Yogyakarta is an amazing tourist destination located on the island of Java. It has become a favorite spot for travelers to spend their holidays. Unlike Jakarta, which is very metropolitan, Yogyakarta has its own synergy between modern life, art, and tradition.
If you want to learn about Indonesian culture, Yogyakarta seems like the perfect place to visit. There are many locations that showcase art performances, whether on the street or on entertainment stages. Moreover, to gain more insight into Indonesia, this city also offers educational tourist spots such as visits to the Sultan’s Palace (Keraton), museums, libraries, Taman Pintar (Smart Park), temples, and more.
For those who wish to vacation with their families, I believe Yogyakarta is a family-friendly city to visit. It’s less crowded than Jakarta, with many peaceful areas even in the heart of the city. If you venture a bit outside the city, you will find lush forests, beaches, and mountains.
No worries if you plan to stay for a longer time because the cost of living in Yogyakarta is still quite affordable. You can choose accommodation that suits your budget, from hostels and star-rated hotels to villas.
The city is fairly pedestrian-friendly, especially in central areas like Malioboro Street and the vicinity of the Keraton. If you want to travel farther, you can use public transportation like the Trans Jogja buses, which have many stops, GoJek and Grab taxis, commuter trains, or rent a vehicle.
This time, I’ve compiled several family-friendly tourist destinations in Yogyakarta. Most of these locations are not too far from the city center, so you can visit multiple places in one go.
Family-Friendly Tourist Attractions in Yogyakarta
1. Taman Pintar Yogyakarta
Taman Pintar Yogyakarta is an educational park that combines recreation and education in one location. It adopts the concept of “edutainment,” where visitors can learn various things in a fun and interactive way. The park is located east of Kilometer Zero in Yogyakarta, and you can easily walk there if you’re staying near Malioboro or the Keraton.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: Every day, 08:00 – 16:00 (Closes at 17:00 on weekends)
- Entrance Fee: IDR 12,000 – IDR 25,000 (Oval Zone ticket is mandatory, other attractions may cost extra)
2. Gembira Loka Zoo
Gembira Loka Zoo is home to over 500 species of animals, with attractions like a baby zoo, fishing pond, mini train, and playground. It also has plenty of shady trees and gazebos, making it a relaxing spot to visit.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: Every day, 08:00 – 16:00
- Entrance Fee: IDR 75,000 (around USD 4.93)
3. Monumen Yogya Kembali (Monjali) and Lampion Park
Monjali is a historical museum located in northern Yogyakarta, commemorating the return of Yogyakarta to the Republic of Indonesia in 1949. In the evenings, you can visit the Lampion Park outside the museum, where you’ll find unique lanterns shaped like animals and dragons.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours:
- Museum: Tuesday – Sunday, 8 AM – 4 PM
- Lampion Park: Every day, 5 PM – 9 PM
- Entrance Fee: Museum: IDR 15,000 (around USD 0.99)
4. Museum Dirgantara Mandala Yogyakarta
This museum, managed by the Indonesian Air Force, offers a deep dive into the history of aviation in Indonesia. It features a collection of aircraft and replicas of combat planes used by the Indonesian Air Force.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: Every day, 8 AM – 4 PM
- Entrance Fee: IDR 2,000 – IDR 3,000 (around USD 0.13 – USD 0.20)
5. Kolong Tangga Children’s Museum
This museum features a variety of traditional Indonesian toys, offering a nostalgic trip for visitors. It also serves as a literacy park for children.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: Tuesday – Sunday, 9 AM – 4 PM
- Entrance Fee: IDR 5,000 (around USD0.33)
6. Keraton Yogyakarta
The Sultan’s Palace (Keraton) is a cultural heritage site and the residence of the Sultan of Yogyakarta. The architecture blends European and Chinese styles, but the heart of the building remains deeply rooted in Javanese traditions.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours:
- Kedhaton: Tuesday – Sunday, 8 AM – 2 PM;
- Carriage Museum: Tuesday – Sunday, 9 AM – 3 PM;
- Taman Sari: Every day, 9 AM – 3 PM
- Entrance Fee:
- Kedhaton: IDR 20,000 – IDR 25,000 (around USD 1.31 – USD 1.64);
- Carriage Museum: IDR 25,000 – IDR 30,000 (around USD 1.64 – USD 1.97);
- Taman Sari: IDR 20,000 – IDR 25,000 (around USD 1.31 – USD 1.64)
- Tour Guide Fee: IDR 15,000 – IDR 50,000 (around USD0.98 – USD 3.28)
7. Alun-Alun Kidul (Alkid)
Alun-Alun Kidul is an open square popular with tourists. You can rent tandem bikes or “odong-odong” (decorated pedal cars) and enjoy local street food like “Wedhang Ronde,” a traditional Javanese drink.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: 24 hours (most crowded in the evening)
- Entrance Fee: Free
8. Wildlife Rescue Center (WRC) Kulon Progo
WRC is a conservation site for wildlife rescued from illegal trade. Located in a serene area of Kulon Progo, this educational attraction is perfect for animal lovers.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours: 8 AM – 3 PM
- Entrance Fee: IDR 20,000 (around USD 1.31)
9. Grahatama Library
This child-friendly library has a variety of facilities for kids, including a playroom, music room, storytelling space, and a 6D cinema.
Basic Information:
- Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday, 8 AM – 4 PM;
- Friday, 8 AM– 2.30 PM;
- Saturday, 8 AM – 1 PM
Getting Around Yogyakarta
Exploring Yogyakarta can be done on foot or by using public transportation. If you’re staying around the city center, especially near Malioboro, you can stroll along the wide pedestrian walkways while enjoying the stores along the street. Alternatively, you can hop on a traditional Becak (pedicab) or Dokar (horse-drawn carriage) for a unique experience. To venture outside the city, it’s best to rent a car with a driver, which is still quite affordable.
Summary
Yogyakarta is a comfortable city to visit with family. It offers many educational tourist attractions that can enhance your understanding of Indonesian history, especially its culture. The people in Yogyakarta are also known for their friendliness, so don’t forget to return their smiles as a sign of respect.
I truly enjoyed my time in Yogyakarta. Although the city is bustling, there are peaceful and comfortable places to stay in various corners of the city. Yogyakarta isn’t just a tourist destination; it’s a place to find peace and inspiration.
