March 9, 2016 TnH Global 0

Sunny Singapore for Kids

Looking for a family holiday and thinking of heading east? There is no better destination or country than Singapore! Often referred to as a child’s best playground, that really is what the city is – one massive playground for kids. TnH would like to introduce some of the famous attractions of Singapore that will are bound to attract kids….

Starting from the animal lovers, tots who love their animals will be thrilled to know that the ever-famous Singapore Zoo and Singapore Bird Park just added a new member to the family – The River Safari. One can bop down the Amazon, peer into the world’s largest freshwater aquarium or just go ga ga over giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia. Not to forget, you can spot 6000 animals including 40 endangered species in this park.

Needless to say, Universal Studios on Sentosa Island is firm favourite on the radar of families visiting this enchanting nation with tots in tow. Watch your kids (and the kid in you) squeal as you ride Battlestar Galactica – the world’s tallest pair of dueling roller coasters, sit atop the world’s first Transformer attraction or enjoy the world’s first Madagascar theme-park ride. Regarded as one of the most expensive tourism projects in the world, its colourful parades, character appearances and many rides are sure to bring out the child in you.

Someone say theatre? Surprisingly, Singapore has a thriving theatre scene for the young ones too, with some fantastic productions on offer all around the year. Those travelling to Singapore anytime in April must watch out for Singapore Repertory Theatre’s (SRT) Hanuman. Responsible for much of the quality theatre for kids in Singapore, SRT has adapted this fun tale from the Ramayana. Interestingly, it also intends to bring this production over to India towards the middle of the year and is something to be watched out for.

The slightly older lot might be inclined to grab a picnic basket and sprawl under the stars with their parents, watching Romeo & Juliet, part of SRT’s annual (and highly awaited) Shakespeare in the Park, from 30th April to 22th May. Families here in April should also get set to ‘move it, move it’ on the beats of one of their favourite blockbusters Madagascar, from April 21st – April 24th at the Madagascar Live Show! presented by Base Entertainment, which is known for their spectacular sets and imaginative costumes.

Speaking of the Singapore family entertainment scenario, bumping it a notch higher is global edutainment giant KidZania. Scheduled to open in April this year, with its cult following, this pint-sized city will enable your pint-size workers to take up many ‘jobs’ and earn kidZos – KidZania’s official currency. Right from putting out fires, reporting events around the city, making pizzas to assisting in surgeries, your little ones will be able to experience everything!

In pursuit of parks for the kids to run amok? The Botanical Gardens and the Jacob Ballas Garden for children are hard to match. Looking for a great zoo? I hadn’t seen a white tiger till I visited the famous Singapore Zoo. One can see animals at night at the famous Singapore Night Safari, which is bound to impress. For some sun and sand, you can head to the fun beaches on Sentosa Island.

In addition, the city is dotted with some fantastic indoor play areas. Amazonia at the Great World City Mall, with its giant slides and glow-in-the-dark golf is a perennial favourite with the younger lot. The indoor Amped Trampoline Park, with its two locations across the city is fast becoming a rage with the tinies. Its trampoline lined floor and walls will have your kids bouncing off the wall, quite literally!

The museums are not to far behind either. Often referred to as the hand building (because the building does resemble an open hand), the lotus building or sometimes even a bunch of bananas, the ArtScience Museum on the waterfront by Marina Bay Sands is home to interesting as well as ever changing displays for both kids and adults, ranging from Harry Potter and Dinosaurs to artist Dali, with fun activities for kids accompanying the exhibits. On the other side of the city, The Science Centre ups the ante with exhibits like the one that centres on Transformers and its outdoor water play area. The Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum, with over 500 turtles, many of whom belong to endangered species, is bound to thrill the kids!

Also, you are never too old to visit the MINT (Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys) Museum of Toys, the world’s first purpose- built museum for toys showcasing more than 50,000 pieces of vintage toys and childhood memorabilia from the 19th and 20th centuries, some of which are over 100 years old. Most of the toys including prewar Japanese toys, dolls, wind-up toys and comic books originate from over 40 countries across the world.

The highlight of your Singapore family extravaganza will certainly be a day or an overnight trip to the world’s largest Legoland. Technically located in Johor, Malaysia, it is less than a one-hour drive from the heart of Singapore. A Lego-themed hotel, Lego theme park and waterpark – could your kids really ask for more? With 70 rides and attractions, 15,000 Lego models, one of a kind Lego merchandise and a hotel lobby with a Lego castle at the entrance, be warned that getting your kids to leave at the end of the day is going to be no mean feat.

Already excited? So, plan your holiday, book the tickets and pack your bags, for the lion city awaits!

You can read more from our columnist Mandira Rai on her travel blog www.withmandy.com.