Getting the kids out and keeping it simple is often one of the toughest things to do as a parent, but sometimes overly energetic kids require desperate measures.

Why not try a picnic in a park in Kuala Lumpur? It’s simple, pack a picnic, soak the kids in mosquito spray, and head to your local park.

It’s hot, you say? Time it right, so that the sun is starting to lose its heat. The kids will thank you for the outing.

These are some of the top picks for picnicking from the team at Happygokl.com.

1. Sri Hartamas Park

Sri Hartamas Park is great for a picnic and for active kids. To keep the kids entertained there is a mini scooter/bike track, two playgrounds, a basketball court, and for those who are really feeling active, various exercise stations.

If you live close by, you may meet your neighbours as it is a popular neighbourhood park. For those coming from farther afield, there is plenty of room.

Highlights and tips:

• There is an enclosed football pitch, but this is locked. However, despair not, there is a large field next to the pitch which is perfect for kicking a football about.
• A picnic rug is a must as there are benches but no tables.
• If you need the toilet the closest can be found at the Petronas petrol station, half a block away.
• For dogs lovers, in our experience, dogs seem welcome here.

Location: Jalan Sri Hartamas 1, Sri Hartamas or Waze: ‘Sri Hartamas Basketball Court’

2. Asean Sculpture Garden

The Asean Sculpture Garden follows the hill below the National Monument on Jalan Tugu.

At the top of the gardens there is a small shop and toilets for all those little conveniences, and a chance to grab an after-dinner ice cream.

This park is great for scooting through the gardens, past the sculptures, and along the small streams. If scooting is not your thing then there is room enough to kick a football around.

And for those curious little ones, there are two small fish ponds filled with fish.

Highlights and tips:

• There are benches but no tables, so pack a rug and find a soft grassy spot for your picnic.
• This park is not fenced, and at the bottom of the hill is a busy road, so if you have rambling toddlers the top of the gardens may be the best spot for you.
• There are toilets next to the shop at the top of the park. There is a small fee to use these.
• Streams and rocks usually mean wet kids, and this park has both streams and rocks, so do bring a change of clothes.

Location: Pesiaran Sultan Salahhudin, Kuala Lumpur.

3. Taman Metropolitan Batu

Taman Metropolitan Batu is a large gated park 10 km from KLCC, and situated around a large lake. It is open daily from 6:15am to 7:30pm. This is a popular park for local residents who like to picnic and run.

There are two large playgrounds for the kids and a large walking/running track around the lake. The grounds are well-maintained with loads of space for little feet to run on grass.

Highlights and tips:

• Taman Metropolitan does have picnic tables, benches and lots of room for picnic rugs.
• There is signage to say no ball sports, but it is not unheard of for families to play badminton and football.
• The park often hosts community performances.
• No dogs allowed.

Location: On the road to Batu Caves.

4. Taman Botani Perdana

Taman Botani Perdana, also known as the Lake Gardens, is a large park in KL stretching over 90 hectares.

From the entrance at the Royal Lake Club it is a short stroll to an impressive playground.

There is a lot to do in the gardens with families walking, scooting, skating, and playing ball sports.

It is varied with hills and flat areas, lots of trees and plantings and of course the beautiful lake at the centre.

There is plenty to explore for curious families and plenty of activities to keep all members of the family occupied.

Highlights and tips:

• Parking here can be difficult but free parking is available past the Royal Lake Club. Alternatively there is covered paid parking up by the police station. Alternatively, take a Grab.
• There are plenty of toilet facilities and a little shop.
• Gates close at 8pm.

Location: Jalan Kebun Bunga, Tasik Perdana.

5. Titiwangsa Lake Gardens

Lake Titiwangsa is close to the city centre, next to Istana Budaya (Palace of Culture) with a great view towards the city and the twin towers.

It is a great spot for cycling, roller-blading and believe it or not, horseback riding.

There are also pedal boats to rent if you want to get out on the water. There are wide walking paths and trees for shade. If you didn’t have time to pack a picnic, worry not as there are a few restaurants and stalls.

Highlights and tips:

• Picnic tables available, but also plenty of room for a rug.
• There is parking around the park, but arrive early or take a Grab if visiting during weekends.

Location: Taman Tasik Titiwangsa.

Picnicking Tips

• Keep a packed bag. It so much easier to be spontaneous with a packed bag. Include a picnic set, sunblock, mosquito repellent, hats and rugs. All you need then is your wheels, a ball, and of course, the food.
• Take some wheels. Be it scooters, bikes or glide bikes. All the above parks listed allow wheels, so if you can fit them in the car, then do.
• Get the timing right. Find the time you’re comfortable being outside and aim for that. Factor in traffic and drive time, maybe even set Waze’s Plan Your Drive. That way you arrive before sun down, but hopefully while the heat has gone from the day.
• Dress for success and for mosquitos: Long comfortable lightweight pants, long loose shirts and plenty of options for quick dry clothing.
• You can still play football, dash down the slide and roll up your pants to fish the ball or a wet child from the stream. Mosquitos still bite through tight clothing so keep it loose.
• Simplify your meal. Keep it simple and easy with easily prepared finger food. A sandwich on the run can be much more fun at a picnic than a fancy sit down meal that has taken ages to prepare.

Food ideas from the Happy Go KL team include:

• Mini quiches
• Wraps
• Rice paper rolls
• Fruit salad
• Sushi
• Cucumber sandwiches
• Popiah
• Satay

Other great picnic spots in KL:

• Taman Lembah Kiara Park, TTDI: There is a playground, paths suitable for scooting and a stream perfect for wading and spotting fish.
• Templer’s Park, Rawang: Just a short drive from the city, there is a short 15-minute walk up a set of stairs to get you to a slow running river with sandy banks. This park is great for picnics and water play.
• Desa Parkcity: Has two playgrounds and lots of grass, room and trees for you to find a spot to picnic. This area is dog-friendly.
• Kepong Metropolitan Park: Famous for weekend kite-flying. Take your own or buy one there.

Happy Go KL is the go-to site for families in the Klang Valley. Their content is written by parents for parents, so you know where to get out and about with your kids in KL and the surrounding region.