Breaking down the Red Dot and bringing you only what you’re into
Think you’ve got the most out of Singapore? Island-life tasting a bit bland? We’ve got the chili. We’re breaking down the little red dot and bringing you the flavour, no matter what your taste. No more feeling sian, explore till you’re bored with the best of Singapore by type.
CEREBRAL
Some kids like bending their minds beyond mere puzzles and enjoy pouring over books rather than just flicking. If you have a child that loves nothing better than finding out how things work (or working some mind games on you!), their little clever clogs will get a kick out of these activities:
Central Public Library
Find Cinderella in the basement and thousands of other characters waiting to be rescued by your little one. First, they will have to make their way through the enchanted forest – the world’s first green library for kids has taken root here with a magical tree house as its centrepiece. Pull up a branch or borrow their books to take home. Central Public Library, 100 Victoria St, 01-01, Singapore 188064, p. 6332 3255, Mon-Sun 10am-9pm.
Archeological Dig
During construction of the reservoir at Fort Canning Park in 1926, extensive Malay and Chinese artifacts were discovered showing that it was the site of the Malay royal palace in the 14th century. Subsequent archeological digs have revealed tombs of the last pre-colonial ruler, among other facts. You can walk back in time in and around the keramat and archeological dig site to discover the important role that Forbidden Hill plays in Singapore’s history. Fort Canning Walking Trail
5D Puzzle
You know those RPG games your kids love to play? Well, this is it – except it’s actually a real life thing. Step into Trapped to play an escape game of epic proportions. Choose from different rooms and figure your way out as you solve riddles and puzzles every step of the way. Different levels have different age limits though. Prices range from $14 to $24. Trapped, 42 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198896, p. 6292 2177.
Mini Golf
Grabbing clubs and whacking balls on a mini golf course provides plenty of laughs for big and little kids. But it’s challenging for the mind too! LilliPutt at East Coast is a themed indoor golf venue, where all 18 holes represent an iconic Singapore attraction. Tee off at the Merlion and get a hole in one at the Singapore Zoo! LilliPutt, #03-05 Block B Big Splash, 902 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 449874, p. 6348 9606.
Singapore City Gallery
Let your kid make like a mini-King Kong as they step through Singapore on a tiny scale. Three floors of audio-visual exhibits and architectural models of Singapore should hold their interest till the rain abates. There’s also a 270 degree panoramic sights and sounds show. Be sure to check the website before you go, as it’s packed with educational resources as well. Singapore City Gallery, 45 Maxwell Rd, Singapore 069118, p.6321 8321, Mon-Sat 9am-5pm.Admission is free.
HIPSTER
Our kids dress better than us, are more street savvy than us, (sometimes behave better than us), and seem to possess more innate cool-factor than we ever did in our terry-towelling shorts and hand-me-downs. If you’ve got a hipster on your hands, there’s no need to knit them a beard and live in fear of tattoo’s – distract them with these alternative finds:
Old School Playgrounds
Singapore has some awesome iconic and retro playgrounds. In particular, The Dragon Playground made the list of 15 Amazing Playgrounds From All Over The World and is definitely a local celebrity! There is also a mangosteen, watermelon, bumboat, clock and elephant to play in and around too. While redevelopment leaves no part of the island untouched, these wonderful remnants of the 70’s and 80’s have survived so far. Dragon Playground, Block 28 Toa Payoh Lorong 6, Singapore, 310028
Boutique Books
In busy little Yong Siak Street, the haven of Woods In The Books offers hand-selected children’s books that will capture the imagination of your little one almost as much as the lovely hand-painted murals on the wall, by owner Mike Foo. Woods in the Books, 3 Yong Siak St, Tiong Bahru, Singapore, 168642, p. 6222 9980.
Outdoor Movies
The Movie Mob conduct free drive-in movie screenings all over Singapore, once a fortnight. Rock up in the car and tune in to the designated radio station. Or pack a picnic blanket and stretch out under the stars. Join their mailing list to find out where the next screening is taking place. Best of all: it’s free! Movie Mob, 32 Eng Hoon Street, Singapore 169780, p. 6225 6536.
