Having kids is pure joy, right up until the point they start to whine, cry and cause a scene in public. That’s right, nothing sucks the living joy out of a family outing quite like a tantrum-throwing child.

Dining out is inherently difficult if you have a kid that’s easily restless but it doesn’t always have to be a problem. All you need is something that’ll keep them occupied, for instance, an iPad with cartoons playing on loop (as per the norm nowadays), or better yet, a kid-centric menu with attractive yummies or even space for them to run wild and free.

Don’t own an iPad? Well, fret not mommies and daddies because here is our list of 15 restaurants and cafes in Singapore that are great for your little ones, ensuring that you’ll be able to enjoy family time through proper bonding.

CAFE MELBA

Cafe Melba is a relaxed cafe and restaurant concept that blends the best of Melbourne and Asia, providing a gourmet yet casual dining experience. A temporary oasis away from the hustle and bustle, Cafe Melba caters plenty of events for both little ones and adults alike and the best part? Breakfast is served all day, every day, and don’t even get us started on their kid’s set menu which Includes fruit juice or plain milk as well as a choice of chocolate, strawberry or vanilla ice cream

Block N #01, 90 Goodman Road, 56
Singapore 439053
Tel: +65 6440 6068

CAF CLICKAFOOD

CAF Clickafood is a new pastel-themed cafe by Boat Noodles and popular singer, Ang Juyang. The family-friendly cafe at 339 Upper Paya Lebar Road (near to Lorong Ah Soo) features 5 different menus including Korean, Local, Western, Thai cuisine and drinks at reasonable prices.

The cafe also uses pastel-coloured Yamatoya baby high chairs from Molco.

339 Upper Paya Lebar Rd
Singapore 534953
Tel: +65 6970 5077

FRESH FRUITS LAB

No surprises here—Fresh Fruits Lab (FFL) is our favourite cafe in the East of Singapore. This has never changed since our first visit in 2015.

Keeping its core laboratory theme and incorporating fruits into its menu, FFL boasts a colourful, pastel interior that is both whimsical and photogenic. It is also a kid-friendly dining outlet with a play corner for your little ones as well as a low-salt kids menu that is so reasonably priced.

351 Changi Rd, Singapore 419818
Tel: +65 6677 6741

GRUB

With a name like grub, one would naturally jump to the conclusion that these folks are all about greasy burgers, full-fat milkshakes and loaded fries. On the contrary, they’re all about creating gratifying food using only the freshest produce—that’s always a good thing especially for parents who only want the best for their children.

Nestled in Bishan Park, GRUB offers diners a beautiful view of the park and kids, an opportunity to head over to the nearby playground post-meal!

510 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
Singapore 569983
Tel: +65 6459 5743

IKEA

How many of you immediately thought, “meatballs!”, the minute you saw the title? Popular for its canteen-style concept, IKEA is a great place to take your kids out to. With a kid-friendly menu and a play area for the little ones to run wild, this is one place that guarantees good family bonding on top of delicious food.

317 Alexandra Road
Singapore 159965
Tel: +65 6786 6868

NATIVE KITCHEN

Located within Village Hotel at Sentosa, Native Kitchen is a restaurant that celebrates the best of islander cuisine. As if its close proximity to exciting attractions such as the Palawan Pirate Ship, Universal Studios Singapore, The Merlion and Kidzania doesn’t already make it an ideal spot for family gatherings; the restaurant itself makes dining with your kids a whole lot easier!

Native Kitchen provides interactive menus which have puzzles and mazes for the kids to solve to keep them preoccupied while waiting for their food. What’s more, they also provide children’s utensils so moms and dads can save the hassle!

10 Artillery Avenue Sentosa Island
Village Hotel at Sentosa, Lift Lobby
Singapore 099951
Tel: +65 6722 0818
Nearest Station: Harbourfront

JONES THE GROCER

More than just a gourmet grocer, Jones The Grocer astounds with its massive spread of delectable nosh. Ideal for a brunch on weekends with the family, lunch or a quick coffee Jones the Grocer is a go-to for any meal. Their kids’ menu has also been tweaked to give little ones the vitamins and nutrients they need while remaining appetising above all.

#01-66/67, 1 Kim Seng Promenade
Singapore 237994
Tel: +65 6820 0930

MARCHÉ MOVENPICK

Set in a Swiss Alpine village, delight in a myriad of scrumptious dishes such as their delicious rostis—crispy on the outside, fluffy in the middle and served with a dollop of sour cream—or their super-thin wood-fired pizzas. Let your little rascals go wild at the children’s play area while you dine in peace and bring them back to enjoy their own free Picky Kids meal—available from Monday to Thursday with a minimum spend of S$60 in a single receipt.

