From the Author: I live in KL with my daughter, whose current favorite phrase is ‘I’m bored!’ (help!). We spend a lot of time finding fun stuff to do and have unintentionally become seasoned explorers of toddler-friendly activities in the city 😆
Visiting Kuala Lumpur with toddlers soon?
As a toddler mama, I’m so grateful to be living in such a family-friendly city! From cafes with play areas to whimsical kids’ libraries to cinemas with full-on playgrounds, you’ll easily find plenty of fun ways to entertain the little ones.
⭐Mama’s Shortlist: Best Toddlers’ Activities in KL ⭐
- Best Kids’ Activity in KL: Petrosains Discovery Centre
- Best Park in KL: KLCC Park
- Best Free Thing To Do in KL: IAMM Children’s Library
- Best Indoor Playground in KL: Kids Nation
- Best Night Activity in KL: KLCC Light Show
In this toddler-friendly KL guide, I’ll walk you through all the best attractions for young kids (and not-so-great ones I don’t really recommend).
PS. I’ll be covering the entire Klang Valley area. KL has the most popular (but also pretty touristy) activities but you’ll find unique spots loved by local mamas in Selangor and beyond.
Let’s get into it!
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What To Do In Kuala Lumpur With Toddlers
Kuala Lumpur (or KL, as we locals call it) has a super extensive list of the best things to do with kids. These are some of my favorite spots to take my daughter to in the city:
1. See How Stuff Works At Petrosains
This is one of the touristy spots that my family genuinely enjoys!
I like that they have a good mix of science-based exhibits for young ones and older kids. The exhibits are loads of fun because they’re highly interactive. They’re welcome to fiddle around with knobs and buttons and gears.
There’s a giant oil rig replica that kids can explore too! For context, this science theme park is the brainchild of Petronas.
There’s a basic soft play area for toddlers, and the dinosaur section is especially popular! There’s a mini theater where you can catch a quick 3D show too.
Location: Level 4, Suria KLCC Mall.
2. Find Nemo At Aquaria KLCC
Little ones will love the beautiful sealife exhibits here, especially their iconic underwater tunnel!
Mamahood gets way too stimulating sometimes, and I find a little slice of peace just watching the fish swim by (and yes, the daughter’s a huge fan as well haha).
There’s interesting trivia along the way that makes Aquaria KLCC fun for kids who are older too.
Location: Lower Ground Floor, Kuala Lumpur Convention Center.
3. Head to Malaysia’s Favorite Dairy Farm
We Malaysians have a soft spot for our homegrown dairy brand Farm Fresh and their farm in KL is super popular with locals.
It’s a bit of a drive from the city center but there are lots of fun kids’ activities that make the trip well worth it.
If you’re looking for unique kids’ places to visit, these are the top things to do here:
- Take a tractor tour through the farm
- Go on a barrel train ride
- See chickens, cows, birds, and rabbits
- Enjoy fresh ice cream and frozen yogurt
- Shop for Farm Fresh’s awesome range of dairy products (my daughter LOVES their date milk!)
There’s also a farm-to-table restaurant here for snacks or a full meal.
Location: Jalan Maklumat, Serdang (about a 30-min drive from KLCC).
4. Enjoy Family Fun At Sunway Lagoon Theme Park
Sunway Lagoon is a huge theme park with 6 different sub-parks (is that a word?) to explore! These are the toddler-friendly parts of the theme park:
- Amusement Park: The carousel and spinning cups are popular with young kids.
- Water Park: The Little Zimbabwe water playground at this KL water park is lots of fun. We love the Surf Pool too!
- Wildlife Park: This interactive zoo is home to white lions, prairie dogs, sun bears, and more.
It’s a lot to squeeze in 1 day, so I recommend splitting the activities over 2 days. You can actually camp out in Sunway Lagoon itself for the night!
Location: 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway (about a 25-min drive from KLCC).
5. Get A Job At KidZania
Check out KidZania if you’re looking for more interactive Kuala Lumpur attractions for kids! The kid-sized city teaches little ones the basic concept of an economy.
They can be firefighters, lawyers, lab researchers, doctors, toll booth operators, bakers, contractors, chefs, fashion models, radio DJs, secret agents, baristas, vets, and florists.
PS. They used to have special days for adults to play! 😛
Location: Curve NX, Jalan PJU7/5, Mutiara Damansara (about a 25-min drive from KLCC).
