City parks or theme parks? Things to do in Hai Phong with kids
Staying in the city means shorter journeys, easier breaks, and more flexibility, while theme parks and beaches offer bigger adventures that take more energy. Toddlers are happy with Tam Bac Lake and the central gardens; older kids get more out of Jump Arena, VinWonders, or the beach.
17 min read
At the Vu Yen zoo, children can stand right at the mesh to watch squirrel monkeys climb.
A compact stroller and a well-timed afternoon nap can make all the difference between a happy family outing and an exhausting one. In Hai Phong, you can stroll around Tam Bac Lake, spend a rainy afternoon at AEON Mall, meet animals at VinWonders Vu Yen, or head to Do Son Beach for a day by the sea. With younger children, one main activity per half-day is plenty, with an indoor backup in mind for rain.
1. What are the best things to do in Hai Phong with kids of different ages?
Each children’s attraction in Hai Phong suits a different age group. A two-year-old might be perfectly happy with a ball pit, a small slide, and room to explore, while older children may prefer trampolines, animals, or learning about ships.
| Age group | Recommended attractions | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|
| Under 3 | Tam Bac Lake, central gardens, soft-play areas at AEON | 1-2 hours |
| Ages 3-5 | Kidzooona, Funzone, Vu Yen wildlife park | 2-3 hours |
| Ages 6-9 | Jump Arena, VinWonders, Navy Museum | Half a day |
| Ages 10+ | Adventure rides at VinWonders, Do Son Beach, Cat Ba Island | Half a day to a full day |
These are general suggestions based on children’s typical interests and stamina, rather than official age restrictions. Individual attractions may have specific height, weight, or adult-supervision requirements.
Families arriving in Hai Phong after a long journey from Hanoi, Ha Long, or Cat Ba might enjoy a gentle afternoon in the city before tackling a larger attraction. A park visit followed by an early dinner can be much more enjoyable than heading straight into a busy theme park.
2. Free outdoor places to visit with kids in central Hai Phong
Hai Phong Opera House Square and the central gardens
No ticket, good for an afternoon walk
Hai Phong Opera House Square is one of the easiest places to visit with children in the city centre. The open space, historic architecture, and surrounding streets make it a pleasant stop for a short walk and family photos.
From here, you can continue through the central gardens or head towards Tam Bac Lake. There’s no entrance fee, so go whenever suits you. Pick a walking route with some shade and an easy way back to your hotel.
These are public spaces, not enclosed playgrounds, so children need close supervision near traffic and open water.
Tam Bac Lake
A short stroll after hours in the car
Tam Bac Lake is a good stop when children need some fresh air after spending hours in a car. In the late afternoon, when the temperature becomes more comfortable, families can walk along the waterfront, stop for a break, and find something to eat nearby.
A 20-30-minute stroll may be more than enough for toddlers.
A lightweight, foldable stroller is useful here, although some pavements may have parked motorbikes, street stalls, or uneven sections.
53 Lach Tray Night Street
5 PM-midnight, early dinner and a stroll
Families who enjoy being out after dinner have a relatively new option at 53 Lach Tray, in Gia Vien Ward.
This commercial, cultural, and food street opened on October 30, 2026. It stretches through the area between the Children’s Cultural Palace, the Martyrs’ Monument, and the road alongside An Bien Lake.
The street features 52 stalls offering food, drinks, gifts, and services, alongside cultural activities.
- Opening hours: 5:00 PM-midnight, daily.
- Trial operating period: until April 15, 2027.
- Best time with younger children: around 5:30-7:00 PM, before it gets busier later in the evening.
For children who get tired early, an hour or so in the early evening is enough to see the street lit up and busy.
As this is a trial project, check whether the street is still operating if you’re visiting after April 2027.
3. What can kids do at AEON Mall Hai Phong on a rainy day?
AEON Mall Hai Phong Le Chan is one of the most convenient places for families when it’s raining, extremely hot, or simply too uncomfortable to spend much time outdoors.
Located at 10 Vo Nguyen Giap Street, the mall has indoor playgrounds, a cinema, restaurants, shops, and a supermarket.
Most of the paid entertainment attractions are concentrated on the third floor, making it easy to switch activities without travelling around the city.
Kidzooona: a good choice for younger children
Kidzooona is designed around soft play, slides, ball pits, and pretend-play activities. Children can explore role-playing areas, try simple physical activities, and enjoy imaginative games.
