46 + Unforgettable Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur With Kids in 2025

There are so many awesome activities, attractions, places to visit and things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids. KL is such a family-friendly destination that you’ll be spoilt for choice when deciding what to do with your little ones.

We have been to Kuala Lumpur four times as a family. The first time we visited was as a family of three when we stayed for about 10 days, and our eldest (only daughter at the time) was 3 years old. Our second visit came during our first year as a family of four when we stayed for a month. (At the time, our youngest daughter was still a baby, and our eldest was 5).

Five years on, we spent three months there, followed by an additional five weeks with the girls aged 10 and 5. Based on these four trips, here are our highly recommended things to do in KL for families!

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KL Bird Park

Kuala Lumpur Bird Park is one of the most popular KL attractions for kids. It’s a large green expanse full of tropical birds, so you can spend several hours wandering the grounds. Most of the birds are roaming free, although some are in cages.

Split into different zones, the KL bird park offers walk-in aviaries, a flamingo pond, and activities such as bird feeding and shows. If you’re considering adding the KL bird park to your list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids, you can find all the details on things like opening hours and admission prices on its website.

Or, check out this guided tour, which includes admission to the KL Bird Park, Butterfly Park, and the Orchid Garden.

KL Forest Eco Park

KL Forest Eco Park (previously known as the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve) was one of our favorite places to visit in Kuala Lumpur for kids. The easy hiking trails burn up energy, and the stunning forest canopy walkway is a delight. 

We love spending time in nature for the physical and mental health benefits, and this is a great place to do so. Best of all, it’s located in the city, so you can visit straight after you’ve had enough shopping or general city hustle and bustle.

When we visited in 2017, the eco-park was free. However, in 2024, there is a charge of 40 RM for non-Malaysians.

KL Butterfly Park

The KL Butterfly Park is another excellent option for things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids. We didn’t visit the butterfly park as a family, although I visited many years beforehand and enjoyed it. It’s not far from the KL bird park, so you could see these Kuala Lumpur kids attractions one after the other if you wanted to.

Check out this tour of the city’s most famous landmarks, which includes admission to the KL Butterfly Park.

Check out the Planetarium

The Planetarium is a low-cost, family-friendly activity in Kuala Lumpur. The entry fee is free and you just pay for the shows and simulator ride if desired.

The shows change from time to time. You will likely find one that’s suitable for ages 5-11 and another for 12+, with two showings of each per day. The shows are around 25 minutes, and the times are on the Planetarium website.

We paid 28 RM (6 USD) for three tickets to the kid-friendly show. It was set in a time when humans are extinct and cats remain to clean up the mess!

Aside from the shows, the planetarium has several interactive exhibitions dedicated to the planets and space exploration. It’s like a mini science center and a fantastic place to take the kids. We spent about two hours there, including the show.

National Science Center

The National Science Center in KL is high on our recommendation list of things to do in KL with kids! We have been there a few times now!

There is so much to see and do in the center, and it costs only 6 RM to enter (under 7s are free). That’s 1.37 USD! Many indoor kids’ activities in KL are much higher priced, so it’s lovely to have this place and all it offers.

You might arrive and think it’s just the indoor area, but there’s much more to it. Make sure the kids have their swimsuits because there’s a fantastic splash water park area. Basically, it’s a playground set in water. There is also a butterfly and small animal section (separate from the main building), two playgrounds, and a dinosaur area.

The National Science Center is a fantastic alternative to Petrosains. The price point is lower and it’s faster to reach for those staying in Petaling Jaya. Avoiding city center traffic is also a bonus!

Visit the National Gallery

The National Art Gallery in Kuala Lumpur has some fascinating pieces. Entry is completely free, and you can combine your visit with a play at Titiwangsa Park next door.

Stepping into the spacious, air-conditioned interior of the art gallery is a welcome reprieve from the heat, especially if you’ve just come from the park!

The art pieces are unique, and some allow a little interaction. Therefore, our kids were quite interested in looking around the gallery and offering their opinions on the art.

Petronas twin towers

The Petronas towers are located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur City Center (KLCC) and offer amazing views of the surrounding city. I went up there as a young backpacker, and it was nice to return with my family.

It’s not a ‘cheap’ outing at 98 RM per adult and 50 RM per kid (2024 prices). However, it’s pretty spectacular. It’s a good idea to book in advance or come in the morning and book for later that day since there are limited numbers allowed in each time slot. 

We arrived at about 2 p.m. and got the day’s last tickets at 4:30 p.m. While you’re waiting, though, there’s plenty to do in the area. You can check out the mall, KLCC Park, or the Petrosains Science Discovery Center inside the mall.

On your trip up the towers, you first ascend to the sky bridge at 170m above the ground and then to the top.

Skip the lines and grab your e-tickets for the Petronas Twin Towers here.

KLCC light and sound show

KLCC Park puts on an incredible light and sound show every night at 8 pm, 9 pm, and 10 pm. Head to the fountain area outside Suria KLCC and prepare for dazzling entertainment! There’s also a light-only show on the half-hour from 7:30 pm.

Afterward, stroll along KL’s streets to soak up the city by night. We recommend heading to the Saloma link bridge, 10 minutes or so walk from KLCC park. This pedestrian bridge lights up with changing colors and is a neat spot for a few picture ops.

If you’re feeling peckish, there are a few local street food spots over the bridge open late into the night.

Book this 4-hour KLCC night tour for a guided discovery of the Sympohony Fountain Show and an entrance ticket to the KL tower.

Take a self-guided walking tour of the city’s sights

If you’re in KLCC, take a self-guided walking tour to check out the city’s sights.

