Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis of Vietnam, is an exciting destination for families looking to explore a blend of modern attractions, cultural experiences, and fun activities suitable for all ages. Together with Saigon Local Tour explore the top 10 family-friendly activities in Ho Chi Minh City that are perfect for things to do with kids and family.
Indoor Activities for Families in Ho Chi Minh City
Visit the Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Financial Tower
Address: 36 Ho Tung Mau Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: Every day from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Bitexco Financial Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Saigon, standing out with its unique architecture and stunning views. In particular, on the 49th floor of the building, you will find Saigon Skydeck, an observation deck that gives you a panoramic view of the city. This is one of the interesting and memorable destinations for families when visiting Saigon. With a 360-degree view, families can see from the bustling streets of District 1 to the distant suburbs.
In addition to admiring the cityscape, Saigon Skydeck also has an exhibition area introducing the history and development of Saigon over the years, explaining how the city transformed from a small trading port into the dynamic, modern city it is today. For kids, this is an engaging way to learn about the history and culture of the city they’re visiting, providing them with context about what they’re seeing.
The transparent space of the observation deck gives kids an interesting experience when they can look down from a height, which will definitely make them excited and unforgettable. Moreover, families can also explore the surrounding Bitexco Tower Mall, which offers a wide array of shopping and dining options. The mall provides a perfect opportunity for families to enjoy a meal or pick up souvenirs to remember their visit.
Enjoy Snow Town Entertainment Center
Address: Floor 3-4, The CBD Premium Home, 125 Dong Van Cong, Thach My Loi Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: Everyday from 9AM to 9PM
For a cool and fun experience in the heart of the tropical climate of Ho Chi Minh City, Snow Town offers a unique indoor winter escape, providing a refreshing contrast to the city's typically hot and humid weather. Located within AEON Mall Tan Phu, one of the largest shopping malls in the city, Snow Town is an indoor entertainment center designed to replicate the chill and charm of a snowy winter environment, even though the temperature outside is always warm. This magical indoor winter wonderland is a perfect destination for families looking for a fun and interactive experience that combines the best of both winter sports and a tropical setting.
Upon entering Snow Town, families are greeted by a stunning winter landscape complete with real, fluffy snow. The venue maintains a chilly temperature below freezing, ensuring that the snow remains fresh and perfect for all the winter activities. As you step inside, the first thing that strikes you is the snow-covered ground, the frosty air, and the playful atmosphere, making it feel like you've been transported to a snowy destination far from the tropical heat of Ho Chi Minh City.
Snow Town provides an extensive array of winter-themed activities, making it a great spot for family fun, no matter the age of your children. The range of activities offered ensures that everyone, from young toddlers to teenagers and even adults, can join in the excitement and enjoy the magic of snow. Aside from the main snow and ice-related activities, Snow Town also features a variety of additional attractions and amenities that make it an even more appealing destination for families such as winter themed cafes, shopping and souvenirs.
Attend The Creative Workshop
Ho Chi Minh City is also home to many creative workshops where families can engage in fun, hands-on activities. These workshops are a great way for families to bond and explore their artistic side. Whether it’s pottery, painting, or even cooking, there are plenty of creative options to enjoy. You can find lots of local workshops and classes in Ho Chi Minh City.
For example, there are pottery classes where children and parents can learn how to shape clay into functional pieces or artistic creations. Many workshops also offer traditional Vietnamese crafts, like lantern-making or painting with natural pigments, which can be both fun and educational. Some workshops even feature cooking lessons, where families can learn to prepare Vietnamese dishes like pho or spring rolls together. These creative experiences allow kids to not only learn new skills but also connect with Vietnamese culture and traditions.
Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Discover Suoi Tien Theme Park
Address: 120 Hanoi Highway, Tan Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: Everyday from 8 AM - 6 PM
Suoi Tien Theme Park is one of the largest and most unique family-friendly destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, combining thrilling amusement rides with rich cultural experiences. Suoi Tien offers a delightful mix of entertainment, education, and culture, making it an ideal day-trip destination for families with children of all ages. Its sprawling grounds are packed with attractions, both exciting and educational.
The park’s amusement area is the highlight for many visitors, featuring a wide array of rides and attractions suitable for children and adults alike. The water park section of Suoi Tien is another major draw for families, especially during the hot season. In addition to these classic theme park rides, there are other exciting attractions like bumper cars, go-karts, and a variety of carnival-style games that offer prizes, making it a perfect place to spend an entire day.
What sets Suoi Tien apart from other amusement parks is its unique blend of entertainment and culture. The park is deeply influenced by Vietnamese traditions and history, which is evident in its design and the cultural exhibits scattered throughout. Suoi Tien features a Cultural Museum where families can learn about the history of Vietnam, particularly its ancient myths, legends, and folklore. Through displays, sculptures, and interactive exhibits, visitors are introduced to characters from Vietnamese mythology.