As of the September 7, 2026 price update, standard admission costs:
| Ticket type | Weekdays | Weekends and holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Regular admission | 130,000 VND | 160,000 VND |
| Member admission | 110,000 VND | 140,000 VND |
One ticket covers one child and one accompanying parent or guardian. Prices and promotions may change, so confirm the current admission package at the counter.
Funzone: ball pits and interactive games
Funzone offers high-tech ball pits, slides, and interactive play equipment. It’s another useful option for families with children who enjoy active indoor play.
AEON’s attraction listing advertises admission starting from 80,000 VND. The actual cost may depend on the package, duration, and supervision requirements.
Jump Arena: for kids who love moving
Jump Arena is better suited to children who enjoy more energetic activities. Its attractions include trampolines, obstacle challenges, climbing activities, and other physical games.
Staff are available to assist visitors, but each activity may have its own height, age, or physical requirements. Check these before purchasing a ticket, especially for younger children.
Timezone and arcade games
Timezone and other arcade areas can be fun for older children, although there are also simpler games that families can enjoy together.
Set a budget for arcade credits in advance, or the top-ups add up quickly.
AEON Mall opening hours
Published operating hours for Kidzooona, Timezone, and Jump Arena are generally:
- Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM-10:00 PM.
- Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays: 9:00 AM-10:00 PM.
Jump Arena has previously displayed different closing hours across its official channels, so call before an evening visit.
Jump Arena hotline: 1900 636 808.
At AEON, children can play, stop for lunch, watch a movie, or take a break without leaving the building. Entry to the mall is free; playgrounds, arcade games, and cinema tickets are charged separately.
4. Vincom Plaza Imperia: another indoor option for families
Vincom Plaza Imperia is located in the Vinhomes Imperia urban development in the former Hong Bang area.
It’s smaller than AEON Mall but still offers several family-friendly facilities, including Wolfoo, HD Games, CGV Cinema, Fahasa Bookstore, and restaurants.
It suits families staying nearby or looking for a relaxed afternoon with a mix of activities.
Younger children may enjoy the Wolfoo play experience, while older kids might prefer arcade games, browsing books, or watching an age-appropriate movie.
The mall’s published opening hours are:
- Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM-10:00 PM.
- Saturday-Sunday: 9:30 AM-10:00 PM.
Individual businesses may follow different schedules.
Wondering where to take kids in Hai Phong when it rains? AEON Mall has the wider range of entertainment in one building. Vincom Imperia is a good alternative when you want a shorter, simpler outing.
5. VinWonders Vu Yen: wildlife, indoor games, and a water park
VinWonders Vu Yen is one of the largest family entertainment complexes near central Hai Phong. It fills most of a day with the children.
One of the highlights is the Animal Kingdom, which is home to 67 species and more than 2,000 animals.
There’s also a Kid Zoo area where children can discover what it’s like to care for animals through junior zookeeper-style experiences.
The indoor entertainment area covers more than 1,500 m² and includes 159 arcade machines and a multi-level ball-play area.
Outside, nearly 2,900 m² is dedicated to 13 games and attractions. During warmer months, Aloha Water Park adds another option for families who enjoy water activities.
Are VinWonders Vu Yen children’s tickets based on age or height?
Admission prices are based on height, not age, so a tall child may need a child or even adult ticket earlier than parents expect.
| Child’s height | Admission category |
|---|---|
| Under 100 cm | Free admission |
| 100 cm to under 140 cm | Child ticket |
| 140 cm and above | Adult ticket |
For a package combining the wildlife park and entertainment area, the reference prices published for 2026 are:
- 300,000 VND for visitors 140 cm and taller.
- 200,000 VND for children from 100 cm to under 140 cm.
- Free admission for children under 100 cm.
Prices can vary depending on ticket combinations, promotions, and travel dates.
Packages that include the water park, buffet meals, or additional experiences may cost more.
Each ride also has its own safety restrictions, separate from the admission ticket.
VinWonders Vu Yen opening hours
Published operating hours are:
- Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM-6:30 PM.
- Saturday-Sunday: 8:30 AM-7:30 PM.
Rides generally stop operating 30 minutes before the park closes.
For children under five, the animals in the morning, a proper lunch break, and a little indoor play afterwards make a manageable day. Older children may have enough energy for more active rides.
6. Hai Phong Museum and the Navy Museum: a different kind of family outing
Museums make a change from slides and arcades, especially for children who are becoming curious about history, ships, and unusual objects.
