Le Cong
Overview of Hanoi
Due to heavy traffic and noise pollution, the air quality in Hanoi may not be great for children. Therefore, the best times to visit are during autumn and spring. Summer temperatures can reach up to 42 degrees, making it uncomfortable for kids. Despite this, Hanoi offers a variety of fun and engaging activities that children will surely enjoy. Here are some of the best kid-friendly activities in Hanoi:
Summary of the BEST things to do in Hanoi with kids:
- Using a Taxi App
- Safety precautions on narrow streets
- Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
- Explore the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
- Have an Ice-cream at Trang Tien
- Discover the Hanoi Zoological Garden
- Hoan Kiem Lake and its surrounding area.
- A fun with Hanoi Train Street
- Visit the Ho Tay Water Park
- Hanoi French Quarter
- Vietnam Military History Museum
Map of the best things to do in Hanoi with kids
Top tips for traveling in Hanoi with kids
Here are some top tips for traveling in Hanoi with kids. Hanoi is a vibrant, bustling city with a lot of fun things to do. However, there are a few things you should know before bringing your kids to Hanoi.
Using a Taxi App
When traveling around Hanoi, consider using a taxi app like Grab Car, Be Car, Gojek, or Xanh SM (EV taxi). These apps are cheap and convenient but require a local SIM card with mobile data to use. Once you have a SIM card, download the app from your app store, register with your email address and local phone number, and select either “pay with cash” or “credit card”. The app will provide a fixed price, and a driver will pick you up and take you to your destination. Avoid ordering a taxi on the street, as there are many scams.
>>> Check out: 10+ Hanoi Mistakes: What You Can Miss & Where to Avoid
Safety precautions on narrow streets
Hanoi is a bustling city with a fun atmosphere, but it can be challenging to get around safely. The Old Quarter has many narrow streets without pavement or sidewalks. If you are walking with children, take extra care, as the streets can get crowded with motorbikes.
Top Places to Visit in Hanoi for Kids
Visit the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology provides children with a great opportunity to learn about the diverse cultures and ethnic groups of Vietnam. The museum features exhibits of traditional clothing, customs, and artifacts from the different regions of the country. It also has a kid-friendly play area where children can participate in traditional games and activities.
Explore the Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre
The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is a unique and entertaining experience that both kids and adults will enjoy. The puppet shows tell traditional Vietnamese folktales and legends, with the puppets moving gracefully across a pool of water.
Discover the Hanoi Zoological Garden
The Hanoi Zoological Garden is home to a wide range of animals, including elephants, tigers, and monkeys. Children can also enjoy a train ride around the zoo or take a pony ride. Many local kids come here with their parents. The park is a bit far from the Old Quarter, so it’s best to take a taxi to get there. Your kids will surely love seeing the animals, but remember to keep them safe and not feed the animals any snacks.
>>> Check out: 10+ Best Green Spaces, Gardens & Parks in Hanoi Worth Visiting
Hoan Kiem Lake and its surrounding area.
Hoan Kiem Lake is a beautiful spot for families with kids to visit in Hanoi. Located in the heart of the city, the lake offers a serene and peaceful environment. It’s a great place for kids to run around and take a stroll.
In addition to the lake itself, children can enjoy the many different activities available in the surrounding area. There are also several street performers and vendors who sell toys, souvenirs, and snacks.
Don’t forget to take a picture of the famous Turtle Tower in the middle of the lake, which is a popular landmark in Hanoi. Bring your kids to Hoan Kiem Lake for a fun day out in the fresh air. It’s a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy some quality time together.
A fun with Hanoi Train Street
Visit Train Street in Hanoi for a unique family experience. It’s a narrow street with train tracks in the middle and lots of small coffee shops. Although the train line is active, it’s not very busy, and local staff keep visitors safe. Best of all, it’s free!
Vietnam Military History Museum
This national museum is in a convenient location and costs 40,000 VND for adults and 20,000 VND for kids (just over $1 – $2 per person) to enter. It’s a good option for rainy days and hot days in Hanoi too because most of it is indoors. The museum has a big collection of displays and artifacts about the ancient tribes of Vietnam, the French occupation that lasted for around 100 years, and the war that ended it. You’ll see lots of information, vehicles, and weapons from the Vietnam War as well, just as you’d expect.
