Introduce your kids to exciting and fun activities that make learning fun – you might enjoy these out-of-classroom activities too!

Excursions that are not only fun but educational provide the ability to stimulate a child’s mind and imagination, while allowing fora great bonding experience. Just like adults, kids often need visual and sensory experiences that go beyond a textbook to spur their creativity and increase their learning potential.

Here are some great places around the Klang Valley you can go with your kids, and who knows, you may learn something new, too!

1. National Science Centre

Commonly known as Pusat Sains Negara among locals, this centre located on a hill in Bukit Kiara is a popular landmark due to its unique structure. It was officially opened in 1996, built with the main aim to promote greater understanding and spark interest in the field of science and technology. Among others, the exhibition galleries feature an environmental odyssey, pathways to discovery, future world and thinking machines, and foreign exhibits are also regularly held here. The entrance fee is RM3 for children under 12and RM6 for adults.

For more information, please visit the Pusat Sains Negara website.

2. KidZania

This indoor family ‘edutainment’ centre in Mutiara Damansara is a one-of-a-kind interactive learning experience that empowers and inspires kids through role-playing different jobs. This ‘city of kids’ is where children can explore scenarios that adults face in everyday life, featuring over 90 professions that kid scan adopt. KidZania allows children to play their part in a community while experiencing what it’s really like to work in their dream careers. With state-of-the art facilities and safety measures in place, your kids are well taken care of, and it will surely be an experience they won’t forget too soon.

Visit the KidZania website for more information.

3. Petrosains

This high-tech science Discovery Centre located on the fourth floor of the Petronas Twin Towers focuses primarily on the oil and gas industry, aiming to stimulate interest in petroleum science and technology.

Known to be highly interactive, kids and adults are encouraged to touch and feel the displays while learning.

The layout of the centre has been arranged in a straightforward manner with multiple placards, presenting complex technology in an easily comprehensive way.

There are 11 showcases, traveling exhibitions, science shows, and even ‘Petrojaya’, a village with cartoon-oriented exhibits that introduce the effects that petrochemicals play in everyday life.

For more information, visit the Petrosains website.

4. High5 Bread Town

The first of its kind in the world, this unique bread museum and bread plant in Shah Alam was officially opened in2005. With an enormous floor space, this attraction offers a fun learning experience for the whole family. Visitor scan learn about the history of bread and the process of how it’s made in a state-of-the-art setting with larger than life mixers, ovens, and other displays.

One great highlight of the place is the suspended factory skywalk at a height of293m above the ground, framed with glass to allow visitors to view the bread-making process. Escape the afternoon heat and engage your kids in this uniquely fun museum.

Visit the High5 Bread Town website for more information.

5. Farm in the City

This petting zoo in Seri Kembangan differs from a zoo in the sense that kids and adults alike can get close to the pets by feeding them and touching them.

Some of the pets here include fishes, birds, tortoises, rabbits, deers, wallabies, and goats. There is also a reptile cavern with snakes and pythons (these are kept behind glass, of course), bird aviary with exotic species, vegetable farm, pony rides, and a duck pond. Another interesting part of this farm is longkang (drain) fishing. A common children’s pastime for past generations, especially in villages, kids canal so experience fishing for guppies in shallow drains while it stirs up feelings of nostalgia for their parents. Well maintained, clean, and organized, this farm in the city is a great place for a fun-filled day out with your little ones.

Check out the Farm in the City Facebook page for more information.

6. Enfiniti Academy

Does your child demonstrate a talent or passion for the performing arts but you find their school doesn’t have much to offer in this area? Bring out their inner superstar and cultivate their creative expressions by signing them up for a course at the Enfiniti Academy. There is a varied array of courses specifically targeted for children, such as drama, voice talent training, comedy, singing, and dancing. The fun exercises taught by trained professionals enhance your child’s development by encouraging self-confidence and self-expression as well.

Find out more at Enfiniti Academy Facebook page.

7. Aquaria KLCC

So much more than your run-of-the-mill aquarium, this world-class oceanarium located in KLCC houses over 250 different species and over 5,000 land and aquatic animals. The interactive information kiosks on fish and turtle conservation allows children to learn more about life under the sea and the environment. The layout takes visitors on a journey of water from the land to sea, starting with the misty highlands, through rivers, rainforests, and mangroves, to the coral reefs in the deep blue sea, and it is an enjoyable experience for adults too. A popular aspect of Aquaria KLCC is the glass tunnel, which features a moving walkway with views of giant stingrays, sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, and a variety of fishes. For the brave at heart, there are shark cage dives as well.

For more information, visit the Aquaria KLCC website.

8. Young Chef’s Academy

Established in 2003, this academy offers cooking classes, holiday camps, and workshops specifically for kids and teens in a safe environment where they can learn culinary classes, kitchen safety, etiquette, baking, table settings, and much more in a fun and stimulating environment. They can even have a birthday party here with all-inclusive packages featuring uniquely creative activities organized by their lively staff.

What a great way to get your kids to enjoy helping out in the kitchen! Find out more at the Young Chef’s Academy website.

This article was originally published in The Expat Magazine which is available online or in print via a free subscription.