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Top Things to Do in Hanoi with Kids

Hanoi is not just a fantastic destination for a family outing; it’s also an incredible country to explore with a toddler! Dealing with crowded alleyways and bustling traffic may seem intimidating, but it’s entirely manageable and worthwhile. Let’s find out the top things to do in Hanoi with kids with Lua Viet Tours

Overview About Hanoi

Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, is a vibrant and historic metropolis located in the northern part of the country along the banks of the Red River. The city is famous for its well-preserved colonial architecture, bustling Old Quarter, and significant landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Hanoi Opera House. With a population of over 8.5 million people, Hanoi is not only a political and economic hub but also a center for education and culture in Vietnam. It should be an ideal destination to discover with your children!

Traveling Hanoi with your families to create lasting memories

Traveling Hanoi with your families to create lasting memories (Image Source: Internet)

Things to Do in Hanoi with Kids You Should Not Miss

From interactive museums and lush parks to exciting performances and unique local experiences, the city provides endless opportunities for fun and learning. Here are the top things to do in Hanoi with kids that you should not miss, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable trip for the whole family.

Exploring Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi Old Quarter, dating back to the 11th century, is famous for its “36 streets”, each historically dedicated to a specific type of trade or craft. Explore the narrow streets of the Old Quarter, bustling with shops, street food vendors, and historical landmarks. Children will enjoy the lively atmosphere and the chance to sample local treats.

Location: Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi

Visitors exploring Hanoi Old Quarters on cyclo.

Visitors exploring Hanoi Old Quarters on cyclo. (Image Source: Internet)

Tasting Hanoi Street Food 

What can be better than a street food venture through bustling Hanoi bustling Old Quarter? A wide variety of street food stalls or fancy restaurants are waiting for your little ones to explore the vibrant sights and smells of Vietnam’s street food scene. 

Get a look at some open cooking scenes in Hanoi Old Quarter!

Get a look at some open cooking scenes in Hanoi Old Quarter! (Image Source: Internet)

Sample various tasty treats like savory “Banh Mi” sandwiches, crispy “Nem” (spring rolls), and fluffy “Banh Beo” (mini rice pancakes) that are safe options for your little companions.

Ho Chi Minh Banh My Set

A must-try breakfast set is a great way to experience Vietnamese cuisine together – perfect for families! (Image Source: Internet)

Get a look at some open cooking scenes where you eat because it will showcase the ingredients and procedures in a way that’s fun and engaging for children, making them adventurous eaters! This is a unique way to experience Vietnamese culture and create lasting memories for the whole family.

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Open cooking scenes shall provide your kids with a wonderful time! (Image Source: Internet)

Riding through Hanoi on the Vespa

Get ready for an exciting adventure with a Hanoi Vespa City Ride! These one-of-a-kind vehicles take you on a thrilling journey through the city’s historical landmarks and hidden gems.

Kids will love the wind in their hair as they cruise past Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, and the iconic Long Bien Bridge. On weekdays, the literal center of the city is where all the locals and travelers gather.

hoan-kiem-lake-in-hanoi

Take a stroll around the Turtle Tower at night on Hoan Kiem Lake (Image Source: Internet)

During the weekend, the area is closed to through traffic and turned into a large pedestrian-only area. Take a slow ride around the above beautiful zones and sample different street food options, watch street performers, and admire the picturesque beauty of Hanoi. 

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Streets of the Old Quarter of Hanoi during the day (Image Source: Internet)

Making some stops at historical sites like the Hanoi Opera House or the Temple of Literature will be brought to life by engaging history stories, making the past come alive for young minds. This energetic ride is a fantastic way to see the city’s vibrancy and create lasting memories. 

church-in-hanoi

Saint Joseph Cathedral is where the residents usually gather in the evening (Image Source: Internet)

Bonding with family cooking class

Turn mealtime into a memorable experience with a family cooking class! These interactive classes are designed for families with children of all ages and considered the top things to do in Hanoi with kids. Vietnam’s capital is a gastronomic paradise, where you can taste some of the best dishes from all regions of Vietnam and beyond.