Marvel at the street art in Chinatown before heading to the Central Market. Full of history and culture, it’s the perfect place to purchase gorgeous artisan-style local products or try your hand at Batik painting.

We devoured chocolate-covered strawberries from the outdoor market and later had dinner at the traditional restaurant in the market, “Precious Old China”, which we highly recommend.

Stroll along the River of Life afterward. Although it’s not pretty nor clean, there’s some spectacular street art on the old buildings.

You can also visit the nearby Sultan Abdul Samad Jamek Mosque or simply admire its architecture from the outside. It could do with some paintwork and general restoration, but it’s still impressive. The Sultan Abdul Samad Building across the road is also full of character.

Finally, check out Independence Square and take a photo in front of the I Love KL statue. There’s also an air-conditioned library with a nice kids’ corner next to the square in case you need to escape the heat or rain.

Alternatively, you can book a private guided tour of the city’s top sights for as little as $20!

Visit the Thean Hou temple

The Thean Hou Temple is a must-visit cultural site in Kuala Lumpur. This six-tiered Buddhist temple boasts city views from its hilltop position and is the perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.

Thean Hou’s architectural design is stunning. We loved the bright, contrasting colors and the chance to wander the temple’s gardens.

Make sure you take time to walk around and discover all the points of interest. Animal sculptures at the bottom represent the Chinese horoscope, so the kids can get a photo in front of the animal for their birth year.

You can also learn about important dates in the Chinese seasonal calendar and read about the fascinating sculptures at the back of the temple. The bottom level has a few shops selling refreshments and souvenirs.

This private and all-inclusive tour takes you to KL’s best insta-worthy spots, including the Thean Hou Temple.

Discover the Batu Caves

If you’re visiting KL, the Batu Caves are well worth visiting with the kids. They’re set on a hill with limestone caves, which you access by climbing up a tall set of rainbow steps.

At the base is an impressive golden statue of a Hindu God. It’s 43 meters (141 feet high), one of the tallest of its kind.

You’ll also see several Hindu temples. Their bright colors and intricate designs contrast beautifully against the surrounding nature.

On the way up the steps are several resident monkeys. Make sure you don’t have any food on display, as it’ll surely get swiped. The monkeys can sometimes be aggressive, too, so be mindful of them and give them a wide berth where possible!

The Batu Caves are free to visit, although the temple at the top charges a small fee. There’s also a donation box at the bottom of the steps.

We enjoyed some delicious Indian-Malay food before we walked up the steps. I figured it was a good idea with the kids to ensure they were fuelled for the walk up and wouldn’t ask for snacks.

Visit on a weekday early in the day for smaller crowds. It’s a popular place though, so don’t expect to have it to yourself!

This 4.5-hour private Kuala Lumpur city tour visits the Batu Caves and covers some of the city’s top sites with a professional guide.

Swim and hike at Kanching Falls

Kanching Falls, in Kuala Lumpur’s north, is a fantastic spot to take the kids for waterfall swimming. That is, if you don’t mind monkeys!

The place is teeming with them, which can be a little unnerving. Generally, though, they didn’t seem to be overly aggressive. If you do visit, keep any food well hidden away.

There’s a small restaurant at the entrance to the falls where you can get a basic local meal and snacks. The shop is open-air style, though. As soon as the shopkeeper turned her back, we watched a monkey run in, swipe a bag of something, and then scurry away!

Kanching Falls boasts seven tiers of beautiful waterfalls where you can swim safely in clear, refreshing water.

The first four levels are accessible to most fitness levels. The steps leading up are paved, and the walk isn’t too long. Some of the steps are pretty big for little legs!

If you want to continue further, steep hiking is involved along narrower dirt trails.

We swam at level one, which has a large, deep bathing area. Your kids might enjoy climbing up the waterfall rocks a bit if they are confident.

Level two had far too many monkeys around for my liking.

(They are on the paths, walking the fenceline, and generally everywhere, so again, don’t leave food or bags exposed!)

We spent most of our time at level three in the small but idyllic waterfall and pool. We were the only ones there most of the time, which was magic. See if you can spot or feel the toe-nibbling fish!

Level four was perhaps the most beautiful waterfall we saw. It’s nestled in a gorgeous setting. Sadly, there was broken glass everywhere, people smoking, and too many monkeys, so we returned to level three.

Entry to Kanching Falls is only 8 RM for non-Malaysians and free for kids. Therefore, it’s a cheap and fun day out for kids in Kuala Lumpur. (It’s also not far from the Batu Caves, so you could probably visit both in one day for a double dose of monkeys😆)

This private Kanching Falls tour also includes visits to the Batu and Ramayana Caves.

The Islamic Arts Museum

The Islamic Arts Museum in KL is well worth a visit if you’re in the city. I’m not knowledgeable about art nor hugely into it, but I thought the galleries here were beautiful.

If your kids aren’t too young and they’re into art, you could bring them along to check out the gorgeous pieces in the museum’s 12 galleries. The museum also has a kids’ library with an art table if you need it.

I visited the museum with a friend on a kid-free day out. I’m glad I didn’t bring our five-year-old along, but I do think our budding 10-year-old artist would have enjoyed it.

There was lots of calligraphy-based artwork in stunning colors, and the room full of antique bejeweled items was easy to appreciate.

We visited the Islamic Arts Museum after exploring the National Museum of Malaysia. While that one is quite nice for learning more about the country, I think I enjoyed the Islamic Arts Museum more.

You can walk between the two in about 10 minutes. The planetarium is situated in the middle, so you could also visit that or other destinations in the immediate vicinity, such as the botanical gardens.

