What makes Phuket a dream destination for families? It’s more than just the sensational beaches on the Andaman Sea and the famous Thai hospitality.
Phuket is a place where every kind of adventure awaits, from beautiful beaches like Kata and Karon to incredible food and resort experiences that cater to every age and interest. It’s no surprise families return here year after year. Phuket has truly mastered the art of the perfect Thailand family holiday.
Choosing your family's perfect Phuket resort
Finding the perfect base camp is the first step to an epic Phuket family holiday, and Centara has a spot that’s just right for your crew. Whether you’re chasing a luxurious, all-inclusive beachfront escape or the freedom of a spacious self-catering apartment, they’ve got every type of family covered.
The best part? At every Centara Phuket resort, the kids are VIPs! You’ll find fantastic family rooms with two double beds, and for kids under 12, they stay and eat breakfast for free. Plus, at Centara Grand, Centara Karon, and Centara Kata, the young ones will love the awesome Kids’ Clubs with full activity programs, while teens have their own cool E-Zone to chill out in.
Ready to find your family’s perfect “home away from home”? Discover more below!
The all-in-one luxury escape
You’re the family that craves a little bit of everything—lazy days by a water park complete with a lazy river and epic waterslides, and the peace of mind that comes with every comfort handled.
Where to stay: Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
If your family’s idea of a home away from home is a 5-star haven where everything you need is right at your fingertips, the award-winning Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is the perfect fit. This beachfront property seamlessly blends the unique Sino-Portuguese aesthetic of Old Phuket with breathtaking garden, sea, or pool views from every room. It’s for families who want a luxury, hassle-free holiday that includes a world-class water park, complete with a lazy river and waterslides, just steps from their door.
Activities: Step into the spectacular world of Carnival Magic
Get ready to be enchanted at Carnival Magic, a theme park so incredible it was named one of the “World’s Greatest Places” by TIME Magazine! Inspired by vibrant festivals from around the globe, this park is a feast for the senses. Prepare to be wowed by dazzling parades, spectacular light shows, and an enchanting palace—it’s an unforgettable night out that will have the whole family buzzing with excitement!
Activities: Fly through the jungle at Hanuman World
Ready to swing like a monkey god? Inspired by Hanuman himself, this ziplining adventure lets you soar through a lush hillside jungle and get a bird’s-eye view of centuries-old trees. At Hanuman World, safety and eco-tourism are top priorities, so you can focus on the fun while highly-trained guides take care of everything. And for those who prefer a more relaxed pace, you can take a stroll on the spectacular skywalk for a leisurely wander through the treetops!
Activities: Thrilling waterslides and a lazy river
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is the ultimate water park destination! With thrilling waterslides, a lazy river, and a children’s pool, the resort’s expansive water park has something for every family member, including a “cliff jumping platform” for older kids.
For the kids: PS5, VR, and air hockey
The supervised Camp Safari Kids’ Club (ages 4-11) is a haven for younger children at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, with activities like games and art projects. Some of these activities attract a small fee. For teenagers, the E-Zone is specifically designed for teens 12 and over and is equipped with things like retro Nintendo games, a PS5, VR, and air hockey.
The modern hub for explorers
You’re the family with a serious case of FOMO, eager to dive into local markets and street food delights, but still wanting a resort with a splash-tacular water park and pools to keep the kids happy.
Where to stay: Centara Karon Resort Phuket
For families who love a vibrant, modern setting and being in the heart of the action, Centara Karon Resort Phuket is an ideal choice. Following an extensive 18-month refurbishment, the resort boasts a reimagined contemporary design with brand-new Family Rooms and Suites that are perfect for a family base. It’s a great option for those who want a lively water park with slides and caves on-site, plus shops and restaurants nearby.
New, spacious and exclusive 1-, 2-, and 3-bedroom Pool Villas are opening on 15 November 2025. Even better, they all have access to their own villa lounge, including afternoon tea, cocktail hour, and a private swimming pool.
Activities: Swing and climb at Jungle Xtreme Adventure Park
Get ready to live out your inner Tarzan dreams at Jungle Xtreme Adventure Park! This is Phuket’s biggest adventure park, where the whole family can swing, climb, and conquer thrilling challenges high in the trees. You’ll navigate suspended bridges, walkways, nets, and barrels, all while expert guides get you kitted out with harnesses and ensure a safe and fun experience.
Activities: Go on a high-speed island adventure!
Ready to live out your own movie moment? Phuket province is made up of 37 small islands just waiting to be explored! Hop on a speedboat for a thrilling guided tour and discover the famous Phi Phi Islands, including Phi Phi Le, where Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach was filmed.
For the James Bond fans, you can even visit the iconic ‘James Bond Island’ (Khao Phing Kan), the unforgettable setting from The Man with the Golden Gun. Most tours include fantastic snorkelling stops, so you can dive into Thailand’s vibrant underwater world and say hello to some colourful marine life.
Activities: A 3,000-square-metre tropical pool zone
Freshly refurbished, Centara Karon Resort Phuket has a vibrant, sensational 3,000-square-metre tropical pool zone with three swimming pools, including a main pool with thrilling waterslides, caves, and fun water features. A separate children’s pool is a safe place for little ones to play.
For the kids: Indoor play zone
The fantastic Chang Dee Kids’ Club at Centara Karon Resort Phuket is a supervised and fully staffed space for children typically aged 4-11 years. The club offers plenty of engaging activities in both an air-conditioned indoor play zone and an outdoor playground.
The tranquil self-catering sanctuary
You’re the family that wants to do Phuket like a local, with the freedom to whip up your own family favourites and the luxury of sprawling out in a spacious suite.
