Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Malaysian Insider. February 28, 2012. (English). Two things crossed my mind as I stepped into KidZania and listened to our guide’s explanation of what this “indoor family edutainment centre” is all about.
“This is so cool! How I wish I had this when I was a kid. If only I was a kid again so I can enjoy this,” I said aloud. The guide smiled knowingly.
“Almost every adult who walks into KidZania feels the same way you do. I feel the same way too,” he chuckled as he led us to the fourth floor of Curve NX where the ultimate playground lies.
Occupying the fifth and sixth floors with a 19-metre actual AirAsia plane (just the nose!) protruding out of the building is KidZania, a kid-sized city where children from ages four to 14 can role-play 90 different activities from 60 establishments.
The ticketing counter is on the ground floor and it resembles an airline check-in counter. “Kai!” greets a group of KidZania staff with their fingers placed on their chest in a “K” shape. KidZania has their own lingo with words like “Zank you” and “Z-U.”
Children working in a forensics lab... so CSI right?
The security bracelet is for parents to track their children’s whereabouts because at every establishment, the bracelet is scanned when the child enters or leaves.
KidZania’s real-life simulation begins at the entrance. A mock bag scanner is placed at the entrance and children can pretend to scan their bags before entering. Stepping into the “city”, the smell of popcorn wafted through the air and the sounds of children squealing with excitement can be heard. It really felt like a mini-city and I felt like a child in a place where dreams come true.
The ATM actually dispenses kidZos when you put in your ATM card and password!
From working in an emergency room as a doctor, acting in the theatre, being a judge in a courthouse, piloting a plane, modelling on a runway to working at a fast food restaurant, there are many role-playing simulations where children can work to earn more kidZos and spend it on goods and services.
“Children will learn how to make decisions on their own and choose to participate in what they like. KidZania enables children to be independent and they can learn how to do things adults do in real life,” said Waikuan Wong, vice president of communications, Themed Attractions. KidZania Malaysia is owned by Themed Attractions.
Fire, fire, fire!
Real-world brands like Marrybrown, CIMB, KPJ Healthcare, Honda, AirAsia and many more bring authenticity to the role-playing experience. Each child is encouraged to complete tasks on their own to earn kidZos. There are Zupervisors at each establishment to lend a hand whenever help is needed. Through KidZania, children will learn how society functions, adult professions, team work, real-life skills and self-esteem.
Kids having a lot of fun "working" as firemen.
For parents with babies aged zero till three, Urbano’s House is a playground for toddlers with a place for nursing mothers as well. Urbano’s House is located a floor above the main KidZania “city.” Children aged four to 14 can also visit Urbano’s House although it is more suited for toddlers.
For high-flyers, the actual AirAsia plane is where you begin to reach for the skies.
Visit the website at http://www.KidZania.com.my for more information or contact the CareLine at 1300-88-KIDZ (5439).
KidZania Kuala Lumpur
2, Jalan PJU 7/3, Mutiara Damansara, 47810 Petaling Jaya
Operating Hours: 10am—5pm (Mon-Fri)
10am—3pm and 4pm—9pm (Saturdays, Sundays, public and school holidays)
Pricing: Child — RM55 (MyKad)/RM75 (non-MyKad)
Adult — RM35(MyKad)/RM55(non-MyKad)
KidZania Journal 