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 also has a small library - perfect for a little rest.
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.
Mini-Golf Adventure: Angkor Wat Putt
For a fun family afternoon, head 15 minutes out of town to Angkor Wat Putt. This 18-hole miniature golf course is a beautiful "green oasis" surrounded by peaceful rice fields and local water buffaloes.
Miniature Temples: The course is famous for its incredible hand-made models of Cambodian temples. You can play your way through a tiny Angkor Wat or Bayon!
Beat the Heat: To keep you cool while you play, the course has a misting system that sprays a light, refreshing water fog from overhead.
Fun for All Sizes: They have special child-sized golf putters, making it easy for even the smallest travelers to join the game.
Win a Prize: If you get a "hole-in-one," you are rewarded with a free cold beer or a soft drink!
Snacks & Drinks: There are undercover tables where you can relax with a snack or an ice cream between games.
A Local Success Story: The course is owned and operated by a local Cambodian, Mr. Tee, who built the entire complex on his own land. His passion and hard work show in the perfect condition of the greens and the friendly atmosphere.
Easy Transport: Ask us to book a Babel Tuk-Tuk for you. The driver can take you through the scenic countryside to get there and wait while you play.
Combine your Day: This is a great activity to do in the late afternoon when the temples are getting crowded and the kids need some active fun.
Work & Play: Level Up (Social Hub)
Located just above Nomad Eatery and only a 5-minute Tuk-Tuk ride from Babel, Level Up is a modern, air-conditioned communal space where "work meets play." While it is a popular co-working spot, it is also a massive treasure trove for board game lovers!
Games for Everyone: They have a huge library of board games for all ages. It is an ideal spot for children aged 7 and up (under supervision) to challenge their parents to a classic or learn a new strategy game.
Family Comfort: The space is fully air-conditioned with comfortable seating, making it a perfect refuge during the hottest months or a rainy afternoon.
Stay Refreshed: They offer a full menu of food and drinks, including a "bottomless soda fountain," coffee, and tea.
Pricing & Details:
How it Works: It is a "pay-per-use" space. The rate is $2 USD per hour, which includes unlimited access to all board games, video games, tea, coffee, and soda.
Daily Cap: If you stay longer than 3 hours, the price is capped at $5 USD for the entire day!
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – Midnight (Daily).
Level Up is located right near Wat Damnak. We love recommending this for families who want a few hours of "screen-free" entertainment. If you have some work to catch up on while the kids dive into a puzzle or a board game, this is the best spot in town to do it together. Don’t forgot to walk through the beautiful Wat Damnak pagoda when you’re in the area!
K2 Skate Park
For an hour or two of high-energy fun, head over to K2 Skate Park. Located on Bamboo Street, this is a local favorite for rollerblading and skating in a cool, covered environment.
Affordable Fun: You can rent rollerblades (inline skates) in almost any size for just $2 USD.
Clean & Ready: They provide clean socks with your rental, so you don't need to worry about bringing your own.
The Environment: The park is covered with a roof, making it a great place to escape the direct sun. Note: During very heavy rain storms, some water can get inside, so check the weather!
Stay Hydrated: Cold water is available for sale on-site.
Safety & Timing Tips:
Gear: Please be aware that while they have skates in all sizes, they do not provide helmets or protective pads.
Beat the Crowds: The park gets very busy and lively once local schools finish for the day. For a quieter experience with more space for beginners, try to go in the earlier afternoon.
Since K2 Skate Park is located right on Bamboo Street, it is very easy to combine with a visit to The Blue Monkey (climbing, games and food). You can walk between the two in just a few minutes, making this street a perfect "activity zone" for a family afternoon!
The Street 26 Playground
For a true local experience, head to the riverside at the west end of Street 26. This colorful playground was donated to the city by the local NGO Heartprint, providing a wonderful free space for children to play while parents soak up the local atmosphere.
Family-Friendly Sunset: This is our favorite area to visit as the sun goes down. The park becomes very lively with local families, creating a warm and friendly community vibe.
Sidewalk Dining: Directly across from the playground is one of our favorite local street-stall restaurants. They open around 5:00 PM, setting up tables and chairs right on the sidewalk. It is a fantastic spot for an authentic, affordable Khmer dinner while the kids play nearby.
This area is just a short, pleasant walk or a very quick Tuk-Tuk ride from the hotel.
