Whisked away from boring math classes to carefree adventures at eye-opening spots all around Singapore, some of our fondest memories from our childhood are of school excursion trips. Be it farms or museums, there was always plenty to see, do and experience – and most importantly, besties close by for a full day of pranks and antics that we still recount with a smile today.
To reignite those treasured memories, these nine school excursion trips in Singapore will let you recreate your childhood with a trip down memory lane – whether you’re a 90s kid or not.
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Image credit: Riverside Primary School
With its miniature roads and paths, the Road Safety Community Park comes complete with a pedestrian bridge, bus stops and traffic lights. But while the lucky ones among us got to cruise in bicycles and pedal “cars”, most of us were relegated to more pedestrian roles – wandering around the circuit on foot and awkwardly raising our hands when crossing the road.
Located along East Coast Park, the Road Safety Community Park is freely accessible to the public. Though it’s starting to show its age, you’ll have a whale of a time exploring the cycling “test circuit” and even a Shell petrol station complete with 7-eleven. To ply its tiny roads on wheels, you’ll need to BYO – bad luck if you’ve always wanted to ride those bright yellow “cars”.
Image credit: Gregory Athanasius
Admission: Free
Address: 910 East Coast Park Service Road, Singapore 449889
Opening hours: 24H, Daily
Image credit: Nobuo Tanahashi
Singaporeans have been taught from a young age to treasure water, and most of us still recall lectures on the 1960s water shortages, and know Singapore’s four national taps by heart.
Built back in 2003, the NEWater water purification plant was the pride and joy of our young nation, and you might remember wandering around the futuristic facility on an excursion in wide-eyed wonder – or recall the distinct taste of NEWater.
You’ll have to book in advance for tours of the plant, but it’s best to travel by car as it’s located a full 1.5KM from the nearest bus stop.
Admission: Free
Address: 20 Koh Sek Lim Road, Singapore 486593
Opening hours: Tue – Sun 9AM-5.30PM (Closed on Monday)
You’ll get to see artefacts from Singapore’s past, including trishaws and bus tickets.
From planning our commutes with bus apps to boarding trains and buses with a wave of our smartwatches, Singapore’s transport system has come a long way from rickety non-air-conditioned buses. For a blast from the past, head down to the LTA Mobility Gallery to view memorable artefacts from Singapore’s past, alongside futuristic exhibits.
You’ll get to try your hand at managing congestion along Singapore’s road system, or plan your very own road and railway network. The gallery will reopen on 26th April 2021, and you’ll have to make a booking three working days before your visit.
Some futuristic exhibits include LTA’s Future Concept Bus, alongside Smart Lamp Posts and a hands-free MRT gantry.
Image credit: LTA
Admission: Free
Address: 1 Hampshire Road, Block 1, Level 1, Singapore 219428
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9.30AM-5PM (Closed on Public Holidays)
Image credit: @sciencecentresg
With iconic exhibits like Climbing Einstein and the thunderous Tesla coil, the Singapore Science Centre has a special place in many of our hearts. Of course – it’s still open and hosts a variety of exciting exhibits, but you might be surprised to know that many showcases you’ve known and loved are still in operation.
You might recognise the terrifying fire tornado or the inconspicuous smoke signal exhibit, and you can even have a winter shoot-out at the venerable Snow City just next door. If you’re still feeling nimble, head outdoors into the Kinetic Garden amidst familiar exhibits ranging from sundials, painted tunnels and a working Archimedes screw.
Grab your friends and push on the dome to release smoke signals
Image credit: @branist23
Book your adult tickets to Singapore Science Centre.
Admission: $8/child | $12/adult
Address: 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
Opening hours: Fri – Sun 10AM-1PM, 2-5PM (Science Centre) | 24H, Daily (Kinetic Gardens)
Students leaping from the Balancing Beam obstacle (left), a Land Rover ambulance on a section of a bridge (right).
Image credit: Woodgrove Secondary School, Singapore Modeller
For garang students fascinated by all things military, the Singapore Discovery Centre would be the highlight of the year’s excursion destinations. After a walkthrough of the exhibits within, the undisputed star of the show was the showcase of military vehicles and equipment located nearby, along with the mock-up of the Army’s Standard Obstacle Course (SOC).
