2023 is almost at an end and it has been an amazing year. After the last two years of the pandemic, 2023 brought along with it some return to normality with new family-friendly places and activities.
We take a look back, no particular order, at some of the best and our favourite family-friendly experiences and new openings for kids in families in 2023.
New Family-friendly Attractions, Experiences & Activities in 2023
Bird Paradise
The biggest attraction to open in Singapore in 2023 is Bird Paradise. With massive walk-in aviaries, free-flying birds, shows and playgrounds, Bird Paradise is a fun place to spend a day out with the family marvelling at the wonders of nature.
Read more about what to expect at Bird Paradise.
KidzWorld at Singapore Zoo
Step through the gateway of the KidzWorld and enter into a world that is just perfect for kids to explore and encounter animals. There is a treehouse-themed playground that spans two levels with slides and rope ramps leading down to the playground below. There is a water maze that is constantly changing, providing kids with plenty of fun as they try to dash through the passageways of water.
Head to Animal Land, the outdoor animal area and the Little Paws indoor petting area where you can find many different varieties of small mammals.
The Ranger Buddies Base Camp can be found right beside the entrance of KidzWorld. Head to KidzWorld to sign up for the Ranger Buddies Quest; kids can complete a mission and learn about how they too can be heroes through their everyday actions.
Find out more about Kidzworld at Singapore Zoo.
The Bus Collective
A staycation on a bus? Transportation fans will be thrilled to hear about The Bus Collective’s new hotel concept right next to Changi Village. Not only is it close to popular food spots, but the bus resort hotel is also a stone’s throw away from Changi Beach and accessible for daytrippers visiting Pulau Ubin!
Read about our experience at The Bus Collective.
HyperDrive
Race away at HyperDrive, the indoor go-kart circuit at The Palawan that opened in August 2023. HyperDrive at The Palawan features a three-level race track. Novice level go-karts can go up to a top speed of 30km/h while the advanced level ones max out at 50km/h. It meanders around the indoor space with 14 turns to challenge driving enthusiasts as well as a straightway for those who feel the need for speed.
Get more details about HyperDrive.
Hay Dairies Goat Farm (New Location)
Hay Dairies is now at a new location opposite from Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. We appreciate how the new location makes it a lot more accessible. There is now a viewing gallery at the milking barn and you can still feed the goats at their modern barns.
Get more details about Hay Dairies Goat Farm.
Splash Tribe
Splash Tribe is an all-new family beach club at The Palawan @ Sentosa. A day out at Splash Tribe is a chance for families to soak in the sun, lay back with a refreshing drink in hand and simply enjoy time together along with the cool sea breeze. Active kids can make a splash at a sandcastle-themed water playground, while the parents enjoy a soak in the infinity pool.
Get more details about Splash Tribe.
Aqua Adventure & Action Motion
As Singapore’s first integrated all-weather, water adventure centre, the three-storey high Aqua Adventure has different play elements for those seeking out fun with family and friends.
It’s sister attraction Action Motion opened in January!
Get more details about Aqua Adventure at HomeTeamNS Bedok.
The BattleBox
The BattleBox may not be new but it is under new management. Entry is now free and you can explore the command bunker at your own time. It is a historic place to visit and to learn about the past.
Find out more about The BattleBox.
Punggol Regional Library
In April this year, Punggol Regional Library, Singapore’s fourth regional library, fully opened. Levels One and Two of Punggol Regional Library are devoted to early literacy and the children’s section respectively. And there so many different zones and spaces that make it one of our favourite libraries.
Read more about Punggol Regional Library.
Gallop Stable @ Downtown East
Gallop Stable @ Downtown East has opened offering a horse and pony rides, stable tours and workshops for equestrian fans a chance to get up close to the four-legged animals. It adds a new dimension for those looking for things to do while at Downtown East and D’Resort.
Find out more about Gallop Stable @ Downtown East.
Tayo Station
Tayo Station at Downtown relaunched in September 2023 and spans a vast space of 10,000 square feet. Inside Tayo Station, there are plenty of play activities, providing more fun and learning for kids.
Get more details about the revamped Tayo Station.
SkyPark by Kiztopia at Orchard Cineleisure
SkyPark by Kiztopia at Orchard Cineleisure comprises 8,000 square feet of play space for the young-at-heart. We found all the climb and bounce that kids have come to expect of a Kidztopia playground, as well as some new elements that that would easily keep tweens and even teens challenged.
Find out more about SkyPark by Kiztopia.
Bee Hive and Whale Playground
Kids can buzz about like busy bees at Clementi NorthArc and its bee hive playground that opened in March 2023. The elevated playground take kids up off the ground as they get to play from tower to tower.
A whale playground also opened close by in October.
Get more information about the bee hive playground.
Maxi Drift Bumper Cars
Unlike other bumper cars that turn normally around a corner, the Maxi Drift Bumper Cars at Jurong Point can be manoeuvred to swing around a corner with the tail first. It was a fun way to tackle a bend in style and. because these are bumper cars, there is the added excitement of bumping into others too!
Find out more about the Maxi Drift Bumper Cars.
Whampoa Park
Whampoa Park provides a green, open space with two playgrounds that cater to different age groups, a pet park and even a ninja challenge course for teens and above. It is also close to the famous Whampoa Market and Food Centre, making it a convenient spot for a day out.
Read more about Whampoa Park.
KPMG Wellness Garden
The KPMG Wellness Garden transforms one of the ponds along East Coast Park into a multi-generational with a nature playgarden and therapeutic garden for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and nature.
Find out more about the KPMG Wellness Garden.
Following an extensive refresh that was undertaken during the pandemic, the Singapore Navy Museum reopened to the public in June with the central theme of “Maritime Force for a Maritime Nation”. The museum’s galleries tell the story of the Singapore’s Navy beginnings and the modern role that it plays. It also hosts activities during the holidays.
Find out more about Singapore Navy Museum.
Villa Verde Park
The new Villa Verde Park playground is a bright and colourful structure. Inspired by the adjacent Rail Corridor, it looks like a train with various carriages lined up in a linear fashion. The Villa Verde Park Nature Playgarden also takes inspiration from the trains that once ran from Singapore to Malaysia. Wooden logs create a make-believe train and also act as balancing beams that kids can walk along.
Find out more about Villa Verde Park.
And can you believe that it was only in February this year that the Rail Corridor North was actually opened? Seems like such a long time ago!
Skate Park at Jurong Lake Gardens
Singapore largest outdoor skate park has opened at the northern end of Jurong Lake Gardens, part of Lakeside Garden section of the park in April. It has areas for novice skaters such as mini ramp area and a mini bowl along with a parkour area too.
Get more information about the Jurong Lake Gardens skate park.
Pasir Panjang Park
A new 2.2 km section of Pasir Panjang Park opened in September. It now includes two rest shelters made from repurposed shipping containers at Pasir Panjang Park. These pay tribute to the maritime heritage of Pasir Panjang.
Find out more about Pasir Panjang Park.
Yishun Glen Playground
One of the newest playgrounds in Yishun is made up of three separate play areas, each offering different elements of fun for kids. There is a nature-themed playground, bouncing springer, play blocks, an interesting see-saw and more.
Find out more about Yishun Glen Playground.
Slingshot Singapore
Calling all daredevils! Get a taste of what it is like to be a human cannonball catapulted skyward at a speed of 160 km per hour. While the ride lasts just two minutes, you will be able to enjoy spins and 360 degree twirls while in the air before being lowered back to the ground.
Get more details about Slingshot Singapore.
Sembawang Park Nature Playgarden
Located a stone’s throw away from Sembawang Park’s battleship playground, the 2,200 square metre Sembawang Park Therapeutic Garden has various features including a nature playgarden are where there are elements such as boulders, wooden tepees, log clusters and wooden balancing beams.
Find out more about the Sembawang Park Therapeutic Garden and its nature playgarden.
Westscape @ Bukit Batok Playgrounds
Westscape @ Bukit Batok Playgrounds offer kids a chance to experience different forms of playscapes, from a netted climbing tower to a nature-themed playground.
Find out more about the Westscape @ Bukit Batok Playgrounds.
Lazarus Sea Sports Centre
Lazarus Island got an upgrade this year with the Lazarus Sea Sports Centre. It offers a range of non-motorised water activities, such as stand-up paddling, kayaking and floating yoga boards – a first in Singapore – for visitors to participate in amid the scenic waters of the Southern Islands. There is also now a convenience store on the island, making it a more welcoming to visitors.
Find out more about what’s new at Lazarus Island.
Rink @ Punggol East
The 12,000 square feet, fully sheltered rink offers a wide variety of rollersports equipment and also provides access to the riverside connector at Punggol.
Get more details about Rink @ Punggol East.
Hills & Ribbon Playground
Just beside Margaret Drive Hawker Centre, the SkyResidence @ Dawson playground, known as the Hills & Ribbon Adventure Playground opened earlier this year. It offers kids a chance to have fun surrounded by the neighbourhood’s towering blocks.
Find out more about the Hills & Ribbon playground.
Keppel Centre for Art Education, National Gallery Singapore (Revamped)
This child-centric part of the Gallery has always been a popular go-to for families. With the refresh, visitors can experience interactive and stimulating zones. Families can engage in highly sensory and tactile activities, as well as rest and read at new spaces. Wander through the colourful spaces inspired by the Gallery’s artworks, then express the creativity through open-ended play.
Read about our experience at Keppel Centre for Art Education.
