Singapore Zoo Ultimate Guide for Kids and Parents

The Singapore Zoo in Mandai Wildlife Reserve is a fantastic option for a wholesome day out. And we do mean a whole day out because there’s lots to see – from majestic lions and zebras at the Wild Africa exhibit to fascinating reptiles in Reptopia. Both adults and kids also stand to learn from the majestic animals, their keepers, and an array of interactive animal presentations and talks. 

If you’re not sure where to start, BusyKidd’s narrowed down the best things to see, do, and eat at the Singapore Mandai Zoo. And that’s not all! Once you’ve conquered this wildlife attraction, don’t forget – there’s Mandai Singapore Zoo Night Safari, Mandai River Wonders, and Bird Paradise to check out just a short distance away. Check out BusyKidd’s guide to the best zoo in the world!

Related Reading: Check out our guides to Children’s Museums In Singapore, National Museum Of Singapore, Art Science Museum.

KidzWorld Zone at Singapore Zoo

Welcome to the new KidzWorld — Home of the Ranger Buddies! Ignite a sense of wonder for Singapore Zoo animals through close-up encounters and interactive play. With a wide array of activities ranging from water play to sensory play, there’s something to captivate every child.

Seeking more adventure? Embark on missions from the Ranger Buddies Quest to discover the wonders of the animal kingdom and learn how to be a hero for yourself, others, and the Earth every day. Admission to KidzWorld is included with your Singapore Zoo ticket.

There are such zones:

• Animal Land: Get up close with a variety of animals in their specially designed habitats at Singapore Zoo.
• Little Paws: A safe and fun area for the youngest visitors to interact with gentle animals.
• Animal Buddies: Meet and learn about featured Animal Buddies, and even adopt one to take home!
• Ranger Buddies Base Camp: Begin your Ranger Buddies Quest and embark on exciting missions.
• Play Trees: Climb, swing, and explore adventure-filled play structures.
• Splish Splash: Cool off with water play activities perfect for a sunny day.
• Animals @ Play: Watch animals engage in playful behaviors and interactive demonstrations.
• KidzWorld Shop: Find a wide range of souvenirs, including Animal Buddies and other memorabilia.
• KidzWorld Cafe: Take a break and enjoy a variety of kid-friendly meals and snacks.

Ranger Buddies Quest KidzWorld’s Activity

Ranger Buddies Quest offers an interactive and gamified park experience for children visiting the Singapore Zoo or River Wonders.

Discover wildlife and nature with Ranger Buddies Quest! Equip yourself with smart binoculars and the companion app to embark on missions, learn about animals, and earn reward badges.

• Where: KidzWorld (Singapore Zoo), River Wonders Entrance (River Wonders)
• When: Sat, Sun, PH and School Holidays; 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Singapore Zoo), 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (River Wonders)

Pack Walk Singapore Zoo KidzWorld’s Activity

Join KidzWorld for an end-of-day Pack Walk! Guests can accompany the animal friends and their trainers on a delightful stroll and stop to say hello at the end of the walk.

• Where: KidzWorld’s Entrance, Singapore Zoo
• When: Daily, 4:15 pm

Fragile Forest Zone at Singapore Zoo

Fragile Forest Zone is a biodome mimicking tropical rainforest habitats, showcasing diverse wildlife. Despite covering less than 2% of Earth’s surface, rainforests house over half of all terrestrial species.

Inside, visitors embark on an animal-spotting adventure, seeking out camouflaged amphibians and invertebrates like the local four-lined tree frog. The biodome features motoro rays, whistling ducks, Malayan flying foxes, and crowned pigeons.

Up on the viewing platform, encounters include fruit-loving Malayan flying foxes, lemurs, white-faced saki monkeys, two-toed sloths, toco toucans, Prevost’s squirrels, and golden lion tamarins.

Outside the dome at Discovery Outpost, visitors observe invertebrates such as hissing cockroaches and rhinoceros beetles. These creatures play crucial roles in rainforest ecosystems by decomposing fallen leaves and recycling nutrients.

Overall, Fragile Forest Zone offers an immersive journey through rainforest layers, highlighting the richness and importance of its diverse inhabitants.

