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Planning a weekend trip to Kuala Lumpur? We’ve got all the best things to do in Kuala Lumpur with kids for a short KL itinerary, including where to stay, the best places to eat in KL, and how to get there–with family-friendly tips from a local!
With its mouth-watering local food, its amazing shopping, and its trove of kid-friendly activities, Kuala Lumpur makes a fabulous nearby holiday destination with the kids. The city is a melting pot of cultures; you’ve got the “CBD” life you’re used to experiencing in Singapore, yet this is contrasted by street art at nearly every corner, hipster cafes, a bustling upscale scene of culinary delights, shopping, scenic spots and numerous experiences kids of all ages can enjoy.
Having grown up in KL, it was easy for me to take these KL gems for granted. But now with a child of my own, these places and activities are all the more appealing, especially for a short trip over! So if you’ve already visited Johor Bahru or Desaru countless times, give Kuala Lumpur a try! Here are all our recommended things to do in KL with kids, where to eat in KL, where to shop in KL, what to see in KL and more, plus tips for families from a local.
Read more: 101 Kids’ Activities & Things To Do In Singapore
Jump to…
– Fun things to do in KL
– Sightseeing in KL
– Shopping in KL
– Where to eat in KL
– Where to stay in KL
– How to travel from Singapore to KL
– Family tips for visiting KL
Fun things to do in KL with kids
Meet animals at the petting zoos & animal parks in KL
If you’ve got a little one who loves animals, it’ll be easy to keep them entertained with lots of animal encounters available in Kuala Lumpur. The most obvious place to start is the National Zoo (known as Zoo Negara), which got a little glow-up in late 2021. Over here, you’ll find all your favourite wildlife from around the world. It’s not as extensive as the Singapore Zoo, but worthy of a visit if your kids love animals. Do visit the capybara enclosure; you just may spot the famous ginger cat that thinks it’s part of the pack!
Another one of our favourite haunts is Farm in the City, you can purchase food to feed the friendly farm animals. This petting zoo in Kuala Lumpur has free-roaming animals such as giant tortoises, ducks, goats, bunnies and more. Watch out for a very greedy (but cute) donkey that’ll try to steal food from the goats! Another alternative is the G2G Animal Garden, a petting zoo with animal feeding and pony rides. We also love visiting KL’s Bird Paradise counterpart, the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park. It’s been around for decades, but this understated park is home to some 3,000 birds, many of which (including huge storks and peacocks) will walk alongside you!
You can also find plenty of indoor and outdoor petting zoos in Kuala Lumpur and beyond, as well as cat and dog cafes, though they’re not the cheapest to visit. We’d also recommend reading reviews before heading down, to ensure they’re kid-friendly and that the animals are well taken care of.
Zoo Negara, Jalan Taman Zooview, Taman Zooview, 68000 Ampang, Selangor, www.zoonegara.my
Farm in the City, Lot 40187-40188, Jalan Prima Tropika Barat 1, Pusat Bandar Putra Permai, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor, www.farminthecity.my
G2G Animal Garden, Jalan MAEPS 4/1, Fasa 3 Presint 9, 43400 Serdang, Selangor, www.g2ganimalgarden.com
KL Bird Park, 920, Jalan Cenderawasih, Tasik Perdana, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, www.klbirdpark.com
Read more: Petting Zoos & Animal Farms In Singapore
Ride roller coasters & slides at a theme park in KL
Bring your adventurous kiddos to a theme park in Kuala Lumpur. Right in the heart of the city, you’ll find the Berjaya Times Square Theme Park, an indoor theme park with roller coasters that zoom past overhead, thrilling rides and the works. For even more fun, head to Sunway Lagoon, perhaps KL’s most renowned multi-park. The park is huge; it includes two water parks with lots of slides, an amusement park with roller coasters, a wildlife park, an adventure park and a horror park. You’ll probably need to set aside a couple of days if you want to explore all of the parks, and the great news is that there are some fab kid-friendly hotels around that area.
There’s also a new-ish hidden gem in KL filled with amusement park activities at Monkeys Canopy Resort in Cheras. This resort is home to LYL International Karting Circuit, which is KL’s largest go-kart circuit, as well as the Dino Desert dinosaur park, a high-elements obstacle course, an indoor playground, a water playground, an ice playground, an e-sports virtual arena and more.