Hawker Food
Fill up hip kids local style. There are a number of vendors popping up in Hawker Centres that are making local cuisine cool. Gwern Khoo and Ben Tham, the chefs behind A Noodle Story, make the only Singapore-style ramen in town. These guys come with experience from top nosh restos like Iggy’s, Waku Ghin, Saint Pierre, and Restaurant Andre and you’ll be bowled over by their $5 bowl of springy wanton noodles, served with sous vide char siew, potato wrapped prawns, crisp wantons, and onsen egg. A Noodle Story, Amoy Food Centre, #01- 39, Singapore
Capoeira
Remember the scene in Ocean’s Twelve where Vincent Cassel dodges laser beams with his bendable body? Capoeira! This fluid Brazilian dance uses natural body movements and engages mental prowess. It’s as fun as it looks and is set to upbeat rhythms. For kids aged 5 and above. Capoeira Senzala Singapore, Rhapsody Pek Kio, 21 Gloucester Road, Singapore 219458
Yoga
Like the kids of LA celeb’s, you too can bend and stretch in style with your little one at Como Shambhala Urban Escape. This pristine yoga studio caters to kids aged 5 to 10 years old, who can wander into a sacred place of bliss and let their imaginations expand gently as they master graceful poses.Single classes are at $22, and a block of five classes are $110 (for 2 months). Como Shambhala Urban Escape, #06-01/02 Delfi Orchard, 402 Orchard Road, Singapore 238876, p. 6304 3552
ARTY
If art jamming, staging plays and scouring Spotlight are the past-times of choice for your creative kid, then Singapore has lots to offer. Don’t miss the chance to attend the various annual and touring events like Little Lit, the upcoming Affordable Art Fair, KidsFest, and various SRT productions like Junior Claus. Meanwhile, you can have lots of fun (and make a lot of mess outside of your living room) with these:
Mucky Pups
Get ready to get down and dirty with your little one. This travelling art class comes to a condo function room near you for 45 minute sessions that include arts and crafts, music and movement, plus time for a snack. Perfect for 1-3 years olds. Remove clothes, retain nappy and just add paint! Various locations, email: [email protected], p. 90023568
Maketh Project
This one’s for the budding hands-on craftsman. Sign up for a workshop and make leather products from scratch. There are different classes for various experience levels: the Think Small programme (from $37), teaches kids how to make items like keychains. For older kids, the Think Big (from $60) and Think Creative (from $42) workshops involve making cool stuff like wallets and backpacks. Note: kids under 12 must be with a supervising adult at all times during lessons. Maketh Project, #02-02, 751 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198719
Impressions Art Studio
Choose a ceramic animal or object to paint and simply apply colour. And there’s a load of those! Once you’ve completed painting your little sculpture or vessel you can leave it for firing and then return later to collect and admire at home. Painting on canvas, batik and scrapbooking is also available. The best part? No need to book. Prices depend on the craft chosen. Impressions Art Studio Blk 73, #01-16, Loewen Road, Singapore, 248843
Eat Play Love
This gorgeous café and craft hybrid is a sweet little place to while away a few hours. For the wallet friendly price of $5 for 2 hours (on weekdays), kids can get busy with free-flow art while parents have a cuppa or two. Bring home your creations or even purchase some affordable craft packs to bring home and keep handy for rainy day activities. Eat Play Love Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street #01-07 Singapore 199918, p. 6444 6400. Open Daily 12pm-10pm
Art Boot Camp
ABC’s programmes are geared toward building self-esteem and confidence in your munchkins, as well as equipping them with artistic techniques and the practical skills required to execute them. Art is very subjective (even we get confused sometimes!), requiring skills from multiple angels and perspective, so we’re really glad that the facilitators here teach with loads of positive reinforcement. From $380 for 10 sessions. Art Boot Camp, Bukit Timah, Alexandra, and East Coast.
Fun Factory
Centre Stage School of The Arts offer this course full of colour for 3.5 to 6 year olds and it is designed to fit back to back with other Centre Stage courses – your child will be escorted directly from their drama class to the Fun Factory. It’s aim is to encourage the creative potential of students by exploring a wide range of artistic styles including drawing, painting, construction, carving, modelling, sculpting, engraving and moulding using various media. Fun Factory at Centre Stage School of the Arts
INTREPID
Calling all dare-devils (or parents of)! You’re in the right place. Not only is Singapore super safe with a capital S (except those open drains – go figure), it is packed with a plethora of risky pursuits that will satisfy Bear Grylls wannabes, all conducted under the watchful eye of strict H&S regulations. Check them out:
Indoor Skydiving
The great thing about indoor skydiving is that you get the thrills in a safe environment, plus there are no weather conditions to worry about. Under the watchful eye of professionals, kids can skydive in the wind tunnel and choose either The Challenge (two skydives), or The Adventure (four skydives) package. Prices start from as low as $90 and your child must be at least seven years old. iFly Singapore, #01-01, 43 Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore 099010, p. 6571 0000.
Go-Karting
Speed, adrenaline, cool gear combine to make you a race-car driver for a day in ground carts that sound like lawnmowers! Rules are straightforward: just listen in on the safety briefing, gear up, and you’re ready to go. Kids can ride single seater if 10 years and above, otherwise tandem up in a two-seater. Prices range from $25 to $65. Kartright Speedway, 511 Upper Jurong Road, Singapore 638366, 6265 2206.
Obstacle Course
Swing, crawl, and “fly” through the Forest Adventure treetop adventure course in Bedok. There’s a total of 58 obstacles and five zip lines. Course include the Kids Course (from $32), which is great for those between five to ten years of age, and the more intense two and a half hour-long Grand Course that features a total of 34 obstacles for the kids to conquer. Before every session, there is a safety briefing and harnesses and helmets are provided. Forest Adventure, Bedok Reservoir Park, 825 Bedok Reservoir Road, Singapore 479244, p. 8100 7420.
Trapeze
Join the circus for a day with Sentosa’s Flying Trapeze. This attraction is a great way for kids to learn to conquer their fear of heights and swinging their way through the course definitely helps to improve coordination and concentration. It’s $10 per swing and it’s recommended for kids aged four and up. Flying Trapeze, Siloso Beach, 10 Siloso Walk, Sentosa, Singapore 098970, p. 6371 1064.
Luge
This is fun with a capital F. Skyline Luge Sentosa combines a Skyride chairlift ride to the top of the hill and a heart pumping Luge ride on the way down– a wheeled gravity ride where you maneuver a sloping path. The combo is $15 per person and children must be at least six years old to ride the Luge alone. Skyline Luge Sentosa, 45 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa, Singapore 099003, p. 6274 0472.
Ice Skating
The novelty of the cold, combined with the thrill of sliding on ice provides a nice break form the ordinary. If you’re too wibbly wobbly, you can use the Penguin Skating Aids ($10 for two hours), to help you balance. General admission prices start from $19.50 for children below 12 (rates include gear rental). The Rink, 3/F JCube, 2 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609731, p. 6684 2374.
CULTURAL
Kul-cha! Our kids are well placed, living in Asia, to be exposed to multiple cultures, languages and traditions. Some are global mainstays, like ballet, and some are very local, like Peranakan history. Build on your child’s curiosity for the world around them by making a series of ongoing learning projects out of access to these amazing venues and events:
National Museum of Singapore
There are interesting permanent and temporary exhibitions but the kids can head to the dedicated play, theatre and interactive areas where things are on their level. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897, p. 6332 3659
Trishaw Tour
Treat the kids to a touch of Singapore’s heritage and hail a trishaw together. This quaint mode of transport is the vintage version of a taxi straight out of historical Singapore. Trishaw Unclesrun 30 to 45-minute tours daily where kids can get up close and personal with Singapore street culture. A trundle around the cultural enclaves of Little India and Chinatown are a feast for the eyes.
