Haven’t been to the zoo since your school days? With your little one, you may now be considering a yearlong membership. Never thought of visiting the Botanic Gardens? Suddenly, that walk in the park doesn’t sound that alien.

When one becomes a parent, one often becomes a tourist in one’s own country. There are also other similarities between new parents and tourists visiting Singapore. Both tote cameras and are constantly taking snaps. Carrying a knapsack filled with all sort of supplies is also the norm.

Here are some of our favourite, must-do attractions for kids in Singapore, for both new parents and tourists alike!

1. Singapore Zoo

A paradise of wonder, kids love the Singapore Zoo for the many animals housed there. Giraffes, lions, crocodiles, pygmy hippos, orang utans and the many other animals make it an exciting day out for the kids. Innovative enclosures such as the Fragile Forest lets you walk among mousedeer and crowned pigeons while butterflies flutter around you. Of course, there is also Rainforest Kidzworld, a kids area with a huge water playground, a carousel and pony rides. With the Giant Panda Forest exhibition and the River Safari, there is even more reason to visit the Singapore Zoo with the kids.

2. Sentosa

Billed as Asia’s playground, we love Sentosa for the number of attractions packed in such close proximity. If your child is old (and tall) enough, the Skyline Luge Sentosa is a must. Those seeking things to do in the water can play at the family-friendly Palawan Beach or head to the Port of Lost Wonder, a kid’s club by the beach. At the 37-metre tall Merlion, listen to the tale of Sang Nila Utama and take in panoramic views from the top. Adventurous ones can even try indoor sky diving at iFly Singapore or take on the MegaZip Adventure Park. When the sun goes down, head to the beach to catch the Songs of the Sea or the Crane Dance at Resorts World Singapore for the evening’s entertainment. It’ll be a great day of island adventure at Sentosa!

3. Universal Studios Singapore

Filled with rides themed after movies like Shrek, Madagascar, Transformers and Jurassic Park, there is plenty to see and do for kids at Universal Studios Singapore. Thrill-seekers can try Universal Studio’s dueling Battlestar Galactica rller coasters, Human and Cylon, while younger children can enjoy milder rides like the Carousel the Madagascar boat ride. Various height limits apply for the rides and you can check the Universal Studios Rider’s Guide beforehand to avoid disappointment. Universal Studios opens from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm. Plan to spend an entire day there and if it is a Friday or Saturday, you can stay on till 9.00 pm to catch a fireworks show as well.

4. Singapore Flyer

The world’s biggest Ferris wheel sits along the Marina Bay. On board the 40-storey tall Singapore Flyer, you will get a fantastic 360 degree view of Singapore – from the new Marina Bay downtown to the eastern heartlands of Singapore, and even as far as the Indonesian islands in the South. A “flight” on board the Singapore Flyer gives kids a whole new vantage point to look at Singapore.

5. Gardens by the Bay

This amazing attraction sprawls over 101 hectares. Found at Marina Bay, the highlight of the Gardens by the Bay are the two dome-shaped air-conditioned conservatories. The larger Flower Dome replicates the cool dry conditions of Mediterranean and semi-arid tropical regions. The slightly smaller Cloud Forest dome rises up vertically with an impressive waterfall and meandering mountain paths. Don’t forget to also wander and explore the rest of the Gardens by the Bay’s other attractions such as the Supertree Grove with the OCBC Skywalk, Heritage Gardens and Dragonfly Lake.

6. Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is divided into three zones, the Tanglin Core, the Central Core and the Bukit Timah Core. While you can enjoy the gardens on its own right, there are also distinctive activities and attractions for kids in each zone. At the Tanglin Core, feed the fish at the Botany Centre or head down to the Swan Lake to see the graceful swans. The Central Core has a waterfall at the Ginger Garden, an Evolution Garden and the Palm Valley, a popular picnic spot, particularly when there are free concerts at the Symphony Lake. The highlight for children at the Botanic Garden’s Bukit Timah Core is the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. Here, the usual tables are turned and the adults need to be accompanied by children. There is a treehouse, swaying bridge, water play area, maze and other kid-sized attractions that are sure keep them busy and entertained.

So there you have it, our list of top Singapore attractions for kids. The next time you have friends visiting Singapore, share these attractions with them and have a great Little Day Out with them too!

Best of Singapore for Kids 2013 eBook

For even more insights, get this free ebook – Best of Singapore for Kids 2013 – a specially compiled resource from the collective wisdom of parents!