When it comes to preserving heritage and creating spaces that both educate and entertain, Singapore certainly is tops. The island is home to a plethora of museums, each filling a specific niche. If it culture you’re looking for, head to the Asian Civilisations Museum and sign up for one of its interactive weekend courses where your child can make finger puppets, jewellery and much more. Or swing by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum for a riveting look into Southeast Asia’s amazing biodiversity.

For a glimpse into Singapore’s history, take them down memory lane at Kampong Lorong Buangkok, or spend a fun afternoon at the MINT Museum of Toys to learn about the different trending toys across the decades. Alternatively, enjoy an unconventional afternoon with older children at Haw Par Villa, which depicts the various levels of Hell.

Adventurous tots will also find plenty to satisfy on the Red Dot, as there’s plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities to ensure a stellar day out. For starters, zoom around the track in a nifty go-kart experience at Maximum Drift, zoom down the Skyline Luge or take flight at iFly on Sentosa Island. Older kids will enjoy an hour of vigorous paintball at Red Dynasty Paintball Park or a soaking good time with a spot of cable-skiing at the Singapore Wake Park.

Singapore may not have gorgeous beaches like those within her Southeast Asian neighbours, but she does have enough to satisfy. If you’re bored of taking the little ones for a weekend dip at Sentosa Island, then hop on a ferry to Lazarus Island or St John Island for its blue waters and crowd-free shores. The tranquil waters are perfect for smaller children, and it’s easy enough to pack a delish picnic to go with. If you’re not willing to stray too far, then hit Parkland Green along East Coast Road for a dose of Vitamin Sea.

Singapore’s one of the region’s greenest cities, and there’s plenty of not-so-hidden pockets to explore its gorgeous biodiversity. Plan a day out with nature by taking a ferry to and biking around Pulau Ubin, which is home to a wonderful mangrove system, unwinding at the Singapore Botanic Gardens or heading to the Sungei Buloh Wetlands Reserve to watch migratory birds and native inhabitants such as mudskippers, crabs, shellfish, wamonitor lizards and otters. For a little relaxation, stroll through the MacRitchie Treetop Walk or meander through the Southern Ridges for fresh air, sunshine and more.

There’s quite an impressive food heritage to be found here, and there’s no better time to expose your child to the various cuisines and flavours. On your next free weekend, spend the day trying out different local dishes at some of Singapore’s best hawker centres; think chicken rice at Maxwell Food Centre, carrot cake at Zion Riverside Food Centre and oyster omelette at Berseh Food Centre. Alternatively, sign up for a local food tour with an experienced guide on WithLocals or join a cooking class with Palate Sensations. Wind down afterwards with the Ang Ku Kueh Girl at the Adventures in Food Wonderland light projection show at Ion Sky along Orchard Road.

Text: Hazel Joanne Vincent de Paul