Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital city, has hundreds of activities and attractions to entertain even the most fussy of kids.
Cramming it all in would take weeks, if not months, so we’ve selected the 21 best things to do with kids in Kuala Lumpur to help you create a family holiday to remember.
Theme Parks In Kuala Lumpur
1. Sunway Lagoon
Sunway Lagoon, in the heart of KLCC, has something for kids of all ages. The flumes and waves machines of the water park offer cooling refreshment for youngsters in Malaysia’s heat. Little explorers will love the Wildlife Park, home to tigers, meerkats and pythons.
Older kids and teenagers can have a shot at archery and bungee jumping at the Extreme Park, and scare themselves silly at the horror-themed Scream Park.
Cost: Adults RM170 (US$ 41), kids RM140 (US$ 34)
2. Kidzania
It might sound crazy to adults, but this theme park where those aged 4-14 experience the world of work is a big hit with kids. In this self-contained “city”, kids have the opportunity to try work experience as anything from surgeon and fireman to air conditioning duct exploration and junior paint expert.
Perhaps your little one will discover the dream job they never even knew existed. Whatever they want to be when they grow up, this is a great day out for kids in Kuala Lumpur.
Cost: Ages 2-3 RM37 (US$ 9), ages 4-17 RM77 (US$ 19), adults RM41 (US$ 10)
3. Skytrex Adventure
Set in an expanse of jungle in the suburbs of the city, Skytrex Adventure is the ultimate forest adventure experience.
Kids can tackle an adventure assault course set high in the trees, crossing rope bridges, soaring down flying foxes, and releasing their inner Spiderman on the climbing nets.
Cost: From RM35 (US$ 8.5) to RM55 (US$ 13), depending on the course.
4. Berjaya Times Square Theme Park
Kuala Lumpur’s biggest shopping malls often have an on-site theme park to entertain the kids during a long day of shopping. The one within Berjaya Times Square is officially Malaysia’s biggest indoor theme park.
Set over two levels, a rollercoaster twists and turns through the park. There are rides for all ages and massage chairs for tired grown-ups.
Cost: Ages 3-12 RM47 (US$ 11), ages 12+ RM57 (US$ 14)
5. i-City Theme Park
This outdoor theme park comprises of four different sections. The water park is perfect for hot days; and the City Walk is home to a House of Horrors, 5D Cinema and Trick Art Museum. Enjoy beautiful illuminations at the City of Digital Light.
General park opening Sunday to Thursday 11am to midnight, Friday and Saturday 11am to 1am.
Cost: There is no entrance fee, but tickets must be bought for individual rides. Prices range from RM5 (US$ 1.2) to RM50 (US$12) depending on the ride.
6. Petrosains Discovery Center
On the fourth level of the famous Petronas Towers, the Petrosains Discovery Center is an interactive learning experience packed with fun.
Kids can conduct their own science experiments with controlled explosions and experience life on board a space station. Games are dotted around the exhibitions with staff on hand to explain the science behind everything. Be prepared to spend hours here, as there’s so much to see and do.
Cost: Ages 3-12 RM16.50 (US$ 4), ages 13+ RM28 (US$ 7)
Wildlife Adventures In Kuala Lumpur
7. Farm In The City
At this interactive animal farm, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, you’ll find typical farm animals like chickens, goats and deer free to roam around. Kids can feed the animals for an up close and personal experience.
There is also a menagerie where they can learn about more exotic animals like lizards, tropical birds and snakes.
Cost: Kids RM48 (US$ 12), adults RM58 (US$ 14).
8. National Zoo & Aquarium
This sprawling wildlife sanctuary is located 13 km north of the city, in a stretch of open woodland. Here, kids can get to know the exotic animals native to Malaysia, like elephants, leopards and orangutans.
Rare animals from across the world are also housed at the zoo. Two giant pandas from China are the latest edition. Younger kids can get hands-on with the animals with feedings and petting at Children’s World.
Cost: Adult RM82 (US$ 20), kids RM43 (US$ 10)
9. Aquaria KLCC
Right in the centre of the city, Aquaria KLCC is one of the world’s best aquarium experiences. This is a chance to see the varied underwater landscapes of Malaysia without leaving the capital.
Older kids can even try scuba diving with tiger sharks and stingrays. The underwater tunnel gives you an in-depth look at marine life without getting wet.
Cost: Adults RM65 (US$ 16), kids RM56 (US$ 13.5)
10. Butterfly Farm
There’s nothing more relaxing than watching a cloud of butterflies dance past. Enjoy the quiet rush of a waterfall as the soundtrack to your visit to the butterfly farm.
The curious insects will often flutter down and rest on shoulders and heads, enough to delight any child or big kid.
Cost: Adults RM24 (US$ 6), kids RM13 (US$ 3)
11. Bird Park
Surrounded by the stunning and serene Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur’s Bird Park is home to over 200 species of bird. Budding ornithologists can spot Malaysia’s native birds all in one place.
Rainbow-coloured parrots can be fed and handsome hornbills pose for photos. There’s a playground for young kids and easy walks around all the enclosures where the birds are free to fly around.
