If you are looking for things to do in Penang with kids, this list will give you all the information you need to discover Penang attractions suitable for your family. We’ve even got some hefty discounts on entry to Penang attractions for families!
Malaysia is hot right now! And I don’t mean hot as in temperature (although it is that too!), but it is the hottest place for families to visit with young kids. This article will give you a comprehensive guide of what to do in Penang with kids. From free things to do in Penang to cheap things to do in Penang, (and even some unique things to do in Penang), we’ve covered all the fun things to do in Penang with kids so you can enjoy every minute of your stay.
What to do in Penang with kids
A beautiful destination with many places to see in Penang, it’s easy to entertain the entire family here. It’s no wonder that Penang falls high upon many ‘visit Malaysia’ bucket lists. Many visitors are drawn to George Town for its variety of traditional attractions. Others looking for relaxing activities in Penang, often take the time to visit Penang National Park for beautiful views and natural adventures. Whether you’re in the mood for thrill or relaxation, Penang can deliver.
Penang is an island, located in Northwest Malaysia, home of the capital city: George Town. The state has a population of over 1.75 million and spans across an area of 1,048 square kilometres. Penang things to do contain a range of entertaining attractions for tourists to enjoy, including cultural sites, towering lookouts, and vibrant gardens all waiting to be explored.
Places to visit in Penang for kids
If you don’t know what to do in Penang with kids and you’re looking for some fun things to do in Penang to fill your Penang itinerary, look no further!
This article will list for you the Penang Malaysia things to do – that is Penang attractions for kids to do throughout the Malaysian state during your Penang family holiday.
Kek Lok Si Temple
Kek Lok Si is effortless to access, located approximately 22 minutes from the city centre. Public transport options are also available. Ride the ‘elevator’ to the top or walk, if you are keen. Fancy a tour of the area? Click here.
It’s also the perfect attraction to couple with a trip to Penang Hill, as it’s located only 3 km away.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (9 am to 6 pm)
Price: Elevator costs 3 MYR one way – 6 MYR return. Free to walk.
Address: 1000-L, Tingkat Lembah Ria 1, 11500 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Kek Lok Si Temple
Things to do in Penang Hill
‘If you’ve not been up Penang Hill, you’ve not been to Penang!’ Or so the saying goes!
Those looking for the best views of George Town can’t look past Penang Hill. The area offers up to 6 peaks, with the tallest standing tall at 833 metres. This is the perfect spot to admire the stretching views of the mainland and adjacent island. Those looking to get a culture-fix are in luck, as Penang Hill is also home to the Penang Hill Mosque and the Sri Aruloli Thirumurugan (both open 24 hours).
Hours: Monday to Sunday (6:30 am to 11 pm)
Price: Funicular – Adult – RM 30. Children – RM15. Walk up for free.
Address: Penang Hill, Penang, Malaysia
Website: Penang Hill
Penang National Park day trip
Spanning over 1,200 hectares, the parkland houses a range of remarkable creatures, plant-life, and exciting attractions. Embark on one of the two main hiking treks, through a lush jungle, along the coastline, to either Monkey Beach or other secluded beaches. Scattered throughout the park are other attractions for tourists to explore, such as the Penang Turtle Sanctuary, Kerachut Beach, the Muka Head Lighthouse, and more. Penang National Park can be explored free of charge. Head over to the website for public transport options and to plan your visit.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (8 am to 5 pm)
Price: Free
Address: Pejabat Taman Negara P. Pinang, Jalan Hassan Abbas, 11050 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Website: Penang National Park
Youth Park George Town Penang
Penang is home to Youth Park, the City Park found near the Botanical Gardens. This Penang kids attraction is suitable for all ages from toddlers, teens and adults.
Youth Park, is an urban park that was opened in 1972 as a recreational area and a green lung for the city’s residents. With amenities such as:
- playgrounds,
- a skating rink,
- multiple splash pools and
- a swimming pool,
- reflexology paths,
- a giant chess board,
- a cafe and
- an outdoor auditorium,
All of which are open to the public. The park is free to enter and use and is maintained by the Penang Island City Council.
Hours: 6am – 5.30pm
Price: FREE
Address: Persiaran Kuari, Pulau Tikus, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Read our detailed Youth Park review!
