Family activities in Saigon are plentiful and suited for kids of all ages. Things to do with kids in Ho Chi Minh range from expansive theme parks and lush gardens to traditional performances and day tours of this vibrant city. One of the most developed cities in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City also offers a good mix of accommodation, dining, and shopping opportunities, attracting visitors from across the world.
If you’re a fan of the outdoors, there are plenty of parks with walking paths dotted throughout the city centre, but during scorching afternoons, make your way to a shopping mall, where you can enjoy some retail therapy while the little ones can enjoy a round of bowling or spend some time at an indoor arcade centre. Catering to different budget levels and preferences, read on for our list of the best things to do with your kids in Ho Chi Minh City.
Water Puppet Theatres in Ho Chi Minh
Traditional Vietnamese water puppet shows depict the culture, traditions and folklore of Vietnamese life in vivid sets and props, making them one of the best family activities in Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors are entertained by puppets acting on a ‘stage’ of water accompanied by live old-fashioned music played on authentic instruments. One of the most popular places to see a water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh is at The Golden Dragon Water Puppetry Theatre. Show times are daily at 17:00, 18:30 and 19:45, lasting about 50 minutes each.
Artinus 3D Art Museum Saigon
Artinus 3D Art Museum Saigon features a spacious exhibit filled with vibrant paintings of wildlife, sculptures and popular landmarks that seem lifelike when photographed. The first of its kind in Ho Chi Minh City, its main draw is the Vietnam Zone which features three-dimensional paintings of ladies dressed in traditional ao dai costumes and prominent attractions such as Ha Long Bay and Mekong Delta. Tickets are priced at VND 200,000 on weekdays and VND 220,000 on weekends. Open daily, Artinus 3D Art Museum Saigon is a 15-minute drive from The Crescent Mall in District 7
Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens
The Ho Chi Minh City Zoo and Botanical Gardens (aka Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens) were opened in 1865 by French botanist JB Louis Pierre. Housing about 550 animals in the zoo and more than 1,830 trees and 260 plant species in the botanical gardens, it’s listed as one of the oldest zoos in the world. There are a number of different sections to explore including the animal conservation area, orchid garden and plant conservation centre, a children’s amusement area, and a monument dedicated to Vietnamese killed in World War I
Suoi Tien Cultural Amusement Park
Suoi Tien Cultural Amusement Park attracts travelling families looking to enjoy a fun-filled day in Ho Chi Minh City. This Buddhist-themed attraction is fitted with colourful statues of mythical creatures such as dragons, tortoises, and phoenixes as well as edifices and shrines of Buddha. Located in District 1, travelling families can enjoy waterslides at the artificial Tien Dong Beach, rollercoaster rides, parades, a 4D theatre and aquarium. Entrance fees to Suoi Tien Cultural Amusement Park are priced at US$5 for adults and US$2.50 for children.
Dam Sen Water Park Saigon
Dam Sen Water Park Saigon in District 11 features a variety of water slides, a wave pool, and thrilling rides for visitors of all ages. Open daily, standout rides include the Kamikaze, a fast-paced water slide measuring 19 metres in height and a Flying Fox-themed water ride, where you get to hang from a 10 metre-long cable over a massive swimming pool. Entrance fees cost VND 90,000 for children and VND 140,000 for adults, but if you visit after 16:00, they cost VND 80,000 and VND 120,000 respectively.
KizCiti Centre Saigon
Kizciti Centre Saigon is a good option for kids between 3 and 12 years old looking to learn about the working world and careers. Set within Khanh Hoi Park, this miniature city is fitted with 30 facilities, including a faux photography studio, beauty parlour, fire department, medical centre, fashion studio, bakery, and airport. Parents can opt to supervise their children from a safe distance, though the staff are very friendly and experienced in handling large groups. Kizciti Centre Saigon also has a miniature golf course and an open-air cafe serving a wide range of western favourites, coffee, soft drinks and fresh juices.
Games Arcade Centre at Vincom Center B Shopping Mall
The games arcade centre at Vincom Center B Shopping Mall is fitted with plenty of basketball hoops, air hockey, video games, and bumper cars for children and teens looking to enjoy during their holiday in Ho Chi Minh City. Located on the basement floor of a modern, glass-fronted skyscraper, there’s also an excellent food court with Buds Ice Cream, Carl’s Jr burgers, Seoul Garden, and many other offerings from across the world. Meanwhile, parents can find familiar brands such as Jimmy Choo, DKNY, Charles & Keith and a host of jewellery and perfume stores.
Handicrafts Workshop at Vin Space Art Studio
Vin Space Art Studio organises a variety of workshops for adults and children, ranging from oil, acrylic and abstract painting to handicrafts-making, woodblock-printing, and photography. Located along Le Van Mien Street, this boutique studio also supports Saigon’s thriving art scene by exhibiting pieces by local and international artists as well as providing financial assistance for those looking to pursue their projects. A popular workshop for parents is the Canvas & Wine, held every Thursday evening. Priced at VND 874,000, you get to learn various painting styles with all materials provided, as well as free-flow wine and snacks during the workshop.
Join a Cyclo Sightseeing Tour
Vietnam Adventure Tour lets you enjoy a cyclo sightseeing tour of Cholon, Ho Chi Minh City’s massive and atmospheric Chinatown district. Great for a leisurely ride with the little ones, this four-hour long excursion is guided by an English-speaking local, stopping at the 19th-century Thien Hau Pagoda and Binh Tay Market, where you get to shop for handicrafts and Vietnamese street food. Before heading back to your hotel, the cyclo sightseeing tour ends with a filling lunch at a local restaurant in Cholon.
Bowling at Diamond Plaza Mall Saigon
Superbowl Vietnam at Diamond Plaza Mall Saigon is modern and colourful with all the flashing lights and loud clatter of pins common in bowling alleys across the world. The 32 lanes at Diamond Superbowl ensure there is almost always an alley available, but it might be worth booking on weekend evenings. Prices per hour of bowling range significantly from weekday mornings (200,000 VND) to weekends after 19:00 (375,000 VND). The other main reason for choosing to visit Diamond Plaza is the family entertainment options such as the video arcade on the fourth floor and the Diamond Cinema on the 13th floor.