6. Enjoy Quiet Time At A Children’s Library
If you’re wondering what to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids that’s budget-friendly, check out one of the public libraries in the city. They’re free to enter.
I love the Raja Tun Uda Library. It’s a little far from the city centre (about a 45-min drive from KLCC) but they’ve created such a fun space for toddlers to read, relax, and play!
There’s a huge play tree taking up the main area where kids can sit down with their favorite books. The library is active and hosts plenty of kids’ activities, especially during school holidays.
For a convenient spot right in KL city center, I highly recommend checking out the Islamic Arts Museum Children’s Library. They have an excellent selection of toddler books, including a pretty extensive Eric Carle section. On the weekends, they host free art sessions and storytelling.
The main gallery is kid-friendly too (admissions apply). Get the children’s guide to help them spot interesting things as you’re going through the exhibits.
For more free kids’ activities in KL, check out my complete list of family-friendly places to visit in KL for free! 👨👩👧👦
7. Burn Off Energy At An Indoor Playground
Indoor playgrounds in Kuala Lumpur are available in most malls in the city. They’re usually a huge soft play area that’s filled with climbers, slides, ball pits, trampolines, and all the fun stuff!
These are our go-to indoor playgrounds in KL:
For more locations, check out my full review of the best indoor playgrounds in KL and Selangor.
8. Catch A Movie At A Kid-Friendly Play Cinema
Most cinemas in KL offer kid-friendly halls where they can run around and play. The lights are not too dim and the audio is softer to make the shows more comfortable for kids.
I like the Junior Hall at TGV Cinemas. They have a huge play area featuring Barbie, Hot Wheels, and Mega Bloks. There’s also a mini indoor playground in the cinema hall. A comfy baby changing room is provided too.
You can also check out these other cinemas in Kuala Lumpur for kids:
- Play Halls at GSC Cinemas (some locations offer sensory-friendly screenings for neurodivergent audiences too!)
- Kecil Hall at MBO Cinemas
- Lil Star Hall at Dadi Cinemas
I think you can tell by now that KL has plenty of fun experiences for kids. Back in my days as a kid, I wouldn’t ever think watching a movie would be one of the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur with toddlers!
9. Explore KL Bird Park
It’s a free-flight aviary where you can get up close to the many species of birds. Our favorites to spot are the hornbills (Malaysia’s national bird), peacocks, cockatoos, and flamingos.
For some extra fun, join one of their bird-feeding sessions throughout the day.
Location: 920 Jalan Cenderawasih, Perdana Botanical Gardens (about a 15-min drive from KLCC).
10. Play (And Swim!) At The National Science Center
The National Science Center is nowhere as flashy as Petrosains but it’s WAY cheaper. And to be honest, I’m actually quite impressed with all the activities and exhibits they’ve set up for kids here!
There are so many play stations where toddlers can crank gears and push buttons and experiment with magnets.
The human body section is lots of fun! There’s a giant heart that detects your heartbeat, and a section for kids to see how babies grow in their mama’s tummy.
There’s a dedicated play area for toddlers younger than 4, and there’s even a small indoor playground.
There’s also a splash pool (!!) in the museum’s garden area. You’ll easily spend the whole day here trying to see everything the science center has to offer!
Location: Persiaran Bukit Kiara, Bukit Damansara (about a 15-min drive from KLCC).
11. Visit The Majestic Batu Caves Temple
Batu Caves is a series of pretty temples carved into limestone hills. It’s quite a sight!
Kids love the rainbow-colored stairway here. There are 272 steps though, so it’s best to use a sturdy carrier to bring them up to the cave temples at the top.
Keep an eye out for the cheeky monkeys. They’re super quick so keep all your sunnies, water bottles, and food hidden.
It’s free to enter the main area. There’s a small fee for some of the smaller cave temples.
Location: Gombak, Selangor (about a 30-min drive from KLCC).
12. Enjoy The Pretty City View From the Twin Towers
There’s something so magical about taking in the sights of the city from way up high, and the fact that it’s at the world’s tallest twin towers makes it all the more special.
Head up to the 86th floor to get an awesome view of KL! There’s an informative area for kids to know more about the iconic Petronas Twin Towers too.
The Skybridge connects the two towers, and it’s a pretty cool experience to walk along it!
13. Spot Unique Animals At Zoo Negara
The zoo is a classic Kuala Lumpur thing to do with family!
