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15 Best Things to Do in Siem Reap with Kids
Wondering about things to do in Siem Reap with kids? Think Cambodia is just ancient temples and dusty ruins?
That’s exactly what we thought, too, until we found ourselves getting fish pedicures, making lotus silk, and meeting rats that actually save lives.
Although we’d been there before, during our return visit, Cambodia quickly became one of our favorite countries, and Siem Reap proved that there is so much more beyond Angkor Wat waiting to be discovered.
After two months of exploring every corner of this incredible city, I’m sharing our family’s favorite experiences that go way beyond the typical tourist attractions. Let’s go!
1. Sunrise Tour of Angkor Wat
🤩 I love this Full-Day Angkor Wat Sunrise Private Tour with Guide because you get personalized attention and can go at your family’s pace!
While this might seem like the most obvious activity, it’s absolutely worth getting up before sunrise for this tour! There are three compelling reasons why sunrise tours are superior to any other time of day.
First, it’s MUCH cooler in the early morning hours. This is a huge relief when you’re exploring massive stone temples in Cambodia’s tropical climate.
Second, watching the sunrise over Angkor Wat is pretty epic and creates those magical photos you see everywhere.
Pro tip: Book your sunrise tour for your first or second day in Siem Reap when you’re still adjusting to the time zone and naturally waking up early.
But most importantly, finishing your temple tour by mid-morning gives you the entire afternoon to swim at your hotel pool or continue sightseeing in air-conditioned comfort.
The early wake-up call (usually around 4:30 AM) might seem daunting with kids, but trust me on this one.
They’ll be so mesmerized by the experience that any crankiness disappears quickly. Plus, they’ll likely nap in the afternoon, giving parents a break too!
2. Traditional Cooking Class
🤩 I love this Khmer Cooking Class at a Local’s Home because you experience authentic family hospitality while learning to cook!
Take a hands-on cooking class and learn authentic Cambodian cuisine! Learn to prepare traditional dishes like fish amok, beef lok lak, and spring rolls.
Most classes include visiting local markets to select fresh ingredients, then enjoying the delicious results of your efforts.
It’s a fun and interactive way to experience the culture, which is why this is one of my favorite activities everywhere we travel.
The market visits are especially educational for kids, showing them ingredients they’ve never seen before and how locals shop for food.
What to expect: Most cooking classes last 3-4 hours including market visit, cooking, and eating. Perfect for families with kids 8+ who can safely handle cooking utensils.
3. Floating Village Tour
🤩 I love this Sunset tour of Floating village Kampong Phluk because it provides a view into the locals’ lives and includes the beautiful sunset!
Take a boat trip to explore the unique floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake. Observe daily life on the water, see floating schools, markets, and houses, and learn about this fascinating lake ecosystem.
This offers a glimpse into a completely different way of life and supports local communities.
The best time of year to do this excursion is September through March, when the lake level is highest and the experience is most authentic.
Floating village tours are among the most educational things to do in Siem Reap with kids because they show a completely different way of life.
Kids are fascinated by the idea of houses that float and schools that move with the water levels.
Important: Choose a reputable tour operator that focuses on cultural education rather than just sightseeing.
4. Phare Cambodian Circus
🤩 Experience the energy and talent of this true Cambodian cultural delight! Buy Phare tickets in advance because it often sells out.
This acrobatic performance tells stories through circus arts, music, and theater, often addressing social issues and cultural themes. It’s a powerful and entertaining experience that’s perfect for families.
Plus, they change the performance every calendar week, so if you’re staying a few days, you can go twice and see something totally different! We went twice during our stay.
I highly recommend upgrading to Phare Insider tickets, which include a behind-the-scenes visit so you can meet the acrobats and have a fuller cultural experience.
This is one of those things to do in Siem Reap with kids that combines entertainment with meaningful cultural education.
It’s exactly what family travel should be about. The performers are incredibly talented, and the stories they tell give you insight into Cambodian culture and history.
Show times: Performances are in the evening, making it a perfect end to a day of sightseeing. Go for dinner on site!
5. Traditional Apsara Dance Performance
🤩 I love this Apsara dance show because it includes a buffet dinner and hotel pickup!
Experience Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage with a traditional Apsara dance performance. Each venue puts their own spin on these traditional performances.
These mesmerizing performances showcase intricate costumes and graceful movements, telling ancient stories through dance that have been passed down for generations.
Cultural performances are wonderful things to do in Siem Reap with kids because they provide a window into Cambodian traditions and storytelling.
The colorful costumes and graceful movements usually captivate children even if they don’t understand the stories being told.
Family tip: Arrive early to get good seats, and don’t worry if younger kids get restless. The colorful costumes and music usually keep them engaged.
6. Angkor Eye Ferris Wheel
🤩 Prebook your Angkor Eye tickets to avoid long ticket lines!
Take a break from temple-hopping and see Siem Reap from above! The Angkor Eye offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside that are especially beautiful at sunset.
It’s a peaceful moment that kids love and gives you a completely different perspective on this historic region. After days of walking through temples, the air-conditioned comfort and spectacular views provide the perfect respite.