Hai Phong Museum
Hai Phong Museum is located at 66 Dien Bien Phu Street, Hong Bang Ward.
It houses collections related to the city’s history and culture, including historical objects, photographs, and exhibitions.
From October 16 to November 30, 2026, the museum is hosting a special exhibition titled 80 Years - Hai Phong Remembers Uncle Ho’s Words.
This kind of visit works best for children who are old enough to look at exhibits, ask questions, and enjoy short stories about the past.
Younger children usually get more from a brief visit focusing on a few interesting objects than from trying to explore every gallery.
Vietnam Navy Museum
The Vietnam Navy Museum is located in the former Duong Kinh area of Hai Phong.
Children who love ships, military vehicles, and large machinery tend to enjoy it most.
The outdoor exhibition area includes military transport ship HQ671, aircraft, torpedoes, and other naval equipment.
A previously published visiting schedule lists:
- Tuesday-Saturday.
- Morning: 8:00-11:00 AM.
- Afternoon: 2:00-4:30 PM.
Visiting hours and admission prices at both museums can change, so call ahead, especially around public holidays.
Outdoor displays are generally more comfortable in the morning. With younger children, an hour spent looking at a handful of impressive objects may be plenty.
7. Do Son or Cat Ba: which beach is better for children?
Do Son Beach: easier for a short day trip
Do Son Beach is approximately 20 km from central Hai Phong, around 20-30 minutes by car when traffic is light, so families staying in the city can easily go there and back in a day.
Beach Area 2, commonly called Khu 2, has a wider, gently sloping beach and is generally the busiest section.
Beach Area 1 has more rocks and can experience stronger waves, making it less suitable for children swimming.
The seawater at Do Son is often brownish because of suspended sediment. This colour alone doesn’t necessarily indicate pollution.
From May to August, swimming may be possible when weather and sea conditions are suitable. Between October and April, a beach walk followed by a seafood meal is often more appealing than going into the water.
Cat Ba Island: worth planning as a separate day
Cat Ba offers sandy beaches, dramatic limestone scenery, and boat trips through the surrounding bays.
With children, it takes more planning because of transfers, boat schedules, and changing sea conditions.
Younger children do best with one main activity on Cat Ba: a beach day or a suitable bay tour.
Since mid-June 2026, passengers on sightseeing boats operating in the bays around the Cat Ba Archipelago have been required to wear properly fitted life jackets from boarding until the end of the trip. This requirement includes children.
Before departure, make sure the operator provides a life jacket that actually fits your child.
Cat Ba bay entrance fees
The 2026 sightseeing fees are:
| Visitor | Entrance fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | 120,000 VND |
| Children aged 6 and above | 60,000 VND |
| Children under 6 | Free |
These are sightseeing fees only. Boat tickets, meals, and optional services are charged separately.
Important beach safety rules
Under Hai Phong’s public beach regulations, the general operating hours are:
| Season | Beach operating hours |
|---|---|
| Summer, April 1-October 31 | 5:30 AM-7:00 PM |
| Winter, November 1-March 31 | 7:00 AM-6:00 PM |
Operating public bathing areas must provide lifeguard supervision and the required safety facilities during their official hours.
Swimming areas should be marked with buoys and warning signs, while water entertainment zones must be separated from designated bathing areas.
8. When is the best time to visit Hai Phong with children?
Hai Phong has hot, humid summers and a fairly distinct rainy season.
Choosing the right time of year can make family travel much easier, especially when children are sensitive to heat or long periods outdoors.
| Months | Typical conditions | Family-friendly activities |
|---|---|---|
| March-April | Gradually warmer | Parks, museums, sightseeing |
| May-August | Hot, humid, frequent rain | Morning wildlife visits, safe beach days, indoor playgrounds |
| September-November | Cooler, with rain and possible early-season storms | City walks, museums, shopping malls |
| December-February | Cool to chilly | Indoor attractions, museums, sightseeing without swimming |
Based on average climate data from 2015-2024, June is among the hottest months in central Hai Phong, with an average daytime high of approximately 34°C. July follows at around 33°C.
Rainfall is heaviest from May to September, and August is one of the wettest months.
These are historical climate averages, not forecasts for your specific travel dates.
In summer, outdoor activities fit the early morning or late afternoon, with lunch and rest around midday.
In the rainy season, keep an indoor attraction ready as a backup. When storms or severe weather warnings are issued, drop the boat trip or island plan.
