What To Do with Kids in Krabi? 2 Best Activities!
Lots of people come to Krabi, Thailand with their children to provide them with a once-in-a-lifetime experience seeing another part of the world, culture, and wildlife and nature. Krabi is much less focused on nightlife like Phuket and some other Island lcoations, and more focused on the nature of the place.
Book the Boat Bird/Wildlife Tour Here >
Book the Fishing Trip Here >
Two of the most fun and relaxing ways to enjoy Krabi are to get on a boat with your kids. Not to go all the way to the islands – but just a couple of hours on the river and waterways near Krabi Town where you can watch your children have fun and not do much yourself!
Relaxing, Fun, and Affordable Things to Do in Krabi with Kids
Krabi, Thailand, is one of those rare places where you can relax, enjoy incredible scenery, and give your kids an experience they’ll actually remember — without draining your wallet or dealing with crowds.
Most people think of beaches and islands when they picture Krabi, but the real magic is often found in the quieter corners, like the mangrove forests and calm rivers near Krabi Town.
If you’ve got kids and you’re looking for something fun yet peaceful to do as a family, there are two perfect options that hit the sweet spot between adventure and relaxation — a slow wildlife and birdwatching cruise through the mangroves, or an inshore family fishing trip on Krabi’s calm waters. Both are safe, affordable, and ideal for families who want to see real Thailand, not just tourist traps.
1. Drift Through the Mangrove Forests on a Bird and Wildlife Tour
A mangrove forest might not sound exciting until you actually glide into one. Just five or ten minutes from Krabi Town, you can hop aboard a longtail boat and set off up the Krabi River into a maze of winding channels surrounded by green walls of tangled roots and branches. The moment you leave the dock, the noise of the town fades away and you’re surrounded by the soft sounds of nature — birds calling, the splash of a fish, or the buzz of cicadas in the distance.
The trip can last two or three hours, depending on how much time you have. Most families go for the two-hour option, which is just the right amount of time for kids to stay interested. The boat holds up to six passengers, which makes it perfect for a small group or family.
What makes this tour so great for kids is that there’s always something happening.
- You might see a giant water monitor swimming past the boat, its tongue flicking out as it glides through the water.
- You’ll spot mudskippers — those funny little fish that hop across the mud and breathe air. Brightly colored crabs with one oversized claw wave from their holes.
- Egrets, herons, and kingfishers perch on branches waiting to catch a meal.
- Sometimes if you’re lucky, a family of long-tailed macaques will appear, climbing around the mangroves or wading in the shallow water looking for shellfish.
It’s quiet, calm, and endlessly fascinating for kids — like a nature documentary in real life. Parents love it because it’s peaceful and safe. There are no waves, no rush, no big crowds. Every boat provides life jackets for both adults and children, and the local captains have spent their entire lives on these waters.
You can bring along some drinks or snacks, and most tours will stop at a scenic point where you can stretch your legs or take photos with Krabi’s dramatic limestone cliffs in the background. You can go in the morning or late afternoon when it’s cooler and the light is soft — perfect for photos.
If your family loves wildlife or just wants to do something off the beaten path, this mangrove bird tour is easily one of the best ways to spend a few hours in Krabi.
2. Take the Kids on an Inshore Fishing Adventure
If your kids are the curious, hands-on type who love to try new things, a half-day inshore fishing trip is a great way to give them something exciting to do while still keeping things relaxed and safe. You don’t need to know a thing about fishing — the local boat crew handles everything. They provide the rods, bait, and tackle, and they know exactly where to go to find fish.
These trips stay close to shore, in the calm waters around Krabi Town and the nearby islands. There are no big waves or deep-sea dangers — just quiet bays and shallow channels surrounded by beautiful scenery. Most of the fish you’ll catch are under a meter long — species like grouper, snapper, queenfish, or small barracuda. For kids, even catching a small fish is a thrill, and the excitement of waiting for that first bite is half the fun.