Street 26: The Heart of the Wat Bo Area
Just a few minutes from Babel, Street 26 is one of our favorite neighborhoods in Siem Reap. It is a creative, friendly street filled with some of the best ethical businesses, great food, and a relaxed local vibe.
Our Top Picks on Street 26:
Footprint Cafè: A wonderful "Book Café" that supports local community projects. It’s a great place to enjoy a coffee while the kids browse the books.
Banlle Vegetarian Restaurant: Set in a beautiful garden, they serve fresh, healthy food. Be sure to check out the Second-Hand Bookshop located upstairs!
Sweet Treats & Evening Snacks:
You’ll find some of the most delicious gelato in Cambodia right here. With a range of tropical flavors and classic favorites, it is the perfect "cool down" for the kids (and parents!).
As the sun begins to set, keep an eye out for the local pancake shop next door.
Laundry Bar: A cool spot for parents to enjoy a cocktail and listen to live music in the evenings.
Street 26 is very walkable and much quieter than the main Pub Street area. We recommend coming here in the late afternoon. You can browse the books at Banlle, grab a gelato, and then walk a few steps to the river to watch the sunset and the local playground!
Old MacDonald Farm Cafe
Located near Wat Thmey on the way to the temples, Old MacDonald Farm is a charming countryside escape for families. It is much more than just a cafe; it is a full outdoor experience where kids can get up close with nature.
The Petting Zoo: Children can meet and feed friendly farm animals, including ducks, bunnies, chickens, and goats. You can even buy carrots on-site to hand-feed them!
Active Play: The park features a huge trampoline and a spacious outdoor playground, giving kids plenty of room to run and play in a safe, green environment.
Creativity: On weekends, they often host art activities for children, making it a lively spot for the local community.
Cafe & Treats: The small cafe serves simple, fresh food and refreshing drinks. Their creamy ice cream is a particular favorite for refueling after playtime!
Important Details:
Location: Near Wat Thmey (about a 10-minute Tuk-Tuk ride from Babel).
Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. We recommend arriving by 3:00 PM to ensure you have plenty of time for all the activities.
Note: Closed on Mondays.
This is a wonderful "morning-after" activity if you’ve had a busy day at the temples. Its also in the same area of town as the APOPO Hero rats and the Botanical Garden.
A Day Out on Highway 6 — About 40 Minutes from Babel
Happy Slide
A new local water park that has been popping up on our radar lately — and from the photos and videos we have seen, it looks like a lot of fun. A giant slide on rubber rings, a separate pool area with water slides, and a restaurant on site. This is very much a local favourite — not many tourists have found it yet, which is part of the appeal. We haven't visited ourselves yet but we are planning to — watch this space for a proper update soon!
Angkor Speedway
Cambodia's best go-kart track — and a firm favourite among our friends and the local expat community. This is a proper, well-maintained asphalt circuit with real curves and straightaways, not a tourist gimmick. The staff are friendly and helpful, there is a small café on site, and the whole experience is well organised.
Single kart: $12 for one session
Double kart (2 people): $15 per session — perfect for a parent and child
Both beginners and experienced drivers are welcome. A great option for older kids, teens, and any adult who wants to feel like a racing driver for a few minutes. Open daily 8am–6pm.
Angkor Wonder Garden
A 7-hectare landscaped flower garden that opened in late 2023 — winding pathways through colourful blooms, European-style village huts, serene ponds, and a small man-made hill with a café at the top offering beautiful views over the whole site and surrounding rice fields. Also has go-karts, mini golf, buggy cars, and archery on site. A lovely, relaxed half or full day out.
Entry: $7 per person
Open daily 7am–6pm
Insider Tip: All three attractions sit close together on Highway 6 — combine two or even all three for a full day out. Ask your Babel tuk tuk driver to take you; it's an easy, scenic ride through the Cambodian countryside.
Also in this area is Angkor Wildlife & Aquarium — worth checking out if you have extra time.
And for the adults who want a temple fix: you will pass the Roluos Group on the way — about 20 minutes before you reach the Highway 6 cluster. One of the oldest temple complexes in Cambodia, far quieter than the main Angkor circuit, and well worth a stop. You will need your Angkor Pass. A perfect morning temple visit before an afternoon of go-karts and water slides.