Phuket, an island province in Thailand’s south, is one of the top overseas destinations for family travel. From the capital of Phuket Town to island-hopping adventures, here’s how to explore this tropical island paradise.
Phuket is one of Thailand’s top destinations for families where you can take boat tours, explore its many beaches, and participate in all the water activities the island has to offer. Read on to discover the island’s must-do family activities, as well as Phuket’s best kid-friendly resorts, restaurants and cafes.
What is the best area of Phuket for families?
Patong is a popular (read: crowded) choice for Aussie tourists, but its busy party atmosphere isn’t ideal for families. So, where should families stay in Phuket for a truly refreshing tropical escape?
For the right balance, look to the four-kilometre Karon Beach on the island’s west coast, which has calm water and plenty of restaurants, or the 1.5-kilometre-long Kata Beach in Phuket’s south. Both rate among Thailand’s best family holiday destinations, offering a fantastic selection of beach resorts and attractions for kids of all ages.
With award-winning resorts like Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket and the recently renovated Centara Karon Resort, families can relax while staying close to Phuket’s top attractions. Easy access to restaurants, shopping and fun makes for a hassle-free holiday (and saves money on taxi fares too).
20 fun things to do in Phuket with kids
If you’re planning your own Thai getaway, don’t miss our favourite family activities in Phuket:
1. Explore historic Phuket Old Town
Clustered with buildings designed in a Sino-Portuguese style, Phuket Old Town is well worth a wander to soak up its unique atmosphere. Historic highlights include the Shrine of the Serene Light and the Thai Hua Museum.
2. Browse the vibrant Lard Yai Market
Coincide your visit with the Sunday Walking Street Market (also known as Lard Yai Market) between 4 pm and 10 pm on Thalang Road. You’ll find an exciting array of street food, handicrafts, and live cultural performances to enchant all ages.
3. Take in Phuket's most beautiful views
Halfway between Nai Harn Beach and Kata Noi Beach, Kata Karon Viewpoint overlooks Phuket’s most popular beaches, while Promthep Cape offers panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and the island’s most Insta-worthy sunsets. Another scenic spot is Khao Rang Hill in the northwest—visit just as night falls and watch a sea of glimmering lights illuminate the island.
4. Relax on Phuket’s family-friendly beaches
Beyond the stunning Hat Karon and Hat Kata, there are many more photogenic patches of sand to discover. It’s worth the trip to Laem Singh Beach, a small cove between Surin and Kamala beaches, for a quiet and secluded day trip.
5. Go plane-spotting at Mai Khao Beach
Budding pilots will love watching planes soar overhead at the south end of Mai Khao Beach. Spanning an impressive 11km along Sirinath National Park, Phuket’s longest beach also boasts plenty of quiet stretches for that authentic ‘desert island’ feel.
6. Discover Thai culture at Phuket FantaSea theme park
Phuket FantaSea is a 30-acre Thai cultural theme park packed with attractions and entertainment for families. Along with a shopping strip and dining venues, the highlight is a spectacular night-time entertainment show rivalling those found in Vegas.
7. Celebrate fun at Carnival Magic theme park
Rated one of the World’s Greatest Places by TIME Magazine, Carnival Magic is inspired by festivals, carnivals and fairs around the world. There’s no shortage of things to see and do, including vibrant parades, spectacular light shows and an enchanted palace.
8. Take an island-hopping or snorkelling tour
Phuket province extends beyond the main island – there are 37 smaller islands scattered in the Andaman Sea, off the country’s west coast. Consider taking a guided speedboat tour to see the Phi Phi Islands, including Phi Phi Le, where the movie The Beach was filmed.
Another must-see is ‘James Bond Island’ (officially named Khao Phing Kan), the setting for The Man with the Golden Gun. Tours typically include snorkelling stops to glimpse Thailand’s vibrant underwater world.
9. Learn about sea turtles at Mai Khao
Mai Khao is one of only a few beaches in Phuket that still receives nesting sea turtles, and there’s no better way to learn how we can protect their ecosystems than on a visit to the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation. Kids will love watching the feeding session with the resident turtles, most of whom have disabilities that would put them at risk if returned to the wild.
