Being a parent is tough. Teaching a child is tough. Looking after a child is tough.
But what if it doesn’t have to be? Don’t worry I’m not trying to sell you anything (fight me, insurance agents).
I’ve compiled a list of places to take your kids that’s both educational and inexpensive. Because honestly, we’re quite done with the zoo, and the rooftop play area at VivoCity.
So parents, aunties, uncles, guardians, LISTEN UP.
Farms
Mainland Tropical Fish Farm
Personally, I love fishes and marine life in general. So I spent a good amount of time visiting fish farms as a child. If you live in the East, then you might want to pay a visit to Mainland Tropical Fish Farm instead.
While the place primarily sells aquarium fishes and supplies, there are activities available for the kids too. Spend a dollar or 3, on packets of food pellets and feed the fishes in the outdoor pond.
For $4, equip your child with a fishing net and a bucket for them to try their hand at catching their very own “longkang” fish! Just make sure they don’t fall in.
Mainland Tropical Fish Farm
Address: 1 Pasir Ris Farmway 1, Singapore 519352
Opening Hours: Daily: 8.30am – 7pm
Contact no.: 6287 3883
Website
The Animal Resort
If you’re someone who loves the petting zoo and free entry, then you’ll love The Animal Resort.
The Animal Resort is home to stallions, a variety of birds that includes a Cassowary and Marabou Stork, a German Shepherd dog training ground, rabbits and guinea pigs, fishes, a pet grooming centre, and a pet shop.
You can buy the animal feed from the pet store. No outside food should be brought in.
It’s a great place for children to interact with different animals in a relaxed and laid-back environment.
The Animal Resort
Address: T81 Seletar West Farmway 5, Singapore 798061
Opening Hours: Daily: 10am – 5pm
Contact no.: 6482 1160
Website
Bollywood Veggies
Tucked away in the Kranji countryside is a 10-acre farming facility complete with a bistro, food museum and even a cooking school!
After familiarising yourself with the different species of flora and fauna within the farm, visitors can enjoy a myriad of dishes made from local produce at the bistro, Poison Ivy, to nourish your body.
If you ever need a break from the fast-paced city life we’re all used to, make a trip down to Bollywood Veggies and experience an afternoon of serenity for a change.
Bollywood Veggies
Address: 100 Neo Tiew Road, Singapore 719026
Opening Hours: Wed – Fri: 8am – 5.30pm, Sat – Sun: 8am – 6.30pm
Contact no.: 6898 5001
Website
Nature Parks
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
As Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve has much to offer. Explore the vast mangroves and trails that span all over the reserve as you contemplate the beauty of your surroundings.
Play a game of Hide-N-Seek with our native mangrove inhabitants such as mud lobsters, monitor lizards and otters amidst the muddy landscape.
Between September to March, visitors can also observe the flocks of many different species of migratory birds.
According to a 2011 Bird Checklist released by the National Parks Board, over 200 different species of birds have been recorded on-site at the reserve!
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Address: 301 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718925
Opening Hours: Daily: 7am – 7pm
Contact no.: 6794 1401
Website
Kranji Marshes
For those unfamiliar with Kranji Marshes, the 56.8-hectare freshwater marshland is home to unique biodiversity.
Kranji Marshes is actually split into two main areas – the public area that is open to all members of the public, and the restricted core conservation area that is deemed to be ecologically sensitive. You can enter the core conservation area if you sign up for a guided tour.
According to NParks, Kranji Marshes is home to more than 170 species of birds, 54 species of butterflies, and 33 species of dragonflies! Alongside Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve, it plays an important role in providing a habitat for the conservation of wildlife in the Kranji area.
Moorhen Blind and Swamphen Hide are 2 bird-watching stations that overlook marsh landscapes, perfect for taking in the sights of nature.
The park is open from 7am-7pm daily. Do note that there is no lighting in the evenings! The park is also wheelchair- and pram-friendly, with the exception of the Raptor Tower.
Kranji Marshes
Address: 11 Neo Tiew Lane 2, Singapore 718814
Opening Hours: Daily: 7am – 7pm
Contact no.: 6794 1401
Website
Play And Learn
Diggersite
If your child has a fascination for excavators, cranes, and dump trucks, then they’ll love Diggersite.
Diggersite is a one-of-a-kind edutainment centre that provides realistic experience in operating small scale construction machinery. The main motive is to help your child build motor skills, which are vital for writing, crafts, and other fine motor activities.
The experience is quite legitimate. Your child will get to put on a construction safety helmet, build small blocks, and operate a construction digger!
Diggersite
Address: Find your nearest Diggersite here
Website
Clip ‘n Climb
If you’re a member of HomeTeamNS, then you’re in luck. HomeTeamNS is the first to bring in the New Zealand-born Clip ‘n Climb to Singapore!
Unlike most rock-climbing facilities, Clip ‘n Climb also caters for climbers of all ages with 19 different colourful climbing challenges. Meaning, kids can join in the fun too!
Clip ‘n Climb is great for improving a kid’s concentration and focus as well as sensory and motor skills.
Check out the packages and pricing at Clip ‘n Climb here!
Clip ‘n Climb
Address: Our Tampines Hub, 51 Tampines Ave 4, #03-03, Singapore 528523
Opening Hours: Mon – Thu: 12pm – 9pm, Fri – Sat: 10am – 11pm, Sun: 10am – 9pm
Contact no.: 6705 9410
Website
ORTO
I remember the days when ORTO used to be Bottle Tree Park.
Today, the 555,000 square feet space has been completely revamped and taken over by ORTO. Located in the North, it is Singapore’s first multi-recreational park that is open 24 hours a day.
Today, it houses a prawning and fishing facility, a paintball park, a trampoline park, a drift karting circuit, and even a sporting facility for rent!
Kids can bounce around in Katapult Trampoline Park or even try their hand at “longkang” fishing!
What’s more, with a whole list of dining places at ORTO, it’s the perfect place for a family day out!
ORTO
Address: 81 Lorong Chencharu, #01-01, Singapore 769198
Website
The Artground
While we’ve always been told not to touch anything when we’re at an art museum, The Artground is different.
The Artground is an accessible play space for children aged 12 and below, and they aim to provide positive art experiences through interactive art installations that changes tri-annually.
Children are encouraged to climb over, under or through the interactive art installations, which helps to develop their motor skills.
On the weekends, there will also be various art-related programs that families with young children can participate in.
The best part? Entry to The Artground is FREE!
The Artground
Address: Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Road, Block J #01-40, Singapore 439053
Opening Hours: Wed – Thu: 9.30am – 5pm, Fri – Sun: 9.30am – 6pm, Mon – Tue: Closed
Contact no.: 6925 0621
Website
Also read Golden Village Cinema Is Bringing Movies Back To Bedok After 10 Years
(Header Image Source: @fourlittlepalms and The Artground)
