12 Things to do in Penang with a toddler – 2026

ESCAPE theme park Penang longest slide the backpacking family

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Looking for amazing things to do in Penang with a toddler in 2026? You’ve found the right article for you! We have lived in Penang with a toddler and we’re super excited to share these epic activities with you. 

All of these activities are tried and tested and should be fun, engaging and enriching for you and your toddler. We have tried to mix it up with a range of activities. We have also suggested a few toddler friendly hotels in Penang. Please do use our booking links. We earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

There is always more – don’t miss these AMAZING family friendly hotels in Penang

CHECK OUT THIS NEW ATTRACTION FOR TOTSA+ Go Babyland – awesome indoor play space

Map of the BEST things to do in Penang with a toddler

What is the best way to get around in Penang with a toddler? 

Rapid bus Penang

The cheapest way to get around Penang with a toddler is to use the public bus system. Buses in Penang are cheap, fast, regular and convenient. Buses have air con and normally cost RM1 – RM5 depending on the distance you’re traveling. The most useful bus route is the 101 bus that runs from Georgetown to Teluk Bahang via Batu Ferringhi. 

You can also take taxis in Penang. Most taxi journeys cost RM5 – RM50 depending on the distance. The easiest way to get taxis is to use the Grab taxi app. This allows you to book taxis at a fair price. Drivers are normally pretty fast to respond on Grab. Just get a local sim with data and register for the Grab app using your local number. You can select “pay with cash”. Find our more about using Grab in Malaysia.

Another way to get around Penang with a toddler is to use a car rental. Car rental in Penang is not cheap. It normally costs at least RM100 per day for an economy car (roughly £20 or $25). An international license is required and drive with caution. The Penang roads can get pretty crazy at times. 

1 ESCAPE adventure park

ESCAPE theme park Penang monkey school

We absolutely love the ESCAPE adventure park located in the intrepid northwest corner of Penang island. ESCAPE is a full scale adventure park. Although many of the activities are not suitable for younger kids – there is still a lot for a toddler here. In the adventure park section there is the Monkey School. This is an obstacle course for little ones with harnesses, balancing activities and mini ziplines. Over in the water park there is also a small boating lake, an inflatable obstacle course and a kids splash park with slides and shallow pools. ESCAPE really is fun for the whole family. 

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE to ESCAPE Penang

Looking for somewhere to stay nearby?

If you’re excited by this adventurous area of Penang you may want an awesome hotel. Check out the stunning Angsana Teluk Bahang. You can reserve rooms at the Angsana on Booking.com. You can also reserve the Angsana on Agoda.

How much does ESCAPE cost? 

The prices at ESCAPE are impressive – a single ticket includes a FULL day at both the adventure park and water park. All activities are included in the ticket – no need to pay for extras. There are also A&W’s food vendors on site. 

0-3 years old FREE

4-12 years old RM80 – RM100 (roughly £16 – £20 or $20 – $25)

13 – 60 years old RM120 – RM150 (roughly £22 – £30 or $26 – $38)

60+ years old FREE

TOP TIP: Book early for the lowest prices. You can book tickets on their official website. 

What is the best time to visit ESCAPE? 

ESCAPE is open daily from 10am – 6pm but closed on Mondays. Visit on weekdays and avoid public holidays if possible. 

2 Explore the youth park 

Things to do in Penang youth park

If you’re looking for FREE things to do in Penang with a toddler why not visit the Youth Park? The Youth Park is located next to the Botanical Gardens. The youth park is a lot of fun. There are plenty of monkeys around. There is a large kids play park with swings, slides and climbing frames. The youth park also has a FREE outdoor swimming pool. It is pretty shallow and would be suitable for a toddler (under careful supervision of course). We do recommend stopping by the Youth Park if you have time or if you’re looking for FREE things to do in Penang with kids. 

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE to the Penang Youth Park

3 Visit the Penang Turtle Sanctuary 

Penang turtle sanctuary

One of the most inspirational things to do in Penang with a toddler is visit the Penang turtle sanctuary. This is located on Turtle Beach in the Penang National Park. The Turtle Sanctuary itself is FREE to visit – however the National park has started to implement an entrance fee. To get to the turtle sanctuary you will either need to arrange a taxi boat (just turn up at the entrance of the National Park and ask the office on arrival). Alternatively you can trek a few kilometers through the Penang National Park. This is quite an intrepid and adventurous trek. Bring plenty of water and wear good shoes for trekking along rough terrain. Most families with a toddler will probably want to arrange a boat taxi. 

Check out our article on the Penang Turtle Sanctuary

How much does it cost to visit the Penang Turtle Sanctuary? 

