If you’ve been dreaming of Indonesia but you’re not sure Bali is the right fit for your family, let me introduce you to a gem we fell in love with: Yogyakarta, or as the locals call it, Jogja. We chose Yogyakarta with kids for one reason: we wanted culture, not crowds. Bali’s beaches are stunning, sure, but the thought of elbowing our way through tourist hotspots with two little ones wasn’t our idea of relaxing travel.
Instead, we landed in a city pulsing with history, street life, and warm smiles. With 4 weeks of slow travel here, we discovered just how family friendly Jogja can be, from science parks to outdoor adventures and even a few hidden playground cafés you’ll wish you had back home.
Why Yogyakarta with Kids Works for Families
Yogyakarta is busy, it’s full of history, and there’s so much culture packed into every street corner. Honestly, it reminded me of when we first walked through Hanoi’s Old Quarter or certain neighborhoods in India… just with a little less chaos and a lot more smiling faces.
And the best part? Getting around here with kids is actually easier than I expected.
Walking
You can totally walk places here, even with little ones. Just know that crossing the street is an adventure. There aren’t always crosswalks where you need them, so you kind of make your own. You lift your hand, make eye contact with the driver, and just walk steadily so they know how to go around you. Don’t run or stop suddenly, drivers expect you to move in one smooth path. It’s surprisingly calm once you get the hang of it, and the kids will think it’s funny that “Mom gets to stop traffic.”
Grab Rides
This is basically the Uber of Southeast Asia, and it’s a lifesaver. You just order a car through the app, the driver shows up in minutes, and you’re off. It’s cheap, there’s no haggling, and you can fit in all your bags without stress.
Motor Taxis
If you want something a little different, you can hop on a motor taxi. It is basically a motorcycle that will take you anywhere for a couple of bucks. The kids will probably beg to try it just because it’s fun, but you will smell like exhaust afterward, so maybe don’t do it on your way to dinner.
Buses
There’s a local bus system here called Trans Jogja that’s cheap and goes to a lot of places, but honestly, we didn’t use it. With small kids, it just felt easier to call a Grab than figure out routes and keep them entertained on a crowded bus.
Rental Cars
We didn’t even think about renting a car. The traffic is heavy, parking is a pain, and there’s no real car seat culture here. Unless you’re completely comfortable navigating that kind of chaos, just skip it.
We felt safe the entire time we were here. Like, I never once worried about the kids. People are patient, they give you space, and they’re genuinely kind. The kind of place where the guy at the sourdough shop (his name is Adi) remembers your kid’s name by the third day.
Where to Stay in Yogyakarta with Kids
There are two main areas families usually stay in. We ended up in the south but spent plenty of time in the north too.
North Jogja
This is the newer side. You’ve got malls, coffee shops, playground cafés, and a lot of modern conveniences. It’s easy to get a Grab here, and everything feels a bit more polished. We found some great kid-friendly spots in this part of the city, especially when we just needed to let them run wild or cool off somewhere with air conditioning.
South Jogja
This is where we stayed. It’s older, more cultural, and has that local feel we were looking for. You’re close to places like traditional markets, food stalls, and smaller shops. It’s not as shiny as the north, but if you want to feel the rhythm of the city, this is where you’ll find it.
We didn’t regret staying in the south, but if I’m being honest, I wish I had known how different the two areas were ahead of time. I probably would’ve split our time, maybe two weeks in the south and two in the north, just to balance the cultural stuff with the more modern, kid-focused things.
A Few Other Areas That Might Work
If you’re just popping in for a few days or want something quieter, you might also look at:
- Prawirotaman – This has more of a traveler vibe. Think artsy guesthouses and cute cafés.
- Kotagede – It’s quieter and super local. This is where you’ll find the silver shops and older architecture. It’s walkable but not touristy.
- Near UGM (Gadjah Mada University) – A bit further out, but some families stay here because it’s calmer and more residential.
Bottom Line
If your priority is ease, like easy food options, air-conditioned malls, and places for kids to burn energy, look north. If you want local food, markets, and more cultural stuff right outside your door, go south.
