Is Da Nang a kids friendly destination?
Yes – Da Nang is one of the best places in Vietnam for families with kids. It’s less crowded and hectic than cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, but still has everything you need: beaches, parks, attractions, and plenty of food and hotel options. You’ll find clean stretches of sand, fun spots like theme parks and 3D museums, and enough variety to keep both kids and adults happy. The city is also easy to get around, and many hotels are family-friendly with pools, play areas, and babysitting services. Whether you want to relax or explore, Da Nang is a great base for a family trip.
Best time to visit Da Nang
Let’s start with timing—because it really makes a difference. Da Nang has a tropical climate with a distinct dry and rainy season, and since many of the best things to do with kids involve outdoor activities or the beach, visiting during the wrong time can limit your options. Rainy days can still be enjoyable (we’ve included some great indoor ideas later in this guide), but sunny weather definitely gives you more to work with.
If you can choose when to go, the best time to visit Da Nang is from March to August, during the dry season. The skies are clear, the sea is calm, and outdoor attractions are fully open. Do note that June, July, and August are the hottest months—great for beach days, but be prepared for high temperatures and strong sun, especially around midday.
What to do in Da Nang with kids?
When it comes to things to do in Da Nang with kids, you’ve got plenty of variety. From beach time and nature to cultural spots and day trips, there’s something for every age and travel style. Many activities are easy to reach, don’t require a tight schedule, and can be done at your own pace—ideal when traveling with kids. Below are some of the top family-friendly things to do.
1. Go to the beach
It might sound obvious, but the beach really is the main attraction in Da Nang for families. The city is home to long, clean stretches of coastline, including the well-known My Khe Beach, which is perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, and just relaxing under an umbrella. The water is usually calm, and the beach has soft sand and plenty of space to run around.
For older kids or teens looking for more excitement, some beaches also offer parasailing, jet skiing, and banana boat rides. These activities are mostly found along the busier beach sections.
2. Visit Ba Na Hills
A day at Ba Na Hills feels like a mini theme park adventure in the mountains. You’ll start with a scenic cable car ride—one of the longest in the world—then walk across the famous Golden Bridge, held up by two giant stone hands. After that, explore the French Village, which has colorful buildings, cafés, and fun photo spots.
For families, the highlight is Fantasy Park, an indoor amusement area with rides, games, and play zones suitable for various age groups. It’s also a good option if the weather’s too hot or rainy.
Tip: Check out our full guide to Ba Na Hills for more tips on how to plan your visit.
3. Day trip to Hoi An
Just 30–40 minutes from Da Nang, Hoi An is an easy and worthwhile day trip with kids.
Walk around the old town
During the day, the narrow streets and yellow buildings are fun to explore—but at night, the town becomes even more magical. Kids often love the lantern-lit streets, colorful lights, and boat rides on the river.
Cycling in the countryside
Rent a bike and ride through rice paddies and quiet village paths. It’s a peaceful and scenic experience, and kids usually enjoy spotting buffaloes, ducks, and farmers at work. Older children can ride on their own, while younger ones can sit on the back or in a child seat (some rentals offer them).
3. Search for monkeys at Son Tra Peninsula
A mini adventure just outside the city, Son Tra Peninsula is known for its winding coastal road and natural scenery—and if you’re lucky, monkeys.
Drive or ride along the scenic road, and keep your eyes open for monkeys. You’re most likely to spot them near the entrance to the InterContinental Hotel area.
Linh Ung Pagoda
While on Son Tra, make a short stop at Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the tallest Lady Buddha statue in Vietnam. It’s peaceful, has great views of the bay, and doesn’t take long to visit.
5. Helio Center
Helio Center is one of the biggest indoor entertainment zones in Da Nang. It’s packed with arcade games, play zones, mini rides, and even a food court with street food-style stalls. It’s mostly aimed at kids under 12, but there are also games for older children and teens.
Outside the main building, there’s also a lively night market area with food, music, and lights (open evenings only). It’s a solid choice if you’re looking for a fun break from sightseeing.
6. Visit indoor kids playground in Da Nang
If the weather isn’t beach-friendly, head to one of the many indoor playgrounds around Da Nang. You’ll find large play areas inside malls like Vincom Plaza or Lotte Mart, which are clean, air-conditioned, and easy to combine with a shopping break or quick meal.
Another great option are Da Nang’s kid cafés—coffee shops designed with both parents and children in mind. While you enjoy a coffee or smoothie, kids can play in ball pits, slides, or creative corners. There are many scattered around the city, so just search for one near your hotel. These cafés are especially nice on hot afternoons when you want to cool down indoors.
7. Mikazuki Water Park 365
Located a bit outside the city center, Mikazuki Water Park 365 is a Japanese-style resort complex with both indoor and outdoor pools, slides, and play areas. The indoor water park is open year-round and air-conditioned, making it perfect no matter the weather.
