Kids’ activities in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
If you’ve visited Universal Studios Singapore or Adventure Cove more times than you can count, or simply want a quick getaway with the family, these kid-friendly places in Johor Bahru are worth checking out. Besides being affordable and a short hour’s drive from Singapore, most of these are located next to hotels and are jam-packed with activities kids will enjoy.
If you’re planning on heading further up to Kuala Lumpur, check out our list of child-friendly hotels in KL here.
1. Fanpekka – Finnish indoor playground at AEON
Image credit: Fanpekka
Fanpekka is a Finnish indoor playground located in AEON mall. There are 6 areas to explore in this theme park featuring a massive pirate ship, ball pits and obstacle courses and slides that’ll keep your little bub entertained for hours.
Image credit: @fanpekka
There are plenty of spots in the park your kiddo can roleplay at. Your child can live out their firefighter aspirations by donning a fireman suit and pretending to drive a fire engine.
There are various areas where your child can engage in sensory play
Image credit: @nazanoh
Price: RM62 ~ S$20.38 for 1 adult and child
Address: Jalan Persiaran Desa Tebrau, Taman Desa Tebrau, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily: 10AM-10PM
Website
2. Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park – 3-in-1 waterpark, adventure course, & sports park
Image credit: Fun Time
If Adventure Cove or Wild Wild Wet just don’t cut it, it’s time to find somewhere else to have a splash. Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park, located 40 minutes from Singapore’s customs ticks all the right boxes as an all-in-one waterpark, adventure park and sports park that’ll satisfy the whole family. Do note that all 3 parks require separate tickets.
You’ll find thrilling slides with twist and turns, a lazy river and a wave pool at the waterpark. If you’re looking for adrenaline pumping action, head to the adventure park which houses the biggest indoor rope course in Malaysia and 51 different obstacles.
Some of these obstacles include rope trapeze and a zip line
Go-kart
At the sports park, you’ll find go-karts, a skating rink and a trampoline park.
Check out our article on Austin Heights Water and Adventure Park here.
Price: From Rm70 ~S$23.01
Address: 71, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 10AM-6PM
Website
3. Desaru Fruit Farm – ATV rides, rabbit feeding, and paintball
Image credit: @dffdesarucoast
Desaru Fruit Farm offers 5-hour fruit farm tours where you can see how fruits are grown. You’ll also visit the herbal and vegetable garden and learn about how bees produce raw honey. After the tour is over, you can head to the shop and purchase their fresh produce.
Image credit: @yingyingteo
It’s not just about fruits, though. You can also purchase carrots at RM2 ~S$0.66 to feed animals like bunnies and goats at the farm.
Image credit: @fj.mama
Take part in a 40-minute ATV tour experience ($29) or paintball ($20 for 100 pallets) session, perfect for families with older kids looking for a fun bonding activity.
Image credit: @nrnatureresources
Price: From RM26.50 ~S$8.71
Address: 92, 82200 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily: 8.30AM-6.30PM
Website
4. MCM Studio Themepark – Garfield-themed playzone at Capital 21
Image credit: @weiting.ang
Located in Capital 21 Mall, MCM Theme Park is an indoor theme park ideal for families who are hopping over for some shopping. There are plenty of themed attractions such as ball pits, trampolines and slides featuring cartoons like Garfield, Larva, and Harry & Bunnie.
There’s even a rock climbing wall for kids
Image credit: @weiting.ang
Look forward to performances by mascots, which you can snap photos with after the shows.
Image credit: @weiting.ang
Price: From RM128 ~ S$42.07
Opening hours: Daily: 10AM-10PM
Address: Capital City Mall, Jalan Tampoi 81200 Johor Bahru, Johor Darul Takzim
Website
5. Blue Ice Skating Rink – only S$8 per entry
Image credit: @blueiceskating
Beat the heat and visit the Blue Ice Skating Rink at Paradigm Mall, one of Johor’s largest shopping malls, which is even larger than our VivoCity. Priced at just RM25 ~S8.22 per adult, the entrance fee is definitely value for money as the fee is for entry and not by hour.
