Petrosains – The Discovery Centre
Since it first opened, this discovery centre has played host to countless children, teaching them all manner of fun science facts. The journey begins with a pre-visit kit containing worksheets for the kids to fill up while they visit the different sites. The themed exhibits include Space, Speed, molecules, prehistoric eras and the very interesting oil platform. There are hands-on science experiments and classes to sign up for, as well as a café to fuel up at.
PETRONAS Twin Towers, Level 4
Suria KLCC
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2331 8181
www.petrosains.com.my
Photo: Planetarium Negara/Facebook
National Planetarium
A planetarium is basically where the solar system and night sky are highlighted via exhibits and projected images. The National Planetarium has several sections to explore, including Space Exploration, Ancient Observatory, Scenic Gallery, Astronomy and the Observatory. This is the best place to come for the kids to get information about the planets and space exploration. There’s no entry fee from the exhibits, but a small fee for the space theatre. If you’re looking for an interesting place for a kid’s birthday party, the planetarium offers a space for events.
53, Jalan Perdana
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2273 4301
www.planetariumnegara.gov.my
Photo: Pusat Sains Negara/Facebook
National Science Centre
The National Science Centre is divided into three sections – an indoor gallery, themed exhibits and the outdoor zone. The indoor gallery comprises exhibits featuring marine life, and interactive activities focusing on physics and mathematics. There’s also an herb garden, water plaza and aquatic house. The current themed exhibit is called ‘Survive The Bunker’, where you have to pass through eight nerve-wracking zones that test your phobias and gives you scientific explanations for them. Note that kids aged seven and below are not allowed to enter.
Persiaran Bukit Kiara
Bukit Kiara
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2089 3400
en.psn.gov.my
Photo: Tech Dome Penang/Facebook
Tech Dome Penang
Penang’s first discovery centre for kids of all ages (and adults too!), Tech Dome has a range of exhibits and activities including mini robots, the G-drop (free-standing vertical drop slide), wall climbing and food science programmes. The gallery has rotating programmes running throughout the year, and there are classes you can sign the kids up for to learn cool things like the science behind freezing and microorganisms in yoghurt. Also, don’t forget to check out the most powerful telescope in Penang which is located here.
Jalan Penang
George Town
Penang
Tel: 04-2626 663
www.techdomepenang.org
Photo: Aquaria KLCC/Facebook
Aquaria KLCC
The most famous aquarium in Malaysia, Aquaria showcases over 5,000 species of aquatic and land organisms. All the different bodies of water on the planet are represented including streams, mangroves, deep oceans and coastlines. It’s a full day of aquatic exploration for the kids and they’ll get to see otters, sharks, rays, piranhas and creatures they may not even see in the wild! There’s shark feeding and also special sessions where divers hand feed the Arapaima (large freshwater fish found in the Amazon).
Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre Complex, KLCC
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2333 1888
aquariaklcc.com
Photo: The Shore Oceanarium Melaka/Facebook
The Shore Oceanarium
If you’re in Melaka, head to The Shore Oceanarium, which is located in a shopping centre and has different underwater attractions. The interactive touch pool allows you to get close to live sea life, and the kids will love the magic vacuum aquarium where you can put your hands in holes at the bottom of the tank to reach the fish. There are lessons to be learnt here (scientific and otherwise) as dangerous and endangered sea creatures are highlighted. Look out for the live feeding and 3D theatre.
2F-01, The Shore Shopping Gallery
193, Pinggiran @ Sungai Melaka, Jalan Persisiran Bunga Raya
Melaka
Tel: 06-282 9966
www.oceanariummelaka.com
Photo: KL Butterfly Park/Facebook
Butterfly Park
Kids love butterflies, which is why the Butterfly Park is always a hit with them. Housing over 5,000 live butterflies, exotic plants, butterfly-host plants and ferns, this is actually the largest butterfly park in the world. If you suffer from lepidopterophobia (fear of butterflies), do not enter! Besides butterflies of every imaginable colour and size, there’s a museum with a large collection of insects and even more butterflies from around the world.
Taman Botani Perdana, Jalan Cenderasari
Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03-2693 4799
klbutterflypark.com
