Thailand: Kidzania Bangkok

As I was browsing through the photos, I realised that we took 452 pictures within Kidzania itself. 'Get Ready for a Better World' is the tagline of Kidzania. A theme park without thrilling rides but lots of hard work still enticed many kiddos. The brainchild behind the Kidzania must be a real genius! It was a whole new world for kids from 4 to 14 years old.

Kidzania Bangkok was a relatively new addition in Bangkok. It started its operation in March 2013. As such, quite a number of the occupations (especially industries like ice cream factory and chocolate factory) are still under work in progress. Prior the trip, I was overwhelmed with both excitement as well as uncertainties. I was worried that language will be a barrier as Raphael can't speak a word of Thai. Fortunately, everything was conducted in English.

Reasonable admission charges for quality play

Although they only open at 10am, I was already waiting outside at 9.50am. Indeed, I am a 'Kaisu' Singaporean. Raphael was the first customer of the day. All the staff welcomed him with a fanfare as he entered.

First, Raphael went to CIMB Bank to encash his 50kidzos. The kidzos enable him to take part in some activities and utilise some services within the theme park later on. Parents are reminded to stay outside each facility while the kids take part in the activity. Outside each facility, there will be a information board to describe activity, show duration of activity, recommended age, maximum number of participants and amount of kidzos earned(+)/required(-). Kidzania comprised of two levels. Most of the activities are on level 1. Level 2 comprised of mainly industries and TV production. I would say the whole place was quite compact and safe for the kids to roam freely.

I allow Raphael to decide entirely on his own. He was quite alert as he scanned the various facilities
quite quickly on his way to the bank. He has already set his mind to be a fireman and builder as his top two choices. The fireman is the most popular among the kids at Kidzania.

Jumping jacks to warm-up first!

Off we go!

Incident site

Fire-fighting!

Camera man goes around taking pictures of the kids.

 Kidzania sells the photographs in a package (soft copies of all pictures + 3 8R hard copies = 1650 Baht). I strongly advised you to let your children take as many as you can. The more the merrier.

Mission Completion!

Bob, the builder laying bricks and operating the fork lift.

Raphael's favourite occupation - construction worker???!!!

Car Mechanic at work. Learning how to use the spanner and change car tyres.

Courier Services

Raphael enjoyed pushing the trolley around Kidzania to collect parcels for delivery.

Burger-making at MacDonalds'

This activity cost him 15 Kidzos. They emphasized on hygiene and proper food handling during the activity. Kids were given a good selection of ingredients and condiments to create their own burgers. Raphael likes everything plain so he only chose tomato sauce and meat patty for his burger. At the end of the activity, kids can consume their own creation.

Yummy! Perfect lunch on the go!

There is a cafe and MacDonalds' restaurant within Kidzania. Parents can also have their lunch while waiting for their kids. There is a Japanese restaurant where kids can learn to make their own sushi and they have a separate section selling a small selection of sushi as well.

Another popular activity will be the coke bottling plant. This activity cost 10kidzos. Kids can bring home their very own bottle of coke.

Demonstrating the steps to the kids

Raphael's very own bottle of coke

Dentist @ work

This picture was taken by the Kidzania in-house cameraman. It was part of the photo package.

Parents can watch and take pictures of their kids from outside for most of the activities. However, we don't have access to the airplane, hospital and magic class. Below are some of Raphael's pictures from the package.

Kidzania Police: Raphael was role-playing as a police officer going around to search a suspect who set the fire.

Here are some of the activities which Raphael didn't participate in due to lack of interest and age/height limits.

Driving School and Cooking Class

Judge/Lawyer and Paramedics/Nurse

Journalist, Radio station and Japanese Restaurant

Singing Class and TV production

Kidzania Stadium

For the older kids, I strongly recommend them to attend the University in level 2 before starting out on the activities as they will get to earn more kidzos for each job if they hold a degree in the relevant discipline.

The main highlight for the day will be the Magic class and Magic performance. Kids will be given an option to take part in the magic class only or both the class and performance. We were very surprised when Raphael wanted to perform. The class cost 10 Kidzos but he will earn 15 Kidzos by performing on stage. There is a time schedule displayed outside the facility. Do note the timing if your kids are interested.

The kids have 30 minutes to learn and practise the tricks before they go on stage. There will be an announcement before the show commence so that parents can enter the theater and watch. 

Great Job, Raphael! So proud of your performance!

Besides the magic show, there was also a short skit, The Little Mermaid, by the other participants who took part in the drama class.  It's a shame that Beatrice can't join as she was down with fever that day. I'm sure she will be delighted to role-play as a mermaid as she idolize Ariel, the little mermaid. Will definitely try to bring them there again.

As you can see from the pictures, most activities are catered for 4 years and above. The younger ones can check out the play room on level 2 while their older siblings have fun earning kidzos. The whole area was very cosy, ideal for napping.

Mini sand play area

Craft work area

Games room

Raphael earned a total of 125 Kidzos. We went to Kidzania Paragon to spend all his Kidzos before we left.

Goodbye, Kidzania! We'll be back soon with Beatrice!

Raphael was dead beat but mummy needs to satisfy her afternoon tea cravings at After You Cafe before going back.

Location:
Kidzania Bangkok, Siam Paragon, 5th Floor
Operating Hours: 10am - 5pm 

More Tips:

• Visit Kidzania on a weekday to avoid weekend crowd.
• Start early. They open at 10am.
• Bring a pouch to stash your kidzos.
• Older kids can carry along a camera and get staff to take pictures for you if your parents are not with you.