A melting pot of cultures and traditions, Singapore is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. This is a holiday where adults and children alike can have memorable experiences. Singapore is often recommended as the starting point for many Western travellers who are nervous about making their first foray into Asia. The comfort about Singapore is that it brings together the best of the East and the West.
What makes Singapore so kid-friendly?
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- Cleanliness – Singapore’s standards of cleanliness are so high it is consistently ranked among the ten cleanest countries in the world.
- Transportation – Singapore’s MRT system (Metro system) will have you whizzing around the country at very affordable rates.
- Green city – As part of its City in a Garden dream, Singapore has plenty of green areas, some of which abound with wildlife. Travellers and locals enjoy walking trails, cycling trails and adventure parks.
- Kid-friendly restaurants – Every neighbourhood has local hawker centres that dish out scrumptious meals for low prices. There are also many restaurants with open spaces and activities for children.
- Amusement parks – Singapore’s amusement parks, water parks and indoor playgrounds are safe, clean and fun for kids. Best of all, a lot of them can be found in public places and are free for all.
- Educative tours – Travellers looking to learn something with their children can sign up for an educative tour.
The four kid-friendly Singaporean attractions to add to your list:
- Marina Bay – At the mouth of the Singapore River stands Marina Bay, once a quiet pool of water now transformed into a belt for the most luxurious hotels, tourist attractions and skyscrapers. The Marina Bay Sands Resort is an iconic resort with luxury hotel accommodation, 360-degree views on the observation deck, high-end shopping experiences and an infinity pool to die for. The Marina Bay Sands Resort also houses the ArtScience Museum which hosts critically acclaimed exhibitions and shows.
Singapore national icon, the Merlion, is a must-see for tourists. The Merlion statue stands tall at 8.6 metres and is located at Merlion Park, in front of the Fullerton Hotel. The park also houses a Merlion cub statue, at 2 metres tall.
As the day winds down, travellers can walk over to Clarke Quay, famous for its nightlife and restaurants. To keep it kid-friendly, families can opt for one of the many boat tours that will take you up and down the length of the Singapore River in a bumboat. On these tours, adults and children can sit in wonder as you see Singapore from a whole new perspective. Boat tours often have commentaries that point out the sights you view while you are seated on the boat.
- Gardens by the Bay – Spanning 250 acres, Gardens by the Bay is a futuristic green park replete with giant cacti, biodomes housing 800 species of plants, a waterfall and more. Gardens by the Bay is certainly a delight for the entire family.
The Supertree Grove is recognisable by its otherworldly vertical gardens clad in steel frames that collect rainwater, generate solar power and serve as vents to the conservatories in the garden. At night, the Supertrees are lit up in a dazzling light and sound show. Tourists can even dine at the top of one of the 15-foot trees and enjoy stunning views of the Gardens all around.
Cloud Forest is a 35-metre high mountain with verdant foliage typical of mountainous regions and the world’s highest indoor waterfall. Travellers can also enjoy Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes where sculptures and islands are a habitat for dragonflies and kingfishers. Tourists are welcomed to spot dragonflies and kingfishers through binoculars located all over the park.
At Sun Pavilion, one is transported to the dry, arid conditions of the desert and is introduced to the flora of the region including gigantic cacti. The Heritage Gardens narrate the history of Singapore’s main ethnic communities, the Indians, Chinese and Malay, by using the medium of plants. In the World of Plants, travellers can continue to learn about the diversity of tropical plants and their role in the ecosystem.
- Sentosa Island – Sentosa Island is a man-made island built with fun and recreation specifically in mind. The island is a hit with both locals and tourists and is the spot to swim, sunbathe, eat, relax and learn. This is the best place to bring children with attractions every step of the way. Getting there can be an experience in itself if travellers opt for the cable-car or ferry.
Universal Studios on Sentosa Island has themed rides and shows based on blockbuster movies, from taking your picture with Marilyn Monroe to bracing yourself for Transformers: the ride. To extend the fun, a world of illusions awaits at Trick Eye Museum on Sentosa Island.
The Palawan Pirate Ship is a water park that is designed for children aged 3 to 10 years old. Entry is free of charge for children.
- PulauUbin Island – PulaiUbin is an island with cycle trails, lush forests and wildlife that abounds. ChekJawa is a wetland with coral reefs and rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. East Coast Park is a 15-kilometre stretch of beach with activities like cycling, rollerblading, water sports and skateboarding.
With the immense variety of things to see and do at Singapore, there is no question that travellers should add this to their list of destinations. Children will be equally engaged on this trip, with so many kids activities in Singapore, and they can be guaranteed a great experience. What are you waiting for? Any time is a good time to visit Singapore. Plan a trip there soon with your children and have the family experience of a lifetime!
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