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Singapore, often hailed as a city where “East meets West,” offers many activities that cater to the developmental needs of toddlers. The nation’s commitment to early childhood education and its array of child-friendly venues make it an ideal environment for young children to learn, play, and grow. This article delves into various activities and establishments that parents can consider to enrich their toddlers’ experiences.
Introduction to Toddler Activities in Singapore
Singapore is a fantastic destination for families with toddlers, offering a wide range of kid-friendly activities and attractions that cater to their unique needs and interests. As a parent, it’s essential to provide your little ones with opportunities to explore, learn, and have fun, and Singapore has plenty to offer in this regard.
Overview of kid-friendly activities in Singapore
From indoor playgrounds and play spaces to outdoor parks and gardens, Singapore has a plethora of activities that are designed specifically for toddlers. Many of these attractions offer age-appropriate toys, soft play areas, and interactive exhibits that encourage imaginative play and learning.
Some popular kid-friendly activities in Singapore include visiting the Gardens by the Bay, exploring the Science Centre Singapore, and playing at indoor playgrounds like T-Play HometeamNS Bukit Batok and Kidz Amaze at SAFRA Toa Payoh.
Importance of exploring and learning for toddlers
Toddlers are naturally curious, and they learn best through exploration and play. Providing them with opportunities to engage in hands-on activities and interact with their environment is crucial for their cognitive, social, and emotional development.
In Singapore, you’ll find plenty of attractions that cater to this need, from nature play areas to interactive science exhibits.
Brief guide to navigating the city with a toddler
Navigating Singapore with a toddler can be a breeze, thanks to the city’s well-planned infrastructure and kid-friendly amenities. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Many shopping malls and attractions have dedicated play areas and nursing rooms, making it easy to take a break with your little one.
- The city’s public transportation system is stroller-friendly, with many buses and trains equipped with designated stroller areas.
- Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, hats, and comfortable clothing, as Singapore’s tropical climate can be hot and humid.
Indoor Playgrounds: Safe Havens for Active Play
Most indoor playgrounds in Singapore offer safe and engaging environments for toddlers. These venues provide controlled environments where toddlers can explore and expand their boundless energy. They are designed with safety and creativity in mind, ensuring that children can play without undue risk.
T-Play HometeamNS Bukit Batok: A popular indoor playground that offers a unique vehicle-themed play experience for toddlers. The playground features a massive jungle gym, a ball pit, and a dedicated soft play area for younger kids. With its safe and engaging environment, T-Play is an excellent choice for parents looking to keep their little ones entertained and active.
- Address: 2 Bukit Batok West Avenue 7, Level 2, Singapore 659003.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday: Closed (excluding Public Holidays & School Holidays).
- Non-Peak (Tuesday to Thursday): 1 PM–3 PM, 3 PM–5 PM, 5 PM–7 PM.
- Peak (Friday & Eve of Public Holidays): 1 PM–3 PM, 3 PM–5 PM, 5 PM–7 PM, 7 PM–9 PM.
- Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays & School Holidays: 10 AM–12 PM, 12:15 PM–2:15 PM, 2:30 PM–4:30 PM, 4:45 PM–6:45 PM, 7 PM–9 PM.
- Fees:
- Off-Peak Rates (Tuesday to Thursday, excluding Eve of Public Holidays/Public Holidays/School Holidays):
- HomeTeamNS Member: $12 per child.
- SAFRA Member: $16 per child.
- Guest: $20 per child.
- Peak Rates (Friday to Sunday, Public Holidays, Eve of Public Holidays, School Holidays):
- HomeTeamNS Member: $14 per child.
- SAFRA Member: $18 per child.
- Guest: $22 per child.
- Off-Peak Rates (Tuesday to Thursday, excluding Eve of Public Holidays/Public Holidays/School Holidays):
Kidz Amaze at SAFRA Toa Payoh: Another excellent indoor playground that offers a range of activities for toddlers. The playground features a giant ball pit, a play structure with slides and tunnels, and a dedicated area for imaginative play. With its spacious and well-designed layout, Kidz Amaze is an ideal destination for families with toddlers who love to explore and play.
- Address: 293 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319387.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 1 PM–7 PM.
- Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays: 10 AM–9 PM.
- Monday to Friday (School Holidays): 10 AM–7 PM.
- Fees:
- Monday to Friday:
- Kidz Amaze/SAFRA Junior/Dependent Member: $8 per child.
- SAFRA Member: $10 per child.
- Guest: $14 per child.
- Saturday, Sunday, Public Holidays & School Holidays:
- Kidz Amaze/SAFRA Junior/Dependent Member: $10 per child.
- SAFRA Member: $12 per child.
- Guest: $18 per child.
- Accompanying Adult: $4.
- Monday to Friday:
Outdoor Parks: Embracing Nature and Physical Activity
Singapore’s urban landscape is interspersed with green spaces that encourage toddlers to connect with nature while engaging in physical activities.
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden: As Asia’s first garden dedicated to children, this venue offers interactive exhibits, a water play area, and nature trails. The garden also features a nature play area with musical wind chimes and wooden dens, providing a unique exploratory experience for children. It’s designed to instil a love for nature and gardening in young minds.
- Address: 1H Cluny Road, Singapore 259604.
- Opening Hours:
- Tuesday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM (last admission at 6:30 PM).
- Closed on Mondays, except when it falls on a designated public holiday.
- Admission: Free. The garden is designed for children aged 14 and below. Children aged 12 and below must be accompanied by an adult. To promote a safe environment, adults are permitted entry only if accompanying a child.
East Coast Park: This expansive park provides a beachfront setting where families can enjoy picnics, cycling, and sandcastle building. The gentle sea breeze and open spaces make it a favourite among locals and tourists alike.
- Address: Along East Coast Parkway and East Coast Park Service Road, Singapore.
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours daily.
- Admission: Free. While entry to the park is complimentary, certain activities, such as renting bicycles or engaging in specific recreational pursuits, may incur charges.
Museums: Interactive Learning Experiences
Museums in Singapore have evolved to become interactive spaces that cater to young audiences, making learning both fun and engaging.
Singapore Discovery Centre: This centre combines education with entertainment, offering exhibits that showcase Singapore’s history, culture, and future aspirations. Interactive displays and hands-on activities make it suitable for toddlers and older children alike.
- Address: 510 Upper Jurong Road, Singapore 638365.
- Opening Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM (Last order at 6:30 PM).
- Weekends, Public Holidays, and School Term Holidays: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last order at 7:30 PM).
- Admission Fees:
- Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents: Free.
- Standard Rates:
- Adults (13 years and above): $10.
- Children (3 to 12 years old): $8.
ArtScience Museum: Located at Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum hosts exhibitions that blend art, science, culture, and technology. Its interactive installations, such as the Future World exhibit, captivate young minds and encourage exploratory play.
- Address: 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974.
- Opening Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Last entry at 6:00 PM).
- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Last entry at 8:15 PM).
- Admission Fees:
- Single Exhibition (Standard Ticket): Prices start from S$22.
- All-Access Ticket: Provides entry to all ongoing exhibitions; pricing varies.
- Concession Rates: Available for seniors (65 years and above), students, children (2-12 years old), persons with disabilities, and NSF.
Libraries: Nurturing a Love for Reading
Introducing toddlers to the world of books can significantly enhance their language skills and imagination.
National Library Board (NLB) Libraries: Singapore’s public libraries offer dedicated children’s sections stocked with age-appropriate books, interactive storytelling sessions, and multimedia resources. These libraries provide a quiet and conducive environment for toddlers to discover the joys of reading.
Play@Library: An initiative by NLB, Play@Library spaces are designed for young children to engage in play-based learning. These areas often feature educational toys, puzzles, and scheduled activities that promote cognitive development.
- Address: 100 Victoria Street, National Library Building, Singapore 188064.
- Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM.
Animal Encounters: Connecting with Wildlife
Interacting with animals can be both educational and therapeutic for toddlers, fostering empathy and curiosity.
Singapore Zoo: Renowned for its open-concept exhibits, the Singapore Zoo offers various programs tailored for young children, including animal shows and feeding sessions. The Rainforest Kidzworld section is specifically designed for children, featuring a water play area and a petting zoo.
- Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last admission at 5:00 PM.
- Admission Fees:
- Standard Rates:
- Adult: S$49.
- Child (Ages 3 to 12): S$34.
- Senior Citizen (Ages 60 & above): S$20.
- Singapore Residents’ Rates:
- Non-Peak Days (Monday – Friday):
- Adult: S$44.10.
- Child: S$30.60.
- Peak Days (Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays):
- Adult: S$46.55.
- Child: S$32.30.
- Non-Peak Days (Monday – Friday):
- Standard Rates:
S.E.A. Aquarium: Located on Sentosa Island, the S.E.A. Aquarium is home to a vast array of marine life. Toddlers can marvel at colourful fish, majestic rays, and other sea creatures, providing a mesmerizing underwater experience.
- Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269.
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
- Ticket Prices:
- Adult: Approximately SGD 35.
- Child (4-12 years): Approximately SGD 23.
Music and Movement Classes: Enhancing Motor Skills and Rhythm
Engaging toddlers in music and movement activities can significantly boost their motor skills, coordination, and rhythmic sense. These classes offer fun activities that engage toddlers in music, dance, and storytelling.
Kindermusik with Love Studios: Offering age-specific classes, Kindermusik integrates music, dance, and storytelling to create a holistic developmental experience for toddlers. Parents often participate, making it a bonding activity as well.
The Little Gym: This establishment provides structured classes that combine physical activity with music, aiming to build confidence and motor skills in young children. The safe and nurturing environment ensures toddlers can explore movement without inhibition.
Art and Craft Workshops: Fostering Creativity
Artistic activities allow toddlers to express themselves, develop fine motor skills, and enhance their creativity.
Abrakadoodle Art Studio: Specializing in art classes for young children, Abrakadoodle offers sessions where toddlers can experiment with colours, textures, and various art mediums. The focus is on the creative process rather than the end product, encouraging free expression.
Little Artists Art Studio: This studio provides tailored programs for toddlers, introducing them to basic art concepts and techniques. The supportive environment nurtures each child’s unique artistic flair.
Parent-Child Bonding Activities
Engaging in activities together strengthens the parent-child relationship while fostering emotional security and confidence in toddlers.
Sensory Play at Tickle Your Senses: Tickle Your Senses specialises in sensory play kits and workshops that engage a child’s sense of touch, sight, and smell. Through hands-on experiences with playdough, sand, and other textures, toddlers enhance their sensory processing skills while bonding with their parents.
Baking Classes at Genius R Us: Cooking and baking are excellent ways to develop fine motor skills and introduce basic mathematical concepts. Genius R Us offers parent-child baking workshops where toddlers can explore ingredients, mix dough, and decorate their baked treats in a fun, structured environment.
Fun & Educational Activities Are At The Heart Of Little Skool House
At Little Skool-House, education goes beyond the classroom. Our holistic curriculum nurtures bilingual proficiency, cognitive development, and social-emotional growth in toddlers.
By integrating literacy-based learning with play and exploration, Little Skool-House ensures that children develop strong foundational skills while fostering a lifelong love for learning.
With over 25 years of expertise in early childhood education, this premium preschool in Singapore has nurtured more than 6,600 bilingual preschoolers. Little Skool-House’s curriculum is designed to develop multiple intelligences, focusing on future adaptability, socio-emotional intelligence, cultural sensibility, and cognitive readiness. They balance academics with social and emotional skills, emphasizing strong relational skills and literacy-based learning. Notably, 93% of their graduates are highly proficient in both English and Mandarin, a testament to their robust bilingual curriculum.
and Mandarin, a testament to their robust bilingual curriculum.