Jakarta was a surprise hit for us. On our family holiday to Indonesia we first stopped here in the capital city. We found such a welcoming place. Here are 27 of the best things to do in Jakarta with kids, offering a mix of fun, educational, and culturally immersive experiences that are ideal for families visiting Indonesia’s bustling capital. We read lots of accounts of people not liking the capital city, but please give it a go. It’s packed full of beautiful architecture and fun activities. We hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we did.
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, Lonely Planet Magazine and Wanderlust, amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children, finding the best places for you to explore too.
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Table of Contents
1. National Monument (Monas)
The National Monument, known locally as Monas, stands proudly at the heart of Jakarta and is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. Surrounded by a huge park, it offers families a good balance of outdoor space, culture, and history. The highlight of any visit is the journey up the tower in the lift, where you’re rewarded with sweeping views across the entire city. On clear days you can see as far as the Thousand Islands and the distant skyline of central Jakarta.
At the base of the monument is an impressive museum tracing Indonesia’s long struggle for independence. The dioramas and displays make it easier for children to understand key historical moments, and the museum is compact enough not to feel overwhelming. Outside, the lawns and fountains offer space for little ones to run around or enjoy an ice cream in the shade.
Monas is especially atmospheric in the late afternoon and early evening, when families gather, street performers appear, and the heat becomes more manageable. It’s a place where you get a real sense of local life as well as national pride. A visit here works well combined with a trip to nearby attractions such as Merdeka Square or the National Gallery. For families wanting a cultural moment that’s accessible, interesting, and outdoorsy, Monas is an excellent choice.
See the National Monument as part of a half day tour here.
2. Dunia Fantasi (Dufan)
Dunia Fantasi, affectionately known as Dufan, is Jakarta’s biggest and best-known theme park, located inside the wider Ancol Dreamland resort. It’s a lively, colourful destination that caters to all ages, from toddlers who want gentle rides to thrill-seekers hunting for something more dramatic. Families can spend the whole day exploring themed zones inspired by cultures and stories from around the world, each packed with attractions, stage shows, and character meet-and-greets.
You’ll find everything from bumper cars and spinning teacups to impressive roller coasters, water rides, and 4D attractions. The park is large enough to soak up crowds, and there are shaded areas and air-conditioned spots for cooling off whenever the tropical heat becomes too much. Dufan is also regularly updated, with new rides and seasonal events that keep every visit fresh and exciting.
Food and drink options are plentiful, and there are rest areas for families with small children. The surrounding Ancol Dreamland offers even more entertainment, including beaches and restaurants, so you can easily turn a visit into a full day out.
What makes Dufan special is its joyful, easygoing atmosphere. It strikes a good balance between thrills and family-friendly fun, with staff who are used to welcoming visitors of all ages. Whether you’re visiting Jakarta for the first time or returning with children who are ready for a bigger adventure, Dufan offers an excellent mix of excitement, nostalgia, and Indonesian character—one of those places guaranteed to make family memories.
Find out more here.
3. Kidzania Jakarta
KidZania Jakarta is one of the city’s most engaging family attractions and a real highlight for children aged roughly four to twelve. Set within a vast indoor mini city, it allows young visitors to try out a huge range of real-world professions in a setting designed entirely for them. Children can become pilots, firefighters, shopkeepers, chocolatiers, doctors, journalists, and even radio presenters, all within a safe, fully supervised environment. Each activity is carefully structured so that kids take part in hands-on tasks, learn new skills, and gain a sense of independence while still having enormous fun.
What makes KidZania particularly appealing is that it gives children a chance to understand the adult world on their own terms. They “earn” KidZos (the local currency), which they can save or spend within the city, adding an element of financial learning too. The experiences rotate throughout the day, so families can dip in and out of favourites or try activities they’ve never seen before.
Parents can watch from dedicated areas or accompany younger children as needed, though the real magic happens when kids work things out for themselves. The atmosphere is wonderfully imaginative, and the attention to detail – from minibuses to tiny offices – helps create a believable, playful cityscape. KidZania is also fully indoors, making it a great option during Jakarta’s heat or tropical showers. It’s an excellent choice for a half-day or longer and a brilliant way to spark creativity, confidence, and curiosity in children visiting the city.
Find out more here.
