Where to find fish, fur and flying objects in Singapore
From teeny-weeny insects to prowling, growling tigers, a keen fascination with the animal kingdom is a great way to introduce kids to the natural world and concepts of conservation and respect. Guess what? You’ve come to the right place! Singapore is the perfect place to see all creatures great and small. Check out these 10 Singapore attractions where the whole family can see animals in action on land, sea, and air.
#1: Singapore Zoo
From riding on a gentle elephant to feeding hairy orang-utans, the Singapore Zoo is a great place to get up close and personal with animals. The 26-hectare wildlife park is home to over 300 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. The enclosures are broken up by regions and habitats like: Wild Africa, Australian Outback, and Flying Forest. There is also a dedicated kids play area, Rainforest Kidzworld, where children can access a petting zoo with rabbits, goats and ponies, learn about different types of animals and the environment they live in and discover animal intelligence through daily shows and performances.
Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826. Opens 8:30am-6pm daily. Adults ($32), children aged 3-12 years old ($21). Buy tickets online or at the ticketing counter.
#2: Night Safari
The world’s first wildlife night park gives you insights into the habits of nocturnal animals across seven geographical zones. Hop on the guided tram ride and journey across the Himalayan Foothills to the Asian Riverine Forest. Watch spellbound as animals, including hyenas and civet cats, take the stage and perform amazing acts in the Creatures of the Night show. Or take a walking trail and catch glimpses of sleek leopards and wallabies up close. The kids will love the treat of staying up late for this one!
Night Safari, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826. Opens 7:30pm-12am daily. Adults ($42), children aged 3-12 years old ($28). Buy tickets online or at the ticketing counter.
#3: Jurong Bird Park
One of the most renowned bird sanctuaries in the world, this major attraction is the nesting place of a whopping 5,000 birds across 400 species. The majestic Waterfall Aviary is a 30-metre-high waterfall habitat that is home to 600 beautiful birds. Not all birds fly, and for that there is the Penguin Coast where doing a Happy Feet dance would not be considered unusual! See penguins of all descriptions frolic and swim in this delightful section. If your little ones want a splash too, head to Birdz of Play, a bird-themed playground with wet and dry playzones that is perfect for cooling off when you’ve been walking around for a while. You can even enjoy a lunch with colourful, friendly parrots who just might out-talk you!
Jurong Bird Park, 2 Jurong Hill, Singapore 628925. Opens 8:30am-6pm daily. Adults ($28), children aged 3-12 years old ($18). Buy tickets online or at the ticketing counter.
#4: River Safari
Wander through different rivers, like the Mississippi, the Congo, and the Mekong, and come face to face with aquatic life such as the sharp-toothed tigerfish and the gigantic Mekong catfish. Wave hello to Kai Kai and Jia Jia in the Giant Panda Forest, and cruise down the Amazon River in the Amazon River Quest. Don’t miss the largest freshwater aquarium exhibit, the Amazon Flooded Forest, where you and your children can admire the tranquility of underwater life together. Read more about the River Safari in our article here.
River Safari, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826. Opens 9am-6pm daily. Adults ($28), children aged 3-12 years old ($18). Buy tickets online or at the ticketing counter.
#5: S.E.A. Aquarium
You’ll find more than little fish here in this amazing marine world. Majestic manta rays, large napoleon wrasse, and fearsome sharks swim leisurely about you, over you and beside you as you tunnel through their over-sized aquarium environment, which houses more than 800 species of marine animals. Be hypnotised by slow-moving jellyfish, and grab a bite at the Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora, which will serve up million-dollar views of underwater life as well as sustainable seafood dishes.
S.E.A. Aquarium, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269. Opens 10am-7pm daily. Adults ($32), children aged 4-12 years old ($22). Buy tickets online or at the ticketing counter.
#6: Underwater World Singapore
Marine adventures continue at one of Singapore’s oldest attractions. Little hands will love the chance to feel some sea creatures like in the shallow touch pool. In the performance space you can grab the chance to swim with a pink dolphin, or just sit back and enjoy their thrilling acrobatic performance alongside friendly fur seals. The daily shark feeding sessions are a must-watch too!
Underwater World Singapore, 80 Siloso Road, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098969. Opens 10am-7pm daily. Adults ($29.90), children aged 3-12 years old ($20.60), children below 3 years old (free).
#7: The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum
Love that timeless tale about the tortoise and the hare? We certainly do. Children can get a rare glimpse of over 800 exotic tortoises and turtles in this tranquil museum nestled in the idyllic Chinese Gardens. Learn about the powerful alligator turtle, the secretive pancake tortoise, and marvel at the curious-looking soft shell turtle. Kids will soon be coaxed out of their shells and will enjoy interacting with these gentle, slow-moving creatures at the petting corner. Do note that the museum may be moving out of its premises soon, so it’s best to call them for updates.
The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum, 1 Chinese Garden Road, Singapore 619795, p. , e. [email protected]. Opens 9am-6pm daily. Adults ($5), children below 6 years old ($3).
#8: Farmart Centre
Trundle over to Farmart Centre in the north of Singapore on a weekend and immerse yourselves in animal paradise, where goats, bull frogs, tortoises, rabbits, birds, fishes and hamsters come out to play. Kids can also feed farm animals and embark on a farm tour to learn more about quails, frogs, or tour a wide range of farms (fish, goat, crocodile, and vegetable farms).
Farmart Centre, 67 Sungei Tengah Road, Singapore 699008, p. 6767 0070, e. [email protected]. Farm Mart opening hours for Animal Corner, Weekdays 9am-1pm, Weekends & PH, 9am-6.30pm and school holidays, 9am-4pm. Admission is free.
#9: Hay Dairies
Milk is an essential source of calcium but it doesn’t all come from cows. To help your kids find out how they get strong bones and teeth, bring them for a visit to Hay Dairies, a small goat farm with 800 goats of mixed breed. View the milking process – and enjoy your very own nutritious drink – as you tour the farm.
Hay Dairies Pte Ltd, No. 3 Lim Chu Kang, Agrotech Park Lane 4, Singapore 718859. Opens everyday (except Tuesdays), 9am-4pm. Admission is free.
#10: Jurong Frog Farm
What goes “croak” in the night and is slimy to the touch? We loved frogs as kids but they were quite tricky to catch. Here you can interact with them. You can listen to an American Bullfrog Choir and observe how frogs camouflage themselves at this unique farm. A family tour will see children get the chance to pet, feed and take a photo with a frog. Make an appointment if you’re heading there during the week.
Jurong Frog Farm, 56 Lim Chu Kang Lane 6, Singapore 719164, p. 6791 7229, e. [email protected]. Opens Tue-Fri (by appointment only), and weekends and public holidays (for the general public), 9am-5:30pm. Book a tour here.
Images: Choo Yut Shing, Wildlife Reserves Facebook