If you’re traveling with kids, you know planning ahead is key. For the attractions that have been famous for adults or tourists in general, they would all be suitable for older kids but if you have younger ones, many travel spot here would not work unfortunately. Friendly attractions for kids may be what you’re looking for.
Things not to do with kids in Mandalay
- The U-Bein Bridge
This spot would frighten little kids because as there are big gaps between some of the planks and there are no railings along the sides. It’s hard for kids (and some older ones) to keep balance and pass the bridge safely. The boat to Mingun also doesn’t have decent railings, so avoiding that with young kids may be a good decision, too.
- Riding horse and cart
Animals seem to be appealing to kids, so kids may find the horse and cart rides fun, but they are also too flabby for a family and lying room only. Energetic kids would get uncomfortable and bored of it quickly.
Things to do with kids in Mandalay
If you plan to take your children to Mandalay, below are some things to do in Mandalay with kids.
- Yadanapon Zoological Gardens
This 53 acre zoo is located at the base of Mandalay Hill near the fortress walls. It has some attractive gardens and over 300 animals, including tigers, leopards and elephants. It plays an important role in the conservation program of the highly endangered Burmese Roofed Turtle. This place is perfect for kids, especially little ones, to discover the wild animal world.
Elephant at Yadanabon Zoo, Mandalay, Myanmar
- City Park
City Park is a half theme park, half actual park found near the banks of the Arrawaddy River. Locals can choose between rides, “5D” attractions, as well as massage chairs, video games and other various attractions. This is also a suitable place for children.
- The marionette show
A highlight is a traditional Mandalay marionette show, which is typically on the itineraries of most visitors to the city. The kid will be attracted by the colorful and lively performances. The marionette show does a great job of showcasing traditional puppetry, dance, and live music. It lasts an hour and is divided into several short segments, each of which holds your attention while providing a different style of entertainment from the rest, from a slapstick skit to a serious story to a dance-off between a puppet and a human. For a few moments during each performance a curtain rises long enough to let you appreciate the puppeteers’ skill, but not so long as to detract from the entertainment value of the puppets themselves. After the show, the master puppeteer came out to shake hands with each audience. The show is at night, but the theatre is open during the day to sell tickets.
Marionette troupes perform at traditional puppet show in Mandalay. Photo: supplied by Daw Ma
- Visiting the many workshops
Visiting Myanmar with children provides families the opportunity to share cultural experiences together, by taking walks through side streets and cycling together through smaller towns in the outlying areas to view the daily lives and activities of the locals. Visiting workshops is also a good chance for the whole family to learn about puppet making, lotus weaving, lacquered making, silversmiths etc..There’s a lot of beautiful handcrafts to bring back from Burma as a travel gift, for very good prices.
Mandalay, craft workshop. Photo: Jesús Tejel
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