Kidzania

Kidzania is a must-visit destination for kids in KL! I was blown away by the creativity behind this place and how it seamlessly blends education and fun.

At Kidzania, kids can try out any career they like. Some examples include pilots, firepeople, police officers, vets, pharmacists, florists, couriers, cooks, drivers, artists, construction workers, window cleaners, models, storytellers, and more!

They get to dress up and play with very realistic kid-sized equipment and props while learning about careers in a fun way. This is hands-on, experiential learning at its best!

Kidzania is targeted at kids aged 4-14. At 5.5, Romy was only just ready for it. The kids need to go into the little rooms without an adult. They can see you nearby through the windows—unless you opt to hang out in the parents’ room!

Kidzania isn’t a cheap outing. We paid 313 RM for two kids and one adult. Yes, you need to pay for adults, although they’re a little cheaper😆.

However, the price was 100% worth it. Kidzania is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m., so if you go for the whole day like we did, you will get your money’s worth!

Your kids will also learn about money. Upon entry, they receive 50 kidzos (Kidzania’s currency). When inside, they’ll need to pay “money” for some activities, whereas they’ll earn “money” for others. Overall, it’s a fantastic introduction to money management.

They can use their kidzos to purchase items in the shop, but they’ll need a lot of it to purchase a small (and probably plastic) item. Our kids used their kidzos on some activities and took the rest home to play with another day. They both ended up with more than 100 kidzos, so they earned more than they spent!

We had Subway for lunch inside Kidzania. Kids can even make their own subs if they prefer!

Don’t miss visiting Kidzania if you’re visiting KL with kids. Grab your ticket here!

Head up the KL Tower (Menara Kuala Lumpur)

The KL Tower is an alternative to the Petronas twin towers for sweeping city views. At over 400 meters high, it looks down on the Petronas Towers and KL’s other city landmarks.

The price is steep, but it’s good if you want a birdseye perspective of the city. It’s also just across the road from the KL Eco Forest, so you can easily combine the two attractions into one outing.

We visited the Observation Deck (indoors and air-conditioned) and the Sky Deck (outdoors) at the KL Tower. You also have the option to take photos in the Sky Box for an extra 10RM and to try the Sky Walk on a lower floor of the tower (for another extra fee).

This private half-day tour of Kuala Lumpur city includes a ticket for the observation deck of the KL tower.

Or, discover 21 of the city’s attractions plus get your KL tower ticket included.

Jump Street Asia

Jump Street Asia is a trampoline park in Petaling Jaya and a fab place for the kids to have fun and burn off some energy.

Be warned, though – it’s sweltering! There are ceiling fans, but they don’t do a lot. It was so hot that our little one lay on the floor and then proceeded to projectile vomit everywhere, a first for us😬.

We stayed hydrated, but I think she was still overheated; poor wee thing! She recovered when we got home, and could jump in the pool.

We paid 45 RM for a two-hour jump slot. There are also all-day jumping options if you can handle the heat!

The trampoline park has very bouncy performance-based trampolines, another large area with smaller trampolines, and a huge area with bouncy castles. The kids can also walk on the slack line, shoot hoops, try a bit of parkour, play foosball, and try out the zip line.

Jump Street Asia also has a small cafe with cold drinks and ice cream.

Amped is another trampoline park if you’re looking for alternatives in Petaling Jaya. Or check out Espace in Ekocheras Mall if you’re on the other side of Kuala Lumpur.

Enjoy the outdoor Parks and playgrounds

One of the things we were most looking forward to when we returned to KL was the outdoor playgrounds. Many Southeast Asian destinations like Bali (Indonesia), Luang Prabang (Laos), and Siem Reap (Cambodia) have minimal to no outdoor playgrounds (except those attached to cafes!) Malaysia, however, has many outdoor playgrounds to choose from.

Most of the playgrounds in KL and Malaysia are generally very simple, and the equipment is often quite old. Taking outdoor playgrounds for granted is easy if you live in a developed country. We miss them very much when we don’t have them, and we appreciated having plenty of them to choose from in KL.

So, if you’re looking for low-key things to do with kids in Kuala Lumpur, ask the locals or check out Google Maps to find your closest outdoor playground.

Taman Rimba Kiara Park

Taman Rimba Kiara is a lovely place to visit in Kuala Lumpur with children. It’s a family-friendly park with some advanced hiking and mountain biking trails.

One thing we love about Malaysia is how many accessible, free parks there are. In this one park, we saw so much wildlife!

Firstly, we waited out the rain (for some time!) by watching three giant monitor lizards swim up and down the stream and climb in and out. One even caught a big fish!

When it cleared a little, we followed a nice mini hill path (paved) and made the obligatory playground stop afterward. We saw plenty of birds, squirrels, turtles, and some of the cheeky monkeys that like to hang out at these places.

A little stream runs through the park, which is great for kids to splash and play in. A few people were in the stream catching tiny fish to take home and feed to their big fish.

We recommend adding this park to your list of family things to do in Kuala Lumpur, especially if you love wide-open green spaces!

Perdana Botanic Gardens

The Perdana Botanic Gardens is a gorgeous green space to explore in central KL (if you can handle the heat!) It’s also really close to many other attractions, such as the KL Butterfly Park, the Planetarium, the Islamic Arts Museum, and Taman Tugu.

We saw a couple of nice playgrounds there, including Fantasy Planet and Dinosaur Park. The Fantasy Planet is an older-style playground, but it’s big and will undoubtedly keep the kids happy! The park is lovely and green, perfect for strolling and enjoying nature.

KLCC Waterpark and Playground

Visiting KLCC Park is one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids. It’s situated next to the Petronas twin towers and is a lovely green space amongst the busy city.

