Our guide to the top theme parks in Asia guarantees family fun for all. Did somebody say rollercoasters, rides and waterslides? Bring them on!
Asia boasts some of the world’s best theme parks – and thrill-seeking families are definitely spoilt for choice when it comes to family-fun (and screams). When travelling with kids, tourist attractions for families are a must, and here’s where the theme park comes in to keep your kids giddy for days. From the iconic Disneyland Tokyo to Hollywood-themed Universal Studios Singapore, here’s our list of the best theme parks in Asia, with all the gravity-defying rollercoasters, water slides and themed zones you could ever need.
Best theme parks in Asia for kids
1. Universal Studios Singapore
This high-action theme park is a perennial favourite amongst not only tourists to South East Asia but locals as well. Whether you have a roller coaster-loving teenager, a toddler who’s into all things Elmo, or a kiddo who loves the all-singing, all-dancing shows, this is one destination with something for the whole gang. Express passes are available (we highly recommend this to keep the kids’ crankiness at bay), and huge lockers for all your supplies. Don’t forget to check out our ultimate guide to Universal Studios Singapore for all the insider tips. And also our guide to height restrictions to save tears on the day!
Universal Studios Singapore, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269; www.rwsentosa.com
2. Tokyo Disneyland
This household name needs little introduction – like its American and European counterparts, it aims to please everyone with its huge range of themed zones and attractions featuring iconic characters from Disney classics. For an unforgettable water theme park experience, check out Tokyo DisneySea: it’s unique to Japan and is inspired by myths of the sea. Zones are styled around Disney’s classics and real-life places, such as 20th-century American harbour towns.
Tokyo Disneyland, 1-1 Maihama, Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture 279-0031, Japan; www.tokyodisneyresort.jp/en
3. Sanrio Puroland: Tokyo, Japan
If your kids are fans of cutesy characters like Hello Kitty and Cinnamoroll, they’ll probably adore the Instagram-worthy Sanrio Puroland. Take a boat ride to Kitty’s castle, explore the Alice in Wonderland-esque world of Hello Kitty and catch a musical about Puroland Cadets as they face multiple challenges in becoming Lady Jewel.
Sanrio Puroland, Tokyo 206-0033, Tama, Japan; en.puroland.jp
4. Ocean Park: Hong Kong
This famed park is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Hong Kong with the family (or without kids) – it’s a marine mammal park, oceanarium and amusement park all rolled into one. Chug along on the Mine Train before teetering on the brink along the sea, and then be swayed and whirled on the Flying Swing before taking a journey underwater to observe over a hundred sharks and rays.
Ocean Park, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong, www.oceanpark.com.hk
5. Hong Kong Disneyland: Hong Kong
Yes, we know we’ve already included one Disneyland on the list, but we can’t not mention its counterpart in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Disneyland is perfectly pitched at the sub-10-year-old market, with rides suitable for all ages. One thing’s for sure, if you have a family who loves a bit of Disney magic, this place has it in spades.
Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, Hong Kong; www.hongkongdisneyland.com
6. Sunway Lagoon: Petaling Jaya, Malaysia
Great for a stop-off on a road trip to Kuala Lumpur, Sunway Lagoon is a water park heaven with its over 80 attractions spread out over its five parks. If you’ve got bigger, brave kids, start the day with hair-raising fun at the Scream Park, where an exhilarating and frightening immersive experience awaits over at the three floors of fear. For traditional adrenaline-pumping fun, the extreme park has ATVs and bungee trampolines for thrill-seekers, while the amusement park’s Captain Kids’ Candyland is a wonderland for the little ones.
Sunway Lagoon, 3 Jalan PJS 11/11, Bandar Sunway, 47500 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia; www.sunwaylagoon.com
7. Everland: South Korea
South Korea is a hugely popular travel destination for Singaporeans not only for K-Pop culture but for the fabulous shopping, idyllic islands and kid-centric attractions, including Everland. Immerse yourselves into a magical world of adventures and excitement throughout five zones offering rides and attractions ranging from Indiana Jones-esque safari adventures to rollercoasters (both VR and real-life).
Everland, 199 Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea; www.everland.com
8. Wild Wild Wet: Singapore
Back on home turf, if you haven’t been to the water park jewel of the east recently, then you need to pack your swimmers and head on over, stat. It’s a cracking, splashin’ hub of water excellence the whole fam will love. Teens (and braver parents) will love the big slides, while less brave crew members can still have a whale of a time in the wave pool and water playgrounds and whizzing down the less terrifying slides.
Wild Wild Wet, Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close, 519599; www.wildwildwet.com
9. Legoland Malaysia
Just a hop, skip, and a jump across the border lies the exciting world of Legoland Malaysia, where you’ll find traditional theme park fun, a water theme park and plenty of brick-tastic activities to keep the kiddos busy with. If you have kids (or a husband) crazy about all things Lego, then this is one pilgrimage you must make. Try out the gravity-defying roller coasters and all the themed zones your kids could possibly dream of, but be warned: you may have a tough time getting the family to leave! Our advice? Stay in the themed Legoland Hotel and make a weekend of it.
Legoland Malaysia, 7, Jalan Legoland, Medini, 79250 Nusajaya, Johor, Malaysia; www.legoland.com.my
10. Adventure Cove Waterpark, Singapore
Another haunt that you much visit when you’re over on Sentosa is Adventure Cove. This water park is packed full of thrilling water slides (Riptide Rocket is our pick!), but at the same time, there’s something for all the family – if you’re more about the chill than the thrill, then a calming trip down Adventure River could be just up your street.
Adventure Cove Waterpark, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 069269, www.rwsentosa.com/en/attractions/adventure-cove-waterpark
Top image: Russel Jhon Seares via Unsplash