Best Things to Do with Kids in Siem Reap

Siem Reap, the gateway to the magnificent Angkor temples, offers an unparalleled adventure for families. Beyond the ancient stone structures, this Cambodian city is brimming with engaging activities, cultural experiences, and natural beauty perfect for all ages. Our comprehensive guide will help you uncover both the iconic must-sees and the hidden local secrets, ensuring an unforgettable family vacation while exploring the very best things to do in Siem Reap with kids.

Must-See Landmarks & Attractions

Angkor Wat

Angkor Wat stands as the crown jewel of Khmer architecture, a true wonder that will captivate children and adults alike. Its immense scale and intricate bas-reliefs, depicting ancient stories and myths, truly bring history to life. Exploring this forgotten kingdom offers an incredible opportunity for kids to imagine themselves as ancient adventurers, uncovering secrets around every corner.

• Prices: Access is part of the Angkor Pass, with options for 1-day, 3-day, or 7-day visits to suit your family’s itinerary.
• Stroller Access: Limited within the temple complex due to many stairs and uneven terrain. A baby carrier is highly recommended for younger children, allowing you to navigate more freely.
• Typical Duration: Plan for 2-4 hours, depending on your family’s pace and how deeply your children engage with the site.
• Pro-Tip: Arriving before sunrise offers a magical experience, witnessing the dawn over Angkor Wat. While it means an early start, the cooler temperatures and stunning views are absolutely worth it. Afterwards, you can grab a light breakfast from nearby vendors.

Angkor Thom & Bayon Temple

Within the fortified city of Angkor Thom, Bayon Temple is a highlight, distinguished by its hundreds of serene, smiling faces carved into towering stone. Kids often enjoy the playful challenge of counting the faces and exploring the labyrinthine passages, feeling like they’re in a secret world. The sheer artistry and ancient mystery surrounding Bayon make it a captivating stop among the many things to do in Siem Reap with kids.

• Prices: Included with your Angkor Pass, offering great value as part of your temple explorations.
• Stroller Access: You can use a stroller around the main complex, but inside the temple itself, stairs are frequent and make stroller navigation difficult.
• Typical Duration: Allocate 1-2 hours to fully appreciate Bayon and the surrounding areas within Angkor Thom.
• Pro-Tip: Encourage your children to try and spot all the different expressions on the Bayon faces – it’s a fun game. The nearby Terrace of the Elephants and Terrace of the Leper King are also easy walks and provide excellent photo opportunities.

Ta Prohm (Tomb Raider Temple)

Ta Prohm is famously known as the “Tomb Raider” temple, where giant tree roots dramatically intertwine with ancient stone structures, creating an unforgettable scene. This atmospheric ruin feels straight out of an adventure movie, making it a favorite for children who can easily imagine themselves as explorers or archaeologists. The powerful interplay of nature reclaiming architecture is truly awe-inspiring, offering unique photo ops and a sense of discovery that makes it one of the top things to do in Siem Reap with kids.

• Prices: Included with the Angkor Pass, making it an essential part of your temple circuit.
• Stroller Access: Very limited due to uneven paths, rampant tree roots, and rubble. For this temple, a carrier for younger children is far more practical than a stroller, or it’s best suited for older walking children.
• Typical Duration: Plan for 1-1.5 hours to leisurely explore this fascinating site.
• Pro-Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds and the intense midday heat. The soft light filtering through the tree canopy during these times also creates beautiful photographic moments.

Banteay Srei (The Citadel of Women)

Although a bit further afield, Banteay Srei is renowned for its incredibly intricate and exceptionally well-preserved pink sandstone carvings, which set it apart from other temples. Its smaller, more manageable scale often appeals to younger children more than the vastness of other Angkor sites. The detailed artistry beautifully tells vivid stories of Hindu mythology, which an experienced guide can bring to life, making it a highly rewarding part of your family travel guides through Cambodia.

• Prices: Included with the Angkor Pass, ensuring a seamless visit if you plan to explore multiple temples.
• Stroller Access: Paths around the main temple are generally flat and accessible. However, access onto the raised temple platforms is not stroller-friendly, so be prepared to carry little ones or leave strollers at the base.
• Typical Duration: Allow 1-1.5 hours for your visit, plus approximately a 1-hour drive from Siem Reap.
• Pro-Tip: Consider pairing a visit to Banteay Srei with the Cambodia Landmine Museum, which is located nearby, for a more impactful and educational half-day trip that provides crucial context to the country’s history.

