Malaysia’s 9 best theme parks for families

From white-knuckle roller coasters to wet, wild and whimsical water parks for little ones, Malaysia’s theme parks are sure to have your kids screaming for more.

Malaysia is the perfect destination for families who want a getaway that weaves cultural richness, natural beauty, warm hospitality and heart-pounding theme park fun. From extreme to serene, Malaysia’s multitude of world-class theme parks provide not only a joy-filled rush for all ages but a place for families to bond over shared experiences and non-stop fun. Strap in as we take you on an exhilarating whirl of theme park excitement, Malaysia style.

Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park

Genting Highlands

Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park is an all-weather attraction situated within Resorts World Genting. Featuring a mix of classic and modern rides, Skytropolis offers a thrilling experience for visitors of all ages. From the heart-pounding excitement of the Copper Express – an open-top train ride to the whimsical charm of the Boo Boo Bump miniature bumper car for children between 105 – 140cm, there’s something for everyone here. The rides are organised into three categories: family rides with low thrills, adventure rides with medium thrills, and thrill rides with high thrills.

For adventurous types, there’s the fast-spinning turbulence of the Music Express ride with turbulent slopes and backward motion and the intense wild spinning and high-flying of the Power Surge – and don’t miss the stomach-lurching twirling pendulum that is Spin Crazy. All in all, this indoor paradise offers a beacon of joy, come rain or shine.

Open: Monday – Thursday: 2pm – 9pm, Friday – Sunday: 2pm – 10pm
Cost: RM90 (approximately $29). Discounted tickets are available online.

Sunway Lagoon

Kuala Lumpur

In the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Lagoon stands as the crown jewel of Malaysian theme parks, with a whopping 90 attractions spread across six thrilling zones. Sunway Lagoon promises unparalleled aquatic adventures. Ride the twisting slides of the multi-sensory Waterplexx 5D, take a heart-thumping descent down the 11-storey Vuvuzela tower and ride the wild currents of the Grand Canyon River Rapids. Beyond the water, the park offers activities like tackling the suspension bridge at the Amusement Park, braving the scares at Scream Park, and embracing adventure at Sunway Lagoon X Park where Malaysia’s longest Flying Fox, go-karts and ATV tracks await. Animal enthusiasts will also find joy in the interactive and educational experiences at Sunway Lagoon Wildlife Park.

Open: 10am to 11pm
Cost: RM225 for adults (approximately $72) and RM190 for children (approximately $61).

Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park

Genting Highlands

Perched atop Genting Highlands, the Genting SkyWorlds Theme Park takes the adventure park experience to new heights – literally. Enjoy an array of world-class rides and attractions. During the Sky Symphony Parade, characters from different lands come together for a musical extravaganza of floats, dancing and plenty of high-flying surprises.

The Malaysian theme park has nine worlds; immerse yourself in the pulse-pounding action of the Movie Animation Park Studios with thrilling rides inspired by your favourite films. Then, at SnowWorld, you can escape the heat and step into a winter wonderland to build a snowman, engage in a friendly snowball fight – or just revel in the joy of winter.

Open: Wednesday – Monday: 11am – 6pm. Closed Tuesdays.
Cost: RM126 for adults (approximately $40) and RM98 for children (approximately $32) Ticket deals are available online.

LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort

Johor

The award-winning LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort is a theme park where creativity knows no bounds. Located in Johor’s Iskandar Puteri, and geared towards families, LEGOLAND offers a whimsical escape into a world where everything is awesome. From the technicolour thrills of Lego-themed rides – such as 4D LEGO NINJAGO The Ride and the twirling and turning frenzy of the LEGO Technic Twister – to the mesmerising Miniland, where iconic landmarks are re-created in miniature LEGO form to its themed shows and attractions, this park sparks the imagination at every turn. You can even make a stay of it in a themed room at the LEGOLAND® Hotel.

Open: 10am to 6pm
Cost: RM199 for adults (approximately $65) and RM169 for children (approximately $55). Discounted tickets are available online.