There’s a huge playground, a splash park for the kids, and paths to meander. It’s a fantastic and free option to add to your list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids.

Taman Bandaran Kelana Jaya Park

Taman Bandaran Kelana Jaya is a lovely park to hang out at in the Petaling Jaya area.

Of course, evenings and early mornings are slightly cooler, but we tried it during the day! The park is next to the Kelana Jaya pool, so you can cool off before or after your park visit!

You’ll find a large, older, but decent playground, a couple of lakes, and walking trails. We enjoyed testing out the reflexology paths, which are dotted around the park.

We saw a bit of wildlife around… lots of butterflies and a squirrel. We kept an eye out for lizards but didn’t see any. I bet they are there, though! Oh, and watch out for those fire ants😬

National Botanical Garden Shah Alam

The National Botanical Garden Shah Alam is a gorgeous place to visit with your family near KL. We took a Grab taxi from our accommodation in Petaling Jaya, and it took just under 30 minutes to reach the gardens.

We went here specifically to go biking, as I had seen they offer bikes for rent. I wasn’t sure whether they only had adult bikes, so we didn’t take the 5-year-old. However, we found two bike rental places next to each other, with a range of bikes, including kids’ ones and adult bikes with kids’ seats. So we will take the little one next time!

Those who don’t wish to ride can catch the garden bus to explore or enjoy the many walking trails. It’s a big place, and we spent about two hours exploring on our bikes.

The entrance fee is only 3 RM, and bikes are 13 RM each, seemingly for as long as you like. There’s also a local-style restaurant on-site and a small shop, so you can rehydrate and refuel after your ride.

It was a hot day, but we loved it! If you’re seeking an active day out in nature near KL, check out the gardens (and remember your mosquito repellent!).

Titiwangsa park

Titiwangsa Park offers one of the best green spaces for kids in Kuala Lumpur. Sometimes, it’s just too hot to visit parks with the littles, but this one has a splash area, so you’re good to go!

The park is lovely and green, with paved paths for riding. You can even rent a variety of bikes there, including tandems. I also love how you can see the Petronas Towers, KL Tower, and Merdeka 118 as you explore the area.

The park has a lake with fountains and also paddle boats for rent. So you’ll find plenty to do and ways to cool off.

The playground has plenty of equipment, which is better than what you’d find at most Malaysian playgrounds. Just make sure you have some small change if you want to use the bathrooms!

TRX City Park

The TRX City Park is an excellent place to take the littles in central Kuala Lumpur. It’s an outdoor play space on top of The Exchange TRX mall, one of the nicest we’ve been to.

The play equipment is super modern and includes a neat wall climbing structure, plus a splash pad and water play area.

And when the kids get hungry, you can take them to the mall’s food court, which has plenty of delicious options.

Check out the markets

I love the fresh food markets around Southeast Asia—OK, so maybe not the fishy parts and the smells that come with them! Sometimes known as ‘wet markets, ‘ some markets are open only in the morning, all day, or night.

They’re your best bet for local (sometimes organically grown) produce and a great spot to try out the local street food. Just beware of all the plastic they’ll try to add to the mix.

There’s definitely a slow shift in consciousness going on in that space, though. Various places, including businesses, states, and islands, are taking steps to ban single-use plastics.

SS2 Monday night market

The SS2 Monday night market in KL is big, and it happens every Monday night. Get there early (5 pm or so) to avoid the crowds. Ask a taxi to drop you off at McDonald’s SS2, and the market starts there.

Petaling street Market

We also visited the Petaling Street Market, which is open every day from 10 am to 10 pm in the heart of KL’s Chinatown.

The laneways through the Petaling Street Market are very narrow, like single-file, and they can get quite crowded.

They’re full of cheap souvenirs, clothing, shoes, and accessories. As you continue along the lanes you’ll find many repeats of the same thing until it opens out into the food area. There, you’ll find a range of street food stalls with various local-style foods. There’s also a food court with a good selection of delicious Chinese dishes.

If you go to a market, check the days and times of operation as some are only on once a week.

Visit some family-friendly cafes

KL is not short on family-friendly cafes. Most malls have great cafes with play spaces for kids, making them a fantastic and chilled-out option for things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids.

Marmalade Cafe in Bangsar Village II had a play area that allowed us to spend several hours there. Antipodean Cafe in Atria Mall is a New Zealand-owned cafe! Their play area is awesome. It’s right in the middle of the cafe, so you can sit beside it and check in on the kids over your shoulder.

Seriously, little Romy played happily in here for probably an hour when she was a baby, which was terrific for Mama. Regarding cafes, it could be the best place to bring babies in KL! The play space has a TV and plenty of toys. Although we’re not TV fans, I don’t mind taking a break occasionally. The girls were much more interested in the toys anyway.

The Teddy

The Teddy is a cute, fun, family-friendly cafe in KL. It’s in Petaling Jaya, very close to the Paradigm Mall.

There are plenty of teddies to cuddle, and you can order gorgeous teddified food!

We went with a few other families and had such a lovely time. We were in a closed-off area, mostly by ourselves. The girls had tons of fun playing with the teddies and doing shows for us on the mini-stage.

The staff were very tolerant of the kids taking over the place. They also have a special menu for functions. Check it out if you’re looking for kid-friendly cafes in Kuala Lumpur.

Go on a family-friendly hike

I’m so glad we got to check out some of the many hiking trails in KL. This was probably the biggest thing I was looking forward to after not having any nature trails easily accessible from Hoi An.

Taman Tugu Nursery Trail

Taman Tugu is located in the Botanical Gardens area of KL. We went on a lovely little family-friendly trail walk with our new friends and another family.