Berjaya Times Square Theme Park, Level 5, Berjaya Times Square, 1, Jln Imbi, Imbi, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, www.berjayatimessquarethemeparkkl.com
Sunway Lagoon, 3, Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Subang Jaya, Selangor, www.sunwaylagoon.com
Monkeys Canopy Resort, Lot 683, Jalan Persiaran Bukit Enggang Sg Long Hill, Sungai Long, 43200 Cheras, Selangor, www.monkeyscanopy.com
Read more: Guide To Legoland In Johor With Kids
Visit an adventure park in KL
Besides the adventure parks mentioned above, there are plenty of other adventure parks in Kuala Lumpur for an adrenaline rush. One that offers all the fun in indoor comfort is Escape Petaling Jaya. It has a challenging high-element obstacle course and a near-vertical Banana Flip slide. It also has a junior rope course for younger kids, other whacky activities such as a flying trapeze (yes, you can try it!), and a trike race circuit.
You’ll also be able to easily find adventurous activities in KL, such as ATV rides, ziplines, trampoline parks, and lots of high-element courses. KL also happens to have its own Skyline Luge!
Escape Petaling Jaya, Paradigm Mall, Ss 7, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, www.escape.my
Read more: Guide To Universal Studios Singapore: Rides, Roller Coasters & More
Zoom around a go-kart circuit in Kuala Lumpur
While there are only a couple of go-kart circuits in Singapore, those with a need for speed will be glad to know that Kuala Lumpur is teeming with go-kart circuits! You can experience this while at Sunway Lagoon and Monkeys Canopy Resort, but there are plenty of other fun standalone go-kart circuits scattered around KL and the surrounding Selangor districts. Notable family-friendly ones within KL include Lalaspeed E Kart Raceway and the KF Kiddy Circuit.
Lalaspeed E Kart Raceway, Lot L5-AP-01b, Level 5 Lalaport, Bukit Bintang, 55200 Kuala Lumpur, www.instagram.com/lalaspeed_ekartraceway
KF Kiddy Circuit @ My Town 6, Jalan Cochrane, Seksyen 90, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, www.kf1karting.com
Burn off energy at an indoor playground in KL
When the kiddos just need to burn some energy off, and you’re looking for fun things to do in Kuala Lumpur, you’ve got plenty of indoor playgrounds at your disposal. You’ll even find familiar names of some indoor playgrounds in Singapore, including SuperPark Malaysia and KidZania–with entry fees that are much lower than their Singapore counterparts.
Relax at a spa in Kuala Lumpur
Two words every parent loves to hear: affordable massages. Thankfully, Kuala Lumpur has plenty of reputable massage parlours, onsens and spas, where it’s easy to find relaxing treatments from full-body massages to foot massages. Some notable brands include Thai Odyssey, Urban Retreat onsens and Uroot Spa, to name a few.
Read more: Best Spas In Singapore For Massages, Facials & Pampering Treatments
What to see in Kuala Lumpur
Get a bird’s-eye view from KL’s skyscrapers
Every first-timer to KL must pay a visit to the city’s iconic skyscrapers. You can travel to the top of the KL Tower (also known as Menara Kuala Lumpur) to get spectacular views of the city below from the Sky Deck, the Sky Box (a glass-bottom observation deck) and the Observation Deck. You can even splash out for the Tower Walk 100, which lets you scale the edge of the tower! Alternatively, check out the Sky Bridge and Observation Deck at the Petronas Twin Towers (also known as KLCC) for fantastic views.
KL Tower, 2 Jalan Punchak, Off, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur, www.kltower.com.my
Petronas Twin Towers, Floor 86, Persiaran Petronas, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur, www.petronastwintowers.com.my
Read more: Best Rooftop Bars In Singapore For The Best Views Of The City
Climb up the rainbow stairs of Batu Caves
The famous Batu Caves is a must for your KL itinerary. This religious site just outside of the city is known for its massive annual Thaipusam pilgrimage, as well as its rainbow-coloured staircases leading up to the caves. It’s a particularly picturesque site thanks to the backdrop of beautiful limestone cliffs and surrounding greenery. Entry to Batu Caves is also free, but do remember to remain respectful while visiting.
Batu Caves, Gombak, 68100 Batu Caves, Selangor
Explore the lakeside city of Putrajaya
Architecture lovers will have plenty to see in Putrajaya, plus you’ll get a good dose of culture. Located about a half-hour drive from KL city, Putrajaya is the administrative centre of Malaysia’s federal government. That said, you can admire beautiful structures such as the Putra Mosque, the Moroccan Pavilion and Seri Wawasan Bridge or explore the manicured grounds of the Putrajaya Botanic Gardens.