Here are some animals you might encounter at the Fragile Forest Zone:

• Greater mousedeer
• Lesser mousedeer
• Malayan flying fox
• Two-toed sloth
• White-faced saki monkey

RepTopia  Zone at Singapore Zoo

RepTopia is a fascinating zone housing over 60 species of reptiles and amphibians, including many never-before-seen here. Divided into four distinct geographical zones, it offers multi-species displays, keeper demonstrations, interactive stations, and engaging play elements, creating an exciting and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

RepTopia, marking its first anniversary, highlights rare breeding successes such as the golden poison froglets and azure-dyeing poison frog babies. It also features hatchlings of the critically endangered electric blue gecko, contributing to conservation efforts.

Reptiles, known for their hunting skills and ecological roles as both predators and prey, thrive in diverse climates worldwide. At RepTopia, visitors can explore habitats from the Indo-Pacific to African Jungle, Neotropical Rainforests, and Deserts.

Kids can have a blast at RepTopia with interactive experiences like the dome in the regal horned lizard exhibit, where they can see these lizards up close and imagine being in their desert habitat.

Another exciting activity for children is spotting ‘snakes’ in a bamboo forest, simulating the diverse habitats where snakes live.

Here are some of the animals you can find at RepTopia:

• Electric blue gecko
• Gaboon viper
• Golden poison frog
• Green basilisk
• Panther Chameleon
• Regal horned lizard
• Roti snake-necked turtle

These fascinating creatures showcase the diversity and adaptability of reptiles in different habitats.

Backstage Pass: RepTopia

Get an exclusive look behind the scenes at RepTopia! Learn about the incredible adaptations of reptiles and the challenges they face in the wild.

Witness up-close feeding sessions of our scaly friends, with plenty of opportunities to capture memorable Singapore Zoo photos!

• Where: RepTopia, Singpore Zoo
• When: Fri, Sat & Sun, 1:30 pm – 2:45 pm

Zoolympix

Experience the thrill of Zoolympix, where nature’s prowess meets the spirit of sportsmanship!

From May 25 to August 25, 2024, engage in interactive activities inspired by wildlife and sports. Test your skills alongside nature’s incredible athletes. Perfect for all ages, this summer adventure promises unforgettable fun!

Join the Zoolympix Challenge at Singapore Zoo! Embark on a thrilling self-guided adventure featuring interactive activities inspired by sports and wildlife. Test your skills alongside nature’s incredible athletes. Capture your triumphant moments at thematic photo points and share them on social media using #Zoolympix #SingaporeZoo!

• Where: Treetops Trail, Singapore Zoo
• When: Daily, 8:30 pm – 5:00 pm

Zoolympix Champions Village @ Singapore Zoo Workshops

After completing your Zoolympix Challenge, celebrate your achievement by redeeming completion medal pins and posing at the podium photo point in Champions Village. Share your success with friends and family while enjoying a variety of fringe activities and workshops.

Animal Encounters

Experience close encounters with penguins, fennec foxes, or snakes, and learn about their unique personalities from their friendly keepers. Discover how their natural abilities compare to the skills of sporting athletes.

• Where: Champions Village, Pavilion by the Lake
• When: Till 25 Aug (Thur – Sun), 3:15 pm – 3:45 pm

Ranger Buddies Booth – Twigs & Sticks

Put your reflexes to the test with Ranger Buddy Min! Help collect as many falling sticks and twigs as you can. Complete the challenge to earn your reward pin. Don’t forget to collect the River Wonders design to complete your Ranger Buddies pin set for Zoolympix!

• Where: Champions Village, Pavillion by the Lake
• When: Till 25 Aug (PH, Sat & Sun), 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

DIY Craft Activities

Let your creativity shine by crafting your own ‘Zoolympix Torch’! Perfect for all ages, this activity promises fun and imaginative play.

• Where: Champions Village, Pavilion by the Lake
• When: Daily, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm

Craft Workshops

Discover the joy of eco-friendly crafting workshops! Customize your very own tote bag with adorable animal stamps, transform sturdy PVC canvas banners into stylish pouches, craft vibrant fabric coasters from beloved old clothes, and even learn the art of creating new paper sheets from recycled materials.

These workshops not only spark creativity but also embody a commitment to sustainability by giving new life to materials that would otherwise be discarded. By showing your Challenge Booklet, you can enjoy a discount on these enriching activities.

• Where: Champions Village, Pavilion by the Lake
• When: Till 25 Aug (Sat & Sun only), 9:00 am – 4:00 pm

What to See at the Singapore Zoo

Discover the Singapore Zoo’s rich diversity of global wildlife in immersive habitats that mirror their natural homes. Encounter iconic animals like orangutans and white tigers, and engage in feeding sessions and keeper talks to learn about conservation. Don’t miss highlights such as the Fragile Forest biodome and the interactive Jungle Breakfast with Wildlife. Whether you’re a nature lover or visiting with family, the Singapore Zoo offers an unforgettable experience blending education with forest adventure in Singapore.

