Penang has lots of things to see and do, but are there kid-friendly places? This is the question that a worried parent may ask, and the answer is “yes”! If you know where to look, there are places where your kids can play while learning a thing or two.
Maybe you’re a parent who wants to reduce your children’s screentime, or maybe you just want them to be occupied for a while. Either way, here’s a list of kid-friendly places for you and the kids to check out.
Adventure & Play
- ESCAPE Penang
Image Credit: ESCAPE Penang on Google Review
At the top of the list is ESCAPE, an outdoor adventure paradise located in Teluk Bahang. It’s famous for holding the world record for the longest tube water slide, which stretches over a kilometre. With obstacle courses, tree swings, flying foxes, and zip coasters, there is plenty of fun to be had.
The park has a “Low Tech, High Fun” philosophy, encouraging kids and adults to rediscover outdoor play. Tickets for a day at ESCAPE are RM128.80 for adults and RM85.40 for kids, with free entry for toddlers under four and seniors.
Address: 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
- Asobiba Kids Fun Playground
Image Credit: Mr G on Google Review (Left), Jamie XM Lee on Google Review (Right)
After a day out exploring the nearby Kek Lok Si temple, this indoor playground is the perfect wonderland for younger kids. It has five distinct play zones, each catering to a different developmental stage and energy level.
It is air-conditioned, safe and clean, perfect for kids (and parents) escaping the afternoon heat. Pricing ranges from RM25 to RM35 per child, with adult visitors being charged RM5 per entry. Playtime is up to two hours, and socks are required.
Nature & Wildlife
- Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
Image Credit: Gabriel Tan on Google Review (Left), Abdulazeez Basim on Google Review (Right)
Just a stone’s throw away from ESCAPE is Entopia, aka the Penang Butterfly Farm. It is both a butterfly garden and a discovery centre for people to learn more about the beautiful insects. The facility has over 15,000 butterflies and other creatures like amphibians and reptiles.
Taking your kids here will provide them with valuable knowledge and experience about the living world around them. Tickets for Malaysian adults are RM65, while seniors and kids are charged RM45. There are also family packages available, so do enquire if relevant to you.
Address: 830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang
- Penang Bird Park
Image Credit: Wei on Google Review (Left), Chuah Tracey on Google Review (Right)
Not all these kid-friendly places are located on the island. In Seberang Jaya, there is the Penang Bird Park, with its 3,000 avian inhabitants from over 300 species. They are housed in large aviaries which visitors can freely explore.
Aside from birds, the bird park is also home to various other species of reptiles, mammals and fish. It is basically a zoo, despite the name. Malaysian adults are charged RM50, with kids charged RM35 and disabled individuals granted free entry.
Address: Jalan Todak Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Penang
- The Habitat at Penang Hill
Image Credit: Macaroni Reviews on Google Review (Left), Khairul Izhar on Google Review (Right)
Getting here requires you to ride on the country’s sole surviving funicular train line. Once you reach the top of the hill, you and the kids will be able to see a 130-million-year-old rainforest with your very own eyes.
Stroll along the Langur Way Canopy Walk or climb Curtis Crest for gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape. It is a memorable experience for the young nature lover. Adult visitors pay RM60, while kids and seniors pay just RM40.
Address: C7G9+69, Bukit Bendera, 11300 Bukit Bendera, Pulau Pinang
Kid-Friendly Museums
- Wonderfood Museum
Image Credit: Vinny Walia on Google Review (Left), Mandy Ng on Google Review (Right)
Penang is already a food haven, so of course it’s going to have a food museum. This quirky, colourful place has enormous, hyperrealistic models of local dishes like nasi lemak and cendol. It is a great place for selfies while educating kids all about Malaysian food.
Entry fees are also affordable, with Malaysian adults charged RM20, while kids, students and seniors pay RM15 only.
Address: 49, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
- TeddyVille Museum
Image Credit: Wong Kimseng on Google Review (Left), Johnson IF Collection on Google Review (Right)
Located within Batu Feringghi’s DoubleTree Resort, this kid-friendly museum tells the story of Penang through adorable dioramas. These dioramas have hundreds of teddy bears dressed in traditional outfits reenacting life in the past.
There is also a build-your-own-bear corner, which younger kids will unsurprisingly love. Who said learning history cannot be a cute affair? Adults pay RM39 per entry, while kids and seniors pay RM29.
Address: 56, Jalan Low Yat, Puncak Ria, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang
- Penang 3D Trick Art Museum
Image Credit: Jackie Ng on Google Review (Left), Penang 3D Trick Art Museum on Google Review (Right)
Get ready to have a few good laughs as you assume the silliest poses at this kid-friendly, interactive museum. This spot has over 40 3D optical illusions, where you can pretend to go surfing, run away from dinosaurs or walk on tightropes.
The museum handily marks the right spots for the perfect camera shot. If you want to practise your photography skills, this place helps you a fair bit. Still, Malaysian adults pay RM18 whereas kids and seniors pay RM12.
Address: 10, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang
You should also check out: 10 things to do in Butterworth when you are too lazy to cross the Penang Bridge to George Town
Feature Image Credit: Kehui on Google Review (Left), Christopher Lay on Google Review (Right)