Nics Restaurant and Playground

Nics Restaurant and Playground is a great kid friendly and family friendly restaurant in Chiang Mai

Nics was the first of its kind in Chiang Mai and it’s still a favourite restaurant hangout for families with kids. When it opened in 2012, restaurants with playgrounds were a rare thing, especially ones with western style play areas. Nics was a trail blazer and influenced a few places over the years such as Triplets Eat and Play, Two Sons Coffee, Cup Fine Day, all of which are worth a visit too!

What’s different about Nics is that it tries to cater to everyone – couples and those without children, families with young kids, tweens, tourists and expats. There are also quite a few other restaurants in Chiang Mai with playgrounds to check out as well!

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Eat and play

Nics initially became well known because of its incredible (and sustainably made) bamboo pirate ship playground! Over the years they’ve made some great improvements to the original structure.

Children can climb across rope bridges, up rope climbers, slide down the incredible new one storey twisty slide, swing on swings, or jump on the enormous trampoline! In addition to all that, there’s a sand box play area with toys and for really little ones, there are toddler toys in most of the family friendly seating areas.

The latest addition which is tucked in the back of the play area, is the new mini-football or soccer pitch! It’s such a great space for kids to let off some steam and run around; even make some new fast friends!

The playground is usually quite shaded, which makes it a very popular restaurant for families in Chiang Mai. Lately the restaurant has been busy during lunch and after school times (from 3 pm – 7 pm). Kids love this place and if you live in Chiang Mai, you’ll find yourself here quite often. Our suggestion is that if you have older children who can confidently play on their own, sit in one of the quieter air conditioned areas away from the chaos!

Seating

They offer so many different seating areas, each with a distinct vibe. There’s the open air section, the Silent & Romantic air conditioned room, the Pirate House with open seating areas in the garden, and the Pirate Room also with air conditioning. Then specifically for families, there’s the Family Room with playground view and a long Bamboo Sala directly next to the playground which is great for parents with very little kids. They also have high chairs – the good kind too!

Food and Drink

Food

Nics restaurant menu offers European and Thai food with a selection of vegetarian and gluten free options. Nearly every dish I’ve tried (and there’s been many!) has been really good and really well portioned, with the exception of the platters. For sharing, you’re better off with a pizza or multiple small dishes to share.

Kids’ menu

The kids’ menu at Nics has lots of healthy options. Each kids’ meal is served with kid friendly plates and cutlery and is perfectly portioned. Our daughter and her friends have tried nearly everything on the menu. The most popular meals are the spider pizza or Captain America. The kids’ desserts look almost too cute to eat but are very tasty too!

Drinks

For drinks, Nics pours one of the largest glasses of wine around! You can also indulge in a bottle of local beer, or enjoy a cocktail or two. Tea and coffee are both available hot or cold, although I wouldn’t say coffees are their specialty. Healthier options include fruit juices, shakes, or delicious smoothies.

Birthday parties

Nics restaurant offers daytime or evening birthday parties. The evening parties are usually for tweens who want to dance the night away at a Neon Glow party! Having been to one, I can say it was a lot of fun! Daytime birthday parties come in three options starting at 2,800 baht up to 7,000 baht. All birthday celebrations take place in the bamboo sala. Contact Nics to arrange the perfect kids’ birthday party in Chiang Mai!

How to get to Nics Restaurant and Playground

Nics can be found on the road that leads to the Night Safari and Royal Park Rajapruek gardens, south of the city.

For visitors to Chiang Mai the easiest ways to get here are to take a Grab or to take a songtaew. While for those who live here, it’s best to drive. There is free parking beside Nics or you can park on the street.

Hours: Open daily from 11:30 am – 10 pm

Good for ages: toddler to 10 years old

Phone: 087 007 3769

Kids Menu: Yes

High chairs: Yes

Playground: Yes

Wheelchair or stroller accessible: some areas

Child friendly staff: Yes

Birthday parties: Yes

Prices: $$$

Website: http://nics.asia/en/homepage

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Nics.Restaurant.Playground/