It’s easy to see why travelling to Penang with kids is a popular option for many families. There is plenty to do and there is sumptuous fare offered almost everywhere.
Forget the notion that cultural trips aren’t for little ones – Penang perfectly blends immersive experiences with exciting, child-friendly attractions, ensuring smiles from toddlers to teens. From thrilling theme parks and captivating butterfly farms to engaging museums and delicious, kid-approved street food, Penang offers a kaleidoscope of adventures.
Visiting Penang with Kids
Read on for all the options in trip-planning as well as off-the beaten path adventures too. We’ll dive into the best things to do with children, recommend family-friendly accommodations, share essential travel tips, and even guide you through Penang’s incredibly diverse culinary landscape – all with your kids’ enjoyment (and your peace of mind) in mind!
Get ready to create lasting memories in Penang, where every corner holds a new discovery for the whole family.
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BEAT THE HEAT: Sengkang Swimming Complex’s Amazing Water Slides
![Looking for an experience that’s beyond the ordinary this June Holiday? Make your way down to the Omni-Theatre, where two new groundbreaking shows are set to capture your imagination – Cities of the Future and Animal Kingdom! Two New Shows at Omni-Theatre from 1 June It is always a thrill to catch a movie at the Omni-Theatre. Watching a show on its impressive 23-metre-wide dome screen, 8K digital screen – the only one of its kind in Singapore – is a treat for the senses. Now, you can treat the kids and family to two new, immersive experiences at Omni-Theatre during the holidays. Cities of the Future What will the world be like in 50 years’ time? How will our cities evolve and what will the sustainable future look like? Cities of the Future goes on a journey through the world’s greatest cities – from Amsterdam to Los Angeles and Singapore – to uncover what is being done to meet the challenges of a changing world and make the smart cities of the future possible. Plus, you will even get a glimpse of Singapore’s exciting vision for a more sustainable and connected future, featured in the film! Whether it is tapping into new renewable energy sources or revolutionising transport systems (think electric flying cars!), Cities of the Future provides a fascinating glimpse at how engineers are turning today’s science fiction into tomorrow’s reality. Animal Kingdom: A Tale of Six Families Animal Kingdom is a stunning exploration of what makes our natural world so spectacular, introducing young audiences to animals from all over the world. Journey across snowy forests, under the scorching African Sun, and into the darkest depths of the ocean to discover why animals are the way they are. The show also explores the ways in which we can help to protect the animal world. It is a show that will have animal-loving kids spellbound! SG60 Promotions: $6 Omni-Theatre Tickets & Special Bundles [insert 04] Need even more reasons to pay a visit to Omni-Theatre? From now to 31 December 2025, Science Centre Singapore is offering a special promo with tickets at just $6!* (usual price $14)! That’s more than 50% off the regular ticket price. There are also special SG60 bundle deals* available that provide admission to Science Centre Singapore and an Omni-Theatre show at: $10 for adults (usual price $19.90); and $8 per child (usual price $17.90). Families of four can save even more with the $24 Family Pack for two adults and two children that provides access to both Science Centre Singapore and Omni-Theatre. Make a Date to Watch an Omni-Theatre Show Soon! [insert 05] Don’t miss the chance to watch the two exciting new shows at Omni-Theatre! And make use of the SG60 promotions to enjoy even greater value and a wonderful day out! Find out more about the Cities of the World, Animal Kingdom and Omni-Theatre’s SG60 promotions. Omni-Theatre Offers $6 SG60 Promo Tickets & 2 Exciting New Movies Your Family Will Love!](https://www.littledayout.com/wp-content/uploads/Omni-Theatre-01-218x150.jpg "Omni-Theatre Offers $6 SG60 Promo Tickets & 2 Exciting New Movies Your Family Will Love!")
Places of interest have been organised based on location for easy planning. The suggested amount of time spent at each spot might also help families in deciding on their itinerary.
George Town
Most would probably head to George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site reminiscent of Singapore in the 70s or 80s. Dotted with colonial architecture, peranakan shophouses, places of worship, this is where Penang’s rich heritage comes alive. There are also plenty of whimsical murals to pose with.
George Town is also where you can find iconic street food like Char Kway Teow, Assam Laksa, Prawn Noodles and more. It is a popular base within reach of many of Penang’s attractions.
Pinang Peranakan Mansion
We had to take the kids to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion – which was a a bigger mansion compared to Blue Mansion with fewer tourists. This beautifully restored house in George Town offers an immersive journey into the opulent lifestyle and unique culture of the Peranakans. It was once the lavish residence of a 19th century Chinese tycoon, Chung Keng Quee. Little ones can explore the collection of over 1,000 Peranakan antiques, furniture, and artefacts.
There are also many photo spots like the fountain, courtyard, frontage. It’s an opportunity to learn about the heritage not too far away from home.
