Discovering the Children’s Museum Singapore with My Little One

The Children’s Museum Singapore is a hands-on children’s museum in the heart of Singapore and is an experience you won’t want to miss with your family. It is interactive and the entire museum was designed to engage the mind of little ones. But it is also designed in such a way that parents can enjoy a good laugh as they reminisce the good ol’ days. Visiting the Children’s Museum Singapore is one of the best things to do in Singapore as a family if you have small children, and here’s why.

Our Experience at the Children’s Museum Singapore

Ticketing Information

Before we got down to the museum, my tip is to get your Children’s Museum Singapore’s tickets before you set foot down in Singapore to avoid the hassle. If you had not purchased your tickets in advance, you will need to walk in, but do take note that sometimes the walk-in queue could be long and the weather quite hot. Please also note that the tickets are free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents (Pink & Blue IC).

Also, the tickets are available to purchase 30 days in advance of the visit and the Museum welcomes walk-ins but it’s not guaranteed. The Museum will be closed for cleaning from 12:45pm to 2:00pm. Read here for more updated ticketing information.

Children’s Museum Floor Plan

First Impression of Children’s Museum Singapore

From the moment we stepped into the Children’s Museum Singapore, we knew that we made the right decision to spend our Sunday afternoon there. It was a museum built for kids from the ground up and in all areas, the details just showed the thought that went into its design. This place was the epitome of interactive as every corner of the museum housed different exhibits, tailored for children to learn and enjoy. Bright colors, interactive displays, and furniture at the right height for children meant that our little one had no problem getting to the exhibits quickly.

Interactive Zones and Play Areas

The first stop on our adventure at the Children’s Museum was at the “ Voyage Back in Time ”. This interactive display is a recreation of a scene from a Singaporean neighborhood many years ago. The concept is that when a laborer finished work, they would unload their rickshaws alongside the river and walk over to collect goods that would then be ferried across the river. I felt the river simulation was such a creative way to impart Singapore’s history of labor in a fun and engaging way. Our daughter also had a good time going from one area of the display to another, as she just wanted to touch and play at the exhibits.

The Boat Ride Display

Next up was one of the most popular sections of the museum and our little one had a blast in this part as well. A section of the museum is dedicated to a boat ride display, where children can climb aboard a boat and simulate what river transportation would look and feel like in old Singapore. Our little one easily hopped onto the boat and before we knew it, she was happily pretending to row the boat. It is a great setup to take kids back in time and allow them to connect with Singapore’s history through play.

Traditional Grocery Store Setup

The next exhibit that we got to see, at the Children’s Museum Singapore, was the “Marketplace”, an entire section set up to resemble a Singaporean shop from yesteryear. Rows upon rows of brightly colored biscuit tins and glass jars, filled with Singaporean nostalgic snacks. It even had old school packaging to accompany the set up, and our daughter was in her element as she went from aisle to aisle pretending to shop. It was a sight to behold and she was fascinated by all the colors and snacks on display.

For me, I was just in awe at how beautifully Singapore’s local culture was represented at this little space in the Children’s Museum, and I couldn’t believe that our daughter was able to see a slice of history up close while also engaging in pretend play.

Learning Through Play: Pay Phone

Our daughter also loved the pay phone that was setup in this section, I couldn’t help but reminisce about my childhood and I found myself grinning ear to ear at my little one’s enthusiasm. The children’s museum excels at how it instills learning through play, with objects that children are familiar with. It truly is a joy to watch and experience.

Traffic Safety Exhibit

A highlight of the museum which also caught my attention was the traffic light road section. In this area, children can learn about pedestrian signals and how to cross the road safely. I especially loved how my daughter took interest in the miniature traffic light and pedestrian buttons. Pushing the button and waiting for the lights to change, we watched in delight as she instructed us to cross the “road”. I am so glad to see a museum that has put practical life skills in their exhibits and truly helps children learn it in a fun and memorable way.

Interactive Scenes from Singapore’s Past

One of my favorite part of the museum was when we encountered a series of interactive displays. They featured life-sized figures, all recreating different scenes from Singapore’s past. This could be a barbershop, a tailor, a kitchen or a family unit from decades ago. Each display was set up to show a glimpse of history of what it may have been like growing up in Singapore in earlier decades. As our daughter made her way through each scene, I was amused by her reaction to the props and figures around her. It was almost as if she was trying to piece together this world that seemed so different from hers, but still, presented in an approachable and fun way.

Pretend Play in a Traditional Kitchen

The traditional kitchen setup at the Children’s Museum was another highlight of our visit to the Children’s Museum. Pretend play areas such as this, where children can pretend to cook or prepare food, is always a hit with children. Our daughter was overjoyed to pick up toy vegetables and place them on the chopping board, as she mimicked my actions and I watched. Stations like this are so important for young children, it develops fine and gross motor skills and imagination. All while having fun.

Our visit to the Children’s Museum Singapore worked up quite an appetite in our daughter. So, we decided to make our way to the nearby Haidilao Hot Pot at Clarke Quay and have lunch there. 

Lunch at Haidilao was a perfect way to round up our family day out as we had a family meal after the busy morning at the Children’s Museum. Not only did it give us a chance to relax and unwind but also gave our daughter another unforgettable experience. We left Clarke Quay that day with smiles and full tummies, grateful for the day full of fun, learning and great quality family time.

Conclusion

Visiting the Children’s Museum was such a rewarding and educational experience for the entire family. The museum has done a wonderful job of creating a space that is both educational and fun for families. If you are looking for a great day out in Singapore, this is one of the best family things to do in Singapore that you should not miss! The interactive nature of the museum, the pretend play stations, and exhibits which impart Singapore history, made our visit to the Children’s Museum a meaningful one for our daughter. 

So, to all my fellow parents who are on the lookout for great family day outs in Singapore, the Children’s Museum is a place to be on your radar. A place where you can watch your children learn, play, and discover in a manner that is not only accessible and engaging, but also one that is lots of fun for the entire family.

Can’t wait to visit the Children’s Museum Singapore again!