Bonding Time: 8 Exciting things to do with your teen in Singapore

Lim Han 21 Apr 2017

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Island cycling
Whizz down endless road with the breeze in your hair at the most popular cycling spots around Singapore. Steer away from humdrum places like East Coast Park and venture into unchartered territories. Explore the vibrant wildlife and dense forests at Coney Island with your teen. Don’t forget to take a photo with the famous green gate and wooden signboard! Or, cycle against a backdrop of lush greenery at St John Island, taking a break at the breathtaking beach when fatigue sets in. Easties, don’t forget about the well-loved Pulau Ubin! This old island promises a fun day out with thrilling terrains and delicious food.

Photo: Getty Images
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Theme parks
Whether they're 13 or 19, theme parks will never get old for your teen. After all, who can get bored of adrenaline rushes and heart-dropping sensations? Hit up Universal Studios Singapore for thrilling amusement rides such as the daunting Battlestar Galactica roller coasters and the Revenge of the Mummy adventure. If you’re looking to beat the heat on a scorching day, you and your kid won’t be let down by either Adventure Cove or Wild Wild Wet. Both water parks boast of enthralling rides and gargantuan pools. Not to mention, Wild Wild Wet recently underwent a massive renovation and expansion, and is now more prepped than ever to give you and your teen a splashing time of fun.

Photo: Getty Images
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Escape rooms
Up for some gripping detective work? Head over to escape rooms, where you and your teen accomplice have to break out of a room within one hour with the help of hidden clues and subtle hints. The themed setting of your choice will create the most suspenseful atmosphere and add just the right amount of tension to keep things exciting. However, as for the horror-themed ones, that’s a different story - probably nothing will prepare you for what’s behind that door… Sorry, we didn’t mean to scare you. We assure you that there are plenty of heart-friendly escapes rooms. Freeing SG, LOST and Xcape Room are just some of the familiar faces in the realm of local escape room establishments. So, take your pick!

Photo: Xcape Room Facebook
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Cafe hopping
Everyone loves a good cafe. Plus, with quaint cafes being all the rage in the foodie realm of Instagram, your teen will probably be dying to check off names on their list of “cafes to visit”. You get to relax with a cup of freshly roasted coffee while your teen will relish in endless photo-taking sessions of the picturesque food and stunning cafe interior – it’s a win-win situation. Why not take your cafe-hopping adventure up a notch by indulging in a special one? Visit the myriad of pop culture-themed cafes in Singapore, from Gudetama to Pokemon. Your teen can’t say no to that!

Photo: Pompompurin Cafe Facebook
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Game-themed eateries
While the time away at a games cafe with the family. A time of family bonding over riveting games and hearty grub? You can’t go wrong with that. See who trumps as the king of board games at Play Nation (they have several outlets island-wide), while indulging in their popular dishes, such as Grilled Halibut with Mushroom Cream Sauce and Chicken Satay Burger. For your video-gaming teens, join them in their gaming adventure at Saint Games, nestled in rows of shops at The Cathay.

Photo: Play Nation Facebook
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Explore Sentosa
How long has it been since you and your teen embarked on a thorough exploration of Sentosa? Exciting rides await you there, such as the Skyline Luge which will make you go from racing wildly down the track one moment to sitting in subdued anxiousness the next. If the crowd gets unbearable, you can always escape to the beachy parts of Sentosa. Have a friendly family competition of volleyball at Palawan Beach or simply chill out on the silky sands of Tanjong Beach. For your brave teens, indulge their daredevil spirit at the MegaZip Adventure Park, where your teen will whizz through the air at high speeds over the dense trees and scenic beaches.

Photo: Getty Images
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Indulge in a staycation
Time and budget constraints disapprove of a vacation? Be tourists in your own country and book a staycation! Pick from the kaleidoscopic selection of hotels in Singapore, from comfortably modest to luxuriously exquisite. Wish to reside in the heart of the city? Hesitate no further in calling up Four Seasons Singapore where you and your teen will be treated like royalty with their impeccable service and immaculate furnishings. You both can then spend the day wandering around the bustling city – sauntering down Orchard Road or shopping at 313@Somerset. For a more tranquil respite away from the city, Village Hotel Changi awaits, tucked away in the quaint neighbourhood of Changi, a treasure trove of hip cafes and beaches.

Photo: Four Seasons Singapore
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Kayaking & canoeing
Up for some fun in the sun? Singapore Sports Hub won't let you down. Sail down the Kallang River with your teen rowing behind you in a sleek kayak or a long canoe, as you both soak in the view of the vast gleaming waters against the backdrop of Singapore's infrastructure. With boat rentals affordably priced, you can row to your heart's desire without breaking the bank.

Photo: @sgsportshub

Has your teen outgrown the usual arcades and ice-skating? Don’t worry, we know just what they need.

Parents, we hear you – family day is coming but everything you’ve been suggesting has only been met by groans and sighs by your not-so-kiddy kids. What do you do when bowling and ice cream just don’t do the trick anymore? Well, that’s where we come in. We know just the kind of activities that will fire up your kid’s spirit and have him/her jumping out of their seats, ready to set off. We’re sure we haven’t left out any teen from our lenses. So, whether you’ve got a gamer boy or a sporty girl, we’ve got you totally covered.

Get ready for a smashing family time of fun and laughter. When you’re ready, simply pack up your tents and camp at our gallery for the next fifteen minutes while you and your teen plan your next family day out! You’ll see that Singapore is full of teenage-friendly surprises.

Lim Han

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