Let’s face it, keeping our children entertained these days can leave a pretty deep dent on the wallet. We are here to help ease the pain by presenting to you a list of free activities (yes you read it right) for families in the Klang Valley.
You can thank us later moms and dads!
1. Bank Negara Museum and Art Gallery
Who knew finance could be so much fun? This museum is all about Malaysia’s economy and economic history – and everything is entertainingly presented indeed. There are six different galleries filled with interactive exhibitions, fascinating artifacts, and fun games. End your visit with a little shopping at the gift shop.
Opening hours: 10.00 am to 5.00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday ); Closed on Mondays and first 3 days of Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Contact: 03-9179 2784
Address: Sasana Kijang, 2 Jalan Dato’ Onn, 50480, Kuala Lumpur
2. Royal Malaysian Police Museum
Find everything you need to know about our police force! Take your time here as there’s plenty to see and learn; from the history of policing in the country which dates back to the Malaccan Sultanate, the progression of uniforms, mode of transportations and also weapons used. Wander around the museum compound and check out the armoured cars, police plane and boat.
Opening hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm (Tuesday to Sunday); Closed on Mondays
Contact: 03-2272 5689
Address: 5, Jalan Perdana, Tasik Perdana, 50480, Kuala Lumpur
3. Secret Garden, 1 Utama (Under renovation as of 24/5/2023)
Are your children feeling overwhelmed by the weekend crowds in 1Utama? Seek refuge in this beautiful garden on the rooftop of the mall. It is a treasure trove of more than 500 species of plants; some with very amusing names like Do-Re-Mi! Free tours are conducted every first weekend of the month, keep a lookout for more info on their Facebook page.
Opening hours: 10.00am – 10.00pm (Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays only)
Address: Rooftop of 1Utama, No 1, Lebuh Bandar Utama, Bandar Utama City Centre, Bandar Utama, 47800, Petaling Jaya
4. National Textile Museum
The museum showcases colourful textiles from the diverse people of Malaysia. Learn about materials such as songket and sari and embellishment methods such as embroidery and beading. There is also a charming display of jewelry and costumes from varying cultures. If you have a son or daughter who is aspiring to be the next Rizalman or even Coco Chanel, this place would be a good source of design inspiration.
Opening hours: 9.00am to 6.00pm (Every day), Closed on the first Monday of every month
Contact: 03-2694 3457
Address: 26, Jalan Sultan Hishamuddin, 50050, Kuala Lumpur
5. Royal Selangor Visitor Centre
Delve into the history behind one of Malaysia’s most well-known brands and uncover the secrets of pewtersmithing. A personal tour guide will accompany you around this awesomely curated centre which is suitable for children of all ages. You will get to see up close how pewter is crafted and even get to try your hand at it. For a fee, you could also make a personalised pewter bowl to take home.
Opening hours: 9.00am to 5.00pm (Every day, including Public Holidays)
Contact: 03- 4145 6000
Address: 4, Jalan Usahawan 6, Setapak Jaya, 53300 Kuala Lumpur
6. National Art Gallery
Bring your kids here and ask their interpretations of the artworks displayed. You will be surprised with some very amusing answers! If talking is not their thing, bring out the pen and paper and get them to draw their own masterpiece based on what they see. The gallery rotates its exhibits on a regular basis, so there’s always something new to check out. Visit their website or Facebook page for the latest updates.
Opening hours: 10.00am to 5.00pm (Every day, last visit at 4:00pm)
Contact: 03- 4026 7000
Address: No 2, Jalan Temerloh, Off Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur
7. GO KL (Kuala Lumpur City Bus)
Hop onto the purple bus for a free ride around Kuala Lumpur’s City Centre! The bus stops at most major tourist attractions in town so the family can easily hop on and off if there’s a location that is of interest. For the comfort of its passengers, all buses come with free WiFi and are designed to be disabled-friendly. It can get very packed during peak hours so do plan your journey beforehand.
Operation hours: 6.00am to 11.00pm (Working Day); 6.00am – 11.00pm; 7.00am to 11.00pm (Weekends and Holidays)
Frequency: 5 minutes during peak hours (7.00am to 10.00am and 4.00pm to 8.00pm)and 10 minutes during non-peak hours
8. Free Tree Society
This is an environmental NGO that gives out free plants to encourage a love for nature amongst urbanites. Get your family to join their Volunteer Gardening Sessions where you will help care for the plants and also learn about composting, propagating and so much more. Children will love playing by the pond or in their Fairy Garden; however adult supervision is necessary at all times.
Volunteering hours: 9.30am to 11.30am (Tuesday), 9.00am to 12.00pm (Saturday)
(Bookings are required via email: bangsar@freetreesociety.org)
Address: Jalan Limau Purut, Bangsar, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
9. Cultural Dance Show at MaTiC (Malaysia Tourism Centre)
Play tourist for the day and catch the GO KL bus to MaTiC. Watch this hour-long cultural dance show representing the colourful cultures of Malaysia. The dancers’ enthusiasm is infectious and their costumes, just beautiful!
Performance hours: 3.00pm – 4.00pm (Tuesday to Thursday)
Address: Mini Auditorium, 109, Jalan Ampang, 50450, Kuala Lumpur
Have plenty of fun, and let us know if you know of any free and cool activities to go to with the family!
By Liyana Taff and Anne Aeria
