Ho Chi Minh City Weekend Activities & Things to Do
Weekend in Ho Chi Minh City
This itinerary balances free outdoor activities and park time with popular ticketed attractions, ensuring a memorable and affordable weekend for families with young children in Ho Chi Minh City. Transportation notes will focus on local options like taxis, ride-hailing apps, and public transport where applicable.
Friday Evening - Family Fun
Friday, February 20Stroll Nguyen Hue
Head down to the iconic Nguyen Hue Street in the evening and join the throng for a quintessential Ho Chi Minh City experience.
Every night, crowds of locals descend on this wide traffic-free strip to walk, socialize, sing, dance, and ride hoverboards. The atmosphere is buzzing, with primo people-watching opportunities and some of the city's key sights along the way.
Suitable for all ages (3-12). Excellent for strolling and observing local life. There are no admission fees. Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours.
Easily accessible by taxi, ride-hailing apps, or public bus. This is a pedestrian-only street, so no private vehicle parking on the street itself. Strollers are manageable.
Dinner at Snap Cafe
Snap Cafe is a well-loved spot in Saigon, offering a dedicated kids' play area.
The charming courtyard is home to 12 lovely boutiques, allowing parents to explore while the kids enjoy the sand and climbing area. The menu stands out with a diverse selection, featuring Vietnamese dishes, Mexican fare, salads, and classic kid-friendly options like burgers and fries.
Kid-friendly with an outdoor playground including sand and climbing areas. Suitable for children 3-12. Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours. While there's a free play area for children, it is appreciated if visitors make a purchase for food or drinks.
Accessible by taxi or ride-hailing apps. Parking for scooters/cars may be available on-site or nearby. Stroller-friendly within the cafe's open areas.
Saturday - Adventure Day
Saturday, February 21Saigon Zoo & Gardens
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is not only a favorite tourist destination in Saigon but also an ideal play area for children, allowing them to visit many rare animals and enjoy games.
It is the oldest zoo in Vietnam and the 8th oldest in the world, home to nearly 600 species of animals and around 1,830 trees. The zoo also hosts free weekend performances, which may include magic tricks and animal circus performances.
Ideal for children 3-12. The Children's Zoo area is a favorite where kids can feed baby goats and lambs. Picnic areas are available. Takes about 4–5 hours to explore fully. Weekend performances from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Accessible by bus routes (05, 06, 14, 19, 42, D1, or 52), taxi, or ride-hailing apps. On-site parking for bikes and cars available. Stroller-friendly paths throughout.
Local Lunch
Enjoy a casual, budget-friendly lunch at a local eatery near the Saigon Zoo.
Ho Chi Minh City offers an abundance of street food stalls and small restaurants serving delicious Vietnamese cuisine.
Opportunity to try local dishes like Pho, Banh Mi, or Com Tam. Many local eateries cater to families. Duration: 1 hour.
Walking distance from the zoo, or a short ride-hailing trip.
Tini World Play
Tini World is an ultimate indoor playground for kids, offering a fun, safe, and educational environment for children aged 0–12. It features a variety of interactive play zones, including slides, climbing structures, and creative play areas, ensuring kids can explore, learn, and burn off energy.
Designed for children aged 0-12, with clearly defined zones for different age groups. Educational activities mix learning and play. Relaxing lounge area for parents. Duration: 2-2.5 hours.
Located within Crescent Mall, accessible by taxi or ride-hailing apps. Mall offers ample parking. Stroller-friendly inside the mall and play area.
Water Puppet Show
Experience the traditional Vietnamese water puppetry at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater.
This unique folk art form brings to life legends and stories about Vietnamese daily life and folklore with intricately designed puppets performing on a water stage, accompanied by traditional music.
Suitable for all ages, keeping even toddlers engaged with music and colorful characters. The show typically lasts about 45-50 minutes. Children under 100 cm AND 5 years old may enter free of charge when sharing the seat with parent(s).
Centrally located, easily accessible by taxi, ride-hailing apps, or public transport. Parking nearby may be available. Stroller access might be limited inside the theater; consider folding it.
Sunday - Relaxed Day
Sunday, February 22Suoi Tien Theme Park
Suoi Tien Theme Park is one of Vietnam's top entertainment destinations, blending amusement with cultural themes inspired by Vietnamese legends and Buddhist mythology. The park offers a massive 150-hectare ground with exciting rides, water activities, and colorful designs, creating a fun environment for both kids and adults.
Diverse attractions for all ages (3-12). Includes water rides, roller coasters, animal zones, and a man-made beach. Plan at least half a day. Children under 1m can enter free of charge, children under 1.4m receive a discount.
Located outside the city center, best reached by taxi or ride-hailing apps. On-site parking available. Stroller-friendly, but the park is vast, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
Parkside Lunch
Have lunch at one of the many food stalls or restaurants available within or near Suoi Tien Theme Park.
Options range from quick snacks to sit-down meals, catering to various tastes and budgets.
Variety of food options suitable for families. Duration: 1 hour.
Walking distance from park attractions.
Gia Dinh Park Fun
Gia Dinh Park is one of the largest and most popular public parks in Ho Chi Minh City, known for its vast green spaces and numerous playgrounds.
It's an ideal spot for outdoor activities, bustling with families enjoying picnics, and children exploring the playgrounds.
Free entry. Expansive lawns, jogging trails, and large playgrounds make it perfect for kids aged 3-12 to run and play freely. Great for a relaxing afternoon. Duration: 1.5 - 2 hours.
Accessible by taxi or ride-hailing apps. Parking for scooters/cars may be available nearby. Stroller-friendly paths.
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