Get some fresh air at a park
Bring the kids out for some fresh air and greenery at the Perdana Botanical Garden (previously known as Lake Gardens or Taman Tasik Perdana). This 91.6-hectare-large park has ponds, pavilions and walking trails right by the city centre. Other pretty pockets of greenery include the KL Forest Eco Park and the KLCC Park.
Perdana Botanical Gardens, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Read more: Best Parks In Singapore For Kids
Spot street art in Kuala Lumpur
The street art scene in Kuala Lumpur is incredibly vibrant, admittedly a lot more compared to Singapore’s street art. You’ll very easily see murals and graffiti almost everywhere you go, but some areas are particularly famous for them. To name a few: Petaling Street, Pasar Seni, Jalan Alor, Jalan Rembia, Changkat Bukit Bintang and more. Add these areas to your KL itinerary and keep your eyes peeled for colourful murals covering entire blocks of buildings!
Where to shop in KL
Best shopping malls in KL
We already know that shopping malls are practically Singaporeans’ second homes, and it’s pretty much the same for KL folks! That said, Kuala Lumpur has plenty of great shopping malls with well-known retail brands, fantastic F&B options, cinemas, spas, entertainment–the whole works! Malls are the perfect place to visit if you don’t know what to do in KL and if you want to make the most out of your KL itinerary.
For luxury shopping, head to Suria KLCC, The Gardens Mall, and the famous Bukit Bintang shopping district, where you’ll find Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and The Starhill. For affordable shopping, Lot 10, Sungei Wang Plaza and Berjaya Times Square have numerous retail stores. For all-rounder family-friendly malls, head to Mid Valley Megamall, MyTOWN Shopping Centre, Sunway Putra Mall and LaLaPort Bukit Bintang. There’s a mall at nearly every corner of Kuala Lumpur and beyond, so you’ll be spoilt for choice!
BookXcess: The Instagrammable bookstores in KL
Towering bookshelves, aesthetic corners and thousands of books–that’s what you can expect at BookXcess at RexKL, The Gardens Mall and LaLaport. Other than its stunning interior, BookXcess is also known for incredibly affordable books! Save some room in your luggage and stock up on children’s books of all types at low prices. BookXcess also has other outlets around KL and beyond, though the RexKL outlet is hands-down the most aesthetic of the lot.
P.S. There’s also a gorgeous BookXcess outlet in Johor Bahru.
BookXcess RexKL, Second floor, RexKL, Jalan Sultan, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur, www.bookxcess.com
Central Market: Handicrafts, art and souvenir shopping
Central Market is a must-visit for art lovers. This Kuala Lumpur tourist attraction is where you can find a trove of traditional Malaysian handicrafts, artworks and souvenirs, including paintings, batik outfits, home decor items and more. There are also workshops, fortune telling, henna tattoos and more here. Even if you’re not planning to shop, it’s worth a good browse–it’s brimming with local culture and has plenty for the kids to see.
Read more: Best Flea Markets, Fairs & Farmer’s Markets In Singapore
Night markets in KL
Night markets in Kuala Lumpur are a must-experience for the vibes. Located just behind the popular Bukit Bintang, Jalan Alor Food Street is a haven for foodies where you’ll find mouth-watering food ranging from local must-tries to Thai, Indian and more. For a more local experience, check out the Chow Kit Night Market for an array of fresh produce, local food, cheap clothes and more. Finally, there’s the touristy Petaling Street Market, with lots of clothes, accessories and souvenirs. However, take note that vendors here can be quite pushy with tourists.
Jalan Alor Food Street, Jalan Alor, Bukit Bintang, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Chow Kit Night Market, Jalan Raja Alang, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Petaling Street Market, Jalan Petaling, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Best places to eat in Kuala Lumpur
Hawker stalls in Kuala Lumpur
Finding delicious hawker food in Kuala Lumpur is extremely easy, given that there are great choices pretty much everywhere you go! Some areas where you’ll find the best hawkers in Kuala Lumpur city centre include Jalan Pudu, Jalan Alor, Petaling Street and Bukit Bintang itself. Must-try dishes include KL’s famous pan mee, lala noodles, beef noodles, char kway teow, wanton mee, and so much more.
