When most people think of Siem Reap, they picture the towering spires of Angkor Wat—and for good reason. But beyond the temples, this small Cambodian city surprised us with its energy, creativity, and family-friendly vibe. While we spent our mornings exploring jungle-clad ruins, our afternoons were filled with hands-on adventures, relaxing moments, and cultural experiences that our kids are still talking about. Siem Reap was more than just a temple stop—it was a destination that kept the whole family excited from sunrise to sunset.
Read on for the top kid-friendly activities in Siem Reap.
Angkor Wat
No trip to Siem Reap is complete without visiting Angkor Wat, and it’s great fun for kids too! With tree roots to climb, stories of ancient kings, and a chance to explore real jungle ruins, the temples of Angkor become a giant outdoor adventure. But don’t try to squeeze it all into one day, especially with kids. We spent three mornings exploring the temples (including sunrise).
Check out Exploring Angkor Wat with Kids, which includes the best routes to avoid crowds, which temples were kid favourites, and practical tips for making the most of your visit.
Meet the Hero Rats at the Apopo Visitor Centre
Looking for something fun and meaningful to do with kids in Siem Reap? The Apopo Visitor Centre offers a hands-on, educational experience where families can learn how giant African pouched rats are trained to detect landmines—and even watch them in action! This interactive tour includes a live demonstration and the chance to meet (and hold!) one of these remarkable animals—a surprising favourite for kids and adults.
Read more about our experience: Meeting the Hero Rats: A Family Visit to the Apopo Centre in Siem Reap.
Explore Pub Street
Pub Street is one of the liveliest areas in Siem Reap and a fun place to experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere. While it’s known for its nightlife, it’s also worth visiting in the afternoon when the crowds are lighter and the vibe is more relaxed, perfect for families. You’ll find colourful shopfronts, street performers, cafes, smoothie stands, and souvenir stalls. It’s a great place to grab a cold drink, people-watch, or treat the kids to something fun.
Treat Yourself to a Massage
After a long day of exploring temples, there’s nothing better than a foot massage to recharge. Massage shops are everywhere in Siem Reap, many offering great value for the price. We stopped at Jasmine’s Massage near Pub Street, where the boys did a 30-minute fish spa exfoliation followed by a 30-minute foot massage, while Derek and I opted for full one-hour foot massages. At just USD 6 each, it was a fantastic way to relax without breaking the budget. The boys still vote Thailand as having the best massages, but for me, Cambodia wins!
Catch a Show at Phare: The Cambodian Circus
Phare offers a fun, high-energy performance the whole family can enjoy. Expect a creative mix of circus skills, theatre, and live music, with contortionists, aerial performers, and strength acts taking center stage. Performers complete jaw-dropping tricks that will leave your kids wide-eyed and in awe. The atmosphere was electric, with performers encouraging clapping and interaction throughout.
The show is produced by a non-profit that trains young performers at a local arts school, so your ticket supports a good cause. Seating is general admission, so arrive at least 30 minutes early to get a good spot. Section C (USD 18) offers a great view—you don’t need to splurge on the pricier seats. Children under 12 receive discounted tickets.
Zip Lining at Angkor Zipline
Looking to add a little adrenaline to your time in Siem Reap? Soar through the treetops of Angkor Archaeological Park with Angkor Zipline, a well-run and safety-focused adventure course right inside the national park. We did the Gold Course, which includes nine zip lines (the longest at 300 meters!), four sky bridges, and even a tandem line where you can zip side-by-side. The experience was thrilling and lasted about 2.5 hours. Our whole family had a blast and felt completely safe throughout. Tickets cost $79.99 USD per person, which is well worth it for a high-flying family adventure.
Note: You must have an Angkor Wat pass to enter the park; therefore, plan your ziplining adventure on a day you visit the temples.
Giant Puppet Parade (March – Seasonal Event)
If you’re lucky enough to be in Siem Reap in March, don’t miss the Giant Puppet Parade—a vibrant, one-of-a-kind celebration that brings the whole community together. This annual event is part of the city’s largest children’s art project, where local youth, many from disadvantaged backgrounds, create massive puppets using colourful tissue paper, lights, and bamboo. The result? A magical nighttime parade of glowing creatures—snakes, swans, tropical fish—accompanied by live music, dancers, and stilt walkers.
We were so intrigued that we adjusted our travel dates to arrive a day early, and it was absolutely worth it. The joy on the kids’ faces (both in the parade and the crowd) was contagious, and the entire experience felt full of heart and creativity. If you’re planning a March visit, check the dates and make this a must-see.
Practical Tips for Visiting Siem Reap with Kids
Bring US Dollars: USD is widely accepted in Cambodia, and most prices—even in markets—are listed in dollars. Bring small bills ($1s, $5s, $10s), as change is often given in Cambodian riel. ATMs usually dispense USD as well.
Start Early: Mornings are cooler and less crowded, especially at the temples. Plan your bigger adventures before lunch, then enjoy low-key activities in the afternoon.
Temple Pass Planning: You need an Angkor Pass to visit the temples (including for zip-lining inside the park). Passes are available for 1, 3, or 7 days. Bring your passport and a payment method—kids under 12 are free.
Dress Modestly for Temples: Cover shoulders and knees when visiting sacred sites. Breathable, lightweight clothing is best for the heat.
Sun protection: Wear hats and sunscreen, and drink plenty of water. Hydration is Key!
Kid-Friendly Food is Easy to Find: While you’ll find great Cambodian food everywhere, our boys especially loved the ribs, sautéed morning glory, and fresh coconuts to drink. Most restaurants near Pub Street also offer plenty of Western options—burgers, pasta, pancakes, and fruit shakes—so even picky eaters will find something they enjoy.
Getting Around
Tuk-tuks are a fun and affordable way to get around. Negotiate the price beforehand (or ask your hotel to help arrange one), and make sure your driver understands your itinerary for the day.
We found Nakri, a local tuk-tuk driver who nicknamed his tuk-tuk “The Batmobile,” and hired him for the three days we were in Siem Reap. He was friendly, reliable, and full of great temple suggestions and fascinating history tidbits. We booked him for all three days of our visit to Siem Reap. Beyond our Angkor Wat tours, Nakri also drove us to other activities around town, making our trip smooth and stress-free.
Where to Stay in Siem Reap
Many suggest staying central, choosing a hotel or guesthouse within walking distance of Pub Street or the Old Market. However, we stayed just outside the main tourist area and found it easy to get a tuk-tuk to bring us to restaurants, shops, and temples. The Bou Savy Villa was clean, had a refreshing pool for a hot afternoon, and included a delicious breakfast.
Making the Most of Siem Reap with Kids
If you’re looking for a family-friendly experience, Siem Reap packs an incredible variety of activities into a compact, easy-to-navigate city. From zip-lining through the treetops and learning about landmine-detecting rats to watching glowing puppets light up the night, there’s something for every kind of traveller, especially kids.
What stood out most to us was the heart of the place: the warmth of the people and the sense of welcome we felt at every turn. It’s no wonder that, looking back on our travels, Siem Reap remains one of our family’s favourite places.
Ready to Explore Cambodia?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• Up Close with Pangolins: Cambodia’s Phnom Tamao Wildlife Reserve
• Visiting the Killing Fields: Teaching Our Kids Cambodia’s Painful Past
• Three-Day Itinerary in Siem Reap with Kids
