Top 20 Things to Do in Penang With Kids - Complete Guide to Exploring Penang

Penang is a beautiful place to travel with your family. There are many kid-friendly parks and sites to go to. It is known for its sandy beaches and food hubs that will surely keep the kids engaged and make it a joyful trip. Here are the top things to do in Penang with kids:

1. Batu Ferringhi Beach

A popular spot in Penang is the Batu Ferringhi beach. There are various activities available here like parasailing, jet-skiing, deep-sea fishing, fish spa and more. Kids and adults alike would love this place with its smooth sandy beach and peaceful atmosphere. 

Location: 69, Jalan Batu Ferringhi, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia 
Pro-Tip: When you book a hotel near the beach, ask the staff whether it is safe for kids to play at the beach since there are many activities going on like horse riding, jet skiing and other sports activities. It would be advisable to move to a quieter part of the beach and keep on a lookout for any disturbances.  

2. The Habitat Penang Hill

The Habitat offers an authentic educational experience within its 130-million-year-old rainforest. You can get in touch with the purest form of nature with their flora and fauna right in the middle of the city. Activities here include sunset walk, Curtis crest treetop walk, Langur canopy walk(230m), trails, zip lines and a giant swing to view the rainforest. It is a family-friendly place and the kids will definitely enjoy it. 

Location: Jalan Stesen, Bukit Bendera Air Itam, 11500 Penang, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily. 
Cost: RM 10 for kids and RM 20 for adults

3. Entopia

Previously known as the butterfly farm, Entopia is the largest butterfly garden in Malaysia. It houses two worlds – one is the living garden vivarium shared by a variety of animals, birds, reptiles and insects, waterfalls and ponds and the other is the cocoon world for an exhibition and indoor activities.  Here you get fun hands-on learning activities and other entertaining activities.

Location: No.830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM It's closed on Wednesdays. 
Cost: There are various package deals for families, you can visit this site for more details: https://www.entopia.com/visitor-info/

4. Youth Park

The Youth Park is one of the best places to visit in Penang with kids. It is an exciting site with the waterparks, skating rink, huge playground, hiking trails and the tree-shaded gardens for a nice fun day out.

Location: Persiaran Kuari, Pulau Tikus, 10450 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: 6:00 AM - 5:30 PM everyday. 

5. Colourful Cyclo Rickshaw

The colourful Cyclo Rickshaw are a fun way to get around the city and have tour of George Town and historic centres. Pulled by drivers, you can rent these cute trishaws by the hour or for short trips. A cheap and practical way to move around the city when it's too hot to walk.

The trishaws charge RM10 for short trips. They provide tours in George town but you won’t find any to reach places like Batu Ferringhi as it is farther away. Available throughout the day and at night time too. 

6. Kek Lok Si Temple and Liberation Pond

Being the largest Buddhist temple of Malaysia, this picturesque structure comprises beautiful monasteries, temples, gardens, and the turtle liberation pond. One cannot miss a visit to this peaceful temple with kids while in Penang.

Location: 1000-L, Tingkat Lembah Ria 1, Air Itam, Penang Island 11500, Malaysia
Timings: 7:00 AM - 5:30 PM everyday 
It will take 1.5 hours to complete the whole tour of the temple. Recommended to go in the evening before light to get better views of the hill. 

7. Teluk Bahang Forest Eco Park

This park is a beautiful forest meant for recreational activities with hiking trails, children’s playground, ponds, forest museum, camping facilities and much more. The trails lead to some beautiful sights of the city and other parts of the island and nearby hills.

It will take around 2 hours here.
Location: Lorong Rimba, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM everyday

8. Penang Botanical Gardens

Also known as the Waterfalls garden, this is a public park with many attractions and indigenous plant species. Macaques can be sighted in the park, especially on the Monkey path. It is a pleasant place to have a picnic with kids and let them free.

Location: Pavilion Administrative Complex, Jalan Kebun Bunga, 10350, Penang
Timings: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM, daily
Do not feed or entertain the monkeys as they can be frisky and can bite you. 

9. Made in Penang Interactive Museum

This museum is quite an amusement with its 3D artworks and murals. Filled with creativity by the local artisans, dioramas, and 3D trick art, it brings out the liveliness from their innovations. Keep aside 1-2 hours for this museum. 

