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

[This article was first published on 12th October 2021 and has been updated as at 13th November 2025 by Nuril Junaidi.]

Shake off that screen time, and head outdoors for some quality time instead with your families! If you’re looking for some quieter spots to escape to, look no further. 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

Located in Shah Alam, this hidden gem is centred 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

Hours: 7.00am to 7.00pm (Daily) 

Contact: 019-212211 (WhatsApp)

Parking: Provided parking space is limited

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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: 105, Jalan Limau Purut, Bangsar, 59000 Kuala Lumpur 

Hours: Open 24 hours

Parking : Parking area available at Galeri Perdana Parking lots, a 5 minute walk to the start of the trail or at the Free Tree Society Bangsar Nursery

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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 11/36, Taman Sri Bintang, 52200 Kuala Lumpur

Hours: Open 24 hours

Parking: Roadside parking


4. Commonwealth Forest Park (Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel)

Source: Resort Taman Eko Rimba Komanwel‘s Facebook

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

Hours: 8.00am to 7.00pm 

Parking: Allocated parking spaces available

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5. Bukit Ketumbar, Cheras

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

Hours: Open 24 hours

Parking: RM3 per entry


6. Kepong Metropolitan Park

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

Hours: 6.00am to 7.00pm 

Parking: Large car park located at entrance


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

Hours: 6.00am to 10.00pm

Parking: Parking areas located at all 3 entrances

Website


8. Taman Tugu 

Source: Taman Tugu Website

Taman Tugu is a hidden treasure that sits in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. It offers a network of recreational trails that can test your endurance, as well as child-friendly easy trails to get the young ones climbing. Kids are also able to learn about the surrounding flora and fauna, through little informative signages scattered all over the park.

Address: Taman Tugu, Persiaran Sultan Salahuddin, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia 50480

Hours: 7.00am to 6.30pm

Parking: Parking is free and available at the Taman Tugu Nursery

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9. KL East Park

Source: KL East Park 

Bring the little ones, and set off on a scenic 2km hike the whole family will enjoy. Along the trail, discover cosy shelters, rest stops, and eye-catching sculptures—plus a stunning Lookout Point halfway through for the perfect photo op!

Wander through a lush, regenerating secondary rainforest that’s home to rare and endemic species, geotagged trees, and fascinating rock formations waiting to be explored. Entry is free, just be sure to book your slot in advance to keep the trail peaceful and crowd-free.

Address: Jalan Melati Kuarza 3, KL East, 53100, Kuala Lumpur

Hours: 7.00am to 6.30pm (Daily – last entry at 4.30pm)

Parking: Parking available at the KL East Sales Gallery or the KL East Mall, which is a 5 to 10 minute walk to the park


10. Taman Tasik Cyberjaya

Source: Cyberjaya Info

Taman Tasik Cyberjaya is a beautiful park that has a large walking/jogging path that surrounds a lake. You can have a lovely picnic in the pods around the park, or just throw down a mat and enjoy the surroundings. There’s a large kids’ play area, as well as a little library in the podium area for you to browse through and escape the heat!

Address: Persiaran Semarak Api, Cyber 4, 63000 Cyberjaya, Selangor

Hours: 6.30am to 7.30pm (Daily) 

Parking: Parking is available just outside the park


11. Kanching Eco Forest Park

Source: Visit Selangor

If you’re up for a little adventure with the kids, then Kanching Eco Forest would be the perfect place for you! This eco-forest boasts a beautiful, multi-tiered waterfall and scenic forest walks. For kid-friendly paths, try the park’s lower levels as there are cemented footpaths with handrails. Just take care, as it can get a bit slippery the closer you get to the waterfall!

Address: Taman Eko Rimba Kanching Templer’s Park Jungle Waterfall, 1, Rawang, Selangor

Hours: 7.00am to 5.30pm (Daily)

Entry Fee: RM 1.00 per person

Parking: RM2.00 (per car for parking)


12. Saujana Hijau Park

Source: Perbadanan Putrajaya

Missing those lovely parks from your trips overseas? Then, make sure to pay a visit to Suajana Hijau Park in Putrajaya! A favourite spot for surrounding residents, this park is known for its beautiful greenery, with rows of beautiful pine trees lining the aread. Within the park are 3 themed gardens: the European Garden, Chinese Garden and English Garden, with playgrounds for kids of all ages.

It is very child-friendly, as there are wide walking paths and also paths for cyclists or even scooters. The park is located on a bit of a hill, so make sure to bring your comfiest shoes for that walk up.

Address: Jalan P11, Presint 11, 62000 Putrajaya

Hours: 7.00am to 7.00pm (Daily) 

Parking: A lot of free parking spaces, but it can get very busy during peak hours


13. KL Forest Eco Park (Bukit Nanas) 

Source: Visit Selangor

We’re sure you’ve noticed a thick forest area right in the centre of the city, when driving around the KL Tower area. KL Forest Eco Park, located in Bukit Nanas, is hidden in plain sight! This little gem offers amazing canopy walks and hiking trails, with lovely views of Kuala Lumpur.

Hours: 8.00am to 5.30pm (Saturday to Thursday and Public Holidays); Closed on Friday

Address: No. 2, Jalan P. Ramlee, 50250 Kuala Lumpur

Entry Fee: Adults: RM10.00 (MyKad Holder) / RM50 (Non-MyKad) | Children (above 6 years old): RM 1.00 (My Kid) / RM5.00 (Non-MyKid)

Parking: Parking is located at KL Tower, and is very limited (with a parking fee)


14. Indah Water Eco Park, Pantai Dalam

Source: IWK Eco Park

Nestled between Pantai Dalam and Bangsar is Indah Waters Eco Park, with multiple indoor and outdoor sports and recreational facilities and event spaces open for rental to the public. There is a beautiful lakeside park for picnics, and a playground for the kids to run around and burn off their energy. 

Address: 102, Jalan Kampung Pasir, Kampung Pasir, 58100 Kuala Lumpur

Hours: 7.00 am to 12.00am (Daily)

Parking: Parking is available on site

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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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