From the Author: Although Kuala Lumpur is a pretty budget-friendly city for families, you can easily rack up quite the bill traveling around with little ones. As a local mama, I keep our entertainment budget in check by exploring plenty of fun activities that don’t cost a single ringgit!
Looking for the best free things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids? This mama’s gotchu!
I always say KL is such a fantastic place to families to explore, and a big part of that reason is because there are a lot of fun things to do in Kuala Lumpur for free.
⭐ Mama’s Shortlist: Best Free Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur ⭐
Best Free Attraction In Kuala Lumpur: Sultan Abdul Samad Building (+ free walking tour)
Best Free Park In Kuala Lumpur: KLCC Park
Best Kids’ Library In Kuala Lumpur: IAMM Children’s Library
Best Free Thing To Do In KL At Night: KLCC Lake Symphony Light & Sound Show
When you have a toddler who instantly chirps, “Mummy, where are we going today?” the moment she wakes up, I’m sure you’ll feel me when I say the costs for keeping kids entertained can really creep up!
Thankfully, I’ve had years to build up my go-to list of places to visit in KL for free, and I’ll share all my favorite spots with you in this article.
Side note: I love me a free kids’ activity but free isn’t always good – I’m also going to talk a little bit about 2 free things to do in Kuala Lumpur that I personally don’t find enjoyable for my family.
Okay, ready? Let’s go!
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Best Free Attractions In Kuala Lumpur: Monuments & Museums
1. Sultan Abdul Samad Building & Merdeka Square
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Merdeka Square are iconic landmarks in KL that tell a lot about the city’s rich history.
The Sultan Abdul Samad Building used to be a British administrative office. It has a unique Moorish architecture, with its copper domes, arched doorways, and minaret-style clock tower.
The blend of British and Islamic features is interesting for little ones to see and appreciate. My daughter remembers it as the Onion Building (cuz of the domes haha).
Merdeka Square is where our independence was declared in 1957 (merdeka = freedom). Fun fact: The Malaysian flag you see here is actually on one of the world’s tallest flag poles!
It’s a huge green field where kids can happily run around, though this place really comes alive at night – I’ll share more about it later in this article.
To get a better understanding of KL’s history and unique architecture, try this Kuala Lumpur free walking tour!
PS. While free walking tours are technically free, tipping the guide is the done thing. The standard rate ranges between RM30 to RM60 (USD$7 to USD$14) per person.
Location: Jalan Raja, Kuala Lumpur (about a 10-min drive from KLCC)
2. Petronas Twin Towers
Say hello to Malaysia’s most iconic landmark! If all you’re looking for is a photo with the world’s tallest twin towers, you can literally walk up to the area and snap away.
You’ll only need to buy a ticket if you feel like going up to the Petronas Twin Towers observatory deck and sky bridge.
You’ll also find KLCC Park in the same area. It’s free to enter and there’s plenty of fun stuff for kids from a wading pool to a huge playground!
Suria KLCC mall is right opposite the park. Parent room facilities are available for free here.
Use my kid-friendly KLCC guide to plan your visit here with little ones!
Location: Kuala Lumpur City Centre
3. Bank Negara Malaysia Museum
This free museum does a wonderful job of sparking conversations about money and finance in a kid-friendly way!
The Children’s Gallery starts off with an impressive money tunnel filled with Malaysian banknotes through the years. Keep an eye out for the RM1,000 (!) banknote 👀
Everything is play-based and interactive here, and there’s a good mix of difficulties to suit kids of all ages. There’s a pretend bank where kids can get to know basic financial concepts too.
There’s a temporary kids’ exhibition called Masih Ada Waktu that’s wonderfully curated. It’s a bright, playful space with plenty of opportunities to interact with the exhibits. I especially love the play area where kids can run a pretend cafe 😍 The exhibition runs until 31st January 2025.
Also, there’s an art gallery here featuring Southeast Asian works that’s fun to check out with the kids for a little creative inspiration.
Location: Sasana Kijang, Jalan Dato’ Onn, Kuala Lumpur (about a 10-min drive from KLCC)
4. Tugu Negara (National Monument)
The National Monument is a majestic bronze statue built in honor of heroes who fought for the country’s freedom. It’s quite a sight!