Australasia

Visit Australasia at the Singapore Zoo to meet adorable marsupials from Australia, New Guinea, Indonesia, and nearby islands. You’ll encounter familiar grey kangaroos and discover tree kangaroos from Papua New Guinea. Meet a small tree kangaroo family (Makaia, Nupela, and their joey) and charming wallabies from Australia in this special zone.

Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia

Experience Ethiopia’s stunning landscapes at the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia exhibit. Watch agile Nubian ibexes and Hamadryas baboons skillfully traverse steep rock faces. Discover more animals among the crags, such as meerkats, rock hyraxes, and South African ground squirrels. Don’t miss the traditional mud and stone dwelling huts showcasing life in Ethiopia’s Konso and Amharic villages.

Primate Kingdom

Explore Primate Kingdom where monkeys, lemurs, and tamarins each have their own island to play, rest, and find food. Watch the agile white-faced saki monkey leaping through trees and listen for the distinctive calls of the black howler monkey. With lively and playful primates, this zone is a highlight you won’t want to miss.

RepTopia

Visit RepTopia to encounter over 60 species of reptiles and amphibians. Get up close with majestic king cobras and reticulated pythons. Discover colorful creatures such as the electric blue gecko, golden poison frog, Amazon milk frog, and veiled chameleon in this captivating exhibit.

Wild Africa

Experience the magic of Disney’s The Lion King at Wild Africa! Meet Singapore’s very own grown-up Simba among four other majestic lions. Watch them roam alongside the fastest land animal, the cheetah. These big cats live near their natural prey like zebras and giraffes. Don’t miss the African-painted dogs and mysterious fossas in this captivating zone.

What to Do at Singapore Zoo

Discover exciting adventures at Singapore Zoo! Watch the lively Splash Safari sea lion show, learn from expert keepers about various animals, let kids be a zookeeper for a day, and enjoy family-friendly barn experiences at the best Rainforest KidzWorld. Fun for all ages awaits!

Get wet and wild

Don’t miss Splash Safari on your zoo visit! Watch a lively Californian sea lion make a splash, glide through the water, balance a ball on its nose, and do other fun tricks. Shows are daily at 10:30 am and 5 pm at the Shaw Foundation Amphitheatre. Be ready to get wet!

Hear from the keepers

The best way to learn about the zoo’s animals is from the keepers themselves. These experts care for the animals daily and love sharing their knowledge through keeper talks. Join talks across various zones: meet cute meerkats at Wild Africa (1:30pm daily), majestic Malayan tigers at the tiger exhibit (2:40pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday), friendly elephants at Elephants of Asia (11:30am daily), and more. Check out all the keeper talks here.

Be a Zookeeper for a Day

Know a kid who dreams of being a zookeeper? Give them the experience of a lifetime with Singapore Zoo’s Zookeeper for a Day program. They’ll go behind the scenes with the animal care team to learn about animal husbandry and enrichment. The program is available for kids (6 to 12 years old) and juniors (13 years and older).

Have a barn experience

Visit Rainforest KidzWorld for family-friendly animal experiences. Kids can feed goats, watch grooming demos with falabella horses (the world’s smallest breed), and pet rabbits and guinea pigs at Buddy’s Barn. Parents, be warned – your kids might want to adopt a rabbit after this!

Singapore Zoo Memberships

Experience meaningful moments at Mandai Zoo Singapore Wildlife Reserve with their Friends of Wildlife community. Your membership not only grants you annual access to Bird Paradise, Singapore  Night Zoo Safari, River Wonders, and Singapore Zoo, but also priority privileges and exciting wildlife encounters.

Choose from two zoo membership Singapore types:

• Friends of Wildlife: From $215 annually
• Friends of Wildlife Plus: From $265 annually

Both memberships include benefits like parking at Bird Paradise and Singapore Zoo, birthday month gifts, Amazon River Quest rides at River Wonders, members’ events, and discounts on wildlife experiences, F&B, retail outlets, and rides.

What to Eat: Singapore Zoo Food

At Singapore Zoo, dining is a delightful experience centered around sustainability and diverse culinary offerings. Their meals feature sustainably sourced ingredients, ensuring a positive impact on the planet. Whether you’re in the mood for savory local cuisine or a sweet treat, their menu promises something for everyone, with options free from pork and lard.

