JOHOR BAHRU

Malaysia’s third-largest metropolitan area has no shortage of kid-friendly sights just across the causeway. Legoland

Malaysia ( legoland.com .my) is perhaps the biggest draw; of its 70 rides and attractions, the newest is the Great Lego Race, the world’s first Lego-themed virtual-reality roller coaster. Another highlight is Lego Miniland, which has miniature replicas of downtown Kuala Lumpur and regional landmarks such as the Taj Mahal and Bangkok’s Wat Arun. From Legoland Malaysia, a 15-minute shuttle bus ride brings visitors to Puteri Harbour Family Theme Park ( puteriharbour .com), headlined by a pair of attractions best suited to families with preschoolers. The Wishful Studio at Sanrio Hello Kitty Town allows kids to create their own souvenirs, while Thomas Town focuses on Thomas the Tank Engine and other cartoon characters like Pinggu the penguin. Both feature live shows.

At Komtar JBCC mall, located just across the street from Johor Bahru Sentral Railway Station, Angry Birds Activity Park ( angrybirdsactivitypark

.my) pays tribute to its namesake hit video game. The 2,400-square-meter indoor playground is fitted with enormous trampolines, a go-karting track, and a giant foam pit, while other zones offer kids the chance to try their hand at parkour and slacklining.

History-minded parents take note: the Royal Abu

Bakar Museum inside the 1866 Istana Besar (Grand Palace) is slated to reopen later this year after an extensive renovation. The former royal living quarters here still have the original 19th-century furniture on display, alongside a collection of exhibits and personal memorabilia that provide a fascinating look into the lives of Johor’s past sultans.