Image credit: @nxfix__
You can also opt for Ice Skating Lessons (From RM70 ~S$23.01) for a 30-minute class. The mall also houses the largest cinema in Johor and an indoor rock climbing wall.
Book a session at Blue Ice Skating Rink.
Price: From RM25 ~ S$8.22
Address: 3F-30 Paradigm Mall Johor, Jalan Bertingkat Skudai, 81200 Skudai, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily: 10AM-10PM
Website
6. Legoland – over 70 rides and water slides
Image credit: @legolandmalaysia
Legoland is located a short 40-minute drive from Singapore’s customs. It’s made up of a theme park and water park which are ticketed separately, and house a whopping total of over 70 rides and slides. There’ll also be performances that the whole family can look forward to – be sure to check the schedule when you arrive as it varies seasonally.
Dino Island, a ride that’ll definitely get you soaked
Image credit: @legolandmalaysia
There are a total of about 7 main areas to explore such as the Lego Ninjago World, Lego Kingdoms, and Lego City. If you’re travelling over the weekend, might as well make it a staycay and book a Lego themed room at Legoland Malaysia Hotel (from $350/night) to truly immerse yourself in all things Lego.
Pirate themed room
Image credit: Booking.com
Book a trip to LEGOLAND Malaysia, or a LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort stay.
Price: From RM289 ~S$95.04
Address: Number 7, Jalan Legoland, Bandar, 79250 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily: 10AM-6PM
Website
7. Danga Bay Theme Park – carnival by the beach
Image credit: @wendytanxinhui
Danga Bay Theme Park is located near a beach at Istana Bukit Serene, the official residence of Johor’s Sultan. It’s a small theme park with about 20 rides including roller coasters, a swinging pirate ship, and a carousel.
While there isn’t an entrance fee to get into the theme park, you’ll have to pay for each individual ride you take with prices ranging from just RM4 ~S$1.31. There’ll also be carnival games ring toss where you’ll stand a chance to win prizes.
Image credit: @sonalisaid_
Price: From RM 4 ~S$1.31
Address: G23, Blok 6 Danga Bay, Jalan Skudai, Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 6PM-2AM
8. Sanrio Hello Kitty Town – Hello Kitty theme park
Image credit: @santaitravelmagazine
At Sanrio Hello Kitty Town, you can expect live performances with music and dancing, and opportunities for meet and greet sessions with Hello Kitty herself.
Image credit: @sanriohellokittytown
There aren’t rollercoasters, but both kids and adults can enjoy the Hello-Kitty themed teacup ride. Once you’re done, check out the merchandise store to get your hands on official Sanrio items like backpacks, toys and handphone accessories.
You can even meet Sanrio character mascots like My Melody
Image credit: @princeszqi
Price: From RM95 ~S$31.24
Address: Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour, 79000 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Mon: 10AM-6PM
Website
9. Kota Tinggi Firefly Park – river cruise for firefly-watching
Image credit: @princesscad_pricemal
As day turns to night, take an idyllic boat ride and admire the glimmer of thousands of fireflies at Kota Tinggi Firefly Park. The park is surrounded by palm tree plantations and puts you in the heart of nature.
You can also release lanterns into the air here, much like in Taiwan.
Image credit: @abitoftravels
Image credit: @calkyhbecker
Book a river cruise at Kota Tinggi FireFly Park.
Price: From RM20 ~S$6.57
Address: Jalan Kota Tinggi, 81900 Kota Tinggi, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: 1PM-11PM
Website
10. Angry Birds Activity Park – giant slides, trampolines, and obstacle courses
Image credit: @fantasia.works
Angry Birds Activity Park is worth checking out since it’s located near the border in Komtar JBCC. This indoor playground is styled after the popular mobile phone game Angry Birds, so expect lots of live sized Angry Birds figurines throughout. Kiddos can explore 5 different sections comprising trampolines, giant slides, and obstacle courses.
