Things To Do in Medan with Kids – Planning a family trip with young children always comes with its own challenges—especially when you’re traveling to a big, culture-packed city like Medan. You want your kids to stay curious, entertained, and comfortable, while still enjoying everything Indonesia’s largest Sumatra city has to offer. 

Luckily, Medan happens to be a surprisingly great destination for families. Beyond its reputation as a transit hub to Lake Toba and Bukit Lawang, Medan is filled with historical landmarks, kid-friendly attractions, and culinary gems that even picky eaters will love.

Before we dive into today’s curated list, here’s a little background.

These ideas were generously shared by Christophe Stevens, who traveled around Medan with his family and young children. Based on his firsthand experience, he highlighted the very best things to do in Medan with kids—things that are fun, safe, educational, and perfectly manageable within a 2–3 day itinerary.

6 Things To Do in Medan with Kids for a 2–3 Day Trip

Below, you’ll find a complete breakdown of his recommendations, expanded with context and insights to help you plan your family trip with confidence.

1. Rahmat Gallery & Museum – A Surprisingly Enjoyable Wildlife Experience

If you’re searching for an attraction that is both educational and entertaining, Rahmat Gallery and Museum is one of the top places to visit with kids. Many parents expect it to feel gloomy because it houses a large collection of preserved animals—but it’s actually a beautifully curated space with clean displays and detailed information.

Foreign adult visitors pay 150,000 IDR (maybe the price has changed), while young kids enter for free, making it an excellent value for families.

Inside, you’ll find hundreds of preserved species—from birds to mammals—arranged in realistic dioramas. Children often love wandering through the exhibits, pointing at animals they’ve only seen in books or cartoons. It’s a great opportunity to spark conversations about wildlife, conservation, and habitats from around the world.

Plan at least 1–1.5 hours here to explore comfortably.

2. Tjong A Fie Mansion + Lunch at Mie Ayam H. Mahmud Restaurant

A visit to Tjong A Fie Mansion is one of the most important things to do in Medan, and it surprisingly works well even for younger kids. While the mansion is filled with intricate history and old-world charm (perfect for adults), children tend to enjoy running on the lacquered wooden floors and imagining life in the past.

The story behind the mansion is fascinating. Tjong A Fie was a highly influential Chinese merchant-philanthropist with connections that extended all the way to a Belgian family—an interesting detail especially for European visitors.

After visiting the mansion in the morning, Christophe recommends heading for lunch at Mie Ayam H. Mahmud, a legendary noodle spot known across Medan. The restaurant serves some of the city’s iconic comfort foods—mushroom chicken noodles, Soto Medan, fried rice, and more. While the distance from the mansion isn’t exactly close, you can easily plan your commute depending on your schedule.

If you’re planning to try the restaurant, simply follow this link provided in the original reference or check local maps when you’re in Medan.

3. Istana Maimun – Things To Do in Medan with Kids

Just a few minutes away from the previous attractions, Istana Maimun offers another beautiful slice of Medan’s history. This palace belonged to the Sultan of Deli and showcases a blend of Malay, Indian, and Middle Eastern architectural influences. Its bold colors and ornate interiors are incredibly photogenic.

Kids usually enjoy the palace’s spacious hallways and open areas where they can walk, explore, and immerse themselves in the atmosphere. It’s a great opportunity for young travelers to imagine what life might have been like for royal families in the past.

Allow around 45 minutes to an hour for your visit.

4. Masjid Raya Al-Mashun (Grand Mosque) – A Must-See Icon 100 Meters Away

Only about 100 meters from Istana Maimun, you’ll find Masjid Raya Al-Mashun, also known as the Grand Mosque—one of Medan’s most iconic landmarks. The short distance makes it an ideal pairing for families with small kids who prefer minimal walking.

Its striking architecture combines Moroccan, Middle Eastern, and Malay influences. While non-Muslim visitors should follow the dress code and etiquette, the mosque warmly welcomes respectful tourists. The peaceful atmosphere often becomes a calming break for children, especially during a busy sightseeing day.

With Istana Maimun and the Grand Mosque so close together, combining them into a single afternoon makes perfect sense.

Read also: The Best 5 Star Hotels in Medan Indonesia Worth Staying At

Suggested 2-Day Plan Things To Do in Medan with Kids 

To make your planning easier, here is the exact structure Christophe recommends:

Day 1

• Tjong A Fie Mansion
• Lunch at Tip Top or Mie Ayam H. Mahmud
• Istana Maimun
• Grand Mosque

Day 2

• Rahmat Gallery and Museum
• Leisure time at a mall
• Relaxing afternoon at the hotel pool

This itinerary keeps things light, balanced, and kid-friendly while still letting parents enjoy Medan’s cultural highlights.

5. Buddhist & Hindu Temples + Bird Park at Cemara Asri

If you stay for three days or more, you can explore additional cultural sites that are friendly for children.

One significant spot is Maha Vihara Maitreya, one of Medan’s largest Buddhist temples. Not far from the temple sits a unique open-air area often referred to as Cemara Asri Bird Park. It’s not a formal nature reserve—more like a wetland square with plenty of birds, peaceful scenery, and even two caged pythons that tend to fascinate curious kids.

There’s also Sri Mariamman Temple, a beautifully carved Hindu temple located near the Hindu market and across from Sun Plaza Mall. These temples offer gentle cultural exposure for children while giving adults a deeper understanding of Medan’s diverse communities.

6. Medan’s Natural Beauties – For Families with Extra Time

For many travelers, Medan is the gateway to Sumatra’s most breathtaking landscapes. If you have an extra day or two (and are comfortable traveling with your kids), these destinations are worth considering:

• Lake Toba – a massive volcanic lake surrounded by highlands
• Bukit Lawang – famous for its orangutan sanctuary
• Berastagi – known for its cool climate and fruit markets

While buses are available, the roads can be long and uneven. As Christophe strongly recommends, it’s best to rent a car with a driver when traveling with children. Expect around 4 hours of travel time to reach Lake Toba, Bukit Lawang, or Berastagi.

If your family prefers beaches, consider flying to Pulau Weh, accessible via a direct 1 hour 20 minute flight from Medan. The island is beautiful for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing by the sea.

Read also: Medan Airport and Transportation Options to the City Center

Don’t Miss All Things To Do in Medan with Kids ! Come and Enjoy

One of the best parts about staying in Medan is the abundance of comfortable yet affordable hotels. Christophe’s personal recommendations include Aryaduta, Marriott, and Grand Aston. Many of these hotels come with swimming pools—an absolute delight for kids after a day of sightseeing.

Medan also stands out for its cultural diversity. With influences from Malay, Javanese, Bataknese, Karonese, and Chinese communities, the city offers an incredible variety of food. Make sure you and your family try:

• Soto Medan
• Mie Ayam Jamur
• Nasi Goreng
• Bakso Medan
• Sate Kerang

As mentioned earlier, you can try many of these dishes at Mie Ayam H. Mahmud Restaurant, a beloved spot for both locals and visitors.

For street food, head to Jalan Merdeka, right in front of the main train station. The adjacent Jl. Perniagaan comes alive in the evenings with street food stalls offering local flavors that adults will love and kids may find exciting to explore.

If you want to combine meals with some air-conditioned comfort, Medan’s best malls include:

• Centre Point Mall
• Sun Plaza
• Cambridge City Square

Young kids especially love Cambridge’s basement playground and Sun Plaza’s mini train and robotic animal rides on the second floor.