Visit the Ho Tay Water Park and Truc Bach Lake
The Ho Tay Water Park is a great option for families looking to cool off during hot weather. This water park features a wave pool, lazy river, and a variety of water slides.
Another nearby option is Truc Bach Lake, which is smaller but still enjoyable. It offers Pedalo, a favorite activity for many local Vietnamese kids. Remember to keep the kids safe from the water, although they do provide life jackets. It’s best to visit this place in the morning when the weather is cooler. For lunch, we highly recommend Banh tom Ho Tay, a local restaurant famous for its shrimp dishes. Additionally, there is a small but popular ice cream shop called kem ho tay that the kids will love.
Ecopark Township
Ecopark Township is a planned community located about 15 km from Hanoi’s city center. The township features a variety of activities for kids, including a water park, an indoor play area, and a petting zoo. The water park has several pools, water slides, and a lazy river. The indoor play area has climbing equipment, trampolines, and ball pits. The petting zoo has a variety of animals, including rabbits, goats, and chickens.
Ecopark Township also has several restaurants and cafes, making it a great place to spend a day with the family. The township is easily accessible by taxi or private car.
Kids Friendly Restaurants in Hanoi
Have an Ice-cream at Trang Tien
Are you searching for a delightful way to spend time with your family? If so, consider visiting Trang Tien in Hanoi to enjoy some delicious ice cream. With a wide variety of flavors and toppings available, there is something for everyone to enjoy. While there, you can take in the bustling atmosphere of the city, chat with locals, and make unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to indulge in a sweet treat and soak up the culture of Hanoi with your family!
Banh mi 25
Banh Mi 25 is one of the most popular banh mi shops in Hanoi, known for its thousands of excellent reviews. It is an ideal place for kids, as it offers a large space for them to play around. Additionally, the shop provides nice and clean restrooms for kids to clean their hands before enjoying the delicious banh mi.
The menu at Banh Mi 25 offers a wide range of options, catering to different preferences. From vegan to chicken, beef, and pork, there is something for everyone. Customers can also request the staff to exclude spices or coriander if they do not prefer them. Moreover, the shop serves delicious handmade ice cream in various flavors, as well as fresh juices. Personally, I highly recommend trying the mango juice and watermelon flavors. At Banh Mi 25, there is always something for the kids to choose from.
Address: 25 Hang Ca Street
Price: From 35,000 VND to 65,000 VND
What are the BEST tours in Hanoi for families?
Hanoi French Quarter
Kids get very excited about ice cream in between. Additionally, there is a nice coffee shop in the French Quarter where you can learn about its history while kids can ask lots of questions. With its big streets, the French Quarter is a great choice for families with children.
Hanoi Food Tour or Hanoi Vegan Food Walking Tour
A pleasant walk with our knowledgeable local guide can be a great experience for kids while in Hanoi. Consider booking either the Kids Friendly Hanoi Old Quarter Tour, and if your family enjoys Vietnamese street food, joining Hanoi Food Tour or Hanoi Vegan Food Walking Tour sounds like the best option! We are confident that it will be a delightful treat for the whole family.
Is Hanoi suitable for kids?
It’s so wonderful that you’re exploring Hanoi with your kids! This beautiful city has plenty of amazing street food, culture, and temples to offer. However, getting around can be a bit challenging, so it’s a good idea to do a bit of research before arriving in Hanoi.
Is Vietnam good to travel with kids?
Vietnam is a safe and welcoming destination for families of all ages. With a low crime rate and friendly locals, you can be sure that your family will feel safe during your holiday here. There is a wide variety of kid-friendly attractions in Vietnam, and many activities suitable for different age groups.
Is it easy to travel to Hanoi?
Getting around in Hanoi is easy because many attractions, restaurants, shopping venues, and hotels are located close to each other. The city’s local population mostly travels by motorbike, while motorcycle taxis, buses, and private cars are available for visiting other districts within Hanoi.
When should we avoid Hanoi?
When it comes to weather, the worst time to visit Hanoi and Halong Bay is during the summer months, from May to September. During this time, the weather is typically hot and humid, with daily high temperatures averaging around 35-38°C (95-100°F), along with high levels of rainfall.
We found some very helpful videos for traveling to Vietnam with kids: Vietnam with Kids one-week itinerary
