Looking for the best places to entertain the children in Jakarta? These sights, attractions and events will give your little ones lots to do.
While raising children in the huge metropolis that is Jakarta may not be a walk in the park (literally), those willing to look beyond the skyscrapers will discover that the Big Durian offers a myriad of fun activities for the whole family. Here are ten things to do with kids across Jakarta that will put a smile on the faces of those youngsters (and those young at heart, too).
Sky Rink
Escape Jakarta’s sweltering heat at Sky Rink on the fifth floor of Mall Taman Anggrek. The rink – which is one of the largest in Southeast Asia – offers ice skating lessons for all ages, which means both the big and small can get involved. Don’t forget to bundle your family up in something warm.
Sky Rink, Taman Anggrek Mall, 3rd Floor, Jl. Letjen S Parman no. 21, Tanjung Duren Selatan, Grogol Petamburan, p. +61 21 564 2888, 09:00 am to 09:30 pm.
Ragunan Zoo
Surprisingly well-maintained, the 350-acre Ragunan Zoo is a relaxing place to spend an afternoon. The huge zoo is home to over 3,000 residents including Komodo dragons, orangutans and Sumatran elephants, as well as over 170 types of flora. Special attractions for little steps include a Children’s Zoo, as well as Sunday elephant, pony and boat rides.
Ragunan Zoo, Jl. Harsono RM. No.1, Ragunan, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, p. +62 21 7884 7114, Tuesday – Sunday, 09:00 am to 04:00 pm.
Seaworld Indonesia
Get ready and get excited to see your toddlers say, “FISH!” inside the Seaworld Ancol aquarium. The largest aquarium in Jakarta has a lot to offer from their range of salt water and fresh water fish.You’ll need an entire day to plan out your trip as there are quiet a few things to do here like seeing a wide variety of species of fish from Indonesian waters to the fish in the Yangtze river, walk through the glass tunnels to see huge stingrays, see a feeding show of the sharks or get personal and touch live creatures like the starfish in the touch pool.
Seaworld Indonesia, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Jalan Lodan Timur No.7, RW.10, Kota Tua, Ancol, Pademangan, Kota Jkt Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 14430, p. +622129222222, Monday – Tuesday, 09:00 am to 06:00 pm.
Jakarta Aquarium
While the Jakarta Aquarium doesn’t have as many species as the bigger Seaworld, this aquarium is located inside the Neo SOHO mall. It’s a great introductory aquarium for younger kids as bigger aquariums may seem a little overwhelming and has enough amazing displays of sea creatures to explore. See if you can point out the different types of marine life and say the names after you. If they ever get tired looking at all the fish, you can always head outside to go explore other activities the mall has to offer. Tickets to Jakarta Aquarium are available online at Tokopedia.
Jakarta Aquarium, Neo SOHO Floor LG 101, Jl. Letjen S. Parman No.28, Tanjung Duren Selatan, West Jakarta
Taman Safari
This wildlife park requires a trip to Bogor but is definitely worth the long car ride. If you’re wondering how far it is, it’s approximately 80 km away from Soekarno-Hatta International Airport. But before you get discouraged, the park is 170 hectares and has a collection of 2,500 animals. Driving through the park in your car will be a great surprise for your kids as some animals come to your window. Be sure to stock up with carrots and apples for feeding time. There are six wildlife shows offered, including a Wild West Show, Dolphin Show and an Elephant show if shows are something your child loves. For something more up close and personal, head on over to the petting zoo.
Taman Safari, Jl. Raya Puncak No. 601, Cibeureum, Cisarua, Bogor, Jawa Barat
Waterbom Park
Cool down the family during an awesome trip to the waterpark! Enjoy Waterbom’s 15 slides, chill out in the pool or simply relax in the lush surroundings. The fastest of the slides sends thrillseekers down at the speed of 70 kilometers an hour. Not ready to go home yet? Stop by the adjacent billiard parlor with 17 Brunswick tables.