Location: 10, Lebuh Penang, George Town, 10200 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: 10:00 AM - 6:30 PM daily, last admission at 5:30 PM
Cost: Kids (3-12 years old): RM25, Adults: RM35

10. Toy Museum Heritage Garden

Listed as one of the largest toy museums in Malaysia, this fun collection of wax statues, toy museum, bags and collectables and heritage garden is a fascinating place not to be missed.

Location: Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM

11. Penang Bird Park

One of the largest aviaries in Malaysia, here you will find more than 300 species of native and exotic birds and you can relax in this beautiful landscape with orchids, cascading waterfalls, mouse deer and more.

Location: Jalan Todak Seberang Jaya, 13700 Perai, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily
Cost: Adults - RM38, Kids- RM20
Will take 1-2 hours to complete.

12. Ferry to Butterworth

This ferry runs from Butterworth to Georgetown. It takes you from to and fro Penang island and the mainland. This is a much fun transportation than the others via road. The ferry starters from Penang Sentral. The ferry runs every 20-30 minutes. It takes around 15-20 minutes to reach Butterworth. Very few ferries are available at night and they depart every 60 minutes.

Timings: The first ferry leaves by 5:40 AM. 
Cost: 1.20 MYR per adult and 0.60 MYR for kids below 12.

13. Adventure Zone

This is the perfect place for tired parents to drop off their kids to play and use up their youthful energy. A part of the Golden Sands resort in Batu Ferringhi, this is a popular play area with multiple slides, foosball, Nintendo, arcade games and much more.

Location: Jalan Batu Ferringhi, Kampung Tanjung Huma, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM every day
Entry fee: For visitors: 2 hour sessions cost RM33
Resort guest: 2 hour session - RM22, half day package - RM44
There are birthday packages available.

14. Orangutan Island

A bit further away from Penang is the Orangutan island where you can meet the endangered orangutans, and get a tour of the island, the Taiping zoo, and the Perak Museum. In this island, the orangutans roam free while the humans are in an enclosure.

Location: A197, 34400 Simpang Empat Semanggol, Negeri Perak, Malaysia
Timings: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
To get to the island there is a ferry from Bukit Merah Laketown resort. The boat arrives every 45 minutes starting from 9 am. 

15. Monkey Beach

Also called as Teluk Duyung, this blissful beach with its wide stretch of smooth sand is a fun and relaxing place to be. It can’t be accessed via road, so there are boats and hiking trails to reach this beach. Just like the name, you will find many macaques here.

Location: Jalan Hassan Abas, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia

16. Taiping Zoo

This is a zoological park located a bit further away from the city of Penang. There are night safaris too with 1300 animals representing 180 species of fauna. This is also close to the Orangutan island and can be visited together.

Location: Jalan Taman Tasik Taiping, Taman Tasik Taiping, 34000 Taiping
Timings: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM daily, night safari is open from 8:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Entry fee: Zoo: Adults- RM16, Kids- RM8, Senior citizens- RM8
Night Safari: Adults- RM20, Kids- RM10, Senior citizens- RM10

17. Escape Adventureplay Theme Park

This popular theme park is 2 in 1 park with a water park and an adventure course. A fun place to be with thrilling rides like bungee jumping, zip line, banana twister and many such adrenaline activities. 

Location: 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050
Timings: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Tuesday - Sunday
For more details about the tickets, head over to this site https://ticket.escape.my/

18. Tech Dome Penang

It is an interactive science and technology exhibit with an astronomy observatory, children’s exploratory zone, robotics and much more. Ideal for your kid’s curious mind. Other activities like wall climbing and slides are also included here.

Location: Geodesic Dome, KOMTAR, Jln Penang, 10000 George Town
Timings: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Wedneday - Monday

19. The Snake Temple

This is a Chinese Buddhist temple made in the honour of a Buddhist priest called Chor Soo Kong who gave shelter to snakes. The snakes moved into the temple grounds after his death. It is a peaceful place irrespective of the snakes slithering by. Although now you won’t see many snakes due to recent urban developments. It will take 1-2 hours to cover the temple. 

Location: alan Sultan Azlan Shah, Bayan Lepas Industrial Park, 11900 Bayan Lepas
Timings: 6:00 AM - 7:00 OM
Do not allow children to touch the snakes

20. Fort Cornwallis

This is one of the most important structures in this city. Built by the British, it is called the star fort. This is a go-to place if you are a history buff. It is a peaceful and nice place to spend your time right next to the sea.