The Ferris wheel is one of those relaxing things to do in Siem Reap with kids when you need a break from more active adventures.
It’s also a great way to help kids understand the geography of the area and see how the temples fit into the larger landscape.
Best time to visit: About 1 hour before sunset for the most spectacular views and photos.
7. Angkor National Museum
Before or after visiting Angkor Wat, make sure to check out the Angkor National Museum to learn about Khmer history. This isn’t your typical dusty museum.
Interactive exhibits, sculptures, and displays bring 1,000 years of history to life in ways that captivate kids and adults alike.
My family went after our temple tour day, and it helped us all connect better to what we’d seen.
The museum really helped my son make sense of the incredible civilization that built these massive structures. The context makes your temple experience so much richer and more meaningful.
This is one of those educational things to do in Siem Reap with kids that actually holds their attention. The exhibits are designed to be engaging, and kids love the interactive elements that let them explore history hands-on.
Pro tip: Visit after your temple tours rather than before. You’ll have a much better appreciation for the exhibits when you can connect them to what you’ve already experienced.
8. APOPO Hero Rats
Here’s something you definitely won’t expect when looking for things to do in Siem Reap with kids: trained African giant pouched rats that detect landmines and tuberculosis!
At APOPO’s training center, you’ll see these incredible animals in action and learn about their life-saving humanitarian work.
Little Man loved this so much he asked to return a second time. Don’t miss your chance to hold one for a photo op! We even had a snack in their cafe, and I highly recommend their ice-cold coconuts. Seriously the best in town.
This unique experience combines education, conservation, and hands-on interaction that kids find absolutely fascinating. It’s one of those things to do in Siem Reap with kids that you simply can’t find anywhere else in the world.
The staff are incredibly knowledgeable and great at explaining the important work these rats do in a way that kids can understand.
Family tip: The center is open daily, and tours last about an hour. Perfect timing for keeping kids engaged without overwhelming them.
9. Siem Reap Night Markets
Jump into the sensory overload of Siem Reap’s vibrant night markets! Browse stalls selling handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing, and sample incredible local street food.
But here’s my favorite part: get a fish pedicure! The fish get dinner while you get the smoothest feet of your life. Win-win!
Night markets are also perfect for experiencing local culture and sampling street food. Remember, nothing has a fixed price and haggling is expected.
Start low, they’ll counter high, and meet somewhere in the middle. It’s all part of the fun and cultural experience!
When it comes to evening things to do in Siem Reap with kids, the night markets offer the perfect blend of shopping, eating, and cultural immersion.
The atmosphere is lively but family-friendly, and there’s always something new to discover around every corner.
Family tip: The night markets are great for practicing negotiation skills with older kids, and younger ones love watching the fish pedicures (even if they’re too squeamish to try).
10. Silk Farm Tours
There are two silk farms in Siem Reap, and both are absolutely worth visiting! You can easily hire a driver and see both in one day for completely different experiences.
At the Lotus Silk Farm, you’ll discover how lotus stems become beautiful sustainable fabric. You can even upgrade your tour to include hands-on workshops and other activities!
I recommend making a bracelet from the lotus seeds. It’s a unique souvenir you created yourself.
The other tour is at Angkor Silk Farm, which shows the traditional process using silk worms that turn into moths. Be sure to ask your tuk tuk driver to stay and wait for you here! There aren’t any around to take you back otherwise.
Their large workshops focus on employing local people, and it’s truly amazing to see their entire process from the silk worm life cycle to creating patterns on paper and making them into works of art on the looms!
If they offer you a chance to eat a silk worm, which is a local delicacy, I dare you to say yes. I did, and it was quite the adventure! This is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Siem Reap with kids that creates lasting memories.
Educational value: These tours are fantastic for showing kids where their clothes come from and introducing them to sustainable practices.
11. Custom Clothing Experience
Take advantage of Siem Reap’s incredibly skilled tailors and have custom-made clothing created just for your family! Choose from a wide variety of fabrics and designs, and get garments tailored to your precise measurements.
It’s a great opportunity to get unique pieces at affordable prices, for adults and kids alike!
I snagged a pair of customized linen pants for just $40 USD, while David got a shirt made and also had one of his shirts custom printed with local leaves and handmade dyes. It’s truly one of a kind!
This is one of those practical things to do in Siem Reap with kids that results in lasting souvenirs you’ll actually use. Kids love being part of the design process and choosing their own fabrics and styles.
Pro tip: Allow 2-3 days for fittings and completion. This works perfectly if you plan it early in your trip.
12. Play Angkor Mini Golf
The Angkor Wat themed mini golf course is well-maintained and provides a fun challenge for kids and adults alike.
Its aim is to provide something fun and different to do when your kids are ‘templed out’ – but still incorporating temples so that you can fully enjoy your Cambodian experience.
It’s a perfect break from the sun because while it’s outdoors, the course is set in a well-maintained garden with shade and cooling mist. Plus, they sell Khmer food, ice cold beer, drinks, and ice cream!
