If you’re looking for a family resort that ticks all the boxes, you’ll find it in Thailand. Our readers love this destination for its beautiful beaches, sensational food and vibrant markets – along with an incredible array of kid-friendly places to stay, play and unwind.
According to the annual Out & About with Kids Readers’ Choice Awards, these beach resorts have all the right ingredients for Thailand family holiday bliss. It’s no wonder parents voted these resorts as the most kid-friendly, since they’re tailor-made for a dream escape; not just for parents, but for kids, teens and toddlers too.
Take Thailand’s top holiday destinations, throw in a mind-blowing water park or two, a supervised kids’ club and maybe an indulgent spa or infinity pool just for the adults. Then add a hammock, and – why not? – even a cocktail. Now you’re talking parental bliss.
From popular Phuket and Koh Samui to the tranquil village of Khao Lak, here are the best Thailand resorts to visit with kids in 2026.
1. Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
5 stars
Centara’s reputation for unforgettable family holidays shines at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, a gorgeous beachfront escape inspired by classic Sino-Portuguese architecture. Families can choose from spacious rooms, indulgent pool suites or private pool villas, all designed for comfort and relaxation. The resort’s impressive water park is a highlight, featuring twisting slides, waterfalls, cliff jumps and a gentle lazy river perfect for drifting the afternoon away.
Kids can dive into supervised activities at the clubs or enjoy time with a babysitter while parents unwind at the award-winning SPA Cenvaree, known for its rejuvenating treatments. With three restaurants offering a mix of international flavours and local favourites — plus lively Karon Beach just a short walk away — dining and entertainment are always close at hand. Whether you’re chasing adventure or downtime, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket has all the ingredients for a magical family getaway.
DISCOVER MORE: 5 amazing family resorts in Phuket – waterslides included!
2. Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya
5 stars
Set within a sprawling jungle water park, the five-star Centara Grand Mirage Beach Resort Pattaya is a dream destination for families. There’s no shortage of relaxation on offer with 230 metres of private beach frontage and lazy rivers that wind through the tropical resort gardens.
For a change of pace, the thrills of The Lost World Adventure Land are sure to get the adrenaline pumping as you soaring through the air on the SkyRider zipline and tackle the SkyTrail obstacle courses. There’s also a three-level playground, trampoline zone and even a digging pit where young archaeologists can excavate dinosaur bones!
Inside, you’ll find an arts-and-crafts zone, cooking studio and The Cave, which has a soft-play kids’ cinema and a giant, soft LEGO set. Every room has ocean views, and there’s even a family-friendly club lounge option (as well as the adults-only one).
🏖️ DISCOVER MORE: 4 fun Pattaya resorts for your next family holiday
3. JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
5 stars
Located on the pristine Mai Khao Beach, the JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa captures all there is to love about Thailand – starting with the cuisine! Eleven restaurants and lounges leave you spoiled for choice, while activities at the Kid’s Pavilion also include Thai cooking classes. For a touching and memorable experience, kids can become Turtle Warriors at the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation on site.
4. Club Med Phuket
4 stars
A resort with an “upscale beach club twist”, all-inclusive Club Med Phuket offers endless perks to make travelling with little ones a breeze, from the Club Med Baby Welcome Kit to the Amazing Family! program and childcare from four months of age. Activities on offer here range from Thai boxing to cooking classes and island exclusions, when you’re not enjoying the expansive pool or relaxing on the sun deck overlooking the Andaman Sea.
🏄 KEEP EXPLORING: 20 fun things for families to do in Phuket
5. Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
5 stars
The Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach on Tri-Trang Beach is a nature-lover’s paradise! Kids can learn all about Thailand’s ecosystems at the Reef Education Center and Butterfly Sanctuary, then try their hand at snorkelling on the coral reef right off the beach. The Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach also has three pools (including a kids’ pool and splash pad) and a supervised kids’ club featuring wooden toys, puzzles and games.
What to know about visiting Thailand with kids
Craving a tropical beach holiday in the land of smiles? Plan your own extraordinary adventure in Thailand for 2026.
When is the best time to visit?
Thailand has a tropical climate with high humidity. There are three distinct seasons: March to May is hot, June to October is the wet season, and November to February the ‘cool’ season. Milder weather (around 20- 27°C) make the cooler months the most popular time to travel.
Do I need a visa to enter Thailand?
Australian passport holders can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days under the Visa Exemption Scheme. If you plan to stay longer, you can apply for a Thailand Tourist Visa. From 1 May 2025, visitors on foreign passports need to complete a Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) prior to entering the country.
Where should I travel in Thailand?
In partnership with Tourism Authority of Thailand
Opening image: A family at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
