Parents with young kiddos will know that it’s always an ongoing challenge to find new children’s activities in Singapore to entertain the little ones. Short of SOS-ing your fellow mummy friends for help, consider planning a day out at these various new haunts that have popped up over the past year.
From waterparks for em’ aqua babies to themed playgrounds, below are some newly opened activities for you and the kids to enjoy.
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Probably one of the biggest openings earlier this year, Bird Paradise is the spanking new version of Jurong Bird Park. Here, kids and adults will be able to get up close to birds, feed them, and watch live shows where these entertaining creatures display their talents.
Apart from the interactive fun, it’s also a good chance to educate slightly older children about the birds’ natural habitats. The park has native birds from different continents including Africa and South America. Did we mention there’s also an “Arctic” section where you get to see cute penguins dive and play?
Before you even get into the ticketed area, you’ll encounter Mandai Wildlife West, a free playground just outside where kids get free rein to jump around. While you’re there, check out the cascading waterfall which makes a perfect backdrop for a family snap.
If you need to feed the little ones before or after a visit to the park, there are also a couple of eateries in this area including A&W and Birds of Paradise ice cream.
Splash Tribe Beach Club is the new kid on the block at Sentosa. As the newest member of beach clubs in Singapore, Splash Tribe is geared towards being a family-friendly one with water slides and playgrounds especially for little ones to enjoy.
While adults are welcome to swim in the infinity pool or zip down the tube slide, they will also appreciate the many lounging options. The club offers daybeds, sun loungers, sofas sheltered under gazebos, and even hammocks to laze the afternoon away.
A glimpse at the food menu reveals dishes like Fish & Chips ($23) and Hawaiian Flatbread ($26) for the whole family to share.
We’re not too far from spooky szn, so it might be time to start stocking up on treats for the kiddos. Head down to Bilimbi candy store for sweets that aren’t commonly found at other stores. We’re talking about chocolates, lollipops, and sour candy flown in from around the world such as from Spain and Belgium.
The 2 outlets at Bugis and Wisma Atria also have a pirate theme going on with candies stored in barrels and treasure chests. We’re not saying let the kids loose at the store but might be fun to let them dig for their own treasure before Halloween.
Wisma Atria outlet:
Address: 435 Orchard Road, #B1-40A/40B, Singapore 238877
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: Bilimbi Instagram
Bugis Junction outlet:
Address: 200 Victoria Street, #01-63/63A Bugis Junction, Singapore 188021
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Remember those toys we had as kids where we had to catch plastic fish from a bucket using a magnetic mini fishing rod? At ORTO West Coast, young ones can have a go at prawning IRL and enjoy their catch right after.
You’ve got the option to cook your bounty on the spot with a grill that’ll be provided FOC or get the pros to do the grilling for you. Don’t worry if you don’t end up catching anything, ORTO guarantees you’ll go home with a pack of prawns. Rates start at $22/pax for an hour of fun.
Image credit: National Gallery of Singapore Facebook
It’s never too early to teach the kids to appreciate the Arts, especially when it can be done in a manner that’s fun and interactive. Enter the annual kids’ event at the National Gallery Singapore – Gallery Children’s Biennale 2023. This free exhibition is on till 31st March 2024, so you bookmark it for the upcoming September school holidays or for some end-of-year excitement.
This year, the gallery has 11 interactive artworks including an indoor playground, a digital forest, and different-sized blocks for kids to build things up to their imagination. If you’re feeling a little crafty, sign the kids up for one of the workshops ($10/child) and they’ll be occupied for a good amount of time keeping their hands busy.
Image credit: The Palawan @ Sentosa
Just in time for the F1 season, Asia’s first indoor gamified electric go-kart circuit has opened up at The Palawan @ Sentosa. Yeah, we know that’s a lot to take in – HyperDrive is a 3-level racetrack that’s indoors; has a virtual gaming component where racers can go about “collecting” weapons and boosters to give them a leg-up; and adds to the electric atmosphere with lighting and sound effects.
The little ones can go solo on junior karts if they are feeling confident, or race with an adult on the dual kart. While you’re there, drop by the HyperDrive Cafe for crazy desserts like stacked pancakes topped with cakes (from $26).
Tarzan wannabes will feel at home at Action Motion. The place boasts 2 levels of obstacle courses, where players’ strength and agility will be tested. Once your kids are done conquering the challenges, they can try their hand at top-rope climbing, bouldering, and AR trampoline games. Heads up – they’re harder than they look.
Image credit: CMSG
Those looking for a chill weekend activity can pay the newly opened Children’s Museum Singapore a visit. There are 7 galleries to check out, including nostalgic displays of old-school toys and snacks. There’s also a captain’s ship exhibition, where kids can attempt to use a manual water pump.
For the crafty children, there are DIY stations with various arts and crafts projects awaiting.
Westies, y’all have a new gem in your area. The Arena @ Keat Hong has brought their A game when it comes to HDB playgrounds, as there are 3 themed playgrounds where kids can run around.
Children can climb aboard a pirate ship, or brave the crocs and cross over to an adorable treehouse. The playground also has an exercise corner which uses touch screen features, so kids can be thoroughly entertained during their time there.
Image credit: The Polliwogs
The Polliwogs indoor playground is arguably one of the chioest ones around. And in case you missed it, they’ve opened their latest cat-themed outlet at Clarke Quay.
Image adapted from: The Polliwogs
There are climbing nets, obstacle courses, tiny mirror mazes, and even an air gun range for young’uns to tinker with. The place is also bathed in pastel colours, making every corner an IG-worthy background. Younger children can also head to the toddler zone to play in the ball pit and slides.
Book a trip to The Polliwogs (Clarke Quay Central).
There are over 20 dino statues, and kids are welcome to climb aboard for pictures.
Image credit: Dinoland Singapore
Future palaeontologists can pay a visit to Dinoland, where it is home to the fearsome colossal creatures. Hop on the 1.5-hour tour, where kids can dabble in mining artificial fossils at the fossil digging site. There’s also an underground cave, swamp crossing zone, and a mining cart ride so participants can get the full experience of what it was like during the prehistoric times.
Willy Wonka, who?
Sometimes, the best reward is a bar of yummy chocolate. Treat your child’s sweet tooth and take them to Mr Bucket Chocolaterie, where they can experience the BTS on how their fav dessert is made. Tour the place to observe the chocolate-making process, then end the trip at the Creation Station where kids can DIY their own choco bar – truly a dream come true.
Whizz down the 114m waterslide.
Move aside Wild Wild Wet, Aqua Adventure is here to slay. Set in HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir Clubhouse, this indoor water park might just be the hottest new thing in the East. The place is home to Singapore’s longest indoor waterslide and water obstacle courses that will have the young’uns balancing on wobbly logs and ropes.
After conquering the slides and challenges, kids can dry off at the rock climbing walls. Don’t expect your typical top rope routes as these have a gamified system to make things a tad more interesting.
Image credit: Wild Rice
Fans of Disney can look forward to a retelling of the classic Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs by local theatre company, Wild Rice, from 16th November to 17th December 2023. Suitable for ages 5 and up, the 2.5-hour musical comedy will feature familiar names like Chua Enlai and catchy dance numbers.
Book tickets to Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs (from S$25).
Image adapted from: Trifecta by The Ride Side
Surf’s up! Trifecta by The Ride Side will be launching at Somerset for adrenaline lovers to check out in October. The place will feature an indoor surfing simulator, a VR ski simulator, and skate bowls for all to enjoy. No need to travel overseas to surf a sick wave or ski down a snowy slope.
Address: 10A Exeter Road, #01-01, Singapore 239958
Contact: Trifecta by The Ride Side website
Set aside your iPads and plan a day out with the fam. You’ll find that there are a bunch of ways to entertain your little ones, from visiting a children’s museum to overcoming obstacle courses at waterparks in Singapore. And who knows, the child in you might be pleasantly delighted too.
More kid-friendly inspo and things to do:
Cover image adapted from: The Palawan @ Sentosa
Originally published on 1st February 2023 by Joycelyn Yeow. Last updated by Aditi Kashyap on 25th August 2023.
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