Navigating the Wonders of Wildlife

By Clare Dawn Cooke

Growing up in the UK, my childhood was filled with simple outdoor pleasures: catching ladybirds, keeping caterpillars, discovering bird nests and scooping tadpoles from the pond. The biggest threat was usually a dozy wasp on a hot summer’s day, making the outdoors a safe playground filled with awe and wonder.

As a mother, I want my children to experience the same sense of wonder that shaped me, while understanding the responsibility that comes with it. Thailand’s rainforests, beaches and wildlife provide an excellent opportunity for this; however, awareness and caution must always be at the forefront. Some creatures, while fascinating, are best observed from a distance. 

From early on, we’ve taught our children that animals have boundaries; they are not toys. Seemingly calm or curious creatures can react defensively if startled. Primates like macaques can be aggressive around food, snakes, especially juveniles, can appear suddenly, and even city-dwelling monitor lizards can surprise you. Dog or cat bites, whether from pets or strays, carry a risk of infection or rabies. Observing quietly, keeping a distance and reporting bites immediately are essential lessons in balancing curiosity with safety.

Family-friendly wildlife encounters

Exploring Thailand’s wildlife with children is easiest and safest when choosing family-friendly destinations that combine accessible trails, managed habitats and opportunities to observe animals responsibly. Understanding local customs and animal behavior has also been key to keeping our family safe. We stick to paths, avoid tall grass and watch for warning signs, behaving in a way that respects the environment’s balance. Here are some of our family’s favorite locations to visit:

Khao Sok National Park: This is one of Thailand’s most impressive protected sites, with lush rainforest, limestone cliffs and emerald-green lakes. Families can enjoy boat trips on Cheow Lan Lake and guided walks, with chances to spot gibbons, hornbills, reptiles and occasionally elephants. The area and surrounds are well-managed and child-friendly.

Bangkok City Parks: Bangkok offers surprisingly rich urban nature. Benjakitti Forest Park’s raised walkways allow children to observe birds, fish and monitor lizards safely, while Rot Fai (Queen Sirikit Park) features a free butterfly house, open green spaces and a scenic cycling loop ideal for family outings. ‘The Green Lung’, Bang Kachao, also offers a peaceful escape into greenery and wildlife just minutes from the city.

Khao Yai National Park: Our family favorite, Khao Yai is an excellent introduction to national parks. Well-maintained trails, drive-up viewpoints and optional night safaris offer opportunities to see elephants, deer, gibbons, porcupines, and occasionally rarer wildlife.

Pran Buri Mangrove Forest Walkway: This elevated walkway near Hua Hin lets children explore a fragile mangrove ecosystem safely. Families can spot crabs, mudskippers, fish, birds, and small reptiles while learning about the importance of mangroves to coastal environments. There is also the option for a longboat tour through the system. 

Beaches and Islands: Thailand’s beaches and islands provide gentle wildlife encounters, from hermit crabs and starfish to colorful reef fish. Family-friendly options include Koh Lanta, Koh Chang and Koh Samet, offering calm waters, beginner snorkelling, and easy access. With sensible water safety and sun protection, these environments are both magical and educational.

Exploring these locations becomes even more meaningful when families take time to observe, play, and learn from the environment around them.

Wildlife-related family activities

Spending time together in nature doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple activities can spark curiosity and deepen children’s connection with the natural world.

Classic games like Pooh Sticks are always a hit. Transient art, such as creating mandalas or pictures using natural materials, encourages creativity without harming the environment. Nature photography is another wonderful option; photographing plants and insects up close offers children a fresh perspective and teaches careful observation skills.

Our children love personalized “I Spy” nature sheets, and these work well for different ages. Create checklists of items children might encounter, mixing easy finds with more challenging ones. You can also try nature tic-tac-toe, making a board from sticks and using shells or pebbles as Xs and Os. These activities are fun, low-cost, and help children learn to observe, respect, and enjoy the wildlife around them.

Unique pets and everyday learning

Living close to the equator offers opportunities to observe and care for animals that would be considered exotic elsewhere. Over the years, we’ve reared caterpillars into all sorts of butterflies, as well as Atlas moths, which can grow to the size of a dinner-plate. We’re currently keeping orchid mantises that resemble delicate white flowers.

Tropical fish that would require complex aquarium systems in the UK can often thrive here with simpler setups, provided their needs are properly understood. Species such as angelfish, guppies, and Siamese fighting fish are widely available, but research is essential. Some fish are prone to nipping tank mates, while others, like Siamese fighting fish, are best kept alone. 

As with any pet, informed care and respect for their natural behavior are key. All of our pets have been sourced from ethical suppliers, each providing invaluable lessons in care, respect, life cycles and adaptation.

A final thought

Raising children in Thailand offers a rare opportunity to grow alongside one of the world’s most diverse ecosystems. By encouraging curiosity and modelling sensible caution, we can help our children develop a lifelong appreciation for nature—one that balances wonder with responsibility. Living here continues to teach us the delicate art of coexistence, and I hope these lessons will stay with my children wherever life takes them next.

About the Author

Clare is a British mother of two who has spent 15 years immersed in Thailand’s vibrant wildlife and culture. Currently leading early years at Brighton College Vibhavadi Bangkok, she is passionate about nurturing young minds while celebrating nature’s beauty. Her experiences inspire her writing on motherhood and wildlife, blending international perspectives with local experiences.