If you want to check out Taman Tugu, get the taxi driver to drop you off at Taman Tugu Nursery. The trails start there and you can have a bathroom and water refill stop there (or wait out the rain if needed!).

The trail is beautiful and very well-maintained. Although it’s family-friendly, we would not recommend bringing a buggy on the trail! One member of our party ended up having to carry a buggy around the whole trail as there are a number of steps. We were lucky it was a fold-up one, at least. There are several branches to the trails, so you can go for a short walk or a much longer one.

Bukit Gasing hiking trails

Bukit Gasing is another trail that we went on with other friends. We first had a vote on whether to do a 40-minute or 80-minute route. Ayla and I got outvoted, so we went on the 40-minute route. However, it turned into about three hours after we got a little lost and ended up doing probably both trails plus more.

The story’s moral is: don’t rely on the sparse trail markings on Malaysian hiking trails. Do yourself a favor and download maps.me or another trail app and use the offline maps from that. (Google Maps doesn’t display all the trails).

Luckily, everyone was a total trooper, and we were all smiling as we finished our little adventure.

Bukit Kiara Hiking

Bukit Kiara is a fantastic area in Kuala Lumpur to hike. You can start the trails from TTDI Park or the Kirara Hill guardhouse.

The waterfall loop is a good choice, taking about two hours. However, there are many different trail branches and options to make your trek a bigger or smaller adventure.

I thought our adventure might be about two hours, but it lasted four! We first hiked for about two hours from TTDI park in a clockwise direction towards the waterfall.

But we like making our own routes, so we took a few small trails and, of course, a couple of minor wrong turns. We also wanted to see some of the park’s best features, like the Angkor Wat tree, a gorgeous spot in the jungle where trees and rocks become one.

You can keep things simple at Bukit Kiara and hike the road if you want to. It would also be faster. We much prefer trails, though, and I don’t think we would have seen so many monkeys everywhere if we stuck to the road (plus, boring).

After about two hours, we reached the small but beautiful waterfall. Ayla loved it so much that she climbed the rocks and sat in the water for about an hour. I think she would have stayed all day if I hadn’t said it was time to go!

Afterward, it was another hour’s hike to complete the loop back to TTDI. We could have walked along the road to make it faster, but we took the trails.

And had we taken the road, the adventure may have been more minor… for on the last part of the trail, we encountered a snake!

This is a very exciting event for someone like me who has barely seen a snake in her life! Don’t ask me what type it was. It was long, thin, and greenish-grey. Apparently, there are 27 snake species in Kiara Park alone, so it could have been anything.

Anyway, it reared its head in what appeared to be an attack mode. We thought we’d better not cross its path, so we backtracked and decided that taking the road to the exit was the best option!

Check out Bukit Kiara if you’re looking for fantastic places to hike in KL!

Kota Damansara Community Forest

The Kota Damansara Community Forest is a fabulous spot for hiking in KL. Is it family-friendly? Yes, I believe so. We saw plenty of kids hiking up on our way back down.

However, we decided on a kid-free hike on this occasion! I went with a fellow worldschooling buddy who I hiked with in Johor Bahru in 2023.

The forest opens at 7:30 a.m., although we arrived at 7 a.m. when the entrance opened, and they let us in. You need to sign in and out and pay a minimal fee of 2 RM.

We walked up Denai Tiga Puteri Peak, an easy-to-follow one-way track. It’s three kilometers each way and takes about two hours.

We spent 2.5 hours there, with time for taking photos and a 20-minute stop at the peak.

The gradient isn’t too steep, making it doable for anyone with a decent fitness level who can walk for a couple of hours. If you have young kids (like six and under), maybe allow up to 3.5 hours to complete.

There are a few sections with ropes that kids would likely enjoy. You can use the rope or do them as a little scramble because they’re not too extreme.

The forest has good tree coverage, so you’re nicely shaded. It feels a world away from the city, yet when you reach the peak, you see a busy road below you and a view of the city’s buildings. The trail is quiet and immersed in nature – we didn’t hear any city sounds while walking!

Sri Bintang Hill Trail

The Sri Bintang Hill trail is a lovely, family-friendly hiking track in Kuala Lumpur. There are two peaks you can climb, both in about one hour if you’re walking at a grown-up pace.

We hiked for about two hours as our group included a few little ones (aged 4-6). The kids spent about 30 minutes climbing the tree at the second peak, so we were at the hill about 2.5 hours in total.

We started the hike at 7 am to beat the hottest part of the day. I was unsure about waking the kids at 6 am, but it all turned out fine, and apparently, I was the only tired one later in the day! (In my defense, I did do some carrying 😆).

At the first peak, we saw a lovely sunrise amid the city skyline. For a little bit of adventure, we climbed down a short rope section at the end of the hike, which the kids loved.

Sungai Long HIll

Sungai Long Hill is a quirky and interesting area to hike in KL. I wasn’t sure where to select as a drop-off point in the Grab app. I chose “Sungai Long Hiking” because it sounded about right, but ended up being dropped along the middle of a busy road.

I’d suggest starting at the little cafe called “Hills Coffee Shop” on Google Maps. It’s a bit further up the road and an ideal spot to start and finish your walk.

It’s actually called the “Quack Shack,” as you’ll see on their sign when you arrive. They have absolutely delicious local food there. I walked into the smell of fresh coriander and had possibly the freshest-tasting local-style food I’ve had in KL.

From the Quack Shack, you can hike straight up the road if you wish, like many locals do. It’s a decent incline near the start. You’ll get excellent views over Cheras, and you won’t get lost!

