The Place: Our Guide to Exploring Singapore With the Kids

NATURE TRIPPING 

DESPITE BEING ONE of the world’s most urbanised countries, Singapore offers plenty of opportunities for you and your kids to get close to nature. Here are quick and easy getaways from (and within) the concrete jungle. 

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve

This protected area lies on Singapore’s northern edge, a pristine mangrove forest and migratory bird habitat that’s just a 30-minute drive from the city. The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve boasts environmentally sensitive infrastructure that lets kids experience the wilderness without sacrificing their safety. Clearly marked trails and scenic boardwalks snake through the 130-hectare grounds, while strategically placed observation hides offer the chance for a closer view of the local hornbills, egrets, monkeys and otters, among many other types of fauna. Stay here long enough and you might even spot some of the reserve’s star attractions: resident saltwater crocodiles sunning at the water’s edge. 

nparks.gov.sg; free admission.

Hay Dairies Farm 

This organic goat farm is just like a petting zoo, only bigger, more informative, and a lot more fun. From 9 a.m. on most days (except Tuesday), Hay Dairies welcomes visitors looking to experience a rare slice of rural life in Singapore. Come early to watch the goat- milking process, then buy an SG$5 bundle (or lots of bundles) of hay for these surprisingly tame creatures to munch on. The feeding is done by hand, and, yes, your kids can pet the bleating, bearded animals as much as they want. It’s an activity guaranteed to have the little ones squealing with delight. 

haydairies.sg; 250 Neo Tiew Crescent; free admission.

The Untamed Paths Intertidal Exploration Walk

Turn a simple beach walk into an eye-opening seaside safari. Run by a group of local marine wildlife enthusiasts, this two-hour expedition introduces you to the intertidal coastal zone—the area where sea meets land during low tide—and its fascinating biological diversity. Animal sightings include jellyfish, shrimp, seahorses, frogfish and even octopi. These are carefully pointed out, and paired with lots of interesting facts that your budding naturalist can readily absorb. Depending on the tide times, tours can be held early in the morning or late in the day. 

Find the latest schedules at theuntamedpaths.com; SG$92/person.

A DOSE OF CULTURE 

FIRE UP THE KIDS’ imaginations with a hearty helping of history, pop culture, and fine art.

Singapore Time Tunnel

Collector David Wee has so much Singapore memorabilia that he made a private museum out of his home in the historic Katong neighbourhood. His pieces aren’t in a stuffy old gallery; they’re laid out in life-sized setups of classic neighbourhood fixtures from bygone days. These include an old-school kopitiam eatery, a traditional Chinese medicine hall, and a vintage mamak sundry shop that sports an array of nostalgic toys. David’s spirited storytelling brings them all to life during an hour-long guided tour that beautifully answers your kid’s question: What did you do before smartphones and tablets? 

Pre-book with David Wee at +65 9173 7915; 512 Changi Rd.; SG$20/person (minimum 5).

Harry Potter Forbidden Forest Experience

Set amid an eerie recreation of the mystical Forbidden Forest, this stirring exhibition by Warner Brothers Studios features memorable scenes and situations inspired by the hugely popular movie series. Harry Potter fans will no doubt recognise fantastic beasts from the wizarding world come to life. And here even muggles (regular humans) have the chance to cast spells, thanks to dazzling special effects that look and sound truly magical. This true-to-life Hollywood experience happens at night, in real tropical woodland at Sentosa Island. 

hpforbiddenforestexperience.com/singapore; 5 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa; SG$39/child, SG$53/adult.

Motion Art Space

You can use a paintbrush, of course—but this art workshop also offers a host of truly cool tools to create eye-popping pieces. Motion Art Space’s exhilarating art jamming sessions feature a pendulum-painting contraption that spins the canvas under a swinging container of paint. These are paired with an arsenal of other implements that let you splash, brush, smear, and draw your way to a wall-worthy masterpiece. An hour-long session comes with canvas and paint… and a fun, anything-goes vibe that brings out your inner Michaelangelo (the painter, not the ninja turtle). Sessions are by booking only. 

motionartspace.com; 36A Arab St., Level 2; SG$59/child, SG$69/adult

JOYRIDES 

SIT BACK AND RELAX while these carefree rides show you and your kids a new angle on Singapore.

Singapore Sidecars

Take a jaunt through the Lion City in the coolest vehicle of them all: an open-top sidecar attached to a vintage Vespa motorbike. Singapore Sidecars’ stylish trikes keep the wind in your face as you traverse some of this island’s most interesting areas. Depending on your preference, an hour-long tour can bring you to the traditional neighbourhood of Katong out in the east, or the historic civic district in the heart of downtown. The trikes come with driver-guides, of course, and they eagerly share facts and personal experiences along with their extensive knowledge of picture-perfect spots. Suitable for ages 10 years and above. 

sideways.sg; SG$198/person.

Singapore Ducktours

If you can’t decide between seeing Singapore from land or sea, why not do both? Ducktours boasts a massive U.S. Army World War II-era amphibious truck that’s been converted into the island’s most unusual tour bus. Tours begin near downtown and roll through the civic district before heading offroad and offshore to the waters of Marina Bay. And seen from the sea, the view of Singapore’s ultra-modern skyline is really at its most stunning. This unique activity mixes history with local colour and plenty of waterborne thrills, fun for all. Tours run hourly from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

ducktours.com.sg; 3 Temasek Blvd. #01-K8, Tower 2 Suntec City; SG$35/child, SG$45/adult.

PLA, PLAY, PLAY! 

SKIP THE HOTEL playground and kids club in favor of a romp through these imaginative, energy-expending outdoor adventure areas scattered across Singapore.

Forest Adventure

On the banks of Bedok Reservoir, this treetop adventure park gets you out and about (and your adrenaline pumping) with challenging physical obstacles. There’s an easy Kids’ Course for the little ones and a slightly harder Junior Course for 10-and-ups. The formidable Grand Course has 44 wobbly climbs and crossings, plus a smashing 300-metre zipline over the water. A safety briefing precedes every traverse, and safety harnesses are used at all times. Athletic or not, any family will bond over a day here. 

forestadventure.com.sg; 825 Bedok Reservoir Park; SG$40.90/person for Kids’ and Junior Courses, SG$50.90/ person for Grand Course.

Changi Jurassic Mile 

Kids love a good dinosaur hunt, and this fun outdoor walking and cycling trail will take them right up to these massive creatures. Jurassic Mile begins right outside Changi Airport Terminal 4 and stretches for almost a kilometre towards Singapore’s eastern coast. The dino reproductions may be static, but they’re realistic (not to mention huge), down to their fearsome claws and cold, reptilian eyes. Furthermore, they’re in a setting that evokes that well-known Hollywood storyline of dinosaurs escaping from a theme park. The best time to visit here is early in the morning when the place is empty of crowds. 

changiairport.com; free admission.

Photographs by Lester V. Ledesma, unless otherwise noted.

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