Many parents prefer to vacation in a quiet, laid back environment. Lots of visitors flock the quieter parts of Indonesia such as Bali and Labuan Bajo. They figure a metropolis such as Jakarta is all noise and excitement all day, every day.

While a huge city such as Jakarta is certainly noisy, there are quiet places you can visit with your children.  Also, there are plenty of fun activities you can enjoy with the family. Do not miss out on the magic that is Jakarta.

Here are six exciting activities that will keep your children entertained and happy.

• Ice Skating at the Sky Rink

Jakarta’s Sky Rink is to be found on mall Taman Anggrek’s fifth floor. Skating lessons are available for everyone including children. Besides, it offers a great reprieve from Jakarta’s scorching heat.

The skating rink is one of the most popular and largest not only in Indonesia but also the whole of Southeast Asia. Dress your family warmly for your time on the rink. It will be worth leaving your Hotel Indonesia Jakarta for the day.

• Ragunan Zoo

If you want to see some Komodo dragons away from Komodo Island, Ragunan Zoo is the place to go. The superbly maintained zoo sits on 350 acres and hosts other animals including Sumatran elephants, orangutans and many types of flora.

The zoo also contains a children’s zoo complete with boat and pony rides as well as Sunday elephant.

• The SeaWorld Ancol Aquarium

Your little munchkins will love to watch the fish inside this aquarium. It is the largest of its kind in Jakarta and has a wide variety of salt and fresh water fish. Apart from these, the aquarium also offers other thrills such as the following:

• Large stingrays
• A feeding show of the sharks
• Touching live starfish in the touch pool

There are glass tunnels you can walk through to see all this activity. Also, you will see many varieties of fishes from the waters of Indonesia as well as the Yangtze River.

• Taman Safari

This is a wildlife park that will take you roughly 80 km away from the airport. It is, therefore, a long ride but once you get there, you will be glad you made the trip. The park is home to over 2,500 animals occupying 170 hectares.

As you drive through the park, some of the animals may come up to the windows to the delight of your children. Carry some treats such as apples and carrots for the animals as you will be allowed to feed some.

You will also be treated to six wildlife shows which include: 

• A dolphin show
•  An elephant show
• A wild west show

If your kids love animals as most children do, this is going to make your vacation unforgettable. Wind your visit up with a few moments at the petting zoo. Your car ride back should be full of excited chatter about the animals.

• Waterbom Park

This is the perfect place to beat the heat. Your children will enjoy the 15 slides and cool off in the swimming pool. It is the ideal place and weather to live in your swimsuits even for just one day.

The older children will love the thrill of cascading down the fastest slides at speeds of 70 kilometers per hour. On your way back to your hotel, you can make a stopover at the nearby billiard parlor and enjoy the seventeen Brunswick tables.

• Bricks 4 Kidz

This is an edutainment center that aims to develop creativity and encourage critical thinking. Children learn these skills by building models which are Lego-themed. These can range from their favorite superheroes to animals.

Children as young as two can take participate and also access the free play area. The center also offers after-school classes and workshops.

Conclusion                                              

There are other amazing places that your child will love such as Dunia Fantasi and Kidzania. The bustling Jakarta has many hidden secrets that will keep your children occupied. In addition, there are the magnificent accommodations such as the Ayana Luxury Hotel to stay at while you are here. 

Paul Watson