The surrounding Taman Tugu forest offers some of the best free activities in Kuala Lumpur! If you love hiking with the family, check out the Taman Tugu Trail. The routes are beginner-friendly and suitable for kids.
The Taman Tugu team also organizes free weekend activities for kids. There’s the Plant & Hunt treasure hunt for kids aged between 6 to 12 years old. On Saturday mornings, you can come to the plant giveaway and bring home a plant for free.
Location: Perdana Botanical Garden, Kuala Lumpur (about a 15-min drive from KLCC)
5. Masjid Negara (National Mosque)
Kuala Lumpur has some incredibly beautiful mosques, and the National Mosque is one of the most popular ones to visit in the city.
If you’re Muslim, take the opportunity to pray in the grand prayer hall. It’s breathtaking!
Non-Muslims are welcome to explore the mosque outside of prayer times – the best time is to visit in the morning between 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and in the late afternoon between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
There’s a peaceful vibe here that you get from the breezy open-air hallways and water fountains. I know exploring the city with kids gets hectic so I love adding serene places like this for a calming break – both for the little ones and us parents.
Location: Jalan Perdana, Kuala Lumpur (about a 15-min drive from KLCC)
6. Thean Hou Temple
Thean Hou Temple is a wonderful place to learn about Chinese culture and traditions in KL. The iconic tiered Buddhist temple is an absolute work of art – it looks like a grand palace!
I think kids will love the Zodiac Garden. There are 12 animal statues here representing the Chinese zodiac, and they can search their birth year to find out their zodiac. I’m a rabbit and my daughter’s a rat >.<
Head to the upper level of the temple to get an awesome sweeping view of the city! The temple gets an otherworldly glow when all the lanterns at lit at sundown, so visiting Thean Hou Temple is actually one of the best free things to do in KL at night too!
Location: Taman Persiaran Desa, Kuala Lumpur (about a 15-min drive from KLCC)
7. Kwai Chai Hong Street Art
Kwai Chai Hong is a bit of a hidden gem in KL. It’s a cute little alleyway with IG-ready murals and some of the coolest art installations. One time, they had a mahjong theme going on with floating mahjong tiles all around the area!
I recommend having lunch in Chinatown followed by a stroll through this artsy spot. See my Kuala Lumpur itinerary for the best lunch spots in the area.
Location: Lorong Panggung, Kuala Lumpur (about a 15-min drive from KLCC)
8. Sri Maha Mariamman Temple
This oldest Hindu temple in KL is an architectural marvel with its colorful carved statues and intricate mosaic ceilings. Look out for the grand silver chariot that’s used during the festive Thaipusam celebrations.
The temple’s iconic entrance (called a gopuram) is mesmerizing. There are over 200 statues of Hindu deities featured on the five tiers, each one telling a story from Indian mythology. See if you can spot the famous Hanuman!
Location: Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, Kuala Lumpur (about a 15-min drive from KLCC)
9. Batu Caves
The towering Lord Murugan statue that greets you at Batu Caves should give you some idea of how epic of a visit to expect. It’s such a unique place, and it’s one of the best free things to do in KL*!
Don’t forget to snap some awesome family photos at the 272 rainbow-colored stairs! Just hang on tight to your phone and keep food, water, and small items hidden. The cheeky monkeys here are quick at snatching.
*Note: While the main area at Batu Caves is free to enter, there are a few smaller cave temples that have a nominal entrance fee.
Location: Batu Caves, Gombak (about a 30-min drive from KLCC)
10. Balai Seni Negara (National Art Gallery)
If your kids are especially interested in arts, I think you’ll enjoy a stroll around the National Art Gallery.
See if they can spot their favorite animals, shapes, and colors and you explore the galleries. The modern exhibits are pretty playful and interactive, and can help spark some pretty interesting ideas and conversations with your little ones 🙂
The gallery hosts activities and art workshops for kids from time to time – check them out on Instagram to see their latest events.
