you can choose only the spots you need without being pressured into extra stops (latex shops, jewelry stores, etc.).

Where to buy tours:

In Pattaya, street travel agencies are everywhere, many with Russian-speaking staff. Prices in Russian are practically no different from English-language ones. Very often, a ready-made tour costs the same as buying an entry ticket on your own, but includes hotel transfer and back.

Online booking: If you want to compare options in advance or pay with a Russian card, use these trusted services (we buy tickets and tours there ourselves):

• Trip.com – the biggest database of tours and tickets, accepts Russian cards
• Sputnik8 – tours in Russian, verified guides
• Tripster – private and group tours in Russian
• GetYourGuide – international platform with lots of reviews

Where to eat with kids in Pattaya

Pattaya has a huge variety of food, but with kids, you need to keep in mind that Thai cuisine can be spicy. We'll tell you where to find safe and tasty options.

Shopping malls are your best friend: In Terminal 21 and Central Festival, there are huge food courts with dozens of stalls. You can choose anything: from plain pasta and chicken nuggets to more exotic dishes. Prices are affordable (a portion of pad thai — 60–80 baht), there are high chairs and air conditioning.

Street food: At markets and street stalls, you can buy fruit (mango, watermelon, dragon fruit), freshly squeezed juices (from 30 baht), corn, meat on skewers (not spicy if you ask). Always ask "Not spicy, for kids" — and they'll make it almost pepper-free.

Restaurants with familiar food: Everywhere you look, there are cafes with European cuisine: pizza, pasta, burgers, fries. Prices are higher than at street stalls, but predictable and safe for little stomachs. We recommend reading reviews on Google Maps before entering.

More about eating in Pattaya: Where else you can eat well and affordably, what dishes to try — check out our complete guide to food in Pattaya.

Useful tips for parents

• Dress code at temples: When visiting any temples, shoulders and knees must be covered. Same for kids. Bring a light shawl or scarf.
• Sun and heat: Pattaya is very hot year-round. Always bring hats, sunscreen (SPF 50+), and water. Best times for walks — before 11:00 AM and after 3:00 PM.
• Money: Markets and street stalls don't accept cards. Always carry cash baht. Large malls and some parks accept cards.
• Transport with kids: In songthaews (shared taxis), it can be tight with a stroller. Better to order a taxi through Grab or Bolt — you can choose a larger car. For longer trips, car rental with a child seat works great (book in advance).
• First aid kit: Basic medicines are available at 7-Eleven, but better to bring your own familiar remedies: fever reducer, insect bite relief, band-aids, sorbents (in case the kid eats something unfamiliar).
• Language: In tourist areas, almost everyone speaks English. A phone translator works too — it's saved us many times.
• Tides: In Pattaya, the difference between high and low tide can reach 3–4 meters. At low tide, the water recedes far from the shore, exposing rocks. Plan beach visits for morning or evening — the water is usually higher then. Low tide often occurs in the middle of the day.

🕒 12 August, 2026