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Sunway Lost World of Tambun

Ipoh

The Sunway Lost World of Tambun offers 88 exciting attractions across ten zones. This family theme park seamlessly integrates the beauty of its natural surroundings with thrilling experiences. It is nestled amid lush tropical jungle, natural hot springs and ancient limestone hills. From soothing natural hot springs and a charming petting zoo, to the Adventure River with its hidden waterfalls and thrill rides, the park caters to both adventure seekers and those seeking relaxation. Brace for adrenaline on rides like Stormrider, which simulates a stormy sea adventure, or delve into the tranquil Luminous Forest after dark for a mystical journey through illuminated flora and fauna.

Open: 11am to 6pm weekdays and 10am to 6pm weekends.
Cost: RM135 for adults (approximately $44) and RM128 for children (approximately $41)

Escape Penang

Penang

For those craving an adrenaline rush amid nature, Escape Penang is the answer. Tucked away in the scenic hills of Teluk Bahang, this adventure park is a playground for thrillseekers and nature lovers alike, with a unique blend of eco-friendly adventure activities. Channel your inner Tarzan at Atan’s Leap, a wild treetop adventure where you can swing, climb and leap through the trees. Or, take on the world’s longest tube water slide, which runs a length of 1,111 metres surrounded by lush green, as well as the longest zip coaster in the world. You can also hit the first ski slope in Malaysia – there’s no snow and you certainly won’t need winter woollies to tackle this 302-metre dry slope.

Open: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am – 6pm. Closed Mondays.
Cost: RM184 for adults (approximately $60) and RM122 for children (approximately $40) free for kids three and under. Discounted tickets are available online.

Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast

Bandar Penawar

Escape the city and head south to the sun-soaked shores of Desaru Coast and Adventure Waterpark. Start with the adrenaline-pumping Surf Wall, a safe and high-energy surf simulator, then ride the Kraken’s Revenge, a combo roller coaster and flume ride that has thrillseekers spinning through a 360-degree loop followed by a 27-metre drop to a pool below. Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast promises a day of wet and wild fun. There’s something for all members of the family too, from the long, looping and leisurely Lazy River to hours of joy at Tidal Wave Beach. Even the little ones can let loose in the Kids Ahoy! zone, a splash-tastic water world designed especially for young adventurers. With interactive water features and pint-sized slides, it’s a toddler’s theme park dream come true.

Berjaya Times Square Theme Park

Kuala Lumpur

Berjaya Times Square Theme Park is an ideal spot for a spontaneous adventure – offering a perfect blend of shopping and entertainment under one roof. It is located within the iconic Berjaya Times Square Mall in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. With a host of indoor rides, including the heart-pounding Supersonic Odyssey roller coaster in which you’ll experience G-forces that will make your hair stand on end, and the dizzying Spinning Orbit, where you’ll whirl through the air with a view of the bustling city below, Berjaya Times Square Theme Park packs a punch in terms of thrills. And little ones looking for a more leisurely pace can drive a tiny car through Botanic Drive where they can marvel at whimsical characters and vibrant flora.

Open: Monday to Friday, 12pm –8pm, weekends 11am –8pm.
Cost: Pay-per-play

I-City Theme Park

Shah Alam

Prepare to be mesmerised as you step into the futuristic I-City Theme Park, a dazzling spectacle of lights, colours and cutting-edge technology. At the heart of I-City is the hypnotic City of Digital Lights, where trees and buildings come alive with an enchanting light display each night. Visitors can also enjoy family-oriented amusements and games, as well as Malaysia’s first interactive wax museum and trick art museum. If you want to cool off, there’s a theme park with the first Tornado Ride in Southeast Asia and the shivery sensation of Snowalk, an indoor snow park with snowmen, igloos and intricate ice sculptures. And don’t worry about getting too chilly – warm jackets are included with the entrance fee.

Open: Monday to Friday, 11am – 6pm, weekends 10am –6pm.
Cost: Seperate pricing per zone

This article was created in partnership with Tourism Malaysia. For more inspiring Malaysia holiday ideas visit tourism.gov.my

This article originally appeared in Holidays with Kids magazine. Subscribe to the latest issue here.

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