Sandbox, the refreshed Lower Gallery experience at Singapore Discovery Centre's Permanent Exhibits Gallery, officially opens after the opening of the Upper Gallery of Through the Lens of Time last year.
Under the five broad themes of the Strength of Our Nation, Our People, Our Home, Onward to Our Future, Fast Forward and The Interchange, visitors are invited to delve into the pressing need for Singapore to grow our resolve, guard against fast-evolving threats, adapt to challenges and create opportunities.
Address: Singapore Discovery Centre, 510 Upper Jurong Rd, Singapore 638365
Opening Hours: Weekdays 1pm - 6pm | Weekends, Public & School Term Holidays 11am - 8pm
Admission: FREE for Singapore Citizens & PRs | Others - Adult (13 years old & above) $10 & Child (3-12 years old) $8
Website
2. POP-UP DISNEY! A MICKEY CELEBRATION (new!)
Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration is a tribute to Mickey Mouse, the icon that has delighted the hearts of everyone across the decades. Originally from the Downtown Disney District at Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, California, Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration makes its way to Asia for the first time ever!
Step inside seven different imaginatively themed experiences inspired by the one and only, Mickey Mouse. Whether you’re cosying up in the "Mickey and Minnie’s Love” room or getting lost in an infinity of Mickey ear hats in the "Forever Mickey” room, every moment at Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration is one worth capturing.
Address: Suntec Convention Centre, Level 3
Dates: Now til 20 Mar 2022
Opening Hours: 11am - 9pm daily
Admission: Adult $25 | Child (3-12) $20 | $98 for 5 tickets
Website
3. KINGFISHER WETLANDS (new!)
After a fulfilling meal at Satay by the Bay, take an easy stroll to the Wetlands near by. The latest attraction at the Gardens, this new freshwater sanctuary opens your eyes to a flourishing diversity of exotic flora and fauna.
Newly-created water cascades and streamlets create microhabitats for biodiversity to flourish. And over 200 native true mangrove trees and mangrove associates have been planted, contributing to sustainability by storing “blue” carbon.
Ready for more discoveries? Get on the new Wildlife Lookout deck to spot birds, reptiles and other animals bustling all around. Make it a learning adventure for your children too - Kingfisher Wetlands is filled with educational signages that satisfy their curious minds about the birds and animals that frequent the Wetlands.
Address: Gardens by the Bay (beside Satay by the Bay)
Opening Hours: 5am to 2am daily
Admission: FREE
Website
4. ROCK GARDEN @ HORTPARK (new!)
What can you find in a rock garden?
At the newest themed garden at HortPark, the Rock Garden is home to unique landscapes such as canyon-like paths and a celebration of plant forms.
There are three main zones at the Rock Garden: Canyon, Boulder Vallet and Grotto.
Each zone has its own unique plants and features, and be sure to bring the kids to the Nature Playgarden after that!
Address: HortPark, 33 Hyderabad Rd, Singapore 119578
Opening Hours: 6am to 11pm
Admission: FREE
5. COASTAL PLAYGROVE
With the tallest outdoor play feature in Singpore, an outdoor classroom by the sea, a nature playgarden, and a water play area, the recently-opened Coastal PlayGrove at East Coast Park is the newest fun place to be for both kids AND youths!
Located at the former Big Splash site, the 4.5-ha Coastal PlayGrove offers diversity in play through the use of shapes and colours reminiscent of its previous landscape, and features new and varied play areas with different concepts.
The main play structure of the newly revamped Coastal PlayGrove is nestled within a reconstruct of the former iconic Big Splash tower. Standing at 16 metres high, the Play Tower is the tallest outdoor play feature in Singapore, featuring a vertical net play, the Vertical Challenge, and slides. Reminiscent of its history, the new Vertical Challenge is designed in the same vibrant colours of the previous water slides.
Coastal PlayGrove also retains its waterpark theme with an inclusive water play area that features a wading pool and jets of water with illumination at night in various colours.
In addition, there is a Nature Playgarden, Leisure Nets and a giant Sand Pit for younger kids too. Read my REVIEW for more details.
Address: 902 East Coast Park Service Road, Singapore 449874
Opening Hours: The Vertical Challenge and Water Play Area are open on Tuesdays to Sundays (closed on Mondays) from 8am to 8pm.
Admission: FREE
6. THERAPEUTIC GARDEN & BUTTERFLY MAZE @ JURONG LAKE GARDENS
The Therapeutic Garden at Jurong Lake Gardens is the largest one in Singapore to date and is also the first to have sections dedicated to both little ones and adults.
The Therapeutic Garden for adults provides a space for reminiscing, with familiar edible plants arranged in zones (Fragrance zone, Edibles zone and a Plant Zoo) and nostalgic features like a stone chess table.
The Therapeutic Garden for children is designed to cater for children with mild autism, ADHD and physical disabilities. It is designed with various sensory zones (for smell, touch, sound and sight) which includes play elements, such as musical play instruments, a wheelchair-friendly crawling trellis, a labyrinth with glow in the dark pathways and floor imprints of the animals and insects found in Jurong Lake Gardens. It is also connected to the adult’s section of the Therapeutic Garden and adjoins the Butterfly Maze to provide more opportunities for young visitors to experience the therapeutic effects of greenery.
At the Butterfly Maze, children can conquer a maze set within an undulating landscape filled with butterflies. Unlike a traditional hedge maze, children will find themselves traversing an open landscape with changing views as they climb up and down the mounds in search of a way out. This includes quiet corners, rest areas, slides and signs throughout the maze for children to learn about pollination and the lifecycle of butterflies.
Address: Jurong Lake Gardens
Admission: FREE
Website
7. SPIN PAINT HOUSE
Here's Art Jamming with a twist… or SPIN!
