Singapore is a brilliant travel destination for any age, of course, but it is one of those rare places that has enough to entertain the sometimes choosy tweens and teens. Here are a some great things do with older kids in Singapore, recommended by Becs Armstrong:
1. Scoot around the city
Where: Go Scoot – Electric scooter hire at Clarke Quay and The Esplanade by the Durian Building
Cost: 2 hrs for $55 – this family bargained down to $40 each for the three of us.
Website
A totally new and exciting way to do some sightseeing around Singapore! Mr 10’s eyes lit up when I said yes to hiring these scooters. This meant that there was no moaning or complaining about sore feet, heat or humidity! Despite the heat, there was a whiff of cool breeze as we sped along the footpaths. The e-scooters were super easy to use: they had three speeds – enough to satisfy the speed demons, yet not fast enough to lose control. Two hours was enough time to do all the iconic sights of Singapore and to stop for a drink and a bite to eat.
Comments from the test group:
Mr 10: “They were so fun, fast and easy to use.”
Miss 13: “Great way to see everything without getting sore feet or tired. It was really enjoyable.”
Mrs 40 something: “Loved it!! It kept both kids happy, cool and clam while sightseeing and it satisfied my inner speed demon especially on the long straight by the Youth Olympic Park. Highly recommend it.”
2. Cat Café Niko no Niwa
Where: 54 Boat Quay
Cost: $13 p/p for the first hour – discounted rate after that
Update: this place closed on 1 May 2022.
This is one of three cat cafes in Singapore. We chose to visit this one because it was the first one to open in Singapore, it is located in easily accessible Boat Quay and others had commented online about the cleanliness.
We booked online and we were welcomed by friendly staff who, after asking us to remove our shoes and sanitize our hands, took us through the history of the cafe and gave us an information chart about each one of the abandoned cats. These cats have been found and rescued from the back streets of Singapore. An hour was long enough to interact with each of the 13 cats and grab a drink and some well priced food from the café.
3. The Science Centre
Where: The nearest MRT station is Jurong East Station. From there, you can transfer to bus 66 or 335, or take a short walk to the Science Centre
Cost: For foreigners tickets start at $12.00 for adults and $8.00 for kids, extra charges for special exhibitions. Have a look at our review here.
Website
The Science Centre is more old-school than the central Singapore glamour, but it is a perfect place for curious tweens. We enjoyed the optical illusions section and the Omni Theatre (you need to pay extra for this).
4. Wild wild wet
Where: Downtown East, nearest MRT Pasir Ris
Cost:Family package $78 on weekdays, $102 on weekends and public holidays
Website
Apparently this water park has recently undergone a major facelift, and more thrilling slides have been added – much appreciated by the daredevil tweens I was traveling with. Great outing for when the kids start moaning about the heat!
Photo: Downtown East
5. Jurong East Swimming Complex
Where: Jurong East
Cost: 2$ on weekdays, 2.60$ on the weekends
Website
If you are on a budget, it is hard to beat the Jurong East Sports Complex. Accessible by public transport – although a sweaty 15 minute walk from the train station – and entrance fees starting at 2$ during weekdays, this place is a bargain. There are slides, a lazy river, wave pool and an Olympic size swimming pool. You can rent lockers and floats with a minimal charge. Apparently they have changed the payment system since our visit, and you may now need to register at the office first.
For more ideas for what to do in the Red Dot, read our posts on what to do with kids in Singapore and review of Universal Studios!