There are some nice little lookout areas you can scramble up and will even find seats to enjoy the views. One of the most fantastic things I found was a small, vertical climbing area with ropes, a slightly more adventurous route than the road for that section.

The locals have decorated the hill with all sorts of Chinese knickknacks and rock paintings, so you can go there and be a bit of a tourist, checking everything out.

There are also several forest trails at all levels of Sungai Long Hill. Some are pretty advanced.

My trail map didn’t make much sense here. It’s more of a ‘follow your nose’ type of place. Those confident navigating the trails will find lovely routes to immerse themselves in nature and enjoy a challenge.

I explored Sungai Long Hill for about three hours before enjoying a yummy meal at the Quack Shack. I recommend checking it out if you’re looking for places to hike in KL!

Wawasan Hill trail

Wawasan Hill is a fantastic hiking location just south of KL and Petaling Jaya. The hill loop is a popular track for locals to get in their morning fitness.

You can’t get lost on the trail; it’s easy to follow. I went up track A and down what I presume was track B (a bit longer and steeper).

Wawasan Hill is a classic Malaysian-style trail, perfectly rugged and surrounded by greenery. There’s no real view at the top, but it’s a lovely place to immerse yourself in nature.

There was one point where the trail could be extended in two different directions, so ask a local if you’re unsure where to go at that point!

The loop took me about 90 minutes to complete. After all the flat, paved walking in Singapore, it was just what my legs needed!

The area boasts waterfalls, but they are mostly restricted, so ensure you stick to the permitted trails.

Have fun at one of the many indoor playgrounds

I’m not a fan of malls, but I have grown to appreciate the indoor playgrounds you can find inside them in SE Asia. Indoor activities in KL offer a welcome reprieve from the heat, and of course, kids love them. Therefore, they’re a great option to add to your list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids.

KL has many malls, and you’re likely to find an indoor playground inside each one. They’re relatively expensive in terms of things to do with kids, but they’re worth it for the entertainment value for young kids, in my opinion!

Whichever indoor playground in KL you choose, entry fees are usually cheaper on the weekdays. The prices we saw ranged from about 30rm to 65rm per kid (about $7-$15USD).

1 Utama shopping center

Firstly, we went to the spaceship play area inside the massive 1 Utama mall. This mall also has plenty of other entertainment options, including indoor skydiving, a surf simulator, and an indoor climbing gym!

Next Gen Theme Park

Next Gen Theme Park is one of the many incredible attractions at the 1 Utama shopping mall in KL. It’s a fab place to take the kids for the day to beat the heat and have fun!

It’s quite affordable, too. Three tickets cost just over 100 RM, and that allows you to come and go throughout the day.

This indoor theme park offers karaoke, video games, dancing, a ninja course, a playground, football, trampolines, a climbing wall (for children 13 years and older), and an imagination area with Kidzania activities like a fire station and cafe.

If you’re looking for things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids, I recommend checking out Next Gen Theme Park!

Camp5 climbing gym

If you’re looking for active things to do with kids in Kuala Lumpur, take them to one of the Camp5 Climbing gyms. They have several locations around the city that have something for all ages.

We went to their location at 1Utama. There’s a nice little bouldering wall for the littles beside their cafe. So you can enjoy a bite and watch your kid climb and play.

In the same area is a clip-and-climb-style wall where kids aged five and older can climb without needing someone to belay them (you must supervise, though).

There are also plenty of other wall-climbing options if you need something more.

The climbing prices are really reasonable. Entry is free for 7 and under, kids are 18 RM, teens 30 RM and adults 45 RM. The club also has several membership options.

Paradigm Mall Climbing Play area

We took the girls back to the climbing play area at Paradigm Mall five years after our first visit!

The 2024 price is 45 RM per kid for three hours (up 50% in five years!). Ours spent two hours there and loved it! Mum and dad got a coffee and watched them climb away🙂

The supporting features that were intact five years ago are in a bit of disarray😆. The main climbing features were all good (including the little trampoline and climbing net), but the simulator rides, climbing wall, and the slide at the end of the course were out of action🤷.

We still thought it was worthwhile, though. Both our girls enjoy climbing and it was a good challenge for Romy. Ayla helped her feed the harness along, so she was okay. If you don’t have a sibling to help, a staff member there helps kids around if they need it.

I was glad to see the business progress from requiring socks on the course. They finally figured out that socks are slippery😆.

The girls also enjoyed the big, soft building blocks in the play area.

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in Petaling Jaya, check out the climbing play area at Paradigm Mall!

Atria Mall indoor playgrounds

Atria Mall has an indoor playground called the jungle gym, which we opted out of because we didn’t have much time that day, and the price was relatively high.

But just outside the jungle gym is another play space. You can take a train ride around the mall floor, make some arts and crafts, and go on the ride on toys. Ayla got the combo package of a train ride, horse ride, and craft (she chose a magnet) for 20rm.

Escape @ Paradigm Mall

Escape is a must-do activity in KL for active and adventurous kids! With a bungy jump, climbing walls, high ropes, trampolines, trapezes, an obstacle course, a giant slide, and more, it’s an incredible place for kids to have fun, challenge themselves, and grow in confidence.

We visited Escape in Penang several years ago, which boasts a brilliant outdoor space amid nature with a waterpark across the road that’s part of it.

Escape in KL is a bit different. It’s located on the ground floor outside Paradigm Mall in Petaling Jaya. So it’s a smaller space, but they pack plenty in.

The ticket prices for kids are approximately 50-71 RM and 75-100 RM for adults. You’ll pay less if you book in advance online. You must buy the tickets online even if you purchase them when you arrive. Then, you upload a selfie, which means you can enter and exit the park all day.

