Kuala Lumpur (or “KL” in short), the capital of Malaysia, caters to visitors of all ages, including children. After Mom has enjoyed her shopping spree and spa treatments; Dad, his heritage-trail walkabouts, golfing or binging in pubs, where do you take the kids for some fun? Below are some recommendations where to take them.

(1) NATIONAL ZOO
Tucked at the foot of the Main Range on Jalan Ulu Kelang, National Zoo houses more than 3,000 mammals, amphibians, reptiles and birds from all parts of the world. Among them are antelopes, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, rhinos, penguins and local species such as orang-utans, sun bears, civets, boa constrictors and gharials. The pride of the zoo are its rare species such as the Pademelons, a miniature-sized kangaroo; Milky Stork, Flat-Headed Cat, Golden Cat, Aldraban Tortoise, the largest tortoise in the world, and many others. A multi-animal show comprising sea lions, macaques and macaws is held at 11 am and 3:00pm daily. The Tunku Abdul Rahamn Lake within the zoo compound is home to more than 300 free-roaming birds. They are fed at 11 am and 3 pm. Visiting hours are 9am to 5pm daily.

(2) PETROSAINS
Ensconced on Level 4 of Suria KLCC in the PETRONAS Twin Towers, PETROSAINS contains countless interactive exhibits about the science and technology of the petroleum. The centre aims to stimulate interest in petroleum science and the exciting career opportunities in the industry in a fun way. The centre’s front-line personnel act as guides, presenters and demonstrators as well as facilitators to ensure that visitors enjoy and learn as much as possible from the exhibits. The highlight of one’s visit is a simulated helicopter ride to an oil rig! Operating hours: Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays: 9.30 am – 6.30 pm (Last admission is at 5.00 pm) Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday: 9.30 am – 5.30 pm (Last admission is at 4.00 pm) Friday: 1.30 pm – 5.30 pm (Last admission is at 4.00 pm). Monday: Closed

(3) KL BIRD PARK
KL Bird Park is a fantastic world of birds and a tropical paradise. Located within the Lake Gardens, the park is also well known as a “Free-flight Walk-in Aviary” that offers eight hectares of verdant valley terrain waiting to be explored. Upon entering the door of KL Bird Park, you are seemingly transported into an enormous bird cage, with ample opportunities to observe how 800 birds representing 60 local and foreign species live together. These have adapted so well to this man-made paradise that they breed naturally. If you are lucky, you can see the courtship display of the Indian Blue Peacock, or get a glimpse of the Crowned pigeon, that has the body size of a turkey. Wading birds, raptors, Oriental birds, flightless birds are the other main attractions.

(4) BUKIT NANAS FOREST RESERVE
Sprawled over 10 hectares and perched atop a hillock, Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve boasts of walking trails, a children’s playground and an arboretum. The Merbau, Jelutong and Kapur Trials offer opportunities to observe various tropical tree species such as Meranti, Keruing, Jelutong, Kapur and Pulai to mention but a few. Other flora include rare herbs, creepers, ferns, climbers, palms and other exotic plants. Among the inhabitants of the park are squirrels, insects, butterflies and two introduced species of monkey. They are the Silver-Leaf Money and Long-Tailed Macaque. Bukit Nanas Forest Reserve is located on Jalan Raja Chulan.

(5) KL BUTTERFLY PARK
See the Raja Brooke, the largest butterfly in the world in this Park, and more than 6,000 butterflies representing 120 species. A lush landscaped garden, the Park was created from more than 12,000 plants and trees, and is adorned with gurgling brooks and waterfalls. There is also a breeding area and a nursery that explains and illustrates the life cycle and mating habit of butterflies. A side attraction is an insect museum displaying both live and preserved species of creepy crawlies such as rhinoceros beetle, stick insect, praying mantis, gecko and other creatures. KL Butterfly Park is located on Jalan Cenderawasih, Lake Gardens. Opening hours are from 9am to 6pm daily.

(6) COSMO’S WORLD
Cosmo’s World Theme Park is the largest indoor theme park in Malaysia, and covers more than 12,000 square metres; it includes a Haunted Chambers. With 14 attractive rides, the Park is divided into two differently themed areas. “Galaxy Station” is specifically targeted for adult and teenagers. It offers six major rides; namely, Supersonic Odyssey, DNA Mixer, Dizzy Izzy, Ooort’s Express, Spinning Orbit, and Space Attack. “Fantasy Garden” is set in a colourful environment, and has eight major fun rides. They allow for kids and families to spend quality time together. The gentler rides include Fantasy Trail, Crazy Bus, Botanic Drive, Molly-Cool’s Swing, Buddy Go Round, Honey Bump, Flying Bumble Bee, and Robo Crash. Cosmo’s World Theme Park is located on Level 10, Berjaya Times Square, Jalan Imbi. Kuala Lumpur.

(7) NATIONAL SCIENCE CENTRE
Located in the suburb of Bukit Kiara, Kuala Lumpur, National Science Centre sports a green unique structure that resembles a truncated cone capped by a geodesic dome. The Centre houses almost 1,000 exhibits designed to encourage visitors to take an active interest in science and technology. The exhibits that are housed in 11 galleries are based on different themes that can be categorized into two groups; namely, “Basics Sciences”‘ and “‘Technology”. The galleries include Environmental Odyssey, Pathway to Science, Pathway to Discovery, Children Educational Centre, Thinking Machine, Future World, TechnoMal, Digitalifestyle, Inventors Corner, and Aquarium. There is also a Science Educational Park providing hands-on learning facilities for students in Botanical Science, Zoology, Agriculture Science and Life Science. National Science Centre is perched atop a hillock on Persiaran Bukit Kiara. Opening hours: 9am to 5pm daily, except Fridays.

(8) AQUARIA KLCC
More than just an aquarium containing more than 3,000 sea creatures, this centre also exhibits various life forms living in different terrains. Visitors are taken on a journey from the highlands, lowlands, coastal forests, reefs to the ocean. Stars of this aquarium are the Electric Eel, Potbelly Seahorse, Red-Bellied Pirana, Long-Horned Cowfish, Sand Tiger Shark, Arapaima and Albini Axlolotl. AQUARIA KLCC is housed in Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on Jalan Pinang. Opening hours: 11am to 8pm daily.