It’s a great chance to spot beloved Malaysian animals like tapirs, orangutans, and the Malayan tiger.
It’s a huge place so be prepared for a lot of walking. You can also hitch a buggy ride throughout the zoo to get around.
Location: Jalan Taman Zooview, Ampang (about a 20-min drive from KLCC).
14. Shop For Cute Souvenirs At Central Market
Central Market’s a cozy indoor location and the alleys are filled with unique crafts and snacks that will make for nice gifts for family and friends back home.
Any time I need to pick up quirky gifts for visiting friends, I’ll head to the Loka Made store. Their products have fresh designs – definitely not typical touristy templates. They have cute postcards, notebooks, fridge magnets, stickers, puzzles, bookmarks, and tote bags.
You’ll also find stores selling batik, wood carvings, paintings, herb-infused massage oils, and local crackers here at Central Market. Even if you don’t buy anything, just walking around here is one of the most interesting things to do in KL.
Location: Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur (about a 15-min drive from KLCC).
Best Parks In KL For Toddlers
Kid-friendly parks are some of the best outdoor activities in KL and Selangor. You get your movements in for the day, enjoy a bit of sun and fresh air, and the parks are free for the public 🙂
Check out these awesome parks in Kuala Lumpur with kids:
15. KLCC Park
KLCC is just one of the best places to visit in Kuala Lumpur for families. Not only do you have Petrosains and Aquaria in the mall, but you can also enjoy the awesome park right outside.
The children’s playground has a huge play area for different ages. Bring along your wetsuits! There’s a wading pool to keep everyone cool.
It’s fun to walk around the pathways. There are signboards along the way to let you know which tree species you’re walking past.
Location: KLCC Park, Kuala Lumpur
16. PARC
I never thought I’d be the kind of person who’d be obsessed with a park, but here we are.
There’s a wonderful inclusive playground complete with braille play areas and special needs-friendly swings. There are cute cafes serving brunch in the main area.
Most weekends, the park hosts cool events like coffee festivals and clothes swaps.
Location: Jalan SS12/1, Subang Jaya (about a 30-min drive from KLCC).
16. Perdana Botanical Gardens
Perdana Botanical Gardens has a super fun kids’ playground, fit for younger toddlers and older kids.
It’s a huge park and you can take your time walking the whole area if you’re looking for some quiet time in nature.
The KL Bird Park and Islamic Arts Museum are in the same area.
Location: Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur (about a 15-min drive from KLCC).
17. TTDI Park
I come to this park when we feel like dipping our toes in the cooling little stream here. There’s also a huge lake where you can spot monitor lizards lazing about.
The playground area isn’t as big as the other KL parks but it’s fun enough for kids. On the weekends, there’s usually a guy renting out bubble sticks for kids to play with.
Be careful if you’re bringing food. The monkeys are aggressive. I was attending a maternal journaling session once and almost had my iced latte snapped up by a mama monkey who clearly needed some caffeine >.<
Location: Jalan Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr Ismail (about a 20-min drive from KLCC).
Things To Do In KL At Night With Family
If you’re looking for things to do in KL with the family before bedtime (and maybe a little after), here are some ideas:
19. KLCC Lake Symphony Light & Sound Show
Head to the esplanade at KLCC Park and catch the daily musical fountain shows. The effects using sound, water, and animation are fun to watch!
The shows are on at 8PM, 9PM, and 10PM every day. There’s also a lights-only version that plays at 7:30PM, 8:30PM, and 9:30PM every day. Admission is free.
20. KL City of Lights Tour
This night bus tour takes you around the city to see KL all lit up at night! Get a seat on the upper level of the open-topped double-decker bus for the best view.
You’ll pass by Petronas Twin Towers, KL Tower, Merdeka Square, the National Palace, Chinatown, Little India, and other popular attractions.
21. Saloma Bridge
This Insta-ready pedestrian bridge between the KLCC area and Kampung Baru has a funky, futuristic design that makes for cool travel photos!
It gets pretty crowded in the evenings with locals and tourists. You’ll probably have to accept a few photobombs in your family shot.
It’s a 10-min walk from KLCC. If you’re coming from Kampung Baru, it’s a 5-min walk from the Kampung Baru LRT Station.
22. Dinner Buffet with Full View of KL’s Skyline
Having dinner at KL Tower’s revolving restaurant is one of those touristy experiences I would actually recommend. The revolving restaurant makes it fun for the whole family to enjoy the city’s changing view from up high.