Phnom Bakheng Temple

Phnom Bakheng Temple is a popular spot, especially cherished for its magnificent sunset views over Angkor Wat and the sprawling surrounding jungle. While the climb to the top can be quite steep and involves many steps, the panoramic reward is truly magnificent, offering an unforgettable vista. It provides a peaceful opportunity for families to reflect on the day’s temple explorations as the sky transforms with changing colors.

• Prices: Included with the Angkor Pass, allowing you to enjoy the views without additional entry fees.
• Stroller Access: This temple is not suitable for strollers due to the steep walk up and the numerous steps required to reach the summit.
• Typical Duration: Plan for 1-1.5 hours, which includes the time for both the ascent and descent.
• Pro-Tip: There is a strict limit to how many people can be on the top platform at once, so it’s wise to arrive well before sunset to secure your spot. Remember to bring plenty of water for the climb and a flashlight for the descent after dark.

Preah Khan Temple

Preah Khan, meaning “Royal Sword,” is a sprawling monastic complex that boasts a maze-like layout, making it fantastic for kids to explore. Its relatively less crowded pathways and a charming blend of partially restored and partially overgrown nature offer a great sense of discovery and adventure. This is a wonderful place where children’s imaginations can run wild, allowing them to truly experience being an explorer within ancient ruins, and one of the best things to do in Siem Reap with kids if you want to avoid peak crowds.

• Prices: Included with the Angkor Pass, ensuring a seamless visit as part of your temple explorations.
• Stroller Access: Very challenging due to numerous stairs, narrow corridors, and uneven ground throughout the complex. It is highly advisable to use a carrier for toddlers or to visit with older walking children.
• Typical Duration: Allocate 1-1.5 hours to thoroughly explore this fascinating temple.
• Pro-Tip: Make sure to look for the unique two-story building in the center, which stands out among Angkorian temples. The eastern entrance often offers a less crowded entry point, allowing for a more serene experience.

Neak Pean

Neak Pean is a small, picturesque temple set on an artificial island in the middle of a large reservoir, offering a unique and serene experience. Its central circular pond is surrounded by four smaller ponds, which were originally designed for healing rituals. The wooden walkway leading to the temple provides lovely views over the tranquil water, offering a peaceful contrast to the larger, more imposing temples you might have visited. This serene spot is a wonderful addition to your list of things to do in Siem Reap with kids.

• Prices: Included with the Angkor Pass, making it an easy addition to your temple tour.
• Stroller Access: The wooden walkway is generally flat and suitable for strollers, but the temple structure itself is not accessible with a stroller due to steps and uneven surfaces.
• Typical Duration: Allow 30-45 minutes for your visit, including the scenic walk along the causeway.
• Pro-Tip: The walk along the wooden causeway over the water is a highlight in itself, providing beautiful views and photo opportunities. This temple is typically part of the “Grand Circuit” of Angkor and offers a peaceful break from more extensive temple explorations.

Hands-on Activities & Local Favorites

Phare, The Cambodian Circus

Phare is far more than just a circus; it’s a vibrant social enterprise that delivers a unique, high-energy artistic performance, blending theatre, music, dance, and acrobatics. The captivating stories told by the performers thoughtfully touch upon Cambodian history and modern life, leaving both children and adults thoroughly mesmerized. It’s an uplifting evening out that not only entertains but also directly supports local youth and their artistic development, making it one of the most enriching things to do in Siem Reap with kids.

• Prices: Vary by seating tier (A, B, or C). Booking your tickets online in advance is highly recommended, as shows often sell out.
• Stroller Access: Generally good, with seating areas designed to be accessible, though staff can assist if needed.
• Typical Duration: The show itself runs for 1 hour, so plan for additional time for arrival and departure.
• Pro-Tip: Arrive early to enjoy a snack or drink at the onsite café and browse the gift shop, which features a wonderful selection of locally made artisan products, perfect for souvenirs.

Cambodia Landmine Museum and Relief Centre

This museum offers a poignant and deeply educational experience about Cambodia’s challenging history with landmines and their ongoing devastating impact. Founded by Aki Ra, a former child soldier, the center is run by landmine victims themselves, providing profound insights into their lives and resilience. While the subject matter is intense, it’s a vital visit for older children (ages 8 and up) to truly understand the country’s struggles and remarkable strength, offering an important perspective on the history of Cambodia.

