Escape the heat at these cool spots around the island (we even found snow!)
Singapore is so hot right now, and not in the way that Mugatu means it in Zoolander. And when that mercury soars, sometimes you just want somewhere to chill that is not a shopping mall. So, where can we go to beat the heat? Sure, you can always hide out with the kids in one of Singapore’s amazing indoor play centres, but let’s broaden our horizons a little. Read on for literally the coolest spots to hang out on the island – the cold places where kids can chill out, too.
COLD PLACES IN SINGAPORE
1. Snow City
Let’s not mess about, Snow City has to be the coldest place in Singapore, surely? Don’t pack your skis or snowboard though, this is a slope for sliding on rubber rings! Off piste, catch the Snow Playground and the Liquid Nitrogen Experiment.
Where: 21 Jurong Town Hall Road, Singapore 609433
2. Libraries
Apart from being a great work spot and a quiet place for reading, the National Libraries are super cooling if you’re looking to escape the heat in Singapore. We remember when we forgot to bring our jackets when visiting the library once or twice and we couldn’t bear the freezing air-con! On top of the heat-relieving ambience, various national libraries have stunning architecture and interiors that’ll have you wanting to stay longer!
3. MBS Digital Light Canvas
For those of you who fancy a spin around a digital dance floor, Marina Bay Sands offers just the thing. Its former ice skating rink is now a mesmerising digital canvas! Watch shoals of fish gather in the ocean beneath you as crystals light up overhead, or paint calligraphic art with your feet while flowers blossom in your wake.
Where: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
4. Changi Airport and Jewel Changi
Who says the airport is only for travelling and shopping? Ranked as the World’s Best Airport eight times so far, we know you can never go wrong with the amenities at Changi Airport. Do we have to mention how cold this place is? Chill at one of the spacious yet cosy terminals for a cooling good time. If you’re looking for a cold atmosphere outdoors, you can’t miss Jewel Changi, the world’s largest waterfall that’ll give you that cool breeze you’ve been craving!
Where: 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666
5. Flower Dome and Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay
We never get tired of Gardens by the Bay, or that rush of cool air when you enter the Cloud Forest right beneath that amazing waterfall. Don’t forget to bring a light scarf or cardigan! The soaring roof, wide paths, beautiful plants and cool temperatures of the Flower Dome have us returning every time there is a new exhibition on. Check out our guide to an awesome day out at Gardens by the Bay!
Where: 18 Marina Gardens Drive Singapore, 018953
6. Climate Change Exhibition at The Science Centre Singapore
Okay, technically this is no colder than any other air-conditioned place in Singapore. But, at this permanent exhibit at The Science Centre Singapore, you can help the kids learn about climate change and its effects without breaking a sweat. Play the Climate Machine to understand how carbon heats up the atmosphere and what we can do to reduce it. Visit the Cloud Maker and learn the difference between cumulo nimbus and stratus.
Where: 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
7. FEO Children’s Garden
While this is outdoors, nearly every time we’ve been here we’ve managed to get a chilly feeling. In a good way. After an extended period getting soaked by slides and buckets and hoses, we’re feeling cool and relaxed, especially if we go late afternoon and a breeze comes up. Want more spots to splash around when it’s hot outside? Check out our guide to free water play parks in Singapore!
Where: 18 Marina Gardens Drive Singapore, 018953. Note: temporarily closed till further notice.
8. The Daily Scoop
Ice cream. Obvious, isn’t it? This if-you-can’t-beat-em-join-em solution actually makes us grateful that it is so darn hot here. Without such an excuse we’d find it difficult to justify our frozen sweet dairy obsession. Plenty of cool places to get it, but we like the selection and surroundings at The Daily Scoop, Chip Bee branch. Upsize with a sprinkle cone! Want more ice cream parlours to add to your repertoire? Check out our guide to Singapore’s best ice-cream stores.
Where: #01-78 Chip Bee Gardens, Singapore 278115
9. Ice Skating at Kallang Ice World
Head to Kallang Ice World to whizz around on a competition-standard ice rink for some ice-skating fun. Skate hire is available on site, and there is a spectators gallery for those who would rather watch than whirl! When it comes to cold places to hang with kids in Singapore, this ice rink is right up there…
Where: 5 Stadium Walk Singapore 397693
10. Cool Zone at National Orchid Garden
It’s a pretty escape, visiting the National Orchid Garden. While it can get a bit hot with all that uphill and down dale in and around all the displays, if you end up at the Winter Zone you will be rewarded with mist and cool air.
Where: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
11. The Rink at J Cube
Normally we like our ice in a drink. But we make an exception for this Olympic-sized solid slab at The Rink because it’s just so much fun. We spend most of our time on our backsides, so in addition to those penguins designed to make unbalanced kids glide, there are seals and snowmen for older kids and adults too. Yes, we look a bit silly, but at least we stay dry!
Where: Level 3, J.Cube, 2 Jurong East Central, Singapore 609731
12. S.E.A Aquarium
There’s something about walking beneath the cool blue sea and seeing sea life swim above that brings on instant calm and helps you forget the blistering heat outside. Of course, the best bit about going to the aquarium is just sitting and watching rays and sharks glide by in the Open Ocean section, with its floor-to-ceiling glass and massive viewing platform.
Where: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
13. Far East Flora cold room
What we really need right now is a big fridge. If you need to purchase some flowers for a friend, your house or your husband (please let us find an excuse!), you can add an element of adventure to the task and bring the kids to Far East Flora instead of just hitting up Cold Storage. And you will benefit from a hit of sweet scents, care of freshly cut blooms and foliage.
Where: 565 Thomson Road, Singapore 298184
14. Picotin Express
Picotin Express is one of our favourite places for a Sunday family lunch. And this is one of the best spots we know of in Singapore where you can catch a breeze. You’re not going to feel cold by any stretch, but the odd bit of wind that whisks up the fairways combined with ceiling fans and chilled beer makes this a relaxing spot. The kids’ set menu (pizza, juice and ice cream), followed by mini golf, is a winner too. Check out our guide to Singapore’s best family-friendly restaurants and cafes for more of our favourite weekend hangouts.
Where: Green Fairways Golf Course And Driving Range, 60 Fairways Drive, Singapore 286966
15. A day at the movies
Okay we might be getting more than we bargained for here, because Singapore’s cinemas are notoriously icy. Gold Class at Golden Village is the best way to do it, with big comfy chairs to sink into and all the trimmings. When it’s really just too hot to do anything that requires movement, retreat to your nearest big screen armed with something to keep you warm. How ironic.
Need even more ideas for things to do when you need to escape the heat? Our list of 100 indoor activities in Singapore for kids should keep you busy!