Taman Pintar – Yogyakarta’s Interactive Science Park
If your kids are into pressing buttons, pulling levers, or basically touching everything, take them to Taman Pintar. It’s Yogyakarta’s science center, and while it’s not fancy or brand new, it was actually a solid way to spend a half day.
We went in thinking we’d stay maybe an hour. We ended up spending almost three. The indoor exhibits are way better than I expected. A lot of them are in English or have some translation, which was a nice surprise. There’s stuff about the human body, energy, light, motion, my kids were totally engaged. Even the exhibits that were more local in focus still gave them something to explore.
The planetarium is also there, but heads up, it’s all in Indonesian. That didn’t bother us, honestly. The kids were still wide-eyed the whole time, just watching the stars and lights overhead.
Now, the outdoor playground could use a bit of love—it’s not unsafe or anything, just clearly older. But if your kids have energy to burn before or after going inside, they’ll be happy climbing, running, and exploring out there.
What to Know Before You Go:
- Ideal for ages 3 to 10: Older kids might still enjoy it, but this is really perfect for the preschool to elementary crowd.
- Plan for a couple of hours: You could rush through in an hour, but if your kids are curious (or easily distracted), give yourself time.
- Tickets are cheap: Entry is super affordable, and you can pay a little extra for things like the planetarium or creative workshops.
Read more in depth information on our dedicated blog post about Taman Pintar by clicking here.
Oddish Family Hub – Creative Play Café
Oddish was one of those places I wish we had back home. It’s basically a café where your kids can run wild and no one gives you a side eye for it. You walk in, pay a fee for your kids to play, and they’re off. There’s a wooden climbing area, a sandpit, a little water zone, and plenty of space for them to just be kids.
We showed up in the afternoon. It was mellow by the time we arrived, and we ended up staying for a couple hours without even realizing it. The kids were in the back playing, and we grabbed some food and hung out.
You don’t need to book anything in advance. It’s super laid back. You just walk up the ramp, pay, and head into the play space. It’s open-air and relaxed, but still felt safe and enclosed enough that I wasn’t glued to them the whole time.
What to Know Before You Go
- You pay for your kids to enter the play space. Grown-ups don’t need a ticket.
- No reservation needed. Just show up.
- Food and drinks are available, so you can stay for lunch or snacks without leaving. The menu isn’t huge, but it’s enough to keep everyone happy.
If you’re looking for a place where you can actually finish a meal or have a full conversation while your kids stay busy, this is it. Oddish is definitely worth a visit if you’re in Yogyakarta with kids and need a reset day that still feels fun for them.
De Tropen – Dinner with a Play Area
We ended up at De Tropen one evening right after the rain cleared. The place was nearly empty, which honestly felt like a win. The kids took one look at the playground out back and were off. There are two separate play areas, so even if it’s busy, there’s space to spread out. Ours bounced back and forth nonstop, which gave us just enough time to actually sit and eat without interruption.
The food? It’s simple and Western-style, think pasta, burgers, fries. Nothing fancy, but it hit the spot. The portions were decent, prices totally fair, and most importantly, the kids ate it. I’m calling that a win.
The vibe is relaxed. You’ll see both tourists and local families there. It doesn’t feel like a place trying too hard, it just works if you’re a parent looking for dinner with a side of playground.
What You Should Know Before You Go
- It’s good for both locals and travelers. We saw mostly Indonesian families there, which made it feel more lived-in and less touristy.
- It’s affordable. You won’t leave feeling like you overpaid for average food.
- The play area is decent size. It’s not a huge jungle gym or anything, but it’s enough to keep your kids moving and occupied while you eat.
- No reservation needed. We walked right in.
If you’re craving a meal where you don’t have to shovel food in between managing meltdowns, this place lets you breathe. Put it on your list for one of those evenings where everyone’s a little tired but still needs to get out of the house.
