Things to do with kids in Singapore
Singapore is a great city for kids on holiday, compact and brimming with varied and exciting attractions, some uniquely Asian. In fact, some of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore are family orientated.
Singapore is a city of gardens and this combined with the country's world-class animal attractions ensures that there is lots of fun to be had outdoors. For a great day with the family head to the Singapore Zoological Gardens where the kids can bond with animals such as Komodo dragons, polar bears and orangutans, or head to the Jurong Bird Park to marvel at hundreds of pink flamingos. For a more relaxed day, pack a picnic and visit the Singapore Botanical Gardens where kids will have plenty of room to stretch their legs and let off a bit of steam. The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a wonderful place to spend the day and children will be amazed by this verdant wonderland. The Singapore Crocodilarium is another exciting attraction, home to over 1,000 reptiles, including crocodiles and some of the world's rare and endangered species of reptile.
On rainy or cold days, when outdoor activities with kids are not an option, head to an indoor playground like eXplorerkid. Hugely popular Singapore tourist attractions, like Universal Studios Singapore, are other great options for rainy days.
Singapore Zoological Gardens
The Singapore Zoo has been thoughtfully created to simulate the natural habitats of its resident animals. Eight zones recreate the geographic regions of the animals indigenous to t…
Singapore Zoological Gardens
The Singapore Zoo has been thoughtfully created to simulate the natural habitats of its resident animals. Eight zones recreate the geographic regions of the animals indigenous to them, including the South East Asian rainforest, African savannah, Nepalese river valley, Burmese jungle, and South American pampas. These vistas can also be explored after daytime during the famous Night Safari, billed as the first of its kind. Conceived of as a way to allow visitors to observe nocturnal animals 'acting naturally', the Night Safari is one of Singapore's most popular touristic activities. The method in which this has been achieved is typically ingenious: the zoo is closed during the day so the animals' sleep isn't disturbed, and at night it is lit by soft lighting that resembles natural moonlight. The zoo can be explored along its meandering walking trails or from the comfort of a tram that winds its way along a circular route. It is home to more than 2,000 animals representing over 300 species, the highlights of which include the Komodo dragons, polar bears and the many primates.
Animal shows are held daily, and children can enjoy camel rides or share food with an orangutan in the zoo's Children's World section. A Guide to the Zoo is available on arrival with details of feeding times and other activities. It includes a map and suggested itineraries incorporating the major shows and attractions.
Address 80 Mandai Lake Road
Website www.zoo.com.sg
Transport
Bus 171 from the city to Mandai Road and transfer to 927 at the first bus stop. Or take MRT to Ang Mo Kio to connect with bus 138
Jurong Birdpark
The park is contained within a 20-hectare (49-acre) stretch of land in the Jurong Lake area. It is one of the world's most extensive bird collections and the largest in South East …
Jurong Birdpark
The park is contained within a 20-hectare (49-acre) stretch of land in the Jurong Lake area. It is one of the world's most extensive bird collections and the largest in South East Asia. Five thousand birds of about 400 different species inhabit the park, ranging from Antarctic penguins to New Zealand kiwis. Walking trails meander through the tropical landscape, allowing visitors to feel as though they are exploring in the wild. Incredible sights to look out for include the Waterfall Aviary, which at 115ft (35m) is one of the world's highest manmade waterfalls. The Penguin Parade has a large pool set against a landscape of rocks, cliffs, nesting alcoves and burrows; it has a viewing gallery where visitors can see penguins 'flying' underwater through a 98ft (30m) wide window. The South East Asian Bird Aviary is a breathtaking spectacle that includes the experience of a simulated thunderstorm. Other bird shows feature flamingos, macaws, hornbills and cockatoos. The park also includes facilities for young children to enjoy, including the fun Splash 'n Slide Station. The birds are at their most active and entertaining at feeding times and it is a good idea to time your visit to coincide with these - check the official website listed below for the feeding schedule.
Website www.birdpark.com.sg
Transport
Take the MRT to Boon Lay Station and take SBS bus 194 or 251
Singapore Discovery Centre
The perfect place for active and enquiring young minds, the Singapore Discovery Centre is a great place to bring the kids for the day. Children will love the colourful exhibits whi…
Singapore Discovery Centre
The perfect place for active and enquiring young minds, the Singapore Discovery Centre is a great place to bring the kids for the day. Children will love the colourful exhibits which will teach them all about Singapore's past and present in fun and informative ways. With popular permanent exhibitions and constantly changing temporary attractions to keep things fresh and exciting, visitors will have a hard time deciding where to start, from 4D movies to exhibits you can touch and interact with, children will love the Singapore Discovery Centre. Many of the attractions are aimed at young teenagers and include not just interesting information on Singapore but fun activities that will get kids thinking about career choices: visitors can experiment with town planning, using Singapore as a model; try out being a TV reporter by reading the news on film; be a general on a battlefield for a day with an immersive game; learn traditional Singaporean dance moves in a digital dance studio; and play games designed to test entrepreneurial ability. There is even a theatre which explores what to do in emergency situations like a terrorist attack. Adults will also enjoy the Discovery Centre and will be delighted with the educational entertainment for their families.
Address 510 Upper Jurong Road
Website www.sdc.com.sg
Universal Studios Singapore
Drawing an astounding two million visitors in its first nine months open, the theme park and resort area of Universal Studios Singapore is proving to be as popular as its counterpa…
Universal Studios Singapore
Drawing an astounding two million visitors in its first nine months open, the theme park and resort area of Universal Studios Singapore is proving to be as popular as its counterparts in the USA. Located on Sentosa Island, home to all of Singapore's most famous holiday resorts, Universal Studios Singapore is ideal for family vacationers looking to treat their children to a full day of exciting rides, delicious treats and non-stop excitement. The theme park is divided into seven distinct zones, each featuring their own themed rides and attractions: Hollywood, New York City, Ancient Egypt, Lost World, Madagascar, Far Far Away and, pick of the bunch, Sci-Fi City. There is also an Aquarium and a Marine Park on-site, numerous 3D theatres, a huge array of restaurants and cafes, and plenty of stalls and shops selling official Universal Studios merchandise. Singapore is in many ways a technological marvel of a city, and Universal Studios is a fitting place to experience its unique talent for high-tech entertainment. Exciting rides include the Battlestar Galactica suspended roller coaster, the Revenge of the Mummy roller coaster, and the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure. There are also numerous rides designed for smaller children and tons of fun performances and themed restaurants.
Address Sentosa Island
Website https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/attractions/universal-studios-singapore/explore