10 Things To Do with Kids in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Petronas Towers at night, they just sparkle
Kuala Lumpur is a large city, full of so many wonderful things to do with your family on holidays.  I often think cities can be a bit overwhelming.  We were fortunate enough to stay in Kuala Lumpur and have a little over 2 weeks of our holidays in the capital city of Malaysia, so we're able to really explore and find many places to enjoy. Besides, if you are a traveler from the neighboring country, Singapore. There are tons of way to save on your flight from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur!

Here are 10 things to do with kids in Kuala Lumpur that we enjoyed best:


Petrosains Discovery Center


Located within the huge KLCC complex, this museum is a home run for kids of all ages.  Lots of hands on exhibits and as long as you can stomach the barrage of oil related information (it was opened by the Petronas oil company) then you parents will also enjoy!


Tip: Eat before you go in as start to finish you will spend 3-4 hours inside and there is very little food.

Aquaria Aquarium


For a beautiful and clean aquarium that is easy to manage and won't zap the whole day or the week's budget head to Aquaria.  Also located within the KLCC complex, this facility was a real jem.  Touchtanks, sea otters, reptiles and, best of all, a huge walk through tunnel where you feel like you are swimming right along with huge manta rays and sharks of all types.


Tip: Take your time in the tunnel, they do not seem to let you go through more than once.  There is a people mover inside to help with traffic flow but you can easily step off to try and enjoy it a bit more.

KLCC park and playground


KLCC park is huge and a downright lovely way to spend a day.  Suria mall, with it's expansive shopping opportunities, is located on the edge of the park along with beautiful fountains.  The park offers running trails, a great playground, wading pools, and all the facilities you could need in a day.  Set with the amazing Petronas towers as a backdrop, there is no shortage of things to keep all ages content.


Tip:  Be sure to stay until it is fully dark.  The Petronas towers are dazzling in the evening all lit up.  There is also a color and water fountain show that goes on and you can share the space with people from all walks of life.  A truly magical place to relax for a bit!

Berjaya Times Square


Times Square is basically a large mall.  Far less upscale then the popular KLCC (like you may actually be able to buy something and not just treat it as a museum) but the real draw, at least for us, was the entertainment value of this mall.

On the upper floors there is an indoor archery range that was very reasonable and the boys loved it.  There is also an amusement park complete with a huge upside down roller coaster that you can watch from the food court.   It seemed to be better for older kids, not worth the money for a child under 5 in my opinion.


Finally there was also a movie theater, large food court, and a 25 lane bowling alley.  Pretty impressive!

Tip: If you hit the amusement park it may be best to eat after the roller coaster:)

Aircraft Museum


For a really inexpensive yet interesting outing, visit the Royal Malaysian Air Force Museum.  The entrance is free and with close to 20 different aircraft on display in which your child can climb in, pretend to fly, and generally explore, this is a great low key option.  We only spent about 1 hour there and really there wasn't much else around but after flying a helicopter, examining missiles on a fighter jet, and being paratroopers we all left having felt like it was more than worth the 20-minute ride from the city center to explore.


Tip: Avoid mid day as it was extremely hot!  Also there are no drinks or snacks on site.  And be sure your taxi waits for you, you won't find another one when you are ready to leave without a long walk.  Alternatively you can take a local bus.

KL Tower

KL tower from below
The tower may not be one of the least expensive things you do while in KL, but it still makes our list because it made for a really  fun day.  Aside from the amazing 360 degree aerial view you have at the top of the tower, the KL tower grounds also include a small zoo, native village showcasing the many different types of homes throughout the country, pony rides, a 4d theater, and a revolving restaurant atop the actual tower.

We spent a good 4 hours there, exploring the grounds and enjoying the views.  Public transport there was somewhat challenging so I suggest taking a taxi.

National Mosque from above
Tip:  Be sure to sit down in the auditorium and watch the short video on the building of the tower.  It was fascinating as well as free!

Batu Cave


Batu Cave, a hindu temple built into a limestone cliff face,  is slightly outside the city but well worth the effort to get to.  The commuter train brings you right to the area entrance with just a short walk to the bottom of the 272 stairs that you'll need to climb to reach the cave entrance.  This is also another free attraction!

The climbing part may be tough for little ones but between the huge statue of Lord Murugan, monkeys running around, and all the intricate caves I think a child of any age would enjoy!  The parent heaving children up the stairs maybe not so much:)


Tip: Beware of your belongings as there are many thieving monkeys afoot!  They can and will swipe something from you faster than you will know it is happening!

National Science Center


This was a last minute addition to our itinerary after the kids saw a leaflet covered in dinosaurs.  Upon researching, I realized it was at the National Science Center and that they had an exhibit going for the month; all about dinosaurs.  As it turns out they often have some sort of extra exhibit to enjoy.  At a cost of only a few dollars, we weren't sure what we would discover when we got there.

