If you’ve been to Great World, then you’ll know it’s one of the most family-friendly malls in Singapore. There’s the swank selection of kids’ stores, the free playground, and the multitude of cosy restaurants.
If you haven’t been, then our list of things to do at Great World below might convince you to make a trip down there this week. Beyond the kid-friendly facilities, there are also ethnic supermarkets and spas with good deals for you to splash your cash at.
Table of Contents
You can never have enough Japanese snacks and drinks. So naturally, when there’s a Japanese supermarket like Meidi-Ya in the vicinity, you’ll want to pay a visit.
Located at Basement 2, the store offers aisle after aisle of imported treats. There are Hokkaido cream sandwiches, grilled rice balls, rice crackers, soup packets, canned coffee – the list goes on. Not gonna lie, but you can literally get a taste of Tokyo here without the 7-hour long flight.
Besides Meidi-Ya, you can get your fill of fresh produce at the vibey CS Fresh (#B1-139) or stock up on organic goodies at Scoop Wholefoods (#01-148).
Location: #B2-111
Contact: 6771 1111 | Meidi-Ya website
There’s always a steady queue of eager mini visitors outside the arctic-themed playground at Great World.
Sprawling across 3,000 sqft, Amazonia features a variety of games for toddlers and tweens. These include basketball trampolines, ball pits, an impact wall, and giant slides. There’s also a toddler play zone for children below 3 years old that’s equipped with rocking horses and smaller climb structures that are less intimidating.
Admission: $38.50/child | $28.50/toddler (Includes 1 parent)
Location: #03-113
Contact: 6836 2544 | Amazonia website
For an outdoorsy play zone where kids can break a sweat without leaving the mall, head to Great World Playland.
Nestled on Level 2, the free playground’s main attraction is the massive hot air balloon that’s made up of ropes and a metal tube slide. That said, younger kiddos might find it more fun to play hide and seek aboard the choo choo train or pretend to be pirates setting sail on the wooden ship.
Location: #02-00
If your kid is a whiz at colouring and drawing, sign them up for an art workshop at Abrakadoodle.
The art centre has classes for children from 20 months to 12 years old. Sign the kids up for a trial session ($58) and let them dabble in arts and get in touch with their inner Picasso while you go get yourself a coffee in peace. There’s Starbucks (#02-K104), MAVRX Coffee Bar (#01-129), and Kith Cafe (#02-152) – among dozens of others.
On top of single classes and packages, there’s a series of 3-day art camps ($380) to keep the kiddos occupied for days.
Location: #03-104
Contact: 6235 3631 | Abrakadoodle website
If you’re gonna be at the mall, you might as well shop. And that’s where the legit selection of kids’ stores at Great World comes in.
Image credit: @iconsingapore via Instagram
There’s an enormous Toys “R” Us with free toy samples for kids to play in-store and ToysHunt, a LEGO-focused haunt that has the occasional sale. There’s also a bazillion clothing stores for you to treat your mini divos and divas. Plus, find a handful of baby essential shops like Motherswork that stock imported goods.
Taking some “me” time is important, and 1 way to do it is with a spa treatment at Spa Esprit.
At this cult-favourite spa, there’s everything from full body massages and facials to energy healing rituals like a sound bath. If you’re tight on time, you can still squeeze in a 30-minute express massage ($90). For those visiting Spa Esprit for the first time, don’t forget to make the most of your new customer discount of 30% on any service.
Location: #03-107
Contact: 6468 1292 | Spa Esprit website
The spanking new Food Junction on Level 3 is one of the most aesthetic food courts, complete with a train theme.
Besides the quality eats, what sets Great World’s Food Junction apart is its decor. You’ll find galaxy-inspired ceilings, railway track flooring, and food stalls that resemble train carriages.
Tuck into a hearty bowl of Vietnamese pho, sizzling stir-fried kway teow, or a sausage platter before heading to the rooftop bar for a tipple.
Location: #03-00
Singapore is swimming with Japanese food options, but when you’re at Great World, you’ll want to check out Okinawa Diner Nirai-Kanai.
Over here, the light wood carpentry, rustic vibes, and colourful lanterns might make you feel like you’re in Japan. But if that’s not convincing enough, then the authentic dishes on the menu most likely will. Grab a seat and order yourself a bowl of udon noodles with simmered pork belly (from $7.60). It’s a classic Okinawa comfort food.
Location: #01-107
Contact: 6339 4811 | Okinawa Diner Nirai-Kanai website
Oyster Bank remains one of the best places to stuff your face with oysters on the cheap.
I mean, it’s hard to beat the $2 price tag per naked oyster. Come by on weekdays between 5pm-8pm and all day on Saturday and Sunday to slurp cheap-as-chips oysters. The restaurant is also known for its flavoured oysters. So if flavour pairings like tangy kimchi cucumber and sour grape ponzu make you salivate, this is where you should be.
Location: #01-111
Contact: 6235 5797 | The Oyster Bank website
Granted, crispy Korean fried chicken is fire. But if you’re working on your summer bod and would rather not tuck into a plate of double-fried wings, then the oven-roasted options at Goobne can be a healthier alternative.
Image credit: @foodee.diaree via Instagram
The drummettes and wings at this joint are marinated in various spices and seasonings before hitting the oven. No oil bath, deep fryer, and breading are used in the process. The result? Bite-sized wonders that burst with flavours and carry half of the calories that you’d find in their deep-fried siblings.
Location: #01-115
Contact: 8879 5898 | Goobne website
After getting a Tinseltown-worthy facelift from the former Great World City space, Great World debuted in 2020 with a more spacious layout, a wider range of entertainment for both kids and adults, and a whole lot of tasty food options.
So, keep this modern mall in River Valley in mind the next time you plan a Sunday fun day with the fam or friends. Plus, getting here is now much quicker and easier thanks to the new Great World MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast line. Just make sure you have this handy guide in hand so you know exactly where to dine, drink, and play.
There’s more to shop in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: @foodee.diaree via Instagram, Food Junction Facebook.
This Mother's Day, you can pamper the ultimate queen in your life without breaking the…
See if you can be an extra filial child by scoring extra freebies by participating…
Going for counselling in Singapore is often the most important step to recovery and mental…
May this month be the best month yet!
It may be smaller than the rest, but this park packs a whole lotta Disney…
Get your girlfriend a Beauty and the Beast floral dome or a rainbow-hued bouquet with…