This is an 200 acre outdoor museum designed in the shape of a map of Thailand. The exhibits are replicas of the most famous monuments and temples in Thailand along with a selection of buildings, which no longer exist.

Each building is positioned in the park according to its geographical location in Thailand and is reproduced in authentic detail. The grounds are beautiful and you can both drive between the exhibits or rent a bicycle.

The Ancient City is 33 km from Bangkok on the road to Samut Prakhan. Open daily from 09:00 to 17:00, telephone 282 7614.

http://www.ancientcity.com

The Bangkok Doll Factory & Museum

Traditional Thai dolls are made and displayed at the Bangkok Doll Factory & Museum on Soi Ratchataphan (Soi Mo Leng) off Ratchaprarop Road in the Pratunam area (very close to the Amari Watergate Hotel). Both modern and antique items are on display and the dolls are also available for purchase. Open from 8.00 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Saturday, except public holidays and admission is free. Telephone 66 2 245-3008

The Childrens' Discovery Museum

This relatively new museum, at Chatuchak Park, is an interactive hands-on experience which aims to help children explore their surroundings improve their creativity. There are activities for children as young as 6 months. The children can be firefighters in a "real" miniature fire truck, go shopping in a mini grocery store or be surrounded by a giant soap bubble - and thatˇs just for starters. Open from 09:00 - 18:00 on weekdays and 1000-1900 on weekends. Closed on Mondays. You can even run off any remaining energy in Chatuchak Park itself.

http://www.bkkchildrenmuseum.com

National Science Museum

This is an excellent hand-on science museum for older children and will keep the interest of your children for hours. The museum is close to the Amari Airport Hotel in Rangsit, Pathumthani and is open from Tuesday - Sunday 09:30 -1700, telephone 577-4172. It is not too far from Dream World so you could possibly combine a visit.

http://www.nsm.or.th

Museum of Science and Planetarium

Located between Sois 40 and 42 on Sukhumvit, the Planetarium has a permanent exhibitition of the solar system and a section of dinosaurs, which although not the most modern exhibition, is still fascinating to younger children. Open from Wednesday - Sunday from 0900 - 1600 and closed public holidays, telephone 392 5952.

http://tat.or.th/province/central/bangkok/do/muse.htm

The National Museum

Near Thammasat University, this museum has many perminant exhibits including funeral chariots, a war elephant, puppets, musical room and dolls houses. Open from Wednesday - Sunday from 0900 - 1200 and 1300 - 1600.

http://www.thailandmuseum.com

National History Museum in Nonthaburi

About 20 kms from Bangkok, this museum is really worth a visit as the children will love the stuffed animal displays. Open every day except Mondays, Tuesdays and holidays from 1000 - 1600.

http://thailandmuseum.com

National Theatre

There are special shows of Thai classical dance and music which are held here on the second Friday, Saturday and Sunday; and the last Friday and Saturday of each month. Three performances take place each day, for more information and performance times telephone 224 1342.

http://www.geocities.com/rainforest/7153/bangk_3.htm

Thai Human Imagery Museum

On the way to Nakhon Pathom, this museum is rather like Madame Tusauds, in that there are replicas of both ordinary and famous Thai people. The delightful gardens make a perfect spot for walking and picnicking. Open from Monday - Friday, 0:900 - 17:30and Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays, 08:30 - 18:00., telephone (01) 211 6261.

Department Stores with Amusement Centres

In Bangkok, many of the department stores have large fun lands where your little ones can tear around and burn off some energy. However, please note that most require children to wear socks, so it might be an idea to carry a pair around. Some of the out of town malls also include water parks, however as these can be up to an hour outside the city, there are really only worthwhile for a day trop.

Centrally Located (and Easy to Get to)

• Emporium, Sukhumvit Soi 24, on the 4th floor, Jamboree Land has lots of rides, a padded climbing frame (Baht 40 entrance) a play area and painting activities.
  
• Central Chidlom, Ploenchit Road , there's a play area in the toy department on the 4th floor plus a baby change-room near the stroller and cot display.   In addition, SanRio Play area on the 7th floor has baby and toddler play areas with Little Tikes equipment as a well as craft activities for older children.   The entrance fee is Baht 40 children and free for babies.

http://www.central.co.th/web/indexth.html

• Isetan at Central World Plaza, Opposite the Amari Watergate Hotel , there is a small playground area next to the toy department.
  
• MBK, on the 8th floor in the Tokyu Department Store, there is a Magic land.
  
• Siam Discovery Centre, (next to Siam Centre), the fifth floor of this centre is specifically a children's' floor offering clothing, shoe and bedroom stores. There's also a small play area with climbing frame --- take your own socks otherwise you must buy them when you pay the entrance fee.

East of the City (A Bit Further Out).

• Central City, Bang-na Trat Road , Leo Land includes a well run and clean water park, and also a Laser Quest.
  
• Imperial Department Store, Bang-Na Trat Road , offers a small amusement area with dodgem cars and other rides plus a toy shop with a great selection.
  
• Seacon Square, Srinakarin Road , Yo-Yo Land with many rides for all ages.
  
• Kid's Sports at Seri Center, Srinakarin Road , this  is part of an international chain with 3 different areas to cater for children of different ages.

West & North of the City (Again, a Bit further Out)

• Robinson, Rajadapisek Road , this has indoor rides and an adventure playground.
  
• Siam Jusco, Ngam Wong Wan Road , there is a great play area including a bouncing castle.
  
• The Mall Bangkapi , the top floor is a gigantic amusement park with rides, games and enclosed play areas. Outside their water park includes waterslides and swimming or paddling areas.

Cinemas

Cinemas are a reasonable price in Thailand (around Baht 120 for a standard seat) and have an excellent choice of movies, with release dates only a little behind those released in the US or Europe.   A great activity for a wet afternoon or an evening outing.

The nearest cinema to the Amari Watergate Hotel is the World Trade Center and for the Amari Boulevard Hotel, Emporium is the closest.   For the Amari Atrium Hotel, go to Royal City Avenue which is just across the road and Amari Airport Hotel is nearest to Future Park and the Major Mega Plex.

• Grand EGV, Siam Discovery, 02-658 0455
• SF Cinema , MBK Center, 02 611 6444
• The Emporium , Sukhumvit 24, 02 644 8711-30
• Major Cineplex , Sukhumvit, 02 511 5555
• Major Cineplex , World Trade Center, 02 511 5555

Bowling

Bowling is also a reasonably priced activity which all the family can enjoy.

• Ploenchit Bowl , 1037/1-2-4 Ploenchit Pathum Wan Bkk. 10330, Tel. 0 2251 2852 
• Sukhumvit Bowl , 320 Soi Panichanan Sukhumvit 71 Khlong Toei Bangkok 10110, Tel. 0-2391-2148
• Brunswick Bowl at Royal City Avenue
• Major Mega Plex , Rangsit

Ice-Skating

There is a skating rink in the Central World Plaza (opposite the Amari Watergate Hotel).