Location: Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur (about a 15-min drive from KLCC)
11. Pasar Seni (Central Market)
Step into this unassuming Art Deco-style building and you’ll see what a vibrant marketplace this spot is! The literal translation of Pasar Seni is “art market”, and here’s where you’ll find a diverse collection of local handicrafts.
It’s a sensory wonderland for curious little explorers – they can take in the sights of colorful batik fabrics, run their hands over intricate wood carvings, and enjoy the soothing scents of local herbal products.
Central Market is free to enter but if you’re looking to shop for actually-cute souvenirs, I highly recommend getting them at Loka Made on the ground floor. They have everything from postcards to tote bags to puzzles and in the cutest designs!
Location: Jalan Hang Kasturi, Kuala Lumpur (about a 15-min drive from KLCC)
Best Free Parks In Kuala Lumpur
11. KLCC Park
For a free public park, there are plenty of things for kids to do here!
The kids’ pool is my daughter’s favorite part of the park. KL gets really hot and humid so it’s a nice way to cool down a little from the heat. Remember to pack a change of clothes!
@mamasguidetomalaysia This is why I always bring my kid’s wetsuit if we’re going to KLCC 😆 From Suria KLCC, head outdoors and walk towards the overhead bridge. Once you see the dolphin sculptures, you’re super near to the wading pool! There’s a basic toilet and changing area opposite the playground. Google “mamas guide to malaysia klcc” for the full family-friendly KLCC guide! ✨ #klcc #klccforkids #klccpark #freekidsactivities #swimming #kidsactivities #kualalumpur ♬ Relax, Take It Easy – Unklfnkl
The playground is HUGE, with climbers, swings, and slides for younger toddlers to older kids.
I love the lush greeneries! It’s such a breath of fresh air, and you can enjoy a relaxing stroll along the pathways as you get to know the large collection of local plants along the way.
Location: Kuala Lumpur City Centre
12. Perdana Botanical Gardens
Perdana Botanical Gardens has one of the most epic playgrounds we’ve played at. The scale of it is pretty darn impressive, and it has a cool castle/treehouse vibe.
With big playgrounds like this, I love that there’s always a mix of areas to suit all ages. There are shorter climbers and slides for younger kids and taller, more challenging structures for older ones.
And if you think that’s entertaining enough, there’s MORE.
There’s a newer playground that’s opened up further down Perdana Botanical Gardens (about a 15-minute walk from the main playground). It’s called Taman Hikayat and it has a more modern feel with netting climbers, flat swings, rock climbing, and more!
Location: Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur (about a 15-min drive from KLCC)
PS. Perdana Botanical Gardens is in the same area as the National Monument, Islamic Arts Museum, and Kuala Lumpur Deer Park. You can plan to visit a combo of these locations on the same day 🙂
13. Kuala Lumpur Deer Park
Spot real-life Bambi at the Kuala Lumpur Deer Park! This mini-zoo is a cute little spot to see friendly deer roaming around.
While entry to the park is free, there’s the option to buy some pellets at the entrance if your kids are excited to feed the deer.
Take them to see the local favorite mouse deer when you’re here. The mouse deer (or kancil, as we call it here) is a favorite character in Malaysian folklore known for being clever and brave.
Location: Perdana Botanical Gardens, Kuala Lumpur
14. KL Eco Forest Park
For some fun adventures in nature, head to the lush KL Eco Park. It’s a literal jungle smack in the middle of the city, and is a lovely place to breathe fresh air, learn about different ecosystems, and spot some local wildlife.
It’s a great place to enjoy some walking trails. Keep a lookout for playful monkeys along the way (keep your small items hidden though!).
Kids will especially love the canopy walkway – you’ll get a beautiful bird’s-eye view of the rainforest.
For a comfortable experience, wear good walking shoes and bring along some mosquito repellent.
Location: Jalan Puncak, Kuala Lumpur (about a 10-min drive from KLCC)
15. PARC
This park in the suburbs is quite a drive from KL city center, but if you’re looking for favorite free things to do in KL for locals, this is a hotspot.
I think PARC’s done a fantastic job making hanging out outdoors so fun and comfortable (given the city’s scorching weather). The main area has a huge covered building – rain or shine, you can take cover here and enjoy the breeze and the beautiful view of the lake.
