Review on Baby-friendly Parks in Kuala Lumpur

(This was featured in ParenThots) 

The KLCC Park is ideal for a morning or evening walk with your kids.

I never knew how exhausting having a little bundle of joy could be until I started scrambling around looking for activities to keep the little one occupied.

As staying indoors would not be enough for my daughter, I started heading out to the parks with her when the weather was good.

Sure enough, this proved to be a great idea. Most parks now have a section for a children’s playground which holds a combination playground structure. This normally consists of slides, swings, climbers and playhouses.

The following are the parks I went to recently with my daughter for some fun under the sun:

KLCC Park

The next time you visit Suria KLCC for some retail therapy, it is worth stopping by the outdoor esplanade area. You will see families, couples and tourists hanging out at a man-made lake, named Lake Symphony.

This lake showcases around 150 colourful light animations in the evening and night. Quite simply, it is a lake with elements of water and light; both of which kids naturally adore.

The children’s playground is located near the lake. It is not visible from the entrance of Suria KLCC. Just follow the pathway that goes under the 43m elevated bridge (towards the left of Lake Symphony). A note to parents: This path is stroller-friendly.

The playground in KLCC Park is two acres in size and filled with thousands of different tree species. These trees were pre-selected to attract various local and migratory birds.

This sizeable playground has colourful child-safe play equipment. Children are spoilt for choice over which ones to go for. Best of all, the equipment is kept in fairly good condition.

The highlight of this park has got to be the wading pool next to the playground. This wading pool has a man-made waterfall which seems to be quite a big hit with the children.

Points to note: The wading pool is closed on Mondays and children with diapers are not allowed in.

There is a free-of-charge restroom nearby; albeit with limited stalls. Changing rooms are also available.

One of the water coolers at the KLCC Park.

Another plus point for this park is its water coolers. I spotted two during my visit; one outside the changing room and the other in the middle of the park. Nothing beats readily available free water for hydration.

Plan your time well and it can be a whole day of fun from some shopping indulgence at Suria KLCC to sun-loving activities outdoors.

Pros: Water fountain and wading pool.
Cons: Tends to get crowded.

Taman Tasik Titiwangsa

Taman Tasik Titiwangsa is a great family recreational park. It offers vast green space, scenic views and attractions that cater to all ages.

The main components in this park are the Lake Titiwangsa, Titiwangsa Golf Course and Stadium Titiwangsa. Restoren Nelayan Titiwangsa, which used to be here, has since relocated to Gombak.

The children’s playground is located next to the building which used to house the restaurant. It has parking spaces in front of the building. The public toilet is opposite this restaurant. There is an entrance fee of 20 sen (toilet) and 50 sen (shower) to use the facilities.

There is a little bridge that connects to the playground. There is, however, a blockade in front of it, probably to prevent motorcycles from using it and to discourage stall owners from setting up shop within the huge compound. For parents with baby strollers, be prepared to collapse them to enter.

The combination playground structure at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa is huge!

Taman Tasik Titiwangsa’s combination playground structure is huge. It has a maze-like concept which will keep the little ones occupied for a long while. The colourful equipment seems to cater to a younger age group as they are lower to the ground and friendlier-looking.

For the older kids, there is an overhead suspension bridge which they can walk across for an adventure.

As for the adults, there are one- and two-storey huts, each with roofs and benches, for resting. There is also an outdoor adult gym complete with solid steel equipment (just next to the children’s playground). It is free for all to use.

The huts at Taman Tasik Titiwangsa offer shade and a place to rest.

Next to the playground, there is a stall that looks well-stocked with toys, knick-knacks and snacks that children will go crazy for. You have been forewarned.

The whole place was in full swing the morning I was there. The gym and children’s playground were already filled with people. There were families and friends walking around the lake. The older family members were resting at the huts. There were families waiting as the stall opened for business.

If you plan to head to Taman Tasik Titiwangsa, go early to enjoy the morning hustle and bustle.

Pros: Impressive children’s playground with proper resting huts.
Cons: Traffic-prone location.

Neighbourhood playground

Whether you are living in a housing estate or in apartments, there is a high chance of a children’s playground located just around the corner.

The best part about the neighbourhood playground, apart from traffic elimination, is the chance to get to know your neighbours. Take the opportunity to make friends and you’re on your way to more play activities for your kid.

The neighbourhood park often has a swing, slide and see-saw.

Having a playground near your home also means simply popping by when the weather is great and getting home in time when it looks like it could rain.

The neighbourhood children’s playground is normally a basic version of what is available in public parks. But there is always a swing, a slide and a see-saw. The children may need to take turns but usually this isn't a problem.

Do check it out first though, as not all are well-maintained.

Pros: No traffic concern.
Cons: Less equipment in the playground.

Conclusion

Apart from the fact that there are more advanced play structures available at parks these days, I like the idea of letting my daughter experience the great outdoors and be one with nature. Our local weather is generally perfect for running around outdoors, if it's not too hot and not raining.

I would recommend going to parks early in the morning or later in the evening because otherwise, the equipment tends to get hot from the heat of the sun.

Well-maintained slides at a neighbourhood park - enough to keep your child happy for a while.

Before you head out, apply sunscreen on yourself and your child. Add a cap or bring an umbrella. You never know when it will come in handy. Water is important to keep your child hydrated and for that extra precaution, spray on some mosquito repellent.

As much fun as it is with the various distractions around, please do watch over your children while they are playing.

So go ahead and visit one of the parks nearby. Don’t just confine your child indoors in an air-conditioned environment. Live a little and head out to the park; it’s more fun than you think.