Things To Do In Phuket With Kids: Phuket Family Travel Guide

Beaches, luxurious resorts, spas and fab hospitality: Phuket makes a great family-friendly destination near Singapore. Read on for all the best things to do in Phuket with kids, where to stay, when to visit and more.

Located just a two-hour flight from Singapore, Phuket is a convenient holiday destination that’s packed with family-friendly fun. Not only do we love the island’s beautiful beaches, islands and reefs, but we also love that it’s got some great kids’ activities (despite it also being known for adult-only “fun” at Patong). For families planning a Phuket itinerary, here are all the best things to do in Phuket with kids, including where to stay (Club Med Phuket is a win, for us!) and the best time to travel to Phuket.

While you’re looking at Thailand destinations, be sure to check out our travel guide to Hua Hin, Chiang Mai and Koh Samui. Or, check out these amazing hotel kids’ clubs in Southeast Asia.

↓ Scroll down for all the best things to do in Phuket with kids ↓

Jump to:
– Best time to visit Phuket
– Singapore to Phuket flights
– Things to do in Phuket
– Where to stay in Phuket

Best time to visit Phuket

The best time to visit Phuket is between November and April, during the dry season. During this time, Phuket experiences low rainfall and clear waters. The rainy season in Phuket starts in May and ends in October. During the monsoon season in Phuket, the island experiences lots of thunderstorms, so don’t expect to be doing many beach and water activities during this time..

Nevertheless, May and October are still considered great times to travel to Phuket as they’re off-peak with occasional showers. Meanwhile, peak travel season in Phuket is from December to February.

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Singapore to Phuket flights

Flights between Singapore and Phuket take only about two hours, making it a convenient getaway for families from Singapore. Direct flights from Singapore to Phuket are available daily on Singapore Airlines, Scoot and Jetstar.

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Things to do in Phuket with kids

Explore Phuket islands: Popular Phuket tourist attraction

One of the best things to do in Phuket is island-hopping, especially with tour operators at nearly every corner of the island. That said, a visit to Phi Phi Islands is worth it for its backpacker vibes and calm, clear waters; Similan Islands for diving and snorkelling amidst colourful reefs; and Coral Island for its white sand beaches. Island-hopping can usually be done within a day (or even half a day, if you start early), and is great for admiring the island’s spectacular marine life. You can book a snorkelling tour in Phuket here.

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Naka Weekend Night Market: Phuket Night Market

Can you really say you’ve visited Phuket without spending an evening at a night market? Phuket night markets are a must for great shopping and street food, and you can start at the famous Naka Weekend Night Market. You’ll find live entertainment, cafes, cheap seafood and lots of souvenirs and beachwear–all suitable for families without the more “adult” elements of the markets at Patong Beach.

Of course, finding a night market in Phuket is easy as they’re pretty much everywhere! Other night markets to visit: Phuket Old Town Sunday Night Market and Kata Night Market.

Naka Weekend Night Market, Wirat Hong Yok Rd, Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand, www.phuketnakamarket.com

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Visit a Phuket elephant sanctuary: Things to do in Phuket with kids

Wondering what to do in Phuket with kids? Bring the little ones to see majestic elephants in their natural habitat at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in the Thalang District. This 30-acre park is home to rescued elephants who’ve spent their lives in captivity–that means no unethical practices such as elephant shows and riding. Instead, visitors can observe them from a 500-metre-long Canopy Walkway (Thailand’s largest!), take guided tours or volunteer to help out at the sanctuary.

You’ll be able to find plenty more Phuket elephant sanctuaries around the island. However, we highly recommend doing some research and reading reviews before choosing one to visit to ensure they practice ethical treatment of the elephants.

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, 100, Pa Klok, Thalang District, Chang Wat Phuket 83110, Thailand, www.phuketelephantsanctuary.org

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Carnival Magic Phuket & Phuket FantaSea: Fun things to do in Phuket

Dazzling lights, vibrant colours and over-the-top theatrics quite aptly describe the cultural theme parks of Phuket, Carnival Magic Phuket and Phuket FantaSea. Considered one of the most entertaining things to do in Phuket, these cultural parks provide next-level entertainment for families: think parades, acrobatics, funfairs and large-scale cultural performances.

Carnival Magic Phuket is said to be the more family-friendly of the two; Phuket FantaSea is also thoroughly entertaining, however, it’s good to note that Phuket FantaSea features live animals, which sparks some concerns regarding the ethical treatment of animals.

Carnival Magic Phuket, 999 Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand, www.carnivalmagic.fun
Phuket FantaSea, 99, Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand, www.phuketfantasea.fun

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Andamanda Phuket: Phuket water park

Andamanda Phuket is a water park in Phuket that embodies the theme of Thai culture and myths. Tucked between traditional Thai architecture are thrilling water slides (there’s a good variety of them, too!), lazy rivers, wave pools and lots of entertainment. Just take note that the park is a rather popular Phuket attraction. You can expect crowds during the weekends and during the holiday season, so be prepared for longer wait times on the more popular slides.

