Penang is such a fun city. Full of street art, great food, fun buys and cultural sights it really does tick all the boxes. A trip with children is such a different way to experience Penang and I think really get the best out of it. So from the best things to do in Georgetown Penang to the best beaches to visit on a family trip to Penang. Here’s our top things to do in Penang with kids (and check out our Rainy day activities labelled below too):
👩💻 About the author – Nichola is a family travel expert (and food fanatic) and has written for The Guardian, The Telegraph, LonelyPlanet Magazine and Wanderlust amongst many others. She’s spent over a decade travelling the world with her children and loves recreating recipes from those travels.
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Table of Contents
Take in the street art of Georgetown
A great way to get kids seeing the sights of Georgetown without even realising the amount of walking they’re doing is to go on a trail of the street art of Penang.
We spent a wonderful afternoon on a hunt for some of the iconic pieces that are all across the city.
And because much of it is interactive, allowing you to sit on a bicycle to be part of the piece, or have a go on a swing, the children loved getting involved.
Largely set around Chinatown and Little India it’s a really picturesque place to walk about.
Read our review of visiting the street art of Penang with kids
Explore Penang Butterfly Farm
The Entopia Butterfly Farm in Teluk Bahang is a magical spot for families. Children will love walking through tropical gardens filled with hundreds of colourful butterflies fluttering all around them. It’s not just butterflies – there are also insects, reptiles, and small animals in beautifully designed enclosures. The educational displays are interactive, making it a wonderful mix of fun and learning. It’s a great stop to pair with the nearby Tropical Spice Garden.
Get your skip-the-line tickets here.
Spend time in the Tropical Spice Garden – things to do in Penang with kids
The Tropical Spice Garden in Teluk Bahang is a great place to spend a few hours, amongst the trees and plants.
There’s an audio tour so you can learn about the spices and herbs of Penang. And a great cafe for refreshments.
Kids will love being able to get lost amongst the jungle. And this really is somewhere for all the family to enjoy.
Get your skip-the-lne tickets here.
Visit Kek Lok Si Buddhist Temple
It’s not the shortest walk but kids won’t even realise it as there are so many stalls selling their wares and lining the walk to the top.
The temple itself is mesmerising with Buddhist statues, clouds of incense and sounds of chanting.
We loved our visit to Kek Lok Si and didn’t even take the funicular to the top (which we would have loved to have time to do).
It’s a really interesting cultural trip which is colourful enough to capture children’s attention.
Find out more here.
Have some fun at the Upside Down Museum
This is a fun museum that kids will love.
Wander from room to room taking photos of your family upside down. Or is it the room that is upside down?!
It’s a good way to spend a couple of hours, particularly if it’s rainy.
Rainy day activity.
Find out more here.
Visit the beaches of Batu Ferrenghi – things to do in Penang with kids
Penang is a wonderful place for a wander. With so many cultural sights and some great places to eat.
But kids will always love to spend time at the beach.
Head to Batu Ferrenghi (easily reached by the bus) for some really family friendly stretches of sand.
There are watersports and plenty of little stalls to pick up inflatables and buckets and spades.
Drinking from a fresh coconut is also highly recommended.
Learn the real skills of Nyonya cooking
This is a really special skill to take home. Why not get the kids to find out about the local Nyonya food and learn a recipe to make at home.
Pearly Kee offers a range of fantastic courses for individuals, groups and families. She will have you cooking up everything from curry Kapitan to madras.
You’ll also get to visit the local markets to try some of the street food too.
Taking a Nyonya cooking course in Penang was one of the highlights of our trip.
And Pearly can organise classes specifically for families.
Rainy day activity.
Read our review of taking a Nyonya cooking course in Penang and check out Pearly Kee’s website here.
Buy souvenirs in the night market – things to do in Penang with kids
One place our kids loved to visit on our trip to Penang was the night market.
It stretches all down the main street in Batu Ferrenghi and you only need to give your children a little money each and they will be in their element. Picking out little toys and knick-knacks to play with.
We all really loved the hustle and bustle of the market and you can pick up some great bargains.
Take a ride on the funicular railway at Penang Hill
One of Penang’s most famous attractions is Penang Hill, and the journey to the top is part of the adventure. The funicular railway climbs steeply through the jungle, giving children (and adults) a thrilling ride with spectacular views opening up as you ascend. At the top, you’ll find cool air, gardens to explore, and plenty of space for kids to run about. There are also cafes and food stalls where you can enjoy a snack while gazing back across the city and the sea. For a little extra fun, let kids bring binoculars to spot landmarks below.
Find out more here.
Hop on a ferry to Butterworth
Taking a ferry across to Butterworth is a simple but exciting trip for children. The ride gives you great views of Penang island and the sea, with seabirds swooping around the boat. Once you’re across, you can explore the quieter side of Penang state or just enjoy the journey before hopping back. It’s inexpensive, quick, and a fun break from city wandering.
Visit the water slides of Hard Rock Hotel
For a complete antidote to all the culture head to the Hard Rock Hotel. It has so many water slides and fun swimming pools for children.
You can buy a day pass here or if you’re staying at the hotel make sure you set aside time to cool off and enjoy all of the water.
Read our review of the Hard Rock Hotel Penang here.
Wander through Clan Jetties – things to do in Penang with kids
Head down to the waterfront to visit the Clan Jetties, traditional Chinese stilt houses built over the water. Each jetty is home to a different clan, and you can stroll along the wooden walkways, spotting shrines, homes, and little shops. Kids will enjoy looking at the colourful murals, peeking into houses, and watching boats bob on the water. It’s a glimpse into a slower, more traditional way of life in Penang.