The buffet is pretty good! It’s a great chance to sample a variety of Malaysia’s best dishes. I love the fresh seafood spread too 😍
23. The River of Life
This refurbished waterfront is one of the best places to visit in KL for free at night. It’s a pretty spot for a night walk. There’s also a nightly light show that starts at 8PM and runs every 15 minutes until 10PM.
To get here, take the LRT to Masjid Jamek Station. The waterfront is a 5-minute walk away.
24. Merdeka Square
The whole stretch in front of the Sultan Abdul Samad building is especially popular with families in the evenings. Kids will have a blast running around the huge field. There are usually street vendors selling all kinds of lit-up toys for kids to play with here.
It’s a 5-minute walk away from The River of Life so you can combine these pit-stops if you’re up for it!
Weekday & Weekend Class For Toddlers In KL
If you’re on a long-term stay here and you’re planning to sign up for toddler activities in KL, you can check out kid-friendly classes:
25. Gymboree
If your kids are Gymboree members, KL has a few Gymboree branches where you can attend Play, Music, and Art classes:
- Gymboree Publika (about a 20-min drive from KLCC)
- Gymboree Bangsar (about a 20-min drive from KLCC)
- Gymboree Subang (about a 35-mins from KLCC)
Personal note: I don’t recommend the Subang one. We attended a few sessions here when we moved to the area but the team lacks basic awareness of body safety. We switched our membership back to our usual branch.
26. Swimming Class
Swimming class is one of the most popular activities to do in KL for toddlers. These swim schools offer kid-friendly classes ranging from 2 months to teens:
- Happy Fish
- Aquabubs
- D Swim Academy (special needs-friendly)
- Splashtastik (special needs-friendly)
27. Art & Crafts Class
If your little ones love creative activities, there are a few toddler-friendly art classes you can consider. Most class providers will introduce kids to basic art techniques like painting, tracing, cutting, gluing, and stamping.
Besides Gymboree, these are the most popular art classes in the city:
28. DIY Baking Session
Good Times DIY has a fully-equipped baking studio where parents can guide their young ones on how to bake simple treats like cakes and cookies. All the instructions and ingredients are provided by the studio.
29. Playgroups
There are also usually pretty cool kid-friendly events happening somewhere in the city! Follow these mum groups and pages to check out the latest happenings:
- IBU: Playgroups, coffee mornings, and more
- Makchic: Look out for their monthly compilations of the best things to do
- The Mom Tribe: Monthly playgroups and mum dates
KL Tourist Attractions I Don’t Recommend For Toddlers
- National Planetarium: It’s a dated place with the same, not-very-engaging exhibits I’ve seen since I was in my teens (I’m almost 40 now). It’s also really dark, giving the place an unnecessarily spooky vibe for young kids. It’s free though!
- IOI City Farm: It’s overpriced for an underwhelming collection of animals.
- ESCAPE: It’s actually a super fun adventure park but it’s more suited for older kids.
- Night markets: They’re usually super crowded and overly stimulating. Plus, KL street food quality isn’t always reliable.
Best Toddler-Friendly Cafes In KL
There are plenty of kid-friendly and baby-friendly cafes in KL with play areas and family facilities like nappy changing rooms, nursing rooms, and more! They make exploring Kuala Lumpur with toddlers much easier. These are our go-to spots:
The Red Beanbag
The Red Beanbag is our family’s #1 pick – it has EVERYTHING you need in a family-friendly cafe:
- Excellent food for parents AND kids. The children’s menu has wonderful options like a fresh fruit bowl and a cute Hungry Caterpillar pancake platter.
- The play area is well-curated. There’s a cute treehouse, Pikler-style climbers, open-ended blocks, and plenty of books.
- A nappy changing room/nursing room is provided, stocked with baby supplies from our fave brand Applecrumby & Fitch!
Marmalade
Marmalade is a local favorite spot for playdates! The food here is stellar and the coffee’s really good! I love that their kids’ menu has great protein-rich options. Their play area is interesting enough for toddlers.
This branch of Tedboy Cafe has a cute cafe-themed play area for kids! My daughter is so amused by the Hape coffee machines she uses to pretend whipping up our lattes (while mum and dad enjoy some for-real-life coffee, sandwiches, and cakes!).
👨👩👧👦 Check out 20+ more family-friendly restaurants in KL!
Is Kuala Lumpur Kid-Friendly?
