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Hanoi Family Activities: A Guide for Expats
Looking for Hanoi family activities for your children? Hanoi offers many things to do with kids, from indoor playgrounds and museums to pottery workshops, creative activities, parks, cycling and weekend trips into nature.
For expat families, choosing the right family activities in Hanoi often depends on where you live. A family living in Tay Ho may have very different weekend options from a family in Long Bien, Cau Giay or Ha Dong.
This guide brings together Hanoi family activities by area, making it easier to find places close to your home and choose activities that match your child’s age and interests.
Whether your children enjoy art, sports, technology, animals, nature or simply having space to play, you can find plenty of family activities in Hanoi for a weekend with the whole family.
Family Activities in Hanoi by Area
Tay Ho / Ciputra
Families living in Tay Ho and Ciputra have several convenient options for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Lotte Mall West Lake
Lotte Mall West Lake official website is one of the most convenient indoor family destinations in this part of Hanoi.
The mall has several entertainment options for children, including:
- KidZania Hanoi
- Lotte World Aquarium
- tiNiWorld
- Funtopia
- Champion 1250
- NSQUARE Creative Learning Center
Families can combine children’s entertainment with lunch, shopping and other activities in the same location.
Best for: rainy days, hot weather and families with children of different ages.
Daydreamer Workshop VN
For families looking for a more creative activity, Daydreamer Workshop VN in Tay Ho offers personal workshops covering more than 20 different themes. Its official website currently states that personal workshops are regularly organised from Tuesday to Sunday at its locations.
Best for: arts, crafts and hands-on creative activities.
Workshop themes can change, so check the current programme and age requirements before booking.
Ba Dinh / Lieu Giai
Saga Kids Playground
Families living around Lieu Giai can consider Saga Kids Playground at Capital Place.
It is an indoor play option for younger children and can be convenient for families who prefer not to travel far across Hanoi.
Vincom Center Metropolis
Vincom Center Metropolis is another convenient option for families living around Lieu Giai.
Because individual entertainment facilities can change, check the current mall directory before visiting.
Klay – Pottery Lab
Children who enjoy making things with their hands can consider Klay – Pottery Lab in the Giang Vo area.
The studio focuses on pottery and ceramic-related creative activities, including pottery and ceramic painting.
Best for: pottery, ceramic painting and hands-on creative activities.
For children, check the current class schedule and minimum age before booking.
Cau Giay / Yen Hoa
Cau Giay is a convenient area for families because of its residential neighbourhoods, schools, parks and local activities.
Ngoidaymo.workshop
Ngoidaymo.workshop on Nguyen Khang is a creative and art workshop space.
Depending on the current programme, families can look for activities involving drawing, painting and creative projects.
Best for: children who enjoy art and making things.
Because workshop themes can change, check the latest schedule before visiting.
Quynh Pottery Studio
Quynh Pottery Studio on Duong Khue is another option for families interested in pottery.
It is more suitable for families specifically looking for a pottery experience than for children simply looking for a playground.
Thanh Xuan / Nguyen Trai
Vincom Mega Mall Royal City
Vincom Mega Mall Royal City is a large indoor entertainment destination in this part of Hanoi.
Families can find children’s entertainment, sports activities, indoor ice skating and technology-based experiences in the complex.
It can be especially useful for families with children of different ages because there are activities beyond a traditional playground.
Best for: families looking for several indoor activities in one location.
Ha Dong
AEON MALL Ha Dong
AEON MALL Ha Dong is a convenient indoor destination for families living in Ha Dong and nearby areas.
The mall currently has children’s entertainment options including Kidzooona and Dream Kids, as well as other family activities.
Best for: younger children and families looking for an indoor weekend activity.
Dun Art Workshop
Families interested in drawing and art can also consider Dun Art Workshop around Nguyen Van Loc.
This is more suitable for children interested in drawing and creative learning than for simple free play.
Hai Ba Trung / Minh Khai
VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City
VinKE & Vinpearl Aquarium Times City is one of Hanoi’s established family destinations.
The complex combines an aquarium with VinKE, an educational and role-playing space for children. The official site currently lists weekday opening hours of 10:00–22:00 and weekend/holiday hours of 09:30–22:00.
The aquarium also has scheduled animal-related activities, while VinKE offers educational activities and classes.
Best for: families who want entertainment and educational activities in the same trip.
Ceramic Club – Minh Khai
Ceramic Club official website currently lists a Hanoi location at 10 Alley 243 Minh Khai.
Ceramic Club offers hand-built pottery and ceramic painting sessions for all ages, making it one of the more straightforward choices for families looking for a hands-on ceramics activity.
Best for: pottery and ceramic painting.
CHOI Workshop – Edu & Art
Families around Times City can also look for CHOI Workshop – Edu & Art, a creative workshop provider offering different art and handmade activities.
Because its workshop themes can change, check its current social-media programme before booking.
Long Bien
AEON MALL Long Bien
AEON MALL Long Bien is a convenient family destination for residents of Long Bien.
Children’s entertainment options include Kidzooona and tiNiWorld.
It is useful for families who want to combine indoor play, shopping and dining in one location.
Ecopark
For families who prefer outdoor activities, Ecopark is a popular weekend destination from eastern Hanoi.
Families can:
- Ride bicycles
- Walk through green spaces
- Have a picnic
- Play outdoors
- Explore parks
- Spend time in nature
Best for: cycling, outdoor play and relaxed family weekends.
Hoang Mai / Gamuda
Gina Kid’s Playground
Families living around Gamuda Gardens can consider Gina Kid’s Playground, an indoor play area for children.
It can be a convenient choice for younger children who want to play without travelling far from home.
Yen So Park
When the weather is comfortable, Yen So Park is a simple outdoor option.
Families can walk, cycle, have a picnic and let children play outside.
Sometimes children simply need space to run and move rather than another organised activity.
Dong Da
ART TREE
ART TREE in the O Cho Dua area is an art centre for children and learners interested in drawing and creative activities.
It is more suitable for families looking for artistic learning than for simple free play.
96 Ceramics
Families interested in ceramics can also look at 96 Ceramics, with locations in the Ba Dinh and Dong Da areas.
Because class and workshop schedules can change, check the current programme before visiting.
Creative Workshops for Kids in Hanoi
Creative activities can be a great alternative to a conventional playground.
Children can spend an afternoon making something with their own hands and take the finished piece home.
Pottery and Ceramic Activities
Some current pottery and ceramic options around Hanoi include:
- Klay – Pottery Lab – Giang Vo
- Ceramic Club – Hang Buom – Old Quarter
- Ceramic Club – Minh Khai – Hai Ba Trung
- Quynh Pottery Studio – Duong Khue
- 96 Ceramics – Hanoi
- Vietclay – Bach Dang area
Ceramic Club currently confirms two Hanoi studios, at Hang Buom and Minh Khai, and states that its hand-built pottery and ceramic painting sessions are available for all ages.
Before booking a pottery activity, check:
- The current workshop theme
- Minimum age
- Session duration
- Whether advance booking is required
- Whether English support is available
Not every pottery studio offers a children’s workshop every day, so it is better to check directly rather than rely on an old blog post.
Art and Painting Activities
Some children prefer drawing and painting to pottery.
Families can investigate:
ART TREE – Dong Da
An art centre offering drawing and creative activities.
My Thuat Bui – Central Hanoi
A painting and art-learning centre for children and learners interested in drawing.
Dun Art Workshop – Ha Dong
A local option for drawing and art activities.
Ngoidaymo.workshop – Yen Hoa
A creative workshop space in Cau Giay.
These venues are better suited to children who want to practise an artistic skill rather than simply play.
Handmade and Seasonal Workshops
Hanoi also has temporary creative workshops throughout the year.
Around occasions such as:
- Mid-Autumn Festival
- Halloween
- Christmas
- Tet
- School holidays
children may find activities such as lantern making, painting, decorating and handmade gifts.
For these temporary activities, Facebook and Instagram can be more useful than an old article because the programme may only be announced a few weeks in advance.
Bat Trang Ceramic Village: A Family Half-Day Trip
For expat families interested in Vietnamese culture, Bat Trang Ceramic Village is a good half-day destination.
Bat Trang is more than a single workshop. Families can explore the traditional ceramic village, visit pottery shops and studios, and look for places offering hands-on pottery or ceramic-painting activities.
Children may enjoy:
- Making pottery
- Painting ceramic pieces
- Seeing traditional ceramics
- Exploring the village
- Looking at handmade products
- Choosing a small Vietnamese ceramic souvenir
Because individual workshops have different schedules, prices and age requirements, check and book a specific activity before travelling.
Best for: families who want to combine creativity, culture and a short trip outside central Hanoi.
Museums and Educational Activities
Museums can be a good weekend choice when parents want children to learn something while still having an interesting outing.
Depending on age and interests, families can consider:
- Vietnam Museum of Ethnology
- Vietnam National Museum of Nature
- Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum
- Vietnamese Women’s Museum
- Vietnam Military History Museum
- Hanoi Museum
For younger children, it is usually better not to visit too many museums in one day.
A simple plan could be:
Museum → lunch → park → home
For an international family, a museum can also be a useful way for children to learn more about Vietnamese history, culture and everyday life.
Outdoor Activities in Hanoi
Children do not always need an organised activity.
Sometimes the best weekend plan is simply to get outside.
West Lake
Families living in Tay Ho can walk or cycle around West Lake and enjoy a relaxed afternoon or evening.