Alun Alun – A Fun, Low-Key Night Out in Yogyakarta with Kids
If you’re looking for something to do in Yogyakarta with kids that doesn’t involve a screen or another indoor play spot, Alun Alun has such a cool vibe. We went multiple evenings after sunset and honestly ended up staying way longer than we expected each time. It’s super laid-back, totally kid-friendly, and has a mix of weird and wonderful things to do that you’ll be talking about later.
Here’s how it went for us:
We showed up, and the whole place was lit up with blinking lights and people walking around, eating, playing music, painting. It had that kind of local weekend energy that’s fun without being overwhelming.
Here’s What You Can Do at Alun Alun:
- Ride a pedal-powered LED Volkswagen: These are gutted-out VW Beetles covered in flashing lights. You climb in with your kids and pedal around the loop like a human-powered parade. It’s hilarious and surprisingly good exercise if you’re the one pedaling.
- Do the blindfolded twin tree walk: This is a local tradition where you rent a blindfold (yes, other people have used it, I know, not ideal) and try to walk straight between two huge banyan trees. Legend says if you make it through, your wish will come true. It’s silly and fun to try as a family.
- Join or watch painting sessions: There were local artists with canvases laid out on the grass. You could join in or just watch. It’s not formal, more like a community art night.
- Eat everything in sight: The food options are mostly carts and small stands, so definitely walk the loop and check out what’s being cooked before you commit. One of our favorites was this fried bread thing stuffed with melty cheese, absolutely not healthy but so good. Everything is casual. You grab your food and sit on the grass. No tables, no pressure. Just picnic vibes.
A Few Things to Know:
- Bring cash: No one’s taking cards here. You’ll need cash for food, the pedal cars, the blindfold walk, and any little activities the kids want to try.
- Evening is the best time: Everything kicks off after sunset. That’s when the lights come on, the pedal cars start rolling, and it cools off enough to actually enjoy being outside.
- It’s safe and low-key: We felt totally comfortable being there with the kids. The space is open and lively, but not chaotic. Everyone just kind of does their own thing.
Honestly, this ended up being our favorite chill nights out in Jogja. It’s not some big bucket list thing, but it’s the kind of local memory that sticks. You can eat good food, let your kids run around, laugh at each other trying the tree walk, and just enjoy being together without needing a schedule.
Put it on your evening list, you won’t regret it.
Kidzooonia – Indoor Play in the Mall
If you need a solid indoor play spot in Yogyakarta with kids, Kidzooonia is it. We ended up going twice during our month in Jogja, and honestly? My kids would’ve gone every day if I let them.
It’s inside the Pakuwon Mall, and I know, mall play areas can be hit or miss, but this one was clean, super well-managed, and the kind of place where you can actually relax for a bit while your kids burn off energy.
There’s a huge open space with different play zones, slides, soft climbing structures, pretend areas, and tons of room for running around. It felt really safe, which meant I wasn’t hovering the whole time. And that alone is worth the entry fee.
What You Should Know Before You Go
- Ages: Great for toddlers up to around 12. Any older and they’ll probably be bored, but for younger ones? Perfect.
- Time limits: You pay for timed blocks. We did two hours, which felt like the sweet spot. Long enough for them to get sweaty, short enough to avoid a meltdown.
- Socks required: No shoes allowed inside. Bring socks for everyone—including you—or you’ll have to buy some at the front.
- Adult entry: One adult usually gets in free per paying child, which is great. If you’re a two-parent team, just check ahead in case they charge for extras.
- Location: It’s in Pakuwon mall on level 3.
It’s the kind of spot you keep in your back pocket for rainy days or those moments when everyone needs a little structure and AC. No screens, no stress, just kids doing what they do best, running wild in a safe space. Add it to your list, especially if you’re traveling during the hotter months.
Ibarbo Park – Outdoor Amusement Fun
If your kids love rides but you’re not ready for a full-blown theme park meltdown, Ibarbo Park is the sweet spot. It’s basically a mini amusement park sized just for younger kids. Nothing huge or overwhelming, just a bunch of rides they can actually go on, spaced out in an open area that’s easy to walk around.
