Struggling To Peel Your Kids Away From The Screens? Now You Can Easily Lure Them Away From The Digital World With These Fun Kid-Friendly Outdoor Activities In KL & Selangor!
One of a parent’s greatest struggles these days is to convince their kids that the outdoors are just as, if not more, exciting than the endless scrolling of YouTube shorts and mobile games.
The great outdoors are often tied to the usual discomforts of living in Southeast Asia; sweltering heat, unpredictable rain, and long periods of being stuck in the car due to traffic jams. And if we’re being real, kids are not going to be excited about these situations.
But you know what? There’s hope because there’s one thing that never fails to draw kids in - fun. Kuala Lumpur and Selangor are packed with countless kid-friendly outdoor activities that promise our little ones hours of fun, because let’s face it…kids are typically the last ones to ask for a trip to museums and the art gallery.
Imagine wide open parks where kids can make a mad dash across dedicated splash zones, paddle furiously around a glistening lake with a clear view of the Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower), or a safe jungle enclosure where kids can bravely zip from one tree canopy to the other.
So get your weekend bags ready and skip the boring mall trips this weekend, because we’ve compiled the best kid-friendly outdoor activities in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor that your little ones will absolutely love. Not only are these activities kid-friendly, they’re family-friendly too so everyone can join in on the fun and reconnect amidst fresh air, laughter, and create lasting memories together!
13 Exciting Kid-Friendly Outdoor Activities In Kuala Lumpur & Selangor To Check Out With Your Children
1. Trampoline Bungee Jumping at Sunway Lagoon X Park
When it comes to entertaining kids who love to jump around, one would almost always think of bringing them to a trampoline park. But what if you could let them enjoy bouncing high up into the air while getting much needed sunshine?
Enter the Bungee Trampoline at Sunway Lagoon’s X Park. Here, kids are harnessed to bungee cords that are attached to a giant trampoline, allowing them to jump higher than usual, perform flips, and enjoy the adrenaline rush of getting launched high up into the air.
The best part of this outdoor activity is how it takes place within Sunway Lagoon, which is home to various other theme parks that each offer unique activities such as the water park, amusement park, and more!
Parents can easily prepare for a fun trip here by having their little ones dress comfortably with closed-toe shoes and have swimwear packed in their OiYO Little Explorer Backpack so that they are able to enjoy hours of splashing fun at the waterpark after bungee jumping!
2. Take a Walk Through Central Market & Chinatown
Sometimes park walks can get a little repetitive, and malls will eventually become predictable and boring to kids. So why not indulge their senses with a walk through one of Kuala Lumpur’s most vibrant cultural districts?
Central Market, also known as Pasar Seni, is Kuala Lumpur’s cultural landmark which offers a myriad of Malaysian arts, crafts, and heritage. Then you have the adjacent Chinatown, where various peddlers line the open air market, historic Buddhist and Hindu temples are found in little lanes, and countless eateries offer anything from delightful local savouries to refreshing desserts.
Kids can take part in the interactive workshops held in Central Market during the weekends such as the DIY batik painting sessions, discover local snacks from the many stalls and stores that make their home in Chinatown, and get exposure to the different aspects of society beyond the carefully curated concrete confines of shopping malls.
I strongly recommend visiting Central Market and Chinatown during the cooler hours of the day, be it early morning or late afternoon. This ensures that your little ones (and yourself) are able to have a more comfortable experience as you explore the area’s vibrant offerings.
3. Kid-Friendly Hiking at KL Forest Eco Park
Formerly known as Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve, the KL Forest Eco Park is a 10-hectare tropical rainforest nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur that offers multiple family-friendly scenic trails. These trails vary from easy to moderate in terms of difficulty, making it perfect for families with little children to embark on a green adventure.
One of the forest’s most popular attractions for kids is its 200m canopy walk, where visitors can enjoy aerial views of the forest and city skyline as they traverse through the forest’s lush greenery. Kids can also try their hand (or eyes) at spotting various flora and fauna that make their home there, from monkeys to birds, insects, and squirrels.
It’s a fun opportunity for kids to experience the beauty of nature while getting physical activity. What parents can do to make it a more enjoyable and cosy experience for kids is to dress them in comfortable, breathable clothing, sturdy shoes, and to visit early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds. And don’t forget the sunscreen!
