Things to do in Surabaya with kids

Once upon a time in the vibrant city of Surabaya, nestled on the eastern shores of Java, Indonesia, there lived the Kusuma family. The Kusumas were known for their zest for life and love for adventure. One sunny weekend, they decided to embark on an exciting family outing to create unforgettable memories together.

The day began with the family piling into their trusty minivan, with Mr. Kusuma at the wheel, Mrs. Kusuma humming to the tunes on the radio, and their two children, Budi and Sari, chattering excitedly about the day ahead. Their first stop was the famous Surabaya Zoo, where the family marveled at the diverse collection of animals. Budi was particularly fascinated by the majestic Sumatran tigers, while Sari adored the playful orangutans swinging from branch to branch.

After a delightful morning with the animals, the Kusumas headed to the Submarine Monument, a retired submarine turned museum. They climbed down into the depths of the vessel, where they learned about the history of Indonesia’s naval forces. The kids pretended to be submarine captains, peeking through the periscope and imagining the underwater adventures they could have.

As lunchtime approached, the family visited a local warung, a small traditional eatery, where they savored a feast of local delicacies. They indulged in nasi campur, a mixed rice dish accompanied by a variety of side dishes, including succulent satay, spicy sambal, and refreshing slices of cucumber and tomato. The meal wouldn’t be complete without a glass of es cendol, a sweet and refreshing drink made from coconut milk, green rice flour jelly, and palm sugar.

With their bellies full, the Kusumas continued their journey to the House of Sampoerna. This stately Dutch colonial-style building was once a cigarette factory and now served as a museum and cultural center. The family toured the museum, learning about the history of tobacco in Indonesia and the art of hand-rolling cigarettes. They even tried their hands at rolling non-tobacco replicas, laughing at their clumsy attempts to match the speed and precision of the experienced rollers.

As the afternoon sun began to dip lower in the sky, the family decided to take a leisurely stroll along the Kenjeran Beach. They walked barefoot on the sand, letting the gentle waves wash over their toes. Budi and Sari built an elaborate castle, complete with a moat and towers, as Mr. and Mrs. Kusuma lounged on a picnic blanket, enjoying the serene view of the Madura Strait. The sky painted a beautiful canvas of oranges and pinks as the sun began to set, and the family took a moment to take in the breathtaking scene.

As dusk settled, the Kusumas made their way to the Surabaya Night Market. The market was a kaleidoscope of colors and sounds, with vendors selling everything from traditional batik fabrics to handcrafted jewelry. The aroma of street food filled the air, tempting the family with skewers of grilled satay, sweet martabak, and the famous rujak cingur, a Surabaya specialty.

Budi and Sari were drawn to the games section of the market, where they tried their luck at various carnival games. Budi won a small stuffed komodo dragon, which he proudly presented to his sister as a memento of their wonderful day. Sari, not to be outdone, managed to snag a prize for her brother as well—a beautifully painted wayang puppet.

As the night market buzzed with energy, the Kusumas enjoyed a final treat, a round of durian ice cream, a flavor that might be too adventurous for some but was a beloved treat for the Kusuma family. They laughed and joked about the day’s events, each sharing their favorite moment.

Finally, as the clock struck ten, the family decided it was time to head home. They meandered back to their car, the children’s laughter echoing behind them. Once home, they settled in with warm cups of jasmine tea, recounting tales of their Surabaya adventure.

As the children drifted off to sleep, dreaming of tigers and submarines, Mr. and Mrs. Kusuma exchanged a contented glance. They knew that the memories made today would be cherished for years to come, a testament to the joy and togetherness that filled their family’s good time in Surabaya.