Address: 29 Church Street, 10200 George Town
Suggested time needed: One hour
Up Side Down Museum
This museum is where things go topsy turvy in a good way. Visit the Upside Down Museum where there will be pictures taken of you (yes there are reliable staff photographers onsite) in an upside down world. The whimsical rooms turn everything from furniture to décor upside down with an optical illusion to appear as if visitors are defying gravity.
Pose as if you’re falling or walking on the ceiling! We do recommend wearing pants so the pictures look more realistic. Besides main house settings like living rooms, bedrooms and kitchens, some areas feature inverted versions of Penang’s streetscapes.
Address: 45, Lebuh Kimberley, 10100 George Town
Suggested time needed: 1.5 hours
Cat Café
You will find plenty of street cats in Penang – some eager for a rub! Feline-loving visitors might want to visit a cat café to get up close to the furpals. There is no lack of pet cafes and cat cafes seem more common.
Suggested time needed: 2 hours
Café Hopping
Looking for a cuppa to fuel the family trip while in Penang with kids? Stop by a café – they are littered throughout George Town. Many are housed in the quaint shophouses with long layouts offering a dose of caffeine and cakes.
We visited China House as we were drawn to the variety of cakes! Besides coffee, tea and cakes, the little ones also had a fun time playing games together with the selection of games provided.
Address: China House, 153, Beach St, Georgetown, 10300 George Town
Posing with Murals & Street Art
Keep your eyes peeled for street art! One popular activity is to pose with the street murals like the ones by Ernest Zacharevic. One of his most iconic pieces is “Children on a Bicycle”. Try using this map to locate the street art!
Penang Hill
Want a cool break from the tropical heat? Head up the Penang Hill on the iconic funicular railway! The short yet scenic journey is something that the kids might find thrilling. Once you reach the summit, enjoy the cooler temperatures and lush greenery.
Other than enjoying panoramic views of George Town, Penang Hill has a café and other attractions like The Habitat Penang Hill with canopy walks, nature trails and treetop walk. We also loved the Colonial houses with chimneys atop the hill.
Address: Penang Hill, 11500 Bukit Bendera
Suggested time needed: 3 hours
Hin Bus Depot
This is possibly my family’s favourite hangout in George Town. The abandoned 1947 bus depot was transformed into a vibrant creative community hub which houses art galleries, studios, cafes, bars, and shops with its original Art Deco architecture with a backdrop for art installations and murals.
Hin Market is a must-visit. It is a weekend event held from 11 am to 5 pm on Saturdays and Sundays with stalls run by local artisans and makers to showcase their handmade crafts, produce and foods. It is the ideal place to get unique souvenirs or even thrift shopping.
The atmosphere is bustling with live music with different stalls present every weekend. Food wise, we loved the pizzas, meat skewers and assam laksa.
Address: 31A Jalan Gurdwara, 10300 George Town
Suggested time needed: 2 hours
Gurney Bay Park
The 2.28-hectare park located along Gurney Drive is a recreational public space that is still undergoing some works. It has many walking paths, cycling paths, a skatepark, a beach and a huge playground. This new park is still undergoing some works but the playground is worth checking out!
We do caution families visiting to look out for broken ropes on the higher levels of the playground. While it is possible to scale to the top and use the slides, do beware of the frayed ropes. Slides won’t promise a quick descend as it is more rough than expected.
Address: Gurney Dr, 10250 George Town
Where to Eat in George Town
For Peranakan fare, head to Winn’s Café or Rasa Sayang.
Find hawker stalls at Penang Road, Kimberly Street and New Lane. We also liked the prawn mee and lor mee at Green House, Jalan Burma.
For an air-conditioned option, Gurney Food Hall at Gurney Plaza is a popular haunt!
One of the best things about Penang is also late night supper spots! Visit Old Green House Eating Corner (different food court from the prawn mee specialist) for a variety of savoury food, or Beans Factory and Four Seasons Desserts for sweet treats!
Where to Stay in George Town
We have stayed in five different hotels in George Town, each with its pros and cons for families of four. Here are our recommendations.
If you prefer a heritage-themed stay, try Nam Keng Hotel housed in a heritage shophouse. This boutique hotel located on a relatively quiet street is a short walk away from Kimberly Street and other famous food spots. It has only 10 rooms so book early.
For those preferring a hotel chain can consider St Giles Wembley which is a short walk from Hin Bus Depot. Its back alley is where you can locate Four Seasons Desserts. Rooms serve basic needs, and definitely popular with tourists for its location.
Families who want to stay at Gurney can consider G Hotel Kelawai with its spacious rooms and one perk to enjoy is malls all around like Gurney Plaza.
Batu Ferringhi
40 minutes away from George Town is Batu Ferringhi.
