OK, so you’re in Jakarta, kids in tow and you are a little lost on options of where to take them to keep them entertained, and give yourself a breather in the meantime. I will start to update you on places I have discovered since having Samudra and the places we like to visit to play, eat, and let off some energy.. Please feel free to share any suggestions of other hidden gems you may know about that I should mention here.
See you in the playground!
TAMAN LEGENDA, TAMAN MINI
Taman Legenda, Jalan Taman Mini I, Pinang Ranti, Jakarta 13560, Indonesia
Look what’s hatching!
Taman Legenda opened in December 2015 inside Taman Mini and is a great space for kids to go exploring and running around. It’s a lovely big park with a carousel, ferris wheel, waterpark, small animal petting and feeding area, and best of all for little Dinosaur lovers, there is a separate section with mechanical roaring dinosaurs in a little jungle!
It is opened during the following times:
Monday – Thursday : 10.00am – 5.00pm / Friday: 10.00am – 6.00pm / Saturday – Sunday: 9.00am – 8.00pmHappy exploring!
KIDCITY CARREFOUR TRANSMART CILANDAK
KidCity – Transmart Carrefour, Level 2, Jl Raya Cilandak KKO, Cilandak Timur, Jakarta Selatan 12560
‘Dino in Paris’ themed KidCity
This place has recently been renovated so as of now (April 2016) everything is still shiny, bright and new and worth checking out if your kids love noise, dinosaurs and running around having fun (what kid doesn’t love that!).
You need to purchase a card for at the Kashier to be used at the little snack shops in the area, as well as another card at the Moulin Rouge counter to be used for any rides or games your kids may want to play on, these can both be topped up with more cash at any time. There’s a soft play area for the smaller kids and a roller coaster for the older kids as well as a few other rides, and lots of games down one end for the older kids to play on.
The floor below KidCity is full of restaurants and a few little shops and then Carrefour is on the bottom floor.
PLAYGROUND KEMANG
Jalan Kemang Dalam III No. 6, RT. 4 / RW. 3, Bangka, Mampang Prapatan, Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta, Indonesia
The water play area
Tucked away in the back streets of Kemang is a lovely outdoor play area for kids and it’s always a fun place to go to catch up with friends and let the kids go crazy, not being stuck inside a mall. There’s climbing equipment for young kids and another set for the older ones, as well as swings, see-saws and more. Best part is that they have some grass for the kids to run on and a little water play area. The equipment in the play area looks a little tired and old but it’s just from overuse from all the kids that love it so much!
There’s also a simple little cafe that you can relax in while the kids run around. Just a reminder that it does get very hot here in the middle of the day so it’s best to go early in the morning or in the late afternoon to make the most of it.
This is a popular destination and great for kids to make new little friends and to meet new parents too.
MINIAPOLIS
Plaza Indonesia Level 3, Jl. MH. Thamrin No. 28 – 30, Gondangdia, Menteng, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta, Indonesia
Level 3 of Plaza Indonesia has a section dedicated to kids with lots of gorgeous clothing stores, Mothercare and toy shops, a carousel and a train that goes around the area. This is one of the most expensive kid’s areas that I have come across in the malls in Jakarta but it keeps the kids entertained so it’s another good option if you’re around the centre of the city. There is also a kids gym that holds classes and a play area for kids to climb, crawl through little tunnels and play in the ball area, and a cafe to buy snacks after the kids have burnt off lots of energy!
SHANGRI-LA JAKARTA
Shangri-La Jakarta: Kota BNI JL. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 1, Jakarta, 10220, Indonesia
Pony Rides at Shangri La Jakarta
If you’re looking for lush green surrounds, trees and grass where the kids can run around barefoot and get back to nature, head to the Shangri-La Jakarta Kid’s Club on the weekends. Open from 10.30am-4.30pm Saturdays and Sundays. They have activities for kids, as well as a bouncy castle, play equipment and pony rides all for Rp. 50,000 per child. You can also mix it up with a Sunday brunch with friends and let the kids be entertained outdoors.
RAGUNAN ZOO
Jl. Harsono RM. No.1, Ragunan, Pasar Minggu, Jakarta Selatan, DKI Jakarta 12550, Indonesia
Feeding deer in the Childrens Zoo
Another great place with open spaces and greenery for the kids to run around in between visiting all the animals. Ragunan Zoo is set on a massive property and it would take a full day to explore it fully, but it’s best to visit early in the morning or in the afternoon when the heat of the day isn’t so unbearable to walk around in. There is also a Children’s Zoo with a few deer, lama and birds in cages for toddlers to look at up close. Entrance to the zoo is around RP. 4,500 for adults and Rp. 3,500 for kids, and a small extra charge for entrance to the Primates area.
