Get ready for a big weekend in HCMC! The massive Youth Fest 2026 is in full swing with parades and Earth Hour celebrations. For quieter fun, don't miss the Water Puppets or a visit to the Artinus 3D Museum. Here are the top picks for families on March 21st and 22nd, 2026.
See our top picks
HCMC Youth Festival 2026 Experiential Zones
Phan Đình Phùng Park
Explore culture, tech, and food zones for free in a central park setting on Saturday.
Artinus 3D Art Museum Visit
District 7
Step inside the art for guaranteed fun and fantastic photos, regardless of the weather.
B.Duck Cityfuns Play Area
Landmark 81 Entrance
A bright, cheerful outdoor play area perfect for letting toddlers and young children run around freely.
· March 21
6FREE : The massive Youth Festival continues this Saturday with experiential zones focused on Technology, Green Living, and Culinary Culture. It’s a great open space for kids to explore different themes and activities organized by the Youth Union.This is the main event happening across the city this weekend, offering a huge variety of activities in a central park.
FREE : As part of the Youth Fest, enjoy a performance responding to Earth Hour 2026 on Saturday evening. A great way to teach kids about environmental action.A specific, time-bound activity linked to a global event happening Saturday night.
FREE : Catch the colourful parade showcasing traditional Vietnamese costumes along Vo Van Tan Street on Saturday. It’s an exciting visual treat for the whole family.A unique cultural performance happening specifically on Saturday as part of the major city festival.
ARTINUS 3D ART MUSEUM VISIT : Step inside the art at HCMC's first 3D museum, featuring nine interactive zones perfect for hilarious family photos. It's an excellent indoor option for a Saturday afternoon.A highly interactive indoor attraction that guarantees engagement for kids of all ages.
KAPI CAFE CAPYBARA INTERACTION : Take the kids to Thao Dien for a unique Saturday afternoon experience—you can get up close and touch the famous capybaras! A 200K combo covers entrance, food, and drinks.Interacting with animals is always a winner, and capybaras are very popular right now.
: Book a creative Saturday activity where the family can learn to craft beautiful lanterns using either cellophane or recycled materials. This is a great hands-on experience.This is the only hands-on workshop confirmed as potentially available this weekend from the list.
· March 22
2FREE : Catch the grand finale of the Youth Festival on Sunday evening, featuring the commemoration of the 95th anniversary of the Youth Union and the closing ceremony. A large cultural event showcasing city spirit.This is the final day of a major city festival, perfect for a Sunday evening cultural outing.
SAIGON ZOO AND BOTANICAL GARDEN VISIT : Spend Sunday morning exploring one of the world's oldest zoos, home to hundreds of species of mammals, reptiles, and birds. Get there early before the heat sets in.A reliable, classic family outing available all day Sunday.
Also On· anytime this weekend
5: Experience this unique Vietnamese art form where puppeteers control figures on a watery stage to tell stories of history and folklore. Shows are available in the late afternoon/early evening.A classic, accessible cultural show perfect for catching before or after dinner on Saturday.
: If you need to burn off some energy on Sunday, head to the bright yellow duck-themed outdoor play area located right at the entrance of Landmark 81.An easily accessible, bright outdoor play area perfect for younger kids needing free movement.
: Explore fascinating Vietnamese history, costumes, and architecture at this central museum on Saturday. It's a relatively inexpensive way to spend a few hours indoors.A structured, low-key indoor activity available Saturday morning.
: If the weather is hot on Sunday, head to Dam Sen for their wave pool and numerous slides, which cater to little kids (fountain areas) and bigger ones (Kamikaze slide).A full day of water-based fun available on Sunday.
: Located inside Landmark 81, this spacious indoor playground is perfect for burning off energy on Sunday afternoon, complete with a massive ball pit and themed play structures.A reliable indoor option open late on Sunday if outdoor plans fail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Ho Chi Minh City this weekend?
This weekend (Mar 21-22) the main free events are centered around the HCMC Youth Festival 2026, including general entry to the experiential zones, the Earth Hour performance on Saturday evening, and the Viet Phuc Parade on both Saturday and Sunday.
Are there any specific cultural performances this weekend?
Yes, you can see The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre with shows at 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Additionally, the Viet Phuc (Traditional Costume) Parade runs during the day on both days as part of the Youth Fest.
What is happening specifically on Sunday, March 22nd?
On Sunday, you can visit the Saigon Zoo, enjoy Dam Sen Water Park, attend the Youth Festival Closing Ceremony in the evening, or take your teens to the Study in the US information session in the morning.