13. Butterfly Farm Visit
Step into a tropical paradise at Siem Reap’s Butterfly Farm, where you’ll be surrounded by hundreds of colorful butterflies in a beautiful garden setting.
This peaceful attraction offers a completely different pace from the busy temple tours and provides excellent educational opportunities for kids.
The farm houses various species of butterflies native to Cambodia, and you can observe their entire life cycle from caterpillar to chrysalis to beautiful butterfly.
Kids love watching the butterflies land on them, and it makes for amazing photos! The lush tropical garden setting is also incredibly relaxing for parents.
Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon when butterflies are most active. The farm is also beautifully shaded, making it comfortable even during warmer parts of the day.
14. Laser Game Cambodia
Get ready for some high-tech fun at Laser Game Cambodia, located in the heart of Siem Reap just steps away from the famous Pub Street!
This modern laser tag arena provides entertainment for various groups and is perfect for families with older kids who want an adrenaline-fueled activity.
The arena is designed with realistic combat environments, including obstacles and cover that create an exciting and challenging experience.
Challenge your family members to an exciting laser battle and see who comes out on top! The facility can accommodate various group sizes and offers different game scenarios to keep things interesting.
Age recommendation: Best for kids 8+ due to the nature of the game. Sessions typically last 15-20 minutes, perfect for maintaining kids’ attention spans.
15. Paintball Adventure
For families seeking an adrenaline-pumping adventure, paintball facilities in Siem Reap offer exciting outdoor activities that are suitable for all ages 10 and up.
Plus, the paintball gun shooting speed is a slower setting, making it ideal for tweens and teens!
Located conveniently in Siem Reap, these paintball facilities feature well-maintained fields with realistic combat environments.
The experienced staff provide all necessary equipment and comprehensive safety instructions, ensuring a fun and safe experience for the whole family.
Family tip: This activity works best for families with kids 10+ due to safety requirements. Sessions can be customized for different skill levels, making it accessible for beginners.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap with Kids
Wherever your family stays in Siem Reap, be sure to book a place with a pool because the heat there is no joke! You’re going to want to rest in the afternoon, and a pool is the place to do it!
Park Hyatt Siem Reap is where we enjoyed The Petit Chef dining experience in KL, and it was well worth it. The Siem Reap location offers the same experience! The hotel combines luxury with family-friendly amenities perfectly.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor offers historic elegance with modern family amenities. It’s been a Siem Reap landmark for decades and maintains that old-world charm while catering to families.
Golden Temple Residence is where we stayed during our first visit to Siem Reap in 2014, and it’s only gotten better! Perfect for families who want comfort and convenience.
Sokha Angkor Resort offers resort living a stone’s throw from central Siem Reap. With a massive pool, air-conditioned rooms, a buffet breakfast, and foot massages included with many room prices, this hotel has it all!
Where to Eat in Siem with Kids
Haven Training Restaurant is a social enterprise that empowers disadvantaged young adults through hospitality training. Enjoy delicious Khmer and Western dishes while supporting a great cause. If you only go to one restaurant while in Siem Reap, this is it!
Cafe Soriya is a local favorite offering generous portions and a family-friendly atmosphere. David loved their eggs benedict, Little Man loves their pancakes, and we all loved their fruit plate. Their smoothies are also really good.
Fresh Fruit Factory is perfect for vegetarian and vegan families, serving smoothies, juices, fruit bowls, and healthy snacks. Plus, the owners are just lovely people!
Wild specializes in creative spring rolls with unique fillings. My family loves spring rolls, so it was a must-try during our stay!
Madam Moch Khmer Restaurant offers authentic Khmer flavors in a charming traditional setting.
Getting Around
Download the Grab app before you arrive. It’s like Uber and works perfectly throughout Southeast Asia. It makes getting around with kids so much easier than haggling with tuk-tuk drivers every time.
Plus, the Bakong Tourists app allows you to tie your credit card or bank account to pay for things with a QR code. We used it without issue during our entire two-month stay in 2025 after it was recommended to me by a local friend.
Money in Siem Reap
While almost all hotels accept credit cards in Siem Reap, not all restaurants or shops do. Be sure to have some cash on hand at all times.
Both USD and Riel are accepted pretty much everywhere, although US bills larger than $20 will be difficult to spend since locals may not be able to make proper change.
Final Thoughts on Siem Reap with Kids
Exploring Siem Reap for two months with my family was an unforgettable journey of discovery. Beyond the iconic and essential temple tours, we found a city brimming with vibrant local culture and countless fun-filled activities we never expected.
I’ve seen Siem Reap evolve since my 2014 visit, and its growth has truly enriched the visitor experience, making it a remarkably special place to explore with children.
These things to do in Siem Reap with kids go far beyond the typical tourist attractions. They offer real cultural immersion, hands-on learning experiences, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Cambodia isn’t just about temples. It’s about the incredible people, fascinating traditions, and unexpected adventures waiting around every corner.
Looking for help planning your perfect family trip to Cambodia? I offer personalized travel advisory services to take the stress out of your planning. After two months exploring Siem Reap with my family, I can help you create a custom itinerary that matches your family’s interests and travel style. Contact me to get started!
