Activities for Children
More than any other city in Asia, Singapore exposes children to an amazing array of world-class opportunities, from education to culture and lifestyle.
Many residents here say they appreciate the safe, modern and multicultural environment that their children grow up in.
Activities
There is no shortage of places which will keep children entertained and engaged
Museums range from the Philatelic to the cultural and historical, all with exhibits and activities that cater to the young patron. The Mint Museum of Toys will enthrall young and old alike, while the grand National Museum of Singapore holds an annual Children’s Season during the mid-year school holidays.
The legendary Singapore Zoo has been distinguished by ForbesTraveler.com as one of “The World’s Best Zoos”. Both the open concept exhibits as well as the large Rainforest Kidzworld water play area make this a favourite to visit time and time again, along with its sibling, the Night Safari.
Engage hands, hearts and minds at the Science Centre, which also hosts international exhibitions like Da Vinci the Genius.
There are countless parks and gardens to explore or picnic in. The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is just adjacent to the sprawling Botanic Gardens, and provides unique learning and discovery experiences.
Another great place to visit is the Central Fire Station. Watch demonstrations, handle a real fire hose, and take a ride in a fire engine at its weekly Open House.
There are also ample opportunities for the active ones to burn off energy, whether through a sport or just climbing a tree. Let them loose at eXplorerkid or Go-Go Bambini indoor playgrounds, while mums can catch up over coffee and a manicure; or take a boat to Singapore’s outlying islands.
Otherwise, classes for everything from swimming, golf and tennis to cartoon drawing, ink painting and pottery, and music, dance and drama to cooking, chess and abacus are prevalent and especially popular during the school holidays.
Teens have their own space at *SCAPE Youth Centre in the heart of town.
Sentosa island is a giant playground in itself, and will be home to the Universal Studios theme park at Resorts World, which has its own Kids Club. Current amusement parks include Escape and Wild Wild Wet.
Festivals
Enjoy the best in Children’s Theatre with the Prudential Children First! arts festival, which attracts top performing companies from around the world. The Asian Children’s Festival incorporating KidsASIA! is a mainly interactive event which celebrates the joy of childhood in Asia.
Other major events which will appeal to children are the Mid-Autumn Lantern Festival, the Chinese New Year Chingay Parade, the exciting National Day Parade, and the Singapore Fireworks Celebrations which feature international competitors.
Eating out
Most eateries welcome children and provide high chairs for the littler ones. One Ninety at the Four Seasons Hotel has a separate playland open for its Sunday brunch, where children enjoy their own buffet while playing and being entertained. Ikea stores also have dining areas catering specially to children.
Shopping
Shopping for children in Singapore is a pleasure. Malls such as United Square near the Novena MRT station, and Forum the Shopping Mall and Tanglin Mall in the Orchard precinct are practically dedicated to children. They have many shops catering to a young clientele, offering fashion, toys, books, music schools, gyms and even photo studios. Major departmental stores like Takashimaya usually dedicate entire floors to children’s apparel and toys, while boutiques offer international brands like Zara and Fox for the kids, as well as home-grown New Asia children’s designer label, LIFEbaby. Most bookshops carry a wide range of children’s titles, and the young ones will be happy to know that Toys”R”Us operates a chain of stores here. There are also great bargains to be had in the heartlands, including factory outlet chain Song & Song.