Planning a trip to Kuala Lumpur (also known as KL) with the family? You’re in for an adventure! This bustling city is packed with family-friendly activities, and the best part? It’s easy to explore, with plenty of green space – so it doesn’t feel like your average capital city. 

Here are my travel guide tips to make the most of your visit.

Where to Stay in Kuala Lumpur

When you travel to Kuala Lumpur, the location of your accommodation is everything! Aim to stay somewhere near the iconic Petronas Twin Towers. Not only is it a stunning sight, especially at night, but it’s also a central hub for many attractions.

If you can, try to secure a place with a view of the towers. Waking up to that backdrop is something special! And the lights of an evening are truly magical! If you visit at New Year’s like we did, you’re in for a special treat. There’ll be no need to battle the crowds down below – you’ll have the best seat in the house!

We booked our apartment on Booking.com next to the W Hotel. It meant we could easily walk to the towers and the nearby park and have a fantastic view of the entire city (there was also a pretty amazing rooftop pool). While I love the amenities of a hotel, when there are three kids and two adults, I’d rather have our own space with separate rooms! Discover my essential guide to booking family-friendly accommodation to find out more.

Use Grab in Malaysia for Easy Transport

Getting around Kuala Lumpur is a breeze with Grab. While many people have told me that the metro system is great and super affordable, I found Grab to be really convenient and perfect for the five of us. Unlike some Asian countries where it can be difficult to secure a larger car, in Malaysia we’ve never had an issue requesting larger vehicles to accommodate everyone. The biggest issue? The kids fight over who gets to sit up the back!

Make sure you download the app before your trip and link your payment method for a hassle-free experience.

Must-Do Kuala Lumpur Activities

KL Tower

A trip to the top of KL Tower offers unbeatable panoramic city views. While you can buy your tickets in advance (for example from Get Your Guide), we just turned up and got a combo ticket that included the Sky Deck and Observation Deck.

Like most things in Malaysia, there’s a discount for locals versus foreigners. For a family of five (2 adults and 3 kids), our tickets cost approximately AUD$150.

We then walked to the nearby Eco Park, which featured canopy walks in a rainforest setting. The shade was a nice break from the heat that’s so prevalent throughout Malaysia!

Shopping Centres with Fun Galore

I’ve never seen a shopping centre like a shopping centre in Malaysia. That’s because Kuala Lumpur’s malls aren’t just for shopping!

At Berjaya Times Square, you’ll find an indoor theme park with rides and even a roller skating rink. Sunway Pyramid and Mid Valley Megamall are also a lot of fun, offering everything from arcades to kid-friendly dining options. The indoor roller skating rink at Berjaya was a great way to spend a couple of hours enjoying the air con while the kids used up a lot of energy. Just remember to bring socks!

Street Markets

Along with a HEAP of shopping centres to explore (which is great if you’re a shopaholic, but it can get a bit much) there are also a heap of street markets that are well worth a look. One of the most well known is located in Chinatown – Petaling Street (also known as Jalan Petaling). You’ll find lots of variety from shoes, to clothes, to bags and more. Don’t forget to bargain!

Dinosaur Park at Monkey Canopy

Dino Desert is a bit of a drive, so best if you’re self-driving, as I’m not sure how you’d go getting a Grab back. But it’s well worth it – particularly if you have kids that love dinosaurs! You and your kids can explore life-sized dinosaur replicas, moving and making sounds (our 6-year-old was pretty freaked out to begin with, even though he was the one desperate to visit!).

Pack hats and sunscreen as there isn’t much shade! Tickets are MYR55 for adults and MYR45 for kids. 

KLCC Splash Park

After a day of exploring, cool down at the KLCC splash park. It’s free, and there’s plenty of shade for parents to relax. If you’ve got time to kill stick around for the nightly light and fountain show outside the Petronas Towers. We were a little underwhelmed to be honest, but perhaps it was because it was just before New Years Eve so they were saving up for something special! It kicked off about 7.45pm.

Other Family-Friendly Gems in Kuala Lumpur

• Aquaria KLCC: Dive into the underwater world at this impressive aquarium just a short walk from the towers. It’s educational and exciting for all ages. Tickets are RM40 for kids and RM49 for adults and can be pre-purchased online.
• NZ Curry House: Need a quick and tasty meal? Stop by NZ Curry House, conveniently located near KLCC (offering a pretty unbeatable view), for affordable and delicious local fare. The veggie fried rice was delish – but definitely a little spicier than we expected!
• Batu Caves: While it involves climbing up a fair few steps, kids will love spotting the monkeys and exploring the caves. Just be mindful of the heat and bring plenty of water. And if it’s raining (like it was when we visited) be extra careful. Those steps get slippery! Go early in the day to avoid the crowds (ideally before 10am).

Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant city in Malaysia that is super family-friendly. Whether you’re into cultural experiences, shopping, or just relaxing with the kids, there’s something for everyone!