Ballet Behind the Scenes
Called the Dance Appreciation Series, this special hour-long programme ($10) allows budding ballerinas and dance lovers to go behind the scenes of Singapore Dance Theatre’s current productions at The Esplanade. Let them learn what it takes to make a grand performance happen, discover how famous stories are translated through choreography, and chat with the talents behind the shows. Dance Appreciation Series @ Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981, p. 6828 8377.
Malay Heritage Centre
The Malay Heritage Centre was once the palace of the Sultan but now is a place to celebrate Malay art techniques such as batik, pottery and traditional dancing. It is worth checking their website to see what activities are scheduled for the date you visit, such as performances and viewings of the Sultan’s belongings. Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501, p. 6391 0450
Asian Civilisations Museum
Introduce your child to the concept of multi-cultural society and the rich culture of Singapore’s multi-ethnic society at the Asian Civilisations Museum. It’s also the first museum in the region dedicated to pan-Asian cultures and civilizations. Asian Civilisation Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555, p. 6332 7798
NATURALIST
Put on a hat and sunscreen and get out into the great outdoors. Whether your little one is into plants and animals, here is a selection of our favourite places to go green. If you want to go one step further and give conservation a nudge, check out our story here or start your own balcony garden at home.
Ubin Kayak
Explore one of Singapore’s most famous offshore islands Pulau Ubin via kayak! Sign up for the Mangrove Kayaking tour (from $60) and let professional guides lead the way as you paddle in pairs and get up close to flora and fauna , like kingfishers and otters (yes, really). Gear like lifejackets will be provided, so all you have to do is make sure everyone travels light and wears heaps of sunscreen. Ubin Kayak, 100 Rowell Road, Singapore 208024, p. 6297 6998.
Prawning
This cute pursuit is the lesser known cousin of fishing, and also less messy. There are a few prawning places in Singapore and Hai Bin’s is a great place for boys to try their hand. You can BBQ your catch there but frozen prawns are available if they weren’t too successful and you want to fake it for them! Rates range from $18 to $33. Hai Bin J, 241 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, The Village, Singapore 629143, p. 6265 2598.
Animal Discovery
Perfect for those age five to 12, the Singapore Zoo’s Kidzranger Tour lets kids get up close and personal with the park’s adorable animals. Occuring over the weekends and on public holidays, this 45 minute tour ($15) lets your young ones groom animals like rabbits and falabella, feed goats, and mingle with zookeepers to find out what it takes to look after these animals. Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826, p. 6269 3411.
Horticulture
Spend the day outdoors and get their green thumbs growing by visiting Gardens by the Bay. This futuristic green venue features over 500,000 plants and boasts other highlights such as sky-high vertical gardens called Supertrees. But what you should really be checking out is the Gardens’ programmes for visitors, including free ones like Family Fun Under the Sun – which takes place every third weekend of the month and features a slew of activities, from craft workshops to themed tours of the garden and its inhabitants. Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953, p. 6420 6848.
Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club
This is the place to be if you’re a twitcher or twitcher in training. Even if you’re not well-versed in the art of rearing, training or spotting birds, this is a fascinating outing. In an open field in Ang Mo Kio stands hundreds of tall poles where, on certain days (typically Sundays), birds in their cages are perched and compete in song. There is also an adjacent shelter for other types of birds that perform better closer to the ground. All you need do is sit, watch and listen. Kebun Baru Birdsinging Club, Open field near Blk 159 Ang Mo Kio Ave 5, Singapore
Jurong Frog Farm
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 51 (Plot 56) Lim Chu Kang Lane 6, Singapore 718864, p. 6791 7229.Admission is $25 for a family tour.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Explore the hub of Singapore Botanic Gardens’ research facilities, and learn what botanical research is really all about. The littlies will even get to visit the Orchid Micro-Propogation and Hybridisation display, and find out how gorgeous new hybrids are produced. The exclusive Herbarium and Library, brimming with valuable historical treasures, will also open its doors during this special tour! Green Pavilion, Botany Centre, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569