10. Support gibbon rescue and rehabilitation efforts
Located within Khao Phra Theaw National Park, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project has rescued and rehabilitated these unique primates since 1992. After the island’s wild gibbons were poached to extinction, with many animals ending up in the illegal pet trade, the non-profit organisation is on a mission to turn the tables. Families can support gibbon conservation by visiting the education centre to learn about these endangered primates.
11. See the gentle giants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Another ethically-driven attraction is Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, which provides a safe ‘retirement home’ for working elephants. A 600-metre canopy walkway offers the chance to see elephants feeding, bathing and socialising without disturbing them.
12. Fly through the jungle at Hanuman World
Inspired by the monkey god Hanuman, this ziplining adventure will see you flying between centuries-old trees in a hillside jungle. Hanuman World is one of Phuket’s top eco-tourism attractions, and avoiding any negative impact on the trees is a top priority. Highly-trained professional guides take charge of every tour to create a fun and safe experience. Attractions here cater to all ages and adrenaline levels, including a spectacular skywalk for a more leisurely way to explore the forest canopy.
13. Splash and slide at Phuket's water parks
Kids will love the enormous water park at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, featuring waterslides and a lazy river that winds through the lush resort grounds. Splash Jungle Water Park also balances thrills and relaxation with a 335-metre lazy river, rainbow AquaTube spiral slides, multiple water play zones and a family raft ride.
14. Meet Jurassic creatures at Dino Park
Come face-to-face with life-size dinosaurs at Dino Park, a unique 18-hole mini golf course featuring replicas and animatronics of every kid’s favourite prehistoric creatures. Fun special effects bring the past to life as the all-ages course winds through impressively realistic volcanoes, caves and swamps. Don’t forget to drop by Dino Kitchen for a taste of the Stone Age and pick up some dino-themed swag at the gift shop.
15. Take an authentic Thai cooking lesson
Keen to learn the secrets of Southern Thailand’s cuisine? The Phuket Thai Cooking by Chef VJ receives rave reviews for its authentic experience, starting with a market trip for fresh ingredients. Friendly and knowledgeable chefs will teach you to craft iconic Thai dishes like massaman curry, papaya salad and mango sticky rice from scratch. Or skip straight to the delicious eats with a four-hour street food tour.
16. Snap creative family photos at AR Trickeye Museum
For amazing photo ops at an art gallery with a difference, head to the AR Trickeye Museum Phuket where you can interact with surreal modern installations. It houses around 100 painted and sculpted scenes that employ deceptive artistic techniques to make them appear as though they are multi-dimensional.
17. Experience Thailand's upside down house
Baan Teelanka is Thailand’s only upside-down house. This 13 m high, three-level and fully furnished house is quirky, unique and light-hearted. The attraction also includes a VR room, rage room and 1000sqm Garden Maze, Phuket’s only hedge maze. Baan Teelanka opens daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
18. Climb and swing at Jungle Xtreme Adventure Park
At Jungle Xtreme Adventure Park every child will be living their Tarzan dreams as you climb between trees on suspended bridges, walkways, nets, barrels and conquer other fun challenges. Guides are on hand to assist as you tackle Phuket’s largest adventure park; they’ll also get your family kitted up with harnesses, karabiners and more.
19. Journey underwater at Phuket's aquariums
The smaller of the island’s two aquariums, Phuket Aquarium is an educational attraction showcasing over 1500 species of sea-dwelling and freshwater critters. Families can also learn about Thailand’s native plants amongst stunning scenery on the Cape Panwa Beach nature trail, with English-language signage throughout.
Head to the larger Aquaria Phuket for a more tourist-oriented experience: underwater mermaid and ballet shows, shark dives and photo ops at the co-located AR Trickeye Museum. For the ultimate Thailand date night, experience ‘underwater fine dining’ at the aquarium’s Su Va Na Phuket restaurant, which offers child-minding in a dedicated kids’ room.
20. Go horse-riding on the beach
If you’ve ever dreamt of riding a horse on the beach, then you can make it a reality at the Phuket International Horse Club, which has a variety of horses and ponies to suit everyone from nervous beginners to confident riders. Pony rides are ideal for littlies from three years of age, while the one-hour beach rides are fantastic for the whole family to enjoy together – no experience necessary! Kids even have the chance to help feed and water their horse afterwards.
