AsiaLIFE

After yet another trip to the pool and the ice cream shop, it’s time for new ways to entertain your kids in the Kingdom. Lindsay Muscato rounds up a list of family favourites. Photo by Conor Wall.

More than Monkey Bars
Indoor play space Monkey Business offers both fun and safety. With quality equipment and high hygiene standards, the extensive, whimsical play area provides plenty of ways to bounce and slide. Monkey Business can also be booked in advance for a great birthday party spot. Admission for kids is US$3- $6 depending on age, adults and babies under one year enter for free. Paragon Shopping Centre, 2nd floor, Street 214, Tel: 023 31 93 19, monkeybusinesskh. com. Open daily from 9am to 9pm.

Sing Along
Local musician and educator Mr. Andy leads free musical fun for kids on Sunday afternoons at Gasolina with new activities each session. Little ones can sing, dance, write their own songs, join a drum circle, and more in Gasolina’s cheery garden space. 56-58 Street 57, E-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Sundays from 6pm to 8pm.

Turn the Page
Parents can break from shopping and young readers can dig into new books at the cosy, welcoming reading room on Street 240 run by NGO Open Book. Children’s books are available for perusing in English, Khmer, French, Japanese and more, along with educational puzzles and games. 41Eo Street 240, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Open daily from 10am to 5pm.

Kids Create
At GlobalArts Cambodia, kids can get crafty and show off their artistic sides with classes in drawing, painting and more. During June and July, check out a 10-class pass for US$100 that lets kids try afternoon workshops in a variety of genres. Some pieces will be chosen for display in the school’s onsite gallery. For ages four and up. 206 Norodom Blvd, Tel: 023 213 584, globalartcambodia.com.

Play, With Food
Several local cafes and restaurants offer play areas so parents and young kids can chill and chow together. Popular spots include Le Jardin (16 Street 360), Java Café (56 E1 Sihanouk Blvd), Café Living Room (9 Street 306) and Open Wine (219 Street 19). Gardens at Gasolina (56-58 Street 57) and Boddhi Tree (50 Street 113) provide a place for kids to roam while parents dine.

Ride On
On Diamond Island, the amusement park offers a carnival-style atmosphere. Youth can try the (mostly tame) rides or wander while parents can win a new kitchen set just by acing the balloon toss. Free admission, games and rides around 2,000 riel.

Speak Globally
Sharpen teens’ language skills with classes around town; check with each for the latest schedules and prices. The Cultural Centre Français runs French classes (ccf-cambodge. org); Khmer classes are offered in many locations including the Institute of Foreign Languages at the Royal University of Phnom Penh (Tel: 012 866 82); or try German with classes at the German Center at Meta House (dzpp.meta-house.com).

Face the Music
Although not specifically for young people, the NGO Tiny Toones offers hip hop dancing classes on Wednesday evenings at 6.30pm at its dance centre at 1E Street 410, Tel 017 560 308, tinytoones.org. Within the next two months, the new Music Arts School will offer lessons in guitar, piano, violin, Khmer instruments and more. Contact music.arts.pp@gmail. com for details and schedule.

Skate Space
Speed demons can try the rollerskating rink at the top of Sorya Shopping Centre (13-61 Street 63) for US$3. The music’s loud, the pace is fast and some kids will be leaping off skate ramps—but parents can watch from a safe distance. Or, try the new rink at Dream Land (opposite Nagaworld) for US$2.50 per hour.

Stage Time
Teens with a flair for drama should check out the Phnom Penh Players, a theatre company that create new works and perform classics with a twist. The group’s Facebook page and thephnompenhplayers.blogspot.com lists performance details. This month, ISPP offers a kids’ theatre workshop starting in mid-June. Call 012 803 864 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details.

Explore for a Day
For a nearby escape from the city, try the Phnom Tamao Wildlife Sanctuary just 30km from Phnom Penh. Meet the resident animals, visit the ruins of an 11th century Angkorian-era temple, or just picnic and enjoy the greenery. Take route 2 and turn right at the 39km marker; 1,000 riel entry. For an alternative getaway, a half-day boat trip goes to a silk weaving village on the island of Koh Dach. Tours can be arranged through guesthouses and travel agents and cost around US$10 per person or may be negotiated privately by boats along the riverside.

Movie Night
The Flicks cinema shows kid-pleasing classics and newer releases in its airconditioned space filled with cushions and papasan chairs for lounging. Snacks and beverages are sold at the bar. Babies are especially welcomed Tuesdays at 2pm for showings with the lights brighter and the sound lower. Admission is US$3.50 for adults, US$2 for kids under 14. Check theflicks-cambodia.com for a current schedule. 39B Street 95.

Shadow Puppet Show
Sovanna Phum theatre performs shadow puppetry using traditional Khmer artistry, songs, dance and drums. Graduates of The Royal University of Fine Arts, Sovanna Phum’s artists weave entrancing performances for the whole family based on Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage. 166 Street 99, adults US$5, children US$3, shadow-puppets.org. Shows on Fridays and Saturdays at 7.30pm.

Stretch & Reach
Kundalini Yoga holds classes for kids to strengthen their growing limbs and centre their young minds. Classes are best suited to ages five and up, and teachers will adjust to fit students’ age and ability. Parents and older kids can take part in additional classes. US$5 per child. 204ZB Street 322, Tel 092 429 835, kundaliniyogacambodia.org. Drop in on Sundays from 9.30am to 11am.

Kids on the Coast
The small coastal town of Kep is a favourite weekend getaway for many families. Check out the crab market, bike the beaches and mountain paths, or spend the day on Koh Tunsai, Rabbit Island. Knai Bang Chatt Sailing Club in Kep offers sailing lessons, inquire at 078 888 556 or sign up for ISPP’s sailing camp that begins mid-June (For ages 9 to 16, US$400 for a week of lessons. Call 012 803 864 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for details.