Parents can fish too, or just kick back and enjoy the slow pace. The captain will take you to several spots, depending on the tide and weather, so there’s always a bit of variety. You’ll get to see Krabi from a different perspective — the limestone cliffs rising from the sea, small islands in the distance, and local fishermen working their nets nearby.
What makes these trips perfect for families is how flexible and easy they are. You can book for two or three hours, or even longer if everyone’s enjoying it. The boats are comfortable, shaded, and equipped with life jackets for adults and kids. You can bring snacks, drinks, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the smiles when someone reels in their first fish.
And unlike a lot of tourist activities, this isn’t a rushed or stressful outing. There’s no pressure to catch something huge. It’s just about being out on the water, doing something new, and spending time together.
Why These Activities Are Great for Families
Both the mangrove tour and the fishing trip give you exactly what most families are looking for on vacation — fun, relaxation, and real experiences that don’t feel fake or commercial.
They’re also affordable. You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a great day in Krabi. Prices are usually reasonable, especially if you share the boat with another family or small group. Everything is included — the boat, the guide, and the gear.
Most importantly, they’re safe. The inshore waters around Krabi Town are calm year-round. There are no big waves, no deep-sea conditions, and all boats carry life jackets. The captains know the area better than anyone and take safety seriously.
Kids get to learn something new about nature — spotting wildlife or catching fish — and parents get to relax instead of chasing kids around a crowded beach. There’s shade on the boats, a cool breeze, and no crowds. It’s one of the few activities that keeps everyone happy, no matter their age.
Make It a Day to Remember
If you’ve been trying to figure out what to do in Krabi that isn’t just another beach or shopping trip, this is it. Spend a morning or afternoon out on the water with your family, surrounded by nature, and experience the quiet side of Krabi that most tourists never see.
Take your camera, a hat, and some snacks. Leave the stress behind. Watch your kids’ faces light up when they spot a monkey, a heron taking off, or when they feel that first tug on the fishing line. These are the moments they’ll remember long after the trip is over.
You don’t need to be a bird expert or an angler to enjoy it — just bring a sense of curiosity and let Krabi show you its natural beauty in the most relaxing way possible.
In short – if you want something fun, easy, and affordable to do with kids in Krabi, choose one of these two:
- A mangrove wildlife and bird tour for a quiet, nature-filled adventure
- Or an inshore fishing trip for a bit more hands-on excitement
Either way, it’s two or three hours of pure, simple, unforgettable fun.
How to Book a Mangrove Tour or Inshore Fishing Trip in Krabi
Both of these experiences are easy to arrange once you’re in Krabi Town or Ao Nang.
If you prefer a quieter experience (and better wildlife sightings), try to book the morning tour between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. or the late afternoon slot around 4 p.m. The light is softer, temperatures are cooler, and the mangroves are alive with activity.
Book the Boat Bird/Wildlife Tour Here >
For fishing trips, it’s usually best to go in the morning when the tide is rising — that’s when the fish are most active. Most inshore charters will include bait, tackle, water, and a local guide who speaks basic English.
Book the Fishing Trip Here >
When booking, always confirm
- The duration (2–3 hours is ideal for families)
- The maximum number of passengers (6 is comfortable)
- That life jackets are provided for both adults and children
- How you will reach the pickup place (GRAB rides are best)
Private boats often cost just a bit more than group tours, but the difference in experience is worth it — no crowds, no waiting, just your family and nature.
What to Bring for the Trip
You don’t need much, but having the right few things makes the day easier. Here’s a simple list of what to pack:
- Camera or phone with good zoom – for birds, monkeys, and the incredible mangrove scenery
- Hat and sunglasses – the sun can be strong even when it feels cool on the water
- Sunscreen – you’ll still catch rays reflected off the water
- Bug spray – mangroves can have mosquitoes, especially in the late afternoon
- Snacks and bottled water – or juice boxes for the kids
- Light jacket or sarong – it can get breezy if you go early or late
- Small towel or wet wipes – especially if you’re fishing
- Curiosity and patience – the best moments often happen when you least expect them
That’s it. Keep it simple, relax, and let the river do its thing.