Where to stay in Phuket with kids
Centara Karon Resort
Located in the heart of Karon’s lively dining and entertainment strip (and only minutes from the beach), the reimagined Centara Karon Resort Phuket guarantees an unforgettable family escape. The resort underwent a major renovation in 2024 with all-new eateries and amenities to discover.
The massive 3,000-square-metre pool zone boasts three separate pools for adults and kids (with three pool bars serving up drinks and snacks), plus fun water slides and fountains. The resort also has a supervised Kids’ Club called Chang Dee Club and the E-Zone hangout space for tweens and teens, featuring VR and Playstation 5 games.
Rooms have been reimagined with modern decor and everything families need: flexible sleeping arrangements, comfy beds, bathtubs and showers, and a balcony or terrace with lush garden views.
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
Set around its own water park on Karon Beach, on Phuket’s west coast, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is a fantastic choice for families. Its design was inspired by the classic Sino-Portuguese architecture that characterises Phuket Town, backed by lush green hills.
As well as the lazy river that winds through the resort’s tropical gardens, cliff jumps and water slides provide hours of fun for kids. Supervised kids’ clubs and on-site babysitting lets parents escape to the award-winning SPA Cenvaree for some much-needed R&R.
More Phuket family accommodation
Guests at sister property Waterfront Suites Phuket by Centara can enjoy the refreshed amenities at Centara Karon Resort, a short seven-minute stroll away. Each suite has a separate kitchen and lounge area to create a true ‘home away from home’ for longer stays.
Centara Kata Resort Phuket also offers one- and two-bedroom suites with kitchenettes just a quick walk (or free shuttle ride) from Kata Beach. It has a small toddler pool with a mushroom waterfall, a waterslide, a separate children’s pool, and two age-specific kids’ clubs.
Families can also unwind in a private Thai-style villa at Centara Villas Phuket, an intimate hideaway close to Karon Beach. The property boasts a two-tiered pool overlooking the bay, three restaurants and bars, and a signature SPA Cenvaree.
Family-friendly restaurants in Phuket
Diverse dining with Centara Hotels & Resorts
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket makes family dining easy (and delicious). Feast with your feet in the sand at COAST Beach Club and Bistro, enjoy international cuisine at The Cove restaurant, or an Italian feast at Mare.
At Centara Karon Resort, families can tuck into pizza and pasta at Escape Pool Club, international dishes at Bistro Grill & Bar and pick up pastries at Pink Social bakery (which transforms into a swish tapas and cocktail bar after dark).
Phuket's best seafood restaurants
Phuket is famous for its delicious seafood, so indulge in fresh fish, crab, and squid while you’re there.Seafood lovers should not miss the local restaurants in Laem Hin, which has a wooden outdoor terrace over the water on Phuket’s east coast, packed with restaurants serving up southern Thai cuisine. Kruvit Raft provides a free two-minute long-tail boat ride, and Bang Mud Floating Restaurant is highly recommended.
Mango bliss for the whole family
Mango lovers should also schedule a visit to Mango Yellow Cafe in the Blue Tree Phuket precinct. The star ingredient can be sampled in everything from smoothies to French toast and giant family-sized bingsu (shaved ice). Pass a few hours in the nearby boutiques, then take your pick from the lifestyle village’s restaurants and food trucks for dinner.
Plan your Phuket family holiday
When is the best time to visit Phuket?
Phuket is at its best from December to March, when you can expect clear blue skies and temperatures averaging 24°C to 32°C. Locals often visit the beaches during the hottest months, March and April.
How to get to Phuket from Australia
Jetstar offers direct flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Phuket, which take around nine hours. You can also fly via Singapore with Singapore Airlines or Kuala Lumpur with Malaysian Airlines.
How to get around Phuket
Phuket has a variety of transportation options, including tuk-tuks, motorbikes and taxis. The Smart Bus also offers an affordable way to travel from the airport to resort towns along the west coast.
Opening image: Dad and son explore historic Phuket Old Town
Content contributors: Elisa Elwin, Angela Saurine, Dan Campbell
Proudly produced in partnership with Centara Hotels & Resorts
