With so many sights to see, it can get a tad overwhelming so I thought I would put together a list of the best things to do with children in Penang.
Penang Escape Theme Park
This theme park is unlike the usual theme parks as there are no roller coasters, merry-go-rounds, spinning teacups or giant costumed characters. Instead, Penang Escape Theme Park is a theme park where Mother Nature takes center-stage, and one that is conjured up with generous doses of creativity and pure fun.
Billed as Malaysia’s first environmentally friendly theme park, it has more than 15 outdoor activities for both adults and children and combines physical challenges utilising existing jungle trees, such as rope bridges and climbing walls, with natural play activities including tree-climbing, caving adventure and even a free-fall experience. A must-visit attraction for not only kids, but adults too!
Location: 828 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang (Beside Penang Butterfly Farm)
Cost: Adults RM60 | Kids (4-12) & Senior Citizens (60 & above) RM45 | FREE for kids below 4 years old
Our experience: http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/2014/07/penang-escape-theme-park-time-to-play.html
Website: http://www.escape.my/
Made In Penang Interactive Museum
Made In Penang Interactive Museum (美因槟廊) opened in late 2013 and its main attraction undoubtedly is its three-dimensional interactive art. The ground floor houses the Diorama Gallery while the upper floor showcases the Penang 3D Gallery. The 3D wall murals cleverly uses various shadings and shadows to create tricks on the eye, with the paintings being brought to life - and allowing visitors to invent their own imaginative (and often hilarious) poses.
Unsurprisingly, this turned out to be every adult's and child's favorite part of the museum, and all of us had a blast at going shutter-happy and poser-crazy here!
Location: No.3 Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Malaysia
Cost: Malaysian Residents RM15 | Foreigners RM30 | Child/Student RM10
Our experience: http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/2014/07/trick-art-fun-at-made-in-penang.html
Location: No.3 Pengkalan Weld, 10300 George Town, Malaysia
Cost: Malaysian Residents RM15 | Foreigners RM30 | Child/Student RM10
Our experience: http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/2014/07/trick-art-fun-at-made-in-penang.html
Adventure Zone
Housed within Golden Sands Resort in Batu Ferringhi, Adventure Zone is your best bet to beat the Penang heat (or rainy day)... and one that promises to bring adrenaline levels to dizzying heights, literally. The 10,300 square feet indoor play facility is home to a 3-lane Wave Slide, as well as 3 heart-stopping Drop Slides.
For younger ones who cannot experience the thrill of the slides yet, there is a separate play area reserved for toddlers below 4 years old which is essentially a mini Indoor Play Gym that you would find in most Indoor Playgrounds here. Parents can keep a close eye at the nearby seating area, which comes complete with free WIFI, as well as a small cafe serving drinks and light snacks.
Location: Batu Feringgi Beach, 11100 Penang, Malaysia
Cost: For resort guests: Kids pay RM44 for half-day package, or RM22 per two-hour session
For Local visitors/Non-registered guests: Kids pay RM33 per two-hour session
*Adults enter free of charge with paying children
*Rates are subject to the prevailing government tax.
Our experience: http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/2012/06/penang-with-buddies-part-3.html
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/penang/goldensandsresort/for-kids/adventure-zone/
Penang Hill and Funicular Tram Ride
If your child loves train rides, this is one ride that offers much more... in terms of steepness! Bukit Bendera, or Penang Hill, is situated 823 metres above sea level in the Air Itam area and a ride in a funicular tram is part of the experience in getting up to Penang Hill. For the adults, it is the perfect excuse to escape the heat as it is a cool 25 degrees up there.
Besides offering stunning views of Penang, the top of the hill has a kids playground, Indian temple, modest bird sanctuary, hiking trail options, as well as ample food stalls. Oh, and here's a tip: try to occupy the front of the funicular tram on your descent as kids will love speeding down the track with a full view of the track!
Location: Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera, Ayer Itam, 11500 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Cost: Adult RM30 | Child (3-12) RM15 | Family Package (2A & 2C) RM70
*Prices above are for non-Malaysians.
Our experience: http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/2012/07/penang-with-buddies-part-4.html
Website: http://www.penanghill.gov.my/
Bao Sheng Durian Farm
Granted that durians may not be everyone's favourite fruit, but how often can one set afoot on a 6.7 acres durian plantation and join in guided Durian Tours that are conducted every morning and evening? Located in the Balik Pulau area - a 20-minute drive from Batu Ferringhi - the main attraction of the farm has got to be its durian buffets where one can try every different type of durians available, depending on season.
