Thinking of bringing your kids to Siem Reap?
DO IT!
Family Travel: Exploring Siem Reap with Kids
Here are some of our personal favorites:
Botanical Garden
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Playgrounds
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Old MacDonald Farm
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Go-Karts
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Climbing Cafe
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Wake Park
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Botanical Garden ✳︎ Playgrounds ✳︎ Old MacDonald Farm ✳︎ Go-Karts ✳︎ Climbing Cafe ✳︎ Wake Park ✳︎
Siem Reap’s "Secret" Beach: Wake Park Cambodia
Who says you have to go to the islands to find the sand? The Wake Park is home to Siem Reap's only beach, making it the perfect destination for families who want a break from temple touring.
Safe for the Little Ones: The water at the beach is carefully controlled and cleaned, providing a safe and refreshing place for children to splash around.
Sandy Fun: The sandy beach area and the wooden playground are built for play. We recommend bringing along some beach toys so the kids can build sandcastles while you relax!
Easy Access: You can enjoy the beach and playground for free with a $5 USD minimum spend at the restaurant.
Why Parents Love It: It’s rare to find a spot in town where you can get that "coastal holiday" feeling. While the older kids are on the Aqua Land obstacle course or trying Wakeboarding, parents can keep an eye on the younger ones from a comfortable sun lounger with a fresh juice or a cocktail in hand.
Aqua Land (The Inflatable Park): This massive floating obstacle course is a favorite for kids! For $8 USD per person, you get all-day access, including a life jacket and helmet for safety.
Wakeboarding: Whether you are a total beginner or a pro, their cable system is easy to learn. They have expert instructors ready to help you get on the water for the first time.
Food & Drink: Their restaurant serves a great mix of Western and local Khmer dishes, fresh juices, and signature cocktails.
Kameng Leng: Playcafe
If you are traveling with toddlers or young children, Kameng Leng is a beautiful "play-café" designed specifically for kids aged 0 to 6 years. It is a peaceful, safe space where children can learn through play while parents relax.
Natural Play: The playground features beautiful, handmade bamboo structures and high-quality wooden toys. Everything is designed to be educational and "real-life" inspired.
Healthy Eating: Just like here at Babel, Kameng Leng cares about nutrition. Their menu is non-processed and chemical-free, featuring fresh local ingredients and a large selection of healthy, homemade meals for kids.
Childcare Services: Need a few hours to visit a temple that might be too hot for a toddler? They offer professional childcare services in a space designed for their needs.
Events & Meet-ups: They frequently host community events for families. We recommend checking their Facebook Page for the latest opening hours and weekly activities.
Why we love Kameng Leng:
As a parent, it can be hard to find a quiet spot where you don't have to worry about your little ones' safety. Kameng Leng is fully fenced and focuses on a calm, creative environment. It’s located just a short, breezy tuk-tuk ride away from Babel.
Angkor Botanical Garden
If you need a break from the temples, the Angkor Botanical Garden is a hidden gem. Covering over 15 hectares, it is a massive green park filled with thousands of trees, tropical flowers, and local wildlife. It is the perfect place to let the kids burn off some energy in a beautiful, natural setting.
Five Gardens to Explore:
The Medicinal Garden: Learn about the plants used in traditional Khmer healing.
The Flower & Grass Garden: A beautiful spot for seasonal colors and family photos.
The Palm Garden: Dedicated to the iconic trees of the Cambodian landscape.
The Khmer Garden: Filled with local fruit trees like mango and jackfruit.
Angkor Forest & Wildlife Park: A shaded area where you can see animals like bunnies, turtles, ostriches, and peacocks (mostly rescued animals).
Highlights for Kids:
Feed the Fish: There is a large pond filled with colorful Koi fish—feeding them is always a highlight for the little ones!
Animal Encounters: Kids can get a close look at the different birds and animals living in the park.
The Garden Café: Located right in the middle of the greenery, it’s a great spot to grab a cold drink while the kids play nearby.
Important Details:
Price: Currently Free if you "Check-In" on Facebook at the entrance!
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
Note: Closed on Mondays.
This garden is located on the way to Angkor Wat, making it a very easy stop for a morning or afternoon. Because it is so large, we recommend bringing hats and sunscreen. It’s a very peaceful alternative to the busy town center and a great way for children to learn about Cambodian nature.
Countryside Sunset: Khtom Lumhea (Phnom Krom)
For a true local experience, head south toward the Tonle Sap Lake. Khtom Lumhea is a favorite countryside restaurant for our own families at Babel when we want to escape the city and enjoy the peaceful scenery.
The Vibe: Relax in your own private bamboo hut with hammocks and enjoy the view of the sun setting over Phnom Krom mountain.
Fun for Kids: The restaurant has a small playground and plenty of space filled with colorful flowers, making it a very relaxed environment for children to explore.
Authentic Dining: Order some fresh local food to share, grab a hammock, and spend the whole afternoon breathing in the fresh countryside air.
The Location: It is about a 20-minute Tuk-Tuk ride from Babel. This area is famous for these types of "hut-style" restaurants—they are all very friendly, so you can pick the one that looks best to you!
Combine your Trip: This is a perfect stop after visiting the Phnom Krom temple or coming back from a boat trip on the Tonle Sap Lake.
The River Park: Electric cars & Playground
Located directly across the river from Jaya House River Park Hotel, you’ll find a lively park that comes to life every afternoon around 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM. This is a favorite spot for local families to gather as the day cools down.
A Special Project: The small playground was built by the local NGO Heartprint and sponsored by Jaya House. It is currently the only free public playground in Siem Reap!
Electric Mini-Cars: A popular activity here is renting small electric cars for kids to drive around the paved areas. It is a lot of fun and very popular with local children.
Street Food & Snacks: There are many local vendors nearby selling cold drinks, noodles, and ice cream—perfect for an afternoon snack.
Safety Gear: Please note that the electric cars do not come with helmets or protective pads. If your child is a fast driver, please keep a close eye on them!
The "Busy Hour": Between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, the park gets very crowded with local families. It’s a great way to experience local life, but be ready for a lot of noise and energy!
Getting There: It is a beautiful 15-minute walk from Babel along the river, or a very quick 5-minute Tuk-Tuk ride.
The Blue Monkey (Climbing & Games)
Located on Bamboo Street, just a short Tuk-Tuk ride from the Old Market, The Blue Monkey is a fun, high-energy spot for families who like to stay active. It is much more than just a restaurant; it is a place to climb, play, and hang out.
Indoor Climbing: They have two different bouldering walls:
Main Wall: For adults and older children (ages 8 and up).
Kids' Wall: A smaller, safe wall designed specifically for younger children.
Note: Climbing shoes are available to rent on-site.
Games & Entertainment: If you aren’t into climbing, you can play Pétanque (a popular local bowling game), use the PlayStation, or choose from their selection of board games.
Relaxed Dining: The restaurant and bar offer a great place to "chill" and enjoy a meal while the kids are busy playing.
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday). Closed on Mondays.
This is a perfect "rainy day" activity! Since the climbing and games are under a roof, it’s a great place to burn off energy when it's too wet or too hot to be outside at the temples.