Bangkok family things to do by BTS & MRT

Bangkok Family Things to do by BTS & MRT

Bangkok is a playground for families, but navigating the traffic with kids can be a challenge. Luckily, the city’s rail system (BTS and MRT) connects you directly to some of the best child-friendly spots.

Here are 5 fantastic family destinations in Bangkok that are easily accessible via public transport.

1. SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World

Located right in the heart of the city, this is one of the largest aquariums in Southeast Asia. It’s entirely indoors (perfect for escaping the afternoon heat) and features a stunning underwater tunnel where sharks and rays swim right over your head.

  • Best for: All ages, especially marine life enthusiasts.
  • How to get there: Take the BTS (Sukhumvit or Silom Line) to Siam Station. The aquarium is located on the B1 & B2 floors of the Siam Paragon mall.

2. Children’s Discovery Museum

This is a hidden gem for families on a budget. The museum is highly interactive, featuring a “Dino Detective” site where kids can dig for fossils, a science gallery, and a massive outdoor water play area with fountains and slides.

  • Best for: Toddlers to young teens.
  • Pro Tip: Admission is free, but don’t forget to bring swimwear and a towel for the outdoor water park!
  • How to get there: Take the BTS to Mo Chit Station (Exit 1 or 3) or the MRT (Blue Line) to Chatuchak Park Station (Exit 1). It’s a short 5-minute walk through the park.

3. Benjakitti Forest Park

If your family needs a break from the “concrete jungle,” this newly expanded park is the place to go. It features elevated walkways (the “Skywalk”) through wetlands, dedicated cycling paths, and plenty of space for kids to run.

  • Best for: Active families, morning strolls, or sunset views.
  • How to get there: Take the MRT (Blue Line) to Queen Sirikit National Convention Center Station (Exit 3), which brings you right to the park’s edge. Alternatively, it’s a 10-minute walk from BTS Asok.

4. King Power Mahanakhon SkyWalk

For families with older kids (or brave toddlers!), the SkyWalk offers a 360-degree view of Bangkok from 314 meters up. The highlight is the “Glass Tray”, a transparent floor that lets you look straight down at the city streets.

  • Best for: Stunning photos and a bit of a thrill.
  • How to get there: Take the BTS (Silom Line) to Chong Nonsi Station. Use Exit 3, which leads directly into the Mahanakhon building.

5. Museum Siam

Housed in a beautiful neoclassical building, this isn’t your typical “dusty” museum. It uses high-tech, hands-on exhibits to tell the story of Thailand and its people. It’s designed to be a “Discovery Museum” where touching and playing are encouraged.

  • Best for: Curious kids and parents who want a bit of culture.
  • How to get there: Take the MRT (Blue Line) to Sanam Chai Station. Use Exit 1, the station itself is widely considered the most beautiful in Bangkok, designed to look like a royal state room.

6. Madame Tussauds Bangkok

Get up close with world leaders, sports stars, and Hollywood celebrities. It’s highly interactive, kids can “play” soccer with Messi or take photos with Marvel superheroes.

  • Location: Siam Discovery, 4th Floor.
  • How to get there: Take the BTS to Siam Station (Exit 1). Walk through Siam Center to reach Siam Discovery.

7. Bangkok Planetarium (Science Center for Education)

A classic for a reason! It’s the oldest planetarium in Thailand but recently renovated. The star show in the big dome is magical, and there are separate buildings for dinosaurs, space technology, and even a small aquarium.

  • Location: Sukhumvit Road (Ekkamai).
  • How to get there: Take the BTS to Ekkamai Station (Exit 2). It’s a 2-minute walk from the exit.

8. HarborLand (at Gateway Ekkamai)

It’s a massive, world-class indoor playground with giant slides, climbing zones, and ball pits—all fully air-conditioned.

  • Location: Gateway Ekkamai Mall (5th Floor).
  • How to get there: Take the BTS to Ekkamai Station. The mall is directly connected to the station via a skywalk.

9. BEAT Active (BITEC Bangna)

This is the ultimate “energy burner.” Spanning over 10,000 square meters, it’s one of the largest indoor sports arenas in Thailand. It has 55+ activities including digital sports simulators (skiing, snowboarding, football), indoor climbing, and even an “eco-ice” skating rink.

  • Best for: Active kids, teens, and parents who want to play too.
  • How to get there: Take the BTS (Sukhumvit Line) to Bang Na Station. Use Exit 1, which leads you directly to the BITEC Buri building via the skywalk.

Khlong Lat Mayom is widely considered the best “local” floating market in Bangkok. Unlike the more famous markets (like Damnoen Saduak), this one is actually in Bangkok and is where locals go to eat and relax on the weekends.

10. Khlong Lat Mayom Floating Market

If you want to experience an authentic Thai weekend, this is the place. It’s less about boats selling souvenirs and more about incredible food stalls along the canal. You can take a long-tail boat tour ($60-100$ Baht per person) that winds through narrow canals, passing traditional wooden houses and an orchid farm.

  • Best for: Foodies and families who want a “local” experience.
  • Open: Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays (8:00 AM – 5:00 PM).
  • Pro Tip: Go hungry! Try the salt-crusted grilled fish (Pla Pao) or the boat noodles.
  • How to Get There:
    • The Free Shuttle: Take the MRT (Blue Line) to Bang Khun Non Station. From Exit 2 or 3, there is a free electric shuttle bus provided by the city that loops between the four floating markets in the area. It stops directly at Khlong Lat Mayom!
    • The BTS Route: Take the BTS (Silom Line) to Bang Wa Station. From there, it’s a quick 15-minute taxi or Grab ride (roughly $80-120$ Baht).

Quick Tip for Parents: > When exploring Bangkok family things to do by BTS, remember that travel costs for kids are based on height!

  • Height Checks: You’ll find measuring sticks right next to the ticket machines at every station to double-check!
  • Under 90 cm: Children ride FREE on both the BTS and MRT.
  • 90 cm – 120 cm: Kids usually get a 50% discount on the MRT (Blue and Purple lines). On the BTS, full fare usually applies unless you have a student Rabbit Card.