In Thailand, amidst the customary celebrations for Mother’s and Father’s Day, there exists a unique occasion dedicated solely to children. Wan Dek, or Children’s Day, is an annual festivity observed on the second Saturday of January. This year, the joyous events are set to unfold on Saturday, January 13, 2024, marking the first Children’s Day celebration in nearly two years.
Wan Dek is Unique to Thailand
Wan Dek holds a distinctive place in Thai culture, diverging from the United Nations Universal Children’s Day celebrated on November 20th. This day is a Thai treasure, an opportunity for parents to revel in their children’s presence, imparting essential values and setting examples. On a national scale, it serves as a day to acknowledge the role children play in shaping the future of the country. Modern celebrations focus on children’s enjoyment, with parents expressing gratitude for the familial bonds and enriched lives.
During Wan Dek, one can witness Thai youngsters strolling with balloons, partaking in games, and enjoying mini-concerts hosted in shopping centers, schools, and temple grounds. In Bangkok, Government House emerges as a favored venue for families, granting children the unique privilege of stepping inside the prime minister’s office.
Various attractions and events unfold across the country, orchestrated by private companies, government agencies, and the royal army. Many of these activities are offered free of charge, showcasing the commitment to celebrating and entertaining children.
A Full list of events that will take place can be found In Chiang Mai HERE
Children’s Day Attractions
There will be many attractions and events all across the country to entertain and celebrate kids. Private companies but also government agencies and royal army organize all kinds of activities that day and many of them are free of charge.
Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organization
Within the event, there are various activities for the children to play and have fun with throughout the day, such as booth activities, games to win prizes. Free playground activities! Free, performances from children and youth all over Chiang Mai Province, awarding of outstanding youth shields and many other activities.
Theme Parks
Almost every theme park for children across Thailand will also offer discounts or even free activities on that day. Check out your local parks, amusement centres and malls for what’s going on in your area.
One popular destination is Chiang Mai Zoo Free Entrance same as Chiang Mai Night Safari.
Museums
In Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai National Museum will open for free with special activities for children, You’ll also find that most (if not all) museums feature free admission and special activities for kids on Children’s Day, like CMU Lanna House Museum where children, students have free admission.
Malls and Shopping Centers
You will find nearly all of the shopping centers such as Central Chiangmai, Central Chiang Mai Airport, MAYA Chiang Mai, One Nimman and more will create and organise their own events, usually involving stage and magic shows, games, give aways and discounts on children’s products. You will find each of the malls trying to compete with each other for the largest and most impressive themed celebration. This particular Saturday of the year is always the busiest with families bringing their children out for the day up hop around various places to enjoy all the festivities on offer!
RTC Chiang Mai City Bus
The new bus line number 24 starts at Chiang Mai International Airport and has bus stops at well-known tourist destinations such as One Nimman, Chang Phueak Gate, Tha Phae Gate, Flower Market, Chiang Mai Gate, and Central Chiang Mai Airport. The easier way for bring kids to their place.