In addition to durians, Bao Sheng also grows several types of fruit trees such as mangosteen, rambutan, jackfruit, soursoup, and others, which will make it an interesting trek around the plantation for the kids. To complete the ultimate durian experience, one can even book a villa at the farm! The villas come equipped with air-con, hot shower and LCD TV with a Blu-Ray player.
Location: 150 Mk.2, Sungai Pinang, 11010 Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia
Our experience: http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/2012/06/penang-with-buddies-part-2.html
Website: http://www.durian.com.my/
Penang Butterfly Farm
Children of all ages will love it here, or at least my monkies did.The world's first tropical live butterfly sanctuary, with an average flying population of some 4,000 live butterflies of 150 different species, kids can get acquainted with so many different kinds of butterflies... and a wide variety of insects, reptiles, fishes and plants.
Be sure to check out the insect and reptile shows, as they allow children to see many of the insects and reptiles up close. They will love learning about camouflage and those brave enough can even cuddle some stick insects!
Location: No. 830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang
Cost: Adult RM27 | Child (4-12) RM15 *Prices above are for non-Malaysians.
Our experience: http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/2011/12/penang-getaway-butterfly-farm.html
Website: http://www.butterfly-insect.com/index.php
Kek Lok Si Temple
One doesn't normally label temples as being kids-friendly but with Kek Lok Si, it actually has lots of activities to keep families entertained. Besides the beautiful architecture, there are turtles and koi fish to feed, wishing trees, animal statues to pose with and plenty of space of them to run wild.
Take the vehicular glass elevators to reach the top, where a massive bronze statue of Goddess of Mercy awaits. Do note, however, that there are lots of steps and narrow columns to climb, so leave the stroller behind.
Location: Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia
Cost: Entry to Kek Lok Si is free, but the ride in the glass elevators costs RM4 for a return trip per pax and free for children under 4 years old.
Our experience: http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/2011/12/penang-getaway-kek-lok-si-temple.html
Website: http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/sg/places/states-of-malaysia/penang/kek-lok-si?page=1
Penang Youth Park
This is one place that I did not have the chance to bring the monkies yet, but I have heard so much about it. Also known as the Penang Municipal Park, it sits at the edge of Georgetown and has huge playgrounds, skating park, walking trails, and even a water park with several fountains and play pools for children. All of these, FREE of charge! The great thing about the park is much of the park is covered with trees offering much-appreciated shade for families.
Location: Persiaran Kuari, Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10450
Cost: Free entry
Website: http://www.penangmunicipalpark.com
BONUS! If you intend to hunt down the famed street murals around Georgetown, here is a handy map of where most of the wall art are located. Have fun!
Truth is, there are so many more places to bring the children in Penang such as the Toy Museum Heritage Garden, Cornwallis Fort, the Spice Garden, Snake Temple, Botanical Gardens, night markets... and don't even get me started on the stuff to eat and places to shop.
Do you have tips for what to do in Penang with kids? Share them with me in the comments below!
For younger ones who cannot experience the thrill of the slides yet, there is a separate play area reserved for toddlers below 4 years old which is essentially a mini Indoor Play Gym that you would find in most Indoor Playgrounds here. Parents can keep a close eye at the nearby seating area, which comes complete with free WIFI, as well as a small cafe serving drinks and light snacks.
Location: Batu Feringgi Beach, 11100 Penang, Malaysia
Cost: For resort guests: Kids pay RM44 for half-day package, or RM22 per two-hour session
For Local visitors/Non-registered guests: Kids pay RM33 per two-hour session
*Adults enter free of charge with paying children
*Rates are subject to the prevailing government tax.
Our experience: http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/2012/06/penang-with-buddies-part-3.html
Website: http://www.shangri-la.com/penang/goldensandsresort/for-kids/adventure-zone/
Penang Hill and Funicular Tram Ride
If your child loves train rides, this is one ride that offers much more... in terms of steepness! Bukit Bendera, or Penang Hill, is situated 823 metres above sea level in the Air Itam area and a ride in a funicular tram is part of the experience in getting up to Penang Hill. For the adults, it is the perfect excuse to escape the heat as it is a cool 25 degrees up there.
Besides offering stunning views of Penang, the top of the hill has a kids playground, Indian temple, modest bird sanctuary, hiking trail options, as well as ample food stalls. Oh, and here's a tip: try to occupy the front of the funicular tram on your descent as kids will love speeding down the track with a full view of the track!
Location: Jalan Stesen Bukit Bendera, Ayer Itam, 11500 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Cost: Adult RM30 | Child (3-12) RM15 | Family Package (2A & 2C) RM70
*Prices above are for non-Malaysians.