CHIPMUNKS KEMANG
www.chipmunks.co.id/
Play date at Chipmunks Kemang
Chipmunks Kemang is on the 3rd Floor of the Colony Building in Kemang, opposite Kem Chicks. This is a great little play area for toddlers and young kids with a ball pit and lots of bright and colourful climbing equipment for curious little minds. Remember to bring socks for adults and children so you don’t have to pay extra to purchase upon entry. Kids under 12 months are free and parents don’t need to pay so a great choice for a baby playdate.
LOLLIPOPS SENAYAN CITY
Jalan Asia Afrika Raya Kav. 19, Senayan City Lantai 6, Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270, Indonesia
Playing in the toddler area
When it’s too hot or pouring with rain and you need to escape the confines of home to keep the kids amused, a good option is Lollipops which has play centres in Senayan City, Gandaria City and Lotte Avenue in Kuningan. It’s a little pricey but there’s lots to keep the kids amused including bouncy castles, tracks for riding bikes, flying fox and much more! Lollipops also has a little area especially for kids under 3 to play in peace. Remember to bring socks for adults and kids so you want be charged to buy them upon entering.
WATER PARK PONDOK INDAH
Super fun for toddlers and young kids
Splashing around in the little kids pool
A great way to cool down in the heat and keep kids entertained for hours on end is the Water Park at Pondok Indah, which is located beside the Street Gallery at PIM 1. Here you’ll find a wave pool, kids pool with climbing equipment, a circular pool to float around on tubes and an olympic sized pool for laps so it’s perfect for the whole family. You then have the option of eating at one of the many malls inside the pool once you’ve splashed around and worked up an appetite.
PLAYPARQ BINTARO
playparq.com/
Having fun on the waterslide
Playparq Bintaro is easily accessible via the new Tol Road and has a wet play area so remember to pack some bathers as the kids are going to get wet! Playparq Bintaro has an indoor cafe so you can cool down from the heat and it also has an indoor play area for the kids. Outside is a huge play equipment area for climbing with lots of slides, some rides for kids, a little trampoline and swing area to provide hours of entertainment.
PLAYPARQ KEMANG
Jl. Kemang Timur Raya No.72, RT.9/RW.4, Bangka, Mampang Prpt., Kota Jakarta Selatan
playparq.com/
Time to splash!
Although the area is not as spacious as the Bintaro park, this is still a great compact space for kids to run around, climb, splash, swing and have fun outdoors in South Jakarta. It’s a great alternative to Playground Kemang if you need a change of scenery, and there’s a little section indoors for the toddlers to play in. Bring socks for indoor play and remember bathers and a towel if the kids want to splash in the water play area outside.
CILANDAK SPORTS CENTRE
Jalan Simatupang, Cilandak Barat, Jakarta, 12510
Splashing around in the kids pool
The shallow pool for kids with climbing equipment
The larger pool for doing laps and cooling down
If you’re looking to cool down from the heat and don’t want all the fanciness of the big waterparks in Jakarta, there are many local swimming pools/sports centre you may prefer. There is a swimming pool located beside Citos Mall at Cilandak Square which has a little splash pool for kids, and although the climbing equipment is a little aged, it does the job of entertaining little ones. There is also a larger pool for doing laps for bigger kids and adults. The best part of swimming in these pools are they are a fraction of the cost of the fancier waterbom parks and you can easily walk across the carpark to eat in one of the many restaurants in the mall afterwards.
CARNIVILLE AT GRAND INDONESIA
Riding the choo choo train
Carniville “fun district for kids” is located in Grand Indonesia in the East Mall, Level 3A. During the weekends it can feel like an overload on your senses with hundreds of kids running around, flashing lights, and music as the rides fill with happy faces. The area is not too large, but it’s perfect during the week as it’s not as busy and there are usually very short lines to get on the rides. There is a carousel, strawberry shaped gondola ride from the roof, train ride, play equipment and more, all of which are pay-as-you go with your pre-purchased FunWorld card upon entry. There are a few little cafes beside it and upstairs there is a Toy Kingdom, so be warned against going up to the gondola if you don’t want the kids seeing the toy shop as the entrance is right beside the gondola gates! This is a fun way for the kids to spend an afternoon and a cheaper option than across the road at Miniapolis at Plaza Indonesia.