It’s very clean, modern, and family-friendly—with different zones for young children, bigger kids, and adults. There are also Japanese-style baths and onsen areas if you want to relax while the kids have fun.
8. Visit a museum
Da Nang has a few museums that are great for a short and easy visit with kids.
Art in Paradise 3D
This is probably the most kid-friendly museum in town. It’s full of 3D trick art, where you can step into the scenes and take funny photos. Kids love the interactive style and bright artwork, and it’s a good way to spend an hour or two indoors. Read here more about Art in Paradise 3D.
Da Nang Museum
If your kids are a bit older or interested in history, this museum gives a nice overview of the region’s past. It’s not too big, and the air-conditioning makes it a comfortable stop during the hotter parts of the day.
Tip: If you’re nearby, the Ho Chi Minh & Military Zone 5 Museum also has a yard with old tanks, helicopters, and military vehicles. The museum inside isn’t very kid-focused, but the outdoor section can be fun for a quick look.
9. Danang Downtown
Da Nang Downtown is the new name for what used to be Asia Park, a small theme park in the city. It’s now more focused on evening entertainment, food, and live music, but still has some rides and carnival-style games for kids. The giant Sun Wheel—a huge Ferris wheel—offers great nighttime views over Da Nang and the river.
It’s a casual place to walk around in the evening, grab snacks, and let the kids enjoy a few rides.
10. Watch the Dragon Bridge Fire & Water Show
A must-see for any family visiting Da Nang: every weekend at 9 PM, the famous Dragon Bridge breathes fire and water in a short but exciting show. It only lasts a few minutes, but kids usually love the spectacle.
Grab a spot on the riverside or at a nearby café for a good view. It can get a bit crowded, so arrive a little early to find a place to sit.
11. Hoa Phu Thanh Waterfall Slides & Zipline
If your kids are a bit older and you’re up for something adventurous, head to Hoa Phu Thanh, located in the green hills outside Da Nang. It’s known for natural waterfall slides, rafting, and ziplining through the trees.
The activities here are best suited for older children (ages 8+), teens, and active families. There’s also some space for relaxing and watching if not everyone in the group wants to participate.
12. Open jeep tour
For a fun and unique way to explore the area, take a ride in a military-style open jeep. You can do short tours around Son Tra Peninsula, or longer full-day tours over the Hai Van Pass—Vietnam’s most scenic coastal road.
These jeep tours often include stops at a local beach, a small waterfall for swimming, and even some local food spots. It’s a great way to combine sightseeing and adventure.
Pro tip: If your kids are older and you’re up for a real adventure, consider doing the Hai Van Pass on the back of a motorbike with a professional driver (often called an “Easy Rider” tour). Not for every parent, but it’s a safe and unforgettable experience that kids will talk about for years.
Best place to stay with kids in Da Nang
Where you stay can make a big difference when traveling with kids. In Da Nang, most families spend a lot of time at the beach, so staying close to the sea is usually the best choice. Whether you want to be in the middle of the action or prefer a more relaxed resort-style stay, there are a few areas that work especially well for families.
My Khe Beach & An Thuong Area (Best for Convenience)
This is the most popular area for families—and for good reason. My Khe Beach is long, clean, and safe for kids to play and swim. Just a short walk from the sand, you’ll find An Thuong, a neighborhood full of hotels, cafés, and restaurants that cater to every taste.
If your kids are picky eaters, no problem—you’ll find everything from Vietnamese street food to pizza, burgers, pasta, Mexican, and even Indian food. Everything is within walking distance, which makes going out with children much easier.
Hotels here range from high-end beachfront stays with sea views, to mid-range hotels and budget-friendly options just a block or two behind the beach.
Non Nuoc Beach (Best for Resorts)
A bit further south, this stretch of beach is technically the same coastline, but is often called Non Nuoc Beach. This area is home to a row of luxury beachfront resorts, with no road separating them from the beach—unlike the city area.
These resorts are perfect if you want more space, comfort, and on-site facilities. Many have kids’ clubs, play areas, pools, and private beach sections, which are ideal for families with young children. It’s quieter and more relaxed than the city beach, but keep in mind it’s a bit further from local restaurants and shops, so you’ll likely eat inside the resort most of the time.
Stay in Hoi An (Alternative option near Da Nang)
If you’re planning to visit Hoi An anyway, consider staying there—especially if you want a mix of beach, countryside, and culture. You’ll be close to the lantern-lit old town, and many hotels are located along the beaches nearby or surrounded by peaceful rice fields.
Hoi An is also great for cycling with kids, and the beach hotels often offer direct beach access with fewer crowds than Da Nang. It’s a bit more laid-back, and still close enough (about 30–40 minutes) to reach Da Nang’s attractions with a short ride.