4. Jakarta Old Town (Kota Tua). -Jakarta with kids
Jakarta Old Town, known locally as Kota Tua, is one of the city’s most atmospheric districts and a wonderful place for families to explore. We absolutely loved our time here. This historic quarter is full of grand colonial buildings, cobbled streets, and museums that reveal Jakarta’s layered past. Fatahillah Square is the heart of the area and is always lively, with street performers, snack vendors, and families enjoying the open space.
One of the highlights for children is renting a brightly coloured bicycle, complete with matching helmets. Pedalling around the square is great fun, and it’s a lovely way to take in the architecture that surrounds you. Families can also visit the Puppet Museum (see entry below), which showcases traditional Indonesian puppetry and often hosts demonstrations that capture children’s imaginations.
The area is compact enough to explore on foot, and the slower pace contrasts nicely with the modern parts of Jakarta. There are plenty of photo opportunities, from pastel-coloured buildings to decorative shutters and old Dutch architecture. Cafés and food stalls offer refreshments, including local treats such as kue cubit or iced drinks.
Kota Tua offers both culture and relaxed wandering. We really loved just soaking up the atmosphere here. It’s an area that’s packed full of history but with plenty of cafes for nice treats and lots of shops for souvenir hunting too.
5. Bounce Street Asia Trampoline Park – things to do in Jakarta with kids
Bounce Street Asia Trampoline Park is one of Jakarta’s most energetic indoor attractions and a brilliant place for families to burn off steam. Spread across a large, air-conditioned space, it’s packed with trampolines of every shape and size, along with foam pits, basketball hoops, climbing walls, and beginner-friendly zones for little jumpers. Older children and teens tend to gravitate towards the dodgeball courts and more challenging areas, while younger ones adore bouncing freely and diving into the soft foam cubes.
The staff are attentive and keep a close eye on safety, with sessions organised into timed blocks that prevent overcrowding. Parents can join in or relax in the viewing areas, which have good visibility across the park. The obstacle courses are a big hit, offering a taste of ninja-style challenges that encourage both balance and confidence.
Because everything is indoors, Bounce Street Asia is ideal for those hot or rainy Jakarta days when outdoor plans aren’t appealing. It’s particularly good for families who need a physical break from museums and sightseeing.
Find out more here.
6. Jakarta Aquarium & Safari
Jakarta Aquarium & Safari, located within Neo Soho Mall, is a brilliant indoor attraction that combines marine life, land animals, and interactive encounters. It’s an oasis from the city’s bustle and humidity. The aquarium showcases a wide range of underwater species, from reef fish in vibrant colours to graceful rays and mesmerising jellyfish. Many tanks are designed with immersive viewing windows, allowing children to get remarkably close to the animals without feeling overwhelmed.
Beyond marine life, the Safari section introduces visitors to creatures such as otters, penguins, meerkats, and reptiles. Keeper talks and feeding sessions are held throughout the day. One of the highlights is the chance to participate in gentle, supervised encounters where children can learn about the animals in a hands-on but respectful way.
The aquarium also features themed zones and storytelling elements that make the journey feel like a small adventure. Younger children particularly love the tunnels, touch pools, and theatrical shows featuring divers and sea creatures. Because it is set within a shopping mall, it is easy to combine the visit with food, shopping, or a break in one of the many cafés.
Find out more here.
7. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII)
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, often simply called TMII, is one of Jakarta’s most iconic family attractions and a wonderful introduction to Indonesia’s extraordinary cultural diversity. Spread across a vast landscaped park, it brings together architectural replicas of traditional houses from all 38 provinces, each filled with textiles, crafts, musical instruments, and cultural stories. Wandering from one pavilion to another is like travelling the length of Indonesia in a single afternoon, making it both fun and surprisingly educational for children.
The park also includes a large number of museums dedicated to subjects such as science, nature, transport, and Indonesian heritage. Families can ride the cable car for sweeping aerial views of the entire complex, which also helps you appreciate the scale of the park’s famous miniature Indonesia lake. Children particularly enjoy the on-site water park, playgrounds, gardens, and the small zoo.
TMII is one of those places where you can stay for an hour or spend the whole day exploring at a relaxed pace. There are plenty of shady picnic spots and food stalls, and the park is slowly being modernised with improved facilities and transport links. It’s an excellent way to introduce children to different islands and cultures before travelling elsewhere in the country. For visitors to Jakarta, TMII offers a colourful, engaging day out with a uniquely Indonesian identity.
Find out more here.
