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Parks and Recreation: 7 Family-Friendly Outdoor Spaces That Are Off the Beaten Path

There’s no doubt that the extended lockdown has made families eager to shake off their mundane, daily routines. With restrictions being more relaxed now, we can finally hit the parks (SOPs taken into account, of course!). 

But with more people heading outdoors, are there some quieter spots that families can escape to? We reveal some of the best-kept secret parks, trails and green spaces you can head to with your kids for a much-needed breath of fresh air.

1. Bukit Jelutong Eco Community Park

Source: Bukit Jelutong Eco Community Park’s Facebook page

This hidden gem is centered around a huge lake, surrounded by spacious green lawns for your kids to run free. Pack lunch and set up your picnic mat anywhere you like, without worrying about being too close to others. Your little ones can enjoy their snacks while watching farm animals – chicken, ducks, geese and sheep –  being fed too, from 7am to 8.30am and 4pm to 7pm. The convenience of the clean toilets make it easy to clean up the mess too, so fear not, mummies!

Source: Bukit Jelutong Eco Community Park’s Facebook page

Fishing is also allowed at the lake, which allows the little ones to practice their catch and release skills. Besides taking a walk around the tracks, you can also ride your bikes and scooters to fully appreciate the beautiful greenery. Open everyday from 7am to 7pm, entrance to this community park is free to members of the public.

Address: Jalan Lelangit U8/45, Bukit Jelutong, 40150 Shah Alam, Selangor

Contact: 011-3262 1111

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2. Pulai Trail

Source: Free Tree Society

Walking through one of the last remaining public green spaces in Bukit Persekutuan (aka Federal Hill) with family is an unmissable experience! The kids will enjoy being surrounded by tall trees, spotting small wildlife (such as spiders and butterflies) along the way, as well as stunning views of the Bangsar neighbourhood. The trail is an easy 1km loop for hiking beginners, and can be entered either from Jalan Negeri Sembilan or the Free Tree Society (FTS) Bangsar Nursery. Free Tree Society actively maintains the trail and also offers online workshops in hopes of encouraging kids to appreciate urban biodiversity and forest conservation.

Address: Jalan Limau Purut, Bangsar Park 59000 Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur

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3. Sri Bintang Hill

Source: Winston Cho/ Alltrails.com

Put on your kids’ best walking shoes and stride through the natural beauty of Sri Bintang Hill. This trail is located in Kepong, between Desa Park City and Sri Bintang, and provides a sweet escape from the city buzz. 

The straightforward main paths to reach the peaks and its well-paved trail make it an easy hike for the whole family (including those with little feet!). Young hikers can easily conquer this 3.3km forest trail in under 60 minutes. In case a small break is needed, there is also a resting ground, with self-made gym equipment. Bonus: the trail is open daily to the public, with free admission.

Address: Jalan Sri Bintang 8 (also called Jalan 11/36), Taman Sri Bintang, Kuala Lumpur

4. Commonwealth Forest Park (Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel)

Source: Resort Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel‘s Facebook page

Pack your kiddies’ favourite backpacks, and experience the calm of camping life at this charming nature park and resort in Rawang. There are four camping zones, with up to 51 camp sites near the two rivers and the main entrance, that you can choose from to set up a tent. Toilet and bathing facilities are also provided at the base of the camp. For kids who love the water, they will definitely enjoy fishing and kayaking at the lovely lake. Those less enthusiastic about camping can alternatively enjoy a stroll along the park’s hiking trails and jogging tracks, amidst attractive landscaped gardens and serene water spots. Reservations are required prior to entry, as no walk-ins are allowed.

Address: Kilometer 23, Jalan Kuala Lumpur – Rawang, 48000 Rawang, Selangor
Contact: 012-2761609

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5. Bukit Ketumbar, Cheras

Source: Annaevening.com

Hike up 300 meters above sea level, and find a colourful, floating umbrella canopy waiting for you at the peak of this hill. Visitors have a choice between two trails – a shorter, but steeper route (the more challenging trail) and the longer, more scenic option (best suited for those with younger kids). There are also ropes left in place to assist on the steeper parts of the path. Once you and your family reach the peak, catch a breather by observing the hill’s famous wild boars and monkeys (don’t worry, they’re used to humans!), or try out some of the inventive gym equipment left behind by fellow hikers for public use.

Address:  Jalan 6/95b, Taman Cheras Utama, 56100 Kuala Lumpur

6. Kepong Metropolitan Park

Source: Islamic Tourism Centre

Go fly a kite up to the highest heights at Kepong Metropolitan Park! For convenience, families can purchase colourful kites in a range of sizes and unique designs from several kite sellers, just outside the park. The kids will have a blast flying their kites on the large field on a windy day. Families can also jog along the rubberised tracks that surround the 95 hectares park, with its scenic large lake set in the middle. Open daily from 6am to 7pm, this park definitely provides fun for all.

Address: Jln Lingkaran Tengah 2, Kepong Metropolitan Lake-garden, 52100 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 03-6259 4270

7. Bukit Jalil Recreational Park

Source: Menarik di Sentral

Missing travel? This park has your family covered! The unique design of the park’s international garden, featuring architectural structures from 10 different countries (England, Holland, Japan, China, Malaysia, Iran, Peru, Canada, Thailand and Indonesia), allows kids to “travel the world” simply by walking around the gently sloping, 80 acre terrain.

Besides the ‘Little World’ for the little ones, this park also has a children’s playground, exercise stations, a reflexology path, a heliconia garden, lakes full of catfish and a dedicated area for people with disabilities to enjoy. It is open daily from 6am to 7pm to visitors who have been fully vaccinated.

Address: Jalan 13/155c, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Contact: 017-395 6714

by Aliaa Baharudin 

Aliaa is a mummy to a high spirited little boy. When she’s not cooking his favourite meals and reading story books before his bedtime, she enjoys watching Netflix and makeup videos.

 

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