Top Weekend Family Activities & Things To Do With Kids Around the City

Weekend family activities aren’t just about entertainment — they’re opportunities to slow down, reconnect, and build meaningful memories with your kids.

In vibrant cities across Vietnam, families have countless ways to turn simple weekends into something special. Whether you enjoy outdoor adventures, cultural discoveries, or relaxing indoor fun, weekend family activities can transform ordinary days into moments your children will remember.

Whether you’re new to the city or simply searching for fresh inspiration, this curated guide brings together the best things to do with kids around the city — enjoyable, flexible, and stress-free for every family. Let your weekends become the highlight of the week..

A Mindset Shift: From “Where to Go?” to “How to Enjoy?”

Every parent knows the weekend dilemma — wanting meaningful time together but feeling overwhelmed by choosing where to go with the kids. Crowds, weather changes, and constant last-minute decisions can turn weekend family activities into unnecessary stress.

But living in Vietnam means you don’t need complex plans; you just need clarity:

• What genuinely brings your family joy?
• Does your child thrive outdoors or prefer hands-on indoor activities?
• Do you seek quiet moments or lively adventures?

When you shift from “finding a place” to “choosing what fits your family’s rhythm,” weekend family activities become easier, more intentional, and deeply enjoyable.

Outdoor Adventures: Where Kids Burn Energy & Parents Recharge

Vietnam’s cities may be busy, but they’re full of green spaces that make outdoor play accessible, refreshing, and fun for the whole family.

1. City Parks & Playgrounds

These spaces form the heartbeat of weekend family activities. Easily accessible, free of charge, and thoughtfully designed for young children. Top spots include:

• Tao Dan Park (HCMC) – Shady paths, playgrounds, and open spaces for scooters
• Thu Thiem Central Park – Wide lawns ideal for picnics and games
• Thong Nhat Park (Hanoi) – A favorite for leisurely family walks
• East Sea Park (Da Nang) – A breezy mix of beach and playground

Kids can run, climb, and explore, while parents relax and enjoy low-pressure, flexible time. Even simple activities like kite flying, ball games, or scooter rides turn these parks into some of the city’s best weekend family activities.

2. Walking Trails & Nature Escapes

Nature is closer than you think. Consider:

• Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden (District 1, HCMC) – Combines outdoor fun with learning
• Crescent Lake Walk (District 7, HCMC) – Serene waterfront strolls
• West Lake Loop (Hanoi) – Scenic walks for the whole family
• Son Tra Peninsula (Da Nang) – Adventure and exploration for active kids

Here, family bonding time happens naturally — walking, talking, laughing, and exploring together, making these outings a perfect complement to indoor fun.

Indoor Play Ideas for Stress-Free Weekend Family Activities

Vietnam’s tropical weather makes indoor options essential — and surprisingly abundant for weekend family activities.

1. Kids’ Play Centers

Indoor playgrounds are lifesavers on rainy or scorching days. Popular destinations include:

• TiniWorld – Perfect for toddlers to pre-teens
• KizCiti – Role-play fun like mini firefighting or banking
• Playtime Vietnam – Slides, ball pits, and creative corners

These spaces give children freedom to explore, learn, and express themselves, while parents enjoy air-conditioned peace of mind.

2. Museums for Kids

Interactive museums combine learning with entertainment, making them top choices for things to do with kids:

• Ao Dai Museum (HCMC) – Where culture meets creativity, suitable for kids aged 6–12
• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology (Hanoi) – Outdoor houses and engaging exhibits
• Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture – History told through art and interactive displays

These venues provide hands-on ways for children to connect with Vietnam’s rich culture, making indoor weekends both educational and fun.

Water Play: Where Laughter Echoes Loudest

Water-based weekend family activities are a favorite in Vietnam’s warm climate, offering endless fun for kids and relaxation for parents.

1. Family-Friendly Pools

Many residential complexes and serviced apartments feature pools with shallow zones for children. For a change of scenery, consider:

• Landmark 81 community pools – Spacious, safe, and family-oriented
• Crescent Mall rooftop pool – Fun with a view
• High-end hotel day passes – Treat your family to a special swim day

2. Beaches Within Reach

Weekend beach trips are ideal for family bonding. In Da Nang, the beach is right at your doorstep. From HCMC or Hanoi, quick getaways to Vung Tau, Mui Ne, Ha Long, or Sam Son offer refreshing escapes.

With splashing, swimming, and sand play, these water-based activities transform ordinary weekends into some of the city’s best weekend family activities, filled with laughter and lasting memories.

Family Food Adventures: Tasty, Stress-Free, Kid-Approved

Food is central to both culture and weekend family activities, offering opportunities for discovery, connection, and fun. Vietnam’s dining scene is wonderfully diverse and family-friendly, making it easy to combine tasty meals with stress-free outings.

1. Cafés with Play Corners

These cafés let parents relax while children play safely:

• Kawaii Family & Kids Cafe (HCMC) – Cozy spaces with creative play areas
• Eco Kidplays and Coffee (Da Nang) – Interactive kid-friendly space for the whole family
• Lalina Kids Cafe & Restaurant (Hanoi) – Fresh, healthy menus and playful corners

2. Street Food Walks

For older children, exploring markets or sampling local dishes turns mealtime into a sensory adventure. From bánh mì to fresh fruit stalls, street food walks become interactive family experiences that excite the taste buds and strengthen bonds.

