We used to live in Singapore before moving to India, so we enjoy returning to Lion City frequently. Since we stayed there for over ten days this time, Thea and I had plenty of time to revisit our favorite places. So, I am sharing the 6 best museums for kids in Singapore! Recommended by a 6-year-old- written by her mom.
The Best Museums for Kids in Singapore
The MINT Museum of Toys
It’s no surprise that a toy museum is on such a list. And the MINT Museum of Toys deserves to be here. Actually, it’s very well located within walking distance from the Chijmes. Chijmes is a place you must go for a nice meal and ambiance. We had lunch at Prive Restaurant, a matcha latte at Glass House in Chijmes, and then walked to the toy museum.
It is housed in an interesting building. Its halls are narrow, and the building is tall. It spans 5 stories, but since each is so narrow and tiny, the museum is smaller than it looks.
Despite the size, it houses an impressive collection of vintage and modern toys from all over the world, including classic board games, dolls, action figures, model kits, and much more. In addition, visitors can explore the history of toys through interactive exhibits and displays.
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There were board games and activities in each story for us to explore. Some are the usual ones, like chess. Others- are less common, like a game my grandmother in Latvia taught me ages ago.
The museum also offers educational programs for children to learn about the art of toy-making and its impact on our culture; however, they were unavailable at the time of our visit.
Overall, the MINT Museum of Toys is a must-visit for anyone who loves toys. From nostalgic favorites to cutting-edge designs, this museum provides a unique experience for all ages!
Location: 26 Seah St, Singapore 188382. Take Exit C to walk from Bugis MRT Station
The Ice Cream Museum Singapore
This was the first time that we went to the Ice Cream Museum. If I had to describe it in two words- very pink and Instagrammable. It can also be educational if you take the time to read the pink information boards. Basically, this museum is a celebration of all things ice cream and provides a rather unique museum experience for its visitors. Unlike the usual museums where you just look at things and, god forbid, do not touch anything, you can do whatever you want here. Moreover, you can spend the entire day there if you please.
The museum features interactive exhibits, fun activities, and many delicious treats. They’ve got vegan ice cream! I appreciated that because I don’t eat dairy products. Of course, you’ve got fewer choices, but I tried 3 different vegan flavors.
It’s also run differently. You don’t just show up when you want. Instead, there are specific slots that allow a group of visitors in. We chose the slot at 11 am and had to queue and enter the museum with a relatively large group of people. You start by creating an ice cream name for yourself, and off you go on a pink adventure.
Throughout different halls, you get to discover the history of ice cream, learn about its production process, and sample some of the best flavors from around the world. I loved the traditional Singaporean vegan ice cream. So, whether you’re an ice cream lover or just looking for something fun to do in Singapore, this museum is a fun experience!
Thea loved the sprinkles pool the most and didn’t want to leave as with most places she likes.
I recommend buying tickets and reserving your slot in advance. Like that, you have your slot booked and tickets ready and can join the queue to enter the museum when you arrive.
Location: 100 Loewen Rd, Singapore. Unfortunately, there are no MRT stations within walking distance. The best option is a car hire, like Grab or a taxi.
Click here to get your tickets!
The National Museum of Singapore
We lived in Singapore for three years, and I wonder why we never visited The National Museum of Singapore during that time.
It really is a must-visit museum for anyone who wants to have a great time. There are so many exhibits that cater to all age groups and interests.
One of the many highlights is an immersive installation in the museum’s Glass Rotunda called Story of the Forest. It transforms 69 drawings from the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings into 3D animations. I thought this would be what my 6-year-old daughter would like the most; however, although she enjoyed it, she loved exhibits about Singapore’s history. Surprisingly, she found the times under Japanese occupation and colonial times with fancy crockery and clothing the most interesting.
The museum has launched an interactive Family Guide to the National Museum of Singapore called Get Curious, which you can buy in the museum shop! I recommend getting it as it’s enjoyable for kids. This guidebook encourages kids to explore the permanent galleries and discover the exciting stories of highlighted artifacts through themes such as Animals, Colours, Shapes, Transport, and Values.
Overall, the unique blend of historical artifacts, cultural displays, and interactive experiences make the National Museum of Singapore a must-place to visit.
Location: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore. Nearest MRT- Bras Basah Station
The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM)
The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is yet another exciting place for kids to explore the history and culture of the region. It houses a vast collection of artifacts from various Asian countries, from ancient times to the present. Visitors can learn about the different cultures, religions, and lifestyles of people from across Asia and gain insights into their traditional beliefs and practices. The Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM) is super kids friendly. We used to go there frequently when we lived there, and it was nice to revisit it again after a while.
From craft workshops to storytelling in galleries, there is so much for kids to do and learn in a fun way. Thea loves crafts, and workshops are highlights for her.
ACM online resources for children:
Even if you are not in Singapore, your child can learn using the museum’s online resources for children. For example, you can check ACM’s online resources called- Let’s Learn About…
Every month museum folks at ACM publish new learning resources on their website. For example, in April, children (and their parents) can learn about Ivory! In March, the Let’s Learn About… program launched learning material about Bronze! It teaches how metal has been used to make vessels, tools, and statues since ancient times.
Overall, a delightful and entertaining museum for the whole family!
Location: 1 Empress Place, Singapore. Nearest MRT: Raffles Place.
The National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery Singapore is the premier national museum of Singapore and Southeast Asia. It is located in the heart of Singapore’s Civic District and is home to the world’s largest public collection of modern art from Singapore, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. It is definitely one of the best museums for kids in Singapore.
With its impressive galleries, interactive exhibits, and educational programs, the National Gallery Singapore provides visitors with an enriching experience that celebrates art from across the region. From traditional works to contemporary pieces, visitors can explore a wide range of artwork from some of the most renowned artists in Southeast Asia.
What makes the National Gallery one of the best museums for kids in Singapore is its Keppel Centre for Art Education. Located on the ground floor, it houses workshops, digital installations, and hands-on experiences for children and adults.
It’s one of the places that I used to take Thea a lot when we lived in Singapore. The displays change, so it is always interesting to come back. I definitely recommend taking your children here. Everything is one place- amazing art, hands-on learning experiences for children, delicious food, and a museum shop with lots of cute art-related things.
Children’s Museum Singapore
As you can see, there are many fun and educational places for children in Singapore. And the list is ongoing! Housed in a colorful, double-story colonial building, Children’s Museum is the first museum in Singapore dedicated to children 12 years old and below!
What Thea and I like about it the most is that a wide range of interactive and fun exhibits help children explore their creativity and imagination.
From hands-on activities to interactive displays, there are plenty of things for kids to do at the museum. Not only will they learn about history, science, and art, but they will also get to experience first-hand how these topics can be applied in real-life scenarios.
Moreover, this museum is an excellent place for families to spend quality time together while learning something new! We often went to Children’s Museum when Thea was little, and we lived in Singapore. It’s really nice, and I’m sure your kids will love it too.
Location: 23-B Coleman Street Singapore. The nearest MRT is City Hall.
This brings me to the end of this article about the best museums for kids in Singapore. I hope you’ve found it useful and will have an opportunity to visit some if not all of them.
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