32 Top Things To Do In Penang With Kids

Published Categorized as Penang
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Going on a Penang trip and want to know all the best things to do in Penang with kids? We have you covered! Below, you will find our guide to all the best attractions in Penang Island to plan your ultimate trip.

Penang – home to many UNESCO sites – is one of Malaysia’s most well-known holiday destinations. However, Penang is much more than just cultural and historical sites. In fact, the Pearl of the Orient is an island containing a generous amount of natural scenery, alongside educational activities which make this a perfect family destination.

Being a small island, most of the attractions are within an hour of each other, making it easy to tick off a few activities within a day without much hassle.  

ice kacang on Penang HIll
My babies eating delicious ice kacang on Penang Hill

A wonderful weekend or short break destination, there are many places to explore and enjoy if you have the luxury of staying longer. Hotel choices are vast too, with Penang having a beautiful coastline dotted with gorgeous accommodation.

Below, you will find our Penang family blog post containing all you need to know about the best things to do in Penang, Malaysia, as well as the best places to stay for your ultimate holiday in Penang!  

Finally, there is also a handy map showcasing the location of the top things to do in Penang Island, Malaysia.

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklistWe’ll help you get ready for your trip! 

Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.

Top 32 Things To Do In Penang With Kids

Here are the best things to do at Penang. Read through and select the ones that fit your interests and timeframe.

Travelling to Malaysia with kids? Listen to our best tips for families here and find out what my kids themselves think about travelling in Malaysia.

Escape Penang!

Escape Penang treetop adventure (1)
Treetop adventures at Escape Penang

But only escape to Escape Penang theme park!

Of all the Penang kid activities, Escape Theme Park provides the largest thrills. It’s likely to be your kids absolute #1 attraction in Penang. It is ours!

There are two distinct areas separated by a bridge. One is called Adventureplay. It is full of activities such as ziplining, jungle swinging, rope and obstacle courses, and even a Human Slingshot! It’s all so much fun. It also has the world’s longest zip coaster.

As if that wasn’t enough, the Waterplay area is a giant water park. There are multiple waterslides, including an almost vertical 11m drop, along with the world’s longest tube-waterslide. 

Running over 1,100 metres, adventurous kids will love sliding through the lush rainforest, entirely surrounded by nature… And viewing it all from quite an unusual angle. We loved watching monkeys as we slid down. One jumped right over us!

Whilst the majority of activities are recommended for age 4 and above, the Escape Theme Park also comes with multiple water play areas suitable for toddlers. However, I largedly recommend this for kids 6+ years old who will be able to do nearly everything.

Only 45 minutes from George Town and not far from Batu Ferringhi, this is one destination where you can easily spend the whole day here and have your kids beg you to return the following day. Our kids absolutely love it.

Address: 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Penang

Click here to purchase your discounted tickets or click here to read our full review to visiting here.

Go On A Food Tour

food tours Penang first stop satay
Satay sticks to start on my food tour. Sooo good!

If your kids love eating then a food tour can be a lot of fun with kids. I have been pleasantly surprised how well food tours work with my kids.

You basically walk around parts of George Town learning about the history and culture while stopping regularly to try delicious food and drinks. I find all the stops and constant eating helps my kids be more focused on a tour than they usually would be.

Simply Enak food tours have a great tour called Penang Street Food. It runs for 3.5 hours and is a great way to start your time in Penang.

You’ll learn about secret societies, visit the unique street art and see the Clan Houses that played a role in Chinese immigration in Penang – all while learning the influence this had on their food and tasting it for yourself.

You’ll try Malay, Chinese and Indian influenced cuisine such as roti canai, Penang laksa, nasi lemak and much more. You’ll also learn how food plays a part in rituals in Indian temples.

These tours do their best to cater to dietary requirements and fussy eaters.

Click here to see more information about this tour and use the discount code, DIVE30 for RM30 off your tour price. Kids’ tickets are heavily discounted.

You can also find full details of all their food tours here.

Explore Penang Hill And Try The Funicular Train Ride

Penang Hill views
Penang Hill views

The famous funicular train ride up Penang Hill is another must do on the list of things to do with kids in Penang. Kids can enjoy riding up the mountain with stunning views on all sides. Going down can be more thrilling if you can grab a seat at the bottom of the tram!  It’s a bit like riding a roller coaster thanks to being one of the steepest funicular rides in the world.

