Places to visit and activities to do this year-end school holidays

The school term for 2025 is drawing to an end soon. The year-end school holidays will commence on Dec 19 for Group A states (Kedah, Kelantan and Terengganu) and Dec 20 for Group B states (all other states and Federal Territories).

Next year will see students going back to school on Jan 10/11, as Malaysia returns to pre-pandemic scheduling in 2026.

In between, parents would have three weeks to fill with exciting activities for their kids. Admittedly, it is easy for kids to get bored, no matter how thrilling the itinerary you’ve got laid out. Luckily, there are always new things popping up or upgrades done to existing places that can offer new experiences.

If you need some ideas to get your planning started, here are several suggestions of places and activities. Most of these are centred in the Klang Valley, but there are a few in other states as well.

Learn STEM at National Science Centre

Boost your children’s interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) as well as innovation and art at the National Science Centre (NSC). Following its seven-month renovation this year, the science museum in Kuala Lumpur finally reopened in October.

Kids can embark on educational explorations both indoors and outdoors. The outdoor area includes a Prehistoric Park, a herbal garden, and a water plaza that teaches kids about kinetic energy.

The indoor area features aquariums for freshwater fish and marine life, Galeri Eureka that encourages innovative and creative thinking, and Kid’s World, an interactive zone for primary schoolers. There are other galleries and exhibitions too, all meant to familiarise children with STEM and more.

At the virtual exhibition, Obskura XR, small kids and teens alike would love the ethereal atmosphere.