4. Guided Rock Climbing near Batu Caves
You’ve got two fun choices when it comes to Batu Caves, perhaps known as one of Malaysia's most iconic landmarks. You can challenge your little ones to climb the rainbow steps of Batu Caves for a truly cultural experience, or let them rough it out with a real guided rock climbing experience outdoors near Batu Caves with Mir Adventures.
This is one of the top favourite adventure sports amongst hyperactive kids as they will channel all their energy to learn how to climb natural limestone walls which span up to 30m in height. But rest assured that these sessions are led by certified instructors and are complete with all the necessary safety equipment (just remember to book your session in advance).
It’s a fun way for kids to test their strength and coordination as they race each other to climb. Once they reach the top? They’ll feel a sense of accomplishment unlike any other. That said, it’s important for parents to come prepared with enough water and light snacks packed in the OiYO Snacky Pack to keep energy levels up because they WILL get hungry!
5. Undersea Exploration at Aquaria KLCC
This is not exactly the outdoors, but since we’re talking about walking through an expansive oceanarium, it technically does…right? In any case, bringing your little ones to embark on an undersea exploration is one of the most memorable activities you could expose their young minds to.
Think walking through a 90m underwater tunnel with the sensation of being surrounded by the ocean, watching live fish and otter feeding sessions, and checking out informational displays on the respective marine life to foster curiosity and learning.
Because Aquaria KLCC is one of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular tourist spots, I recommend paying a visit there only during the early hours of the day on weekends, or go head over on a weekday during the school holidays to avoid the crowds. Do ensure to purchase your tickets online in advance to secure your time slot as visitors are only allowed in by batches!
6. Zip Through the Jungle at SKYTREX
Families who are looking to enjoy family bonding sessions with their older kids can always pay a visit to SKYTREX at Sungai Congkak for a thrilling experience. This flying fox park is set amidst a lush tropical forest and it offers various zipline courses that go around the forest so that participants can glide from tree-to-tree while enjoying sights throughout the jungle.
Each zipline course is designed to be a fun and challenging affair for older kids to enjoy a sense of adventure as they navigate through treetops, hanging bridges, rope courses, and more. Not only is it a full on physical challenge, it also allows the big kids to reconnect with nature and observe wildlife, reminding them about the wonders of being outdoors.
Even though some of you may be tempted to simply “walk-in”, I advise booking your tickets and time slots online in advance as the rates are much cheaper than the in-person rates. You’ll also want to pack a picnic set in your OiYO Lunch Bag as SKYTREX is located deep within the forest with limited food and drink offerings.
7. Get a Taste of Jungle Trekking at Taman Tugu (Tugu Park)
Jungle trekking may sound daunting to us urbanites, so why not experience a taste of it in Taman Tugu, a 66-acre urban forest park that consists of four well-marked trails totalling up to 5km?
This well-shaded park is ideal for families who are looking to get into hiking as its various trails offer different challenges ranging from easy and moderate to mildly challenging. Children can experience a real jungle environment within the city and observe various flora and fauna, with little to no risk of running into more dangerous wildlife such as snakes.
The trails here are mostly flat and clearly marked so beginner hikers and kids will have no problems navigating through its natural environment. To make the hiking experience a more comfortable one, come prepared in comfortable clothing, sturdy shoes, and don’t forget to pack your water, a snack or two, sunscreen, and mosquito repellent.
8. Enjoy Pony Rides, Petting, And Feeding Wildlife at Farm In The City
Farm In The City is a not-so hidden gem located deep in Seri Kembangan that houses over 100 species of tame and exotic animals within enclosures that mimic their natural habitats. Think rabbits, tortoises, various reptiles, birds, and more!
Children can pet and feed the resident animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, alpacas, and giant tortoises, embark on pony rides, and take part in the good ol’ drain fishing activity (also known as longkang fishing). It’s a humbling experience that offers both parents and kids the chance to learn about various wildlife while getting up close to them.
Do remember to bring your MyKad with you for cheaper rates and to book your tickets online in advance to guarantee entry as this mini zoo tends to get incredibly popular during the weekends!