Yes, Kuala Lumpur is very kid-friendly!
It’s convenient to travel with kids because you’ll find that most malls will have proper nappy changing rooms and nursing rooms.
If you run out of diapers and other essentials, just head to any grocery store or baby shop in KL.
Is Kuala Lumpur Safe For Families?
Kuala Lumpur is generally safe for families. Malaysia is the fourth safest country in the Asia Pacific.
KL’s crime rate is higher than other states since it’s where the hustle and bustle is but thankfully violent crime is not common here.
Petty crime like pickpocketing is a thing though so be extra careful with your things.
Overall, I feel safe exploring the city with my toddler.
Kuala Lumpur Weather
Kuala Lumpur has sunny weather all year round.
Well technically, there are 2 seasons (dry and rainy) but there isn’t much difference in average daily temperatures between the two (usually around 86°F or 30°C).
It’s VERY humid though! Pack extra sets of clothes for your little ones. They’ll get sticky from the KL heat and will probably appreciate outfit changes throughout the day.
Where To Shop For Baby Supplies In KL
Shop for baby supplies in KL at these places:
- Mothercare (several outlets in the city)
- Happikiddo (several outlets in the city)
- Jaya Grocer (grocery store chain with basic baby supplies)
- Ben’s Independent Grocer (grocery store chain with basic baby supplies)
- Village Grocer (grocery store chain with basic baby supplies)
- Watson’s (pharmacy chain with basic baby supplies)
- Caring Pharmacy (pharmacy chain with basic baby supplies)
- Guardian Pharmacy (pharmacy chain with basic baby supplies)
Where To Stay In Kuala Lumpur With Family
Finding a place to stay in Kuala Lumpur with children? These are the best family-friendly hotels:
Best Option: Shangri-La KL
Shangri-La KL has been pulling all the stops to start catering to families, and we’re into it!
Their Family Suites come with a cheeky no-parents-allowed tent in the room, and kids are free to join daily activities like crafting sessions and family yoga.
There’s also a koi fish pond, a maze garden, and a play area in the hotel.
I like their in-room kids’ menu, which includes baby purees and nourishing toddler meals. My daughter recommends the salmon with asparagus and a sunny-side-up on brown rice.
The hotel provides complimentary shuttles on the weekends to KLCC, making it even easier to visit Aquaria, Petrosains, and KLCC Park.
PARKROYAL Collection KL
I love their whimsical Signature Family Suites!
Each suite has 1 double bed and a separate area with 1 bunk bed with different themes. There’s an under-the-sea room, a pretty jungle-themed one, a city-themed one, and one with an Alice in Wonderland-ish vibe.
The location’s fantastic too! It’s right in the city center, in the Bukit Bintang area.
M Resort & Hotel Kuala Lumpur
If you’re planning to explore both KL and Selangor attractions during your trip, this hotel is convenient – it’s on the border of the city center and the more suburban areas.
I love that it’s a newer hotel. The daily Kid’s Club activities are great! There are crafting sessions, movie screenings, treasure hunts, and more.
The playroom is super fun for toddlers. If your little ones love to swim, they’ll probably love the huge pool too!
Summary: Kuala Lumpur with Toddler
All set to take on Kuala Lumpur with toddlers? Here’s a quick recap to make planning your holiday for kids a little easier!
Check out these awesome KL tourist attractions for kids:
Stay in these kid-friendly hotels in KL:
Stock up on diapers and other essentials at these baby-friendly places in KL:
Is this going to be your first time in KL? Plan your trip with my toddler-friendly 3-day Kuala Lumpur itinerary! Kid-friendly breakfast, lunch, and dinner recommendations included 😉
Kid-Friendly Kuala Lumpur 3 Day Itinerary 2024 (+ Map)
More Ideas to Explore Kuala Lumpur with Toddler
- 20 Best Indoor Playgrounds In Kuala Lumpur
- 27 Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants With Play Areas & Kids’ Menus
- 24 Free Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur With Kids (& 2 I Don’t Recommend)
- KLCC for Kids: Mama’s Guide on Attractions, Food & Facilities
- Aquaria KLCC Review: 5 Things I Like (And Some Things I Don’t)
- 10 Best Petrosains Activities For Toddlers & Big Kids
- Best Free Kids’ Activities At The KL Islamic Arts Museum
- Science Museum Malaysia: Why This Underrated Museum Is A Must-Visit!
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