8. Chinatown (Glodok) – Jakarta with kids
Jakarta’s Chinatown, known locally as Glodok, is a lively and colourful area that offers families a glimpse into the city’s Chinese-Indonesian heritage. The streets are packed with traditional shops, markets, temples, and food stalls, creating an atmosphere that is exciting and full of sensory experiences for children. We absolutely loved our time exploring here. Such a friendly, happy place for a wander.
A visit to Vihara Dharma Bhakti, the oldest Chinese temple in Jakarta, is a highlight. With its incense-filled halls, red lanterns, and ornate decorations, it provides a great introduction to religious traditions and cultural history. Wandering the surrounding streets, children will enjoy spotting unusual fruits, snacks, and trinkets, while parents can browse herbal medicine shops and traditional bakeries. We found it a great place for some inexpensive shopping.
Glodok is best explored slowly, stopping for drinks or snacks along the way. While it can be busy, visiting earlier in the day makes it more manageable with kids.
9. Museum MACAN – things to do in Jakarta with kids
Museum MACAN (Modern and Contemporary Art in Nusantara) is Jakarta’s leading contemporary art museum and a great stop for families with children. The bright, modern space regularly hosts interactive and immersive exhibitions that appeal to younger visitors as much as adults. Large-scale installations, bold colours, and playful concepts encourage children to explore art in a hands-on way.
The museum often includes family-friendly programmes, workshops, and exhibitions designed to spark creativity and curiosity. It’s a great chance to see works by both Indonesian and international artists in a world-class setting.
Museum MACAN is compact enough to visit without overwhelming children, making it ideal for a short cultural break during a busy day.
Find out more here.
10. Jakarta Planetarium
The Jakarta Planetarium is a fascinating place for curious children who are interested in space, science, and the night sky. Located near Merdeka Square, it offers educational shows that explore planets, stars, and galaxies in an accessible and entertaining way.
Planetarium shows are presented inside a domed theatre, where children can sit back and watch the stars move across the ceiling. The presentations are designed to be easy to follow, even for younger audiences, and help explain complex ideas in a visual and engaging manner. There are also small exhibitions that introduce basic astronomy concepts.
A visit here works well as a short stop rather than a full day activity. One of the great things to do in Jakarta with kids.
11. MoJA Museum – things to do in Jakarta with kids
MoJA Museum is a vibrant, interactive art space that feels more like a playground for creativity than a traditional museum. Designed with bold colours, immersive rooms, and playful installations, it’s particularly appealing to children and teenagers who enjoy hands-on experiences and visual storytelling.
Many of the exhibits encourage movement, participation, and imagination, with themed rooms that blend art, design, and pop culture. Children can explore, pose, interact, and interpret the displays in their own way, making the experience feel personal and engaging. It’s also very photo-friendly, which older kids and teens tend to love.
The museum is compact enough to visit in a short time, making it easy to fit into a busy family itinerary.
Find out more here.
12. Snow World International Revo Town
Snow World International Revo Town offers a fun and unusual experience for children in tropical Jakarta: real snow play. Inside the chilled indoor attraction, families can experience winter-themed activities such as sledging, snowball fights, and building snowmen.
Warm jackets and boots are provided, so you don’t need to bring cold-weather gear. The space is designed to be playful rather than educational, focusing on sensory fun and simple winter games.
Snow World works best as a short visit and is ideal for younger children who enjoy imaginative play.
13. Playparq Kemang – kids in Jakarta
Playparq Kemang is a much-loved outdoor playground that offers a refreshing change of pace from indoor attractions and shopping centres. Designed with families in mind, it features climbing structures, slides, sand areas, and a popular splash zone that children love on warm days.
The park is shaded and well laid out, making it comfortable for parents to relax while children play. There is an on-site café, which is ideal for coffee, snacks, or lunch, allowing families to linger without rushing. Playparq tends to attract a mix of local and visiting families, giving it a friendly, community feel.
Find out more here.
14. Paddle boats in Setu Babakan – things to do in Jakarta with kids
Setu Babakan is a cultural village dedicated to Betawi heritage and offers a peaceful, family-friendly escape from central Jakarta. One of the highlights for children is the chance to rent paddle boats on the lake, providing a gentle and enjoyable activity surrounded by greenery.
Around the lake, families can explore traditional Betawi houses, watch cultural performances, and sample local snacks from small stalls. One of the best things to do in Jakarta with kids.