The turtle sanctuary itself is FREE to visit. The Penang National Park charge RM50 for adults and RM20 for children (foreigners). A boat is suitable for up to 10 people and costs RM100 one way and RM200 return. If you see other travelers at the entrance, chat to them about sharing a boat.  

When is the best time to visit the Penang Turtle Sanctuary?

You can enter the National Park from 8am – 5pm. The turtle sanctuary is open from 10am – 4.30pm

4 Play at Adventure Zone, Golden Sands

Things to do in Penang with kids golden sands

One of the best things to do in Penang with a toddler is visit Adventure Zone. This is one of the only play spaces in Penang. Adventure zone in Penang has a range of slides including some pretty impressive drop slides, ball pits, nets, obstacles and much more. There is a small soft play space for toddlers and babies too. Adventure zone Penang has lockers or shelves to store your belongings when you arrive. Kids need to wear long sleeve shirts, long trousers and socks. Adventure zone Penang is supervised by lovely staff and children must also be supervised by an adult.

What about staying at the Golden Sands?

Love Adventure Zone? Why not book a stay at the Golden Sands in Batu Ferringhi? You can reserve suites at the Golden Sands on Agoda. You can also book the Golden Sands on Booking.com.

How much does it cost to visit Adventure Zone?

RM35 for 2 hours. Adults can enter for FREE

What is the best time to visit Adventure Zone?

The Adventure Zone is open daily from 10am – 1pm and 3pm – 6pm

5 Ride the Penang Hill Railway 

Penang hill attractions railway

If you’re toddler loves a good train ride, why not take a ride on the Penang Hill Railway? This steep train line runs up Penang Hill. It starts in Air Itam and runs all the way to the peak of Penang Hill. There are lots of other things to do at the top of Penang Hill too – so you really could make a fun day of this. Ok we’re always honest. The Penang Hill railway is one of the few ways to get up Penang Hill if you don’t want to trek. So it does get busy. We recommend arriving very early to beat the queues. You can also pay for express tickets that could save some queuing time. Consider bringing some entertainment for your toddler uncase you need to queue. 

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the different ways to get up Penang Hill

How much does it cost to ride the Penang Hill railway? 

Adult 13 – 59 years old RM30 return

Children 4 – 12 years old RM15 return

What is the best time to ride the Penang Hill railway? 

6.30am – 11pm daily. Arrive early to beat the queues. 

6 Visit the Tropical Spice Garden 

Tropical spice garden Penang

Another great activity in Penang for toddlers is the Tropical Spice Garden. This ocean side jungle garden has an array of local fresh spices. They do guided tours or you can just explore the beautiful paths and trails around the gardens. There are even some slides and a swing chair. The Tropical Spice Garden also have kids activity packs and there is a small cafe serving fresh drinks and food. Opposite the Tropical Spice Garden is a lovely beach – win win for a toddler. 

Read more about the Tropical Spice Garden Penang

How much does it cost to visit the Tropical Spice Gardens?

Adult tickets cost RM25 (£5 or $7)

Adult tickets including a guided tour RM45 (£9 or $12)

Child (5 – 12 Years old) cost RM15 (£3 or $4)

Infants under 5 years old FREE 

You can also get a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) RM60 (£12 ot $16)

What is the best time to visit the tropical Spice Garden?

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday: 9am – 4pm

Friday – Sunday: 9am – 6pm

CLOSED Wednesday 

7 Visit the Tropical Fruit Farm

Tropical Fruit Farm Penang sample

If you’re looking for educational things to do in Penang with a toddler, consider a visit to the Tropical Fruit Farm. The Tropical Fruit Farm offers fascinating guided tours with a chance to see, smell and taste an array of bizarre and unique local fruits. The tour culminates in a visit to the juice bar and a chance to try a platter of fresh exotic fruits with a view. This beautiful farm is located high in a remote area of the Penang hills. It is between Teluk Bahang and Balik Pulau. The main disadvantage of the Tropical Fruit Farm is the remote location. Even if you have your own car this is a long drive. A tour of the tropical fruit farm takes around 1 hour. Remember to budget for travel time too. 

Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the Tropical Fruit Farm Penang

How much does the Tropical Fruit Farm cost? 

Tickets for the tour, fruit plate and juice, Adults (13 years old and above) RM50 

Tour only Adults RM30 

Tickets for the tour, fruit plate and juice, Children (5 – 12 years old) RM40

Tour only Children RM20

Children below 5 years old FREE

What is the best time to visit the Tropical Fruit Farm Penang? 

