Top Kids’ Activities in KL

VERONICA SHUNMUGAM | 19 NOVEMBER 2025

From butterfly gardens to artsy weekends, music under the trees and hands-on craft sessions, families can explore countless kid-friendly spots around downtown Kuala Lumpur on World Children’s Day.

EVERY year on Nov 20, World Children’s Day reminds us to pause, look around and see the city through the eyes of its youngest explorers. And if you happen to be in Kuala Lumpur, you’ll realise the city isn’t just steel, heritage stones and traffic – it’s a giant, open-air playground filled with stories, surprises and spaces where kids can learn, create and let off some serious steam.

From leafy pockets of nature to hands-on museums and creative corners, here’s your guide to the best kid-friendly adventures in KL’s heritage core. Perfect for families celebrating the spirit of World Children’s Day – or simply looking for a joyful day out in the city.

Paint the Town (and Canvas) at the National Art Gallery

If your little Picasso reaches for the crayons before breakfast, this is the spot to let their imagination run wild. The National Art Gallery’s Kids Club is a colourful hub for budding artists – and at just RM10 for membership (valid until your child turns 12!), it’s one of the most value-for-money creative experiences in town.

Open to Malaysian children aged 4–12, the club offers free and subsidised workshops throughout the year. Think doodling sessions, hands-on painting, and guided activities with real artists. Membership perks include 10% off at the NAG Store and 20% off paid workshops, plus exclusive email invites to special programmes.

Kids must be accompanied by an adult – perfect for parents who want guilt-free bonding time. Who knows… you might even spot the next Lat or Yusof Gajah at work.

Craft Traditions at the National Museum

Every Saturday until year-end, the National Museum invites kids aged 7–12 to join its free Program Ceria craft classes at the Dewan Tengah. Here, they’ll learn to make iconic crafts such as the wau and rebana ubi, and explore artefacts that bring Malaysia’s cultural heritage to life.

Classes begin at 11am, a blessing for families juggling morning chores and co-curricular activities. When tummies start rumbling, families can head to Muzima Café, nearby stalls, or even the museum’s vending machine.

Cool off afterwards at the revamped Sejarah Awal Permanent Collection, featuring a replica of the 11,000-year-old Perak Man – a guaranteed hit with young history buffs. Before heading home, don’t miss the nostalgic pink Mini Bus and ice-cream pakcik waiting in the car park.

Musical Mornings Under the Trees at Taman Tugu

Nature + music = a winning recipe for happy kids! Weekends at the 27-hectare Taman Tugu forest park offer a wholesome way for families to reconnect with nature. At the Taman Tugu Nursery, live busking from 9am–11am gives babies and toddlers a gentle introduction to rhythm, creativity and sound exploration.

Bring along the essentials – snacks, drinks, hats, spare clothes or nappies, and outdoor toys. The Marketplace (7am–12pm) nearby is handy for last-minute supplies.

It’s a simple formula: fresh air, shady trees, and the joy of watching local musicians do their thing – all making for a calm, grounding start to the day.

Arts-Awesome Weekends at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

If your kids wilt under the afternoon sun, head indoors to the Children’s Library of the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia (IAMM) for its free weekend activities for ages 4–12.

Saturdays, 3pm: Storytelling followed by themed arts & crafts
Sundays, 3pm: A 15-minute wayang kulit screening (Malay & English) plus discovery time with artefacts

Early arrival is recommended as seating is limited. Under-6s must have a guardian. For weekday outings, pre-school groups (ages 4–8) can get a One-Day Pass for RM10.

Young history buffs could also join IAMM’s Get to know Tipu Sultan free guided tour at 11am on Nov 21 (Friday) and a ticketed version of the tour at 11am every Sunday until the year’s end. These activities are part of the museum’s exhibition More Than A Day As A Tiger: The Legacy Of Haider Ali And Tipu Sultan Of Mysore that runs until March 29, 2026. Perfect for kids curious about warriors, legends and epic tales.