This northern part is where you can find Penang’s beaches and beach resorts. Its long sandy beach offers endless opportunities for kids to play in the soft sand, build sandcastles, and try out exciting water sports like jet-skiing, banana boating and parasailing.
Many hotels here cater specifically to families, boasting fantastic swimming pools, kids’ clubs, and even dedicated indoor play zones. One such family-friendly resort is Hard Rock Hotel Penang, you can read more in our review here.
Batu Ferringhi Beach
Visitors to Batu Ferringhi usually spend time at the beach. Whether it’s playing in the sea, sunbathing, building sand castles, sea sports, Batu Ferringhi has many seaside activities for families. There are also many beachside cafes and restaurants to dine at. Do be mindful of jellyfish during certain seasons.
While we were there over a weekend, we also caught a fire-blowing performance. This was such a spectacle to watch.
ESCAPE Penang Theme Park
For thrills, head to ESCAPE Penang which is a short drive from Batu Ferringhi. Located next to the lush rainforest, it has both dry and wet attractions. Families will definitely enjoy themselves here on rope courses, ziplines, water slides and obstacle courses.
The park boasts of the world’s longest tube water slide and Southeast Asia’s longest zip coaster. Activities cater to a wide range of ages!
Address: 828, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah
Suggested time spent: One full day
ESCAPE Penang Website
Entopia
Entopia by Penang Butterfly Farm brings visitors closer to the wonders of the natural world, particularly insects and small creatures. It has both an outdoor garden and an indoor discovery center.
The Natureland is a sprawling, living garden where thousands of free-flying butterflies flutter among waterfalls, caves, and lush tropical flora, allowing for incredible up-close encounters.
Complementing this is The Cocoon, an indoor two-story discovery center filled with interactive exhibits, educational displays, and various invertebrates and reptiles, providing a deeper understanding of the ecosystem.
Address: 830, Jalan Teluk Bahang, Teluk Bahang, 11050 Tanjung Bungah
Suggested time spent: 3 hours
Balik Pulau
For families seeking a tranquil and authentic escape from the bustling city, Balik Pulau offers a charming glimpse into Penang’s serene countryside and traditional village life.
Don’t let the drive to Balik Pulau intimidate you. While it is a good 40 minutes away from Batu Ferringhi, this district is famed for its lush durian orchards (especially during peak season!), picturesque paddy fields, and laid-back atmosphere, providing a wonderful contrast to George Town.
Families can enjoy cycling through scenic lanes, visiting local farms (like goat or even durian farms for tasting), or exploring the quaint fishing villages along the coast. It’s an ideal spot to introduce children to nature, agriculture, and the simpler rhythms of Malaysian life, offering a peaceful and enriching experience far from the typical tourist trails.
We rented a car to drive to Balik Pulau from Batu Ferringhi, do note that the roads to Balik Pulau wind through the terrain. You can also book a Grab taxi to head to Balik Pulau but availability of taxis is not guaranteed especially during peak hours.
ATV Tour by Penang ATV Eco Tour Balik Pulau
One exciting highlight we absolutely recommend is the ATV tour conducted by Penang ATV Eco Tour Balik Pulau. The one-hour tour went past kampong villages, streams, paddy fields, allowing us to see the tranquil part of the Penang countryside. This is a really child-friendly activity too as kids are allowed to manoeuvre the ATVs with adult supervision.
We do recommend visiting when it is less hot. Otherwise, wear a hat and put on sunscreen to brave the heat!
Do book your spot before visiting Penang ATV Eco Tour. For tourists, it costs RM180 per ATV with double riders.
Address: 298, Mukim I, Kampung Perlis, 11000 Balik Pulau
Suggested Time needed: 1.5 hours
Penang ATV Eco Tour Website
Horse Riding by Countryside Stables Penang
Families seeking a close encounter with horses and other farm animals can visit Countryside Stables Penang. This is a sanctuary for animals and animal lovers! Families can enjoy horse riding experiences, ranging from guided pony rides for children to longer rides for adults.
Beyond riding, visitors have the opportunity to feed hay to horses, ponies, and donkeys.
Address: Lot 10050, Jalan Sungai Burung, Kampung Sungai Burung, 11000 Balik Pulau
Suggested Time needed: 1.5 hours
Countryside Stables Instagram Page
Durian Farms and Durian Feasting
Penang offers some of the best, strongest-tasting durian experiences in the region! Head to Balik Pulau to try the durians straight from the durian farms! There are many farms along the road where you can just stop by and try the durians. July 2025 seems to be the peak season according to the durian farmers!
Exploring Penang with Kids
Penang offers an unparalleled blend of cultural immersion and exhilarating fun tailored for kids. So, whether you’re planning your next family holiday or simply dreaming of an escape, remember Penang’s vibrant spirit, delicious flavours, and endless opportunities for discovery. Start planning your kid-friendly Penang escapade today!
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