To our surprise it was absolutely fabulous!  A beautifully put together hands-on exhibit complete with play scapes, moon walking, and science themed experiments to join in on.  The staff were all very friendly and helpful and we left feeling really glad that we squeezed a trip to the museum in.

Giant hamster wheel
Tip: Be sure to bring cash, they do NOT accept credit cards nor do they have an ATM anywhere near the facility.  We learned this one the hard way!

Bird Park

Hornbill
From the moment we got to KL, my oldest son decided that Bird Park was a must see!  As it was close to $20 per adult to get in, Bird Park was an expense I really wanted to avoid.  I mean how exciting are birds after living in Costa Rica and seeing so many, right?

Well I have to admit, we went and had a great time.  It is the largest free-flight, walk-in aviary in the world and home to more than 3,000 birds including parrots, great  hornbills, and toucans, just to name a few.  We spent more than 3 hours walking the grounds, feeding parrots, and listening to all the different melodies surrounding us on our visit.


Tip: Plan to eat lunch at the Hornbill Cafe.  The air con was most welcome and the food was reasonable and very good.  A nice break in the day to relax a bit!

KL Lake Gardens


As long as you can tolerate the heat of the day in KL, this park is a great spot!  It encompasses the Bird Park (mentioned above), a fabulous fairytale playground, lakes with paddle boats, exercise areas, jogging track, beautifully maintained grounds, a butterfly park, orchid and hibiscus gardens, the national planetarium, and the National Mosque.  You could easily spend days here and not see the entire property, which covers over 90 hectares of land.


Tip:  Bring along extra water or buy a bunch when you see it.  There were many area that had nothing to offer in the way of re hydration.  Also be sure to hop on the tram that goes through the park, it's the easiest way to get around and costs very little.

Bonus tip: During your travels, don't forget to document your adventures! Saving them properly is always important.  It only takes 1 time of losing pics to know back up is essential. Always be sure to store pics in several places.

The Bangi Wonderland theme park is another noteworthy mention for this post. It's a great theme park for families. If you're heading to Kuala Lumpur and thinking about visiting Bangi Wonderland theme park outside of the city, we recommend looking for a place to stay near the National University of Malaysia

What are your favorite things to do in Kuala Lumpur?  We'd love to hear in our comments below!

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49 comments:

  1. I totally appreciate with the advices that has been given in this post. I am sure it will help lot of peoples

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  2. Kuala Lumpur is a beautiful city to visit on holidays. Sharing your experience is very useful for those planning to go there.

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  3. Awwww...those kids are even more adorable in online pictures!! Think I'll have to give those little cheeks an extra squeeze tomorrow!!

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  4. Thanks for the post. We are looking forward to travel in the Mid February 2013 with two little boys.

    Any advise what kind of closths we need in the Mid February? What kind of weather?

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    1. Thanks, you'll have a great time! Kuala Lumpur is pretty much always hot!! And I mean really hot so shorts and tank tops are good and do not forget the bathing suits, you'll need them. For women if you plan to go to any mosques or temples you will need to cover arms and legs and in a mosque you will need to wear a burkha but they provide them for you. Otherwise just clothing for very warm weather!

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  5. Kids would definitely enjoy here in Kuala Lumpur

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  6. Thanks a lot for the ideas and tips. All very helpfull as I am planing a trip with my 6-year-old son.

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    1. This is ust the tip of the iceberg too, there is so much to do!

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  7. My kids enjoyed the bird park more than National Science Center. Especially they loved feeding the birds and observing their fun mannerisms.

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    1. Yes feeding the birds was awesome, a highlight for my guys as well!

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  8. Wow although I'm from Malaysia & living nearby Kuala Lumpur, I never know such places exist. Thanks a lot, my upcoming weekends would be busy than before!

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    1. Thanks! Yes get out there and explore, KL is an awesome city!

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  9. I had visited Malaysia last year with my family and had enjoyed a lot. Thanks for sharing this informative guide.

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  10. This post is exactly what I am interested. we need some more good information. Please add more good information that would help others in such good way.

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  11. Im living in kl and ironically not knowing some of the places mentioned above, pity me hehe.. Great review..

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    1. Thanks, now you know what to do next weekend!

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  12. My child is 2 and a half year old.. we are staying for 3 days. I certainly do not want to do the bird park as I live in Singapore so we have been to so often to the one here... which are the best 2 options to visit? As one day we have kept for genting.. Thanks!

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    1. Oh great, 3 days will still be fun! With a 2 year old I would do the KLCC park, but try and be there in the evening as the water fountain show is cool and the towers at night must be seen, they just dazzle! If you go there inside the KLCC is borth the aquarium and the petrosains museum, both of which I think a 2 year old would love. You could do that all in one day or split it up. The lake gardens are nice but basically just the playgrounds and then the bird park!

