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6 Essential (And Muslim-Friendly) Tips For Families Visiting Gardens By The Bay

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Atiqah Mokhtar •  Aug 25, 2020

Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions. Since the reopening of its award-winning conservatories (Flower Dome and Cloud Forest) last month, many are excited to visit the beautiful gardens once more. With plenty to astound both adults and kids alike, it’s time to plan a fun day out here with your family. And to help you out, we’ve rounded up some essential tips for families visiting Gardens by the Bay!

Note: Currently the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Far East Organization Children’s' Garden and Outdoor Gardens are open to all visitors. For further updates on the reopening of other attractions at Gardens by the Bay, you can refer to their website.

1. Buy your tickets in advance

To ensure safe distancing, all visitors need to purchase timed-entry tickets for their visit to the Conservatories. You can book your tickets online on the Visit Singapore website, via the Gardens by the Bay Mobile App, or on the Gardens by the Bay website

The physical ticket counters at Garden by the Bay are closed, so do be sure to buy your tickets online in advance of your visit ? It’s best to be punctual and arrive within your allocated time slot, as entry may not be allowed if the following time slots are already full!

2. Follow the new measures in place for a smooth and safe visit

Visit the Gardens by the Bay with your family with peace of mind, as the attraction has guests’ safety as its top priority! New measures have been put in place to ensure a safe environment, with Gardens by the Bay being awarded the SG Clean Quality Mark by the Singapore Government.

Credit: Gardens by the Bay on Facebook

When you arrive at the Conservatories for your visit, you’ll need to check-in via SafeEntry  - simply scan the QR Code available at the entrance or activate it via the Gardens by the Bay Mobile App. Do be sure to have your timed-entry tickets ready for admission! There will also be temperature screenings prior to entry.

#HHWT Tip: Please note that re-entry is not permitted once you have left the Conservatories! 

Credit: Gardens by the Bay on Facebook

For families or groups, your group size should not exceed 5 people, and each guest or group are to keep at least a 1-metre distance from each other. A mask must be worn at all times, except when eating and drinking or when performing a strenuous activity such as jogging, cycling in the outdoor gardens.

To help maintain safe distancing, Gardens by the Bay has put in place measures including floor markers, one-directional flow of visitors and also hand sanitiser dispensers available at key areas throughout the Conservatories for guests to use.

3. Refuel on halal food available

After spending the day at Gardens by the Bay, you’re bound to need some refuelling. And luckily, you can choose from the following halal restaurants that are open (which are also bound to please the little ones too!):

  • Texas Chicken located in the Supertree Food Hall (opening hours from 11am to 7pm).
  • Makan by the Bay stall at Satay by the Bay (opening hours from 10.30am - 10pm, closed on Mondays).
  • McDonald's located close to the Golden Garden (opening hours from 11am to 8pm).

Do be sure to adhere to the safe distancing measure in place at these restaurants as well! 

Note: The musollah at Gardens by the Bay is temporarily closed till further notice.

P.S. For more options, check out our ultimate guide to halal food around Marina Bay!

4. Use family-friendly facilities available to have a more comfortable trip

For families with babies that might need a nappy change or a feeding session, there are multiple nursing rooms available at the following locations:

  • Golden Garden (near the Information Counter)
  • The Canopy (near the entrance to Flower Dome)
  • Supertree Food Hall
  • Far East Organization Children's Garden
  • The Meadow

Do note that the nursing rooms located inside Cloud Forest and Floral Fantasy are currently closed until further notice. 

Strollers are also available for rent, so you won’t have to worry about your little ones getting tired when walking through the Conservatories or the outdoor gardens! You can rent a stroller (meant for young children with a weight limit of 15kg) at $2 per day from the Arrival Gift Shop. Strollers must be returned by 7.00pm.

In addition, if you’re carrying a lot of stuff or don’t want to be weighed down while exploring Gardens by the Bay, use the handy electronic lockers available to store your items! There are lockers available at Golden Garden, The Canopy, Floral Fantasy and Bayfront pavilion, with a one-time rental charge between $2 - $6, depending on the size of the locker, for up to 21 hours.

#HHWT Tip: Do note that only $2 notes are accepted for payment at the electronic lockers.

5. Must visit attractions that can’t be missed

Flower Dome

Marvel at the beautiful springtime scene in the Flower Dome!  See flowers and plants from around the world housed in this conservatory measuring 1.2 hectares (that’s about the size of 75 Olympic-sized swimming pools put together!).

You’ll find many eye-catching plants as you explore the Flower Dome, from the striking African Baobab trees to various cacti and the vibrant Kangaroo’s Paw flower hailing from Australia.

