Top Activities for Kids in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam, with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, is a fantastic family-friendly destination for travelers of all ages. Whether planning a family vacation or exploring Vietnam as part of a larger Vietnam holiday package including flights, the country's bustling cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) offer countless activities to engage and entertain children. From interactive museums and outdoor parks to kid-friendly cooking classes and theme parks, there’s something for everyone.
This article highlights the top activities for kids in both cities, ensuring that your Vietnam family holidays will be educational, fun, and memorable.
Interactive Museums and Cultural Centres
The best way to introduce children to Vietnam’s rich culture and history is by visiting its interactive museums and cultural centres. These venues not only entertain but also educate young minds.
In Hanoi, the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is an excellent starting point. This museum showcases the diverse ethnic groups of Vietnam, offering hands-on exhibits and fascinating displays of traditional costumes, tools, and daily life. Children can also engage with life-sized replicas of traditional houses, which provide a tactile learning experience.
In Ho Chi Minh City, the Museum of Vietnamese History provides an exciting glimpse into the nation's past, engaging exhibits on ancient civilisations, the Cham people, and Vietnam’s revolutionary history. The Ao Dai Museum, dedicated to Vietnam’s iconic traditional dress, allows children to learn about its cultural significance through colourful displays and interactive exhibits.
Parks and Outdoor Play Spaces
When the weather is pleasant, outdoor parks and play spaces are perfect for children to burn off energy and enjoy the city’s natural beauty.
In Hanoi, Lenin Park offers wide open spaces for picnics, bike rides, and strolls. For a more scenic experience, Hoan Kiem Lake and its surrounding walking areas are ideal for a family outing. The lake's serene atmosphere with its iconic turtle tower and the beautiful Ngoc Son Temple, make it a great place for a family walk or a leisurely boat ride.
In Ho Chi Minh City, Tao Dan Park is a spacious green area perfect for families, offering shaded paths, playgrounds, and even a small bird park. The Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens is another great option, where children can learn about local wildlife, stroll through lush gardens, or see animals like elephants, tigers, and monkeys up close.
Kid-Friendly Cooking Classes
A trip to Vietnam package is incomplete without exploring the country's rich culinary culture, and what better way to do so than with a kid-friendly cooking class? Both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer cooking classes for children, allowing them to get hands-on in the kitchen and create delicious Vietnamese dishes.
In Hanoi, children can try making bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancakes) or spring rolls, learning about the unique flavours and ingredients that make Vietnamese cuisine special. These cooking classes are led by local chefs who tailor their instructions to be fun and engaging for young audiences.
In Ho Chi Minh City, there are similar cooking classes where kids can learn how to make Vietnamese noodle soup or sandwiches. These classes are a great way to introduce children to the joy of cooking while exploring the tastes and textures of traditional food.
Theme Parks and Indoor Playgrounds
For families with younger children or those looking for a more relaxed indoor activity, theme parks, and indoor playgrounds offer endless entertainment options.
In Hanoi, VinKE & Aquarium Times City is a standout destination, combining an interactive aquarium with a fun and educational play zone. Kids can explore underwater worlds, meet exotic fish species, and enjoy themed play areas for different age groups.
In Ho Chi Minh City, Suoi Tien Theme Park is a major attraction, featuring rides, water parks, and cultural shows. The park’s vibrant theme is based on ancient Vietnamese legends and folklore, making it an immersive experience for children.
Cultural Shows and Performances
Children will love experiencing Vietnam's traditional arts and performances, which offer an enriching way to connect with the country’s cultural heritage.
In Hanoi, the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre provides a captivating show that combines storytelling, music, and puppetry to bring Vietnamese folklore to life. Similarly, in Ho Chi Minh City, children can enjoy folk music performances and interactive theatre experiences that will introduce them to Vietnam’s traditional performing arts in an engaging and accessible way.
Hands-On Craft Workshops
For a more creative experience, both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer hands-on craft workshops where children can learn traditional Vietnamese arts and crafts. Pottery, painting, and lantern-making classes are popular activities that encourage children to use their imagination while also learning about the country’s artistic traditions.
Conclusion
Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer an abundance of activities that will make your Vietnam family holidays both fun and educational. Whether exploring interactive museums, enjoying outdoor parks, or engaging in cultural workshops, these cities provide endless opportunities for children to learn, play, and create lasting memories. With so many family-friendly experiences, a Vietnam holiday package including flights is a perfect way to explore this exciting destination together.