School's out, and the fun is just beginning! With the March school holidays fast approaching, there’s no better time than now to take a break and enjoy quality time with your kids. Whether you're planning a trip close to home or somewhere further than Singapore, we've got you covered. From your all-time favourite destinations to lesser-known gems, we've rounded up a list of six cities you simply have to visit. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable adventure with your family.
Bangkok is a great city for a family vacation, with a range of activities to suit all interests. For instance, if your kid is interested in cultural and historical landmarks, then the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha shouldn’t be missed. You can even take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River to see Wat Arun and Wat Pho. After a day of touring the Grand Palace, you might want to take things slow and perhaps have a picnic at Lumpini Park.
Spanning over 500,00 sqm, Lumpini Park is not just a haven for a wide variety of flora and fauna - there are also plenty of fun activities for everyone of all ages to enjoy. Rent a paddle boat and paddle in the lake, or let your kids run around and play in the numerous playgrounds located throughout the park. It's the perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of sightseeing.
Other outdoor adventures that you can consider include visiting the Bangkok Safari World and Marine Park, where you can see a variety of animals and enjoy animal shows. For thrilling amusement park fun, visit Dream World, one of the largest theme parks in Thailand, or Siam Park City, which boasts many thrilling water rides and other attractions. In addition, families can enjoy the amazing indoor attractions such as SEA LIFE Bangkok Ocean World and KidZania Bangkok, a mini city where children can role-play different jobs. For affordable accommodations that cater to families, consider staying in the city centre for its convenience and abundant hotel options.
Bali is a perfect place for families to travel to, with various activities catering to everyone's interests. Bali offers many options for families who enjoy basking in the rich history and culture of the island, including the Uluwatu Temple, Tirta Empul Temple, and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
Venture a little further into Ubud, and you’ll be greeted by the majestic sights of the rice terraces in Tegalalang. The lush green paddies are carefully cultivated, creating a stunning landscape perfect for a relaxing walk. Take a break from your tour and have lunch outdoors at one of the many restaurants overlooking the terraces, enjoying the serene surroundings while savouring local Balinese cuisine.
There are many family activities to enjoy in Tegalalang. You can take a guided tour to learn about the rice cultivation process or try your hand at rice planting. More adventurous families can hop on thrilling ATV rides through the paddies or take a zip line tour through the lush jungle canopy. In addition, you can also visit the Tegalalang Handicraft Center, which showcases local artisans creating traditional Balinese handicrafts. Outdoor adventures are also abundant in Bali. You can try white water rafting, cycling tours, or take a dip in one of the many waterfalls around the island.
When it comes to accommodations, we recommend looking at ones in Seminyak and Canggu as they tend to be more family-friendly, safe, and protected. As March falls under the rainy season, mosquitoes tend to be more active, so it's recommended to pack kid-friendly DEET-free mosquito patches, sprays, or even tea-tree oil to prevent mozzie bites.
Families seeking a more relaxed and cosmopolitan vacation experience can consider heading down under to Sydney, Australia. The city offers a variety of activities that cater to all age groups. Young children will be thrilled with a visit to Taronga Zoo as they can get up close and personal with a variety of animals native to the country, like koalas, kangaroos, and even takhi, the only breed of wild horses left in the world.
The iconic Manly Ferry is also a must-try for families visiting Sydney. The ferry ride offers a stunning view of the harbour and is a time- as well as a cost-saving way to explore the sights. Once you arrive at Manly, there are plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained. The beach is a popular destination for surfing, swimming, or just soaking up the sun. Take a stroll along Manly Corso, where you can find shops, restaurants, and cafes.
A trip to Circular Quay is also a must-do activity for families. The area boasts some of the most stunning views of Sydney's harbour and Opera House. Take a leisurely walk around the waterfront and snap photos to capture memories that will last a lifetime.
We haven’t forgotten about the thrill-seekers either. Luna Park is a harbour-side amusement park that’s home to traditional midway games and rides like the Big Dipper. While entry to the park is free, you’ll need to purchase a Day Pass to enjoy unlimited rides and gameplay. With so many exciting activities and attractions to explore, we’re sure your family trip to Sydney is sure to be an unforgettable experience. As temperatures continue to drop, do remember to pack beauty accessories like lip balms and moisturising hand creams to prevent your skin from drying out.
Contrary to popular belief, Tokyo is incredibly kid-friendly, with plenty of fun activities and attractions for the whole family. Take, for instance, Tokyo Disneyland and DisneySea are both popular theme parks with rides, shows, and parades, entertaining everyone of all ages. But beyond the theme parks, Tokyo is also full of historical sights that will awe and amaze even the little ones. For a moment of peace and tranquillity, families can visit Meiji Shrine Park, one of the city's largest and most famous parks, which includes a stunning shrine dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife Empress Shoken.
