Top 10 Kid-friendly Spots in Ho Chi Minh City

Different from the peaceful capital city of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City is the most bustling city in Vietnam. Being a young, dynamic metropolitan, this city is a good mix of dining, accommodation and shopping opportunities to make both adults and children happy. You’re good on your own, but if you’re traveling with kids, you’ve hit the jackpot. Ho Chi Minh city is indeed the home to kid-friendly activities. 

These activities are extremely diverse, ranging from expansive theme parks and lush gardens to traditional performances and educational sightseeings. Coming in all budget levels and preferences, these recreational options will surely leave your kids no time to get bored. Please read on our list to check out the top 10 kid-friendly spots in Ho Chi Minh City.

1. Water Puppet Theatres in Ho Chi Minh

Address: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: Daily 17:00, 18:30 & 19:45

Budget: USD 7.5

Why is it kid-friendly?

If you wish to give your kids a fun, exciting experience while picking up some knowledge in Vietnamese’s traditional culture, water puppet shows are your first choice. The traditions and folklore of Vietnamese life are performed live with puppets “dancing” on a bed of water. Kids love puppets, don’t they?

What to do during a puppet show?

The most popular place to enjoy water puppet shows in Ho Chi Minh City is the Golden Dragon Water Puppetry Theatre. The show will typically last nearly an hour, with live old-fashioned music played on authentic instruments. Although all songs are sung in Vietnamese, your kids will still enjoy the upbeat music and constantly-changing puppet sets during the show. However, be aware of advance booking, as the place is drawing much more attention from both locals and tourists.

2. Artinus 3D Art Museum Saigon

Address: 02-04 Road 9, Him Lam Residence, Tan Hung Thuan Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: Daily 09:00 – 22:00

Budget: VND 200,000 (weekdays) – VND 220,000 (weekends)

Why is it kid-friendly?

This offbeat, family-friendly 3D museum is the first of its kind in Ho Chi Minh City. Your kids will love posing next to the giant 3D paintings, which seem lifelike when photographed. 

The museum features a spacious exhibit filled with exotic, surreal paintings of wildlife, sculptures and popular landmarks. Try googling the name and you’ll find hilarious photos of visitors “swimming with fish”, “talking to King Kong” and “playing a mermaid”. Its main draw is the Vietnam Zone which features three-dimensional paintings of ladies in traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai. Make sure you bring along a good camera, as taking cool photos is mostly everything you will do here. 

3. Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens

Address: 2B Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: Daily 07:00 – 19:30

Budget: VND 30,000 for Children, VND 50,000 for Adults

Why is it kid-friendly?

A discovery into the world of flora and fauna has always been kids’ favorite source of amusement. Great biological lessons are taught while the children enjoy precious moments with fresh air and nature in the heart of a hectic city.

What to do at the garden?

Being the largest zoo and botanical garden of Vietnam, Saigon Zoo is home to 550 mammals, reptiles and birds, as well as more than 1,830 trees and 260 plant species. It’s got a lot to offer: the animal conversation area, an orchid garden and plant conservation center, a children’s amusement area, and a monument dedicated to Vietnamese killed in World War I.

3. Suoi Tien Cultural Amusement Park

Address: 120 AH1, Tan Phu, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:30

Budget: US$2.50 for Children, US$5 for Adults

Why is it kid-friendly?

Spending a whole day in an amusement park has always been every kid’s dream. Suoi Tien Cultural Amusement Park is a great place for kids to drain out their energy and have fun with activities in water. 

What to do at the park?

This Buddhist-themed attraction is filled with colorful statues of mythical creatures such as dragons, tortoises and phoenixes. Located in District 9, families can enjoy a wide range of activities including waterslides, roller coaster rides, parades, UFO spinner, 8D movie theater, lazer zone, magic castle and aquarium. 

5. KizCiti Centre Saigon

Address: Khanh Hoi Park, Hoang Dieu, Ward 5, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: Daily 09:00 – 17:00

Budget: VND 150,000 for Children, VND 20,000 for Adults

Why is it kid-friendly?

Ever heard your kid say “I wish I were an adult like you”? Let your kids experience a day of a grown-up at Kizciti Centre Saigon. This is an ideal place for kids between 3 and 12 years old to learn about the working world and careers.

What to do at the centre?