It’s pretty great value because it’s open from 10 am until 8 pm, so you can stop and have lunch in the mall and then return.

I want to come back to Escape when I’m 61 or older. Then my ticket will be free😆. With that goal in mind, I have some work to do on the body!

I was one of the only adults in there. Honestly, it was so much fun, so I’m unsure why more didn’t come in. The slingshot (like a reverse bungy jump) was my favorite, confirmed by the mighty scream of exhilaration and terror I let rip!

Kids can play in Escape by themselves, although I think officially, they’re meant to be 12 and older. But to go in, you need to pay for a full-price ticket. Most adults in our group watched their kids from outside the fence lining the park.

Romy (age 5) could do many things in the park. The high ropes were a little tricky for her, though. We tried the first two on level one and then had to reverse back. I was up there helping with her carabina, but it was still too much for her.

Her favorites were the harnessed trampolines and free jumping (into the crash mat).

One really neat thing in the park is the trapeze show at 4 p.m. Participants can perform if they demonstrate they can do the skills on the practice trapeze. I was so proud watching Ayla do the giant trapeze in the show!

Take the kids to Game ON

Game On is a fantastic option if you’re looking for things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids. For around 50 RM – about 11 USD – (weekday price) for two tickets, Romy and I could come and go for the day, playing games as we pleased!

We went to their location at Pavilion, Bukit Jalil, but they have a few locations to choose from, including 1 Utama Mall.

We mostly went for the roller blading because we miss it and thought the price was worth it for roller blading alone.

But we also played foosball, reaction games, giant Jenga, and more. They have this football game inside puffy zorbing-style suits, which looked fun. It was popular, though, and we decided we didn’t want to wait. You can also play table tennis and badminton.

Check it out if you’re looking for family-friendly activities in KL!

Good Times DiY studios

Only twice have we had an oven in all our years of slow-traveling Southeast Asia! Therefore, we were stoked to try out one of the Good Times DIY baking studios in Kuala Lumpur.

They have a few locations where you can bake your own cookies or cakes using instructions from an iPad. Ayla baked her own birthday cake!

We went to their location at Pavilion, Bukit Jalil. And right next to their baking studio, they have a DIY pottery studio and DIY tufting (rug making), so you could book up a whole day of hands-on activities if you wanted to.

I recommend bringing a book to read or something to do while baking the cake. We didn’t, so Ayla got to be bored instead😆.

If your kid is younger, you can stay with them and help them. There are staff members on hand to help as well if you need it.

The mall also has many other activities like Game On, the snow park, ice skating, indoor play spaces, a cinema, and more.

Cool off at a waterpark or public pool

Kuala Lumpur has several waterparks and pools to choose from if you want a change from your condo pool.

Kelana Jaya Public Pool

The Kelana Jaya public pool (MBPJ stadium pool) is a lovely spot in Petaling Jaya to take your kids swimming. Sure, many people in KL stay in condos with swimming pools, but this is a nice place to meet friends, especially if your condo has strict rules about pool facilities only being for residents.

It’s also nice for a change of scenery. On one side, it has a fantastic food court, and on the other, it has an excellent park and lakes.

The pool facilities include two Olympic-sized pools, a large kids’ pool (with a toddlers’ side and a big kids’ side), an outdoor playground, and an outdoor gym. They have three opening periods throughout the day, so check the times before you visit.

The pool facilities are super cheap to use at only 3 RM per adult and 1 RM per kid on weekdays or marginally more at weekends.

Just make sure you bring small money as they don’t have card facilities and couldn’t give us any change🤷

Check out the pool if you want somewhere to cool off with your kids in Petaling Jaya!

Wet World Waterpark Shah Alam

We had a lovely time cooling off at Wet World Waterpark Shah Alam. It’s one of the cheapest waterparks in Malaysia at around 30-35 RM per person.

We booked our tickets online beforehand (as per reviews), but in hindsight, it didn’t seem necessary even at the weekend. We went when it opened at 10 a.m., though, so maybe the lines get busier later.

So it was the equivalent of 26 USD for our whole family to spend the day there, which was fantastic.

You need to rent a tube (for two people, or maybe one adult and two kids) for the three giant slides. It’s 50 RM, and you get 25 RM back when you return it. Lockers are also available for a fee.

Many traveling families coming to stay in KL have purchased annual passes to Sunway Lagoon, which offers a lot. However, I choose not to support it due to their zoo facilities, and my family stands with me on that.

So, instead, we enjoyed our day at Wet World Shah Alam. It’s super family-friendly, and we found it comparable to the water park at Legoland in Johor Bahru.

There are a few big slides (two with height restrictions), a couple of medium slides, and plenty of small ones. The rides aren’t what I’d call exhilarating, but they’re fun and should be plenty exciting enough, at least up to age 12.

Colin and I did enjoy nipping off just before closing to ride two of the slides kid-free!

Romy (at 108 cm) couldn’t go on two of the rides. But she got to enjoy the tumultuous river with us, which was super fun!

I liked the layout of the pools. It’s well-designed, and the pools were clean.

The food was also better than I’d expected after reading reviews. Of course, there’s the usual highly processed food you can always find at these places.

But they also had a Nasi Campur stand, so I was happy! I got rice, a tofu dish, and two vegetable dishes. I’m always glad when I can find decent vegetarian food, and the prices weren’t extravagant either.

So, if you’re looking for things to do in KL with kids, check out the Wet World Waterpark in Shah Alam for a fun day out!

SplashMania

SplashMania is an excellent waterpark in Kuala Lumpur. We saw it several times when traveling to and from the airport, so we knew we wanted to try it at some point!