Giant slides
Image credit: @angrybirdspark.my
Let your child conquer their fear of heights at the Space Drop Air Bag
Image credit: @angrybirdspark.my
Price: From RM75 ~ S$24.65
Opening hours: Daily: 10AM-10PM
Address: KOMTAR, Level 3, 80000 Johor Bahru, Johor, Malaysia
Website
11. Zenxin Organic Farm – beekeeping and noodle-making workshops
Beekeeper workshop
Image credit: @zenxin_organicpark
Zenxin Organic Farm offers tours for you to learn more about organic farming. You can also attend workshops like a noodle-making workshop to harvest your own flour and make your very own organic vegetable noodles.
Image credit: Zenxin
Alternatively, check out the Beekeeper Workshop to learn more about honey bees. Other activities you can check out include fish feeding using a bottle.
Bottle fish feeding
Image credit: @zenxin_organicpark
There is also an onsite farm-to-table cafe that serves up vegetarian dishes
Image credit: @zenxin_organicpark
Price: RM18 ~$6 for farm tours | RM35 ~S$11.50 for Noodle Master Workshop
Address: 47A & 47B, Batu 9 Jalan Batu Pahat, 86000 Kluang Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily: 9AM-6.30PM
Website
12. Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark – thrilling water rides
Image credit: Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark
Desaru is a beach destination that’s an hour’s drive from Singapore. It has recently undergone a makeover, with hotels like Westin and Hard Rock hotel cropping up. Right in the middle of these is Desaru Coast Waterpark – perfect for a short holiday over the weekend.
Kraken Revenge
Image credit: Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark
This waterpark has one of the biggest wave pools in the world, but other than that, you can also look forward to thrilling rides like Kraken’s Revenge, a water coaster where you’ll slide down on a little boat. For accompanying parents or caretakers who’d prefer to stay dry while the kids play, consider hopping onto the classic swinging ship.
Image credit: Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark
Besides rides and slides, kiddos can also check out the massive water playground – look out for the giant bucket of water that’ll tip over!
Check out our article on Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark here.
Book a trip to Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark.
Price: From RM161 ~ S$52.91
Address: Persiaran Pantai, Desaru Coast, 81930 Bandar Penawar, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Daily: 10AM-6PM
Website
13. Thomas Town – rides for young kids
Image credit: Puteri Harbour
Thomas Town is located at Puteri Harbour, next to Hello Kitty Town so kill 2 birds with 1 stone and hit up both while you’re there. You’ll find that the rides are styled to look like the familiar characters such as Bertie the Bus, Harold’s Helitours and of course Thomas the Tank Engine himself.
Image credit: @yennyarielim
Keep your eyes peeled for regular meet and greets with other characters such as Barney and Friends and Bob the Builder. See the full schedule here.
Price: From RM95 ~S$31.23
Address: Persiaran Puteri Selatan, Puteri Harbour, 79000 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia
Opening hours: Wed-Monday: 10AM-6PM
Website
14. Dinosaur Alive Water Theme Park – dino-themed water playground
Image credit: @red_rza
Dinosaur Alive Water Theme Park is housed on the 7th floor of KSL Hotel and Resort. True to its name there are plenty of massive dinosaur statues littered all over the water playground.
Image credit: @serusazreen
The wet playground isn’t too big, but it offers a range of fun slides that younger children will enjoy. Those staying within KSL Hotel do not have to pay the entrance fee of RM50 ~S$16.43.
Image credit: @julteo
Price: Rm 50 ~S$16.43 for adults | RM30 ~S$9.86 for children
Address: Level 7, KSL Hotel & Resort, 33, Jalan Seladang, Taman Abad, 80250 Johor Bahru, Johor
Opening hours: Mon-Fri: 10Am-7PM | Sat-Sun: 9AM-7PM
Activities and theme parks for kids in Johor Bahru
There are plenty of kid-friendly activities available across the border, some of these are even located inside malls so you could drop the kids off to have fun while you shop. Whether you prefer indoor activities like ice skating or outdoor activities like gardening, there’s something for every type of kid.
Check out our other kid-related articles here:
- Things to do with kids in Singapore
- Family places and activities in Singapore’s North
- Kid-friendly home renovations
- Mattel Playhouse Singapore
Cover image adapted from: Fanpekka, Booking.com, Desaru Coast Adventure Waterpark, @yingyingteo