Lockdown may feel never-ending, but as restrictions ebb and flow in their severity, you may have precious opportunities to venture out as a family and combat lockdown fatigue.
Thankfully, Kuala Lumpur has a fantastic range of activities and venues that welcome all ages. Here are our top 15 things to do in KL with kids that will spark their sense of adventure and keep everyone entertained!
Free activites
1. Visit a free museum or gallery
While none of Kuala Lumpur’s museums are exceptionally expensive, there are several that are entirely free! Depending on your family’s interests, take a few hours to explore the National Textile Museum, Bank Negara Malaysia Museum and Art Gallery, or Petronas Gallery in the Suria KLCC. Guided tours and fun-filled pewter-crafting workshops at Royal Selangor are also well worth the visit.
Source: Museum.bnm
2. Romp in the TTDI and KLCC Parks
Kuala Lumpur has many stunning parks and playgrounds, but TTDI and KLCC deserve a special mention. TTDI is perfect for a picnic and messy play in the child-friendly stream. Meanwhile, KLCC Park is a 50-acre green zone, with two areas that form a dedicated children’s playground. While teenagers and adults enjoy the jogging track, the little ones can take things easy on footpaths or enjoy the wading pool.
3. Take budding astronomers to the National Planetarium
While 4D-movies are charged, the National Planetarium has plenty to offer that doesn’t cost a cent. Explore the interactive exhibits in two planetariums, enjoy an IMAX show at the Space Theatre, or take a ride on the Space Ball (adventurous adults and older teenagers only!). Outside, Observatory Park is a wonderful place to explore models of Chinese and Indian astronomy systems and catch a glimpse of our neighbouring planets through a telescope.
Source: Hotels.com
4. Explore the jungle with a hike in Lake Gardens
Taman Tugu national forest is near the National Botanical Gardens (learn more about the gardens below). Taman Tugu is an enchanting, cost-free opportunity for your little ones to immerse themselves in the jungle that makes up this 66-acre green lung and urban forest park. Keep an eye out for the kid-friendly walking trail!
5. Believe in magic at Lake Symphony
Catch a spectacular water show at the Lake Symphony Water Fountains in KLCC Park. Two musical fountains display over 150 unique programmed animations, combining sound, lights and water. Light and sound showtimes are 20h00, 21h00 and 22h00 daily. If your little ones prefer something quieter, catch a lights-only show at 19h30, 20h30 or 21h30 instead.
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Source: Expato
Paid activites
6. Walk in KL Forest Eco Park
The KL Forest Eco Park covers approximately 11,000 sq metres and is the only remaining tropical rainforest around the KL city centre. Take the beautiful canopy walk through this forest reserve beside the Menara KL tower — just 3 km from the city centre. It’s an affordable way to spend some time breathing in fresh forest air, inspire a love of nature and explore the wonderful world of trees. You’ll also find a convenient playground for the more active little ones!
Source: Thrillophilia
7. Explore the National Botanical Gardens
Perdana Botanical Garden, Malaysia’s National Botanical Garden, can entertain the whole family for hours. From the Hibiscus Garden that showcases varieties of Malaysia’s beautiful national flower, to the Heritage Trees in the Exotic Species Collection — and more — there’s plenty to see. There are also shady and green places to rest and recuperate.
8. Meet the animals at National Zoo
Malaysia’s national zoo is managed by the NGO Malaysian Zoological Society, and home to more than 5000 animals of more than 450 different species! Over 90% of their animals are homed in spacious exhibits with landscapes reflecting their natural habitat — a fantastic way to bring those Children’s Encyclopaedia and bedtime stories to life! Keep an eye out for a chance to feed the animals in Children’s World during weekends, and public and school holidays.
Source: Adventoro
9. Find Nemo at Aquaria KLCC
This state-of-the-art aquarium is located beneath Kuala Lumpur’s Convention Centre, a stone’s throw away from the Twin Towers. Meet more than 5,000 land-bound and aquatic animals who call this 5,000+ sq metre adventure zone, home. And, if you’ve got the time, you can sign your 6–13-year-old little ones up for an overnight, Sleep With Shark experience filled with night educational tours, animal interactions, science experiments and a feeding show.
10. Go on a SKYTREX Adventure
SKYTREX Adventure offers safe ropeway circuits for various levels of experience in the lush, tropical rainforest so typical of Malaysia. Families can also cool off with a swim in a nearby river. When booking, make sure you sign up for their child-friendly activities, as they do cater to adventure junkies too! Keep an eye out for their tree canopy tours, flying fox ziplines, and their Little Adventure which is perfect for the little ones.
Source: Destination Asia
11. Stretch Your Brain at the Petrosains Discovery Centre
The discovery centre is a 7,000 sq metre interactive science and technology museum in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, at the Suria KLCC. While it focuses mostly on petroleum science, its 11 main interactive showcases are also a great way to spend a few hours learning about everything “science-y”, from dinosaurs to the space age!
Source: Klook
12. District 21 KL
District 21 is an adventure theme park inside the IOI City Mall Putrajaya. While your older kids may enjoy the ice skating rink, their younger siblings are guaranteed to enjoy the 11 obstacle courses that make up District21. From climbing walls and high-speed slides to trampolines and aerial courses, you’re sure to give the whole family a fun workout in both body and mind.
13. Sunway Lagoon
This 80-acre park in Petaling Jaya is more than just a water theme park. There are five different zones at Sunway Lagoon — the Water Park, the Scream Park, the Amusement Park, the Extreme Park and the Wildlife Park. Whether you’re enjoying the water slides, river rides, wave pool, or interacting with the more than 90 species of animal in the Wildlife Park, you’ll be hard-pressed to find something more exciting and varied for the whole family.
Source: Sunway Lagoon
14. Farm in the City
Enjoy a little slice of paradise in the city, and a non-traditional zoo experience, at Farm in the City. Filled with lush greenery and colourful flowers, it’s a wonderful place for children to enjoy up-close encounters with animals ranging from peacocks, marmosets, rabbits, deer and reptiles. They aim to be more than just a public farm and petting zoo, with established education, research and conservation programmes.
15. i-City Theme Park
“The City of Digital Lights” is best known for its colourful array of LED-lit attractions. Along with archetypal fairground attractions, such as a giant Ferris wheel, a two-tiered carousel, and game booths, you can also enjoy many hours in the water park, 3D museum and snow park.
Are these things to do in KL with kids, safe?
While eased lockdown restrictions may mean you get to catch some sun and head to the local attractions as family, COVID-19 hygiene protocols remain important. Correctly followed, they help you keep your whole family safe. But helping kids understand these protocols can take extra care. So, the team at White Lodge have created a FREE practical, kid-friendly guide to staying safe during the pandemic. It’s an engaging story to read to your little ones at bedtime, or on the lawns of the Botanical Gardens (perhaps?).