• Prices: There is a small entrance fee per person, typically around $5 USD, which directly supports the museum and its relief efforts.
• Stroller Access: Pathways within the museum are uneven and may be challenging for strollers. It’s better suited for carriers for very young children or for older kids who can walk independently.
• Typical Duration: Allow 1-1.5 hours to fully explore the exhibits and absorb the information.
• Pro-Tip: This museum is an important complement to understanding Cambodia’s recent past and is often visited in conjunction with Banteay Srei due to its proximity, creating a more impactful and educational day trip.

Artisans Angkor

Artisans Angkor is a Cambodian social business dedicated to creating opportunities for young people in rural areas to revive and preserve traditional Khmer arts and crafts. Families can enjoy a free guided tour of the workshops, watching skilled artisans carve stone, sculpt wood, paint, and create intricate silk products. Kids will be fascinated to see raw materials transform into beautiful souvenirs, fostering a deeper appreciation for local craftsmanship and providing a unique cultural experience among the many destination guides for Siem Reap.

• Prices: Entrance and guided tours are completely free, with purchases being entirely optional.
• Stroller Access: Good, as the workshops and viewing areas are generally accessible and well laid out.
• Typical Duration: Plan for 45 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on your family’s interest level and how much time you spend browsing.
• Pro-Tip: The gift shop offers a wide range of high-quality, ethically produced souvenirs, from small trinkets to elaborate carvings. It’s an excellent place to find unique gifts that support the local community directly.

APOPO Visitor Centre (HeroRATS)

At the APOPO Visitor Centre, you can learn about the incredible “HeroRATS” – specially trained African giant pouched rats that detect landmines and tuberculosis. This center offers an inspiring and unique look into how these intelligent animals are saving lives in Cambodia and other parts of the world. It’s an educational and interactive experience that is fascinating for all ages, highlighting innovative humanitarian work and providing a different perspective on local efforts, which stands out among the things to do in Siem Reap with kids.

• Prices: There is a small entrance fee, typically around $5 USD, which contributes to their vital work.
• Stroller Access: The center is mostly accessible, with pathways generally accommodating strollers.
• Typical Duration: Expect to spend 45 minutes to 1 hour, absorbing all the interesting information and exhibits.
• Pro-Tip: The center is relatively small but packed with engaging information. It’s best to combine this with other nearby attractions or temple visits to make the most of your time in the area.

Tonle Sap Lake Floating Villages (Kompong Phluk)

A boat trip to one of the floating villages on Tonle Sap Lake, such as Kompong Phluk, offers a truly unique glimpse into a way of life where houses, schools, and even markets float directly on the water. This stilted village provides a fascinating cultural immersion, especially during the wet season when the lake expands dramatically and the community relies entirely on boats for transport. It’s an eye-opening experience for children, showing them a world vastly different from their own.

• Prices: Boat tour fees can vary; expect to pay around $20-$30 USD per person, though prices are sometimes negotiated per boat.
• Stroller Access: Not suitable for boat trips or the often uneven and muddy paths within the village. It’s best to use a baby carrier or plan for children to walk.
• Typical Duration: Allow 3-4 hours, including travel time to and from the lake.
• Pro-Tip: The experience varies significantly by season. In the wet season (May-October), water levels are high, and villagers move by boat. In the dry season, the stilted houses stand high above exposed ground. For a potentially less touristy experience, consider visiting Kompong Khleang instead.

Cambodian Cultural Village

The Cambodian Cultural Village is a theme park designed to showcase miniatures of famous historical buildings, traditional Cambodian houses, and various cultural performances. It serves as a good option for families who desire a condensed overview of Cambodian traditions, arts, and history all in a single, easily accessible location. Performances include traditional dances like the Apsara dance and historical re-enactments, providing engaging entertainment for all ages.

• Prices: There is an entrance fee, typically around $15 USD for adults and $7.50 for children.
• Stroller Access: Excellent, with wide, paved paths throughout the park making it very stroller-friendly.
• Typical Duration: Plan for 2-3 hours to fully explore the village and enjoy the scheduled performances.
• Pro-Tip: Upon arrival, be sure to check the performance schedule so you can plan your visit around the shows that interest your family most, especially the traditional Apsara dance.

Quad Bike Adventure Tours

For adventurous families with older children (be sure to check age and height restrictions for drivers; passengers can typically be younger kids), a quad bike tour through the Cambodian countryside is an exhilarating experience. You’ll have the chance to pass through picturesque rice paddies and local villages, getting off the beaten path to discover a different, authentic perspective of rural life outside the main temple areas. This can be one of the most exciting things to do in Siem Reap with kids who love adventure.