Waterbom Jakarta, Jl. Pantai Indah Barat No. 1, Pantai Indah Kapuk, p. +62 21 5596 6666, Monday – Sunday, 08:00 am to 08:00 pm.
Bricks 4 Kidz
Bring out the young Einstein in your kids at Bricks 4 Kidz, an edu-tainment centre that focuses on developing children’s creativity and critical thinking. Children learn by building LEGO-themed models (from space ships to animals and superheroes). The centre is aimed at kids between 2 and 13 and offers after-school classes, workshops and a free play area.
Bricks 4 Kidz, Jl. Benda Raya No. 5, Kemang, Pasar Minggu, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta 12560, p. +62 21 7802766, Monday – Sunday, 09:00 am – 06:00 pm.
Kidzania
Kidzania is the latest craze that offers a unique role-playing experience for children and teenagers. Enter a mini city – complete with streets, cars and stores – where kids can get a taste of what it is like to be an adult. They can try different professions – including a pilot, journalist, archeologist and private detective – and spend their hard-earned ‘Kidzos’ after their working day.
Kidzania, Pacific Place Mall, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 52-53, SCBD, South Jakarta, p. +62 21 515 4888, ext. 100, Monday – Thursday, 09:00 am to 04:00 pm, Friday – Sunday and public holidays, 09:00 am to 02:00 pm, 03:00 pm to 08:00 pm.
Dunia Fantasi
Jakarta’s version of Disneyland, Dunia Fantasi is a part of Ancol Dreamland, a vast entertainment complex along Jakarta’s waterfront. It’s divided into eight areas including Jakarta, Indonesia, Asia, Africa, America, Europe and Fantasi Hikayat (Legendary Fantasy) and comes complete with roller coasters, river raft rides, theatres and bumper cars.
Fantasy Land (Dunia Fantasi), Jalan Lodan Timur No. 7, Ancol, Jakarta Utara, Daerah Khusus Ibukota, p. +62 21 6453456
RockStar Gym
Aimed at children between 6 months and 16, RockStar Gym is designed to foster your little one’s fitness, agility and confidence. From dance, gymnastics and ballet to martial arts and yoga, all the classes are heaps of fun, great for learning new things and perfect for tiring them out!
RockStar Gym, Mall Of Indonesia, Gandaria City, Plaza Indonesia and Pluit Village.
Taman Mini
A little further afield, but definitely worth the effort, Taman Mini (‘Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park’) is a cultural attraction like no other. Learn alongside your children as you investigate the intricacies of 26 Indonesian provinces through dance, music and architecture. Those eager for more excitement can enjoy a ride in a cable car, a film at the Imax theatre or visit one of the 14 museums on the park’s grounds.
Taman Mini, Jl. Taman Mini 1, Taman Mini, East Jakarta, p. 62-021/8779-2078, Monday – Sunday, 08:00 am to 05:00 pm.
Wowzonia
An exciting family center is just what you need if you reside in Kemang. Located on the same level as the cinema, you can drop your kids off for a few hours of fun with a caretaker and sneak off to enjoy a movie date with your husband. How’s this for convenience? You get a card upon entry where you can swipe for anything within the area and pay at the end, when you’re ready to go. Their best play area feature is their extra long slide and putput golf for older children.
Wowzonia, Lippo Kemang Mall, Level 3 Unit L3-01B, Jalan Pangeran Antasari No.36, Kemang, Bangka, Mampang Prpt., Jakarta Selatan, p. +622129528420
Little Boss Playground
It’s quite a journey to get to Little Boss Playground since it’s located in Taman Anggrek but rest assured that the trip will be well worth it. This playground has the biggest ball pit we’ve ever seen and has so many cool areas to explore like their very own supermarket, cafe, jungle gym and so much more. We’ve written a full review of Little Boss Playground so you can read more before deciding to go.
Little Boss Playground, Taman Anggrek Mall Lantai 2, Jalan Letnan Jendral S. Parman Kav 21, South Tanjung Duren, Grogol petamburan, Jakarta, p. +62215639314
