If you’re looking at where to bring kids in JB – then you’ve found the right article.
Surely, it may not be as exciting as a long haul flight to see the Milky Way but there’s still magic to be found in JB!
Whether you’re looking for adventures, food, themed parks, here’s a list of 21 family-friendly spots that are must-visits in JB for that memorable experience everyone in the family will enjoy.
Where To Bring Kids In JB: Food Spots
1. The Replacement – Lodge & Kitchen
Do what most Singaporeans love doing – get a bang for their buck in a nice, cosy cafe. At The Replacement, you can find Melbourne-inspired food and coffee. With an iced latte priced around SGD$4, here you can savour its slow-living concept (and hope that your kids can appreciate its slowness, too!) Either way, great place for a brunch spot with kids and adult food options.
Address: 33, Jalan Dhoby, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000
2. Mok Mok Brunch & Bistro
Mok Mok is another hidden cafe located just 15 minutes away from the checkpoint – great if your kids are already starving from the ride across the causeway. Known for its delectable brunch menu, the restaurant provides a laid-back atmosphere, making it a great spot for a leisurely family meal!
Address: 78, Jalan Pingai, Taman Pelangi, 80400
3. M2 Cafe
A unique cafe with a Mickey/Minnie Mouse theme, this spot will teleport your kid right into Disneyland itself. Apart from delicious food served up in on-brand cutlery, here you can also spend your day playing board games with your kids!
Address: 7-01, Jln Austin Height 8/8, Taman Mount Austin, 81100
4. Restoran Kacang Pool Haji
For the authentic JB experience, head over to this local gem – knowing for its iconic Kacang Pool dish. This eatery serves up a heart blend of fava beans, minced meat, and flavorful spices, creating a hearty Johor Bahru specialty. Though an unassuming setting, its delicious fare make it a must-visit for those who’re on the lookout for an authentic taste of the region.
Address: Jalan Sabar, Taman Dato Onn, 80350
5. Just Want Coffee Cafe
Just Want Coffee will delight your kids not only with their array of desserts and Western dishes, but with their playground as well. Here, you can get your caffeine fix while chilling in this spacious double-storied industrial-style cafe.
Address: 30, Jalan Mutiara Emas 5/3, Taman Mount Austin, 81100
6. Pasar Malam Kampung Melayu Majidee
Open only on Mondays, this Pasar Malam in JB is a must visit for the authentic food crawl experience. Here, you’ll get all sorts of street food – from Popia Goreng, Pisang Goreng Cheese to meatballs with mashed potato, takoyaki and more. For the foodie families, this is a must-visit!
Address: 13, Jalan Masjid, Kampung Melayu Majidee, 81100
Where To Bring Kids In JB: Activities
7. Legoland Malaysia Resort
Of course, no list of kid-friendly places in Johor Bahru is complete without mentioning Legoland. This iconic theme park offers over 40 types of rides, attractions, and interactive exhibits, promising a day of fun and excitement for the entire family.
A standard one-day ticket for adults ranges approximately from RM 119 to RM 219, and RM99 to RM189 for children aged 3-11 years old.
Address: 7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, 79100 Iskandar Puteri
8. Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park
How else to beat the tropical heat than to cool it off at Austin Heights Water & Adventure Park! This water park features thrilling water slides, a wave pool and even a skating rink! You can be sure it’s a water wonderland that guarantees a splashing good time for kids of all ages.
General admission prices for adults ranges from RM 65 to RM 88, while prices for children go from RM49 to RM68 (under 12 years old).
Address: 71, Jalan Austin Heights 8/1, Taman Mount Austin, 81100
9. Danga Bay Theme Park
The largest recreational park in JB city, Danga Bay boasts stunning waterfront views, offering a beautiful blend of scenic beauty and entertainment. This isn’t your typical roller coaster park – what it has includes boat rides and cruises, panoramic viewing tower, a petting zoo, cultural street market, a kids play area, and more.
Address: Skudai Hwy, Danga Bay, 80200
10. Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park
Conclude your family adventures in Johor Bahru at Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park! Yet another waterfront entertainment complex, this theme park features various attractions, including Hello Kitty Town and Thomas Town. While it isn’t as extensive and age-inclusive as Danga Bay, it surely still promises endless fun and excitement for kids.
Address: G-07C LEVEL GF MARINA WALK, Puteri Harbour, 79000
Arts & Culture
11. Arulmigu Sri Rajakaliamman Glass Temple
Go on a little cultural exploration at the Glass Temple. This Hindu temple is one of JB’s state attractions, entering the book of records for the first and only glass temple in Malaysia.
Your kids will probably be fascinated at its vibrant colors and intricate glasswork, reflecting coloured glass chips all over. Apart from a work of art, this is definitely a good cultural experience for the family!
Address: Jalan Tun Abdul Razak 1/1, Wadi Hana, 80300
12. Johor Bahru Old Chinese Temple
Yet another cultural experience, here at the ancient JB Chinese temple, you’ll be taken back in time by its intricate architecture. Standing at 170 years old, what makes this temple special is its symbolism of unification between 5 different ethnic groups – the Teochews, Hakkas, Cantonese, Hokkien and Hainanese.
And did you know? Sultan Abu Bakar (who built the state mosque) actually encouraged the Chinese to build their own place of worship by providing them this plot of land!
Address: Lot 653, Jalan Trus, Bandar Johor Bahru, 80000
13. Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque
Talking about Sultan Abu Bakar, this mosque was constructed under his direction. Its noticing factor is the blend between Victorian and Malay architecture! During Ramadan, there’ll also be a popular night market with that springs up within its vicinity.
Address: Jalan Gertak Merah, Masjid Sultan Abu Bakar, 80000
14. Istana Besar
Istana Besar, also known as the Grand Palace, is the official residence of the Sultan of Johor. With an exquisite blend of Victorian and Moorish architecture, here there are majestic halls, royal chambers and beautifully landscaped gardens to visit!
While access to certain areas are restricted to public, you can, however, appreciate the exterior of the palace, take photographs of its stunning architecture, and explore the surrounding grounds.
15. Kota Tinggi Museum
Wrapping up the list – while most may travel to JB only for food and themed parks, it may also be enriching to learn more about JB’s history! This museum has many artefacts and displays which chronicle the state’s cultural, economic, and political evolution.
If your kids are history buffs, then this is probably the place you’d want to spend your afternoon at!
Address: Kampung Makam, 81900 Kota Tinggi
From the Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque to the vibrant Kota Tinggi Museum, JB has lots of places So the next time you’re there, don’t just limit yourselves to the typical Singaporean experience of eating, and shopping. There’s certainly more!
We hope this article encourages you to fully experience the blend of cultural richness, iconic landmarks, family-friendly attractions and yummy food in JB!