5 must-visit places to bring your kids in Singapore

SINGAPORE — Though the tiny citystate is known as a business hub, home to Asian business headquarters and too-many-to-count conglomerates, Singapore is slowly becoming a center for entertainment.

With over half the country’s acreage devoted to hawker centers, converted churches-turned-restaurant-rows, shopping malls transformed into a kind of retro drive-in movie theater (the new Ion shopping mall airs movies on a large screen on certain balmy weekend nights), they’ve succeeded in answering the question of most tourists after a satisfying meal: Well, what do we do now?

Since the night safari and Sentosa’s beaches are already established, family-friendly spots, we list several places you can haul your kids — and like-minded friends — to on a sunny day.

Universal Studios

Good news. Universal Studios opened in Singapore, making it a key destination for families who enjoy long days, sweating it out a theme park, going nuts over souvenirs and catching more shows than humanly possible. The park in Sentosa boasts 24 rides and attractions, including the unmissable Battlestar, a behemoth of a roller coaster with dips and curls that would make a seasoned adrenaline junkie think twice about lining up (which is part of its charm, I think).

There’s plenty of family-friendly fare here, including shows that play every three hours or so (be sure to check the schedules posted a few meters from the entrance) from Madagascar performances on the walk to full-on Broadway type shows in a cool theater.

Divided into seven zones, the park consists of Madagascar (the jungle-themed animal animated movie has a mustn’t-miss photo-op site featuring a larger than life boat), Ancient Egypt (The Mummy-inspired area features a wild, indoor roller coaster that zips about in breathtaking speed), Lost World (Jurassic Park lovers should try the boat ride, but come prepared with a poncho and get ready to get drenched). Sci-Fi City (home to the Battlestar Galactica ride), Far Far Away (an awesome 4-D experience awaits: 3D video featuring the characters of Shrek that includes sense and smell as well), New York (Sex and the City fanatics can recreate their favorite scenes here on picturesque landmarks) and Hollywood (an old-world ode to great American classics).

Ticket prices don’t come cheap. Expect to shell out about S$66 for a one-day pass for adults (with a handy rebate for food and gift store purchases) and S$48 for kids. (Add another S$5 for weekend rates.) The park gets full pretty quick, so err on the safe side and purchase tickets ahead of time online, instead of being one of the unlucky ones who arrive after lunch only to be met with a sold-out sign at the ticket booth.

Mint Museum of Toys

If toys are the key to a child’s heart, then this place is kid catnip. Owned by an avid toy collector who has trolled the world — including, one suspects, auction houses and eBay with equal fervor — for anything rare and special (toys are considered special if they are in mint condition, from a limited collection or contain flaws). Tchotchkes from Russia, China, the US, Poland and plenty of other countries pepper the shelves of this museum.

Kids can appreciate history — since what’s a better barometer for pop culture and culture in general than toys? — through the perspective of dolls, like vintage kewpie dolls and Barbies. Rin Tin Tin, Popeye and their kin such as early Americana artifacts share building space (there are about four floors to cover) with serious sci-fi memorabilia (Star Wars, Star Trek fanatics should go berserk). Parents can talk a walk down memory lane. Seeing all those AstroBoy figurines made me yearn for the old days — and a chance to feel like a kid again, something a little trip to Mint can provide.

Visit www.emint.com for more info.

Singapore Art Museum

I know, I know. You’re on vacation and the last thing you need is to take your kids on a field trip. Well, the Singapore Art Museum, which boasts a classic contemporary collection, including works by a cast of artists from all over Asia, intends to hold regular day events on the lawn with kid-friendly interactive art spread throughout. So kids can play and learn a thing or two in the process.

The museum at 8 Queen Street will play hosts to kids at the Art Garden, part of their inaugural efforts for Children’s Season which recently began and runs till July 18. Expect a garden transformed by art inspired by nature, engaging kids with workshops as well as short films.

Visit the Singapore art museum site at www.singaporeartmuseum.sg for more info.

The Wavehouse

Home to Asia’s sole Wave House ( the other three can be found at Durban in South Africa, San Diego in California and Santiago in Chile) the Sentosa-based resort, just at the edge of the beach, lures tourists and surfers alike by its famed wave generator. Dubbed “The Wave” and invented by Tom Lochtefeld, it’s a “full-flower, FlowBarrel sheet wave that approximates a roaring 10-foot wave when cranked to setting 10,” according to its owner, Terry Goh. Don’t despair, though. It’s often at a reasonable setting that allows kids to enjoy surfing or wakeboarding in a safe environment without worrying about being drowned by an oversized wave. Parents beware, though. The Wave House is teeming with hot surfer dudes and chicks from all over the world — so be sure to keep your eyes trained on the kids at all times, instead of the hot bods in the crowd. 

Underwater World

There’s more to water parks then dancing dolphins and chlorine. Kids can play with informative interactive exhibits, like glass displays that allow you to stick your hand in and try to coax a little sea worm to come out of play for 10 minutes (not that I did that). There’s plenty for families to see — and do — here. Slip your hand in to touch gentle rays or go the deep end and swim with sharks (no diving experience required necessary). Visit the fur seals or the pink dolphins. Pet a snake (they don’t swim though) or make friends with a sea cow (that’s dugong, to you). Kids can exhaust a good half a day — and, for parents, it’s a good place to while away time on a hot day.