10 Family-Friendly Things to Do in Malaysia with Kids

With experiences for every kind of traveler, from honeymooners and backpackers to families with kids, Malaysia is a great holiday spot. Malaysia has beautiful islands, dynamic cities, incredible wildlife, and some of the best food in the world.

You will discover so many family-friendly activities in Malaysia with kids. The country uses English widely, and the infrastructure in Borneo and the Peninsula makes it easy to get around by car, on foot or by public transport. The weather is warm all year. On top of that, there is a dizzying array of cultures and cuisines to experience, including Malay, Chinese, Indian, and indigenous people, to name just a few. Here are some things to do in Malaysia with your kids:

Penang

From winged insects that fly freely in the sky to the larvae that hide beneath the ground. Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm offers a sanctuary for the planet’s small denizens. The kids are bound to discover magical moments in this natural wonderland. Parts of Penang look more like Miami Beach than Southeast Asia, but the island has it all: history, food, city life, and quiet beaches. The hawker centers, with their plastic stools and steaming pots of deliciousness, serve up some of the best food in the region. And the rickshaws and crumbling colonial buildings of Georgetown have all the history and UNESCO-approved ambiance to transport you to another time.

Malacca

This compact Malaysian state has made the most of its illustrious history and is one of Malaysia’s most irresistible tourist draws. A quaint city with an abundance of breathtaking sights and rich heritage, Malacca is easy to get around on foot or trishaw to explore the many places that make it unique. UNESCO-listed Malacca holds superlative titles, blends three colonial eras, and was the birthplace of the Malay ‘Golden Age’.

Aquaria KLCC

A state-of-the-art aquarium, in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, this place has plenty of interesting things for kids to see and do. There are more than 5,000 freshwater and sea animals, and the center covers approximately 60,000 square feet. The aquarium has run special programs such as sleepovers with the sharks, plus educational tours, a touch pool and feeding sessions; check its website for what’s on during your visit.

Farm in The City

Whose kids don’t like petting and feeding animals?  The Farm in the City is one of the top places to take kids for interaction with the exhibits.  Here the kids can pet and feed rabbits and guinea pigs, as well as have their photos taken with them.  There’s a large aviary in which you can also feed and photograph the birds, as well as turtles, fish, peacocks, iguanas and much more.

Batu Caves

Batu Caves is a Hindu temple and shrine which attracts thousands of people, both worshippers, and tourists.  Temples and shrines are a feature of the 3 main caves.  A huge golden statue of Hindu god Lord Murugan stands at the base of the rainbow staircase. Here you will begin a steep climb of more than 270 steps to the top where you’ll get to see a magnificent view of the city skyline.

Read more：Before you travel to Malaysia, there are a few things you should know.

The Central Market

The Central Market, not far from Petaling St in Chinatown, is something of an Aladdin’s Cave and can be fun with kids. Expect souvenirs, toys, and junk along with some more interesting stalls. If you fancy something different, try the fish spa, where the fish feast on the dead skin cells of your feet in a tub of water.  There’s also a DIY Batik Art Workshop which is held daily. The Central Market is an easy walk from Petaling St. Or Masjid Jamek. The closest train station is Pasar Seni (LRT/MRT), and Masjid Jamek station is also very close. There is a GoKL city bus stop nearby too (free for Malaysians and children; foreign adults pay a small fare on most routes).

Sunway Lagoon

Sunway Lagoon Theme Park is located in Petaling Jaya about 15km southwest of  Kuala Lumpur. The site also boasts a vast mall as well as Sunway’s own resort hotels, making Sunway Lagoon a destination in itself. The Lagoon park is very large, expect to spend a full day here if you’d like to see all of the attractions. The central feature is a huge wave pool and lake. There is a good selection of water slides and one or two are thrilling enough for teens and adults, most are pretty family-friendly.

Kidzania

KidZania has branches all over the world and is essentially a city for kids where they can try out different professions and jobs and learn what ‘real life’ is like. They learn co-operation and teamwork, along with independence. The Kuala Lumpur park is in Mutiara Damansara; check its opening days before you go.

Night Markets

Kuala Lumpur street markets are a great way to experience the local food and diverse food traditions of Malaysia. Small sections of neighborhoods are closed off to traffic and in its place, you’ll find stalls selling everything from clothes to household items to fresh produce. A great place to get to know traditional Malaysian food such as nasi lemak, deep-fried bananas, rojak, and satay. Night markets to visit include Kampung Baru Night Market, the Taman Connaught Night Market, and the Estate Food Market.

KL’s Forest Eco Park

Kuala Lumpur’s Forest Eco Park is situated in the Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, right in the city center. It is at the base of the KL tower, a landmark that you should be able to see for miles. The highlight of the Forest Eco Park is probably the Canopy Walk. There are over 200 meters of canopy bridges that you can walk along above the forest. After the Canopy walk, there are plenty of hiking paths in the jungle where you can see many different varieties of plants and animals.

Read more：Top 8 tourist attractions in Malaysia

Want a local to plan a family day out in Malaysia? Find a guide on MyProGuide or ask us for a custom trip.

Cover photo: Dominic Nelson, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons