On average, children spend about 10 to 20 minutes a day in unstructured outdoor play, compared to six or more hours in front of a screen. Hence why it is so important for parents to incorporate children playing outside a lot more.
This will build physically healthier children, improve sensory skills, and also contribute to cognitive, social, and emotional development.
While playing at a nearby playground within your residential compound is a great start, Singapore offers a myriad of places that are family-friendly and brimming with fun kids activities. Some are even educational!
So these are some of the places that you can visit:
1. Gardens By The Bay
Located adjacent to the Marina Reservoir, Gardens By The Bay is a nature park housing plant life from around the world.
Gardens By The Bay boasts more than 10 attractions, and while they can all be enjoyed by parents and children alike, they also have a children-centric attraction called Far East Organization Children’s Garden.
Designed for children aged 12 and below, your child can revel in the lush natural setting while enjoying interactive play delights, as well as savouring the cool waters of the water play features.
Price: Free admission
Operating Hours:
Tue^ – Sun: 9.00am – 7.00pm (last admission at 6.00pm)
Waterplay closure: 6.30pm
*Closed every Monday.
^Closed on Tuesday if the preceding Monday is a public holiday.
Location: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Website: www.gardensbythebay.com.sg
2. Singapore Zoo
Which kid does not like spending the day at the zoo?
Opened in June 1973, the Singapore Zoo currently has about 315 animal species in the zoo, of which some 16% are considered to be endangered or threatened species.
Children can virtually interact with the animals, and see their personal favourite animals up-close!
For the more hesitant little ones, a tram ride around the zoo is always fun!
It also provides respite for the tired legs since the zoo occupies 69 acres on the margins of Upper Seletar Reservoir within Singapore’s heavily forested central catchment area.
Price:
– $28 for children aged 3 to 12 years old
– $41 for youths and adults
– $18 for senior citizens (applicable for Singapore residents aged 60 and above and includes complimentary tram rides)
Operating Hours: 8.30am – 6.00pm daily (last entry at 5.00pm)
Location: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Website: Wildlife Reserves Singapore – Singapore Zoo
3. Jurong Bird Park
The sounds of birds singing are truly treasurable to listening ears. Children can snuggle up to handsome hornbills or obliging owls for an intimate experience and discover how endangered hatchlings are cared for at the Breeding and Research Centre.
Hop on the buggy to prepare to be mesmerised by the flocks of birds and catch the birds when they are most active, which is their feeding time!
The keepers are always happy to share stories and little hands can even help to feed their feathery friends.
Price:
– $23 for children aged 3 to 12 years old
– $34 for youths and adults
– $15 for senior citizens (applicable for Singapore residents aged 60 and above and includes complimentary tram rides)
Operating Hours: 8.30am – 6.00pm daily (last entry at 5.00pm)
Location: 2 Jurong Hill, Singapore 628925
Website: Jurong Bird Park
4. River Safari
Row, row, row, your boat…
Wouldn’t it be fun for children to experience boat-riding in the middle of a city?
They will not just simply be riding boats, but the sight is something to behold!
Children will get to observe the relationship that they have with the aquatic environment they call home.
Designed to simulate the flow of the Amazon River, children will have a memorable experience floating through a mysterious river wilderness.
Discover manatees in the Amazon flooded forest when the forest along Amazon’s banks are submerged in over 10 metres of water.
Price:
Admission:
– $26 for children aged 3 to 12 years old
– $34 for youths and adults
– $15 for senior citizens (applicable for Singapore residents aged 60 and above and includes complimentary tram rides)
Amazon River Quest Boat Ride:
– $3 for children aged 3 to 12 years old
– $5 for youths and adults
– $5 for senior citizens
Operating Hours:
River Safari: 10.00am – 7.00pm (last entry at 6.00pm)
Amazon River Quest: 11.00am – 6.00pm
Squirrel Monkey Forest: 11.00am – 6.00pm
Giant Panda Forest: 10.00am – 6.15pm
Location: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Website: River Safari Singapore
5. Snow City Singapore
While we may be enjoying sunny weather all year long, little ones might be curious to know what it is like to have snow. Well, now they can experience it Snow City Singapore.
Children can explore 60 metres of snow slope, drift on ice bumper cars, enjoy snow sculptures and playgrounds, as well as experience snow falling!
Price:
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 10.00am – 5.00pm (closed on Mondays)
Location: 21 Jurong Town Hall Road, Singapore 609433
Website: www.snowcity.com.sg
6. Diggersite
Bring your children’s obsession with construction vehicles to life at Diggersite. The kids will get to wear helmets and vests, and gain control over a number of mini construction vehicles, mainly the diggers!
While playing with the toys at home can spark imagination, operating the diggers and other construction vehicles can improve their hand-eye coordination, and they will learn the purpose of the heavy machineries.
Price:
– $18 for 1 child
– $30 for 2 children
– $40 for 3 children
*min. age for entry is 2 years old
Operating Hours:
Saturday & Sunday only: 11.00am – 6.00pm
Location: 91 Lorong Chencharu, Singapore 769201
Website: www.diggersite.com
7. Forest Adventure
Enrol your child in a highly engaging obstacle course that caters to children from five years old. Even the small ones can experience going through a zip line!
Energetic kids will handle the obstacles through the foliage of Bedok Reservoir Park.
Price:
The Junior Course & The Kids Course
– $39.90 per child
– $39.90 per accompanying adult
– $143.60 for buddy package (4 pax booking)
Operating Hours:
Tuesday – Friday: 9.30am – 6.00pm
Saturday – Sunday: 9.30am – 6.30pm
*closed on Monday and Thursday except Public Holidays and School Holidays
Location: Bedok Reservoir Park, Singapore 479244
Website: www.forestadventure.com.sg
8. Jurong Frog Farm
While some adults might be terrified of certain amphibians, little explorers are more curious about the living things within their surroundings.
Frogs have an incredible life cycle and little ones can learn more about these tiny yet loud creatures at the Jurong Frog Farm.
Some walk-in activities they can try out include feeding the American Bullfrogs, catch a frog in a confined area, or go for a self-navigated tour so kids can explore the farm at their own pace.
Price:
Frog Quest Explorer: $18
Catch A Frog: $10
Feeding Frenzy: $2 per box
Family Tours: from $72 per booking
Operating Hours:
Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holiday: 9.00am – 5.30pm (open to general public)
Tuesday – Friday: 9.00am – 5.30pm (for tour reservations and pickup of purchase)
Location: 51 (Plot 56) Lim Chu Kang Lane 6, Singapore 718864
Website: www.jurongfrogfarm.com.sg
9. Chestnut Nature Park
What is better than just being out of the house is immersing oneself in nature.
Chestnut Nature Park is the largest nature park in Singapore. Parents and children can choose from three kid-friendly hiking trails and enjoy the lush greeneries.
This can be a weekend family outing and you can look out for hidden streams and lakes, and endangered bird species such as the straw-headed Bulbul, the orange-bellied flowerpecker, and the banded woodpecker.
Price: Free admission
Operating Hours: 7.00am – 7.00pm daily
Location: Chestnut Ave, Singapore 679514
Website: www.nparks.gov.sg
10. Universal Studios Singapore
The name ‘Universal Studios Singapore’, or USS in short, is no stranger in any household.
If parents were to tell children they would be going to USS, they would scream with joy!
What not to love about USS with all its thrilling rides, delicious treats, and your favourite movie characters come to life!
Price:
– $61 for children aged 4-12
– $81 for children/adult aged 13-59
– $43 for senior citizens aged 60 and above
Operating Hours: 12.00pm – 7.00pm / 12.oopm – 9.00pm (select days)
Location: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
Website: www.rwsentosa.com
Create a memorable moment with these fun-filled kids’ activities. You can even bring them to these kids’ indoor playgrounds to keep them occupied. Hmm…so now, which one do you prefer?