SplashMania is fantastic for all ages. There are slides and water play for the little ones through to a thrilling trap door and vertical drop slide for the Daredevils in your family.

I didn’t get any photos of the big slides as I was running around trying to meet the needs of five kids and get in a few fun slides myself!

We also loved the circular lazy river, a fun way to get between different sections.

Kids over 106cm can go on several slides, some by themself and some with an adult. Those over 122cm can go on everything, although a couple of slides have minimum weights, requiring one adult and one child (so our tweens couldn’t ride those without an adult).

We found the food at SplashMania to be really good by waterpark standards, so you don’t need to worry about going hungry.

The kids will also love the dressed-up characters and entertainment. We watched a couple of dance shows at the wave pool, which were very good, although I would say not 100% kid-appropriate 😅.

Tickets for SplashMania are at a higher price end of the scale, at 125 RM for adults and 90 RM for kids on weekends. You might find a cheaper deal online, though, and they have nighttime sessions for 65 RM, which sounds very fun!

Have fun at an ice skating rink

If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Kuala Lumpur, take them to an ice skating rink! We went to Sunway Pyramid Ice, in the mall next to Sunway Lagoon. But there are several other rinks around the city, so you can find one closest to you.

The sessions at Pyramid Ice are two hours long and 30 RM/35 RM for off-peak/peak. Gloves and socks are compulsory, and you can also purchase them cheaply at the counter if you don’t have your own.

They also have ride-on seals available for those who need them or enjoy some assistance with their skating.

It’s not cold in the ice rink. We wore T-shirts and long pants, and we were very warm. Several people were wearing shorts. A change of clothes is a good idea if you’re likely to spend any time on your butt😆.

Watch a movie at a play cinema

Okay, so you can go to the cinema in most places in the world. But before coming to KL, I’d never seen a play cinema!

These movie theatres have a play area at the front! As I understand, they’re all a little different. The one we went to had the play area quite low below the movie screen, so it wasn’t easy for the kids to watch the screen while in the playground. There was a slide at the side of the movie theatre to access it. Some are set up differently, though.

Not everyone is into these play cinemas. Of course, if you don’t have kids with you, you might choose to go elsewhere🤣. It depends on your tolerance and preference, I guess. There were a few people in our movie theatre who didn’t have kids with them.

Don’t worry—if you’re going to see a grown-up film, it won’t be shown in a play cinema!

Also, some kids might want to run around during the movie, which might seem like a waste of a cinema ticket for some. Personally, we really loved it.

Our kids played in the playground before and after the movie, then settled into the cozy seats and watched the whole film. Some were running around during the movie, but that was okay with us!

So, if you’re looking for things to do with kids in KL, check out one of the play cinemas. We went to GSC at Starling Mall, which has two play theatres. By the way, we saw Inside Out 2 – a brilliant movie!

Visit a Cat Cafe

If you’re looking for things to do with kids in KL, check out one of the city’s cat cafes. It seemed the obvious thing for us to do when my sister, a cat lover, was visiting!

We went to Cemeon Cat Cafe in Bangsar. It’s not really a cafe—more like a cat house! There are many beautiful, fluffy cats, many of which are ragdolls.

They were friendly and some were cuddly, but mostly I think they just wanted the fish treats you get with your entry ticket😆.

The entry price is 32 RM for adults and 28 RM for kids on weekends, and a little cheaper on weekdays.

I found the place a little sterile. I think it would be nice to make it a bit more homelike, with sofas and comfy chairs. Still, it’s a nice place to visit for cat lovers🙂

Other things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids

There is no shortage of things to do with kids in KL on a hazy, rainy, or boiling-hot day. Overall, it’s such a family-friendly place.

There are so many other things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids that we didn’t have time to do ourselves. Some other Kuala Lumpur kids activities that other families have enjoyed include:

• Bukit Bintang is famous for its upscale malls, fashion boutiques, and lively sidewalk restaurants. Head along
• Atria Mall offers art sessions and music classes. The IPC Mall has baking sessions, and Paradigm Mall has pottery classes.
• Check out Craftiviti at Centrepoint Banda Utama. The kids can make slime, lip balm, bath bombs, and more.
• If the big kids want an indoor thrill, there’s even a full-sized indoor roller Coaster in KL! Check out the Berjaya Time Square Theme Park website for all the details. There are also rides for the little ones.
• Beryl’s Chocolate Museum offers tours that are perfect for chocolate lovers.
• The Royal Selangor Visitor Centre offers free tours and various workshops where kids and adults can create their own masterpieces.
• Experience the Skyline Luge and Gamuda theme park.
• Book a guided tour at the Kepong Botanical Gardens (FRIM). (Minimum age 7 for general entry, or 13 for the Skywalk)
• Teja Studio offers arts and crafts workshops, such as traditional batik painting.
• Take a day trip to the Genting Highlands, Malaysia’s Las Vegas equivalent (about an hour on the bus from KL).
• Other hiking options include KL East Park and Taman Melawati waterfall (you must register to hike KL East Park, but the entry is free), Ketumbar Hill, and the Sungai Pisang waterfall hike (permit required).
• Visit MinNature Malaysia, a cute place to explore the country’s heritage.
• Check out REXKL to hang out at Book Xcess and visit the immersive exhibition/screening about Malaysian culture and batik patterns.
• Book Xcess LaLaport has a cafe, reading zones, and space for the kids to explore.
• Visit Petrosains Science Center in KLCC.
• SuperPark is a highly rated indoor playground and amusement park in KLCC.
• Explore Putrajaya’s attractions, including the Putra Mosque (the pink mosque), the lake recreation centre, and Taman Botani Putrajaya (the botanical gardens).

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