This compact miniature city is fitted with 30 facilities, including a photography studio, beauty parlour, fire department, medical centre, fashion studio, bakery, and airport. All kids will be dressed appropriately and given equipment for the job, while parents supervise and encourage them from a distance. Your kids can choose any career they like, be it a firefighter, nurse, doctor, post delivery man, banker or police officer. You can also keep yourself occupied at the air con cafe with meals and snacks.

6. Handicrafts Workshop at Vin Space Art Studio

Address: 4 Le Van Mien, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: Monday – Saturday 09:00 – 18:00

Budget: VND 345,000 for one hour, VND 505,000 for two hours

Why is it kid-friendly?

If your kids have a bit of an artistic personality type, the handicrafts workshop is definitely their home. Either creating real artwork or simply playing with colors, this will still be an unforgettable experience for both parents and children.

What to do at the studio?

It offers a variety of workshops, ranging from oil, acrylic and abstract painting to handicrafts-making, woodblock-printing, and photography. This boutique studio also exhibits pieces by local and international artists and occasionally holds workshops for parents. It’s time to put aside your stress and get your hands dirty while having a good time with your little ones.

7. Cu Chi Tunnels

Address: Phu Hiep TL15 Phu Hiep, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: Daily 07:00 – 17:00

Budget: VND 90,000 – VND 240,000

Why is it kid-friendly?

Cu Chi Tunnel is one of the most famous historic landmarks in Vietnam, which is about 70 kilometers away from Ho Chi Minh City. Visiting an immense network of connecting underground tunnels, your family will enjoy one of the most interesting and educational visits ever. You can book a Cu Chi Tunnels day tour to experience fully the interesting things of this historical site in Saigon.

What to do during the tour?

Your kids will have a great fun crawling through a long underground tunnel to have a look at how the life of Vietnamese soldiers were during the war. War handmade weapons are on display and adults will have a chance to try AK shoots. All traps and props are well-preserved as proof of how Viet Cong won the war over the mighty US army. Also, consider having a guided tour to fully grasp the hidden charm of history lingering in this place.

>> Check Out Our Half-day Tour to Cu Chi Tunnels by Speedboat!

8. Mekong Delta

Address: 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: a full day tour

Budget: VND 350,000

Why is it kid-friendly?

If you’re looking for an escape from the bustling city, you might consider taking your family on a tour to Mekong Delta. The unique characters of the South West of Vietnam are all condensed into this destination. In the typical Mekong Delta Day tour, all sorts of family activities are on offer, ranging from boat rides to traditional cuisine making.

>> Join With Our Exclusive Mekong Three-day Tour on The Two-wheels!

What to do during the tour?

Tours differ according to your chosen packages, but usually the tour will start with a large traditional boat ride. You will be taken to the islands, where most activities are carried out. Kids will learn how to make honey and coconut candy, and also get a taste of the various flavors on offer. Visits to floating markets and “hu tieu” villages are also available. 

9. Snap Café

Address: 32 Tran Ngoc Dien, Thao Dien, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 7:30 – 22:30

Budget: VND 100,000 – VND 220,000 on average

Why is it kid-friendly?

Sure, cafes are not the first choices when it comes to traveling with young children. However, Snap Cafe offers you an amazing family experience, ranging from meals and soft drinks to a children’s playground and boutiques.

What to do at the cafe?

Parents can enjoy some quiet time with a tranquil book garden, while children indulge in one of the most famous playgrounds of District 2. Being the iconic landmark of Thao Dien, the Snap Cafe regularly holds featured events such as the Live Music Nights and the Quiz Nights. Shopping experience is also available: you can shop for designers’ products in its Terrace and the Tree courtyard.

10. War Remnants Museum

Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 7:30 – 18:00

Budget: VND 20,000 – VND 40,000

Why is it kid-friendly?

Another educational visit. Helicopters, jets, tanks and lots of other vehicles are on display. The War Remnants Museum is close to the center of the city and the price is very reasonable.

What to do at the museum?

The Vietnam war is vividly depicted by the lively models and weapons on display here. There are authentic war planes and bomb shells outside the museum, and plenty of brilliant old photographs inside. Some visuals can be gruesome to young kids, but they are totally avoidable. Be cautious, however, if your kids are too little; teenagers will be able to make the most of the experience. 

Those are the top 10 family activities we recommend you to try. Being rich in both culture and entertainment, Ho Chi Minh is well-equipped to provide your family an unforgettable experience during your stay.