Another must-visit spot in Tokyo is Harajuku, a neighbourhood famous for its unique fashion and shopping. There are many clothing as well as thrift stores in the city that the whole family can enjoy browsing and trying on new outfits.
For families interested in museums, Tokyo has many to choose from, including the interactive Cup Noodles Museum in Yokohama. Here, visitors can learn about the history of instant noodles and even create their own custom cup noodles. For something more aesthetic and immersive, be sure to check out teamLab Planets. In this whimsical wonderland, you enter barefoot, and step on flowers of light in silky, warm water, blurring the perception of boundaries between yourself and the artworks.
Studio Ghibli fans should also check out the Ghibli Museum in Inokashira Park, Mitaka. Besides admiring the art and history of Studio Ghibli, fans can also look forward to watching exclusive short films and walking through the Catbus.
Overall, Tokyo is a city that offers a diverse range of activities and attractions that are sure to entertain both kids and adults alike. With so many sights to take in, parents of younger kids may want to consider purchasing a kid-friendly digital camera from MyFirst. This allows your child to capture and immortalise some of the best moments of their travels, which they can look back on and cherish.
If you're looking for a destination this March holiday that offers cultural and historical experiences, Athens may be a perfect choice. Although it's a little further from Singapore as compared to the countries mentioned above, the city has plenty to offer for history buffs.
One of the top attractions in Athens is the Acropolis. This hilltop citadel contains several ancient buildings and ruins, including the famous Parthenon temple, built in the mid-5th century BCE and dedicated to the Greek goddess Athena Parthenos. Walking all the way up to the Acropolis offers breathtaking views of the city and we recommend it to anyone interested in history and architecture.
Another historical site worth visiting in Athens is the Temple of Olympian Zeus. The ruins of this ancient temple offer a glimpse into the city's past as you take in the fascinating sights of the massive columns that once supported the temple's roof. Apart from history, Athens also has plenty of delicious street food, including souvlakis, and tender grilled meat skewers that are a popular snack or meal. Athens, the home of the god of wine and pleasure, Dionysus, is known for its delicious, high-quality bottles of wine at very affordable prices. Athens has lots to offer if you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or someone who enjoys a glass of wine with dinner.
However, if you're travelling with children or can't indulge in alcohol, iShopChangi offers a convenient solution. You can purchase a wide selection of quality wine, liquor, and spirits before departure from Athens and collect them at the collection points located in the departure and arrival halls of Changi Airport.
Travelling to Dubai with kids can be an exciting and fun-filled experience, especially if you keep a light schedule and involve them in day-to-day planning. This famous destination offers plenty of activities and attractions that cater to children of all ages. From water parks and playgrounds to theme parks and activity centres, you can be sure there’s no shortage of things to do in Dubai.
Most beach resorts in Dubai operate kids' clubs, which offer a range of supervised activities and games for children below the age of 12. This allows parents to enjoy some downtime and sightseeing in the country while their kids are entertained and engaged. Additionally, public transport in Dubai is affordable and efficient, and children under five travel free – making it easy for young families to explore the city and its attractions without breaking the bank.
One of Dubai's top attractions for families is the Dubai Parks and Resorts complex. Sprawling over 25 million square feet, this complex is home to several theme parks, including Motiongate Dubai, Bollywood Parks Dubai, Legoland Dubai, and Legoland Water Park, the region’s first splash-tastic destination for families. Each theme park has a variety of rides, attractions, and entertainment that cater to children of all ages. You can look forward to meeting the Smurfs, dancing with the animals from the Madagascar movie, and being transported into another world inspired by your favourite movies and imagination.
Another must-visit attraction this March school holiday is the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, located in the Dubai Mall. This fascinating attraction offers you and your little ones a glimpse into the underwater world, with over 140 species of marine animals and a 10-million-litre tank that contains a diverse range of aquatic creatures.
As Dubai is rather sunny in March, be sure to pack sunscreens that have a waterproof formula and high SPF, to stay safe and comfortable while exploring all that Dubai has to offer under the bright sunshine.
Travelling with kids can require extra planning and preparation. Still, it's also an incredible chance to strengthen your bond with them, especially during the upcoming March holidays. While it's true that the journey may be tiring, the memories and experiences you create together will be invaluable and will last a lifetime. That's why it's crucial to plan and pack accordingly when travelling with kids, so you can ensure that the trip runs as smoothly as possible.
To make the trip more enjoyable, consider booking activities or tours catering to adults and children, such as theme parks or interactive museums. This will not only provide fun experiences for the family but also allow for meaningful bonding moments.