Cost: Adults RM63 (US$ 15), kids RM42 (US$ 10)
Tours & Day Trips From Kuala Lumpur
12. Batu Caves
A popular day trip for anyone visiting the Malaysian capital, the Batu Caves are just a short train ride from KL Sentral Station. The atmospheric caves attract thousands of devotees every year.
The climb to the caves is up 272 narrow steps where a giant, golden deity guards the entrance. Monkeys often play on the stairs, so keep an eye on your belongings.
Cost: Entrance fees vary depending on which caves you visit, from RM5 (US$ 1.2) to RM35 (US$ 8.5) for the main Dark Cave. The Komuter train from KL Sentral to Batu Caves is RM4 (US$ 1) return fare.
13. Fireflies At Kuala Selangor
Private and group tours run from Kuala Lumpur to the little fishing village of Kuala Selangor, including a twilight boat trip to watch a thousand tiny lights fill the bushes in the Kampung Kuantan Firefly Park.
Stops will often also include the colonial fort perched on a hill overlooking the fishing town. Up here, you can buy food to feed curious monkeys. A fresh seafood dinner overlooking the mangrove swamps where fishing eagles soar above completes the perfect day trip.
Cost: Tours from RM161 (US$ 39)
14. Genting Highlands
Just 45 minutes outside the capital, Genting Highlands is set in a rainforest that has been around for hundreds of millions of years. For kids that can’t stand the heat of Kuala Lumpur, this is the perfect escape, up in the cool mountain air.
Buses run from KL Sentral Station straight to the top, or to the Skyway gondola. At the top, you’ll find endless entertainment for kids and adults. There’s an open-air theme park filled with rides and attractions. Cave temples and mountain walking paths offer a calming break. Little adventurers can spend the day horse riding, caring for elephants or spotting butterflies.
Cost: Theme park entrance, adults RM85 (US$ 20.5), kids RM55 (US$ 13). Gondola tickets RM16 (US$ 4) return. Butterfly Wonderland entrance, adults RM20 (US$ 5), kids RM16 (US$ 4).
15. Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary
In a small village, two hours north of Kuala Lumpur, the Kuala Gandah Elephant Sanctuary cares for rescue elephants. Kids and adults can interact with these gentle giants by booking a slot to bathe them in the water.
The sanctuary no longer allows elephant riding and focuses on elephant conservation. It is not a zoo or amusement park, but a rehabilitation centre. Volunteers will help small groups of visitors of all ages feed and bathe baby elephants. Surely an experience your kids will remember for the rest of their lives.
Cost: Adults RM10 (US$ 2.5), kids RM5 (US$ 1.2)
Monuments & Cultural Attractions In Kuala Lumpur
16. Petronas Towers
Once the tallest buildings in the world, ascend to the 88th floor of the Petronas Towers for panoramic views over the entirety of Kuala Lumpur.
Cross the bridge between the two towers on the 42nd floor and watch city life go by beneath your feet. At the foot of the towers, there’s a play-park with paddling pools, so remember to bring swimwear or a change of clothes if your kids want to cool off.
Cost: Adults RM28 (US$ 7), kids RM14 (US$ 3.5)
17. KL Tower
For that iconic view of Kuala Lumpur, including the Petronas Towers in the skyline, head up the KL Tower.
There’s a revolving restaurant at the top which serves buffet-style lunch and dinner with a wide, international selection for fussy eaters. Booking lunch here includes the entrance fee to the observation deck 276 metres above the ground.
Cost: Observation Deck Tickets RM52 (US$ 12.5) for adults and RM31 (US$ 7.5) for kids. Sky Deck Tickets RM55 (US$ 13) for adults RM39 (US$ 9.5) for kids. Combo tickets also available.
18. Thean Hou Temple
Head to Thean Hou Temple complex for a slice of serenity in the bustling city. This ancient, pagoda-style temple is dedicated to the Chinese goddess of Heaven.
Hundreds of red, paper lanterns adorn the terraces between buildings, and there’s plenty of space for kids to run around in while you find tranquillity within the temple walls.
Cost: Free
Food & Drink In Kuala Lumpur
19. Lot 10 Hutong
To sample quintessential Chinese Malay food, head to Lot 10 Hutong. This indoor hawker centre will give you a flavour of the chaotic and buzzing street food scene within an air-conditioned food court.
Stalls brim with choice to satisfy all taste buds. This is the perfect place to give kids a taste of loads of little dishes from all over Malaysia.
Cost: Dishes from RM10 (US$ 2.5)
20. Little India
The colourful buildings of Little India house a plethora of restaurants for all tastes. This is a great place to introduce kids to Indian cuisine.
With so much choice, you can find curries with every level of spice and to suit every palate. Masjid India Hawker Center has a full choice from individual stalls.
Cost: Dishes from RM10 (US$ 2.5)
21. Themed Cafés & Restaurants
If you find it hard to inspire your kids to eat their vegetables, then take them to DC Heroes Café or the Hello Kitty Café. Themed meals in the shape of your kids’ favourite characters are sure to capture their imagination.
Blokke combines playtime with mealtime with Lego bricks at every table, so kids and big kids can be entertained while you refuel between theme parks and sightseeing. There’s also a play area for young children.
Cost: Dishes from around RM12 (US$ 3)