The iconic Marina bay area is definitely a must visit place in Singapore. Wether you are just dropping by in between the flights or living here, there's more to Marina Bay than the pretty Marina Bay Sands hotel. Let's review the places and activities that tiny humans (and their parents) love around Marina Bay Sands hotel. Image Credit: pub.gov.sg
FAR EAST ORGANIZATION CHILDREN'S GARDEN
Video Credit: Good Zela
Since we are blessed with a tropical climate in Singapore the weather is always right for water activities! An outdoor activity that we like even more than a good outdoor playground is a water playground! ‘Far East Organization Children’s Garden’ water playground is yet another reason why Singapore is so amazing for children!
It is so well located in Gardens by the Bay behind Marina Bay Sands hotel and despite its weird name offers lots of wet fun! I can guarantee your kids (and you) will fall in love with this place!
So far this playground has been our favourite, because of its size, location, ambience and because parents can enjoy splashing in water with the little ones too.
Do bring towels and swimwear because it is impossible to not get soaked! On hot and sunny days (which they all are in Singapore) cooling down in this mini waterpark is simply irresistable. Officially it has been designed for children below 12 years old, but from what I observed there is no age limit in practise. All of the family members seem to be joining kids in the wet fun and getting drenched.
Every time we go I tell myself I will not join Thea, because wet mascara leaves me looking like a panda, but she insists that I do and after seeing other parents running around with their kids and having so much fun I usually give in. If not, there is a kind of amphitheatre area with fans for adults to stay in the shade and look after their children.
In addition to the large water play area there is a little place with mini fountains for the tiny tots (up to five years old) to splash in and an outdoor playground next to it (no water) with swings, slides, an obstacle course and climbing structures.
Know before you go:
- Free admission
- No shoes allowed but the surface is soft and non slippery.
- There is a separate changing area as well as public toilets. A cafe nearby serves a variety of snacks and drinks.
- Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive Gardens By the Bay
- Suggested duration: ~1-2 hours
- Avoid going on weekends and public holidays.
FUTURE WORLD: WHERE ART MEETS SCIENCE @ ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM
Video Credit: teamLab
Future World: Where Art Meets Science is a permanent exhibition housed in the ArtScience Museum in front of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. It is an impressive lotus shaped building surrounded by pools covered in thousands of blooming purple water lilies. Truly an Instagrammable place from inside out!
I can't really count the number of times we've been there. Yes, we like it THAT much. I honestly think it's an amazing place for children of all ages, though adults find it very entertaining too. Future world is super- kids friendly and incorporates tons of interactive play.
Initially Thea's favourite activity was sliding down a giant slide made of a cutting- edge digital installation. However lately she seems to prefer drawing with crayons, then scanning her picture under a designated scanner and then waiting for her masterpiece to appear floating on the digital wall installation.
Even though the octopus that she drew (photos below) does not look very pleased she was clapping her little hands in excitement when she saw it floating on the massive digital wall!
In addition to drawing and scanning, children can run and push around giant illuminated balls that keep changing colours, build structures with giant soft blocks of various sizes, jump, slide and explore this incredible exposition that combines technology, architecture, art, design. science and media..
The only downside to this is that it's always crowded which leads to long queues at ticketing counter. Follow this link to buy your tickets in advance and enjoy an amazing digital experience!
Know before you go:
- Opening hours: 10 am to 7 pm daily
- Address: 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974
DIGITAL LIGHT CANVAS
Video Credit: Good Zela
Digital light canvas is a multi-sensory digital installation located on B2 level in the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, the side of the mall nearest to the Helix bridge. This installation combines an LED floor and a 4D vision light sculpture.
Basically it's an amazing giant circle digital screen on the floor over which kids and the kids-at-heart can walk and run on and observe various displays change right under their feet. The displays on the ground change and vary, for example you can watch shoals of fish gathering right under your feet, see diverse calligraphic art or beautiful blooming flowers. Lots of digital fun guaranteed!
Know before you go:
- Admission $5 per person, Free for children < 2 years old and 'Future World: Where Art Meets Science' ticket holders
- Tickets can be purchased at the B2 Retail Concierge Counter near Rasapura Masters.
- Location: B2, Canal Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
- Nearest Car Park: North (Green zone)
- Opening hours: Sun – Thu: 11:30am – 9pm; Fri, Sat & Eve of PH: 11am – 10pm
- Children 6 years of age & below must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
KITE RUNNING @ MARINA BARRAGE
Video Credit: CM Chen
The Marina Barrage is built across the mouth of a 350- metre wide Marina Channel and actually is a reservoir. It is possible to cycle or walk across the Barrage too. However this innovative facility not only helps alleviate floods and supply water to the citizens of Singapore but it also is an amazing place for families.
While a reservoir does not really pop up in your mind when thinking about places to go to with children, Marina Barrage has a massive green rooftop which is perfect for picnics and one of the best places on the island to fly kites because of the gusty winds coming from the shoreline.
Moreover it offers beautiful vistas of Singapore skyline and various vessels in the horizon.
Know before you go:
- Free Admission
- Address: 8 Marina Gardens Drive
SAMPAN BOAT RIDE ALONG THE CANAL AT THE SHOPPES AT MARINA BAY SANDS
Video Credit: J Say
Did you know that there is an actual water canal inside The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands mall? Moreover you can hop on a red sampan boat and the Sampan man will paddle the boat along the canal, under arches, small bridges, restaurants, cafes and fancy boutiques towards the Rain Oculus and back.
The Rain Oculus is an eco friendly installation, a kind of a giant water fountain located 2 storeys above. This massive steel, glass and acrylic inverted fountain structure is 22 meters in diameter and 5.2 meters deep. At certain intervals the water cascades down into the canal below (see the photo below), the spot the sampan boat is paddled around. Over 22,000 litres of water are released per minute so it's a pretty impressive sight to say the least.
We took this ride once and by accident timed it well, because the water started falling down right when we were approaching and circling around it. I'd say this is the best feature of the ride, so make sure you time it correctly. Our Sampan Boat man was very kind and friendly and took a while to circle around the falling water for us to enjoy the view. It may not be the most fascinating thing for an adult to do at the mall, but if you are visiting with children, definitely give it a go.
Know before you go:
- The ride takes about 10 minutes and costs $10 per person. (There is a 15% discount if you can prove that you were travelling with Singapore Airlines).
- B2, Canal Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
- Nearest carpark: Central (Orange zone)
These are the top 5 things my daughter loves around Marina Bay Sands hotel and I'm sure so will your children. Follow us on Instagram (raising_little_travellers) for more places and things to do with kids in Singapore!
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The Ultimate Future World Bucket List- a go to with kids guide