To reduce waste, they encourage guests to bring their own reusable cups and containers for takeaways, helping to minimize environmental impact and avoid charges for disposable items.

Inuka Café

Enjoy Singapore’s classic favorites anytime! Treat yourself to delicious kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and refreshing chendol, perfect for any meal of the day.

• Where: Park entrance, Singapore Zoo, Public area
• Opening Hours: Daily, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm

Chomel Bistro

Craving local flavors? Chomel Bistro offers authentic Singaporean favorites like nasi lemak, fried bee hoon, and laksa.

• Where: Park entrance, Singapore Zoo, Public area
• Opening Hours: Daily, 10:30 am – 6:00 pm

Chawang Bistro

Satisfy your taste buds with Chawang Bistro’s delicious house specials, Impossible meals, and pasta dishes.

• Where: Park entrance, Singapore Zoo, Public area
• Opening Hours: Daily, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm

KFC (Singapore Zoo Entrance)

Enjoy Colonel Sanders’ famous crispy chicken with his secret herbs and spices at their two park outlets! Pair your finger-lickin’ good treat with KFC’s signature whipped potato or other tasty options!

• Where: Park entrance, Singapore Zoo, Public area
• Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm (Mon – Fri), 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (Sat, Sun & PH)

KFC (KidzWorld)

Everyone enjoys KFC’s famous fried chicken, which is why they have two outlets conveniently located in the park!

• Where: KidzWorld, Singapore Zoo, In park
• Opening Hours: Daily, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm (Mon – Fri), 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Sat, Sun & PH)

Häagen-Dazs

Treat yourself to a variety of ice cream flavors like Belgian Chocolate, Macadamia Nut, and Strawberry to satisfy your craving!

• Where: Park entrance, Singapore Zoo, Public area
• Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

The Wild Mart

Enjoy special animal-themed baos in a variety of flavors, perfect for enjoying on-the-go!

• Where: Park entrance, Singapore Zoo, Public area
• Opening Hours: Daily, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Singapore Zoo Ah Meng Restaurant

Ah Meng Restaurant offers a casual atmosphere and a diverse menu to satisfy every appetite. Enjoy a variety of local and Western delights including chicken rice, BBQ Half Spring Chicken, biryani, and more!

• Where: Opposite Singapore Zoo Tram Stop 1, In park
• Opening Hours: Daily, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm (Mon – Fri), 10:00 am – 4:30 pm (Sat, Sun & PH)

Ah Meng Bistro

In addition to its gourmet sandwiches, pastries, and desserts, Ah Meng Bistro proudly serves wildlife-friendly Owa Coffee. Each cup supports conservation efforts!

• Where: Opposite Singapore Zoo Tram Stop 1,In park
• Opening Hours: Daily, 19:00 am – 5:00 pm (Mon – Fri), 10:30 am – 5:30 pm (Sat, Sun & PH)

Kidzworld Café

Relax at this forest-themed café, offering a playful atmosphere and a variety of delicious treats.

• Where: KidzWorld, Singapore Zoo, In park
• Zoo Singapore Opening Hours: Daily, 10:30 am – 5:30 pm (Mon – Fri), 10:00 am – 6:00 pm (Sat, Sun & PH)

Singapore Zoo FAQ

What is the entry fee for Singapore Zoo? The entry fee for Singapore Zoo is as follows: Adult S$49, Child S$34, and Senior S$20. For the most current rates for Zoo tickets in Singapore and any promotions, please check the official Singapore Zoo website or contact their customer service.

How many hours is enough for Singapore Zoo? Typically, 4 to 6 hours is enough to explore Singapore Zoo and enjoy most of its attractions and shows.

Is Singapore Zoo better than River Safari in Singapore? Both Singapore Zoo and River Safari offer unique experiences. The zoo is known for its diverse range of animals and engaging Singapore Zoo shows, while River Safari focuses on river ecosystems and features creatures like giant Singapore Zoo pandas. The choice depends on your interests.

Is Singapore Zoo worth visiting? Yes, Singapore Zoo is worth visiting. It’s renowned for its open-concept exhibits, diverse wildlife, and interactive experiences, making it a fun and educational destination for all ages.

• Singapore Mandai Zoo Tickets Price: Adult S$49, Child S$34, Senior S$20
• Singapore Mandai Zoo Opening Hours: Daily, 8:30 am – 6:00 pm (Last entry at 5:00 pm)
• Singapore Zoo Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
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