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Delicious Hanoi Food Dishes (Image Source: Internet)

Get ready to fill up that growling stomach in a fun and relaxed environment, you’ll learn to prepare classic Vietnamese dishes like “pho” (noodle soup), “bun cha” (grilled pork with noodles), and fresh spring rolls.  

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The chefs will explain the ingredients to children before cooking (Image Source: Internet)

Expert chefs will guide you through every step, ensuring everyone feels comfortable and involved. At the end of the class, enjoy the delicious food you’ve created together – a meal filled with laughter and unforgettable memories!

Experiencing Water Puppet Show

With its origins in the rice fields of the Red River Delta, this unique performance combines intricate puppetry, music, and storytelling. This is where you can witness the enchanting movements of colorful puppets gliding across the water’s surface, accompanied by live music and vibrant storytelling.

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Experience a unique Vietnamese art form with a Water Puppet show! (Image Source: Internet)

You can expect to see a range of scenes depicting everyday rural life, historical events, and mythical tales. The puppets glide gracefully across the water, seemingly alive and animated, while the puppeteers skillfully control their movements behind a bamboo screen.

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The wonderful puppet movers behind the scenes. (Image Source: Internet)

The captivating stories and live music will mesmerize children of all ages.  Learn about Vietnamese folklore and history through these enchanting performances, leaving your kids with a lasting impression of Vietnamese culture.

>>> Learn more: Everything You Need to Know About Water Puppet Show

Making Pottery at Bat Trang Village

Just outside of Hanoi is a 14th-century village known for its porcelain and pottery. Visitors can experience working with clay on a pottery wheel and painting ready-made porcelain. It’s also a great place for parents to shop for new additions to their dishware collection.  

Location: on the bank of the Red River, in Gia Lam District, Hanoi

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Get hands-on and create your very own ceramic masterpieces (Image Source: Internet)

This unique experience allows your family to get hands-on and create your very own ceramic masterpieces. With the help of skilled artisans, kids can mold clay, decorate their creations with vibrant colors, and learn about the traditional pottery-making process.  

Fired in a kiln and ready for pickup later, the finished pieces will be cherished keepsakes of your Vietnamese adventure, reminding you of the creative fun you had together. 

top-5-kid-friendly-activities-in-hanoi

Fired in a kiln and ready for pick-up later, the finished pieces will be cherished keepsakes of your Vietnamese adventure (Image Source: Internet)

Visiting Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, is dedicated to the 54 officially recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam. It showcases a rich collection of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that illustrate the diverse cultures, traditions, and daily lives of these ethnic communities. The museum also offers hands-on activities and interactive displays that engage children and make learning about different cultures in Vietnam.

Location: Nguyen Van Huyen Street, Cau Giay District, Hanoi

Open-air exhibition area with traditional houses and gardens provides a spacious and interesting environment for kids to explore

Open-air exhibition area with traditional houses and gardens provides a spacious and interesting environment for kids to explore (Image Source: Internet)

Exploring Hanoi Botanical Garden

The Hanoi Botanical Garden, also known as Bach Thao Park, is a lush green space located in the Ba Dinh district of Hanoi. Visiting the garden should be one of top things to do in Hanoi with kidsThe garden offers a mini-adventure with its winding paths, large trees, and small animals, making it a fun and educational experience for children. The garden offers a mini-adventure with its winding paths, large trees, and small animals, making it a fun and educational experience for children. 

Location: 3 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ngoc Ha, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

Hanoi Botanical Garden should be a great place for your children to play.

Hanoi Botanical Garden should be a great place for your children to play. (Image Source: Internet)

Conclusion

Exploring Vietnam with your children may be difficult owing to the bustling streets and crowded neighborhoods, but Lua Viet Tours believes it’s well worth it. Hanoi provides incredible experiences for families, with top things to do in Hanoi with kids, both enjoyable and informative.

If you still have any concerns, Lua Viet Tours is here to provide you with all the insider tips for your family trip, including a variety of kid-friendly activities to explore in Hanoi that you will want to take advantage of!

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