Rating: 3.2/5 (10 votes)

Open Days: Daily (recommended to call ahead before visiting)

Opening Hours: Recommended to call and ask for a convenient time – activities/shops inside may operate on different hours

 

Banana Family Park is a different kind of Bangkok outing. It doesn’t lure you into chasing rides or rushing from one café check-in to the next. Instead, it invites you to slow down and stay with yourself — and with the people you came with — for a while. Many people describe it as a “white project in the heart of the city” in Ari. Its strength lies in being a true neighborhood space: office workers, families, students, and anyone who simply wants a comfortable place to sit with a book all naturally fit here. That’s why it’s often remembered more as a place for rest and community activities than as a conventional landmark-style attraction.

 

The roots of Banana Family Park grew from the same idea as “Banana Book Park,” a large standalone community book garden that became well known around Ari. It began from a desire to create a small “white spot” in a fast-moving information age, where people can end up valuing objects more than the mind and heart. Good books can help slow that slide and bring people back to clearer thinking. But in reality, most bookstores are concentrated inside shopping malls, which creates access limitations — especially on weekdays from Monday to Friday. A community bookstore concept like Banana emerged as an alternative, making “food for the mind” easier to reach for people who live and work nearby.

 

Over time, something interesting happened: the reading space didn’t attract only book lovers. It gradually became a place of rest for “the whole family.” Parents used it as a waiting spot to pick up their children. Older kids came to do homework or study. Teenagers met friends. Working people planned tasks or simply sat quietly to let their minds breathe. The response exceeded expectations, and the original space could no longer handle the demand. That expansion into a larger nearby plot is what eventually formed Banana Family Park in a name that clearly signals: “this is a place for everyone in the family.”

 

What makes this place appealing is that it doesn’t sell excitement — it wins through “just enough.” The space feels bright and clean, with a simple design and an atmosphere that supports focused, gentle activities such as reading, talking, or light work. And because it sits in Ari — a neighborhood known for its food, cafés, and urban lifestyle — visiting here feels like stepping away from chaos in a single move, while still staying conveniently within the city.

 

Another reason Banana Family Park has become widely talked about is that it brings multiple age-friendly activities together in one place — whether learning spaces, mind-body wellness activities, or creative community programs. Community travel sources describe the project as gathering many kinds of offerings, such as a library area where people can come in and read, a music school, yoga, spa, fitness, restaurants, coffee corners, and occasional activities that support wellbeing and shared time across generations. This overall picture makes it feel more like a small neighborhood hub than a place you simply visit for a quick photo and leave.

 

If you’re someone who wants to take kids out but doesn’t want a trip that requires “running nonstop,” this is a gentle option. Young children often enjoy being in a new space where adults aren’t stressed. Older kids can find a calm corner to work or read. Adults get a place to rest their eyes and minds. What works well is planning the visit around your family’s rhythm — for example, spend an hour reading or doing homework, then head out for a great meal nearby in Ari. That way, you get quality time without ending the day exhausted.

 

Getting There For most city travelers, the easiest approach is taking the BTS to Ari Station, then walking into Ari Soi 1 (using a map is recommended, and you can call the project for landmarks if you want extra certainty). If you drive, you can pin “Banana Family Park” on your navigation and follow the suggested route into the soi. Because Ari is a lively neighborhood, calling ahead to check entrance and parking details on the day of your visit can make the whole trip flow much more smoothly.

 

A small tip if you want the best atmosphere: come in the morning or late morning on a weekday. It’s usually less crowded and better for focused reading or quiet work. On weekends, the vibe becomes more family-oriented, and you’ll see the space used by a wider range of ages — a different kind of charm. And if you’re aiming to join a specific activity (such as community programs or wellness sessions), it’s best to check announcements or call ahead so you don’t miss the timing.

 

Finally, if you ask who Banana Family Park is for, the answer is: people looking for a Bangkok outing that doesn’t need to be loud or flashy, but still leaves you with something meaningful. It suits families who want a shared middle space, working people who want a calm corner to think, and anyone who believes a good city should include places for the mind to rest — not only places built for shopping.

 

 

A: It is in Ari Soi 1 on Phahonyothin Road, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, Bangkok, near BTS Ari. It’s recommended to pin the place name on your map for walking/driving directions.

 

A: Yes. Take the BTS to Ari Station and walk into Ari Soi 1 (using a map is recommended, and you can call ahead if you want clear landmarks).

 

A: It suits families, working people, students, and anyone who wants a calm place to read, think, or relax without a hectic atmosphere.

 

A: For a quieter vibe, weekday mornings or late mornings are ideal. Weekends feel more family-oriented and lively in a different way.

 

A: Overall, it functions as a lifestyle and activity space. Costs depend on the specific services or activities you choose, so it’s recommended to call ahead if you’re planning a particular program.

 

A: A commonly cited contact number is 02-279-7838. Calling ahead is recommended, especially for activity schedules and shop hours.