At the newly-opened Spin Paint House, families get to create their own masterpieces using custom-made spinning tables, colourful paint and lotsa of imagination! Seriously, the fun is too cool, or double cool if you use the swinging trapezes and pendulum to splish splash splash the paint around as well.
Finally, a space dedicated to mess, to expression, to play. Guaranteed fun for the kids... and even teens and adults!
Got younger kids? They can work on a smaller spin table which is at a more manageable height for them. And each workspace are housed in private booths cos you know, #socialdistancing yo. 😁
Address: 61 Kaki Bukit Place, #04-00, Singapore 416233
Opening Hours: Wed-Fri: 3-9pm | Sat: 10am-9pm | Sun: 10am-8pm | Mon/Tues: Closed
Admission: From $65 per pax or $95 for 1 Adult & 1 Child to $275 for 5 pax. See full prices
HERE.
8. COMO ADVENTURE GROVE @ GALLOP EXTENSION
The Como Adventure Grove is a nature-inspired play area for children to learn about native flora and fauna. But more than that, kids can have loads of fun while doing so too. They can swing, slide and climb on structures resembling parts of trees and fruits as these adaptive components will help introduce children to nature through play.
Yes, much like this GIANT Cempedak where kids can scramble over its warty surface. No rules, no dictating of play - just plain climbing fun.
Another cool play area is the one where it is made up of many huge saga seeds, where kids are free to roll or jump around the seed pod of a Saga tree.
The main play area consists of various play structures, like two long slides, swinging hammocks, see-saw, swings, climbing ropes and other rope obstacles.
The great thing about COMO Adventure Grove is it is inspired by the distinctive parts of trees found within the Gardens. For example, children can swing, slide and climb on structures resembling the aerial roots of the Weeping Fig.
Check out other family-friendly attractions at Gallop Extension
HERE.
Address: Opposite 1 Tyersall Ave, Singapore Botanic Gardens
Opening Hours: 7am - 7pm
Admission: FREE
9. CHANGI MUSEUM AND CHAPEL
Closed in 2018 for a major redevelopment to enhance the museum’s infrastructure and content, Changi Chapel and Museum (CCM) reopened in May 2021 and showcases 114 artefacts across eight galleries delving into the daily lives of the internees, their responses to the challenges they faced, and their eventual liberation.
Centred on a narrative of remembrance and reflection, the new CCM seeks to present an immersive experience that combines personal artefacts with new multimedia offerings to convey the stories and experiences of POWs and civilian internees in Changi during the Japanese Occupation in Singapore.
The narrative is presented in eight exhibition zones: Changi Fortress, Fallen Fortress, The Interned, Life as POW, Resilience in Adversity, Creativity in Adversity, Liberation and Legacies. In addition to the new artefacts and exhibits on display, the revamped CCM also boasts new features to enhance visitors’ experience.
View artefacts like a never-before-seen 400-page diary, a dinner menu, a toothbrush fashioned from scratch. These artefacts at the revamped Changi Chapel and Museum (CCM) will shed light on the riveting personal stories of prisoners of war (POWs) and civilians interned in Changi prison camp during the Japanese Occupation.
Address: 1000 Upper Changi Road North, Singapore 507707
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 5.30pm (Tues-Sun) | Closed every Monday except Public Holidays
*Visitors are encouraged to pre-book your admission HERE by time slots for better crowd regulation and reduce waiting time.
*Visitors with pre-booked admission will be given priority admission to the museum and are required to visit during the selected time.
*Visitors can pre-book their entry time slots for a maximum of 2 persons, 7 available dates in advance.
*Last admission at 5pm.
Admission: FREE for all Singaporeans & PRs | Tourists & Foreign Residents: Adult $8; Senior (60yrs & above) & Students $5; Children (6yrs & below) FREE
Website
10. REFLECTIONS AT BUKIT CHANDU
Re-opened in September 2021, the newly revamped Reflections At Bukit Chandu (RBC) offers an enhanced retelling of the story of the Malay Regiment in the Battle of Pasir Panjang, during which the heavily outnumbered soldiers from the regiment made a heroic last stand against a 13,000-strong Japanese force.
Housed in a bungalow that was originally built in 1930 for senior British staff of an Opium Packing Plant down the hill, the space features a new immersive experience enhanced with new artefacts and displays. Visitors will be able to enjoy a multimedia display show that tells the story of "C" Company's defence of Point 226.
The first floor of the revamped RBC charts the regiment’s beginnings, and pays homage to their courage and sacrifice during the Battle of Pasir Panjang in the exhibition Bukit Chandu: Battle Point 226.
The newly revamped exhibition will also feature three new spaces that trace the legacy of Bukit Chandu to provide a larger historical context beyond the World War Two period: Packing Chandu, The Lounge and On the Lawn.
Address: 31-K Pepys Road Singapore 118458
Opening Hours: 9.30am to 5pm (Tuesdays to Sundays)
*Closed every Monday except Public Holidays
Admission: FREE for all Singaporeans & PRs | Tourists & Foreign Residents: Adult $5; Senior (60yrs & above) & Students $4; Children (6yrs & below) FREE
Website
11. GREEN CORRIDOR CENTRAL
After closing for refurbishment works, the Green Corridor's (or Rail Corridor) Central portion connecting the Upper Bukit Timah Road Truss Bridge at Rail Mall to the Bukit Timah Road Truss Bridge near Bukit Timah Railway Station has re-opened.
If you wish to go on your first walking trail with the kids and also want something that is super easy, then this is it.
The most straightforward way to get started is either by the Bukit Timah Road Truss Bridge near KAP Mall or if you prefer, at the Upper Bukit Timah Road Truss Bridge in front of Rail Mall.
Along the way, you will go over the Quarry Bridge and walk through dense vegetation on both sides. This portion is named the 'Rainforest' portion as the understorey vegetation has been enhanced on both sides of the trail, bringing visitors closer to nature.