Suoi Tien is not just about rides and cultural sites—it's also a place where children can connect with animals and nature. The park features a mini zoo with a variety of animals. This allows children to get up close to the animals, providing a valuable educational experience about wildlife.
Visit the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city
Opening hours: 7 AM - 5:30 PM
For families looking to connect with nature, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is an ideal place to explore. Established in 1865, this is one of the oldest zoos in the world and remains a popular family destination in Ho Chi Minh City. The zoo houses a variety of animals, including elephants, tigers, monkeys, and exotic birds, making it a great place for children to learn about wildlife.
The botanical gardens surrounding the zoo are a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Families can stroll through lush greenery and enjoy the beauty of over 1,800 species of plants. The zoo also offers educational programs and exhibits about wildlife conservation, which provide valuable learning opportunities for children. In addition, the zoo features playgrounds and picnic areas where families can relax, making it a great spot to spend a whole afternoon.
Cruise Along The Saigon River
A cruise along the Saigon River offers a unique way for families to explore the city from a different perspective. The river cruises provide stunning views of Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline, along with the chance to see the lush greenery and peaceful landscapes of the outskirts of the city. This relaxing boat ride is perfect for families who want to enjoy a calm, scenic experience together.
There are various types of river cruises available, including daytime tours, sunset cruises, and dinner cruises. Families can enjoy a meal on board or simply relax and take in the sights. The peaceful journey along the river provides a refreshing break from the city's busy streets and offers families a chance to unwind while enjoying beautiful views of Saigon.
Cultural and Educational Family-Friendly Experiences
Experience Traditional Performance at the Puppet Theater
Address: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 5 PM - 8:45 PM
The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater in Ho Chi Minh City offers a unique cultural experience showcasing the ancient art of water puppetry, a traditional Vietnamese folk performance dating back over a thousand years. Performed on water, puppeteers use submerged rods to control intricately crafted wooden puppets, bringing to life stories from Vietnamese mythology, history, and rural life. The shows are accompanied by live traditional music, creating an immersive experience that blends entertainment with cultural education.
The performances at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater feature vibrant stories, which highlight key elements of Vietnamese culture, folklore, and agricultural life. The colorful puppets and synchronized music captivate audiences of all ages, making it an ideal activity for families and tourists looking to learn more about Vietnam’s heritage.
This theater is not only a place for entertainment but also an educational experience for those wanting to connect with Vietnam's artistic traditions. The puppetry offers a window into the country’s rural life, mythology, and history, making it an enriching experience for families and tourists.
Visit Cu Chi Tunnels
Address: TL15, Phu Hiep, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 7 AM - 5 PM
Cu Chi Tunnels, located 30 kilometers outside Ho Chi Minh City, are an essential destination for families seeking an interactive dive into Vietnam’s wartime history. This vast network of underground passageways, stretching over 250 kilometers, played a vital role during the Vietnam War as a base for Vietnamese guerrilla fighters. Ingeniously designed with multiple levels, hidden entrances, and functional spaces such as kitchens and hospitals,...A guided tour provides visitors with insights into how soldiers lived, communicated, and evaded detection in these challenging conditions.
Families can experience history firsthand by crawling through the tunnels and exploring surface-level exhibits, including reconstructed bunkers, weapon displays, and demonstrations of ingenious wartime tactics. Highlights include the cleverly designed "Hoang Cam kitchens," which concealed cooking smoke to avoid detection, and hands-on activities like handling historical tools. For those seeking more adventure, a nearby shooting range offers the chance to try weapons used during the war, though this may not be suitable for younger visitors.
The Cu Chi Tunnels offer a meaningful and educational outing for families of all ages. Beyond the physical exploration, the visit provides valuable lessons about resilience, innovation, and the human spirit during times of hardship. It also sparks discussions about Vietnam’s journey to independence, making it a must-visit site for families seeking both adventure and cultural enrichment in Ho Chi Minh City.
Discover the Reunification Palace
Address: 106 Nguyen Du, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 8 AM - 3:30 PM
The Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace, stands as a significant symbol of Vietnam's history and resilience. Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this iconic building served as the headquarters for the President of South Vietnam during a turbulent period in the nation’s history. Designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu in the 1960s, the palace is an architectural marvel that combines modernist design with traditional Vietnamese elements. Most notably, it was here that the Vietnam War came to an end on April 30, 1975. Today, the palace operates as a museum, preserving this pivotal moment in history and inviting visitors to learn about the political and social events that shaped modern Vietnam.
A visit to the Reunification Palace offers families an immersive journey into the past. Guests can walk through the elaborately designed rooms where critical decisions were made, including the president's office, formal reception areas, and the grand conference halls where important meetings were held. Children, in particular, will find it exciting to explore the labyrinth of tunnels and secret rooms. Meanwhile, parents can appreciate the palace’s unique combination of aesthetic grandeur and historical gravity. The outdoor spaces are perfect for a family photo session, serving as both a serene and thought-provoking backdrop.