      Good luck, have fun!

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  13. Wow... I had no idea there were so many great things to do in KL with boys. I'm planning our visit through Malaysia and Indonesia now... and I will give us more time in KL than I originally thought!

    Great info : )

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    1. Thanks and please do spend as much time as you can. It was a great city and even after 3 weeks I could have stayed a lot longer! There is so much more than I even listed here!

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  14. Your photos and advice are awesome, thanks so much! We are taking our 3 kids there in September as a stop over on the way to Europe

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    1. Thanks so much. You will love it, KL is one of my favorite cities!

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  15. Thank you for stopover in Kuala Lumpur. Hope you enjoy your tour.

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  16. Thank you! Great selection of things for family travelers there in Malaysia. Parents often get afraid their kids will be bored traveling to Southeast Asia. Here are the things to keep them smile! Keep posting mate.

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    1. Thanks, and I agree. There is plenty to do in SE Asia for kids!

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  17. Many thanks to you for sharing you experiance in KL. I'm planning to stay for four nights in KL in October.. I wonder how the weather will be in mid October ? I'm also thinking of spending a full day in genting highlands.. How far is it from KL? Thanks again for the very informative post.

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    1. How wonderful that you will be spending time there. We would love to go back. There are loads of options so if you can stay longer that would be better. The weather is pretty much the same all year with small variations. In October you will find it very hot! Genting Highlands is a fun day trip and depending on where you are in KL about 1-2 hours away. Enjoy!

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  18. Very useful, thanks for taking the time to write about your experience especially helpful coming from parents and even better of boys. Already planning our activities based on your recomendations, thanks again!

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  19. I have never been to Kuala Lumpur. I have seen many beautiful pictures of it. Hope to go for a vacation with my husband very soon.

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    1. You should, its a really great city! Kids will love it too:)

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  20. Hi, thank you for all information! We arrived today (!) in KL with our 3 kids from 7,9,11 years old and we will stay 2 weeks!! I searched the web and saw your site. Thanks ! Recommends for food or overnight stay are also welcome (we booked only the first 4 nights in a cheap bukit bintang b&b).

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    1. Wonderful, have a great stay! We totally loved that city. We stayed at an apartment so we ate in a lot on don;t have much in the way of recommendations for lodging but happy to answer any other questions:) Sorry.

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    2. Thanks, we have enjoyed the parc today, kids played in the water, lovely with a coffeebreak at Starbucks! Dreams come true! Thanks again.

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    3. How wonderful! We had such a great time there, keep enjoying and feel free to ask questions anytime!

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  21. Thanks for such a great article!! We are heading to KL in May next year with twelve and eight year olds. Would love info on apartments - I hadn't previously considered this and was thinking we would stay in a hotel. Thinking this could be a good option for us though!!

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    1. Hi Bec, thanks for your comment. For us having an apartment was a nice treat although it's not necessary. It really depends on your budget and how long you plan to be there. Check agoda.com or booking.com for an affordable apartment. We stayed at one stop serviced residence and loved it. Feel free to email me at bohemiantravelers@gmail.com with any questions.

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  22. Thanks for the great advise.
    Our kids will be having the time of their life!!!
    There are so many AMAZING things to Kuala Lumpur, and this website has it all

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  23. Hi wow I'm glad to learn that there're so much to to for young kids in KL. I'm planning for a trip with my threesome, 4, 5 and 7 years old and hubby this December. We are going to spend about 2 weeks, have already booked a hotel in Bukit Bintag. I wonder though what's the weather like in December and where is best for shopping with kids?

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    1. How wonderful! 2 weeks is a really good amount of time there. December will be hot, its basically always hot there:) I am not much of a shopper but there are several malls, one even has an archery spot, bowling, movies, and an amusement park. I hink it also depends on what you are shopping for!

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  24. A really useful blog. Now I know where to take my kids next week when we are in KL. Thanks for all the sensible advice!

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  25. Great intro to KL - I always feel home there!

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  26. Hi,
    Great that you enjoyed my city. Just to give you some information on the weather that everyone seems to be asking about. While it is true that KL is hot most of the time but we do have rainy seasons where it rains heavily everyday usually in the late afternoons. Like right now, April its been raining every day starting from 3pm. Normally, the rainy season is October to December. So, when you travel here please come prepared. Thanks

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  27. Thanks for the info! The rain does bring a bit of coolness.

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  28. I would love to visit Malaysia someday! Looks beautiful.

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    1. Yes it really is! We loved our time there. It is hot as hades though, only downside really!

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  29. Thanks! Great Article!

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