However, be mindful that the queue for the tram can take some time, especially on a weekend, but there are also more expensive Fast Lane tickets available to speed up the process. We last visited first thing on a week day and didn’t have problems.

At the top of Penang Hill, there are many activities such as nature trails, The Habitat (coming up next on this list), temples, a museum, special gardens and much more to see and do. You can walk around exploring while appreciating the cool hill breezes and tranquil surroundings.  It’s cooler up here than down in George Town or by the coast.

There are amazing views over Penang from up here. Or, if it’s a misty day, you might find yourself standing in amongst the clouds… Quite an awesome experience!

Address: 11500 Bukit Bendera, Penang

Click here to read our full guide to Penang Hill.

Explore The Jungle At The Habitat Penang

The Habitat Penang Hill Tree Top walk
Tree Top Walk

While you are up Penang Hill, walk an extra few minutes and visit The Habitat, the prime attraction on Penang Hill and the easiest way to explore Penang’s jungle interior in a way perfect for families.

The Habitat is like a rainforest discovery centre plus it has amazing views over the island of Penang.

It starts with a 1.6 kilometre nature trail which takes you through the 130 million year old rainforest that surrounds you. Kids may find the information boards about the history of the area as well as the local flora and fauna interesting. What they’ll probably love more are the themed viewing platforms and themed gardens.

Included in the entry ticket is also the Curtis Crest Tree Top Walk and the Langur Way Canopy Walk.

This Penang Hill canopy walk is 40 metres above the forest floor and spans three headlands and two valleys over its 230 metres. It offers great views of the rainforest at various levels. There’s enough to look at to keep kids interested, although if they hate heights, they may not enjoy this.

The Penang Hill tree top walk is the highest viewing point on the island. It’s 13 metres from the ground and over the trees. It gives you amazing 360 degree views of the island of Penang. On a clear day, you can see all the way to the Langkawi islands.

There are also a couple of other attractions here for an extra fee including a zip line course and VR experience. Kids will love both of these.

The Habitat requires a ticket to visit.

You can buy discounted tickets here which save you 10% and make things very easy or click here to read our full review of visiting The Habitat.

Visit Kek Lok Si Temple And Liberation Pond

Kek Lok Si Temple Penang
Kek Lok Si Temple

The largest Buddhist temple in the whole of Malaysia, Kek Lok Si Temple is situated at the foot of Air Itam Mountain and is one of the most iconic Penang attractions for family. Kids love the experience of taking the inclination lift (a mini cable car) up to see the huge Kuan Yin Statue. 

All the family can enjoy the picturesque Penang town views from the top of the seven-storey Pagoda making this a great trip out.

A few more temples, colourful gardens and a lovely fish & turtle pond can also be found in this massive temple complex. Make sure you come with ample memory space for lots of Insta-worthy photos!

Address: Ayer Itam, Penang

Pose At Fun Street Art

Street art in George Town Penang
Street art in George Town

George Town is famous for its street art which is a total win for families as it’s sure to keep your kids interested as you stroll around this UNESCO World Heritage listed city.

The centre of George Town is just beautiful and is a must visit on any Penang itinerary. Kids may not find the cultural aspects of this city interesting, but make it a game to see who can spot the most street art as you wander and you’ll have a great time.

The street art is dotted around the city. There’s so much that you won’t see it all, but it’s fun to discover as much as you can. You can get a map from the tourist office or simply walk around until you find it. Armenian Street is a good place to start.

The best part is that many of the street art have 3D elements, like the swings above, that you can easily pose on. It makes it much more fun!

Visit Fort Cornwallis

Fort Cornwallis Penang
Fort Cornwallis with my then 3 year old

Time to give your children a little history lesson! 

Fort Cornwallis is one of the most historical places for kids in Penang. Built back in 1786, it is the largest standing fort in Malaysia and is built near the Esplanade of George Town.

These days, only a ten-foot-tall wall remains, but there is a park inside for the kids to enjoy running around.  And don’t forget to check out the on-site history gallery, filled with information boards that teach some of Penang’s history. 

Address: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200 George Town, Penang

Visit Entopia

Entopia Penang
Entopia Penang

There is perhaps no better way to engage your children than in a garden filled with over 15,000 free flying butterflies.  One of the largest butterfly gardens in Malaysia, Entopia Penang offers a hands-on nature lesson for your children! 

You‘ll find over 200 species of plants and insects in this indoor garden, alongside beautiful waterfalls, caves and ponds. However, the highlight for most children is the hands-on interactive edu-stations.

