For most of us, our only interaction with snails is accidentally stepping on them when it rains. But there’s actually more to them than just being slimy creatures in shells.
If you’re looking for your next kid-friendly activity, attend a tour at WholeSnail, where you’ll learn more about snails and even pet their European Garden Snails – which aren’t the same ones you see in the many parks in Singapore.
Image credit: @ngjinda via Instagram
WholeSnail is Singapore’s first indoor snail farm that specialises in the breeding of snails for ready-to-eat escargots and cosmeceutical-grade snail slime used in skincare. They also conduct public tours, including curated sessions for schools and corporations, so you can learn all about these little creatures up close.
Image credit: @provencetale via Instagram
The Farm Discovery Tour ($25/pax) is perfect for families with kids aged 3 and up, couples, and curious friends looking for something new to experience in Singapore.
Each 60-minute tour requires at least 2 participants and can accommodate up to 20 people. Take note that walk-ins are not accepted, so book your slot in advance through WholeSnail’s website.
Image credit: @provencetale via Instagram
The tour will start with an introduction to WholeSnail and a safety briefing on snail handling. This is where you’ll also learn about a snail’s life cycle and how and why they play an important role in our ecosystem, such as recycling leaves that enrich the soil.
Here’s a fun fact: Snail meat is packed with protein, omega-3, iron, magnesium, and low in fat, making it a superfood. It even contains more protein and iron compared to beef.
Image credit: WholeSnail
A snail expert will bring you around the snail farms and the different snail zones, where you can observe sustainable farming and the different stages of snails – it’s a science lesson out of the classroom that kids will enjoy. There’s even a zone where you’ll be able to pet snails.
At the end of the tour, put your knowledge to the test with a trivia and a Q&A.
Image credit: @provencetale via Instagram
As part of the tour, you’ll get to paint a snail shell and opt in to decorate a tote bag ($15) to bring home a memento. You’ll also receive free tips on building a snail house at home.
WholeSnail is located in Food Concept @ Pandan. While the closest station is Clementi MRT Station, it takes roughly 37 minutes to walk there. So hop on bus 285 from Clementi Interchange and alight at Pan Tech Industrial Complex – it’s a 4-minute walk from there. For more bus options, take services 30, 51, 143, or 176 to the Singapore Food Industry Building.
For those driving, there’s limited parking space within Food Concept @ Pandan, but roadside parking beside the building is also available.
Image adapted from: @ngjinda via Instagram
Don’t be too quick to go “ew” – bring a friend and give this experience a shot together. Hopefully, after the tour, you’ll look at snails in a whole new light and maybe watch where you’re walking the next time you’re at the park.
Read on for more kid-friendly things to do:
Cover image adapted from: @provencetale & @ngjinda via Instagram
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