TAMAN SUROPATI, MENTENG
Early Sunday morning fun for kids
Music practice in the park
This is by far my favourite park in Jakarta as it is green and lush and free from rubbish as it is well guarded, being amongst the homes of high ranking government and embassy officials. It’s a great place to visit on a Sunday morning as the park is filled with kids riding bikes, playing with balloons and bubbles around the fountains, while bands play music and there is a really beautiful atmosphere. From 11am-12pm the Taman Suropati Orchestra practise their music in the park and it is magical to listen to (and join in if you have a violin!). Unfortunately you are not allowed to play on the grass in order to keep the appearance of the park looking at its best, but if the toddlers are fast enough, I’m sure they can get a dose of feeling the grass between their toes without too much issue!
CAR FREE DAY
Enjoying the festival like atmosphere
Every Sunday from 6am-11am, Jl Sudirman is blocked off from the round-about near Ratu Plaza all the way up to Monas. It’s such a great way to spend an early Sunday morning, stretching the legs and having the chance to enjoy some of the city without the never-ending macet and pollution. It seems to get more popular every year with thousands out on their bikes, jogging, rollerblading or casually walking and there are usually other events combined into Car Free Day to keep you entertained on your walk, as well as many marathons taking place throughout the year. Bundaran HI is always fun too with people stopping to pose with the fountain and Hansel and Gretel statue, horse and carts offering rides, kaki lima’s selling all sorts of treats and people in costumes to entertain the kids. If it’s not too hot, keep on walking all the way up to Monas for some kite flying or just take a rest under a tree and soak in the atmosphere. Remember to start this walk as early as you possibly can as it gets really hot from 8am onwards and may be a little too much for some little ones.
WOWZANIA
wowzonia.com/
Fun exploring the climbing areas
Special section for kids under 3 years old (& mum’s!)
Wowzania is on the top floor of Lippo Mall Kemang and although it’s one of the more pricey options for entertaining kids, it’s fun nonetheless with a section dedicated to kids under 3 and then a big play area for older kids. They also have a cafe so parents can sit and relax while the kids go crazy letting off some energy. Remember to bring socks for adults and kids so you want be charged to buy them upon entering.
KUNTUM FARMFIELD, BOGOR
Jalan Raya Tajur No.291, Jawa Bar. 16145, Indonesia
Come closer so I can touch you again!
This is a great place to visit if you away in Bogor and looking for a way to entertain the kids for a couple of hours. It is best to go as early as possible, before the sun gets too hot, and before car loads of families arrive creating a little chaos amongst the animals. There are goats, sheep, rabbits, cows, ducks and more, all of which can be hand fed from the available baskets of food for an extra Rp 5,000 or Rp 10,000. There are pony rides and open space for kids to run around and enjoy the fresh air.
KIDZOONA, LIPPO MALL :
Kemang: Jalan Pangeran Antasari No.36, RW.5, Bangka, Mampang Prapatan, RT.12/RW.5, Bangka, Mampang Prpt., Kota Jakarta Selatan, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 12150
Pluit Village: Lantai 4 Pluit Village, Pluit Indah Raya Kelurahan Pluit, Kecamatan Penjaringan Jakarta Utara 14450
Bogor: (2nd Floor) Jl. Siliwangi No. 123, Sukasari, Bogor Timur, Kota Bogor, Jawa Barat 16142, Indonesia
The kids play areas at Zidzoona
The most amazing ball section! We had so much fun all playing in here together
Another fun for edutainment centre for kids to play if you’re taking a break in Bogor! We happened upon this by chance and had so much fun playing here. There are sections for role playing, a huge ball pit, games for inquisitive minds and more!
Prices start from Rp60,000 for an hour on a weekday and Rp 90,000 for an hour during weekends. Longer play times and prices are also available.
http://www.aeonfantasy.co.id/kidzooona.html
SUITCASE & STROLLERS
A few weeks ago I was contacted by the lovely Aimee at www.suitcasesandstrollers.com to do an interview on what to do with kids in Jakarta.. Well, once I started typing.. I just kept on typing and typing some more, thinking of all the things I love to do here with Samudra, and I know there are still so many more places to be discovered… but in addition to the above, you can check out my (super long!) interview here:
http://www.
