Father-child time is a great chance to head out, explore and try something new and out-of-the-ordinary. Especially with older children, there are far-flung places to be explored and adventures to be had beyond the shopping centres and playgrounds.
Here are seven great ideas of places around Singapore where Dads can experience some quality time (and epic endeavours) with their kids.
1. Army Museum of Singapore
National Service is a rite of passage for Singaporean guys and a trip to Army Museum of Singapore is an opportunity for fathers to share their personal stories with their children. Especially for little boys who love to “play soldier”, Army Museum of Singapore is a place to be wow-ed by military hardware and even hold a gun at the electronic firing range. The most fun (at least for the kids) is the mini-Standard Obstacle Course where fathers can show the kids how to cross the Jacob’s ladder or build up their confidence at the balancing bridge.
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2. HSBC TreeTop Walk
Suitable for older children, this would be an expedition to remember. Starting at Venus Drive, it can take up to an hour to trek in through the jungle (and along the Singapore Island Country Club) to get to the start of the TreeTop Walk at Bukit Pierce. Crossing the suspension bridge feels like an Indiana Jones moment and provides stunning views of the MacRitchie catchment area. Note: This experience is not recommended for young children who may ask to be carried.
3. Pulau Ubin
Singapore’s other countryside, Pulau Ubin, is found off the coast at Changi. The adventure starts from embarkation of the boat at the Changi Village’s Changi Point Ferry Terminal and continues with the zippy ride across the waters to the Singapore’s rural island. For a quick experience, walk around the Pulau Ubin Town and share a meal together. For a more complete experience, rent a bicycle (or take a one of the island’s taxis) and head out to Chek Jawa at the opposite end of the island.
4. Snigglehunt
Bring the kids for a scavenger hunt under the trees at Bedok Reservoir Park. Operated by the Forest Adventure, even young children can take part in this outdoor Snigglehunt where they need to find clues in the SnigForest to complete the hunt.
5. Prawning
Want to experience the thrill of the hunt? Go prawning with the kids in search of live prawns. Easier and requiring less patience compared to fishing, there are several prawning ponds located around Singapore where you can pick up a rod and hook up a fresh catch. Locations include Punggol Prawning at Punggol Marina, Farmart Centre at Choa Chu Kang, at D’Kranji Farm Resort and Qian Hu Fish Farm in Kranji and Bottle Tree Park in Yishun.
6. Bowling
Hit the lanes and bring the kids bowling. Bowling alleys such as Orchid Bowl at SAFRA Club Houses and Kallang Bowl at Leisure Park Kallang have lanes with bumpers by the sides. These stop the ball from rolling into ditch for beginner bowls and are a great encouragement for children who have never bowled before.
7. Arcades
Visiting a video arcade can be a fun father-child activity. For the little boy who dreams of driving a race car, the arcade is a fantasy come true. Younger kids can also enjoy games such as whack-a-mole and it is a great place for fathers to put their basketball shooting skills to good use side-by-side with their children too.
