7 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Hanoi That Kids Will Love

There's no place quite like Hanoi. With its motorbike-filled streets and buzzing Old Quarter, it appears energetic and chaotic, but spend a few days exploring the historic and cultural wonders of Vietnam's capital city and chances are you'll walk away wanting more.
 

Begin in the city's historic Old Quarter, where you can walk around the lovely Hoan Kiem Lake, get lost in the mazelike alleyways, see a famous water puppet show, and get your fill of pho and banh mi at the night market.

If you've got the time to delve a little bit deeper, you'll find that Hanoi is home to plenty of fascinating historical sites, sobering museums, and quirky roadside attractions that the whole family will love.  
 

Planning a family trip to the city but don't know where to start? This guide to the top family-friendly things to do in Hanoi will help you get started. 

Located right next to the historic Old Quarter, a stroll around Hoan Kiem Lake is one of the best things to do in Hanoi. Chances are you'll find yourself walking around the lake at least a few times during your visit to the city.

Once you do inevitably encounter Hoan Kiem Lake, make sure you photograph the red "Welcoming the Morning Sunlight Bridge", explore the ornate Ngoc Son Temple on Jade Island, and spot the Thap Rua (Turtle Tower) in the middle of the lake. Hoan Kiem Lake is a lovely place to take a stroll, see the sights, and do a bit of people-watching. 

A traditional water puppet show is one of the top things to do in Hanoi with kids of all ages. The Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre is located just off the northeastern corner of Hoan Kiem Lake. You can easily purchase your tickets at the office right outside the theatre.
 

This traditional type of theatre dates all the way back to the 11th century, when villagers would put on entertaining water puppet shows during the rainy season. Today, this type of theatre has been elevated into a true work of art. It's a fun way for the whole family to tap into Vietnam's cultural and historical side. If you sit in the front row, you may get a little wet.

If you've got younger kids in tow, walking around the Old Quarter will be both exhausting and a little precarious with all the motorbikes zipping around. So why not get ushered around in one of Hanoi's famous cyclos? A cyclo is basically a three-wheeled bicycle. The driver will pedal you around while you sit back and relax.
 

Taking a cyclo tour around the Old Quarter is another must-do activity in Hanoi. Not only is it a much more mellow alternative to getting around on foot, but it's a great way to get a sense of these historic streets without tuckering out your kids. You can easily hire a cylco driver off the street, but you will have to bargain. Alternatively, you can book an organised cyclo tour through companies like Get Your Guide.

Pizza 4P's is an institution in Vietnam and you'll find the Bao Khanh branch of this Japanese-Italian fusion restaurant right off the northwest corner of Hoan Kiem Lake. With its addictive pizza and pasta dishes, Pizza 4P’s is always a crowd-pleaser. This is especially true if your kiddos need a break from Vietnamese food. Chances are, you'll want to return. 

Kids and adults alike will love exploring Hanoi's famous Train Street. This "street" is actually a very narrow alley where the functioning train tracks run right through a residential area that's now lined with cafes. While Train Street was closed due to safety concerns in the past, it's now back open to tourists with strict safety regulations.
 

To see the spectacle for yourself, pay a visit to the popular Hanoi 1990s cafe. Here you can get excellent views of picture-perfect Train Street while sipping drinks (try the egg coffee) and enjoying lunch. Be sure to check the schedule to time your visit with a passing train. You'll want to keep the little ones close, but you'll hear the train horn blaring long before you see the train. 

Visiting the Temple of Literature is one of the top things to do in Hanoi. Built in 1070 and dedicated to Confucius, this was the first-ever university in Vietnam.

Explore the grounds today and you'll come across five beautiful courtyards, picturesque temples and buildings, lotus and koi ponds, as well as some fascinating historical relics. You can easily spend an hour or two exploring the grounds. If you're feeling peckish afterwards, the nearby Nha Hang Koto Van Mieu is a popular spot for Vietnamese fare.

No trip to Hanoi is complete without visiting the Hanoi Weekend Night Market. This huge night market takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from around 6pm to 11pm.

Vendors line the streets of the Old Quarter selling everything from Vietnamese street food to clothing, handicrafts, and tourist trinkets. It's always a fun place to pick up souvenirs, grab dinner and drinks, and watch the street performers. 
 

Another cool thing about visiting this part of town on weekend evenings is that the nearby Hoan Kiem Lake area is closed to traffic. The whole area becomes a festive pedestrian zone where kids can play and run free.

Walking around the narrow streets of Hanoi's Old Quarter can be a bit hectic, especially if this is your first time in Vietnam. The streets can often seem like a sea of motorbikes, and crossing the street can feel like a daunting task. 
 

It's important to understand that when crossing the street in Hanoi, and Vietnam in general, motorbikes will not stop for you. Instead, you should just start walking, and the motorbikes will go around you. Go slowly and never stop or hesitate. It sounds terrifying, but you will get into the groove of crossing the street before too long. Just make sure to hold your kids close as you go.

Looking for the perfect family-friendly hotel in Hanoi? Novotel Hanoi Thai Ha might be just what you're looking for. When travelling as a family, it's always important to find spacious accommodation. One of the best parts of staying at this Hanoi hotel is that you can choose from standard rooms or upgrade to one of the studio or apartment-style rooms. 
 

Opt for the Deluxe King Studio and you'll get 53 square metres of space as well as a kitchenette with a full-size fridge, perfect for preparing snacks. If you'd prefer more space and privacy, Novotel Hanoi Thai Ha also offers one and two-bedroom apartments with extras like living rooms, dining tables, and washing machines.

Spacious apartments aside, you'll get perks like lavish buffet breakfasts, an outdoor pool with a lively pool bar, a fitness centre, a spa, and a bar and restaurant. You'll have everything you could possibly need during your family trip to Hanoi.

As you can see, Hanoi is an excellent travel destination for families. When it comes to finding family-friendly things to do in Hanoi, stick to the recommendations on this list and you're bound to have a fantastic time getting acquainted with Vietnam's wonderfully chaotic capital city.