Tiger-type appetites can have their pick of samosas, falafels, kebabs and dishes from around the Islamic world at the museum’s Moza Restaurant. And, from the Islamic Arts Museum Shop, there are a range of finely-made home-use souvenirs for the kids to rem ember their visit by.

Family Art Adventures at Ur-Mu @ The Toffee

Introduce your kids to the art world through their favourite subject: food! At Urban Museum’s branch Ur-Mu @ The Toffee, the I Love Sushi exhibition offers playful visuals, interactive displays and digital experiences that show how sushi became a global superstar.

The exhibition runs until Dec 31, 2025, and is ideal for families discovering art in bite-sized, relatable ways.

Another kid-friendly highlight here is International Games Day, running until end November, where families can enjoy traditional games, board games and card games. Tickets must be purchased online through the gallery’s website.

Messy Play & Picnic Party @ Taman Tugu

Let the kids go wild at MoSAIC Malaysia’s Messy Play & Picnic Party, themed Jungle Vibes, Island Fun. Happening at the Taman Tugu Nursery on Nov 23, 8am–1pm, this event promises:

Messy play zones (splashing, squishing, painting!)
A hearty family breakfast
Live performances & sing-alongs
Outdoor arcade games
A best-dressed mini catwalk
A tiny dance floor for tiny humans

Perfect for curious, energetic kiddos who don’t mind getting dirty – and parents who love seeing them glow with happiness.

Old Art, New Generations at GMBB

GMBB’s nine-storey creative mall is a magnet for young visitors, especially thanks to the Duke Museum of Picture Book Art, which you absolutely must visit if your children love books and art!

On Nov 22–23, the museum together with Bojen Sam Studio will host two-hour workshops and activities including a guided tour to Fusion Wayang Kulit and the Darkroom Gallery, where they'll get to see carnivorous pitcher plants. The workshops (age 5+) will offer kids the opportunity to create notebooks, keychain paintings, fans, coasters and more. Fees are RM120 per child or RM200 for two. Register at 012-332 0937.

Meanwhile, local publisher Hikayat Fandom, also at GMBB, presents Ulek Mayang retold for young listeners, followed by a colouring session on Nov 20.

Batik for Kids at Central Market

Batik painting has become a go-to creative outlet for families, thanks to its focus, calm and Malaysian flair. Kids get to experiment with colour mixing, brush control and design – and take home a piece of art they made themselves.

From Nov 28 to Dec 8, head to Central Market for Viva Batik!, organised by Yayasan Budi Penyayang for National Batik Day. The event runs 10am–10pm, with batik workshops designed especially for children.

Family tip: Come dressed in your batik best for great photos – and to get into the spirit!

Chase Colours at the KL Butterfly Park

For a magical, nature-filled adventure right in the heart of the city, take the kids to the Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park – a tropical enclosure that feels like stepping into a storybook garden. Home to thousands of butterflies fluttering freely among lush greenery, mini waterfalls and winding pathways, it’s one of KL’s most enchanting kid-friendly spots.

Little ones can wander through the landscaped park spotting butterflies of all colours and sizes, learn how these delicate creatures grow through different life stages, and even observe them up close in the nursery area. The park’s pond, koi fish, insects and reptiles gallery add extra excitement for young nature lovers who enjoy discovering “tiny creatures with big personalities.”

With shady paths and plenty of photo opportunities, it’s a great mid-morning or late-afternoon outing – especially for families looking to slow down, cool off and soak in some natural beauty without leaving the city.
Bring along water, a hat, and a sense of wonder – you’ll need all three.

Whether your child loves running through forests, splashing paint, listening to stories, or discovering treasures from Malaysia’s rich cultural heritage, KL is bursting with activities to make this World Children’s Day memorable. Pack some snacks, pick a few favourites from this list, and get ready to explore the city through small eyes and big imaginations.

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