By combining dining with fun, these culinary outings rank among the city’s most enjoyable weekend family activities, leaving both kids and parents happy and satisfied.

Learning Through Play: Boost Curiosity, Spark Discovery

Weekend family activities don’t have to feel like school, yet children naturally learn when they explore and play. Vietnam’s cities are full of opportunities to turn weekends into curiosity-driven adventures.

1. Workshops & Classes

From art workshops and pottery classes to weekend dance or music sessions and STEM labs or robotics clubs, these activities encourage creativity, confidence, and focus. They’re ideal for curious kids who love hands-on discovery.

2. Libraries & Bookstores

Family-friendly reading spots transform quiet weekends into enriching experiences. Favorites include Book Street (HCMC), Trang Tien Bookstore (Hanoi), and The Wiselands Coffee (HCM, Hanoi). Here, kids and parents can share stories, spark imagination, and enjoy screen-free bonding.

With playful learning, weekends become more than fun — they become some of the city’s most rewarding weekend family activities, blending joy, growth, and connection.

Quick Family Getaways: When the City Isn’t Enough

Some weekends call for a mini escape, and Vietnam offers plenty of options for weekend family activities beyond the city.

1. Nature Retreats

Explore fresh air, wildlife, and outdoor adventure at family-friendly destinations like:

• Cat Tien National Park – Trails, wildlife spotting, and bike rides
• Ba Vi National Park – Scenic hikes and nature exploration
• Mekong Delta day trips – River tours, local culture, and peaceful landscapes

These retreats offer active yet relaxing experiences, helping families create lasting memories together.

2. Resort Staycations

Sometimes the perfect weekend activity is simply unwinding in a beautiful setting. Resorts provide pools, room service, and serene grounds for leisurely walks and quality family time — all without the stress of travel planning.

From adventurous escapes to restful retreats, these getaways rank among the city’s most rewarding weekend family activities, blending relaxation, fun, and togetherness.

Simple At-Home Weekend Ideas 

Not every weekend needs to be an elaborate outing. Some of the most meaningful family bonding happens right at home, making for memorable weekend family activities without stress or planning.

Try these simple, engaging ideas:

• Build a pillow fort – Spark creativity and cozy playtime
• Cook a new dish together – Teach skills while tasting fun results
• Hold a family movie night – Popcorn, laughter, and shared stories
• Garden on the balcony – Nature, responsibility, and gentle fun
• Create a treasure hunt – Encourage problem-solving and excitement

Small, stress-free activities like these transform ordinary weekends into memorable moments, helping families recharge, connect, and enjoy quality time together.

How to Choose the Best Weekend Activity for Your Family

Every family is unique, and the best weekend family activities reflect your children’s personalities, energy levels, and interests. Choosing the right activity becomes effortless when you consider a few simple principles:

• Age Matters – Toddlers thrive in open spaces, while older kids enjoy challenges or educational experiences.
• Balance High-Energy and Calm Time – Pair an active playground visit with a relaxed café or reading session.
• Think in Themes – Outdoor → Food → Relaxation, Indoor → Learning → Creative play.
• Listen to Your Kids – Sometimes the most memorable outings begin with their ideas.
• Prepare Lightly – Pack water bottles, sunscreen, hats, and comfortable clothes to keep everyone happy.

The goal isn’t perfection; it’s connection. With these tips, planning fun, stress-free, and enriching weekend family activities becomes a natural, joyful part of family life.

Why Weekend Family Activities Matter in the Long Run

Raising a family in Vietnam is vibrant and full of discovery, and weekends are more than a break — they help shape your family’s rhythm, values, and memories. Thoughtful weekend family activities create moments your children will cherish for years:

• Leisurely park walks
• Beach mornings with sandcastles
• Ice cream stops on sunny afternoons
• Library visits and storytime
• Museum trips are full of curiosity
• Rainy-day play centers
• Cozy cafés filled with laughter

These shared experiences nurture confidence, curiosity, and happiness in children while establishing a balanced, joyful rhythm for parents. Over time, these simple, intentional weekends become the foundation of a connected, thriving family life in Vietnam.

Read more: Raising Kids in HCMC: Guide for Long-Term Expat Families

Final Thoughts: Weekends That Bring Families Closer

Weekend family activities are more than plans — they’re the threads weaving your family life together. From exploring vibrant streets to relaxing in quiet cafés, visiting parks, or enjoying at-home fun, every weekend is a chance to reconnect, reset, and grow together.

In Vietnam, families enjoy endless choices: outdoor adventures, cultural spots, kid-friendly destinations, rainy-day escapes, and simple city outings. What matters most isn’t the destination, but showing up — fully present.

At JHouse, we help families find homes and neighborhoods that support these moments, making it easier to turn weekends into joyful memories. After all, weekends are the heartbeat of family life.

JHouse Content Team

The in-depth content development team on housing services for foreigners & Vietnamese in Vietnam. The content is simple, easy to understand, and logically arranged to bring readers useful topics and information from real experiences.