Where to stay: Centara Kata Resort Phuket
If your family seeks a peaceful, tropical oasis that still offers easy access to local life, Centara Kata Resort Phuket provides the perfect balance. Nestled in the heart of the bustling Kata village, it’s just a 5-to-10 minute walk to Kata Beach, which provides an ideal seaside playscape for little ones.
The real “home away from home” comes from the resort’s fantastic 1- and 2-bedroom premium suites, which feature kitchenettes. These are a game-changer for parents who appreciate the flexibility of preparing their own meals, making this an excellent choice for a longer stay.
Activities: Browse the vibrant Sunday Walking Street Market
Don’t miss the chance to experience the lively atmosphere of the Sunday Walking Street Market, also known as Lard Yai Market, which takes over Thalang Road every Sunday from 4 pm to 10 pm. This is where you can immerse yourselves in a sensory feast of delicious street food, unique handicrafts, and captivating live cultural performances—a fantastic evening out for the whole family!
Activities: Observe gentle giants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
For an unforgettable and ethical animal encounter, visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, a beautiful retirement home for elephants rescued from the tourism and logging industries. The best part? You can watch these magnificent animals as they feed, bathe, and socialise from a spectacular 600-metre canopy walkway, giving you an incredible view without disturbing their peaceful life. It’s a truly heartwarming experience the whole family will treasure.
Activities: Relax and play
This tranquil oasis offers a perfect blend of relaxation and play. Centara Kata Resort Phuket features three swimming pools, with the main pool boasting a waterslide, Jacuzzi, and a swim-up bar. A dedicated children’s pool is a safe and fun place for toddlers and young kids.
For the kids: A little slice of paradise
Centara Kata Resort Phuket has a dedicated Kids’ Club for 4- to 11-year-olds and an E-Zone for teens 12 years and over, ensuring that every member of the family has their own little slice of paradise.
The ultimate independent living
You’re the family that marches to the beat of your own drum, looking for the space and flexibility of an apartment with the perks of a hotel.
Where to stay: Waterfront Suites Phuket by Centara
Families seeking a home away from home in Phuket will find their perfect match at these 4-star serviced apartments. The iconic 21-storey Sino-Portuguese building is home to 39 modern and well-appointed suites, each with its own separate kitchen and living area. The complex is an ideal base for longer-term stays, with a great range of facilities to keep everyone entertained.
You’ll find a lovely free-form pool for a refreshing dip and a dedicated children’s pool, all just a mere 2-minute walk to pristine Karon Beach. Its prime location also means you’re steps away from the heart of the village, with easy access to local markets for fresh groceries and a wide array of dining options whenever you decide to venture out.
Activities: Discover sea turtles at Mai Khao
Head to the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation for a truly special encounter with some of Phuket’s most incredible residents. This foundation does amazing work to protect sea turtles, and your family will love watching the feeding sessions with rescued turtles who now have a safe home. It’s a heartwarming way to teach the kids about conservation and get up close to these beautiful creatures.
Activities: A half-day adventure into Phuket's history
Ready to uncover the island’s secrets? A half-day Phuket City tour is a fantastic way to dive into its rich history! Your family can marvel at the iconic Big Buddha, explore the stunning Wat Chalong Temple, and wander through the charming streets of Old Phuket Town. With its unique Sino-Portuguese architecture, Old Town is perfect for a leisurely stroll, where you can soak up the atmosphere and discover hidden gems like the Shrine of the Serene Light and the Thai Hua Museum. It’s an adventure that’s both fun and fascinating for all ages!
Activities: Chill out & cool down
Waterfront Suites Phuket features a dedicated children’s pool for fun and splashing around and a lovely free-form pool, perfect for a relaxing dip after a day exploring. The main draw is a laid-back, self-catered experience, perfect for families who value their independence.
For the kids: Games and more
Waterfront Suites Phuket offers a great selection of sports, including tennis and squash courts, plus a fantastic games room equipped with a pool table, table tennis, a giant chessboard, and darts. When you’re ready to hit the sea, Karon Beach is just a short stroll away, offering the perfect spot to relax or enjoy some thrilling water sports.
Resort activities for all ages!
Free, organised activities for the whole family are a highlight of the Centara resort experience. Join energetic fun like beach volleyball, aqua aerobics, and family pool games. There are also a variety of fun cultural workshops, such as Thai language lessons and T-shirt painting. Centara Grand Beach Resort also has watersports, including kayaking, snorkelling and windsurfing.
* Note: some activities attract a small fee.
For parents who want to enjoy a relaxing dinner, a spa indulgence, or a workout at the Fitness Centre, babysitting services can be arranged at Centara Grand, Centara Karon, and Centara Kata resorts.
The food is fabulous
No matter what you’re craving, you’ll find it on the menu at Centara’s Phuket resorts. From laid-back poolside snacks and refreshing drinks at the Pool Club and Pool Bars to full-service restaurants serving up your favourite Thai and international dishes, there’s something to please everyone.
Dining here is designed to be family-friendly, with diverse menus and kids’ meals that even the pickiest eaters will love.
Always check the Centara Special Offers page, as you can often find promotions including two kids under 12 stay and eat for free when sharing a room with their parents.
Discover more of kid-friendly Phuket
Can’t wait to experience everything this island paradise has to offer? Don’t miss these handy guides:
🏝️ THAI ISLAND SHOWDOWN: Which is better to visit with kids – Phuket or Koh Samui? We’ve got the scoop.
🏆 READERS’ CHOICE AWARDS: Discover the top 5 family resorts in Thailand, as voted by real Aussie families.
🐘 PHUKET BUCKET LIST: The fun never stops with our top 20 things for families to do in Phuket (from elephant sanctuaries to spectacular views!)
Opening image: Lazy river with water slides at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
