As a family on the road, we’re always looking for new and exciting places that offer more than just a typical holiday. We’re worldschooling, which means we’re learning as we go, immersing ourselves in the culture, history, and adventures of each place we visit. And let me tell you, Siem Reap is a dream for families looking to combine education with fun!
​
From ancient temples to lush jungles, Siem Reap isn’t just for history buffs—it’s a playground for curious minds of all ages. Whether you’re exploring the wonders of Angkor Wat, meeting local families, or discovering the mesmerising Phare Circus, there’s no shortage of activities that will keep your little ones engaged and learning.
​
In this post, I’m sharing some of our favourite things to do in Siem Reap with kids, so you can make the most of your own family adventure.
Worldschooling in Siem Reap
Why do families choose Siem Reap for worldschooling? Well, this place is like an open-air classroom, blending ancient history with vibrant local culture and nature in ways that textbooks just can’t match. Kids can learn about the rise and fall of empires while exploring the incredible temples of Angkor. Siem Reap is also full of friendly faces and fascinating traditions, offering endless opportunities to dive into new subjects—from arts, language, local crafts and sports (including rock climbing and skateboarding). Whether you’re worldschooling or just want to give your kids an unforgettable learning experience, Siem Reap’s mix of adventure and education makes it the perfect spot to grow, explore, and connect as a family.
​
There are a number of expats living in Siem Reap meaning there are lots of opportunities to connect and meet other families in the area. There are a number of international schools within Siem Reap with Tree House International School being a favourite among lots of expat families.
​
If you are looking to connect with other families through worldschooling hubs, Angkor Wat Hub, Cambodia is a fantastic worldschooling hub that offers weekly drop off programmes. If you are unable to attend a hub then you can still get involved with one-off sessions and activities such as monk blessings and visits to the floating village.
Photo: Worldschooling in Siem Reap
Things to do in Siem Reap with kids
During our time backpacking around SE Asia, we spent more time than originally planned in Siem Reap. It quickly became a city that we all felt comfortable in and we were all eager to spend more time in the area and find out what the city had to offer.
​
After connecting with other families through expat groups on Facebook, we were able to find out about activities and events that we could get involved in. This made us make the decision to extend our stay. It was the best decision we made because we got to experience so much! Below I have put together some of the things we loved doing during our time in Siem Reap.
Angkor Wat is one of the most iconic attractions in Siem Reap and you really cannot visit Siem Reap without visiting Angkor Wat.
​
Visiting Angkor Wat is like stepping into a living history book—one that’s rich in stories, art, and culture. For worldschooling families, this UNESCO World Heritage site is a dream come true. Here you can explore the world’s largest religious monument whilst diving into the fascinating history of the Khmer Empire. Kids can get a feel for ancient engineering as they explore the temple’s intricate carvings, massive stone walls, and hidden galleries. And with plenty of space to roam, the whole family can marvel at the scale and beauty of Angkor while soaking in lessons about history, art, and architecture that you just can’t replicate in a classroom.
Photo: Exploring Angkor Wat complex with kids
Be sure to check out my Angkor Wat with Kids for everything you need to know before visiting with kids.
2. Apopo Visitor Centre
As a worldschooling family, we are always looking for ways to learn about the history and culture of a country we are visiting in a child friendly way. Whilst in Vietnam, the Cu Chi Tunnels provided an opportunity for our children to learn about the Vietnam war and what life was like inside the tunnels. Heading into Cambodia we knew that that it was important for our boys to learn about the country's history however we wanted to make sure that what we exposed our children to was at the right level for them. Whilst in Phnom Penh, we made the decision (after lots of research) not to take the boys to the killing fields or genocide museum.
​
When we learnt about the Apopo Visitor Centre in Siem Reap, we knew that this kind of experience would suit our children better in learning about the history of Cambodia. It is a fantastic hands on experience learning all about the current situation Cambodia faces with landmines and how they are using a team of incredible rats to help find and dispose of the landmines.
​
After learning about how the rats are trained to sniff out landmines and seeing a demonstration, you will have the opportunity to meet and hold one of the hero rats.
Photo: APOPO Visitor Centre
Photo: Meeting a hero rat at APOPO Visitor Centre
2. Phare Circus
When you are travelling with kids, it can be difficult to find something to do in the evenings for the whole family to enjoy. Pub street is great and the children will enjoy seeing all of the lights however, it is not really the environment that you might want to spend the evening with children. As with other pub/walking streets we visited in Vietnam and Thailand, the vibe quickly changes as the sun sets.
​
Phare Circus however offers a fantastic evening out that the whole family can enjoy. From browsing the boutique, sampling street food and enjoying the mesmerising circus performance, there is something for everyone!
​
Head over to Phare Circus with Kids- Everything you need to know BEFORE you go to find out more information.
Photo: Phare Circus, Siem Reap
3. Wake Park
We discovered Wake Park through another expat family and we were so glad they told us about it because it really is a hidden gem in the city. Wake park offers thrilling wakeboard sessions as well as a family friendly Aqua Park. There is a tranquil beached area perfect for toddlers to paddle and a lakeside bar and restaurant.