The playground is one of the more inclusive ones I’ve seen, with braille pads and special needs-friendly swings.
The park is super active and there’s always some fun event taking place here, especially on the weekends. They’ve had coffee festivals (that was my fave!), art jams, festive celebrations, and more. Check their event schedule to see what’s on!
Location: Jalan SS12/1, Subang Jaya (about a 30-min drive from KLCC)
16. TTDI Park
This is another local-favorite park in the suburban Taman Tun Dr Ismail area. The are a few options for walking paths, from a straightforward stroll around the lake (keep a lookout for the famous monitor lizards!) to the winding roads deeper into the jungle.
The playground area is pretty small compared to other parks I’ve talked about earlier, but I hardly think that matters all that much to kids who are just happy to play haha.
My favorite part of the park is the cooling stream. This area gets especially crowded on weekends, so go on weekdays if you can. Bring a change of clothes too!
Location: Jalan Abang Haji Openg, Taman Tun Dr Ismail (about a 20-min drive from KLCC)
Best Free Children’s Libraries In Kuala Lumpur
17. Islamic Arts Museum Children’s Library
Children’s libraries in KL are mostly free and they make for a great indoor activity. The children’s library at this beautiful museum is one of the best free places to go in KL.
This library has some of the most diverse children’s book titles I’ve come across, and I love the calming, minimalist vibe. It’s free to enter the library. You’ll only have to pay the admission fee if you’re checking out the main art galleries (which I do recommend, if you haven’t been).
On the weekends, they host free storytelling, arts and crafts, and short film screenings. Check their latest events schedule to plan your visit.
Location: Jalan Lembah Perdana, Kuala Lumpur (about a 15-min drive from KLCC)
18. KL Children’s Library
This spacious children’s library has a wide range of books to suit all ages, from toddlers to preschoolers all the way to young adults.
The library hosts free events for kids too, especially during weekends and school holidays. They announce their latest events on Instagram (they’re mostly in the Malay language as they’re usually targeted to us locals.)
It’s conveniently located next to Merdeka Square and Sultan Abdul Samad Building, so you can plan to visit these free attractions on the same day.
I’d add a pit stop at the next-door KL City Gallery for kids to see some pretty cool dioramas of the city and snap a photo with the iconic “I Love KL” sign.
Location: Jalan Lembah Perdana, Kuala Lumpur (about a 15-min drive from KLCC)
19. TTDI Community Center Library
This cozy community library has a wonderful kids’ section. It’s such a playful space, with winding bookshelves and hidden reading nooks. There’s a cute little playhouse too.
I find the collection here pretty impressive! I especially love that there are plenty of titles by local authors to introduce to little ones. My daughter’s favorite is “Where Is My Ball?” by the late Malaysian artist Yusof Gajah.
There are decent teaching resources too for different age groups, which can be especially useful for homeschooling and wordschooling families.
The library is a 5-minute drive away from TTDI Park so if you’re planning a library + park kinda day, combine these two spots for a fun day out!
Location: Jalan Athinahapan, Taman Tun Dr Ismail (about a 20-min drive from KLCC)
20. Raja Tun Uda Library
Here’s a hidden gem for little bookworms: Raja Tun Uda Library!
It’s a bit further out from the city center but if you don’t mind the trek, you’ll find an absolute wonderland for kids to explore the joy of reading.
There’s a giant play tree as the centerpiece, where your little one can curl up with their favorite book. I love that the play-based library has a Lego section too.
The library is buzzing with activity and hosts tons of fun events for kids, especially during school holidays.
Location: Jalan Kelab Gold 13/6, Seksyen 13 Shah Alam (about a 45-min drive from KLCC)
21. BookXcess Bookstores
Okay they’re not technically libraries but this bookstore chain encourages families spending time in their store and checking out their titles. You’ll find BookXcess at most malls in KL, and there’s usually a dedicated reading area.
They host free storytelling sessions too on some weekends!
Even if you were gonna shop for some books here, they likely won’t cause that big of a dent in your wallet. The pricing here is known to be super low compared to other bookstores in the city.
