What to Do in KL and Penang with Kids - Complete Guide to Exploring Penang – Malaysia’s Urban Allure and Island Charm

Malaysia is a wonderful destination where ancient rainforests cosy up to towering cityscapes, and every corner offers something special. If you're heading over to Kuala Lumpur and the seaside gem of Penang with your kids, you're in for a real treat. Dive into this guide tailored for families, where KL’s futuristic charm shakes hands with Penang's coastal allure.  

Petrosains, The Discovery Centre

Petrosains, The Discovery Centre, sprawled across a whopping 7,000 square metres, is tucked away on the 4th floor of Suria KLCC. It's an amazing place for a bit of fun.
This spacious venue is kitted out with 11 top-notch interactive displays, all laid out in an easy-to-follow museum-style setup, flaunting everything from futuristic tech to ancient fossils. Since 1999, this hands-on science venue has been a hit with kids and adults alike.

Geroge Town

Georgetown, Penang street corner | Image via Wikimedia Commons

George Town, a gem of a place in Penang, is a mishmash of cultures. Located just 30 minutes from PARKROYAL Penang Resort, the town is buzzing with energy that draws in wanderers from around the world.
Founded back in 1786 by Captain Francis Light, Geroge Town has been a bustling hub of varied cultures. With a rich blend of the Chinese, Indian and Malay communities, not to mention some amazing colonial European architecture, George Town has turned into a top spot for tourists.
Looking for a family hotel in Malaysia, Penang, close to George Town? You're spoilt for choice. Whether you fancy a swanky seafront suite or a cosy boutique spot, you’ll find what you’re looking for!

KidZania Kuala Lumpur

Want to inspire your kids to pursue their dreams? Take them to KidZania Kuala Lumpur, an edutainment centre. This is like a mini-city, with smaller versions of office blocks and cars, where kids can have a go at being adults.
In the mock-up News Straits Times Press office, young reporters set off around the city, trying to find out the latest stories and jotting them down; they can even hand out the paper on the streets.
If you head over to Chika's Locker Fashion Boutique, your kids can strike a pose on the catwalk.

Entopia Penang Butterfly Farm

Both kids and adults alike will be absolutely happy here. You can get up close to a host of different butterflies just flitting around. If you keep still, you might have one come over for a rest on your shoulder. The farm is dotted with stone paths, ponds and bridges, with stunning orchids playing host to even more of the butterflies.
You should set aside at least a couple of hours for a chilled-out experience.

The i-City Theme Park

Often dubbed the City of Digital Lights, the i-City Theme Park is a top-notch amusement park in Shah Alam. It's most famous for its evening display, full of bright LED attractions. Those heading over can dive into a host of fun activities suitable for the whole family, like splashing about in the waterpark, and poking around a 3D museum.

One of the real show-stoppers in the i-City Theme Park is the forest. It’s made up of faux maple and pine trees, and they are all lit up with LED lights.
The whopping Ferris wheel deserves a special mention too; it’s a two-tiered merry-go-round, offering you old-school fairground games.

Funicular Railway Up Penang Hill

Penang is hot and can get really muggy. So, if you want a break from all the heat, you should head to Penang Hill. Hop on the funicular and you'll be whisked to the top in no time. You'll get a breathtaking view of Penang, and it’s a bit cooler up there too.
If it's a bit drizzly in the morning, you might want to give it a miss and wait until the weather brightens up.