There are two sections to Entopia with the outdoor butterfly garden being one. This doesn’t have just butterflies but also reptiles and other animals in their re-created natural habitat.

You can then walk through to the two-storey indoor part of the attraction, Cocoon. Here, there are the interactive edu-stations and so much more to explore and discover.

There are also scheduled activities during the day where the kids can go on the equivalent of a butterfly scavenger hunt or watch just emerged butterflies be released and fly for the first time.

Expect to spend at least an hour here, with your children coming out enlightened and happy.  It’s high at the top of our list of kids activities in Penang.

You can see exactly what it is like in our video below:

Address: No.830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Penang

You can buy discounted tickets for this attraction by clicking here or read our full review to visiting Entopia Penang here.

Visit Monkey Beach And Have An Awesome Boat Ride

Monkey Beach Penang
Monkey Beach

Located at the Penang National Park, as the name suggests, Monkey Beach is home to many crab-eating macaque monkeys.

This long stretch of white-sand beach is particularly popular with the locals, so try to visit during a week day for fewer crowds. 

Monkey Beach can be reached along a 3 kilometre hiking trail or by a 15 minute boat ride from the entrance of the National Park. Either route is enjoyable and is one of the best things to do in Penang with family.

Address: Jalan Hassan Abas, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Penang

Stroll And Splash At Youth Park

Youth Park Penang
Youth Park

Looking for some free things to do in Penang for family? Head over to the Youth Park where you will find multiple swimming pools.  

Equally fun for both kids and adults, a huge playground also keeps the younger children busy.  Take a relaxing break under the abundance of trees or challenge yourself to walk barefoot on a reflexology path.  You’ll also find many easy and well-maintained family walking trails that lead you into the nearby jungle. 

The Youth Park is massive and you can easily spend half a day here. There are shops in the park where you can purchase drinks and food.

This was one of our favourite places to visit with the kids when we lived in Penang. It was just so easy to enjoy, and there never seemed to be other people around.

Don’t forget your swimsuit and a good pair of walking shoes!

Address: Persiaran Kuari, Pulau Tikus, 10450 George Town, Penang

Experience A Colourful Cyclo Rickshaw Ride

Rickshaw in George Town, Penang
A rickshaw ride in George Town, Penang

Riding a colourful Rickshaw around George Town may be one of the greatest ways to see the city and also one of the best things to do for kids in Penang.

Rented out by the hour, rickshaw rides take you to different areas of George Town.  All the family will appreciate the various cultural influences reflected within the city. If you don’t have much time, choose to hail one – like a taxi – for a short point-to-point trip.

If you’re around Batu Ferringhi at night, look out for the rickshaws queued outside of the Golden Sands. Unique to the area, rickshaws here are lit up at night with lots of lights making for a delightful family ride.

Address: 52D, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Penang

You can buy discounted tickets for a rickshaw ride by clicking here.

Visit Penang Botanical Gardens

Penang Botanical Gardens, George Town, Penang
Penang Botanical Gardens

The Penang Botanical Gardens is yet another free Penang attraction for kids.

This 50-hectare park is well loved by both locals and tourists with many people coming to the park for long walks or an early morning jog. You’ll find twelve different sections showcasing a large array of plants from all over the world.  Try to avoid visiting between 12.30-2pm when some of these displays are closed.

Finally, there is a monkey path and as the name suggests, plenty of non-aggressive macaque monkeys can be found along the trail.

Address: Kompleks Pentadbiran,Bangunan Pavilion, Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350 George Town, Penang

Spice Up Your Travel By Visiting The Tropical Spice Garden

spice garden in penang
The Tropical Spice Garden

South East Asia’s only spice garden – The Tropical Spice Garden – is another great place to visit with your kids.

Over 500 species of flora and fauna can be found here with the garden also offering a wide range of educational activities for children under 12 years.  They can learn about spices used in cooking as well as a surprising amount of detail about the ecosystem of rainforests.

Parents can also sign up for cooking classes to brush up on Asian cuisine cooking skills. If you are looking for a range of things to do in Penang for families, the Tropical Spice Garden might just be your answer.

Address: Lot 595 Mukim, 2, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 George Town, Penang

You can buy discounted tickets for this attraction by clicking here.

Get To The TOP Penang

The Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Penang
The Rainbow Skywalk at The Top Penang

The TOP Penang is a wonderful place to visit, situated at the top of the highest building in Penang, Komtar.  Filled with 17 different attractions under one roof, there is definitely an attraction that will suit each member of the family.

Rainbow Skywalk is the main attraction. It’s a U-shaped glass bridge at Level 68 of the building that juts out over the street as you can see pictured above. It has great George Town views!  I personally find it a little scary but Mr 6 danced around it thinking it was awesome.

Kids will love the Penang Boutique Aquarium.  It doesn’t have the largest of species; nevertheless, it is beautifully built and well presented and is an excellent spot for younger children.  The Tech Dome Penang is perfect for older children and preschoolers with over 120 science and technology exhibits – extremely inspiring to your young scientists and lots of fun! This was definitely a winning spot for us.

Dinosaur lovers will love the Jurassic Research Centre.  Over 200 Dinosaurs are on display and there’s an interesting, interactive, activity centre as well as animatronic dinosaurs. There’s an indoor playcentre for younger kids and so many other things to do.

This attraction can be a good place to head in the rain although note that the Skywalk shuts when it rains.

So much fun at The Top… Be ready to set aside at least a couple of hours for it!

Address: 1, Jln Penang, George Town, 10000 George Town, Penang

Click here to purchase your discounted tickets or here to read our full review.

Relax At Batu Ferringhi Beach

Penang accommodation batu ferringhi beach
Batu Ferringhi – it’s easy to find a quiet stretch

If you ask people what are the places to visit in Penang for kids, Batu Ferringhi Beach would surely be on the list. 

Penang’s second most famous destination after George Town, you’ll find a long stretch of white sand that is never overly crowded. Along this beautiful stretch of coastline, there are many water sports options, such as water skiing, parasailing and even deep-sea fishing.

My kids have loved trying out parasailing here.

We all love having drinks and food at the Bora Bora restaurant right on the beach. It’s perfect with kids as they can make sandcastles while you have a sunset drink.

However, I don’t recommend swimming here as jellyfish can be found in these waters.

Address: 45, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Kampung Batu Feringgi, 11100 Ayer Itam, Penang

Shop At The Batu Ferringhi Night Markets

Batu Ferringhi Night Markets
Walking towards the Batu Ferringhi Night Markets

Thinking of taking some souvenirs home?  Or perhaps wish to try some delicious local food? Head over to the Batu Ferringhi Night Markets. 

Here you’ll find a large number of stalls – that are all lit up at night – selling many kinds of souvenirs. My older kids loved learning to haggle here.

Once you’re tired of shopping, delight your taste buds with local delicacies at the adjacent Long Beach Café Hawker Center. 

This is our favourite place to eat on the island as there are so many delicious options and it’s all so easy. We ate here most nights when we lived in Penang.

Nasi lemak (fried rice) and chicken satay sticks can be good choices for fussy eaters.

Address: Jalan Pantai Batu, Taman Pantai Batu, 11200 Tanjong Bungah,

Enjoy Playing At Adventure Zone

Adventure Zone Penang
Adventure Zone Penang

Adventure Zone is a fabulous indoor playground, located in Batu Ferringhi in between the Golden Sands Resort and Shangri-La Rasa Sayang. Open to the public, not just hotel guests, the stand out attractions are the spectacular three fast-dropping slides. You will also find various smaller slides, rope bridges, ball pits and game zones.  

It’s easy to spend a couple of hours here and it is an ideal place to head to when the hot weather feels overwhelming! A “must do” on our list of things to do in Penang for Kids with younger kids.

Address: Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Kampung Tanjung Huma, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Penang

You can buy discounted tickets for this attraction by clicking here.

Explore With A Drive Around The Island

Gurney Drive top 10 hotel in Penang

Rent a car or driver and lose yourself on the narrow roads that dip into jungles and pass through farms. 

Stop off to taste the sweet durian at fruit stalls along the way. Fresh air, birds, scenic views… This is a whole different side of Penang!

Click here to rent a car with driver at a discount rate

See The Playground At Straits Green With Water Sprayground

Located at Tanjung Tokong, the playground at Straits Green is also known as the ‘Playground by the Sea”.

As the name suggests, the playground is adjacent to the twinkling sea and nearby the coastal promenade. It also has a water feature that helps kids cool down and have fun from 4:30-6:30pm daily.

While it’s not the best playground on offer, the sea breezes and scenic views make this an ok venue for children to throw off some unused energy.

Address: 11200 Tanjung Tokong, Penang

Relax Your Tired Feet With A Fish Spa

Doctor fish spa

After days spent strolling around Penang, there comes a time to reward your tired feet with a relaxing fish spa!

Along the coastal Batu Ferringhi Road are several fish spas where you can test out this unusual treat.  Soak your feet in cool water tanks and let fish nibble away at your dead skin! Don’t worry if this close-encounter with tiny fish repels you…  Foot reflexology massages are also available too!

The kids will love giving it a go.

Check Out The Toy Museum Heritage Garden

Toy Museum Heritage Garden Penang
Toy Museum Heritage Garden

Claiming to be the world’s largest, The Toy Museum in Penang displays over 100,000 toys from all corners of the globe.  Collectibles include large figurines, dolls and trains. However, sadly the museum is set up more like a warehouse – with no logic as to how items are displayed.   

It’s an attraction that’s maybe more suited for nostalgists or the young-at-heart and may feel a little dated to modern offspring! 

However, that depends on your kids’preferences and it may work for your kids. There was definitely plenty that my kids loved checking out. It’s probably not the best kids attraction in Penang, but it is worth a visit if you are looking to revive some lovely childhood memories. 

Address: 1370, MK2, Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 George Town, Penang

Buy Fresh Produce At The Wet Markets

Penang Wet Market

A quick search in Google and you will find multiple Wet Markets in Penang.  Take your children along to see (and sometimes taste!) exotic Southeast Asian local produce, livestock, local delicacies and dried goods.

A great way to experience Penang culture, wet markets are unusual but interesting places to visit in Penang with family.

Explore Teluk Bahang Forest Park/Penang Eco Park

Teluk Bahang Forest Park/Penang Eco Park
Teluk Bahang Forest Park/Penang Eco Park

How about a day swimming in natural pools? The Teluk Bahang Forest Park is a 32-hectare recreational park with multiple hiking trails, camping sites, picnic areas, a playground and – most remarkably – various natural pools that are fed from a nearby stream.  

Visitors are welcome to jump in for a refreshing dip, making all this absolutely the coolest of activities for kids in Penang.

You’ll also discover a small Forestry Museum which educates visitors on the importance and contribution of forestry within the local ecosystem. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, most of the displays are written in Malay, but this is still worth a short visit.

Address: Lorong Rimba, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Penang

Visit The Penang Turtle Sanctuary

Penang Turtle Beach Sanctuary

If you are looking to do a kids activity in Penang that has an environmental angle, a visit to The Penang Turtle Sanctuary is ideal.

Various species of sea turtles annually lay eggs on Kerachut Beach in Penang.  The Penang Turtle Sanctuary was, therefore, set up in an effort to protect these endangered baby turtles from predators, increasing their chance of survival.

Entrance to the Sanctuary is free and, dependent on the hatchings, you might even be lucky enough to see baby turtles!

Address: Teluk Bahang, Tanjung Bungah, Penang

Check Out The Snake Temple

Bayan Lepas snake temple

Snake Temple is another unique Penang kids attraction. A small Chinese Buddhist temple, located near Penang Airport, it can make for a good pitstop on your way home.

The temple was built in honour of Chor Soo Kong, a Buddhist monk and healer who was believed to have sheltered snakes. Upon completion of the temple, wild snakes found their way inside and locals considered these the disciples of the monk!

Nowadays, you can still spot snakes lingering around the temple, but you are not allowed to touch them. For those who are interested in a closer encounter, you may pay for a photo session with a massive python and viper.

A small snake farm can also be found in the temple where your children can learn more about these incredible animals.

Address: Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas, Penang

Taste Fresh Fruits At The Tropical Fruit Farm

Jackfruit a Tropical Fruit.

Nestled high up on the mountain at Batu Ferringhi, Tropical Fruit Farm is a delightful attraction. Surrounded by wonderful views and breezy mountain air, guided tours take you around this working farm. 

Children learn how specific fruits are grown and the origins of each. And, of course, the best part is sampling the fruits at the end of the tour!

Address: 18, Nile Stone, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Penang

Visit The Bao Sheng Durian Farm

durian tree in orchard

If you love South East Asia’s most famous fruit – the big, spiky, (extremely!) smelly durian – Bao Sheng Durian Farm is the place for you!

During the durian harvest season, the farm offers tours teaching you everything – and more – than you ever wanted to know about the fruit.  Needless to say, this also includes a durian tasting session to settle your durian craving!