The Tropical Fruit Farm Penang is open daily from 9am – 5pm

8 Climbing at Gurney 

Project rock gurney

For a more active family with a toddler consider a climb at Gurney Plaza. There is a climbing center called Project Rock where you can find climbing walls with harnesses and bouldering sections (harness free low climbs). The soft mats and colorful climbing holds make this a great attraction for a family with active kids. Gurney Plaza is a shopping mall – so why not squeeze in a little shopping too. And don’t miss their very tempting food court packed with an array of tasty Asian food. 

How much does it cost to climb at Project Rock in Gurney? 

Prices range from RM30 – RM50 for a day ticket with equipment rental costing around RM5 – RM10

What is the best time to visit Project Rock? 

10am – 10pm daily

9 Explore the Habitat Penang Hill

Habitat Penang Hill curtis crest areal photo

One of the best Eco-activities that you can do in Penang with a toddler is visit the Habitat on Penang Hill. This innovative project is committed to conservation, protection and preservation of the unique ecosystem at the top of Penang Hill. A series of paths, walkways and a 360 degree viewing platform (called the Curtis Crest walkway) make the Habitat a very special activity. There are small gardens and viewing decks around the site. At the exit of Habitat there is also a cafe serving tempting drinks and food and a small gift shop. Even on a short visit to the Habitat you are very likely to see wildlife such as the beautiful dusky leaf monkeys. 

We love the Habitat so much we wrote all about it

How much does it cost to visit the habitat on Penang Hill? 

Adult ticket RM60 (roughly £12 or $15) 

Children or Senior Citizens RM40 (roughly £8 or $10) 

Children are considered 4 – 11 years old  

Senior citizens are 59 years and older. 

Infants 0-3 years old are FREE 

Family Package: RM160 (2 adults and 2 children). 

You can also arrange a tour guide (book in advance). This costs an additional RM200 and tour guides can take groups of up to 10 people.


What is the best time to visit the Habitat on Penang Hill?

The best time to visit is early morning or in the evening for the Sunset Walks. The Habitat is open from 9am – 7pm Daily 

10 Explore Georgetown by Rickshaw 

Georgetown walking tour rickshaw tour

One of the most unique things to do in Penang with a toddler is take a rickshaw tour of Georgetown. This is a great way to experience the sites, sounds and smells of Georgetown. Rickshaw tours of Georgetown normally include the main sites (Penang artwork, the Jetty’s, Kapitan mosque, Little India, The Blue Mansion or the Peranakan mansion). You can find Rickshaws waiting all around Georgetown. However one of the main locations to find a rickshaw is just opposite to Yap Kongsi temple.

Rickshaw not for you? What about doing a walking tour of Georgetown?

How much does a rickshaw tour of Georgetown cost?

It costs around RM 30-40 for a 1-hour rickshaw tour of Georgetown. Rickshaws can normally take up to 3 people. 

11 Connect with nature at the Entopia Butterfly farm

Entopia Penang kids

If you’re looking for indoor things to do in Penang with a toddler, check out the amazing Entopia Butterfly farm. This is a large indoor conservatory with ponds, trees, bushes, gardens and even indoor waterfalls. There is an education section and plenty of insects and butterflies to see. Entopia also has an impressive collection of reptiles. This is a great option if you want your toddler to connect with the natural beauty and biodiversity of Penang – in a safe and contained environment. We recommend bringing extra bits like a sketch pad or small camera for kids to play with. 

Curious to find out more? Check out our full article on Entopia

How much does it cost to visit Entopia in Penang? 

Adult tickets (13 – 59 year olds) RM69 (around £14 or $18) . 

Children and senior citizens cost RM49 (around £10 or $13). 

Children’s tickets are required for 4-10 year olds. 

Senior citizens are 60 years and over.

What is the best time to visit Entopia in Penang? 

Daily from 9am – 5pm (Closed Wednesdays)

12 Stay at the Hard Rock Hotel in Batu Ferringhi

Penang family hotels

And last but definitely not least – why not book a stay at the Hard Rock Hotel in batu Ferringhi. If you’re looking for awesome things to do in Penang with a toddler, this is one of the most family friendly hotels around. They have an awesome outdoor swimming pool with a kids play area and an artificial beach. The pool is nice and shallow (mostly). This is a lovely space for toddlers. Their family suites are fun, innovative and well designed. AND don’t miss the epic Hard Rock cafe serving fun toddler friendly food. A stay at the Hard Rock Hotel may well be one of the best things to do in Penang with a toddler. 

Looking for more inspiration? Don’t miss our FULL GUIDE on the best things to do in Penang

The Backpacking Family
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