It is no secret that I love the tropics. Visiting Singapore this June we experienced a new tropics – one where familiar plants such as bromeliads and exquisite butterflies co-exist within a modern, even futuristic metropolis. I was so glad that we booked a full five night stay instead of a brief stop-over in Singapore on our way to Thailand. Singapore is you see, a city that does family travel well. Case in point – there is something to be said for a destination that has infant seats attached to the cubicle wall in public toilets to allow mothers to tend to their own toileting needs. A crude inclusion in a post about Singapore perhaps but a very real illustration of just how family friendly Singapore is. The toilets were not however the reason we loved Singapore. This tropical, green, ordered city state endeared itself to my family because of the varied activities that engaged every member of our family. Fortunately Singapore has a safe, easy to navigate underground train system (also family friendly) that allowed us to access the attractions of our choice. Each family member chose one from an almost endless list of possibilities. Okay, I received a bonus choice as I made the pick for Little Lady Bub. Here’s the round up our five attractions for five family members, for five days. All of these can be easily accessed via public transport.
Universal Studios (with thanks to Bub 1 for choosing it)
Universal Studios Singapore
My seven year old is theme park mad. He is a little Rain Man in his theme park obsession – ask the child what the height restriction is on any ride around the world and expect a correct answer. Having been disappointed with our experience at Movie World on the Gold Coast I did some inward groaning at his expected choice to visit Singapore’s leading theme park Universal Studios. Stone the crows if I wasn’t blown away though. Universal Studios Singapore is big, bold and impressive. Our family with young children was well catered for – height restrictions, although in place for clearly adult rides didn’t limit my four and seven year olds enjoyment. All of the rides they wanted to access, they were able to. The Shrek and Madagasgar movie franchises feature prominently as attractions for children. For my one year old there were character experiences, a Seseame Street performance and water play. Although Universal Studios Singapore does make a significant dint in the hip pocket a visit there is memorable and enjoyable for the entire family. Sun hats, sunscreen and water bottles are essential for a day at Singapore’s Universal Studios.
Singapore River Safari (with thanks to Bub 2 for his choice)
River Safari Singapore – meeting a manatee
Our family is a fan of aquariums and the Singapore River Safari is unique with its focus on river life. The world’s major rivers are represented at Singapore River Safari (including the Mississipi, Congo and Amazon) and the river creatures on display. As well as the aquarium displays there are some impressive land animals on display including Chinese pandas (crazy cute). This is a good half day family adventure that can be bundled with other attractions such as the Singapore Zoo (next door) but that was enough for us.
River Safari Singapore
Gardens by the Bay (Hubby’s choice)
I am not sure if my husband chose Gardens by the Bay due to his love of science-fiction or gardening. This massive futuristic garden combines exquisite gardens representing Singapore’s major ethnic groups juxtaposed with massive man-made structures. The ambience is consequently both other-worldly and beautiful at once. Dominating the landscape are the giant super-trees that illuminate at night.
Gardens by the Bay incorporates a sizeable water-play area that was unfortunately closed on the day of our visit. During Singapore’s school holidays there are often children’s performances and activities within the gardens. Plan to spend at least half a day at the Garden’s by the Bay.
High Tea (My choice)
High Tea Shangri La Singapore
My personal pick for a family activity in Singapore is to encounter the genteel elegance of a Singaporean High Tea. High tea in Singapore combines Asian fare with the traditional English high tea of scones, finger sandwiches and cakes. Plan your high tea experience to substitute for both lunch and dinner on the day of your outing as there is a surplus of the most delicious food.
While many tourists head to Raffles for high tea we chose instead the Shangri-La, near Orchard Road, and weren’t disappointed. With over one hundred varieties of tea, which can be served iced or hot the service and setting was immaculate. From the children’s perspective, there was a chocolate fountain so they couldn’t have been happier.
High Tea Shangri La Singapore
Jacob Challas Children’s Garden (my bonus pick – on behalf of Little Lady Bub)
Making a new friend in the watersplash area of the Jacob Challas Children’s Garden in Singapore
This beautiful fenced garden within the larger Singapore Botanic Gardens is a tropical oasis for sensory play. Incorporating a waterplay area, tree house, swinging bridge, maze and waterfall families should plan to spend a good few hours there. The Jacob Challas Children’s Garden has the added benefit of being open early (7am) so that families can enjoy spending time there in the cooler morning hours. Entry is free and there is a cafe onsite serving children’s food.
Spotted in the Jacob Challas Children’s Garden in Singapore
A little extra information about Singapore
Where to stay
We stayed at Le Grove Serviced Apartments near Orchard Road. Singapore is more pricey than other Asian destinations and Le Grove is an affordable home away from home for families.
Travel Health
Singpore is a very hot destination. Plan your trip if possible to visit during the cooler times of the year. A visit to your doctor for is worthwhile 6 weeks before traveling to Singapore as some travel vaccinations may be recommended. The mosquito spread infection dengue is present in Singapore so preventing mosquito bites among yourself and your family members is essential.
Bubs on the Move provides tips and advice for parents traveling with small children including attraction and accommodation reviews. I’d love for ya’ll to join us on our adventures by either signing up for the newsletter, joining us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram to receive updates.
Disclaimer:
We recieved media rates at Le Grove Serviced Apartments.
Great post Seana! I’ve bookmarked for future reference – I think Singapore might be next on our overseas destinations list.
Thanks Kate. I hope you do make it to Singapore sometime soon.
The best thing we did in singapore, aside from the the street vendor court, was the night zoo. And we didn’t even have a kid with us at the time! Great additional ideas here.
Hi Eileen, Alas the street vendor court resulted in a nasty stomach bug for our family. Everyone tells us how great the night zoo is but with young kids it is just too late. For next time!
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