​
You do not have to do wakeboarding to visit the park. In fact, you do not even have to go swimming or use the Aqua Park, you can simply turn up and spend the day relaxing on the comfy lounge benches and enjoy delicious food and cocktails. If you do not plan to use the parks attractions then you will need to agree to spend a minimum of $5 dollars each (adults). You pay this at the front desk in exchange for tokens that can be used at the bar and restaurant.
​
Our boys loved the thrill of the Aqua Park, a giant inflatable obstacle course on the lake. Children are given life jackets and need to be supervised by an adult.
​
I recommend staying for the evening if you do go. The sunset at the park is absolutely gorgeous and the best we saw during our time in Siem Reap. As the sun set, the staff got out a foam machine and suddenly the place turned into a kids foam party (I don't know if this happens every night, we went on a Sunday)!
Photo: Wakeboarding at Wake Park Cambodia
Photo: Sunset at Wake Park Cambodia
4. Wander around the markets
We have had our fair share of markets during our time in Vietnam, however the markets in Siem Reap offer such a variety we found ourselves visiting again and again. The main markets to explore in Siem reap is the Old market and the Riverside Night Market.
​
There is a big push for sustainable tourism in Siem Reap and you will find lots of different markets that promote supporting local artists and businesses. Made in Cambodia Market is a local market that showcases some of the finest craftsmanship in Cambodia. Here, you will discover high quality goods that are locally made and at fair prices. The aim of the Made in Cambodia Market is to help create Khmer jobs for the local artists in the nearby villages who create these beautiful goods.
Photo: Wandering around the Old Market
5. Skate boarding
If you want to find an experience for the kids that immerses them in local life with local kids then skateboarding is the perfect activity to get involved in. There are a few different skate parks around Siem Reap such as K2 Skate Park and The Cocoon DIY Skate Park but we had the most fantastic time at Khmerski Skate Park. We attended a free trail lesson where our boys had a go at skateboarding with local and expat kids. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to meet and connect with kids their age. We actually loved it so much that we went back in the week for more!
​
Khmerski Skate Park is open every day and you can hire skateboards and protective gear for just $1.50.
Photo: Skate boarding at Khmerski Skate Park
6. Rock climbing
Our boys love rock climbing and after discovering an epic rock climbing cafe in Nha Trang, Vietnam, the boys were super excited to discover that Siem Reap also had one! The Blue Monkey offers bouldering for all ages as well as beginner coaching sessions. Check out their facebook page for more information about sessions and events.
Photo: The Blue Monkey
7. Sample street food
If you head down to the river in the evening, you will see it lined with different street food vendors offering different local dishes and fresh fruit juices. You could spend an entire evening just wandering around the riverside looking at what each vendor has to offer.
Photo: Siem Reap Riverfront lined with street food vendors
If you are nervous about trying street food with kids, you can look into booking a street food tour. You will find lots of different street food tour operators throughout the city. We didn't book one whilst in Siem Reap but we did do one in Hanoi and it was one of the best things we did as a family.
8. Wat Bo
Siem Reap is the city of temples and in the city centre you will find a number of working monasteries and temples that are open to visitors. Wat Bo Pagoda is the oldest known Buddhist temple in Siem Reap. You can wander around the grounds taking in the beautiful architecture and tranquil vibes. It was very quiet around Wat Bo so a perfect place if you want to escape the bustle of the city.
Photo: Wat Bo Siem Reap
Photo: Monk at Wat Bo Siem Reap
9. Babel
Babel Siem Reap, is owned by a Norwegian family who have a strong passion for responsible tourism. Babel Guesthouse is the perfect place to escape the heat with little ones. The fully shaded cafe and restaurant is full of beautiful wooden play areas that will keep the little ones entertained for hours.
​
If you spend a minimum of $5 in the cafe and restaurant, you can also have access to the swimming pool. We spent a whole day here and had lunch which was delicious!
Photo: Things to do with kids in Siem Reap
Photo: Babel Guesthouse Swimming pool
10. Wat Preah Prom Rath
Wat Preah Prom Rath is a functioning Buddhist monastery in the heart of the city, just minutes away from tpub street. It is without a doubt one of the top things to do for free in Siem Reap. The temple and gardens are absolutely beautiful and the walls are lined with gorgeous paintings telling the stories of the past.
​
The garden is packed with colourful, vibrant statues and sculptures. You will not spend long here but it is definitely worth the trip.
Photo: Wat Preah Prom Rath
11. Angkor Wat Put
Angkor Wat Put is a fantastic little mini golf centre just on the outskirts of the city. Its shaded areas and mist sprinklers make it a brilliant place to escape the heat. The kids will have a fantastic time making their way through the 14 hole mini golf course with replicas of the world famous temples including Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon.
Photo: Angkor Wat Put with kids
Related Posts
About 4inthVan
We are a family of 4 living and travelling full time in our self converted Luton van.Â
Our aim is to provide other families information, guides and top tips to help them on their next adventure, whether that's world travel, van life or home education.