Top Kid-Friendly Attractions in Singapore

Description:

Opened in 1973, this zoo uses moats and beautifully landscaped glass-fronted enclosures to house some 2,800 animals. Twenty eight hectares of land is divided into more than a dozen regions, featuring 216 species, including rare and endangered ones. The world's largest captive orangutan group can be found here. Two programs, Wild Breakfast and Afternoon Tea, enable visitors to interact with and learn more about six species of animals while having their meal (extra charges apply). Photographic opportunities, of course, abound. Other highlights include feeding programs, elephant and pony rides, animal shows and a tram ride.

Our Local Expert Says:

A great fun night-time experience for the whole family.

Description:

The Night Safari is the world's first night-time wildlife park and is one of Singapore's most popular visitor attractions, with over 11 million visitors since it opened in 1994. The park is set within 40 hectares of lush secondary rainforest, and provides visitors with the unique experience of exploring wildlife in a tropical jungle at night. Subtle allows you to view over 1,000 nocturnal animals from 120 different species in their naturalistic habitat. The Night Safari uses the same open-zoo concept as the next-door Singapore Zoo, making for a thrilling visit, as visitors really feel like they are in amongst the animals.

The park is divided into eight geographical zones, which can be explored by tram and on foot via three walking trails. The 45-minute tram ride includes frequent stops and live on-board commentary ensuring you don't miss out on any of the animal highlights. Hop off the tram at three designated points to explore the walking trails, which allow you to wander at your leisure, taking in the sounds of the jungle as you go. Each trail can be covered in approximately 20 minutes.

One of the highlights of the Night Safari, particularly for children is the Creatures of the... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

One of the best day's out for the family in Singapore.

Description:

The beautifully presented 20 hectare Jurong Bird Park is the World's largest bird park, housing over 8,000 birds from more than 600 species.

Highlights include the African Waterfall Aviary, the world's largest walk-in aviary, with the world's tallest man-made waterfall. Its 35 metre-high netted ceiling allows the sunlight to stream through and the 1,500 brightly coloured birds plenty of space to fly around. The park also boasts the worlds' largest Lory flight aviary - The Lory Loft, which features suspension bridges, wooden walkways and the opportunity to feed the brightly coloured parrots.

Other firm favourites include Pelican Cove, featuring all 7 of the world's species of Pelican; the Hornbills and Toucans Exhibit, housing the world's largest collection of Southeast Asian hornbills; and the World of Darkness, which uses a simulated "moonlit night" to allow visitors to see night-active birds.

An air-conditioned monorail ride which gives panoramic views of the exhibits is perfect for tired little feet, while Penguin Feeding, the Birds of Pray Show, the Thunderstorm Experience and the Birds n Buddies Show all add to the fun.

A great day out for family fun. Please check... read more

Our Local Expert Says:

A great place to unwind and relax.

Description:

Just a 15 minute walk from the retail frenzy of Orchard Road brings you to the relaxing and peaceful Botanic Gardens. This 52 hectare park provides a huge variety of areas to explore, including lakes, fountains, sculpture gardens and well-manicured lawns, all linked by well signposted paths.

The highlight is undoubtedly the National Orchid Garden, where you can marvel at the largest display of tropical orchids in the world - over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, all cultivated here. In 1957, the Singapore Government began to honour state visitors and other VIPs by naming selected orchid hybrids after them. There are now over 100 of these VIP orchids, so keep a look out for the Margaret Thatcher, Princess Diana, Nelson Mandela, Jackie Chan and even Ricky Martin orchids!

Other visitor favourites include the Rainforest - a 6-hectare slice of the original rainforest that once covered the island of Singapore; the Evolution Garden, which takes you on a journey through time, from the era of the dinosaurs through to the modern world of flowering plants; and the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, a fun and educational area specially designed for kids, including a maze, suspension bridge, tree... read more

Description:

1977 saw the inaugural opening of the Singapore Science Centre that has since fascinated children, inspired teenagers and enlightened adults. More than 600 exhibits in seven themed galleries provide enthralling insights into the physical and life sciences. Seeing the world through an insect's eyes, wandering through the human biological system and learning to write in Braille are some of the things you can do. A firm favourite is the Aviation Gallery, which introduces the principles of aerodynamics and the history of flight through the use of hands-on displays.