Try durian (if you dare)
Durian, the so-called “king of fruits,” is famous in Malaysia for its strong smell and unique taste. Visiting Penang gives families the chance to be brave and try it – and kids will find the whole experience hilarious. You can find durian in street stalls, markets, or even in ice cream and cakes. It’s definitely a love-it-or-hate-it flavour, but it makes for a memorable family story.
Find out how we got on trying durian here.
Spend an afternoon at Escape Theme Park
Escape is Penang’s outdoor adventure park, perfect for children with energy to burn. It has zip lines, rope courses, water slides, and climbing walls – all set in lush greenery. It’s designed to encourage families to play together, and there are activities for all ages, from toddlers to teens. For families looking for a full day of active fun, this is one of the best spots in Penang.
Get your skip-the-line tickets here.
Take a trishaw ride through Georgetown – things to do in Penang with kids
Clamber into one of the brightly decorated trishaws and let a driver pedal you through the winding streets of Georgetown. Kids love the novelty of riding in these colourful open-air rickshaws, often decorated with flowers and fairy lights. It’s a fun way to rest tired legs and still see the sights – from colonial mansions to quirky shops. Parents will appreciate the chance to sit back while kids wave to passers-by
Dscover Penang Peranakan Mansion
This museum offers a peek into the world of the Peranakan, or Straits Chinese, families who once lived in Penang. The lavish interiors are packed with antiques, furniture, and clothing. It’s a cultural stop, but children are often captivated by the colourful rooms, ornate details, and unusual treasures. The mansion feels like stepping back in time, and with a guide you’ll uncover fascinating stories about life in Penang a hundred years ago.
Find out more here.
Visit Penang War Museum
This museum on Bukit Batu Maung is set inside an old British fortress and is one of the largest war museums in Southeast Asia. Older children will find the tunnels, bunkers, and artefacts fascinating, while the jungle surroundings give it an adventurous feel. It’s not the most polished attraction, but kids often love the freedom to explore the site.
Find out more here.
Try sweet snacks in the market – things to do in Penang with kids
Penang is a wonderful place to try different foods and taking a wander through the local food markets is a great way to try out different tastes. Many of them sweet treats the kids will love.
Some of our favourites were crunchy peanut pancakes and lovely string hoppers covered with cinnamon.
Find out about taking an organised food tour in Penang here.
Visit the soft play at the Golden Sands Resort
Somewhere to get out of the heat of the day is the soft play at the Shangri-La’s Golden Sands Resort in Penang.
There’s somewhere for the adults to grab a coffee and the kids will love clambering up the climbing frames and down the slides.
It’s a perfect place to burn off some energy.
Rainy day activity.
Read our review of Shangri-La’s Golden Sands Resort in Penang here and find out more at their website here.
Head underwater at Aquarium Penang – things to do in Penang with kids
Aquarium Penang, located near Batu Maung, is a small but enjoyable aquarium where children can learn about the marine life of Malaysia. With colourful fish, seahorses, and turtles, it’s a peaceful spot to spend a morning. It’s not as big as other aquariums, but younger kids especially will enjoy the tanks and touch pools.
Wander through Penang Botanical Gardens
For a breath of fresh air, head to the Botanical Gardens. With wide paths, tropical plants, and cheeky monkeys roaming about, this is a lovely spot for a family stroll or picnic. The gardens are free to enter and give kids space to stretch their legs. Keep an eye on the monkeys though – they’re known for snatching snacks.
Discover Penang’s toy museum
The Toy Museum Heritage Garden in Teluk Bahang is home to thousands of toys and collectibles. From superheroes and dolls to cartoon characters, kids will be wide-eyed at the massive displays. It’s quirky, nostalgic for adults, and magical for little ones.
Find out more here.
Step into the Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion
The famous Blue Mansion is one of Penang’s most striking landmarks. Families can take a guided tour through its indigo-coloured walls and learn about the fascinating history of its owner, Cheong Fatt Tze. Children often enjoy the bold colours and dramatic architecture, and parents will love the chance to photograph this beautiful building.
Find out more here.
Watch a traditional Chinese opera – things to do in Penang with kids
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting during festival season, you might catch a performance of Chinese opera. These shows are filled with colourful costumes, dramatic music, and larger-than-life acting. While kids may not follow the story, the spectacle is enough to capture their imaginations.
Explore Penang State Museum
For families interested in history, the Penang State Museum is an easy stop. It’s small and manageable, with exhibits on Penang’s multicultural heritage, art, and colonial past. Children can see old costumes, furniture, and photos that help bring Penang’s story to life.
Find out more here.
Climb Penang’s tallest building – Komtar
The Komtar Tower is Penang’s tallest building, and kids will love heading up to the observation deck for sweeping views of the city. For the brave, there’s also a glass skywalk where you can look straight down to the streets below. It’s a thrilling experience for families.
Get your skip-the-line tickets here.
Cool off with ais kacang – things to do in Penang with kids
Introduce kids to Penang’s most famous dessert – ais kacang. It’s a mountain of shaved ice topped with syrup, fruit, jelly, and even sweetcorn. While it might sound unusual, children usually love digging into the colourful mixture. It’s the perfect way to cool down after sightseeing.
Sample hawker food at Gurney Drive
Penang is famous for its food, and one of the best ways to experience it is at Gurney Drive Hawker Centre. Here, families can grab plates of satay, char kway teow, and laksa while kids tuck into fresh juices, noodles, and sweet treats. The atmosphere is buzzing, and the sheer variety means there’s something for even the pickiest eaters.
Have you been to Penang? What are some of your favourite things to do? Don’t forget to check out our travelogue of two weeks travel around Malaysia with kids for much more inspiration of the fun things we did.