Credit: Gardens by the Bay on Facebook

The Flower Dome also has a constantly evolving floral display, and right now you can catch the Pocket Gardens Surprise! It comprises a series of mini gardens that will be displayed in various corners of the Flower Dome, with a new one being revealed every fortnight. Currently, there are four mini gardens on display – Edible Garden, Terrace Garden, A Tale Of Orchids and Out Of Africa (read more about the mini-gardens here!). It’s also heartening to note that the Edible Garden, which was the first mini garden to be revealed last month, is dedicated to the healthcare workers and enforcement teams in Singapore ?

Cloud Forest

This conservatory that’s home to a 35-metre tall mountain covered in lush vegetation and its own waterfall can’t be missed! Featuring greenery found in tropical highlands, you and your kids can have fun learning about the different plants as you explore the nine different zones which lead all the way up the mountain.

Far East Organization’s Children's Garden

Your kids will have a blast playing in this outdoor interactive play area! The Children’s Garden is located adjacent to the Cloud Forest and features playgrounds and obstacle courses that children can tackle. The garden is split into various zones, each marked with signs that suggest which ages it’s tailored for (either for toddlers aged 5 and below or children aged 6 to 12).

Another key feature of the Children’s Garden is the water play area! Bring your kids’ swimwear and let them have fun splashing through fountains, sprinklers and splash buckets. There are even sensors installed in the water play area which detect movement and generate corresponding water effects, which will no doubt captivate the little ones! There are also changing rooms and shower facilities available. Admission to the Children’s Garden is completely free, so you can’t pass up the opportunity to visit!

#HHWT Tip: Please note that the Fish Fountain area (the water play area for toddlers aged 5 and below) is closed until further notice. In addition, the Children’s Garden is closed every Monday. It is also closed on Tuesday if the preceding Monday is a public holiday.

Supertree Grove

Credit: Gardens by the Bay on Facebook

The Supertree Grove is probably one of Gardens by the Bay’s most iconic sights. Featuring Supertrees - the tall, tree-like structures that go up to 16 storeys in height, you can’t leave Gardens by the Bay without snapping a photo here. You’ll get some wonderful views of the city framed by the lush greenery of the Gardens!

#HHWT Tip: The Supertree Grove is also home to the Supertree Observatory and the OCBC Skyway, however, do note that these attractions are currently closed until further notice.

Floral Fantasy

Credit: Gardens by the Bay on Facebook

Located at the Bayfront Plaza, Floral Fantasy is not to be missed! With the help of technology, you’ll be able to witness the flowers here come alive in a dream-like setting. There are 4 sections here and all of them are made up of diverse garden landscapes. From moving flowers to meandering streams, a waterfall of flowers and more, you’ll feel as though you’re really in the wilderness ? It’ll be an eye-opening experience for you and your kids! Finish off your visit with the Flight of the Dragonfly, a 4D ride which follows a simulated journey of a dragonfly through Gardens by the Bay! This will definitely be a lot of fun for the whole family. 

#HHWT Tip: Do note that in line with the advisory on 'gradual resumption of business activities in phases' announced by the Singapore Government, Floral Fantasy is currently closed till further notice.

6. Bring some helpful items to make your trip smoother

For families with young children, there are some must-haves to bring along for a comfortable trip, the first being a stroller! As the Conservatories and the entire Gardens by the Bay covers a vast area, having a stroller can be helpful when the little ones get tired or aren’t up for walking. Besides bringing your own stroller, you can also easily rent one from the Arrival Gift Shop (as mentioned above).

For families visiting the Conservatories, it can get pretty chilly inside as the temperature is kept between 23 to 25 degrees Celsius. Bring a light blanket for your child to help keep them warm and cosy, especially when sitting in their stroller.

For families enjoying the outdoor gardens, be sure to lather on the sunscreen and wear a cap during the daytime as it can get quite hot! A handheld fan may help keep you or your child cooler too ? If you’re planning to have a splash around the Water Play Zone at the Far East Organization’s Children’s Garden, be sure to bring along swimwear and towels for drying off after.

Gardens by the Bay is an awesome family-friendly attraction that promises a fun day out for you and your loved ones. Rediscover your passion for Singapore and its beautiful offerings by taking your family to this iconic place soon! Watch our video below and start planning your trip:

Admission fee: See the full price listing and purchase tickets here

Opening hours: 9am - 8pm daily for Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and Far East Organization’s Children's Garden; 5am - 2am daily for Outdoor Gardens

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953

Contact no.: +65 6420 6848

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This article was brought to you by the Singapore Tourism Board.