Soon, you will hit the Hindhede Bridge which is where the entrance to the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is. Continue onwards, and you will reach the Bukit Timah Road Truss Bridge. Cross over that and Bukit Timah Railway Station will be in your sight.
Click for my detailed instructions on hitting the trail HERE.
Address: Main entry points at Rail Mall or Bukit Timah Railway Station (beside KAP Mall)
Opening Hours: 24 hours
Admission: FREE
12. BUKIT GOMBAK PARK
Located at Bukit Batok West Avenue 5, opposite the Bukit Batok Driving Centre, Bukit Gombak Park is a park which caters to everyone - whether you’re a nature lover, fitness enthusiast, young parent or pet owner!
The interesting feature of 4.8-hectare Bukit Gombak Park is it is home to an inclined looped 400m hill trek which is modelled after the trails in Bukit Timah. One can get that heart rate going by scaling the hill trek of 108 steps to enjoy panoramic greenery views.
At the top of the steps lies the Butterfly Garden which features butterfly-attracting plants that enable visitors to get up-close to nature.
Of course, there has to be a playground too! Inspired by nature, the playground includes a slide integrated into the natural sloped terrain, and play equipment such as balancing beams set amongst trees and shrubs.
Kids can also test their balancing skills at the play obstacle challenge equipment.
Read my full review
HERE.
Address: Beside Block 394 Bukit Batok West Ave 5
Admission: FREE
13. CHOA CHU KANG PUBLIC LIBRARY
Choa Chu Kang Public Library reopens to the public at Lot One Shoppers’ Mall on 28 October 2021 after an extensive refurbishment. And not only is it bigger and better, it is home to many features which are seen for the FIRST time in a public library in Singapore!
From a Community Wall, Nature Walls, Hydroponics Showcase and even an Indoor Garden, kids can also go on an Augmented Reality (AR) Learning Trail within the library. Themed (Re)Connect with Nature, the library combines design with tech, creating an experiential communal space that promotes environmental awareness and interest in sustainable living.
The library now occupies two floors at Lot One Shoppers’ Mall. Level 4 caters to adults, teens, and older children (7-12 years) while level 5 caters to parents and young children (0-6 years).
One of the main highlights of the library is the Children Zone on Level 5. Catered to parents and young kids aged 6 years and below, this zone boasts the FIRST Indoor Garden in a public library, reflecting the farming heritage and community gardening culture of Choa Chu Kang, and provides a natural and peaceful space for patrons to read.
Read my full review HERE.
Address: Lot One Shoppers' Mall (21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4, Singapore 689812), Levels 4 & 5
Opening Hours: Mon - Sun: 11am to 9pm
*Closed at 5.00pm on eves of Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year.
*Closed on Public Holidays.
Admission: FREE
14. SUPERPARK SINGAPORE
After closing abruptly last year, SuperPark Singapore is re-opening on 9 April 2021 with a new owner. Operated by DreamUs - the company behind Pororo Park and Tayo Station - SuperPark Singapore is located in the same spot at Suntec City.
Be spoilt for choice with more than 20 sportscentric activities spread out over two massive levels to cater to guests of all ages, fitness, and skill levels!
There will be a new play addition, Archery; in addition to other popular ball games like Street Basketball, SuperBall, Street Soccer and BaseBall; interactive games like SuperHoop, SuperPinBall, Valo Jump, Hot Stepper and adrenaline rushed games like Trampoline, Skate & Scoot, Flying Fox, SuperClimb and Tube Slide, amongst others.
Parents with toddlers or preschoolers can now enjoy bonding time together at the newly expanded Kids’ Gym that is filled with soft play obstacle course, a small climbing wall and the signature Sliding Mountain. Young wheelslovers will also be pleased to know that tricycles are now an option at the hugely popular Pedal Car Track.
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City Mall, #02-477 (North Wing), Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: Weekdays, 11:30am to 9pm | Weekends, Public & School Holidays: 10am to 10pm
Admission (2-hour play session):
o Juniors (<100cm): $23.90 (Public), $19.90 (*Partners price)
o Students (weekdays, excluding school and public holidays): $28.90 (Public), $24.90 (*Partners price)
o All others: $33.90 (Public), $29.90 (*Partners price)
o Babies under 1 enter free!
*Partners include OCBC, DBS, PAssion Card, SAFRA cardholders and more
15. YISHUN N8 PARK
Located between HomeTeamNS Khatib and Blocks 810 & 809 Yishun Ring Road, Yishun N8 Park has recently been refurbished with a brand new playground for kids and at the centre of it, are these colourful houses built on stilts!
Visually eye-catching, the playhouses in the heart of the playground let kids explore and stimulate imaginative play.
Comprising of a giant netting structure, fun slide, tunnels and swings, the play area is embraced by a natural landform, keeping children safe in the playarea.
There is another group of playhouses located just beside too. The nature of play is slightly different here, with more climbing elements such as nets and ropes for kids to challenge.
Read my full review HERE.
Address: Between HomeTeamNS Khatib and Blk 810 & 809 Yishun Ring Road
Admission: FREE
16. FORESTPLAY
Billed as Singapore's first Nature Adventure Playground, ForestPlay is a nature playscape that combines learning in nature with adventure play.
Expect sand & mud play, building areas, obstacles courses as well as nature swings - all these are part of the fun and challenging environment for kids between 4 to 14 years old.
Book the 2-hour non-accompanied ForestPlay session which is an unstructured, risky play experience for children to bring their visions into reality through various attractions such as nature swing, wood working, mud play and sand play and more!
For younger kids, the Explorers @ ForestPlay session is a unique forest school programme for children 4 years old to 7 years old guided by Forest School certified Nature Rangers to develop them into confident, creative and independent learners.