15. Ride the MRT or take a longer train journey
Riding Jakarta’s MRT is an attraction in itself for many children. Clean, modern, and easy to navigate, it offers a smooth introduction to the city and a chance for transport-loving kids to experience a new metro system. Stations are spacious and clearly signed, and the trains glide quietly above and below the city, giving glimpses of everyday Jakarta along the way.
For families with more time, extending the adventure into a longer rail journey can be incredibly rewarding. We took the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, and the journey itself became a highlight. As the city slowly gives way to rice fields, villages, rivers, and distant volcanoes, children can watch the changing landscape unfold from their seats. It’s a relaxed, scenic way to travel and a wonderful reminder that Indonesia’s countryside is just as fascinating as its cities.
Read about our train trip from Jakarta to Yogyakarta here.
16. Visit a cat café – Jakarta with kids
A visit to a cat café is a gentle, comforting activity for animal-loving children. Places such as The Cat Cabin in Kemang focus on rescued cats, offering a calm environment where kids can play, read, and interact with friendly animals under supervision.
Rules around behaviour help teach children respect and responsibility, while the relaxed setting makes it a lovely break from busier attractions. Parents can enjoy a drink while children spend time stroking or playing with the cats.
17. Puppet Museum (Museum Wayang)
Museum Wayang in Jakarta’s Old Town introduces families to the rich tradition of Indonesian puppetry. The collection includes intricate wayang kulit shadow puppets and wooden figures from across the archipelago, each telling stories rooted in folklore, mythology, and history.
We visited on our trip around Indonesia and absolutely loved this museum. The puppets had so many expressive designs and fascinating stories. The museum occasionally hosts demonstrations and performances, which bring the displays to life and make the experience more engaging for younger visitors.
It’s a compact museum, easy to combine with a walk around Kota Tua, and offers a cultural experience that feels distinctly Indonesian.
18. Science museum at TMII – things to do in Jakarta with kids
The science museum at Taman Mini Indonesia Indah adds an interactive, educational element to a visit to the park. Exhibits focus on science, technology, and discovery, with hands-on displays that encourage children to experiment and ask questions.
It’s especially appealing for school-age children who enjoy learning through play, and it provides a welcome indoor break during a day of exploring the wider park. The museum complements TMII’s cultural attractions.
19. Ride the cable car at TMII
One of the most enjoyable ways to experience the scale of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah is by taking the cable car. Floating above the park, families can enjoy panoramic views of the miniature archipelago lake, pavilions, and landscaped gardens.
Children love the sense of adventure, while parents appreciate the chance to rest their legs and take in the scenery. It’s both practical and fun, helping you get your bearings while adding an extra highlight to the visit.
Find out more here.
20. Watch a movie in a luxury cinema – Jakarta with kids
Jakarta’s luxury cinemas offer a surprisingly family-friendly experience, with spacious seating, blankets, and high-quality food options. For older children and teenagers, watching a film in one of these cinemas feels like a treat rather than a standard outing.
It’s a great way to relax after a busy day, especially during the hottest hours. Many cinemas are located inside malls, making it easy to combine with dinner or play areas.
21. Visit a shopping mall play zone – things to do in Jakarta with kids
Jakarta’s shopping malls are destinations in their own right, many featuring large indoor play zones designed specifically for children. These areas often include soft play, climbing frames, role-play spaces, and creative activities.
They’re ideal for escaping the heat or rain and allow children to play freely while parents rest or shop nearby. Mall play zones are easy to fit into a day’s itinerary and are especially helpful when travelling with younger kids. One of the best things to do in Jakarta with kids.
22. Take a boat trip to the Thousand Islands
A boat trip to the Thousand Islands offers a complete change of pace from city life. Just off Jakarta’s coast, these islands feature clear water, sandy beaches, and relaxed surroundings that feel worlds away from the capital.
Families can enjoy swimming, snorkelling, beach walks, and simple outdoor adventures. It’s a brilliant way to show children another side of Indonesia and adds variety to a Jakarta trip. Even a day trip feels like a mini holiday and leaves lasting memories.
Get your boat trip tickets in advance here.
I hope you have enjoyed this list of the BEST things to do in Jakarta with kids (which adults will love too). It’s such a fun city to explore. Find out how we got on in Jakarta in our travelogue of our family trip to Indonesia.