Best Places To Visit In KL For Free At Night
22. KLCC Lake Symphony Light & Sound Show
If you’re looking for awesome places to visit in KL for free at night, head right back to KLCC Park!
The esplanade transforms into a mesmerizing fountain show that’s a whole lot of fun for little ones. Grab a spot on the lawn and watch as the water and lights dance to the music!
The show happens nightly at 8 p.m., 9 p.m., and 10 p.m. There’s a “lights only” version that plays at 7.30 p.m., 8.30 p.m. and 9.30 p.m.
23. The River Of Life
There’s another free evening show you can catch – The River Of Life’s nightly show is pretty cool to see!
The refurbished waterfront’s light show has the entire area glowing, making it a relaxed yet enjoyable family outing.
The show takes place every 15 minutes between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.
The nearby Merdeka Square comes alive at night too, with kids enjoying running around on the field and pop-up stalls offering every kind of lit-up toy imaginable.
Location: Jalan Benteng, Kuala Lumpur (about a 10-min drive from KLCC)
24. Saloma Bridge
If you fancy a nighttime stroll for the family, strap on some comfy shoes and get ready to capture some Instagram-worthy snaps on Saloma Bridge!
This futuristic-looking pedestrian walkway is about a 10-minute walk from KLCC, and it connects to the bustling Kampung Baru neighborhood.
While you’re there, snap some family photos with the cool-looking bridge as the backdrop (expect photobombs – it gets pretty crowded with locals and tourists!).
The bridge’s funky design makes for a unique backdrop for your family photos.
Location: KLCC / Kampung Baru, Kuala Lumpur
Free Places In Kuala Lumpur I Don’t Recommend
- National Planetarium – Entry to this attraction is free but… it’s pretty dingy and dated. The exhibits have hardly been updated since I came here as a teen (I’m close to 40 now). For something similar, the National Science Center is a wayyy better option. It’s free for kids under 7.
- Night markets – This is probably an unpopular opinion but I don’t think night markets make for the best family outing. They’re always overly crowded and extremely stimulating for little kids. Food quality isn’t always reliable either.
Tips For A Budget-Friendly Family Trip To Kuala Lumpur
- Plan your activities and routes ahead of time. This makes it easier to draft your travel budget. Here’s my sample kid-friendly Kuala Lumpur itinerary if you need some inspo!
- Make full use of public transportation. The MRT, LRT, and Monorail lines are pretty well-connected all across the city and even into the suburban areas.
- Look out for budget-friendly kids’ menus. Plenty of restaurants in KL offer value-for-money meal sets for kids – some offer kids-eat-free deals too!
- Bring a reusable water bottle. Most malls provide free water dispensers in the baby room.
Places To Visit In KL For Free: Final Thoughts
And that’s my complete list of free things to do with kids in Kuala Lumpur! Did you find it useful? Let me know in the comments 🙂
Enjoying a family trip in KL really doesn’t have to break the bank. You can spend your days checking out unique architecture, running around in parks, spending some quiet time in libraries – and not have to worry about busting your travel budget.
If you do want to mix and match paid activities with free ones, here are some attractions worth checking out:
- Petrosains Discovery Center – science-themed play park
- Aquaria KLCC – calming sea life exhibits
- Kidzoona indoor playground – epic ball pit, pretend play food stalls, and working area for parents
Continue your family-friendly KL travel research with my complete guide to exploring KLCC with kids!
More Fun Things To Do In Kuala Lumpur With Kids:
- Super Fun Kuala Lumpur 3-Day Itinerary For Families (Google Map Included)
- Did You Know Kids Under 7 Enter For Free At KL’s National Science Center?
- Have You Tried This KL Museum’s Free Activities For Kids?
- Local Mama’s Tip: There’s A Free Kids’ Pool & Playground In KLCC!
- I Think This Might Be KL’s Best Indoor Playground (But It’s A Little Far)
- 27 Best Kid-Friendly Restaurants In KL With Play Areas & Kids’ Menus
- 10 Best Things To Do At Petrosains Activities (For Toddlers & Big Kids)
- Aquaria KLCC Review: 5 Things I Like (And Some Things I Don’t)
Pin To Save This List of Best Places to visit in KL For Free!
