15 places where your kids can learn about Singapore's history: SG50 special

Last August, Singapore celebrated 50 years of independence. For such a small country, Singapore has done remarkably well over the years, ably guided by the vision of the late Lee Kuan Yew, a statesman admired all over the world.

The "little red dot" as Singapore is fondly called, is not just about modern high rise buildings and metropolitan living. We also have a remarkable history that weaves the stories of the various cultures and nations that make up modern Singaporean society.

It's important for children to know about the history and culture of their country. This gallery is all about where you can take your kids in Singapore to learn about their heritage.

Keep clicking next - you won’t be disappointed!

1. The National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore is the ideal place to teach kids of all ages about Singapore’s history.

They have various kid-friendly exhibitions and activities (e.g., Masak Masak 2015, Singapura: 700 years) spread throughout the year.

This centre carries the museum’s library collection of about 15,000 volumes of books, rare books, periodicals, etc., all with an emphasis

2. Reflections at Bukit Chandu

Another great place to teach your kids some local history is Reflections at Bukit Chandu.

This restored black and white colonial bungalow is now a World War II interpretive centre that is close to the site of the Battle of Pasir Panjang. In this battle, 1,400 from the Malay Regiment bravely defended the last stand against a 13,000 strong Japanese army.

The centre houses several artifacts, exhibits, and multimedia that take you through Singapore’s war experience. You can also enjoy the stunning architecture of the bungalow.

Where: 31-K Pepys Road, Singapore 118458

Phone: 6375 2510

Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 5:30pm

3. Asian Civilisations Museum

The Asian Civilisations Museum specialises in the history of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia, and West Asia, from which the diverse ethnic groups of Singapore trace their ancestry.

It has an amazing collection of galleries and exhibits and offers many fun activities and programmes for both children and their families.

Where: 1 Empress Place Singapore 179555

Phone: 63327798

Operating hours: Saturday to Thursday, 10am to 7pm; Friday, 10am to 9pm

Admission: Free

4. Chinatown Heritage Centre

Catch a glimpse of what the lives of Chinatown’s early residents were like at the Chinatown Heritage Centre, which re-opens to the public later this year.

Where: 48 Pagoda Street, Singapore 059207

Phone: 6534 8942

Website

Image credit: Pinterest

5. Singapore Discovery Centre

The Singapore Discovery Centre is an "edutainment" and tourist attraction, which includes exhibits displaying the history of Singapore as well as insights into the future.

Some of the exhibits include a storytelling interactive experience showing Singapore's recent history; the theatrical "Singapore Today" shows what life was like in late 20th century Singapore; interactive quizzes let you discover facts about Singapore; and the visually dramatic "future" exhibit shows that war and peace are two sides of the same coin. Don’t forget to head outdoors, where there is a playground and an aircraft display!

Where: 510 Upper Jurong Rd Singapore 638365

Phone: 6792 6188

Operating hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 9am to 6pm;

6. Changi Museum

The Changi Museum provides an emotional exploration of Singapore’s wartime history during the Japanese occupation – ideal for older kids who are looking to learn what happened during this period.

The museum has a collection of paintings, photographs, and personal effects donated by former prisoners of war (POWs). Look out for a series of paintings and sketches by a POW named William Haxworth which provide valuable insight to our rich history.

7. Images of Singapore LIVE, Sentosa

Sentosa is not just about exciting rides – you can also teach your whole family about the history of our country and have fun while you’re at it!

Images of Singapore LIVE is an attraction that showcases Singapore’s history, where you’ll be guided by actors through 15 areas that weave Singapore’s story. Some of these areas include a Malay fishing village, television shop, and Jubillee Cinema.

8. Heritage Trails

We can’t think of a better way to spend a weekend with the family than exploring the many National Heritage Board heritage trails in Singapore. It’s a great way to bond with your kids and experience the untold stories behind Singapore’s streets and landmarks.

Here are two of our favourite trails:

1. Tiong Bahru Trail: Admire the unique architecture in the charming old neighbourhood. Tiong Bahru is also home to many quirky shops and great cafes, where you can pick up a memento or two and a delicious bite to eat.

2. Kampong Glam Trail: Here, you’ll learn that the stretch of Bussorah Street near Masjid Sultan was

9. Kranji War Memorial

This war memorial is dedicated to the men and women from various countries who died defending Singapore and Malaya against invading Japanese forces during World War II. Here, you can see war graves, the Memorial Walls, the State Cemetery and the military graves.

If you visit the Kranji War Memorial with your kids, point out to them that it represents the three branches of the military— the air force, army and navy. The columns represent the army, which marches in columns; the cover over the columns is shaped after of the wings of a plane, representing the air force; and the shape at the top resembles the sail of a submarine, representing the navy.

Where: 9 Woodlands Road, Singapore 738656

Opening hours: Daily, 8am to 6:30pm

Image credit: Huaiwei, Wikimedia Commons

10. MINT Museum of Toys

How can you not take your kids to visit the MINT (Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys) Museum of Toys?! This is the world's first purpose-built museum for toys and showcases a private collection of more than 50,000 vintage toys from over 40 countries. The collection ranges from the mid-19th to mid-20th century.

These toys reflect interesting international cultural trends and historically accurate events that have taken place over the centuries. What’s more, each of them tells a different story that represents the era in which they were made.

The MINT Museum of Toys also regularly hosts fun activities for kids, usually during the school holidays. Just check out their website for details of when these events will take place.

Where: 26 Seah Street, Singapore 188382

Phone: 6339 0660

Opening hours: Daily, 9:30am to 6:30pm daily

11. Memories at Old Ford Factory

This historical building, which was the first Ford vehicle assembly plant in Southeast Asia, was also the site where the British surrendered to the Japanese.

Image credit: Memories at Old Ford Factory website.

12. Peranakan museum

Peranakan Chinese and Baba-Nyonya are the descendants of Chinese immigrants who came to the Malay archipelago and British Malaya (now Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore) between the 15th and 17th centuries (Wikipedia).

It is quite clear that the Peranakan community is an integral part of Singapore’s history and who we are today. So what better place than the Peranakan Museum to take your little kid to.

13. Tanjong Pagar Railway

Perfect for kids with a fascination for trains and railways.

Back in the day, Singapore was envisioned to be the start and end point of a rail network that would stretch west to Calais in France, north to Hankou in China.

14. Singapore City Gallery

A trip to the Singapore City Gallery (formerly known as the URA Gallery) is a great way to witness Singapore’s physical transformation over the past 50 years.

Don’t miss highlights like the panoramic sights and sound show and the Central Area Model light and sound show. You’ll also see architectural models as well as various interactive exhibits and simulations.

Where: 45 Maxwell Road, The URA Centre, Singapore 069118

Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm

Admission: Free; guided tours (11:30am), adults - $6, students and seniors - $4, Children (6 and below) - free

Website

Image credit: Singapore City Gallery website

15. Indian Heritage Centre

The Indian community makes up a significant component of Singapore’s population and has contributed in many important ways to bring our country to where it is today.

If you want to teach your kids about India’s presence in Singapore and how it is culturally and historically important, there’s no better place to take them to than the beautiful Indian Heritage Centre. Here, you will also be introduced to the pioneers of Singapore’s Indian community and their contribution to modern society.

The Indian Heritage Centre is Southeast Asia’s first museum to focus on the Indian culture in Singapore.

We hope you enjoyed reading this gallery. If you have more places to add to our list, tell us about them in a comment below.

Written by

Nalika Unantenne

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