Address: 112 Tanjong Beach Walk Singapore, Singapore 098945
Opening Hours: 10am - 12pm | 1.30pm - 3.30pm | 4pm - 6pm
Admission: From $35 (depending on day and time slot)
Website
17. TROPICAL MONTANE ORCHIDETUM
Located at the National Orchid Garden, the Tropical Montane Orchidetum simulates the experience of ascending through a tropical montane forest and showcases a diversity of orchids and other plants from the rich low to high-elevation montane forest.
A montane forest, also known as cloud forest, describes a terrain found in mountainous areas - an environment far removed from Singapore.
The Orchidetum contains three display houses - The Sembcorp Cool House, the Yuen Peng McNeice Bromeliad Collection and the Tan Hoon Siang Mist House. Each of the display houses within the Orchidetum has been expanded beyond their original size, increasing by almost threefold the combined display area.
The Sembcorp Cool House has been designed to emulate a high-elevation montane forest, which exists at altitudes of between 1,000m and 2,000m, with a surrounding temperature of between 16 deg C and 23 deg C.
The Yuen Peng McNeice Bromeliad Collection has been enhanced to emulate a mid-elevation Neotropical forest environment at 650m to 1,000m elevation.
The upgraded Tan Hoon Siang Mist House mimics a paleotropical garden at 650m to 1,000m in altitude and features a selection of unique, uncommon or award-winning hybrids and species from the speciality breeding stock of orchids from the National Orchid Garden’s collection.
Address: National Orchid Garden, 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569
Opening Hours: 8.30am - 7.00pm daily (last ticket sales and entry at 6.00pm)
Admission:
Local Residents - Adults $5 | Students & Seniors (above 60) $1 | Children below 12 years old FREE
Standard - Adults $15 | Students & Seniors (above 60) $3 | Children below 12 years old FREE
Website
18. MUD KRANK
Mud Krank is the first and only ATV trail riding facility in Singapore. In fact, it is the only one that caters exclusively to kids aged between 4 and 12 years old!
No prior experience is required as training and preparation for beginners is provided beforehand to ride the automatic transmission 4x4 ATVs. The sessions last for 15 minutes and helmets and safety equipment are included as well.
Do note that the kids ATVs are strictly for 4 to 12 years old and maximum 50kg. Larger ATVs for older kids and adults will be available soon.
Address: Gallop Kranji Farm Resort, 10 Neo Tiew Lane 2, Farm H, Singapore 718813
Opening Hours: Tue-Thu: 3pm-9pm | Fri-Sat: 4pm-10pm | Sun: 4pm-9pm
*Closed on Mondays
Admission: Weekdays $15 & Weekends $20 (15-min session)
Website
19. SLURPING GOOD! EXPERIENCE PLAYGROUND
If you or your kids love instant noodles, then be sure to head down to Slurping Good! - the first instant noodle-themed experience playground in Singapore!
Featuring 13 interactive spaces over two levels, Slurping Good! consists of both interactive play elements as well as IG-worthy installations... extremely important in today's age of IG-worthy visuals.
Walk through various rooms featuring different condiments that go well with instant noodles - eggs, seafood, greens, cheese and of course, luncheon meat!
Visitors can also slide their way into noodle-mania at the Chu Qian Yi Ding Slider!, featuring both child- and adult-sized noodle slides.
Read my full review HERE.
BONUS!
After all the fun, be sure to pop by the newly-opened EATBOX which is located just beside! The creative food hall features a wide variety of diverse range of international cuisines and fusion fare. Some of the must-tries include the Soul Good Noodle Bar, where you get to choose your own ingredients and build your own instant noodle bowl, as well as highlights like Satay Ummi’s Nasi Lemak, Butcher The Burger Bar's Butcher Truffle Eggstarter and Okinawa Onigiri's freshly made Onigiri-Sandwich!
Address: Tekka Place, Annex Building, 2 Serangoon Road, #01-51 to 54, Singapore 218227
Opening hours: 10am - 10pm daily
Admission: Standard $21 per person | Free for children aged 3 years old & below
*Each ticket comes with a complimentary Slurping Good! Tote Bag.
Website
20. PASIR PANJANG PARK
The first section of Pasir Panjang Park opened in September 2021, and the 450m-stretch runs from Pasir Panjang MRT station to the Jalan Pelepah residential estate.
Pasir Panjang gets its name from the ‘long sandy beach’ in Malay, as it used to be a sandy beach that stretches from present day Labrador Nature Reserve to the junction of Clementi and West Coast roads. And this explains why one of the park’s main features is the sandy vegetation that is reminiscent of the area’s sandy coastline.
In addition, parents with young kids will be pleased to know there is a nature playgarden where children can engage in free play and sensory discovery.
Consisting of logs and stumps, the entire play area is all natural and plastic-free.
Do keep a lookout for these colourful horn bollards that have been used at Tanjong Pagar Terminal since 1972. These mooring bollards, together with several other unique maritime artefacts found in the park, were donated by PSA Singapore.
Address: Along Pasir Panjang Drive 1, next to Pasir Panjang Food Centre
Admission: FREE
Website
21. HAW PAR VILLA
I'm sure all parents who grew up in Singapore remember this place along Pasir Panjang Road. After closing and undergoing some refurbisment, this Chinese mythological theme park - if it can be called one - re-opened in July 2021 with some new enhancements: Restored sculptures that underwent conservation work such as the main arch, enhanced night lighting and anew projection mapping that will greet visitors once they enter the park.
Other than that, most of the park remains largely similar with over 1,000 statues and 150 giant tableaux centered around Chinese folklore, legends, history, and Confucian ideology.
