A parent and a kid on beach.

5 Best Things to Do with Kids in Koh Samui

Where are the Fun Places in Koh Samui to Take Your Family?

The best things to do with kids in Koh Samui range from visiting its stunning beaches to thrilling activities around this spectacular island in Thailand. Whether you’re a family of landlubbers or love playing in the sea, Koh Samui boasts a wide range of attractions and activities that will keep your kids, big and small, entertained for hours.

Embark on an island-hopping adventure to discover Koh Samui’s intriguing marine life. The warm crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Or, glide down a zipline and take in the breathtaking scenery. If you still have energy to burn, have a family tournament of soccer golf.

What are the best things to do with kids in Koh Samui?

1. Ang Thong National Marine Park

Island-hopping adventures

Beach, palm trees, water.

Good for: Families, Adventure, Photo


The Ang Thong National Marine Park is an hour’s boat ride northwest from Koh Samui and offers a grand day out filled with adventure, exploration, and stunning exotic scenery. The park is an archipelago of 42 islands with dramatic limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and pristine beaches. You can go snorkeling in turquoise waters or kayaking in mysterious coves.

If watersports aren’t your thing, hike up the hills for panoramic vistas or simply relax and play on the beautiful beaches. You might even spot monkeys, monkeys, gibbons, and various bird species in their natural habitat. To reach the park, hop on a private speedboat or a larger group ferry which often offer lunch, snorkelling equipment, and discounts for kids. Read more


Location: Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand

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Ang Thong National Marine Park

Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84280, Thailand

2. Canopy Adventures Samui

Ziplining through the rainforest

A person ziplining.

Good for: Families, Adventure


If you want to get your heart pumping and see the island’s magnificent tropical rainforest from a spectacular perspective, add Canopy Adventure Samui to your itinerary. They’ll get you all kitted up to zipline from tree to tree, offering a thrilling activity with excellent views. Anyone from 5 years old and older can take part and you won’t need any particular experience of ziplining, just a dash of a daredevil attitude.

Safety is, of course, at the core of Canopy Adventure Samui. The expert staff on every platform will guide you along your tree-top adventure and you’ll be donning top-quality equipment. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot. Read more


Location: 12/79 หมู่ 1แม่น้ำ แม่น้ำ Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand

Open: Daily from 9.30 am to 5 pm

Phone: +66 (0)081 952 9855

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Canopy Adventures Samui

12/79 หมู่ 1แม่น้ำ แม่น้ำ Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84330, Thailand

3. Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

A spiritual and scenic wonder

Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

Good for: Families, Photo, History


Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai) is famous for its giant golden Buddha statue, and it’s a great place to get a glimpse into Thai culture and Buddhism. You’ll see locals saying their prayers, burning incense, and offering flowers and food to Buddha. This temple is not only a spiritual center but also an architectural marvel with vibrant murals and serene lotus ponds.

Browse the souvenir stalls around the base of the statue for fun mementoes of your trip or get some refreshing coconut water from the nearby cafes. You’ll find Big Buddha Temple on the Ko Fan peninsula, near the mermaid statue. As this temple is a place of worship, do dress respectfully, covering your shoulders and knees.


Location: Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Open: Daily from 7 am to 6.30 pm

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Big Buddha Temple (Wat Phra Yai)

Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

4. Samui Soccer Golf

A family-friendly game

A soccer ball by a golf hole.

Good for: Adventure, Families, Photo


At Samui Football Golf, you and your family get to find out who’s best in 2 different sports: soccer and golf. As the name suggests, soccer golf is a hybrid of soccer and golf in which players try to steer a soccer ball into the 18 holes in as few ‘strokes’ as possible, only using their feet, of course.

It will have you and your group playing, laughing and enjoying it for at least 60 minutes. At the same time, you can enjoy a refreshing walk around a beautiful coconut plantation that forms the ‘course’. Bring sunscreen, water and a hat to make sure you’re on your best game. Read more


Location: 63/240 Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Open: Daily from 9 am to 6.30 pm

Phone: +66 (0)89 771 7498

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Samui Soccer Golf

63/240 Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

5. Central Festival Samui shopping complex

Family-friendly retail therapy

Central Festival Samui.

Good for: Shoppers, Families, Food


When you need a little break from the sea and beach, head to family-friendly shopping complex of Central Festival Samui and explore its shops, bars, restaurants, and recreational activities. It boasts a gaming arcade and multiple play areas where younger children can run around and have fun, such as an outdoor park and a thrilling garden maze.

You can rest your feet and enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the restaurants and cafes or grab a quick bite to eat while running errands. If you need to stock up on travel essentials or fill your picnic basket, you’ll also find a grocery store at this enormous shopping complex. Read more


Location: 209 209/1-2 หมู่ที่ 2 ตำบล บ่อผุด Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Open: Daily from 10 am to 10 pm

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Central Festival Samui shopping complex

209 209/1-2 หมู่ที่ 2 ตำบล บ่อผุด Tambon Bo Put, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84320, Thailand

Stephan Audiger
Compulsive Traveler

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