Where to shop for baby and kids essentials in Da Nang
If you’re traveling with babies or young children, it’s good to know that Da Nang has plenty of shops where you can find everything from formula and diapers to toys, clothes, and even strollers. While there are many small stores across the city, here are a few reliable places that are easy to find and well-stocked.
Baby stores with international brands
For baby products like formula milk (including international brands), diapers, feeding bottles, baby care products, and even strollers or baby carriers, these stores are your best bet:
- Mẹ và Bé Shin Mart
A well-stocked store with a wide range of baby items, including clothes, toys, and feeding products. Staff are helpful and the selection is good for both locals and international families. - Siêu thị Mẹ bầu & Em bé Con Cưng
One of the biggest baby store chains in Vietnam. You’ll find quality brands and a large selection of baby food, personal care, and newborn gear. Multiple locations around Da Nang.
Shopping malls for kids’ clothes & entertainment
If you’re looking for things for older kids, like clothing, shoes, or games, head to one of Da Nang’s main shopping centers:
- Vincom Plaza
Includes kids’ clothing stores, toy shops, and a small indoor play area. Also has a supermarket for snacks, baby wipes, and other basics. - Lotte Mart
Similar setup with a mix of kids’ clothing, toys, and indoor entertainment zones. Easy for a quick shopping break or a rainy day visit.
Getting around Da Nang with kids
Getting around Da Nang is fairly easy, especially compared to larger cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. The pace is more relaxed, and distances between main attractions, restaurants, and hotels are short—great when traveling with kids. Here are the best ways to move around the city as a family:
Walking
Da Nang is quite walkable, especially if you’re staying in the right area—like around My Khe Beach or An Thuong. You’ll find plenty of restaurants, cafés, and shops within a short walking distance.
Traffic is calmer than in other big cities, but still, always use traffic lights or marked crossings when possible, and keep a close eye on scooters.
Using a stroller
You can use a stroller, but don’t expect smooth sidewalks everywhere. In many areas, sidewalks are blocked by parked motorbikes or used by shops for extra seating. That said, it’s still manageable—just be ready to lift or steer around obstacles.
If you want a relaxed stroller walk, the best places are:
- Along the beach promenade (My Khe Beach)
- Along the Han River, especially near the Dragon Bridge
Both have wide, flat walking paths and no traffic.
Taxis and ride-hailing Apps
The easiest and most comfortable way to get around with kids is by using ride-hailing apps like:
- Grab (most popular)
- Xanh SM (electric taxis)
- Be (another local option)
You can book your ride from pick-up to drop-off, see the price upfront, and track your driver. Most rides arrive within 2–5 minutes.
Prices are very affordable:
- Short trips within the city: around 50,000 VND (~$2 USD)
- Longer rides across the city: up to 100,000 VND (~$4 USD)
Drivers will not have kids seats,—bring your own if that’s important for your family.
Extra tips for visiting Da Nang with kids
These simple tips will help make your family trip to Da Nang smoother and more comfortable. They’re based on local experience and tailored specifically for traveling with kids in Da Nang’s climate and environment.
What to bring for kids
You can find basic supplies in Da Nang, but some kid-specific items are harder to get, especially if your child needs something particular. A few things worth packing:
- Children’s sunscreen – Local stores don’t offer much choice, and most products are adult-only or not designed for sensitive skin.
- Hats that cover the neck – The sun can be very intense, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM.
- Swimming gear and floaties – Some hotels have these, but not all. Having your own saves time.
Eating out with picky kids
If your child is a picky eater, An Thuong is the easiest area to stay and eat. You’ll find almost every type of cuisine within walking distance—Italian, Mexican, Indian, burgers, pancakes, vegan food, and of course, Vietnamese dishes. Most places are used to serving international families, and portions are usually kid-friendly.
Buying snacks and drinks
No need to stock up at big supermarkets—small convenience stores are literally on every street corner. The most common is VinMart, but you’ll also see plenty of local mini marts and independent shops.
You can grab water, juice boxes, cookies, instant noodles, yogurt, or fresh fruit without walking far.
Stay hydrated
Da Nang gets very hot, especially from May to August. It’s easy for kids (and adults) to get dehydrated quickly. Always carry a bottle of water, and don’t hesitate to take breaks in air-conditioned spots like cafés, shopping malls, or museums during the hottest hours.
Get a Vietnamese SIM Card or eSIM
Having internet on the go is a lifesaver when traveling with kids. You can Google nearby restaurants, search for kid-friendly things to do, book a taxi on Grab, or even keep your child entertained with a cartoon during a long ride.
You can buy a physical SIM card at the airport or local phone shops, or set up an eSIM in advance—many mobile providers in Vietnam offer them now. Read more about buying a Vietnamese Sim card or best eSim in Vietnam.
