SINGAPORE – Museums in the island nation offer more than just art exhibitions; they provide a plethora of entertaining and educational experiences suitable for family vacations.
The Lion City has transformed museums from mere showcases of artifacts and artworks into family-friendly destinations for fun and entertainment. These attractions are not just for adults; they offer activities tailored to various age groups, ensuring exciting experiences for everyone.
In addition to regularly held exhibitions, Singapore’s museums also offer a series of themed workshops aimed at providing visitors with knowledge in science, culture, and history. Below are some museum suggestions suitable for both adults and children. Travelers can consider adding these to their itineraries to enhance their next visit to the island nation.
Museum of Ice Cream (MOIC)
As the name suggests, the “pink” Museum of Ice Cream brings a world of delightful entertainment with themed rooms and play areas centered around ice cream. Visitors can explore attractions like the Dragon Playground, Banana Split jungle, or the relaxing California Dreamin’ area.
The Sprinkle Pool is a favorite among children, and adults can indulge in the comfort of foam “sprinkles.” It’s also a featured location in singer Quang Vinh’s journey through “Rediscovering Singapore’s Neighborhoods.”
The “Museum of Ice Cream” is located at 100 Loewen Rd and is open from 10 am to 9 pm daily, except on Tuesdays. On Sundays, it opens from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm.
ArtScience Museum
Situated near Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum captivates visitors with its unique architecture. Both the exterior and interior designs draw inspiration from the convergence of art and science. The museum resembles a blooming flower and two hands cradling the art inside. Notably, most exhibition rooms are designed to embrace natural light, illuminating the artworks within.
One of the exciting attractions for tourists here is the exhibition titled “Future World: Where Art Meets Science.” In the future, the museum plans to curate more unique exhibitions like “Sensory Odyssey: Into the Heart of Our Living World” and “New Eden: Science Fiction Mythologies Transformed.”
The VR Gallery on the 4th floor offers a virtual reality experience that both adults and children shouldn’t miss during their visit to the ArtScience Museum. The museum is open from 10 am to 7 pm on weekdays and is located at 6 Bayfront Ave.
Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum
For families interested in unique architectural wonders, the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is the ideal next destination after the ArtScience Museum. This museum houses over 2,000 displayed specimens and holds fascinating stories about Southeast Asian nature. It’s perfect for nature-loving children looking to explore and learn.
Visitors can “travel back in time” to the beginnings of life on Earth, observing the transformation from the Jurassic period with primitive plant life to the diversity of today’s ecosystems. The museum features 15 different thematic areas covering plants, amphibians, mammals, and dinosaurs, promising intriguing knowledge for both adults and children alike. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm every day except Mondays and is located at 2 Conservatory Drive.
Madame Tussauds Singapore
Another intriguing museum on the list of cultural and artistic destinations suitable for families is Madame Tussauds Singapore. Visitors can encounter lifelike wax figures of Hollywood stars, K-pop idols, and superheroes.
In addition to displaying wax figures of actors, singers, and celebrities worldwide, Madame Tussauds offers entertainment activities and workshops for relaxation and family bonding. You and your loved ones can visit the Marvel 4D cinema to experience thrilling action sequences or try out the unique VR racing experience.
Madame Tussauds Singapore is open from 10 am to 6 pm on weekdays and is located at 40 Imbiah Rd, Sentosa.
Children’s Museum Singapore
True to its name, the Children’s Museum Singapore is a familiar destination for kids and multi-generational families in the island nation. If you’re wondering where to provide your little ones with memorable play experiences, this museum is the ideal suggestion.
The museum is housed in a colorful, historically rich building, offering engaging historical discovery activities for children aged 12 and under. The building, formerly known as the Methodist Book Room, was constructed in the 1970s-1980s. It was later transformed into the Singapore Philatelic Museum in 1995 before becoming the first children’s museum in the country.
Some notable attractions for young visitors include the “A Voyage Back In Time” exhibition and the special “LKY100 – The Boy Who Became Prime” exhibition.
In addition to these attractions, the museum also hosts workshops specifically designed for children, providing fun and memorable experiences. The Children’s Museum Singapore is located at 23-B Coleman St and is open from 9 am to 12:45 pm and from 2 pm to 5:45 pm every day of the week, except on Mondays.
