Exploring Chiang Mai, Thailand (with a toddler)
Are you planning a family trip to Chiang Mai, Thailand and wondering how to navigate the city with your little ones? Have no fear! Chiang Mai is a fantastic destination for families with toddlers, offering a plethora of amenities and activities catered specifically to young children. From daycare options to kid-friendly cafes and exciting activities, here's your ultimate guide to making the most of your time in Chiang Mai with your little adventurers.
Daycares and Kindergartens
1. Egg Tots Egg Tots is a popular daycare center in Chiang Mai known for its nurturing environment and engaging activities for toddlers. With a focus on early childhood development, Egg Tots provides a safe and stimulating space for children to play and learn in a montessori styled environment.
It is one of the most affordable options for daycare in Chiang Mai at only 11,000 baht ($300 usd) for full time daycare per month and they have two locations (Nimman & Hang Dong), Hang Dong was my favorite for the amount of space and proximity to the neighborhood we lived in.
2. Lemur Lion Lamb Lemur Lion Lamb offers a blend of daycare and kindergarten services, catering to children from infancy to kindergarten age. Their curriculum incorporates both structured learning activities and free play, fostering social, emotional, and cognitive development.
Located in the San Sai District, this day care runs 15,000 baht ($415 usd) monthly for full time with lunch and snacks included.
3. International Schools For families planning a more extended stay in Chiang Mai, several international schools offer excellent education options for toddlers and older children. Schools such as Prem Tinsulanonda International School and Lanna International School Thailand provide a multicultural learning environment and comprehensive early years programs.
Sunshine Kindergarten was a lovely school in Hang Dong that I taught a few classes at and can personally recommend.
Fees for international schools vary and sometimes require you to pay for additional things such as entrance fees, school supplies and/or uniforms so be sure to reach out and inquire.
These schools have a wide range for tuition but you can expect to pay around 300,000+ baht ($8500 usd) per year not including registration, equipment, etc fees.
Finding a Nanny or Babysitter
If you prefer more personalized childcare options, hiring a nanny or babysitter can be a convenient solution. Local Facebook groups like Chiang Mai Expat Moms dedicated to expats often have listings for qualified nannies and babysitters available for hire. Make sure to conduct thorough interviews and background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of your child.
Kid-Friendly Cafes
Chiang Mai boasts a vibrant cafe scene, and many establishments are welcoming to families with young children. Here are a few kid-friendly cafes that my 3 year old and I loved:
Hannah Hanh: Known for its cozy atmosphere and delicious pastries, this cafe offers a designated indoor and outdoor play area for children, complete with toys and books.
They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, have a delicious bakery and a variety of options for sipping coffee and alcohol included.
Chada Cafe: Nestled in lush jungle and close to the river, this cool cafe offers your children the chance to feed baby goats and see turtles, sheep and more!
With bungalow seating with comfy cushions for stretching out on, outlets and a full service menu, we had a blast getting to work AND play here!
Chamcha Cafe: Chamcha cafe is top three for the coolest cafes we visited in Chiang Mai! It is nestled into the Doi Suthep Mountain so you are able to catch a break of the heat and it was even better breathing air during the smoky season!
This cafe has so much room for the kids to run, climb, jump, ride. It has toys galore, delicious food and drinks and so many different options for lounging.
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Nic’s Cafe and Playground: A unique playground for kids offering a huge sandbox space for kids complete with an obstacle course like ship for pretend pirate playing, climbing, swinging, etc. This cafe also hosts a trampoline, soccer court and kid friendly structures with toys for cooking, gardening and camping out.
This cafe is full service with a large menu including adult drinks and is able to host you inside with air conditioning!
After School Cafe : This is another huge sandbox cafe partially indoors complete with trampolines, a fish pond, climbing gym and more!
A full service kitchen, cafe and bakery makes this cafe so worth the short drive away from the city!
Fernpresso at the Lake: This cafe is complete with indoor and outdoor seating options and sister of Fernpresso is so relaxing and one of my favorites for its ambiance!
Though they do not have toys or playgrounds, they do have a lot of space to roam free in the garden and a lot of nice seating options to color, work and relax.
They are full service as well offering a nicely sized menu, delicious drinks and also pastries.
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Kids Activities
Chiang Mai offers a plethora of activities to keep toddlers entertained and engaged:
Chiang Mai Zoo: Explore the diverse wildlife at Chiang Mai Zoo, home to a wide array of animals from around the world. Don't miss the opportunity to feed giraffes and pandas!.
Playgrounds and Parks: Spend a leisurely afternoon at one of Chiang Mai's many playgrounds and parks, such as Buak Haad Park or Nong Buak Hard Public Park, where children can run, climb, and play to their heart's content.
Excursions: Fun can be had visiting Elephant Sactuaries, lakes, temples and on the many hiking trails suitable for young ones.
Markets & Events: Check the local whats app and facebook expat and moms groups to find fun events like painting, movie nights, water fights, festivals, etc.
With its family-friendly amenities and array of activities, Chiang Mai is the perfect destination for parents traveling with toddlers. Whether you're seeking childcare services, kid-friendly cafes, or exciting adventures, Chiang Mai has something to offer for every member of the family. So pack your bags, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in the heart of Northern Thailand!