The SOC is currently being updated and is slated to reopen soon, so you’ll have to wait a while if you’re itching to clamber atop the infamous Apex Ladder and Low Rope again. In the meantime, unleash the inner military buff in you as you check out the howitzer cannons and battle tanks on display around the facility.
But for those looking to dodge the sun, the Singapore Discovery Centre now offers a new augmented reality exhibit (free), a laser tag arena (from $12/person) and an escape room exhibit ($24/child, $30/adult).
You can also catch a free tour on weekends to SAFTI Military Institute, the camp where SAF officers are trained.
Image credit: MYI
Admission: Free for Singaporeans and PRs
Address: 510 Upper Jurong Road, Singapore 638365
Opening hours: Mon – Thu 11AM-7.30PM | Fri – Sun 10AM-10PM
Most of us grew up in our modern city surrounded by skyscrapers, and Hay Dairies is one of the rare opportunities to experience the kampong life here in Singapore. With sights and smells we had never experienced before, an excursion to this goat farm was for many students an unforgettable experience, like when the entire class made a ruckus over drinking goat milk – eww.
For a respite from the sun, try Hay Dairies’ unique goat milk Frozt popsicles ($3.50) available in original, chocolate and strawberry flavours. Just like old times, you’ll be able to hop on a tour for free, as farmhands teach you the ins and outs of goat rearing. Otherwise, get up close to these bleating beasts by snagging a pack of alfalfa ($5) to earn a petting session.
You’ll also be able to purchase goat milk (from $2.50) – packaged in iconic small and large bottles.
Admission: Free
Address: 3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4, Singapore 718859
Opening hours: Wed – Mon 9AM-4PM (Closed on Tuesday)
Image credit: ChildFirst
If the strong odours of a goat farm are just a little too much for a leisurely weekend itinerary, head to the nearby Kok Fah Technology Farm for an educational tour in the fresh, green surrounds of its greenhouses.
You can head down for their weekend market purchase crunchy, fresh produce like kang kong and lettuce that are grown pesticide-free in its high-tech facilities. There’s also potted herbs and spices on sale if you’re looking to flex your green fingers at home.
Opening hours: 9AM-5PM, Daily
Address: 18 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 698974
Admission: Free with minimum spending $154/group (up to 10 pax)
Image credit: Yakult Singapore
Tasty and good for your gut, Yakult has been a hit among Singaporeans young and old – many of us growing up sipping on this bacteria-filled beverage through tiny straws. The Yakult factory might be located near the northernmost reaches of our island, but it’s been one of the hottest destinations for school trips for quite some time now.
A rather straightforward affair, excursions consist of a briefing followed by a walk-through of the production areas along an elevated route. Through massive glass windows, you’ll get a bird’s eye view of the activities on the factory floor down below, with helpful quips by staff members on hand to explain how this yummy drink is produced en masse.
Image credit: Yakult Singapore
Note: Tours are currently held virtually, but stay tuned to the Yakult website for updates on the resumption of regular tours.
Admission: Free
Address: 7 Senoko Avenue, Singapore 758300
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 9.30AM-3.30PM
Image credit: Riverside Primary School
Many of us can’t imagine Marina Bay without the Esplanade, Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands, but these colossal landmarks were only built in the 2000s. For those of us who grew up during this defining decade, you can relive some of that childlike wonder at the Sustainable Singapore Gallery tucked away under the lawn of Marina Barrage.
Showcasing the feat of engineering to construct the Marina Reservoir in the heart of our CBD, the Sustainable Singapore Gallery was, for wide-eyed students back then, a first taste of the changes to come. Apart from mockups showing off plans for new buildings and attractions, you’ll also find informative exhibits on Singapore’s plan to fight climate change with green spaces and other technology.
Exhibits show how Singapore deals with a variety of climate issues from weather fluctuations to waste
Image credit: @t.w.k
Admission: Free
Address: 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951
Opening hours: Wed – Mon 9AM-6PM (Closed on Tuesday)
For a sentimental journey for 90s kids everywhere, these old school excursion trips are a great way to recreate unforgettable moments with childhood friends and to share your treasured memories with your loved ones.
Ranging from factories, farms, museums and attractions, these destinations are equal parts fascinating and educational – the perfect itinerary to keep the whole family absorbed and entertained.
For more articles on things to do with the family:
Cover image credit: ChildFirst, Riverside Primary School, @sciencecentresg
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