Mamaks in Kuala Lumpur
‘Mamak’ culture is a must-experience when in KL. These refer to Indian-Muslim restaurants that stay open till late, or even 24/7, and are popular supper and breakfast spots for locals. You’ll find KL’s famous roti canai (much like our Singaporean prata), nasi kandar, biryani, rojak, banana leaf rice and other great options. Some popular names include Restoran Nasi Kandar Pelita, Nasi Kandar Bestari, Sri Nirwana Maju and more.
Read more: Best Indian Restaurants In Singapore
Other popular areas for food in Kuala Lumpur
For local food, check out the likes of Little India, Kampung Baru and Damansara Uptown (hello, Village Park nasi lemak and famous KL Hokkien mee!). For cafes, head to the suburbs of Bangsar, Damansara Heights or Taman Tun. If you’re looking for upscale dining, the city centre’s teeming with premier dining hotspots featuring all sorts of cuisines.
Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur
Five-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur
With a very competitive hospitality scene, it’s very possible to find decently-priced five-star hotels in Kuala Lumpur. Most big brands have a presence in the city, and many have kid-friendly amenities like swimming pools, large rooms and the works. Serviced apartments are also aplenty, and you can find many pocket-friendly ones.
Airbnbs in Kuala Lumpur
There are plenty of great Airbnbs in Kuala Lumpur, too, for a much more affordable price. You can find many apartments and flats in the city. However, do always check reviews before booking to ensure that you get clean and safe accommodation.
What’s the best way to get from Singapore to KL?
Flights from Singapore to KL: Flights between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur take approximately one hour. There are plenty of flights each day, too! Just take note that it takes about 45 minutes to an hour to get from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport terminals to the city, and perhaps longer during peak hours. You can also fly from Singapore to Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (Subang Airport), which is also about 40 minutes from the city centre.
Driving from Singapore to KL: Yes! You can easily drive from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur. The journey takes about four to five hours, and there are well-equipped rest stops with food, restroom facilities and petrol stations along the highway. We recommend avoiding peak periods such as public holidays in Singapore and Malaysia.
Buses from Singapore to KL: There are plenty of bus services that shuttle passengers from Singapore to KL. The journey to KL by bus typically takes about five to six hours, with rest stops in between. Note that you’ll have to disembark at both Singapore and Malaysia checkpoints to scan your passports. As you may encounter heavy traffic, we don’t quite recommend taking the bus if you’re travelling with young kids.
Trains from Singapore to KL: It’s entirely possible to travel to KL by train, though this can take about a full day of travel as there aren’t many departures from the respective stations per day. From JB Sentral, take the KTMB train to Gemas (this journey takes over four hours long), then transfer from Gemas to KL (another two-and-a-half-hour journey).
Family tips for visiting Kuala Lumpur
Getting around Kuala Lumpur: Kuala Lumpur city centre has LRT and monorail networks that are very easy to navigate, especially if you’re used to Singapore’s MRT system. You can also easily book a Grab to get around (the app works in KL, too!). Do be cautious of hailing down taxis, as there are drivers who do not use the meter and overcharge tourists for rides.
Stroller-friendliness: Good news–most attractions and shopping malls in Kuala Lumpur are stroller-friendly with family-friendly facilities! You’ll be walking a lot anyway, so bring that stroller along.
Drinking water: Tap water is not potable in KL, but it’s safe to drink after boiling. It’s also safe to use for bathing, washing up and such, as-is.
Kids’ supplies: It’s easy to find supplies for kids and babies all around town. Milk powder, diapers and over-the-counter medicines are all readily available in supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies, which can easily be found all over town.
Safety: Avoid leaving your kids and items unattended (especially your phone/wallet on the table while eating). Always look left and right before crossing any street and wait for cars to come to a complete stop, as cars don’t always give way at pedestrian crossings.
How many days do you need in KL? Kuala Lumpur’s close proximity to Singapore makes it a great weekend or public holiday getaway, so a three-day KL itinerary or four-day KL itinerary is common. Even if you can’t finish covering everything in one trip, its close proximity makes it easy to make the trip down throughout the year, just like Johor Bahru!
Planning your KL itinerary: Many of these KL attractions and activities are located outside of the city centre and can take around 30 minutes to an hour-plus to get there by car, with traffic getting pretty bad during peak hours (around 7am – 10am and 6pm – 8pm). When planning your KL itinerary with kids, we recommend staying at a hotel that’s near your chosen activities, so you don’t end up spending your holiday stuck in traffic with fussy and tired kiddos.
Now you’re all set for a fun trip to Kuala Lumpur with the family!
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