To many out there, December is the month of festivities and family holidays but with the pandemic still at large, it’s also complicated things this year.
To help parents plan ahead for their next family fun time, Motherhood has compiled a list of places to visit around the Klang Valley where we can continue adhering to COVID-19 measures yet still have fun!
But before we delve into that, we must dwell on some important measures and concerns to consider for a safe and fun family quality time outdoors.
The Top Three Travel Essentials during COVID-19
Today, we know the longer we spend outside, the more vulnerable we become towards the virus. And when it comes to travelling with our loved ones, there is a list of concerns to factor in before and as we make that trip!
It all lies in finding the best ways to safely navigate through our daily life. So here are the top three essential families should keep in mind when leaving their homes:
#1 Plan Ahead to Get Ahead
The best way to beat any potential setbacks is to plan ahead. Especially with the COVID-19 virus still very much at large, it’s right for you to be fussy as to where you choose to let your children out and about.
So whether it’s a trip to the park, mall or a waterfall close by, you may want to consider the following information when planning and deciding where to go:
- Read up and verify travel restrictions and conditions. Some places have a maximum quota of visitors set per day or prior booking that warrants a phone call before your trip!
- Take note of every family member’s risk status on the MySejahtera app.
- Identify peak hours at destinations and schedule your visits during less crowded times like early mornings or weekdays.
- Consider your mode of transportation. If you’re travelling a long distance, you may want to stock up on snacks and use the loo before departure to avoid unnecessary pit stops.
#2 Include and Brief The Kids
Children learn best through guidance and having their parents or guardians lead by example. So when including them in your planning, don’t just stop at a list of dos and don’ts.
Take time to help them understand why they should keep their distance from others when outside, why wearing masks can save their lives as sanitising their hands does.
It’s important for your kids to be informed of what they can do to mitigate their risks of catching COVID-19!
#3 Your ‘Safety Kit’ is locked and loaded
By safety kit, we mean your bag of essentials during pandemic outings. Have a bag of essentials on stand-by well before your trips and travels. Its staple contents include:
- Sanitisers.
- Wet wipes or sanitising wipes.
- Extra face masks.
- Extra mask lanyards.
- Sunblock.
- Food, snacks, and water in case of a long drive.
7 Spots in Klang Valley for a Safe and Fun Family Day Out
Now that we’re well informed of keeping ourselves safe during travelling, let’s get into the fun part!
There are just so many places to visit in the Klang Valley for some quality time with your family and it all depends on what you’re interested in.
One common concern to us all when planning for a family day out in this new normal however, is finding the right place for a safe and fun time.
Here is a list of 7 great attractions around the Klang Valley promising you exactly that!
#1 Explore The Perdana Botanical Gardens (and its many attractions)
The Perdana Botanical Gardens measures over 90 hectres and has an array of features your family surely won’t want to miss out on.
A perfect reprieve from bustles of the city life, this massive site is filled with attractions that would take more than a day to explore! This is where you can find the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, and Butterfly Park with admission fees of their own.
From the playgrounds and treehouses; to the breathtaking Hibiscus Garden, Orchid Garden, and even deer park! The park alone may keep you occupied entirely.
Stroll a little further down the entrance and you’re likely to see the crowd thin out. This park may just be your next go-to spot for a much needed breath of fresh air!
#2 Hike or Stroll About the Kuala Lumpur Forest Eco Park
The KL Forest Eco Park takes pride as the city’s green lung amidst a breathtaking metropolitan surrounding. It homes over 200 types of tree specicies and over 30 types of birds and animals.
Situated right in the heart of KL, it’s also just minutes (3km) away from the Menara Kuala Lumpur and it’s the perfect oppurtunity for fun on a budget (hint: free admissions)!
Breathe in the fresh forest air, and invigorate your children’s sense of adventure as you make your way through nature trails 300 to 500 metres in length. The canopy walk will captivate your little explorers especially as you reach hilly climbs, surrounded by towering trees and singing birds!
#3 A Dose of Culture and Edutainment at Bank Negara Museum and Art Gallery
This brilliantly engaging museum and its many beautiful galleries provide parents with a fun way to teach children the value of money and currency!
Travel back in time when different objects were used as currency in the Numismatics Gallery, and play the ‘Barter Game’ with your kids. A visit to this museum promises you a day packed with rows of interactive displays and fun activities.
The Children’s Gallery truthfully deserves a special mention.
If you’re looking for the perfect balance of fun and educational, this section of the museum will keep your little ones on their toes with excellent numerical games and beautiful infographics.
The series of interactive games here are based on the concept of ‘Save, Spend, and Share,’ with games involving selling, buying, deposits and withdrawals!
#4 Inspire Your Little Astronomers at the National Planetarium
The National Planetarium is the place to teach your little ones to reach for the stars and even how!
Under this gorgeous blue-dome structure lies an out of this world learning experience rich with interactive exhibits, and optical illusions. However it requires a climb up a flight of stairs, so it may be a concern to those with strollers and wheelchairs.
The hike is definitely worth the climb though! Visit their observation deck to spot familiar planets constellations through a telescope, and for thrill-seekers (adults and teenagers), don’t miss out on a ride in the Space Ball.
The incredibly captivating exhibits will keep your children engaged and piqued with interest.
#5 Amaze Them With State-of-the-Art Underwater Life At Aquaria, KLCC
Aquaria is a magnificent indoor aquarium filled with over 5000 species of land and aquatic animals!
As you walk through the aquarium, you’re essentially making your way through a sprawling 60,000 square-foot space with a gorgeous, technicolour display of marine life.
Take a quick look into feeding times and you mustn’t miss out on the main feeding session at the Aquatheatre!
They also have a signature programme specially tailored for 6 to 13 year olds which is the very much unique Sleep With Shark experience. Here is where you’ll come to witness the sharks’ nocturnal activities amidst other marine creatures, various animal interaction activities, science experiments and plenty more!
#6 Farm in the City for Animal Loving Kids
#7 Tour the Petrosains Discovery Centre
The Discovery Centre in KLCC is exactly where fun meets science! And the best part is that it’s suitable for all ages, perfect for both parents and children young and older, to unravel the wonders of science and evolution.
It’s filled with an abundance of interactive exhibits (over 11 in total!); travel through Paleolithic times, the rich Malaysian rainforest, all the way to outer space and oil plantations!
Either way, this is a spot that promises you nothing but spectacular edutainment!
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