One interesting addition to the park is these 'Honesty Boxes' where visitors 'buy' food pellets to feed the fishes by placing the money in the provided boxes. There are no staff or cameras so it is entirely up to one's honesty to pay for what you take. A very teachable moment for kids. 😊
The infamous Ten Courts of Hell attraction has also re-opened as Hell's Museum with air-conditioned comfort... and also with admission charges. No more burning in hell for free then. 😂
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118 628
Opening Hours: 9am - 10pm daily (last entry 9.30pm)
Admission: Public areas - FREE | Hell's Museum - $18 for Adult & $10 for Child
Website
22. HELL's MUSEUM (new!)
Billed as the only museum in the world dedicated to exploring how death and the afterlife are viewed and interpreted across religions, cultures, and the ages, Hell's Museum's immersive exhibition aims to shed light on rituals and ceremonies for the dead, amongst other topics.
Of course, the main highlight of Hell's Museum is the Ten Courts of Hell, which now forms one station out of the ten stations within Hell's Museum. So the only difference now is one has to pay to enter. Is it worth the admission price? You can read my review HERE.
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118 628
Opening Hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm (last entry: 5pm) | Closed on Mondays.
Admission: $18 for Adult & $10 for Child | Free for children aged 6 and under
(Not recommended for children under 9 years old)
Website
23. OTAH & FRIENDS
Following the success of The Bubble Tea Factory in 2019 and Otah & Friends last December, the story of Otah continues through volumes two and three of the immersive Otter-themed experience. Located at two venues at Gardens by the Bay and Suntec City, Otah & Friends seeks to transform a schoolhouse and a supermarket into fun spaces for visitors to hang out in through interactive elements and beautiful sets.
In Volume 2: Blast Off, visitors will race against time in a mission to find seven secret tools to launch a rocket into space. Set in the most colourful schoolhouse one can ever imagine, ride on a school bus, rummage through familiar spaces including a library and a classroom to uncover hints in search of these rocket parts. Upon inserting these pieces into the rocket, the launch control centre is revealed.
Next up, visitors can revel in the joy of grocery shopping as they shuffle down the aisles of Chongkee’s supermarket in Volume 3: Grocery Run. In a shopping experience like no other, fill your trolley with the freshest produce for Otah’s tea party!
As the clock ticks down, embark on a hunt for the ingredients needed among mouth-watering displays of seafood, cheese, fruits and bread that will delight your senses. You'll be able to scan items collected at the checkout counter, and find out if you managed to pick out all the right items. After which, enjoy the fruits of your labour with a tea party right in Otah’s garden - alongside him and his friends!
(NEW!)
Otah & Friends: Camp Stardust @ National Museum of Singapore
Following three successful runs at Gardens by the Bay and Suntec City, Otah & Friends is back with its fourth and biggest outlet - Camp Stardust!
A forest adventure awaits at Camp Stardust! Recruited as Stardust Scouts, navigate mazes and earn four courage badges to help a fallen star grow and glow. Explore 4 unique areas within the forest, including a dark maze, a ball pit, a ropes obstacle course and an Otah & Friends original arcade game.
Otah & Friends Vol 2: Blast Off
Address: Gardens by the Bay, Supertree Grove
Dates: Now til 3 Jan 2022
Opening Hours: Weekdays (Mon & Fri) 2pm-8pm | Weekend: 10am-8pm
*Closed on tues-THURS
Admission: $24 per pax | $19 per pax for group bookings of 5
Otah & Friends Vol 3: Grocery Run
Address: Suntec City, Level 1 (Beside SuperPark SG)
Dates: Now til 3 Jan 2022
Opening Hours: Weekdays 1pm-7pm | Weekend: 10am-8pm
Admission: $24 per pax | $19 per pax for group bookings of 5
Otah & Friends: Camp Stardust @ National Museum of Singapore
Address: National Museum of Singapore
Dates: Now til 20 Mar 2022
Opening Hours: Weekdays 1pm-7pm | Weekend: 10am-8pm
Admission: $24 per pax | $19 per pax for group bookings of 5
Website
24. SEMBAWANG HERITAGE TRAIL
Once home to an important naval base for the British Empire, Sembawang, which derived its name from the Mesua ferruginea or the Sembawang tree, has also been home to people from all walks of life – from seafaring villagers who dwelt in kampongs; Asian dockyard workers from Kerala and Hongkong who lived at quarters along Canberra Road; to British naval officers who stayed in black-and-white houses – adding to the area’s rich history and cultural diversity.
These lesser-known stories of Sembawang’s naval history and diverse communities are part of the newly-launched heritage trail which features 31 trail sites and nine heritage trail markers. Trail-goers will be able to explore Singapore’s northern coastal town from when it was first mentioned in maps in the early-1800s, to the decades before and after World War II.
To explore the multi-faceted history of Sembawang, trail-goers can embark on three thematic, bite-sized routes according to their interests and in their own time. These routes are:
● Historical Landmarks of Sembawang (2 hours on foot and with public transport), 7km
This route takes trail-goers to sites that recall major milestones in Sembawang’s past.
● Communities of Sembawang (3 hours on foot and with public transport), 8km
This route explores former neighbourhoods in Sembawang, including coastal villages and homes around the former naval base.
● From Dockyard to Shipyard (2.5 hours on foot and with public transport), 5km
This route takes trail-goers to various landmarks that were part of the former naval base.
You can download the trail map HERE.
BONUS!
Go on an unofficial off-the-beaten-track trail and locate Sembawang's WWII Bunkers & Air-Raid Shelters too! I have the details and the map for you HERE.
Address: Around Sembawang Park
Admission: FREE
Website
25. MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM
Spread over a 60,000 square feet area, Museum of Ice Cream features 14 never-before-seen installations dedicated to the celebration and experience of enjoying ice cream.
Expect a localised flavour within the compound, with the famed Housing Board dragon playground, a room with oversized versions of potong ice cream, as well as ice cream flavours on offer in the five treat rooms feature offerings such as pulut hitam and lychee bandung.