Penang Street Art
In 2012 Penang’s municipal council hired London-trained Lithuanian artist, Ernest Zacharevic and charged him with breathing new life into some of the atmospheric Chinese shop-houses around George Town. Later, additional artists have been asked to add their works. It has created beautiful and interesting decorative features to the inner city area.
Adults and children alike will love the world famous and interactive street art. You can find them located around the central Georgetown streets of Muntri Street, Weld Quay, Lebuh Leith, Armenian Street, Ah Quee Street and more. Take the opportunity to ‘get in the picture’ to become part of the art yourself.
RELATED: Save your kids’ legs and take a tri-shaw ride to see the street art – click here
Tropical Spice Garden
The Tropical Spice Garden is a natural playground for the entire family to enjoy. Stretching across 6 diverse landscapes, the garden is home to over 500 species from all over the world. Grab the kids and embark on one of the three garden trails, past tumbling waterfalls and unique, recycled structures.
If you’re in the mood for a different experience, the garden offers plenty of other attractions, such as a cooking class. Hosted by talented chefs, you can learn how to make delicious South-East Asian cuisines. The programme typically involves a tour of the spice terraces, followed by a cup of tea in a Bamboo Garden. From here the cooking class begins, with approximately 10 people in a group. Alternatively, kids can enjoy a fascinating Natural Education class of the Tropical Spice Garden, with plenty of different programs on offer to suit different interests.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (9 am to 6 pm)
Price: Audio Tours: Adult – RM29. Child – RM17
Address: Lot 595 Mukim, 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Tropical Spice Garden
Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm
More than just a butterfly farm, Entopia is a haven and magical world where butterflies and insects are free to come out and play. Discover the two worlds that lie inside the butterfly park: The Natureland living outdoor gardens, and The Cocoon indoor discover center.
The Natureland is a shared ecological space for a variety of animal species from invertebrates to small reptiles living in their re-created natural habitat. It’s one of the largest butterfly farm in all of Malaysia! With more than 15,000 free-flying bugs and over 200 species of plants with waterfalls, ponds, caves and other artistic garden features, it’s a sight to behold!
Before you leave The Natureland, make sure to stroll along the mezzanine-terrace from David’s Garden and get a majestic view of the Home Tree. Afterwards, head to The Cocoon, which features two floors of learning exhibition and indoor activities. Explore the world of invertebrates through various interactive edu-stations and hands-on activities, and get a chance to learn all about the various insects inside the park!
Prepare yourself for a truly one of a kind experience – one you can only find at Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (9am to 6pm – last entry at 5pm)
Price: Adults – RM 65, Child – RM 45 (cheaper on Klook – click here)
Address: 830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang, Malaysia.
Website: Entopia
THE TOP Komtar Penang
Climb to the top of the tallest building in Penang and experience the thrill of looking down on the city from the height of 249 meters above earth. The Window of The Top is an open deck on the 68th floor that offers you a truly unique 360° view of Penang’s urban scapes and presents you with one-of-a-kind photo taking opportunities. Looking for a fear of heights challenge?
Then, take a stroll down the Rainbow Skywalk—a true walk-on-air experience as you step onto a glass walkway that seems to be just floating in the air. Complete the experience with a visit to the Avenue of Adventures featuring 7D Discovery Motion Theater, Jurassic Research Centre and more and don’t miss out on the Tech Dome, the city’s one and only Science Discovery Centre.
Hours:
Window of the Top (Observatory Deck & Rainbow Walk)
- Sun-Thurs: 11:00am-10:00pm
- Fri-Sat: 11:00am-11:00pm
- Public and school holidays: 10:00am-10:00pm
Avenue of Adventures
- All Attractions: 11:00am-8:00pm, every Mon-Fri
- All Attractions: 11:00am-9:00pm, every Sat-Sun
- Tech Dome: 10:00am-6:00pm, daily
- Public and school holidays: 10:00am-10:00pm
- Last admission for all attractions are 1 hour before closing time
Price: Adult – RM 68, Child – RM 48 (single entry) (cheaper on Klook – click here)
Address: No 1, Jalan Penang, George Town, Malaysia
Website: THE TOP Komtar Penang
RELATED: Like night time views? Try this scenic night tour around Penang including a ferry ride! Click here.
