Singapore Botanic Garden '€” Jacob Ballas Children'€™s Garden

Since turning 50, Singapore is offering more attractions for the world'€™s citizens to indulge in.

Attractions appealing children and adults alike aren'€™t a new trend in Singapore. Many of today'€™s parents grew up remembering the country as a fun, family friendly destination. Decades later, the country which turned 50 last month is reinforcing its position as a destination for everyone, including those visiting the island city-state with their own children.

Back in the days, places like The Science Centre Singapore (now known as Singapore Science Centre) and Singapore Zoological Garden were among the top family destinations. These attractions have changed with the times, transforming into modern centers.

The Singapore Science Centre is a technological institute that has been a famous educational destination for decades. Young parents who visited this interactive museum in their childhood are now bringing their children to see the upgraded center. Despite new places being built around mainland Singapore and Sentosa Island, the Singapore Science Center is still favored by many with its changing exhibitions that highlight current issues such as tsunamis and haze.

Wildlife Reserves Singapore has been operating animal-themed family destinations, namely the Singapore Zoo and Jurong Bird Park, since the 1970s. Recently adding the Night Safari and River Safari to complement the attractions, children can experience animal encounters beyond the regular tiger, elephant and monkey. Those taller than 1.06 meters can take the Amazon River Quest boat ride with parents to explore wildlife from South American tropical rainforest.

More developments are taking places in the country. Sentosa Island, famous for its beach and aquatic attractions, received a facelift with the arrival of Resort World Sentosa in 2010. Sentosa can keep families busy for days. Amusement Parks ranging from the legendary Universal Studios to the newly opened Adventure Cove Waterpark require at least one full day each to explore. Animal encounters like the Dolphin Island and S.E.A. Aquarium provide alternatives for families with younger children who are still under the height requirements for the parks'€™ rides and slides.

Parents who grew up riding the scenic cable car ride on the island can reminisce and introduce their children to the experience. Once you'€™re back on the ground, take the train that runs along the beach and stop by what'€™s been as dubbed as Singapore'€™s happiest family beach, Palawan. Fun can be seen right on through the Port of Lost Wonder, a kids club on the beach aimed at children aged 3 to 10 years old. A little further down the endless sand and occasional playground is the suspension bridge to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia.

Gardens By The Bay is one of Singapore's appeals

Free of charge

As splurging isn'€™t for everyone, free-of-charge child-friendly attractions are available throughout the country. Jacob Ballas Children'€™s Garden, which is located inside the well-known Singapore Botanic Garden area, is free for children under 12 years old and their families. Staying true to its name, adults can only enter the area if there is at least one child in the group and children are only allowed in if there is one adult to care for them. The garden is fun as well as educational, collecting plant species from around the world and combining them with interactive play that appeals to young visitors.

Another complimentary garden is the outdoor area of Gardens By The Bay. Just right behind the famous Marina Bay Sands, this 101-hectare garden is divided into Bay East and Bay South Gardens. Children can play until late on the weekend at the Far East Organization Children'€™s Garden, which has a waterpark as well as 7.5 m-tall rainforest tree house connected to a forest trail.

Also at Marina Bay, the uniquely shaped ArtScience Museum may fascinate the whole family. Each exhibition, like the recent Dreamworks and The Deep, offers creative corners in which children can create masterpieces to bring home. Look for free admission to selected exhibitions. Visit the uniquely shaped museum on Family Friday when paying for an adult ticket means no entrance charge for up to four children to the museum. Otherwise, check its family rate. While you'€™re in the area, make sure to check out the public laser and light show in front of Marina Bay Sands. The show takes place on weeknights and three times on weekends, starting at 8 p.m.

An entertaining day requires a relaxing night. Many accommodations offer facilities that will make your stay in Singapore more comfortable. Ramada Singapore at Zhongshan Park, for example, has an outdoor swimming pool for children who seem to have endless energy and a complimentary shuttle to and from Novena MRT Station and Orchard Road for easy access to the city. Save more by booking holiday packages such as the Fun-tastic Singapore Summer Package offered by Ramada and Days Hotels Singapore.

Having more family members doesn'€™t always require you to spend more, especially when it comes to transportation. Children below 0.9m travel free on the MRT and buses when accompanied by an adult. Children younger than 7 years old and taller than 0.9m can apply for a Child Concession Card and travel at a lower price.

'€” Text & photos Ruth Ninajanty