Oh, and who can resist the largest sprinkle pool ever created by the Museum of Ice Cream???
Address: 100 Loewen Rd, Singapore 248837
Opening Hours: 10am - 10.30pm (Thurs - Sun)
*Closed on Mon - Wed
Admission: From $42 per pax
Website
26. RAINFOREST LUMINA
Rainforest Lumina, the only Lumina in SouthEast Asia, returns for its final season at Singapore Zoo! Experience a multi-sensory journey, melding nature and technology, that expertly harmonises the natural sights, sounds, and scents of the rainforest at night.
Visitors will immerse themselves in a symphony of lights, beautifully orchestrated music, and interactive play that will inspire everyone to appreciate nature and help protect wildlife.
This year, visitors can look forward to singing and playing with the Creature Crew at popular interactive play zones, a digital thunderstorm conducted by Bob the playful otter, dazzling laser displays on the Luminous Pathway, and thousands of sparkling pixel lights at the Shimmering Islands.
Address: Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Dates: Now til 13 Feb 2022
Opening Hours: 7.15pm – 12am
Admission: Singapore Residents - Adult & Youth (13-17) $12.60 | Child (3-12) & Senior Citizen (60 & above) $9.80
Non-Residents - Adult $18 | Child (3-12) $14
Website
27. KF1 EXPO
Challenge yourselves (and your buddies!) as you go pedal to the metal on Singapore's largest purpose built fun kart circuit!
Converted from an underutilised carpark to a full fledged go kart circuit with F1-inspired lighting system and boasting a length of 750m and 16 corners, it's an adrenaline rush like no other!
Address: Singapore Expo, Carpark H, 1 Expo Dr, Singapore 486150
Opening Hours: Mon,Tues,Thurs - 1pm to 9pm | Friday/Sat/Sun & PHs - 10am to 9pm
*Closed on Wednesdays for maintenance
Admission (10mins): NOVICE (30kph) $28 | ADVANCED* (50kph) $35
*Driving licence required
Website
28. THE KARTING ARENA @ JURONG
Go Fun Karting and get a quick adrenaline fix – perfect for kids and adults!
The Karting Arena recently opened its Jurong outlet to non-pro karters and it features a 153,000sq ft space that has a 700-metre long track with 11 technical turns. The facility is also Singapore’s only track that is at least 10m-wide which overtaking safely possible too.
Kids must be aged 9 years or older and at least 140cm tall to drive. They can only race at a speed of up to 30km per hour, including adults who do not have a driver's licence. Those with a driving license can go up to 50km per hour in a seperate race.
Address: 511 Upper Jurong Road, Singapore 638366
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 1pm to 9pm | Satuday to Sunday: 9am to 9pm
*Closed on Mondays
Admission (10mins): NOVICE (30kph) $25-$35 | ADVANCED* (50kph) $35-$45
*Driving licence required
Website
29. HEAVEN SPOT
Billed as Singapore's First Graffiti Warehouse, Heaven Spot is a community driven space where everyone is encouraged to let go of all inhibitions.
Simply grab a can of spray paint (or two) and create your very own masterpiece. No prior experience is required, so everyone can just show up and have fun defacing a wall or two - without getting into trouble with the law!
Kids are welcome too. However, do note that children below the age of 16 have to be accompanied by an adult and that they would have to be able to wear a standard 3M N95 mask to ensure that they will be able to comfortably wear the gas masks.
Address: 3 Lorong Bakar Batu, #03-01, Singapore 348741
Opening Hours: 5pm–10pm (Tue-Thur), 10am–9pm (Fri-Sun)
Admission: From $40 for 1 pax to $180 for 5 pax (See packages HERE)
Website
30. KIZTOPIA CLUB INDOOR PLAYGROUNDS
@ Jurong Point & Punggol Town Square
Kiztopia, the massive indoor playground at Marina Square, opened Kiztopia Club, a new thematic playground at two locations at Jurong Point and Punggol Town Square.
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| Kiztopia Club @ Jurong Point |
Decked out in a specific theme, the Kiztopia Club playgrounds features multiple play concepts and special zones, including trampolines with AR games, vertical climbing structures and role play rooms, to name a few.
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| Kiztopia Club @ Punggol Town Square |
To complement these play zones, function rooms, family cafés and gift shops will also be available. Targeted at kids 10 years old and below, both Kiztopia Club outlets have cosier play areas that do not compromise on the fun.
Kiztopia Club @ Jurong Point
Address: 1 Jurong West Central 2, #03-18/19, Jurong Point, Singapore 648886
Opening Hours: 10am - 8.30pm (Sun - Thurs) | 10am - 9pm ( Fri & Sat)
*Closed at 5pm on every 1st Tuesday of the month for deep cleaning
Admission: For 1 Adult & 1 Child - $18 (1-hr) | $28 (2-hrs) | Additional Adult $8
Website
Kiztopia Club @ Punggol Town Square
Address: 85 Punggol Central, #01-01/02/03/04, Singapore 828726
Opening Hours: 10am - 8.30pm (Sun - Thurs) | 10am - 9pm ( Fri & Sat)
*Closed at 5pm on every 1st Tuesday of the month for deep cleaning
Admission: For 1 Adult & 1 Child - $19.80 (1-hr) | $29.8 (2-hrs) | Additional Adult $10
Website
31. SG HOTEL ON WHEELS & XCAPE PARK
Take a unique staycation in a first-of-its-kind nomadic 10-room boutique hotel concept and a whole host of activities that promises endless fun and relaxation! Located at Downtown East’s Begonia Open Air Carpark, experience a staycation like no other in a container hotel.