Andamanda Phuket, 333, Kathu, Kathu District, Phuket 83120, Thailand, www.andamandaphuket.com

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Central Festival Phuket: Shopping in Phuket

If you need a place to hide from the scorching sun or rain, Central Festival Phuket is your best bet. This shopping mall in Phuket has plenty of modern retail stores, designer brands, and restaurants, which is fantastic if you want to shop in air-conditioned comfort. It’s also home to Aquaria Phuket, Thailand’s largest aquarium and Phuket’s very own Trick Eye Museum.

Central Festival Phuket, 74,75 Moo5, Vichit, Muang, Phuket, 83000, Thailand, www.centralphuket.com

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Phuket Old Town: Lesser-known things to do in Phuket

When it comes to things to do in Phuket, it’s obvious that the beach life is the highlight of this island destination. But if you’ve got little explorers with you, then Phuket Old Town is worth a visit. Phuket Old Town has a myriad of Sino-Portuguese buildings and street art, shrines and markets. If you’re on a shorter Phuket itinerary, then a day trip to Phuket Old Town would be adequate to see the key Phuket attractions. Still, avid travellers recommend spending at least two days here to really experience the local culture.

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Beaches in Phuket: Best things to do in Phuket with kids

Phuket has plenty of beaches and tonnes of great resorts. If you’re having trouble deciding which area is best for you, then here’s a brief rundown of some of the most popular beaches in Phuket:

Patong Beach: Arguably the most popular and touristy area of Phuket, known for its adult entertainment and vibrant party scene. This area is more suitable for adults looking to have fun.

Karon Beach and Kata Beach: These beaches, located south of Patong Beach, are also popular tourist destinations in Phuket, but are known for their more laid-back atmosphere. Karon Beach is a long stretch of white sand beach, while Kata Beach is known for surfing and watersports.

Kamala Beach, Surin Beach, Nai Harn Beach: These are some of the most secluded beaches in Phuket. Great for families looking for a quiet getaway.

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Bangla Road Phuket: Things to do in Phuket for adults

Need a break from the kiddos? Bangla Road is where you can experience the epitome of Phuket’s vibrant nightlife. This area is lined with bars adorned with neon lights and dancers, blasting loud music. You’ll also find street performers, artists and street-side stalls selling souvenirs and snacks. Bangla Road Phuket is the area where you’ll find lots of the adult entertainment Phuket is so well-known for, so it’s definitely not recommended for kids.

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Where to stay in Phuket: Family-friendly resorts in Phuket

Club Med Phuket: All-inclusive Phuket beach resort

Beach? Check. Kids club? Check. Kid-friendly food? Check! At Club Med Phuket, you’re pretty much guaranteed a fuss-free stay with the kiddos with its all-inclusive concept. And now with Club Med Phuket’s all-new Family Oasis, you’ll find it hard to peel yourself away from this family-friendly resort in Phuket. The Family Oasis is a brand new space that includes all-new family rooms and the Splash Park, a mini water park with plenty of water jets, winding water slides and cabanas (including kid-sized ones!) that’s pretty much a sunny utopia for young ones.

Pair all this with Club Med Phuket’s family-friendly offerings, and you’ve got a holiday the kids will remember for years to come. The kids’ club here isn’t just confined to the physical kids’ club building. Throughout the day you’ll see the various groups of kids, from preschoolers to teens, taking part in a myriad of activities. Kids can try their hand at circus school (fancy, a flying trapeze class, anyone?), take part in workshops, have pool and foam parties, and more. After dinner, catch an entertaining nightly show–mostly performed by Club Med Phuket’s friendly and energetic staff members–followed by parties for the grown-ups.

With the kids occupied at the kids’ club, Mum and Dad can also get some alone time. We love that there’s an adult-only Zen Pool and an on-site spa for winding down. Not to mention, plenty of wellness and sports activities, including Thai Boxing, snorkelling and more–all included in your stay!

Club Med Phuket, A, 3 Kata Road Karon S-D, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand, www.clubmed.com.sg

Read more: Best Family Resorts & Hotel Kids’ Clubs In Southeast Asia

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JW Marriott Phuket: Luxury beach resort in Phuket

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa is for families looking for a quiet beach escape in Phuket. Located on the scenic Mai Khao Beach, the resort has a turtle foundation where families can learn about the gentle creatures’ habitats. The resort has three swimming pools, including a kids’ pool that resembles ancient ruins, a luxurious spa, a cooking school and other family-friendly amenities.

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, 231 Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand, www.marriott.com

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Banyan Tree Phuket: Luxury Phuket villas

Experience the Phuket villa life with all the luxurious trimmings of a five-star resort at Banyan Tree Phuket. Whether you’re travelling as a couple or a family, you’ll get a whole villa to yourself, each with a private pool. Adults can practice some self-care with Banyan Tree Phuket’s wellness activities while the kids unwind at the Terra Kids Club.

Banyan Tree Phuket, 33 Cherngtalay 33/27 ถนน Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand, www.banyantree.com

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Other popular resorts in Phuket:

• Amari Phuket
• Angsana Laguna Phuket
• Hyatt Regency Phuket
• Intercontinental Phuket
• Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
• Keemala Phuket
• Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach
• Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa
• Rosewood Phuket
• Trisara Phuket

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More travel inspiration for the ultimate beach vibes: