Penang for children and kids activities
Jungle canopy tours are great fun for kids
There are lots of activities for children in Penang which will keep little ones entertained without boring older family members. And there are countless educational pursuits which can teach young visitors about the incredibly diverse natural landscape of the island including the steamy rainforest teeming with all manner of exotic animals and bugs.
Of course, kids love the beach but not for relaxing with a good book. But luckily there are many fun things for kids to do in Penang by the coast such as tubing, snorkelling or jetskis. Teenagers will love the chance to soar above the earth in a parasail whilst all ages can enjoy a thrilling ride in a speedboat.
And even inland there are plenty of attractions for children in Penang such as visiting the bird park, butterfly farm and trekking in the jungle. Horseback riding is also a popular pastime for kids on Penang and allows them to explore without their little legs getting too tired. More on Penang activities and attractions.
Many high class hotels in Penang have kids clubs which are perfect to give weary parents a break and allow them to spoil each other for a change. Many are complimentary so it's worth checking while booking that hotel.
Adventure Island Rooftop Water Theme Park
This roof-top theme and water park offers many fun things for children in Penang such as the awe-inspiring Anti-Twister and Torpedo Slides plus a Twisting Monster Slide. The Friendly Rhino, floating tubes and wave pool are perfect for younger visitors. (488 B-8-01, Midlands Park Centre, Jalan Burmah, Tel: +60 (0)4 226 8588)
Horseback riding
Nothing beats pony trekking down the beach
There are a few stables which offer horseback riding for children in Penang and many hotels can arrange the excursions from their front desks. Novice riders can be assured of all modern safety facilities, timid ponies and experienced English-speaking handlers to put them at ease. It can be a great way to get some exercise while learning about these magnificent creatures at the same time.
Butterfly Farm
With more than 10,000 butterflies from 120 different species, this is an attraction not to be missed for visitors in Penang with kids. And it’s also an extremely educational excursion as the farm contains extensive research facilities. But the star attraction is the giant enclosure where all the fluttering insects fly free as a seething mass of almost-psychedelic tropical colour. (830 Jalan Teluk Bahang, 11050 Penang, Tel: +60 (0)4 885 1253, info@butterfly-insect.com, open: 09:00 – 5:00, admission: RM12.50/6.25 adult/child)
Beach activities and sports
Holidaying children in Penang are in for a real treat when it comes to exploring the great outdoors. Canoeing, snorkelling and waterskiing are all on offer year-round whilst windsurfing is available when the conditions are right. And many of the beach resorts around Batu Ferringhi and the surrounds have all manner of activities for kids included such as beach volleyball, football and even climbing walls. More on Batu Ferringhi.
Bukit Panchor Recreational Forest
This small lush forest in the lowlands is just 30 miles from Georgetown and features a huge range of animal and plant life. Plus there’s a spooky bat cave for brave young fans of the caped crusader to explore during a night tour.
A walkway takes visitors through a unique mangrove environment and reaches over a freshwater swamp. There are opportunities for camping in the grounds as well. More on Penang day trips.
Youth Park
This is the largest recreational area for young people in Penang and features play and exercise equipment plus outdoor swimming pools nestled beneath a mature tree canopy. Adults can enjoy relaxing in the lush tropical gardens nearby. (by Waterfall Hotel, Penang, admission: free)
Jungle trekking
Most of beach resorts and hotels organise rainforest treks for children in Penang that usually depart early in the morning and include lunch and refreshments. These are not normally the most challenging endeavours and typically follow jungle streams to waterfalls. For intrepid families who wish to embark on their own mini-quest there are pocket guides available from tourists offices in town or the beach resorts.
Bird Park
Budding ornithologists will love the Bird Park as it’s a top attraction for nature-loving children in Penang. The beautifully-landscaped site houses more than 400 species in specially-designed aviaries. There are also lovely landscaped gardens filled with ornamental plant species and ponds with waterfalls and islands. (Jalan Todak, Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Penang, open: 09:00 – 19:00, admission: adult/child RM20/10)