Address: 150 Mk2 Sungai Pinang, Balik Pulau, 11000 Penang

Pet Animals at Saanen Dairy Goat Farm

Saanen Dairy Goat Farm

A visit to a petting zoo is a must-do for many families travelling with young children.  At Penang, check out the Saanen Dairy Goat Farm.  This small farm focuses on producing goat milk and related homemade products such as soap, yogurt and ice cream (rather delicious!). 

Additionally, it also houses over 10 different types of animals such as chickens, peacocks, deer and emu. All animals are well cared for and children are free to hand feed them.

Address:  298, Mukim 1, Kuala Sungai Pinang, 11010 Balik Pulau, Penanga

Take A Ferry To Butterworth

One of the ferries going between Butterworth and George Town in Penang
One of the ferries going between Butterworth and George Town in Penang

Lying approximately 3 kilometres east of George Town, directly across the Penang Strait, Butterworth is reachable by car ferry from George Town. Taking the ferry yourself is a cheap, but fun way, to see Penang Island from the sea.

Frequently used by locals, avoid travelling during peak hours or at weekends.

Whilst at Butterworth, go for a stroll at the Butterworth Art Walk. Created by talented local artists – sharing the same passion as the ones at George Town – Butterworth street art brings in the agricultural side of Malay history and is Instagram worthy!

You could also visit the Penang Bird Park while you are here…

Address: Seberang Perai, Penang

Get Up Close With Wildlife At Penang Bird Park

Penang Bird Park
Penang Bird Park

The 5-acre Penang Bird Park is the largest in Malaysia, home to more than 300 species of birds. Varieties include tiny species, such as kingfishers and sunbirds, through to the largest bird on the planet, ostriches.

Built as a garden concept, filled with beautiful landscapes, plenty of flowers and trees, waterfalls and ponds, it’s idyllic to walk around.

Your children will love the bird show, featuring parrots, eagles and owls. And, most of the exhibits come with information boards which makes the trip to the Bird Park that much more educational.  A great family spot!

Note that this bird park is on the mainland of Malaysia and not on Penang island.

Address: Jalan Todak Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Penang

Visit Orang Utan Island

Borneo Orangutan In Sandakan Sepilok. Sabah, Malays

Orang Utan Island is a little over an hour’s drive from Penang, followed by a ten minute boat ride. The journey itself takes you across the longest bridge in SouthEast Asia to peninsular Malaysia.

At the orangutan sanctuary, there are around 20 orangutans providing you with a unique opportunity to see these amazingly smart creatures up close—an educational tour for children and adults alike.

What is cool is that here – you are the one in the cage! While the orangutans are free to roam the island.

Check the weather forecast before you go as orangutans will (sensibly!) hideaway on rainy days.

Address: A197, 34400 Simpang Empat Semanggol, Negeri Perak

Visit The Taiping Zoo

Taiping Zoo Elephants
An elephant family at the Taiping Zoo

Still wondering “What to do with kids in Penang”?  Take a ride a little outside of George Town, approximately 1.5 hours drive, to Taiping Zoo.

The only zoo in the north of peninsular Malaysia, it is by no means a massive place.  However, it houses over 140 species and 1,200 individual animals, thus still makes for a great day out. And hang around for their night safari experience, where you can hop on a tram and view the nocturnal animals.

Located not too far from Orangutan Island, you can easily combine the two for a great nature-filled day out!

Address: Jalan Taman Tasik Taiping, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping, Negeri Perak

Click here to read our full guide to Taiping.

Want Help Having An Awesome Food Experience In Penang?

Join a Simply Enak (aka delicious) Food Tour!

There are two different options depending on whether you want to concentrate on street food or nightlife.

No matter what you pick, you’ll taste a range of fabulous local food and drinks while learning the history and culture of Penang.

There’s no better way to discover this great island.

Make sure you use the coupon code DIVE30 for RM30 off your tour.

Click here for all your options.

Penang Things To Do Map

Things to do in Penang with Kids map
Click the Map to open in Google Maps. You can then access directions to each of the locations discussed in this article.

Best Place To Stay In Penang

There are many accommodation options in Penang from hippie boutique and heritage hotels within George Town to seaside resorts at Batu Ferringhi. In our opinion, Batu Ferringhi’s proximity to the beach makes a stay here the perfect location for families.