• Prices: Prices vary widely depending on the tour length and company, but you can generally expect to pay $30-$80+ USD.
• Stroller Access: Not applicable for this type of activity.
• Typical Duration: Tours typically range from 1-4 hours, depending on the route and package chosen.
• Pro-Tip: Wear old clothes, as you will likely get dusty or muddy depending on the season and trail conditions. Always book with a reputable company that provides helmets, comprehensive safety briefings, and reliable equipment.

Cooking Class Experience

Engage your family’s taste buds and learn a new skill together with a Cambodian cooking class. Many local schools offer family-friendly classes where you can visit a bustling market, learn about unique local ingredients, and then prepare traditional dishes like Amok or fresh spring rolls. It’s a fun, interactive way to immerse yourselves in Cambodian culture and enjoy a delicious meal that you’ve made yourselves, creating lasting memories. If your family enjoyed the flavors of Bangkok with Kids, you’ll love exploring Cambodian cuisine here. This is a perfect hands-on activity when considering things to do in Siem Reap with kids.

• Prices: Vary by school and duration, but generally expect to pay around $25-$40 USD per person.
• Stroller Access: Cooking stations are generally accessible, though market visits might be crowded and less stroller-friendly.
• Typical Duration: Classes typically last 3-4 hours, including market visits and the cooking session.
• Pro-Tip: Choose a class that includes a market visit – it’s an exciting sensory experience for kids to see, smell, and learn about new ingredients firsthand. You can also explore our other guides for Chiang Mai with Kids, Singapore with Kids, Hanoi with Kids, or Bali with Kids for more family-friendly foodie adventures.

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Planning Smart: Logistics & Timing

Navigating Siem Reap with kids requires some foresight, especially given the tropical climate and the expansive nature of temple exploration. Here are five practical tips to make your family trip smoother and more enjoyable, helping you maximize your time doing the best things to do in Siem Reap with kids.

1. Embrace the Tuk-Tuk: Tuk-tuks are undoubtedly the most popular, convenient, and kid-friendly way to get around Siem Reap and between the Angkor temples. They offer an exciting, open-air ride that kids often love. Always negotiate your price beforehand or arrange a daily rate with a trusted driver to avoid surprises. It’s also wise to always have small USD bills ready for payment, as exact change is appreciated.
2. Beat the Heat with Early Mornings: Siem Reap can get incredibly hot, particularly during midday, which can quickly exhaust little travelers. Plan your main temple visits for sunrise or early mornings (between 6-10 AM) and late afternoons (3-6 PM) when temperatures are cooler. Use the midday hours for relaxing activities like swimming at your hotel pool, enjoying a much-needed nap, or engaging in indoor activities such as visiting Artisans Angkor.
3. Stay Hydrated and Snack Smart: The Cambodian heat demands constant and diligent hydration for everyone in the family. Always carry plenty of bottled water (which is readily sold by vendors at temples) and consider electrolyte drinks to replenish essential minerals. Pack energy-boosting snacks like fresh fruit, crackers, or granola bars, as little legs tire easily from all the walking and exploring.
4. Dress Respectfully and Comfortably: When visiting temples, it’s crucial that both adults and children have their shoulders and knees covered as a sign of respect for these sacred sites. Lightweight, breathable cotton clothing is ideal for the tropical climate, keeping everyone comfortable. Don’t forget wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses for essential sun protection, and consider kids’ water shoes for general comfort and grip on uneven surfaces.
5. Insect Repellent is Essential: Mosquitoes are a common presence in Siem Reap, especially during the wet season and around dusk. Apply strong insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin liberally, particularly before early morning temple visits and any evening activities, to prevent bites. Also, think about durable kids’ luggage and one of the best compact airline-friendly strollers for ease of travel.

Final Thoughts on Your Siem Reap Adventure

Siem Reap offers an extraordinary blend of ancient wonders and vibrant culture, making it a fantastic destination for families seeking adventure and learning. From the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor to engaging cultural experiences and interactive educational centers, there are so many wonderful things to do in Siem Reap with kids that will spark their imaginations and broaden their horizons. With careful planning and an open mind, you and your children will create cherished memories exploring its magnificent temples, engaging with its warm and welcoming people, and discovering its countless hidden charms. Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Cambodia, filled with discovery and delight!