Phnom Penh with kids: the best family-friendly things to do

Create new, unforgettable memories in Phnom Penh with the entire family.

The Royal Palace and surrounding garden on a sunny day, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Image credit: stock.adobe.com

Jetstar
September 2023

Phnom Penh is probably not the first place that comes to mind when you think about a holiday with kids, but this city will surprise you! Hidden among the rich history and culture of the Cambodian capital are attractions and activities that promise a memorable time for everyone.

Spend the day at Garden City Waterpark

Beat the heat with a day of fun at one of the largest waterparks in Cambodia! Spanning seven hectares, Garden City Waterpark has more than 38 slides to pick from. If you’re travelling with younger kids, the 550-metre long Lazy River and the water playground at Kids Paradise are PG13-safe attractions. For older kids and young-at-heart adults seeking excitement, look no further than the aptly named Kamikaze waterslide.

An adult and two children playing in the sprinklers at Garden City Waterpark, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Image credit: Garden City Waterpark — Have a day of fun in the sun at the Garden City Waterpark.

Roam around Dinosaurs Alive Park

Will anyone ever understand children’s obsession with dinosaurs? Probably not. But a trip to Dinosaurs Alive Park will score some serious brownie points with the kids. There are dinosaur rides, a museum, a fossil sandpit and even a 5D cinema. Stay till 6pm for the evening show of circus and dance performances. Capture the memories in family photos with the impressive prehistoric structures against the backdrop of nature and gorgeous light displays.

A view of the waterfall display with dinosaur models at the Dinosaurs Alive Park in Phnom Penh. Image credit: Dinosaurs Alive Park. — Travel to the land before time and roam around with prehistoric giants in the Dinosaurs Alive Park.

Picnic at the Royal Palace Park

If you’re after some quality chill time with your family, head to the Royal Palace Park for a picnic. In the daytime, the green gardens which circle the residence of the royal family are the perfect setting for a free and easy day in the sun. At night, street-food vendors set up shop around the well-groomed landscape area so all you need to bring is a picnic mat and your family is in for a relaxing time in the cool night breeze.

Vibrant blue skies above the Royal Palace of Phnom Penh on a sunny day. Image credit: stock.adobe.com — Stroll around the grounds of the Royal Palace.

Cruise down the Mekong River at sunset

Take in the Phnom Penh sunset with a relaxing river cruise. Picture yourself voyaging down the stream, bathing in the stunning beams of oranges and reds as you pass by the sights on the Mekong and Tonle Sap rivers. Enjoy fruit platters and free-flow drinks (yay, beers for the adults and soft drinks for the kids). Your English-speaking tour guide will share stories and histories while you and your family take in sights of the Royal Palace, Diamond Island and charming stilted fishing villages.

The Mekong River and Phnom Penh skyline at sunset. Image credit: GetYourGuide — Bask in the gorgeous sunset scenery and city lights as you cruise down the Mekong River.

Visit rescued animals at the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

The Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center is home to more than 1,200 animals that have been rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Home to gibbons, sun bears, tigers, elephants and even enormous pythons, all animals are rehabilitated back into health and wherever possible, released back into the wild. The best way to experience the Center is to join a full-day behind-the-scenes tour with the Wildlife Alliance, which includes English-speaking tour guides, up-close encounters with the animals, a nursery visit, and a delicious Cambodian-style lunch.