The resorts here are also bigger with more kid friendly facilities and plenty of space for kids to run around and let out their crazy 🙂

Below, we have selected our favourite top 3 hotels, at varying price points, for you to consider. There are plenty of more great hotels though that you can find here.

BEST – Hard Rock Hotel Penang Review

The famous Hard Rock Hotel Penang is one of the most luxurious options along Batu Ferringhi. Home to a massive outdoor pool, water slides and poolside cabanas, the hotel is great fun and a beautiful setting for your vacation. 

More amazing facilities, such as a Kid’s Club, poolside bar, hair salon and spa, can also be found here.  A couple of dining options are offered, including an Italian restaurant, a local and continental diner and the legendary Hard Rock Cafe.

The hotel has various room types, including Hillview, Lagoon View and Sea View. But when travelling with kids, we recommend splurging on the Roxity Kids Suite.  Equipped with an awesome in-room kids area, the suite is filled with amenities specifically designed for children (their own TV, playstation 4, soft toys and more!).

Click here for the latest prices.

MID-RANGE – Bayview Beach Resort Review

Bayview Beach Resort main pool area
Main pool area with the beach behind

The Bayview Beach Resort is a gorgeous resort which offers families excellent value-for-money. The hotel is right on Batu Ferringhi Beach next door to the Hard Rock. There is easy access to the beach and water sports.

There are a range of room types to choose from at the Bayview Beach Resort all coming with everything you need for a comfortable stay. There are dedicated family rooms with a range of choices depending on how much you want to spend and how much privacy you want.

All rooms include free wifi, on demand movies, air-conditioning, refrigerator, desk and tea and coffee making facilities. Many rooms have lovely balconies with ocean views.

The hotel has some great facilities for the entire family to enjoy. There are multiple swimming pools including a water play area for younger kids, a playground, a kids club, a fitness centre and multiple eating options on-site. Other facilities include on-site parking, 24 hour front desk and luggage storage.

Click here to see the latest prices now or click here to read our full review.

BUDGET – Rasa Motel Penang Review

The Rasa Motel Penang is only 3 minutes walk from the beach in a great location.

This is a great little find and don’t let the name “Motel” fool you, as the property comes with an in-house restaurant, laundry and massage services.

All rooms are air-conditioned with ensuite bathrooms, and Family Rooms are available with 2 double beds, comfortably sleeping up to 4. Free wifi is available throughout the premises.

Click here for the latest prices.

Click here to see all our recommendations for exactly where to stay in Penang.

How To Get To Penang

It’s easy to get to Penang by flight, bus, car or train from Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, Ipoh or the rest of Malaysia. If you have your own car, great! You are good to go.

Otherwise, see all the latest flights and prices, click here.

If you need to take a bus, click here for the latest timetables and bus prices.

If you’d prefer a train, click here to see the latest train timetables.

You can also hire a car to get you there by clicking here.

If you’re travelling from Kuala Lumpur, read exactly how to get from Kuala Lumpur to Penang here or click here if you happen to be travelling from Langkawi to Penang or here for Ipoh to Penang.

Final Words

No matter if you are a family looking to simply chill out, or searching for exciting and educational activities for your children, you’ll see that there are plenty of options for you to choose from!

Penang is truly a great place to travel with kids. We loved living here and never got bored. Perhaps the only headache is really how to drag the children home once the holiday is over!

If you want more tips for travelling with kids in Malaysia, don’t miss our podcast episode here. My kids even give their own tips for other kids.

Hopefully you’ve found this guide for things to do in Penang with kids helpful. For more things to do in Penang with or without kids, click here for our 3 days in Penang guide. You can also read the best Penang tour and packages here, our full guide on where to stay in Penang and our full guide to Penang here.

Travelling to Malaysia? Click here to download your free Malaysia Trip Planning checklistWe’ll help you get ready for your trip! 

Have any questions? Join our Malaysia Travel Planning Facebook group here now! It’s the perfect place to ask any questions and to be inspired.

By Sharon Gourlay

Sharon is a certified Malaysia travel expert and can't get enough of travelling and talking about Malaysia since she first visited 21 years ago. She travels around Malaysia multiple times a year both alone and with her kids. She used to call Penang home and especially loves this food paradise. Sharon also has a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies, a Certificate III in International Travel Sales and has been certified by Tourism Malaysia as a Malaysia Travel Expert. Through this site, she'll help you have the perfect trip to this amazing destination.