Location: Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah, George Town, 10200
Timings: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Entry fees: Malaysian Citizens: Adults - RM20, Kids- RM10
Non Citizens: Adults- RM10, Kids-RM5

Where to Eat in Penang with Kids?

1. Laksalicious

A great place to try Laksa and other local delicacies is Laksalicious. This is a top-rated restaurant with a warm ambience and has plenty of vegetarian options too.

Location: No.117A, Jalan Hutton, George Town, 10050 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: 11:30 AM -7:30 PM, Thursday - Tuesday

2. Long Beach Café

A multi-cuisine café with a collection of food stalls. You can enjoy the best street food here at affordable rates and the kids will enjoy the different variety of delicacies.

Location: Jalan Batu Ferringhi Penang 11100
Timings:  6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

3. Ferringhi Inn and Café

This is also a bed and breakfast. Located in Batu Ferringhi, this café serves Indian as well as western cuisine.

Location: 3, Lorong Sungai Emas, Kawasan Perumahan Sungai Emas, 11100 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: 7:30 AM - 10:00 PM

4. Golden River Restaurant

You can find the best Chinese cuisine from Golden River restaurant. Known for its warm and friendly services and cheap rates.

Location: 6, Jalan Sungai Emas, Kawasan Perumahan Sungai Emas, 11100 Ayer Itam, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: 5:00 PM -10:30 PM, Wednesday - Monday

5. Bora Bora by Sunset

Just by the beach, this is a happy place to be with great food and good company. Its cuisine varies from international delicacies to local Asian dishes and a fusion of local ingredients.

Location: Batu Ferringhi Beach, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM daily

6. Cheeang Kee Restaurant

For an authentic local Penang food, you can head over to Cheeang Kee restaurant in George Town. They serve authentic local dishes as well as seafood, Malaysian and Chinese food.

Location: 433, Chulia St, Georgetown, 10200 georgetown, Penang, Malaysia
Timings: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM, 6:00 PM -10:30 PM

7. Yin's Sourdough Bakery and Café

If you prefer healthy, tasty, and food made from scratch, this is the perfect place to. It is a pleasant bakery which is vegetarian and vegan friendly and serves lip-smacking homemade food.

Location: 11, Pesara Claimant, George Town, 10100 George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

8. Zarie Laksa House

A great place to go in Batu Ferringhi for authentic and tasty laksas.

Location: 3, Jalan Sungai Emas, Kawasan Perumahan Sungai Emas, 11100 Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Timings: 9:00 AM - 11:00 PM, Wednesday - Monday

Where to Stay in Penang With Kids?

In Penang, there are many kid-friendly hotels and resorts. The best areas to stay are Georgetown and Batu Ferringhi. The city is generally a safe place for kids and is friendly. There are good beach resorts in and around Batu Ferringhi that provide swimming pools, parks, water parks, gaming zones and more. Free shuttles are available from the resorts to George Town. Kids suites and family rooms are widely available in most of the hotels.

Getting to Penang

Penang is a major tourist destination so it is easy to get here by plane from any major cities around the world. There are several flights like Malaysia Airlines, AirAsia and Firefly that land and take off from Penang International Airport. From the airport, you can easily get taxis or buses to any part of the island. The route via the North-South highway which connects to Western Malaysia. The island's main point of entry is through Butterworth from where you can get a ferry to the main island. The drive usually takes around 4-5 hours. Another way of getting to Penang is via train which takes 6 hours to reach Butter worth.

Travel Tips

• Keep an eye out for horse riders and jet skis on beaches that may come in the way of your kids. 
• Visiting Penang during December and January would be an ideal period as it is dry. The city usually has a very hot and humid climate so it is advisable to make sure kids wear cotton clothes and are hydrated. It's better to carry around plenty of water. Avoid travelling during noon.
• Make use of insect repellent in forested areas and parks. 
• While visiting places surrounded by wildlife, make sure your children don't try to touch the monkeys, snakes or any other animals. 
• The local transport can’t be said to be top-notch here, so we recommend travelling by trishaws or renting a car.  
• Penang general hospital is located at George Town for any emergencies. 
• Penang is a relatively safe place to travel but we have to be cautious at all times.

Penang is the ideal family destination. Anyone would fall in love with its gorgeous beaches and hills and the local delicacies. It's a kid's friendly getaway which will suit every family's budget.