Singapore is the ultimate family friendly destination in South East Asia. Notoriously safe and clean and with stroller access at most locations you will find it easy to get around with babies and children. All good hotels will have a swimming pool to cool down in after a long day or to relax by if you don’t feel like leaving the hotel. Here are some of our (and our friends) Top 20 Family Destinations in Singapore.
Marketed as the “World’s Best Rainforest Zoo”, the Singapore zoo will provide you with a full day of activities. You can take a break at lunchtime and visit Rainforest Kidzworld, where the kids can splash around in their water play area. Take a look at the recommended morning and afternoon itineraries on the website. Don’t forget the zoo’s famous night safari where you can take a tram through the zoo at night and look at the nocturnal animals.
Check the calendar of events as there is always something on. Make sure you visit the Super Tree Grove, these unique trees of up to 16 storeys in height can be found all around the Gardens – twelve at the Supertree Grove, while the remaining six are placed in clusters of threes at the Golden and Silver Gardens.
Art Science Museum at Marina Bay Sands
Iconic architecture and an interesting museum with seasonal exhibitions. It was smaller than we expected, I wouldn’t recommend it for small children as many of the exhibits were not “hands on” for children. Located at 10 Bayfront Avenue, (Marina Bay).
The museum chronicles the history of the fire service in Singapore and includes a number of historic fire appliances as well as information on modern day firefighting. Lots of hands on displays and an old fire truck for the kids. It is worth taking the tour if you have the time. 62 Hill Street, Singapore.
Since the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) opened its doors in January 1996, the museum has amassed one of the world’s largest public collections of modern and contemporary Southeast Asian artworks. SAM, which now focuses on contemporary art, is housed in a restored 19th century mission school.
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
The gardens can be accessed by the MRT and entry is free. There is a large playground, water play area, swing bridge, man made cave and waterfall on site. A great place for the kids to burn off energy and a good opportunity to take a picnic lunch. Closed on Mondays. 1 Cluny Road, Singapore.
eXplorer Kid Indoor Playground
At 35,000 sq ft eXplorer Kid is the largest indoor playground in Singapore. There are several play areas that include a rope course and suspension bridge, a 3 meter high rock climbing wall and a three level obstacle course. Located close to Pasir Ris Town Park.
Singapore’s first children’s science centre. Engaging children from pre-school to lower primary levels in an environment specially designed for young children, trained science communicators guide and facilitate play and learning in various thematic zones. Exhibits and zones are designed to promote and foster parent-child bonding through hands-on activities and programs. See there FAQs for more information.
Jurong Bird park is the largest park of its kind in the Asia Pacific with more than 9,000 feathered friends from more than 600 species. This includes a Penguin Parade where they march in a Antarctic setting, to a walk-in aviary complete with simulated thunderstorms to make the controlled environment seem as close as possible to the birds’ original habitat. Jurong Bird park offers two bird shows, where you can watch flamingos, macaws and cockatoos and even hawks. The park is open from 9am until 6pm daily.
A half day adventure for the family. It is worth going on a week day to miss the long lines. Ask staff about the student discount rate for children and call ahead to ensure all rides are operational. Located near the Pasir Ris Close.
Singapore’s first snow centre, with kids and teens activities as well as rock climbing. A winter jacket and snow boots will be provided up the purchase of an entry ticket, don’t forget to wear long pants! They are compulsory for entry.
Singapore’s Featured Playgrounds
On the boarder of Malaysia and Singapore Legoland Resort brings together LegoLand Park, LegoLand Water Park (with wave pool) and Hotel in one location. With more than 70 rides, slides, shows and attractions, almost everything is hands-on and interactive for kids. We have heard nothing but excellent reports about LegoLand, for regular updates check out the LegoLand blog.
You can take the cable car to Sentosa and use the free train around the island for transport if the kids get tired.
The water park includes water slides, a wave pool, a tropical jungle garden and a coral reef you can snorkel over that contains over 20,000 fish! Take a look at the link for lots more info and videos.
Universal Studios – Roller coasters and movie themed attractions. Their famous fireworks display occurs every Saturday night and some public holidays. Phone ahead for information.
Home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 800 species, across into 49 different habitats. See their official blog for the latest news and information.
Dolphin Island offers a range of programs that will give you the opportunity to meet the magnificent Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins up close.
The Maritime Experiential Museum
Discover Singapore’s past as a trading port at the maritime museum. View life-sized ship replicas of Asian sailing vessels from the docks at the Historic Ship Harbour, and learn more about Asia’s maritime and cultural heritage through the museum’s education programs. The museum includes a 360º multimedia Typhoon Theatre where visitors ‘board’ a sailing ship and encounter a perilous storm.
Trick Eye is short for ‘Trick of the eye’, which refers to an art technique that turns two-dimensional paintings into three-dimensional images through the use of optical illusions. With that, 2D paintings on the museum walls, floors and ceilings appear to pop out of the surface and come to life.
Sentosa has over 3 kilometers of sandy beaches in three different locations. Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach and Tanjong Beach. All three beaches have recreational activities such as beach volleyball, wave riding, cycling, rollerblading and kayaking.
For more information visit the Singapore Government tourism website.
Can you recommend any activities in Singapore? Use the comments section below this blog and share them with us.
See our Kids Activities page for more activities in the region. Happy travels!
Photo Credit: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden courtesy of Flickr user digital_shutterbug
Maree has over five years of experience in Occupational Health and Safety and in the development of safety standards, training workshops and improvement initiatives. She is passionate about health, safety and education. Maree, a mother of two children, has a Advanced Diploma in OHS and will be graduating soon with a B.Sc. (HSE) from Australia.