Our Local Expert Says:

An impressive collection of artefacts in a modern and interactive exhibition.

Description:

The excellent Asian Civilisations Museum is housed in the Empress Building, a beautiful colonial building that presides over the Singapore River. The museum was set up to promote a better understanding of the rich cultures that make up Singapore's multi-ethnic society, so the eleven themed galleries explore Singapore's different ancestral groups, originating from China, South East Asia, South Asia and West Asia. The exhibition occupies over 14,000 square feet and safeguards over 13,000 artefacts.

A series of multimedia and interactive elements, including virtual hosts, add interest and fun to the experience, while interactive ExplorAsian zones help bring the galleries to life for children.

Our Local Expert Says:

If you only visit one museum in Singapore, make it this one - a great way to learn the entire history of the city-state in one go.

Description:

The National Museum of Singapore re-opened in 2006 to world-wide acclaim, its dusty archaic exhibition of old replaced by the modern, high-tech attraction that stands proudly today.

The main focus of the museum is the Singapore History Gallery, which allows visitors to walk through the country's history, starting in the 14th century, and taking you through the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles and his influence, the difficult times of World War II and the Japanese occupation, and on to the building of modern Singapore. The excellent Audio Companion provided to each visitor supplements the visual displays with interviews, dramatised scenarios and personal accounts.

Free guided tours of the Singapore History Gallery are held at 11am and 2pm on Monday to Friday, and at 11.30am, 2pm and 3.30 pm on Saturday & Sunday.

Accompanying the History Gallery, there are four Singapore Living Galleries, which celebrate Singaporean society and culture through the years through Food, Fashion, Photography and Film respectively.

The 2003-2006 refurbishment saw a new modern extension, built entirely of glass, added to double the size of the original colonial building which dates from 1887. A one-hour... read more

Description:

The Imperial Cheng Ho is a modern Chinese junk boat running cruises out around the southern coast of Singapore. The fleet is named after a renowned Chinese Admiral who commanded the Chinese imperial fleet between 1405 and 1433. The boats used for the tours have been modelled on the famous ship Da Fu of the Ming Dynasty, with ornately carved Imperial dragons, pagoda roofs and tiger's head at the bow.

The cruise sails from Marina South Pier and winds its way in amongst the queuing container ships to give stunning views over the city and out to the Southern Islands of Kusu and Lazarus. Both the morning and afternoon cruises include a 25 minute stopover at Kusu Island, while The Imperial Dinner cruise sets sail at 6.30pm, allowing you to catch sunset on board before an international buffet is served.

Description:

This modern resort island located south of Singapore is more than just sentosa (tranquil). Apart from the sandy beaches that extend for three kilometers and the lush tropical fauna, it offers a kaleidoscope of historical enclaves, adventure parks, landscaped gardens, pubs, restaurants, spas, and a variety of museums. The Underwater World, for instance, is Asia's largest tropical fish oceanarium. With so many attractions awaiting you, it is best to come early.

Description:

Do not fret if you cannot roam around the Raffles Hotel as freely as you wish. The Raffles Hotel Museum offers an opportunity for you to gain an insight into the hotel's history from its heyday in the 1920s and 1930s. The museum exhibits an interesting collection of artefacts and memorabilia that speak of the hotel's legendary past. Postcards, old letters, photographs, advertisements and brochures are kept in good condition for all to see. Also locked away in a safe here is the once-secret recipe for the Singapore Sling; Singapore's trademark cocktail concocted by the hotel's bar captain in 1915. Admission: Free.

Description:

This crocodile farm exhibits more than 1,000 of these reptiles behind enclosures that enable you to view them in close proximity. Watch these menacing creatures wrestle with their keepers and, if you dare, feed them yourself. The crocs here are reared mainly for their skin which is made into bags, wallets and accessories. In fact, these items are sold in the souvenir shop located on the premises.