Families can choose among five uniquely designed family suites that comfortably accommodate 4 adults with one queen-sized bed and a double sofa bed for kids, a kitchen, dining area, and living room while couples can also pick from five differently themed ‘Hideaway’ suites that offer intimate accommodation for two adults furnished with a queen- sized bed, bathroom, and dining /sitting table. All bookings come with 2 complimentary day passes to the Wild Wild Wet water park.
Right ‘next door’, Uncle Ringo is bringing carnival rides to the East! For thrillseekers, look out for heart- stopping riders such as Viking Ships, Meteorite, Swing Chairs; whereas family friendly rides such as Waddle Boat, Spinning Tea Cup. For those who miss ART-ZOO’s incredibly bouncy fun, head over to the Dino Inflatable Park that features a super cool 10m high inflatable water slide and four other giant bouncers and sliders!
Address: Begonia Open Air Carpark, Downtown East
Prices: From $239/night for 20-footer rooms (2-pax) and $299/night for 40-footer rooms (4-pax)
32. BUKIT BATOK NEIGHBOURHOOD PARK
Great news for the Westies, because Bukit Batok Neighbourhood Park has just opened with a tall swirling tube slide, a rope obstacle course, toddler play area and even an elevated boardwalk!
Located beside Block 225 Bukit Batok Central, the park is set in the surroundings of a small hill (otherwise known as Fuji Hill) which makes it a great place to bring the entire family for a great workout.
The highlight of the park has got to be the 10-metre tall climbing play structure which comes with a bright-yellow swirling slide!
There is a smaller playground for younger kids and fitness stations for parents to do a quick workout at the same time too.
After that, one can walk along the elevated boardwalk and scale the (not-too-tall) summit of Fuji Hill. Although the park doesn't occupy a large area, the elevating terrain (and playground) makes it an interesting outdoor place to bring the family!
Read my full REVIEW HERE.
Address: Along Bukit Batok Central road (Beside Block 225 Bukit Batok Central and opposite Block 644 Bukit Batok Central)
Admission: FREE
33. WHOOP ARENA SINGAPORE
How does navigating a drone through a series of LED-lighted obstacles in the company of family and friends sound?
Sure sounds cool! Whoop Arena is Singapore's first indoor drone arena featuring a series of LED-lighted obstacles to put your drone-flying skills to the test.
If you are looking for more action, you can also sign up for the STEM workshop (2.5 hours) which comes with the 30-mins drone-flying experience too. Participants will learn the basics of drone flying, get a hands-on experience of First-Person view drone flying and learn how to apply coding concepts to program their own drone. They will explore the world from the lens of automation and how it affects our daily life.
As Whoop Arena is pretty new, it is currently operating as a pop-up store concept that will roam around Singapore.
As of now until 30 April 2021, it is situated at 18 Sin Ming Lane, Midview City (#06-03).
Address: 8 Sin Ming Lane, #06-03 Midview City, Singapore 573960
Opening Hours: 9am - 10pm daily
Admission: From $15 per pax for a 30-minute session
Website
34. SPACE4US
SPACE4US is a free-form turf that was designed as a space provision for art exhibits, creative workshops, and interactive learning events.
The concept of SPACE4US was brought to life with the goal of making people's lives more meaningful by bringing them an inch closer to discovering their true passions in life and creating communities that bind unexpected groups of people together through a common avocation.
There are a varied range of workshops to choose from and you can view the upcoming ones
HERE.
Address: 333A Orchard Road #02-22/23, Madarin Gallery, Singapore 238897
Opening Hours: Various workshop timings
Admission: From $78
Website
35. SWAGA GYM
Occupying the space vacted by the KIDZLAND indoor playground at The Grandstand, SWAGA Gym opened its doors on 1 April and primarily offers gymnastics lessons for kids.
And should you have younger kids to mind while the older child is attending lessons, they can utilise the fully functional jungle-themed indoor playground located at one corner of the gym for FREE!
The indoor playground's size is decent, with ample climbing and play structures to keep the younger kids occupied.
For kids who are not enrolled in SWAGA Gym's classes, they can still enter for some indoor play at the Jungle Gym! The admission fee is $10 per hour per child - still pretty affordable compared to other indoor playgrounds.
Address: 200 Turf Club Rd, #02-14, Singapore, 287994
*Park in North Parking Lot (near Hao Megamart) and access is from parking lots
Opening Hours: 9am to 9pm daily
Admission to Jungle Gym: $20 for two hours for non-students
Website
***BONUS***
PLACES THAT OPENED IN LATE 2020!
GEOLOGY GALLERY @ SENTOSA
(opened Dec 2020)
Have you always been curious about how Singapore and Sentosa came to be? Then head to the new Geology Gallery where you can unlock the secret behind the formation of our Island Home, while learning how important geology is for our day to day life!
Created in collaboration with NTU Asian School of the Environment (ASE) and Earth Observatory of Singapore (EOS), this new gallery located at the Sentosa Nature Discovery on Imbiah Lookout showcases earth processes and rock formation, geological map, coastal forests, rock samples and fossils.
In the very centre of the gallery is probably the most eye-catching feature of the room. A 3D topographic map of Sentosa is displayed in the middle of the gallery, showcasing the geographical locations and elevations of landforms and landmarks found within Sentosa island, such as Beach Station, Fort Siloso, and more. The map also houses multiple interactive elements for visitors to explore, which contain intriguing geological facts that visitors can learn about.
Visitors can also learn about sustainability, and how Sentosa actively portrays this mission — the efficient use of resources and the preservation of the flora, fauna, as well as heritage.
Address: Sentosa Nature Discovery, Imbiah Station
Opening Hours: 9am - 5pm daily
Admission: FREE
TIME CAPSULE @ SINGAPORE FLYER
(opened Dec 2020)
Spanning two levels of the Singapore Flyer, the Time Capsule is a multisensory attraction of Singapore's rich history, heritage, culture and landscape.
