Plan your next family weekend outing with this handy guide.
Bringing the entire family out on weekends can be fun yet challenging, especially if you have active kiddos who can’t sit still and are always hungry for the next new experience or adventure. If you’re a mom, picking a place to visit is just one of many things in your long to-do list. When it comes to fueling the moments, the Mitsubishi Outlander has your back in making sure you get to your destination happy, comfortable, and safe. Weekend coming up? It’s time to pack your mosquito repellant patches and ride into these seven kid-friendly places you can visit if you have animal-loving kids.
At time of print, all establishments in Singapore must observe precautions and social distancing rules set by the Ministry of Health (MOH) to ensure the safety of everyone during the pandemic. Most of the places listed here require advance booking so make sure to plan ahead.
1. Gallop Stable
Horse riding has become a lot more accessible in recent years so why not give a go? Gallop Stable is one such place that is open to public (you can even walk-in to visit and have a look around) and they operate from two locations — Horsecity at Bukit Timah and Pasir Ris Park. No matter which location you visit, you’ll get to enjoy plenty of horse- and pony-related activities. If your little one is not ready to take on the big horses just yet, there are laid back pony rides and pony feedings to ease them into it. If they are a little bit more adventurous, Gallop Stable offers riding lessons for all skill levels, trail rides, and even camps and workshops.
Getting to Horsecity at Bukit Timah can be a journey especially if you’re travelling from the east. But you don’t have to worry about losing your way as the Outlander’s 8-inch multi-media touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will allow you to link up to Google Maps to make sure you get to your destination with ease.
Gallop Stable, Horsecity at Bukit Timah 100 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287992
Gallop Stable, Pasir Ris 61 Pasir Ris Green, Carkpark C, Singapore 518225
2. Singapore Zoo
Images from Wildlife Reserves Singapore.
When it comes to animal conservation and breeding programmes, the award-winning Singapore Zoo needs no introduction. Over the years, it has gained a reputation for its world-famous rainforest open-concept and its conservation initiatives. Make sure to let your animal-loving kiddos know that there will be lots for them to see as Singapore’s pride has over 300 species, 34% of which are considered threatened. Take their experience up a notch by signing up for various activities such as educational shows and animal feedings happening throughout the day at different parts of the zoo.
Worried about your kids’ curious fingers while on the road? Engage the child lock on the rear doors before setting off by sliding the lever to the locked position. This will prevent the rear doors from being accidentally opened from the inside. The lock will disable once the door is opened from the outside so don’t forget to enable it again when heading off.
Singapore Zoo 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
3. Night Safari and River Safari
Images from Wildlife Reserves Singapore.
The Night Safari and the River Safari are home to different species of wildlife — nocturnal, and aquatic and terrestrial animals respectively. Like the Singapore Zoo, both parks aim to promote biodiversity and educate visitors about the earth’s fragile ecosystems. The family can explore on foot, by tram (Night Safari) or by boat ride (River Safari), and there are also a number of educational shows and entertaining side activities for the kids. Don’t leave River Safari without dropping by to meet giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia in the Giant Panda Forest!
As parents, safety is paramount especially when you have the entire family in the car. With the Outlander, you’ll have peace of mind knowing that it has been awarded the full 5-star safety rating under the New Car Assessment Program for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP). This award-winning SUV is packed full of safety features such as seven airbags, Active Stability Control (ASC), Hill-Start Assist and ISOFIX.
Night Safari and River Safari 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
4. Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom
Images from Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom.
Ever wondered what it’s like to walk among butterflies? Get a glimpse of that at the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom at Sentosa. This tropical rainforest-themed attraction is home to around 1,500 butterflies and provides an immersive experience for visitors. The kids will enjoy getting up close and personal with the free-flying butterflies as they learn about the metamorphosis and life cycles of our little winged friends. You will also be able to see other small animals like insects, iguanas, birds, and tortoises as you make your way around the attraction.
Why not maximise your family day at Sentosa after your visit to the Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom? Siloso Beach is just a few minutes away and provides the perfect setting for a family picnic by the beach. With the Outlander’s roomy boot, you’ll have space for just about everything your whole family might need — strollers, picnic baskets, extra clothes, and sports equipment. And if you have your hands full or are on the petite side, the Outlander’s power tailgate lets you lower the boot door easily with just a push of a button.
Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom 51 Imbiah Road, Sentosa, Singapore 099702
5. The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum of Singapore
Images from Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum of Singapore.
The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum houses over 500 turtles and tortoises across 40 species and currently holds a Guinness World Record for the biggest collection of these reptiles. In there, you’ll see a number of rare and exotic turtles such as the Sulcata Tortoise, Malaysian Giant River Turtle, Pig Nose Flying Turtle, and Six Legged Tortoise. There are also free-roaming Terrapins and Box Turtles that the kids are allowed to pet and feed (with feed purchased from the museum).
Keep family squabbles on the low by entertaining the kids with their favourite playlists while on the road. Easily access your favourite apps such as Spotify via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for some fun family karaoke to pass time during long car rides.
The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum of Singapore ORTO, 81 Lorong Chencharu, #01-16, Singapore 769198
6. Hay Dairies Goat Farm
Images from Hay Dairies Goat Farm.
Give the kids a behind the scenes look at how their milk is made with a visit to the Hay Dairies Goat Farm. The farm offers visitors a close encounter with farm life as you watch how the farmers carry out the goat milking process and care for the goats in the farm. You’ll also be able to walk around the premises to observe the goats in their barns and take part in feeding exercises. Before you call it a day, don’t forget to purchase fresh goat milk from the farmers!
Thanks to the Outlander’s roomy interior, flexible seating arrangement, and rear air-conditioning blower, you don’t have to worry about space and can keep cool in Singapore’s hot weather. The SUV also has comfortable third row seats if you’re driving out with the extended family.
Hay Dairies Goat Farm 3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4, Singapore 718859
7. Qian Hu Fish Farm
Photos taken before COVID-19. Images from Qian Hu Fish Farm.
The Qian Hu Fish Farm is a great place to visit if you have little fishing enthusiasts in the family. There are several activities to do within the compounds — you can relive the good old kampong days with a little long kang fishing and look at the unique ornamental fishes they have on display at the farm. You can end the day with a fish foot spa where eager Garra fish will help ‘exfoliate’ the dead skin to give you smoother skin on your feet.
Choa Chu Kang may be far but long drives are a breeze thanks to the Outlander’s adjustable seats, you can get there in comfort as you can adjust the drivers’ seat to your preference. The SUV also has easy-to-access controls on the steering wheel where the audio and cruise controls are within reach, so you can keep your eyes on the road and drive safely.
Qian Hu Fish Farm 71 Jalan Lekar, Singapore 698950
