Family- and kid-friendly places in Jakarta
After a long week at work, it’s only normal that you’d want to spend your days off with your family. But looking for activities that both you and the kids can enjoy can get a bit challenging.
Fortunately, Jakarta has enough family-friendly attractions that you can check out, from an aquarium where you and your kids can learn about marine conservation, trampoline parks to play around, and Jakarta’s most famous theme park where you can spend a whole day. Whichever attraction your family heads to on this list, you’ll get to have some quality time that’ll put a smile on everyone’s face.
1. Jakarta Aquarium – Indonesia’s biggest indoor aquarium
Image credit: @jakartaaquarium
Unlike most aquatic parks, the Jakarta Aquarium puts sealife first as it is primarily a conservation area, giving you and your kids the perfect opportunity to know more about ecological conservation. You can touch and feed some of the animals without harming them because the highly-trained keepers will guide you along, and of course you’ll get to see beautifully colored fish swim peacefully in the hypnotizing blue aquariums.
Children and adults will get the chance to learn about approximately 3,500 species of animals such as sea dragons and Humboldt penguins. Other activities to check out include the Sea Explorer 5D attraction in the form of a submarine, or lovers of plays might prefer the Pearl of the Ocean, which is an adaptation of a Javanese folk tale.
There’s a souvenir store where you can get plushies of adorable sea animals or other cute merchandise.
Address: Neo Soho, Lower Ground Floor, Jalan Letjen S. Parman Kav. 28, Tanjung Duren Selatan, Grogol Petamburan, West Jakarta 11470
Opening hours: 10AM – 8PM, Daily
Telephone: 0211500212
Price: From Rp. 150,000 (~USD10.96) for adults, from Rp. 115,000 (~USD8.40) for children
Instagram
2. Waterbom PIK – fun in the sun with the entire family
Image credit: @waterbompik
You can never get tired of water no matter your age, especially when we live in the tropics. Bring your family or besties to Waterbom PIK, where you can spend an entire day swimming in the uniquely-shaped pools and going down all the majestic slides.
The main attraction is the Aquatube, which is made up of three slides – closed, half-open, and open – that will make you feel as if you’re on a rollercoaster, except that the ride will end with a giant splash in the pool. Grab a tube or swim ring to go down the 14M high slide because it’s 118 meters long, which is not a short ride. Take note that you should be at least 140CM tall to slide down alone, although smaller children are allowed on the open slide in the presence of a guardian.
Image adapted from: @waterbompik
Even if you prefer to take it easy and just swim or work on your tan as you float along the pool, Waterbom PIK is a great way to spend a weekend with your dearest ones.
Address: Jalan Pantai Indah Barat #1, Kamal Muara, Penjaringan, North Jakarta 14470
Opening hours: 8AM-8PM, Daily
Telephone: 02155966666
Price: From Rp. 200,000 (~USD14.61) for adults, from Rp. 150,000 (~USD10.96) for children
Instagram
3. Taman Mangrove Jakarta – a vast urban mangrove park
Image credit: @twa_mangrove
Located about 2KM from Waterbom PIK is Taman Mangrove Jakarta – a mangrove park in northern Jakarta about the size of 100 football fields. It’s no secret that Jakarta’s air isn’t great, so it’s the perfect place to take the family out for some lung relief. The park is also easy to access as it’s located near the Jakarta Outer Ring Road, and since it’s so big you definitely won’t miss it.
Whether you want to wander around the boardwalks, hop on a speedboat (from Rp. 350,000, ~USD25.55 per boat) or row your own boat (Rp. 100,000, ~USD7.30 per boat), you’ll feel refreshed by the change of scene.
Those of you who don’t want to head back to civilization so soon can stay overnight at the camping ground (from Rp. 150,000, ~USD10.95) or villas (from Rp. 650,000, ~USD47.46). And don’t forget to bring bug repellent and sunblock.
Address: Jalan Garden House #4, Kamal Muara, Penjaringan, North Jakarta 14470
Opening hours: 7AM-6PM, Daily
Telephone: 08111787890
Price: From Rp. 25,000 (~USD1.83) for adults, Rp. 10,000 (~USD0.73) for children
Instagram
4. KidZania Jakarta – a mini-city ruled by kids and teens
Image credit: @dyasyessica
Children are keen observers and they’re quick to adapt to what goes on around them. If you have young kids, nephews, or nieces who keep trying to mimic what the grown-ups at home are doing, they’ll love KidZania, an edutainment theme park in the form of a mini-city where children and teens can try their hand at #adulting in a safe environment.
Image credit: @synergyeducation_
Not only will kids have fun being radio show hosts, chefs, dentists or firefighters for the day, but they’ll also learn how to develop their sense of independence and ability to interact with others.
Among the activities available at KidZania are a radio station with sound controls, a dental clinic with functioning spotlights and kid-safe tools, an earthquake survival institute, and a noodle factory and a bread house – more than enough to satisfy kids with wildly different answers to the question “What do you want to do when you grow up?”