Our experience: http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/2012/07/penang-with-buddies-part-4.html
Website: http://www.penanghill.gov.my/
Bao Sheng Durian Farm
Granted that durians may not be everyone's favourite fruit, but how often can one set afoot on a 6.7 acres durian plantation and join in guided Durian Tours that are conducted every morning and evening? Located in the Balik Pulau area - a 20-minute drive from Batu Ferringhi - the main attraction of the farm has got to be its durian buffets where one can try every different type of durians available, depending on season.
In addition to durians, Bao Sheng also grows several types of fruit trees such as mangosteen, rambutan, jackfruit, soursoup, and others, which will make it an interesting trek around the plantation for the kids. To complete the ultimate durian experience, one can even book a villa at the farm! The villas come equipped with air-con, hot shower and LCD TV with a Blu-Ray player.
Location: 150 Mk.2, Sungai Pinang, 11010 Balik Pulau, Penang, Malaysia
Our experience: http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/2012/06/penang-with-buddies-part-2.html
Website: http://www.durian.com.my/
Penang Butterfly Farm
Children of all ages will love it here, or at least my monkies did.The world's first tropical live butterfly sanctuary, with an average flying population of some 4,000 live butterflies of 150 different species, kids can get acquainted with so many different kinds of butterflies... and a wide variety of insects, reptiles, fishes and plants.
Be sure to check out the insect and reptile shows, as they allow children to see many of the insects and reptiles up close. They will love learning about camouflage and those brave enough can even cuddle some stick insects!
Location: No. 830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang
Cost: Adult RM27 | Child (4-12) RM15 *Prices above are for non-Malaysians.
Our experience: http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/2011/12/penang-getaway-butterfly-farm.html
Website: http://www.butterfly-insect.com/index.php
Kek Lok Si Temple
One doesn't normally label temples as being kids-friendly but with Kek Lok Si, it actually has lots of activities to keep families entertained. Besides the beautiful architecture, there are turtles and koi fish to feed, wishing trees, animal statues to pose with and plenty of space of them to run wild.
Take the vehicular glass elevators to reach the top, where a massive bronze statue of Goddess of Mercy awaits. Do note, however, that there are lots of steps and narrow columns to climb, so leave the stroller behind.
Location: Air Itam, Penang, Malaysia
Cost: Entry to Kek Lok Si is free, but the ride in the glass elevators costs RM4 for a return trip per pax and free for children under 4 years old.
Our experience: http://www.cheekiemonkie.net/2011/12/penang-getaway-kek-lok-si-temple.html
Website: http://www.tourism.gov.my/en/sg/places/states-of-malaysia/penang/kek-lok-si?page=1
Penang Youth Park
This is one place that I did not have the chance to bring the monkies yet, but I have heard so much about it. Also known as the Penang Municipal Park, it sits at the edge of Georgetown and has huge playgrounds, skating park, walking trails, and even a water park with several fountains and play pools for children. All of these, FREE of charge! The great thing about the park is much of the park is covered with trees offering much-appreciated shade for families.
 |
| Photo courtesy of Penang Municipal Park |
Cost: Free entry
Website: http://www.penangmunicipalpark.com
BONUS! If you intend to hunt down the famed street murals around Georgetown, here is a handy map of where most of the wall art are located. Have fun!
Truth is, there are so many more places to bring the children in Penang such as the Toy Museum Heritage Garden, Cornwallis Fort, the Spice Garden, Snake Temple, Botanical Gardens, night markets... and don't even get me started on the stuff to eat and places to shop.
Do you have tips for what to do in Penang with kids? Share them with me in the comments below!
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10 comments :
hi kelvin, if u drive upward from kek lok si temple, which is after some hilly drive. U end up at a water dam at the top. Is a beautiful place n lots of the local actually climb up for exercise. You should check it out.
Hi,
Wow, thanks for the tip!!! Will bear that in mind for our future trip! :)
May I know where do you stay in Penang?
Hi Vandy,
We stayed at Golden Sands Resort at Batu Ferringhi for our past 2 trips to Penang. :)
hi, did you drive or you hire a driver for the trip?
Hi, We drove on our own.
hi, where did you rent the car? is it difficult to drive around and find parking?
Hi,
We rented from www.kasina.com.my. It's not difficult to drive around but be prepared for jams at certain spots. Parking is also pretty convenient.
please recommend more!!
Hi, can I ask if u brought and used stroller during the Penang trip? Are the places you mentioned in your blog stroller friendly? Thanks lots!
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