9. Enjoy a Picnic at the KLCC Park
Nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur and adjacent to the iconic Petronas Twin Towers lies the sprawling KLCC Park. This urban oasis is home to lush greenery, the man-made Lake Symphony that features a brilliant display of lights and music during the evenings, jogging paths, a mini water park, and a children’s playground.
It’s a popular spot for families, both locals and tourists, because there is ample space for children to run wild and engage in outdoor games alongside other children. The KLCC Park is also one of the rarer parks that houses a wading pool for kids to splash around the cool off during hot days while parents lounge about on their picnic mat and enjoy quality time with some delicious homemade meals or food packed from one of Suria KLCC’s many eateries.
To enjoy a complete and comfortable picnic experience, here’s what I’d recommend bringing; a wide picnic mat, homemade or packed meals, drinks, a cap or hat to protect yourself against the sun glare, sunglasses, and spare clothes if you plan to allow your little ones to splash about the wading pool.
10. Try Bird Watching at the KL Bird Park
Families with quiet-natured kids who love wildlife will find joy in a visit to the iconic KL Bird Park. As one of the world’s largest covered aviaries, the KL Bird Park in the Perdana Botanical Gardens is a true bird lover’s paradise.
The entire aviary spans over 20 acres with dedicated walking paths, and it is home to over 3,000 birds of various species that will fly and walk alongside as you and your kids journey through the enclosure. Imagine walking side-by-side with peacocks, baby turkeys, storks, and getting up and close to parrots in various colours.
Trips to the KL Bird Park are always an educationally interactive one as children can discover various bird species in carefully designed habitats that mimic their natural ones. This typically sparks curiosity and care amongst little ones in regards to conservation efforts and a natural interest towards wildlife.
Because of the bird park’s very nature, it’s best to visit during early mornings or late afternoons as these are typically the cooler hours and allocate up to 2 hours to go through the entire park. While most areas are shaded, it is still a fully outdoor affair amidst Malaysia’s tropical heat.
11. Cycle Around the Perdana Botanical Gardens
There’s just something liberating about cycling around a lake surrounded by lush greenery that makes you feel like you’ve left the concrete jungle…only you haven’t actually left it.
The Perdana Botanical Lake Gardens, fondly known to locals as Lake Gardens, is a stunning park located within the heart of the city centre that features a large lake with swans, ducks, and otters, various tropical species that line its pathways, mini waterfalls, and shelters that feature traditional Malay architecture.
Visitors can bring their bicycles here and get their daily movement in. Parents love this park because it’s spacious, flat, and stroller-friendly so tiny tots can join in on the fun even if they aren’t familiar with cycling, while kids especially love cycling here because they can pedal freely without the fear of cars zipping past.
12. Eat Your Way Through Kuala Lumpur’s Night Markets
Are your little ones budding foodies? Then a visit to one of KL’s night markets might just be the highlight of their week. Night markets, also known as pasar malam, are vibrant open-aired markets that are full of sizzling street food, quirky toys, affordable knick-knacks, and a wide variety of colourful beverages from bubble teas to freshly blended fruit juices.
Kids often gravitate to sensory overloads like bright lights, tempting smells, and the excitement of picking their own dinner. So it won’t be surprising if your night market trip turns out to be their greatest highlight of their week.
That said, you’ll want to bring cash or have your phone charged up with your QRpay ready to go, pack wet wipes, and wear comfy shoes for a smooth experience in the night market. Some of the most popular ones I often recommend parents to go to with kids are the iconic Taman Connaught night market, SS2 night market, and OUG night market as these tend to have the best varieties of food and beverages.
13. Go Pedal Boating at Titiwangsa Lake
If you’re looking for a weekend activity that’s fun, active, and water-related because your little ones can’t get enough of water sports, then pedal boating at Titiwangsa Lake would be your ideal destination!
Your kids will love being on the colourful swan-shaped boats as they pedal their way around the lake’s calm waters. The adults can also take part and treat it as a fun workout while helping their kid’s little feet pedal away.
While the kids enjoy the thrill of riding across the lake, the parents can take this time to truly slow down the pace and relax to take in the tranquility of the great outdoors. Just remember to pack hats, water bottles, and maybe a snack or two for likely hunger pangs after the lake adventure!