Address: Pacific Place, 6th Floor, Jalan Jenderal Sudirman Kav. 52-53, Senayan, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta 12190
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9AM-6PM | Sat – Sun 9AM-7PM
Telephone: 0215154888
Price: From Rp. 185,000 (~USD13.51) for adults, from Rp. 225,000 (~USD16.44) for children aged 4-16, from Rp. 50,000 (~USD3.65) for children under 4
Instagram
5. Ganara Art Space – arts and crafts for all ages
Image credit: @gandismahatmi
Trying art for the first time can be intimidating, but it’s also a way for the whole family to release their creative ideas. Getting help from experienced teachers, such as those at Ganara Art Space, would be a good first step.
Sign up for a one-off pottery or painting class, or other crafty sessions that you and your child, younger sibling, or cousin can enjoy. You – or they – might have a creative streak waiting to be unleashed. It’s also often said that art is therapeutic, so even if you don’t decide to commit to a long-term class, you’ll at least get to unwind while introducing creative activities to your family.
To know what classes are currently running, keep tabs on Ganara’s Instagram page. You can also check out its YouTube channel to get an idea of what a typical session is like.
Go on Instagram for studio locations and opening hours.
Price: Rp. 300,000 (~USD21.92) per session for adults, Rp. 200,000 (~USD14.61) per session for children
6. Jaya Ancol Bowling Center – laid-back sports the whole family can enjoy
Image credit: @robbygozal
The goal of bowling is clear – to hit as many pins as possible – so even if no one in your family is quite world champion material, you’ll still get to have fun playing this fun sport without being bogged down by complicated rules. Jaya Ancol Bowling Center has been around for decades and it still continues to attract casual hobbyists as well as league players.
Don’t worry about not having your own bowling ball or shoes because they’re all readily available here. To rent shoes, you’ll need to pay an additional fee of Rp. 15,000 (~USD1.10).
Young children can bowl with the side bumpers (visible in the above picture) so that they won’t get stressed out by their bowling ball falling into the gutters. But of course, adults can ask for the bumpers as well so that the whole family can simply enjoy playing a game together.
Address: Jalan Lodan Timur, Ancol, Pademangan, North Jakarta 14420
Opening hours: 10AM-12AM, Daily
Telephone: 02164710894
Price: From Rp. 36,000 (~USD2.63) per game
Website
7. Dunia Fantasi Ancol – Jakarta’s famous theme park
Ontang Anting
Image credit: @infodufan
A mere 6-minute drive from the bowling alley is Jakarta’s most famous theme park, Dunia Fantasi Ancol, that locals simply call “Dufan”. There’s an attraction for children as well as adrenaline junkies. Going to a theme park is a way to destress and bond with your family or friends
Rides include the adrenaline-inducing Hysteria and the rollercoaster Halilintar, which are for teens and adults. Among the kid-friendly rides are the Ontang Anting (above) and Kolibri (below). And no theme park is complete without a merry-go-round, named Turangga Rangga in Dufan. For the full list of rides, click here.
Kolibri
Image credit: @infodufan
Generally, you’ll want to dedicate an entire day at a theme park, and Dufan is no exception. There are many attractions, you’ll need time to stand in line, and you’ll definitely need to take a breather in between rides. Bring a hat and sunblock to protect yourself from the sun, and in case you get hungry, there are rows of stalls where you can buy food and beverages.
Address: Jalan Lodan Timur #7, Ancol, Pademangan, North Jakarta 14430
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 10AM-6PM | Sat – Sun 10AM-9PM
Telephone: 02129222222
Price: From Rp. 200,000 (~USD14.61)
Instagram
8. Houbii Urban Adventure Park – bounce high on trampolines
Image credit: @danu_houbii
You’ve got to move about once in a while in this city that doesn’t really let you move because you’re stuck for hours at your office or school desk, or the notorious Jakarta traffic jams. Sporty types of any age will absolutely love Houbii Urban Adventure Park because you’ll spend the whole day jumping, running, and climbing. Located near South Jakarta’s Pondok Indah Mall, this park is the largest of its kind in the entire city.
This adventure park is most famous for its trampolines in the Free Style Arena, but you can also attempt reality TV show stunts by testing your balance on the High Ropes. Kids will also love The Foam Zone and wall climbing facility. There are trained staff on standby and the facilities are all designed to be safe and age-appropriate, so you can let the kids roam free.
Image credit: @houbii_id
There’s also a giant shriek-inducing slide that will thrill you as you go down. By the end of the day, you’ll be sweaty and tired but you’ll be glowing for the rest of the weekend.
Address: Jalan Metro Pondok Indah Blok BB #3, Pondok Pinang, Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta 12310
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 12PM-9PM | Sat – Sun 8AM-9PM
Telephone: 02129125194
Price: From Rp. 225,000 (~USD16.44)
Instagram
Fun things to do in Jakarta with the family
With this list of exciting attractions and activities as your cheat sheet, impress your kids or nephews and nieces and become their next favorite parent or relative. Not only will you be giving them a chance to just play and explore their interests, but you’ll also get to bond with them and create unforgettable memories they’ll look back on fondly as adults.
Also check out:
- Family-friendly restaurants & cafes in Jakarta
- 8 boba dishes and desserts in Jakarta
- 8 Jakarta dessert cafes
Cover image adapted from: @waterbompik, @jakartaaquarium, @danu_houbii, and @infodufan
Enjoying The Smart Local Indonesia? Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for more stories like this.