Penang Botanic Gardens
The Penang Botanic Gardens (otherwise called the Waterfall Gardens) is the perfect destination for a simple family morning venture. Located conveniently close to George Town, the gardens are home to an intriguing combination of native and exotic plant-life to admire, such as the Sengkuang Tree, Cannonball Tree, Black Lily, and much more. You can also keep an eye out for a few different creatures, such as squirrels, butterflies, and even monkeys.
The Botanic Gardens also contains a path that leads directly to Penang Hill and takes approximately 1 hour to complete. The path is called Monkey Gardens due to the variety of Macaque Monkeys scattered throughout the trek. Although they can be very entertaining to watch, it’s important not to feed them as they can bite back. The gardens can be effortlessly accessed, with public transport options available.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (5 am to 8 pm)
Price: FREE
Address: 673A, Jalan Kebun Bunga, Pulau Tikus, 10350 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Penang Botanic Gardens
Wonderfoods Museum
Gain insight into Penang’s extensive food culture at George Town’s Wonderfoods Museum. The facility houses large displays of classic foods and is split into three diverse galleries. First is the Info Zone, with over 100 popular street foods of Malaysia displayed within a glass case. The Wow Zone offers tourists the perfect photo opportunity, with plenty of giant food replicas to pose with, including curry see, char key teow, rojak, and much more.
Finally, the Education Zone educates its guests on various dining choices and how these choices can bring about negative effects. For example, this is clear through a display of a table with shark spread across it to showcase inhumane production of certain dishes. Head to the Wonderfoods Museum website for more information.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (9 am to 6 pm)
Price: Adult – RM25, Child – RM15 (cheaper on Klook – click here)
Address: 49, Lebuh Pantai, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Wonderfoods Museum
Escape Theme Park
Those looking for a bit more thrill can make their way down to this famous Penang Theme Park known as the Escape Theme Park. Located about 30 minutes from George Town it is towards the Penang National Park. The park is comprised of a variety of thrilling attractions that both parents and children can enjoy. Including diverse activities such as the AeroBat, AirBag, AK Academy, AK Splash, A-Maze, Atan’s Jump, Banana Flip, Coco Climb, Dunk Tank, Discovery Dig, a Family Trail, Flying Lemur, and heaps more on offer, there’s surely a little something for everyone to enjoy.
If you can’t reach the Escape Theme Park via car, public transport options are also available. For a full list of activities, descriptions, and prices, visit the Escape Theme Park website.
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday (10 am to 6 pm)
Price: Adult – RM138. Child – RM92 (cheaper on Klook – click here)
Address: 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Escape Theme Park
TeddyVille Museum
Relive your childhood with a visit to one of the most interesting and unique museums in Penang! Step into the TeddyVille Museum and get ready to be greeted by Malaysia’s first and largest collection of Teddy Bears from various nations and eras – dating as far back as the 1900’s. See various displays of teddy bears in all shapes and sizes from miniature bears to ones as tall as a human person!
Not only will you be surrounded by an endless cuteness of fluffy furriness in this museum, but you’ll also get to learn about the cultural history of Penang – as told by miniature bears – and of course, the origins and evolution of the classic teddy bear. As a bonus to this trip, you also have the option to build your own bear to take home as a memorable souvenir!
Hours: Monday to Sunday (9 am to 6 pm)
Price: Adult RM 36, Child RM 25 – (cheaper on Klook – click here)
Address: 54, Jalan Low Yat, Batu Feringghi, 11100 Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Teddyville Museum
The Dark Mansion
The Dark Mansion is the first and only glow-in-the-dark museum in Malaysia. It’s really just a bit of fun for visitors but little kids will enjoy the special effects and adults may like the 3D ‘insta worthy’ photo opportunities.
Not at all a huge location, the Dark Mansion consists of a number of rooms that incorporate science and technology and glow in the dark paint for a highly visual experience. We spent around an hour in here taking photos and laughing. The staff are kind and will help you through the experiences giving you tips on the best places to stand or sit for the best photos. It’s a cute experience that kids particularly would enjoy.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (10 am to 6.30 pm) Closed public holidays
Price: Adult – RM35 Child – RM25 (cheaper on Klook – click here)
Address: 145, Lebuh Kimberley, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: Dark Mansion
The China House
The China House was an absolute FIND! Simply put, this cafe is all about cakes, coffee and board games (and a little bit of drawing on the table!) An absolute delight of a calm oasis in the busy streets of Georgetown, add this Penang cafe to your bucket list!
