Georgetown, Penang: A Quirky Family Adventure with Smiths on Tour!
When we landed in Penang, there was one place we absolutely had to check out—Georgetown. We’d heard it was quirky, vibrant, and absolutely bursting with Penang street art. And if you don’t know us yet, we’re Smiths on Tour, a creative, music-loving, art-obsessed family who can’t resist anything unique and colourful.
Georgetown, Penang (with kids and teens) was calling our name, and we were ready to explore it, Smiths On Tour style!
First Impressions: Busy Streets & Parking Woes
Georgetown Penang family travel hits you fast with its energy. The streets are busy, scooters are zipping by, and driving can feel like a video game on “expert mode.”
Pro tip? Take a deep breath, maybe even a quick meditation before you dive in—seriously, it helps! Parking is doable with carparks dotted around at budget-friendly prices, or you can park along the roadside.
Learn from us: we parked on the street without paying and came back to a parking ticket—oops! (Check out what we did about that in this link and make sure to follow or subscribe for real-life family travel stories, budgeting tips, and laughs from around the world!)
Wandering Without a Map: Hidden Treasures Around Every Corner
We’re big believers in exploring without a map—it’s how you find the real magic. Things to do in Georgetown with kids are everywhere. The first hidden gem we stumbled upon was a beautiful Chinese Buddhist temple. The air smelled of incense, and a long table was lined with offerings—fruit, rice, even little cakes.
A sign explained these were gifts for ancestors, a tradition rooted in Confucian values and filial piety. In Chinese culture, these offerings honor family members who’ve passed on, showing respect and ensuring blessings for future generations.
For Tilly’s worldschooling in Malaysia, this was a goldmine of learning. She was fascinated, asking a million questions, and now she’s keen to dive deeper into Chinese traditions—maybe even we will visit China itself one day!
If you’re curious about how to worldschool your kids while traveling, check out our Worldschooling page for tips and inspiration.
Cultures Colliding in the Best Way
One of the most beautiful things about family-friendly Georgetown, Penang is the blend of cultures—Indian, Chinese, Malay, and even Western expats—all living side by side with respect and gratitude. Coming from the UK, where life often feels competitive and individualistic, this sense of community was powerful. It’s something you can only understand when you experience it firsthand.
Leaving the temple, we were greeted by the sight of a mosque, its domes glistening in the sunlight. We’d never been inside a mosque before, and curiosity got the better of us. Hesitant but intrigued, we approached, unsure if we were welcome. To our surprise, a smiling lady handed us robes and scarves so we could dress modestly.
She welcomed us warmly and shared fascinating facts: Muslims pray five times a day, facing Mecca, as a way to stay connected to Allah and their faith. Inside, the atmosphere was peaceful and calm, —a completely unique cultural experience and educational activity in Penang for kids we’ll never forget.
Click the picture here to see full reel of the experience! 👇🏻
Unexpected Education (and Kittens!)
What started as a street art hunt turned into a day packed with unexpected learning. After leaving the mosque, Tilly spotted stray kittens, and of course, we had to stop for some cuddles—always a highlight for her on hot days.
The Durian Challenge: A Family Rite of Passage
No trip to Penang with teenagers or kids is complete without trying durian, the infamous “King of Fruits.” Let’s just say… it’s an experience. The smell alone is intense—think overripe onions mixed with something unidentifiable—and the texture is creamy but oddly pungent.
Tilly was so overwhelmed she started crying, and we all couldn’t stop laughing! It’s safe to say durian isn’t for us (and it’s pricey, too!), but it’s one of those funny family travel moments in Malaysia we’ll be laughing about for years.
Street Art, Quirky Shops & That York Nostalgia
Georgetown Penang street art is every bit as amazing as we’d hoped. Wandering the narrow streets reminded us of York in North Yorkshire— a place near to our UK base before life on the road—except with tropical heat and a splash of Malaysian flair.
Every shop felt like a treasure chest: one-of-a-kind trinkets, murals that beg for photos, and tiny cafés perfect for cooling off. If you’re planning to explore Georgetown with kids, go early in the morning to beat the heat. Bring plenty of water, a hat or umbrella, and maybe even a hand fan—you’ll thank us later.
Wrapping Up Our Georgetown Adventure
By mid-afternoon, the heat got the best of us, and we decided to head back to our base near Batu Ferringhi for dinner (stay tuned for Sunday’s blog where we’ll share our Batu Ferringhi adventures!). Georgetown gave us so much more than we expected: laughter, learning, culture, and community.
For families traveling to Penang, Georgetown is a must-visit destination—it’s vibrant, safe, packed with history, and full of opportunities to educate kids while traveling. Don’t just tick off the famous Penang street art—dive in with both feet. That’s where the magic (and the memories) happen.
✅ Must-Visits in Georgetown, Penang for Families with Kids and Teens
Chinese Buddhist Temples – Learn about ancestral offerings and Chinese traditions.
Local Mosques – Experience a warm welcome, modest attire, and insights into Muslim prayer traditions.
Penang Street Art Trails – Perfect for family photos and creative inspiration.
Quirky Shops & Cafés – Discover hidden gems while escaping the tropical heat.
Durian Fruit Stalls – Try the infamous King of Fruits for a hilarious, unforgettable family challenge.
Cultural Fusion Streets – Wander neighborhoods where Indian, Chinese, Malay, and Western influences come together beautifully.
A cool stop in Georgetown!
We came across a cool shop that sold postcards with a British Postbox outside!
The postcards are on there way now to our loved ones ❤️
🌟 Final Thoughts from Smiths on Tour
Georgetown surprised us in the best way possible. What started as a quest for Penang street art turned into an incredible day of family-friendly travel in Penang—full of culture, laughter, and learning. For us, it wasn’t just another sightseeing stop; it was a reminder of why we’re on this journey: to show Tilly (and ourselves) that the world is a classroom, and every corner has a story.
If your kid or teen loves animals as much as Tilly (and we do!), then you absolutely have to check out this cat and dog café in Georgetown—links here. It’s a cozy spot where families can relax with some furry friends and grab a drink, making it another unique and family-friendly thing to do in Georgetown Penang.
If you’re traveling to Penang with kids or teens, Georgetown should be right at the top of your list. Pack your curiosity, your sense of humor, and maybe some extra tissues for a durian challenge gone wrong—you won’t regret it!