There are 14 rides included in the general admission, and they’re the kind of rides that toddlers through early elementary-aged kids will actually enjoy. Think little trains, spinning cups, gentle swings, nothing too wild or too fast.
You check in indoors, which is nice because it’s shaded and has fans going. But once you step outside, it’s full sun. We were glad we brought hats and sunscreen. I’d definitely say avoid coming at noon unless you’re trying to fry. Early morning or late afternoon is your best bet if you want to avoid roasting.
What to Know Before You Go
- Tickets are easy: Just buy them at the entrance. No online booking or prep work needed. You’ll get wristbands that cover the rides.
- It can get hot: Shade is limited, so bring sunblock, hats, and maybe a mini fan if your kids run hot like mine do.
- Bathrooms and snacks: Both are available on-site, but nothing fancy. Grab what you need at the front, or bring a few extras if you’ve got picky eaters.
- Age range: Best for ages 2 to 8, in my opinion. Any older and they might be over it.
This is one of those places that’s perfect for when your kids just need to move and be wild for a bit. It’s not a big tourist attraction, so it still feels local and low-pressure. If you’re in Yogyakarta with kids and want a morning that’s all about them, Ibarbo Park is a solid choice. We’d totally go back. Read more on our dedicated post by clicking here.
Gembira Loka Zoo – More Than Just Animals
We weren’t expecting much from Gembira Loka Zoo, but it honestly surprised us in the best way. A lot of the enclosures looked recently updated, and the place felt clean and well taken care of. Not every section was perfect, some parts toward the back looked a little dated, but nothing that made us uncomfortable or second guess being there.
The lion exhibit was easily the highlight. It looked brand new, had big windows for photos, and just felt like they’d really invested in making it something special. There were also photo stations set up around the zoo where you could take selfies or family pics with good backgrounds. The kids loved those almost as much as the animals.
It’s not just walk, look, move on. There’s enough space and variety that you can spend a few hours wandering without it getting repetitive or exhausting.
What You Should Know Before You Go
- No free petting or feeding zones: If your kids want hands-on interaction, there’s a separate petting zoo area, but you have to pay extra for it. We skipped it and still had plenty to do.
- You’ll need time: This zoo is big. It’s not something you can do in an hour, so bring snacks or plan to eat there. The walking paths are shaded in a lot of areas, which helps with the heat.
- Felt ethical and cared for: Most enclosures gave the animals space, enrichment, and shade. We didn’t leave feeling uneasy, which says a lot. Not perfect, but solid, especially for a zoo in Southeast Asia.
If your kids are animal lovers or you’re just looking for a break from museums and temples, this is a great way to spend a morning or afternoon. We’d absolutely go again. It felt like Yogyakarta with kids done right, low stress, affordable, and memorable.
Final Thoughts on Yogyakarta with Kids
Would we go back to Yogyakarta? Probably not. But only because we felt like we saw what we came to see. We were there for a month, we gave it space, and it gave us everything back. But would I recommend it to another family? Absolutely.
Yogyakarta isn’t Bali. And that’s the point. It’s real, it’s layered, and it’s where Indonesian families themselves go to vacation. That alone tells you it’s worth exploring.
If you decide to come here with your kids, here’s what you should expect:
- A blend of culture and modern convenience
You’ll walk past ancient temples one minute, then grab iced coffee at a mall play café the next. - Kind, respectful locals
People here are warm, but not in-your-face. We were never treated like walking wallets. The way they interacted with our kids felt genuine and patient. - Plenty to do with kids beyond temples
You don’t have to force a sightseeing agenda. There are playground cafés, science centers, and mini amusement parks. Family-friendly doesn’t mean boring here.
For me, the moment that sticks isn’t a temple or a market. It’s that feeling of walking down a street and having someone smile gently at my kids, not interrupting or asking questions, just quietly making space for them to be. That kind of kindness doesn’t show up in guidebooks. But it’s why Jogja will always hold a place in our story.
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