Hours: 9am – 1am
Price: free entry – cost for purchases
Address: 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Website: China House
Snake Temple
Admire Penang’s cultural side through a visit to the Penang Snake Temple. The temple was initially built in honour of a Buddhist priest who offered shelter to the snakes, and when the temple was completed and the priest had died, the snakes moved in. It was due to this that many believe that the snakes are the disciples of the priest.
As the name would suggest, this adventure may sound scary or thrilling, however, the temple is known as a peaceful location. Throughout the Penang Snake Temple are large incense burners, statues, carvings, and a bell in the main hall weighing approximately 270 kg. Located behind the temple is where a lot of the snake lie, scattered throughout the fruit trees and coiled around the branches.
Reaching the Penang Snake Temple from George Town is as easy as ever, with three bus numbers delivering tourists to the grounds.
Hours: 6 am to 7 pm (Opening hours may vary between days)
Price: Entry into the temple is free.
Address: Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Gurney Plaza
For those looking to do some shopping in George Town, the Gurney Plaza can deliver. The facility offers 9 stories of shopping and dining options, multi-level parking, and complimentary phone charging services, all in one convenient location. The Gurney Plaza is easy to reach, with plenty of public transport options available.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (10 am to 10 pm)
Price: Free
Address: 170, Gurney Dr, Pulau Tikus, 10250 George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Website: Gurney Plaza
Goddess Of Mercy Temple
The Goddess Of Mercy Temple (otherwise known as Kuan Yin Teng) is a traditional masterpiece that’s effortless to appreciate. The structure was initially constructed in the 1800s and is very popular during the eve of a Chinese New Year for blessings and offerings. Many tourists head to the temple year-round to embrace the peaceful vibe this location exudes and to grab some photos in this beautiful setting.
The temple is conveniently located in the heart of George Town, with a variety of other attractions nearby. Public transport options are also available to reach the temple.
Hours: Monday to Sunday (5 am to 6 pm)
Price: Free
Address: 30, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Website: N/A
Penang Performing Arts Centre – CLOSED
If you’re eager to explore some of Penang’s creative side, be sure to head over to the Penang Performing Arts Centre. The facility regularly hosts various forms of entertainment, including comedy shows, plays, dance performances, sketches, and much more. With all the variety on offer, there’s sure to be something available to suit everyone.
The performing arts centre is located about 20 minutes from the heart of George Town and is very close to the Penang Avatar Secret Gardens. Prices vary depending on the show, although ticket prices are usually very reasonable. To browse the shows on offer while you’re visiting the city, head over to the Penang Performing Arts Centre website.
Price: Varies between shows
Address: Straits Quay Marina Mall, Lot 3H-4-1, Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang, Pulau Pinang, 10470 Tanjong Bungah, Malaysia
Beach Resorts Penang
When traveling to Penang with kids, finding the perfect beach resort is essential for a memorable family vacation. Luckily, Malaysia offers a plethora of fantastic options. The beach resorts in Penang are known for their family-friendly amenities and breathtaking coastal locations. These resorts provide a great opportunity for kids to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea while parents can relax and unwind.
From spacious rooms with stunning views to swimming pools and water sports activities, there is something for everyone. The resorts often offer dedicated kids’ clubs, ensuring that little ones have a blast with supervised activities and games. With a variety of beach resorts to choose from, families can find the perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and fun for an unforgettable holiday in Penang.
See our list of the best beach resorts in Malaysia here.
Things to do in Penang with Kids
We hope this list of things to do in Penang with kids has inspired you and given you lots of ideas (and some discounts!)
Penang is home to a generous list of things to do that make a trip to Malaysia unforgettable, and with the collection of family-friendly attractions on offer, there’s a little something for everyone to enjoy.
Those looking for a thrilling adventure can head over to one of the exciting theme parks located on Penang Island, or escape the bustle of the city all together through a trip to a lush, natural playground: The Penang National Park.
Stop by one-of-a-kind museums, or relax within botanical gardens. No matter the experience you’re looking for, whether it’s a tranquil getaway or an action-packed journey, Penang can deliver. So, next time you’re exploring this diverse location, be sure to check out a few of these experiences with your kids.
BONUS: Looking for the best street food in Penang? Click here to read our detailed article.
Looking for more things to do in Malaysia with kids?
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