Hanoi Botanical Garden
A quieter option for families interested in trees, plants and nature.
Thong Nhat Park
Suitable for walking, cycling, running and outdoor play.
Cau Giay Park
A convenient option for families living in Cau Giay.
Thanh Xuan Park
Another local option for walking, cycling and outdoor activities.
Yen So Park
A useful choice for families living around Gamuda and Hoang Mai.
Cycling with Children in Hanoi
Cycling can be one of the easiest ways to turn an ordinary weekend into an outdoor activity.
Families can consider:
- Ecopark
- West Lake
- Large residential areas with quieter internal roads
- Suitable parks and green spaces
For younger children, choose areas away from heavy traffic and use appropriate helmets and safety equipment.
Ecopark can be particularly convenient for families who want to combine cycling, green spaces and outdoor play.
Weekend Nature Trips from Hanoi
Soc Son
When children are ready for something more adventurous, Soc Son is close enough for a day trip from Hanoi.
Possible destinations include:
- Ham Lon Mountain
- Ham Lon Lake
- Dong Do Lake
- Pine forests
- Family-friendly camping areas
Activities may include easy hiking, camping, cycling, outdoor games and nature observation.
For younger children, choose easy walking routes rather than challenging mountain trails.
Ba Vi
Ba Vi is another option for families who want to spend more time in nature.
Families can enjoy:
- Forest walks
- Pine forests
- Mountain scenery
- Easy hiking
- Picnics
- Nature observation
- Family photography
- Weekend stays
For younger children, choose short and manageable walks rather than difficult hiking routes.
How to Choose the Right Activity for Your Child
Not every child enjoys the same kind of weekend.
| If your child likes… | Consider… |
|---|---|
| Running and climbing | Indoor playgrounds, trampoline parks |
| Drawing | Art classes and painting activities |
| Making things | Pottery, ceramics and handmade activities |
| Vietnamese culture | Museums and Bat Trang |
| Animals and nature | Aquarium, parks and Ba Vi |
| Science | STEM, robotics and science museums |
| Technology | Coding, robotics and immersive experiences |
| Sports | Cycling, skating and outdoor parks |
| Food | Cooking and baking activities |
| Adventure | Soc Son, camping and hiking |
The best activity is not necessarily the most famous one. It is the activity that matches your child’s age, personality and interests.
Quick Guide: Family Activities by Area
| Area | Family options |
|---|---|
| Tay Ho / Ciputra | Lotte Mall West Lake, Daydreamer Workshop, West Lake |
| Ba Dinh / Lieu Giai | Saga Kids Playground, Klay Pottery Lab, Metropolis |
| Cau Giay / Yen Hoa | Ngoidaymo, Quynh Pottery Studio, Cau Giay Park |
| Thanh Xuan / Nguyen Trãi | Royal City, Thanh Xuan Park |
| Ha Dong | AEON MALL Ha Dong, Dun Art Workshop |
| Hai Ba Trung / Minh Khai | Times City, Ceramic Club, CHOI Workshop |
| Long Bien | AEON MALL Long Bien, Ecopark |
| Hoang Mai / Gamuda | Gina Kid’s Playground, Yen So Park |
| Dong Da | ART TREE, 96 Ceramics |
| Old Quarter / Hoan Kiem | Ceramic Club, museums, Bat Trang day trip |
A Practical Tip for Expat Parents
Before visiting a children’s activity or creative workshop, check four things:
1. Age requirements
Some activities are designed for adults or older children.
2. Language
Not every workshop is conducted in English. If your child does not speak Vietnamese, ask whether English support is available.
3. Booking
Popular workshops may require advance booking.
4. Current schedule
Workshop themes, opening hours and available activities can change.
For this reason, the organiser’s current website or social-media page is usually more reliable than an old blog article.
Moving to a New Home in Hanoi?
For expat families, finding the right neighbourhood is only part of settling into life in Hanoi. When you move to a new apartment or house, practical details such as packing, furniture dismantling, building regulations and transportation can also make a difference.
If you are planning a move, you can learn more about moving services in Hanoi, including packing and transportation options, before choosing the service that fits your needs.
Families moving between Hanoi and other cities in Vietnam can also look at long-distance moving services in Vietnam and compare the services included in each package.
Final Thoughts
Hanoi can be a surprisingly interesting city for families.
One weekend, your children can make pottery. The next weekend, they can explore a museum, cycle in Ecopark, visit an aquarium or simply play in a park near home.
For expat families, the key is not finding one perfect place. It is building a small list of activities that fit your family’s location, schedule, budget and interests.
And when your family eventually moves to a new home, knowing the neighbourhood can make everyday life easier too — from schools and hospitals to supermarkets, parks, children’s activities and weekend destinations.
Last updated: September 2026