It draws on the concept of time travel taking guests through a journey through Singapore’s 700-year history. Embark on an immersive and interactive journey with R65, your time-travelling companion. and travel 700 years back to the nation's founding years shrouded in legends and myths.
Visitors will be able to learn about events, such as the signing of the 1819 treaty and Jackson Town Plan, that have transformed Singapore from a small idyllic island to the bustling global metropolis it is today.
Level two is all about an immersive visual experience as visitors watch how Singapore is transformed from a fishing village to a world-renowned international city. At the end of the journey and upon stepping into the Giant Observation Wheel, guests will be able to witness Singapore’s transformation at the height of 165 metres.
Address: Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039803
Opening Hours: Thursday - Sunday and on Public Holidays
First admission: 2pm & Last admission: 9:15pm
(Closed on Monday - Wednesday)
Admission: Adult $15 | Child (3-12) & Seniors (>60) $10
Website
UPWALL CLIMBING
(opened Dec 2020)
Staying fit has a whole new meaning at Downtown East, with the opening of Upwall Climbing gym at E!Hub. This is a beginner-friendly facility focused on nurturing the young and bringing families together through a fun and engaging activity.
You can choose to scale the high walls either with the auto-belay lanes or by top-rope belaying. With top-rope belaying, partners on the ground “belay” or gather the slack as you climb higher. In auto-belay lanes, an automatic belay device takes up slack as you climb, negating the need for a belayer on the ground. When the climber reaches the top, or if they fall, the device automatically catches the climber and slowly lowers them to the ground.
At Upwall Climbing, anyone can climb!
Address: E!Hub @ Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close #01-105, Singapore 519599
Opening Hours: Mon 2pm-10pm | Tues - Fri 10am-10pm | Sat & Sun 9am-9pm
Admission: $20 Day Pass (Climbing Equipment Rental Included)
Website
LOWER SELETAR WATER SPORTS CENTRE
(opened Nov 2020)
Lower Seletar Water Sports Centre is located in the heart of Lower Seletar Reservoir. Rent a 2-hour kayaking experience to explore the waters and spot the common wildlife there.
Rental rates start from $24 for a Double Sit On Top Kayak (2 pax) or $14 for Single Sit On Top Kayak (1 pax). The session is for 2 hours. Minimum age for water activities is 8 years old.
Address: 100 Yishun Ave 1, Lower Seletar Water Sports Centre, Singapore 769140
Opening Hours: Visit HERE for time slots
Admission: From $14 for a single kayak or $24 for a double kayak (2 hours)
Website
ORIGAMI PLAYGROUNDS
(opened end 2020)
New playgrounds have been popping up since the tail-end of Phase 2 last year and of which, Origami Playgrounds are the new trend with two Origami Playgrounds spotted in Juroing West and Yishun.
Origami Outdoor Playground @ Jurong West
Singapore's FIRST Origami-themed outdoor playground consist of various play elements contained within the main play structures. Kids can test their balancing skills at the swinging hammocks or across the rope lines. Or they can scurry up the climbing wall to reach the top in the shortest time possible.
It is wonderful how the playground stucture integrates slides, climbing, netting, and hammocks into one a colourful Origami Rock Sculpture.
If you have younger kids, there is also a play area with various play structures meant for them. Besides a gentler slide, spinning cups and see-saw, kids can imagine themselves to be bunnies and 'burrow' through a short tunnel to stick their heads into the clear hemisphere.
Read my detailed review
HERE.
Address: Jurong West Street 81, Block 826, Singapore 640826
Admission: FREE
Origami Playground at 3G Park @ Nee Soon South
Located in front of Block 833 Yishun St 81, this teal-coloured massive origami playground at the 3G Park @ Nee Soon South is FREE to play for everyone, and is sure to invlove plenty of climbing and swinging action for the kids!
Designed for kids aged between 6 and 12 years old, the origami structure consists of folded and tilted walls which encompass different play elements. And it is clearly constructed with fun activities for children in mind because the entire playground structure comes with inclined surfaces which makes for imaginative and unique play among kids.
For younger kids and toddlers, there is also a separate playground located beside the Origami Playground with various play structures and elements.
Visit
HERE for my review.
Address: Opposite Block 833, Yishun St 81, Singapore 760833
Admission: FREE
TACTSIM
(opened Dec 2020)
Do note that this is for participants aged 18 years old and above.
TactSim, Singapore’s first indoor Player versus Player (PvP) airsoft arena, is designed as an indoor Tactical Simulator and features advanced moving wall panels which makes playing airsoft there a different experience every season.
Offering a range of realistic equipment and unique gameplay environment, TactSim features multiple programming possibilities incorporating realistic security-related and emergency scenarios. Participants can engage in skirmishes or scenario games against each other in groups, using airsoft replicas that launch 6mm plastic pellets at safe velocities.
Catering to all levels of airsoft enthusiasts, TactSim comes with one target shooting range and two PvP airsoft arenas specially equipped with advanced moving wall panels, creating a different environment for every round and maximising gameplay experience.
Address: HomeTeamNS Khatib, 2 Yishun Walk Yishun, Singapore 767944
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Friday: 2:30pm-10pm | Saturday-Sunday/PH: 10am-10pm | Monday: Closed
Admission:
Player Vs Player (PVP)
HomeTeamNS Member: $35/pax (min 2 pax) 1 hour slot | SAFRA: $45/pax (min 2 pax) 1 hour slot
Target Shooting
HomeTeamNS Member: $30/pax (min 1 pax) 1 hour slot | SAFRA: $45/pax (min 1 pax) 1 hour slot
IMPORTANT NOTE
PVP players are required to wear long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and covered shoes. All TactSim activities (including Target Shooting) require players to be at least 18 years old and above (NRIC or other official identification will be requested upon entry for verification purposes).
Website
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