Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City with Kids 2024

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is Southern Vietnam's vibrant metropolis with a rich history and culture for families to discover. Beyond the bustling streets and towering skyscrapers, parents would find tons of things to do with kids in Ho Chi Minh City. Join us as we dive into the best things to create a family-friendly adventure here.

1. Get the fun-filled adventure at Suoi Tien Theme Park

After having a full breakfast, your family can spend the whole day at Suoi Tien Amusement Park, where kids can enjoy thrilling games, water parks, and fairy tale castles. The famous Tien Dong Ngoc Nu artificial beach with its scenic surroundings definitely the first spot to join here. The Crocodile Kingdom is also a kids-favorite spot, where they can watch and even feed crocodiles.

Don’t forget to take your kids to the aquarium's underwater world as well as enjoy over 90 games and activities for all ages. At the end of the day, wrap up your day at Suoi Tien Farm, where lush greenery awaits and you can harvest fruits right from the garden. It's a day of excitement and unforgettable memories for the whole family!

Open hours: 7:30 AM - 05:00 PM, every day. Open from 7:00 AM till late during the Tet holidays.
Price: 

• Adult ticket price: 150,000 VND (~6 USD)/ticket (children 1m4 tall or more)
• Child ticket price: 80,000 VND (~3 USD)/ticket (children under 1m4 tall)
• Children under 1 year old: Free

Address: 120 Hanoi Highway, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: https://suoitien.com

2. Splash and Slide at the Dam Sen Water Park Saigon

Get ready for a beat-the-heat experience with your little one at Dam Sen Saigon Water Park! At the entrance, your kids will frolic in the large fountain. Then, float along the lazy river on inflatable floats, perfect for relaxation. There's a children's pool with mini water slides just for them, and they can even join you in the adult wave pool—no height restrictions here!

With 36 game machines at Dam Sen Nuoc, the fun never ends. For some adrenaline-pumping excitement, try out the "brain-twisting" slides on steep tubes, including the Tornado Slide, Twister Max Slide, Black Thunder Slide, and Waterfall Swing. It's a day of endless adventure and laughter for the whole family.

Open hours: 

• Monday to Saturday: 9:00 AM - 06:00 PM
• Sunday, Holidays, New Year: 8:30 AM – 06:00 PM

Price: 

• People over 1m4: 200,000 VND (~8.01 USD)/ticket
• People from 0.8m to  1m4: 160,000 VND (~6.41 USD)/ticket
• People under 0.8m: free tickets

Address: 03 Hoa Binh, Ward 3, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City

Website: damsenwaterpark.com.vn

3. Explore the Vietnamese culture at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

Discover the rich Vietnamese heritage at the iconic Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, a must-visit destination for families. Originally owned by the affluent trader Hua Bon Hoa, this museum now showcases a diverse collection of art treasures from Vietnamese and international artists.

With its striking Art Deco architecture, the museum offers a captivating blend of Asian and European design elements. Explore the galleries filled with sculptures, paintings, and antiques of cultural significance, including works by renowned Vietnamese artists like Trinh Cung and Nguyen Gia Tri.

Children will be fascinated by the colorful exhibits and ancient artifacts, providing a valuable learning experience. Remember to dress modestly, seek assistance from staff for voice-over guides, and ensure children refrain from touching the exhibits.

Open hours: 8.00 AM - 05.00 PM, every day.

Price: 30,000 VND (~1.2 USD)/ticket.

Address: 97A, Pho Duc Chinh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Website: baotangmythuattphcm.com (Vietnamese language only)

4. Ride on a Traditional Cyclo

Explore the vibrant culture of Ho Chi Minh City with your children on a traditional cyclo tour through the city. A cyclo, a three-wheeled bicycle taxi, offers a leisurely ride and a unique perspective on local life. Each cyclo can accommodate two people, making it ideal for families with small children.

Cyclo drivers are local, and some of them can provide insightful commentary in English throughout the tour of 2-4 hours. You will move slowly enough on the busy streets of Saigon to have a closer look into the authentic Saigon life. This immersive experience allows children to learn about the city's history while having a safe and enjoyable adventure.

Price: ~35 USD)/half day tour

5. Understand Ho Chi Minh Better on a Mekong Delta Tour

During your trip in Ho Chi Minh City, you can embark on an exciting Mekong Delta Day Tour with your children for a memorable adventure in Ho Chi Minh City. This full-day tour is perfect for families, offering an immersive experience of Vietnam's cultural and natural beauty.

Cruise along the Mekong River on a traditional boat, exploring floating markets and traditional villages along the way. It's a fantastic opportunity for kids to learn about the region's unique ecosystem and witness local life up close. Plus, they'll have the chance to see how Vietnamese coconut candy, rice paper are made, adding to the educational aspect of the tour.

>> What we can expect about a trip to the Mekong Delta

6. Learn about the Vietnam War at Cu Chi Tunnels

A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an iconic site constructed during the Vietnam War, brings a good insight into what war was like and what we should do. You can explore the intricate network of underground tunnels, stretching over 250 kilometers, which served as vital hideouts and supply routes for Vietnamese soldiers.

Your kids will be fascinated by the ingenuity and resilience displayed by the Vietnamese people during wartime. They can even crawl through the tunnels themselves, gaining a firsthand understanding of the challenges faced by those who lived and fought here. It's a unique and educational experience that will leave a lasting impression on the whole family.

Open hours: 8:00 AM - 05:00 PM, every day
Price: 

• Ben Duoc: 90,000 VND (~3.6 USD)/ticket
• Ben Dinh: 110,000 VND (~4.4 USD)/ticket

Address: Cu Chi Tunnels historical relic site - TL15, Phu Hiep, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City

7. Watch the Traditional Water Puppet Show

This cherished art form brings to life Vietnamese folklore through crafted puppets performed on a water stage. The show introduces you and your children to many folk tales and traditions,... Accompanied by live traditional music, the vibrant performances captivate audiences of all ages with their colorful characters and engaging stories.

This is a delightful way for children to appreciate the local culture and create lasting memories of their time in Vietnam. Some of Saigon theatres that have water puppets shown are Rong Vang Theatre, Non La Theatre, Nu Cuoi theatre

Open hours: around 06:30 PM, every day
Price: from 300,000 VND (~12 USD)/ticket

8. Explore a local market

Markets in Ho Chi Minh City such as Ben Thanh Market and Binh Tay Night Market are a feast for the senses, offering deeply interesting experiences with the residents' lives as well as unique tropical ingredients that promise to make every visit a memorable adventure.

Let your little ones pick out their unique souvenirs or sample local treats as they soak up the bustling atmosphere. With an array of fresh vegetables and tropical fruits like durians, watermelons, pineapples, and coconuts on offer, there's something to please every palate.

These top things to do in HCMC with kids add an extra layer of excitement, and the smiles on your children's faces will create memories that last forever. All these experiences are totally can be done on your own. Your family also can consider booking a Vietnam private tour for families with a local travel agency.