9. Getting around Hai Phong with kids: taxis, car seats, and strollers
Taxis and ride-hailing services are usually easier than motorbikes when travelling with small children, particularly if you’re carrying luggage and a stroller.
A regular taxi in Hai Phong may not have a child safety seat. Request one when arranging a private transfer, or bring your own child restraint.
Are child car seats required in Vietnam?
Even where taxis are exempt from mandatory child-seat equipment, using a properly fitted car seat is still the safer option.
For families travelling from abroad, arranging a private vehicle with a child seat in advance may be more practical than relying on the availability of one at the roadside.
Is Hai Phong stroller-friendly?
A lightweight, foldable stroller is probably the most useful option for moving around central Hai Phong.
Some pavements are relatively wide and clear, while others may have street vendors, parked motorbikes, steps, or uneven surfaces.
A baby carrier can be helpful when navigating crowded areas or sections where pushing a stroller becomes difficult.
When taking a taxi, help children enter from the safer side of the road, secure their seat belts or child restraints correctly, and check that the doors are closed before the vehicle moves.
Never hold a child on your lap as a substitute for an appropriate restraint.
10. What should families eat in Hai Phong with kids?
Many Hai Phong specialities are spicy or seafood-heavy, but plenty of dishes can be made milder for young children.
Banh da cua: Hai Phong’s crab noodle soup
Banh da cua is one of the city’s signature dishes. It features flat rice noodles in a savoury broth, often served with crab and other toppings.
Once children can eat a wide variety of foods, ask the restaurant to serve chilli sauce and other spicy seasonings separately.
The same applies to Hai Phong’s popular banh mi que, small baguette-style sandwiches that are often served with spicy chilli sauce.
Nem cua be: crispy crab spring rolls
Nem cua be are square, crispy spring rolls filled with crab and other ingredients.
They’re easy to cut into smaller pieces for children who are old enough to eat them safely, but crab and other filling ingredients may trigger food allergies.
Sea snails, shrimp, crab, and other seafood are common throughout Hai Phong’s food scene.
If your child has a known shellfish allergy, explain this clearly to restaurant staff. Simply removing visible pieces of seafood may not eliminate the risk of cross-contact.
Sweet treats for children
Sweet soups known as che can be a nice dessert after a meal.
During cooler weather, families may also come across sui din, warm glutinous rice balls served in a sweet ginger syrup.
For younger children, allow hot desserts to cool, cut chewy rice balls into appropriately sized pieces, and supervise eating to reduce choking risks.
Family-friendly restaurants have comfortable seating, space around the table, accessible toilets, and staff who can prepare food without too much seasoning. A famous place packed at lunchtime is hard going with toddlers.
11. Where should families stay in Hai Phong?
Families visiting Hai Phong before or after Cat Ba or Ha Long do best choosing a base around their main activities here.
The central areas of the former Ngo Quyen, Hong Bang, and Le Chan districts are generally convenient for restaurants, city walks, and taxi journeys.
If most of your activities are within Hai Phong city, a centrally located hotel beats somewhere farther away.
Families planning to visit VinWonders Vu Yen can also look for accommodation with convenient road access to the island. For a single theme park day, a central hotel still works.
Family hotel packages
As an example, Hotel Nikko Hai Phong advertised a 2026 family package starting from 3,400,000 VND.
The package included one night in a Deluxe room, breakfast, and VinWonders Vu Yen admission for two adults and one child.
The offer applied to stays until December 31, 2026, with advance payment and non-refundable booking conditions.
It’s an example of the kind of package worth comparing, rather than a guaranteed price for every date.
When booking a hotel with children, ask about extra beds, baby cots, children’s breakfast charges, non-smoking rooms, and luggage storage.
International visitors may also want to check whether the hotel can help arrange a vehicle with a child seat or assist with translation if medical care becomes necessary.
12. What to do if your child gets sick in Hai Phong
Save these numbers on your phone before the trip.
Hai Phong Children's Hospital
Viet Duc Street, Kien An Ward, Hai Phong.
- Vietnamese name: Bệnh viện Nhi Hải Phòng
- Hospital hotline: 091 224 8985
- Customer service: 0886 915 115
Hai Phong Children’s Hospital is a public specialist hospital for children and provides 24-hour emergency services, including weekends and public holidays.
The hospital was previously known as Hai Phong Children’s Hospital under its former Vietnamese name, Bệnh viện Trẻ em Hải Phòng. Its Vietnamese name changed in July 2025, so some older maps and signs may still display the previous name.
Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital
Bui Vien Street, An Bien Ward, Hai Phong.
- Vietnamese name: Bệnh viện Đa khoa Quốc tế Vinmec Hải Phòng
- Hotline: 0225 7309 888
Vinmec Hai Phong has a Pediatrics and Neonatology Department, alongside a 24-hour Emergency and Intensive Care Department.
Emergency services operate on weekends and public holidays.
Families can arrange regular appointments through Vinmec’s booking channels or the MyVinmec application.
Finding a pharmacy
Hai Phong has several pharmacy chains, including Long Chau. Most Long Chau branches open from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM, but some close at 10:00 PM, so check the branch before travelling there.
For minor health concerns, a pharmacist may be able to provide guidance, but children with symptoms requiring medical examination should be assessed by a qualified healthcare professional.
International families should keep their travel insurance details, children’s identification documents, current medication information, and allergy lists readily accessible.
Having these details written in English makes things easier when arranging care through a hotel or international hospital.
13. A one-day Hai Phong itinerary with kids
The two plans below split by weather: outdoors on a sunny day, the mall when it rains.
Itinerary A: a sunny day with outdoor activities
- 8:00-11:00 AM
Zoo in the morning
Visit VinWonders Vu Yen, focusing on the wildlife park and age-appropriate activities
- 11:00 AM-2:00 PM
Lunch break
Lunch and a proper rest
- 2:00-4:00 PM
Easy play
Indoor play or extra downtime, depending on your child’s energy
- 5:00-6:30 PM
Lake walk, dinner
Walk around Tam Bac Lake and have dinner nearby
Families with older, energetic children may prefer to spend the entire day at VinWonders and skip the lakeside walk.
Keeping a proper rest period between activities is more important for toddlers than fitting everything into the itinerary.
Itinerary B: a rainy day at indoor attractions
- 9:30-11:00 AM
Arrive at AEON
Arrive at AEON Mall, have a snack, and get ready for playtime
- 11 AM-12:30 PM
Main playtime
Kidzooona, Funzone, or another age-appropriate attraction
- 12:30-2:00 PM
Lunch break
Lunch and rest
- 2:00-4:00 PM
Afternoon
Watch a movie, enjoy quieter activities, or browse the shops
- Evening
End of the day
Return to the hotel or have dinner nearby
This plan works whatever the weather does.
Many AEON entertainment areas open at 10:00 AM on weekdays and 9:00 AM on weekends, so on a weekday the early morning is better spent over breakfast at the hotel.
Before leaving your hotel, take a quick photo of your child’s height measurement and save the local hospital’s phone number on your phone. The photo settles the ticket question at the counter, and the number is there if your child gets sick.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Hai Phong with kids besides VinWonders?
Families can visit Tam Bac Lake, Hai Phong Opera House Square, the central gardens, 53 Lach Tray Night Street, AEON Mall Hai Phong Le Chan, Vincom Plaza Imperia, and local museums. Parks and lakeside walks are ideal for relaxed outings, while shopping malls offer indoor play areas and activities that work well in hot or rainy weather.
What height does a child need to be to pay for admission to VinWonders Vu Yen?
Children under 100 cm enter free of charge. Those between 100 cm and under 140 cm qualify for children's tickets, while visitors 140 cm and taller pay adult admission prices. Some rides have separate height restrictions, so always check the safety rules before joining a queue.
Where can I take kids in Hai Phong when it rains?
AEON Mall Hai Phong Le Chan is one of the most flexible options, with ball pits, pretend-play areas, trampolines, arcade games, a cinema, and restaurants. Vincom Plaza Imperia is another convenient choice. Museums can also be suitable for older children, but confirm their opening hours before visiting.
Do taxis in Hai Phong provide child car seats?
Regular taxis may not have child car seats. Commercial passenger transport vehicles are exempt from the mandatory child-restraint equipment rule introduced in July 2026, but using an appropriate car seat remains the safer option. Families can bring their own or arrange a private transfer with a suitable seat in advance.
Which hospital should I visit if my child gets sick in Hai Phong?
Families can contact Hai Phong Children's Hospital on Viet Duc Street in Kien An Ward or Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital on Bui Vien Street in An Bien Ward. Both provide 24-hour emergency services. For serious emergencies, including severe breathing difficulties, unconsciousness, or prolonged seizures, call 115 immediately.