3 Temasek Blvd, #01-612 to 614
Singapore 038983
Tel: +65 6337 3134

O’COFFEE CLUB XPRESS

If you ever decide to bring your little ones to the airport to see aeroplanes, be sure to stop over at O’Coffee Club Xpress. The kids’ menu here is valid for children aged 12 and below and begin at only S$6.90 each and every item comes with a complimentary fruit juice! The icing on the cake? If you choose to order a sandwich or a pasta, your kids get their meal free!

65 Airport Boulevard, L2 LF1 Terminal 3
Singapore 819663
Tel: +65 6585 6369

PLATFORM 1094

If getting accepted into Hogwarts is a lifetime dream of your little one, then you—or rather they—have to know more about Platform 1094, a Harry Potter-themed cafe along Serangoon Road. Run by the same team behind Fresh Fruits Lab, Platform 1094 is where your (and your kids) wizard dreams come true. They serve up a slew of hearty yet whimsical dishes that will surely entice the little ones.

1094 Serangoon Road
Singapore 328192
Tel: +65 6204 6003

PIZZA EXPRESS

If you raised your child to love pizza and all things related to Italian food, you did a spot-on job. Specialising in gourmet, hand-made Italian pizza and a variety of hand-made pasta, Pizza Express is one of the best places to enjoy real-deal Italian pies. Bringing a pack of hungry children? Order up their Dough Balls Doppio to share!

7 Fraser Street, #01-01/02
Duo Galleria
Singapore 189356

SUPER LOCO

Priding themselves on family-style Mexican cuisine, Super Loco offers diners fun, vibrancy underscoring the main attraction which is, sensational grub made using fresh ingredients. Brunch is available on weekends for those looking to indulge in a Mexican-themed brunch affair whereas kids get to enjoy their los ninos menu—their version of a kid’s menu—all throughout the week.

60 Robertson Quay, #01-13
The Quayside
Singapore 238252
Tel: +65 6235 8900

THE COASTAL SETTLEMENT

Surrounded by lush trees and endless sea of greenery, and filled to the brim with lots of retro memorabilia and knick-knacks from the good old days, dining at The Coastal Settlement is always a joy for both the young and the young at heart. Be sure to ask the staff to give you a tour of their many antiques—it’d be a good history lesson for the kids too.

Their menu boasts an array of local favourites but with a contemporary twist to them. Whether you’re a photographer, a cafe enthusiast, a nature lover or a mother of two, you’re bound to find something worth falling in love with—your kids too.

200 Netheravon Road
Singapore 508529
Tel: +65 6475 0200

WILD HONEY

A wildly popular all-day breakfast spot in Singapore, Wild Honey is famed for its menu of breakfasts from different parts of the world from freshly baked bagels to bacon and pancake-loaded American breakfast. What kid doesn’t like waking up to pancakes or waffles?

333A Orchard Road #03-02
Mandarin Gallery Singapore
Singapore 238897
Tel: +65 6235 3900

These days, the simplest way to engage a child is to pass him an electronic device. However, that is not the healthiest way – both physically and emotionally. Bonding with your child does not necessarily mean playing games or watching a movie together on an electronic device. Try ditching those devices for one day and spend some quality time with your little one!

Children just love to play. They are active learners who learn through play. Not sure where to bring them to? Here are 12 Kids Friendly Activities in Singapore! These places not only enhance parent-child bonding, but create fun experiences for the little darlings as well!

1. BUKIT TIMAH SADDLE CLUB

What better way than to have fun while exercising? Horse-riding develops balance and improves coordination as well as motor function. For 45 minutes a week, your child gets to learn the basics of horse-riding from a trained instructor. The best part is that lessons are conducted in groups of 4-5 people, which means that you can learn with your child!

51 Fairways Drive
Tel: +65 6466 2264
Tue to Sun: 7am – 11am & 3.30pm – 7pm
Nearest Station: Botanic Gardens

2. THE CITY

An interactive learning playground that is bound to keep your child (and you!) engaged the whole while! Children can explore different locations such as cafe, supermarket, police station and many more. They have the opportunity to role-play various professions – policeman, doctor, supermarket cashier, just to name a few! On top of that, they get to drive on mini streets and play dress-up! Run wild with your child within The City!

#03-04A Liang Court
177 River Valley Road
Tel: +65 6250 6507
Daily: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Clarke Quay

3. THE LITTLE THINGS

Children learn best when they are interested. There is hardly a child, or anyone in general, who is not interested in food, right? Step into The Little Things where children have to complete tasks such as meal-planning and food preparation in a real kitchen. During the lessons, children will be introduced to basic safety rules in the kitchen. Now, now, look who’s gonna be a little kitchen helper at home soon!

215H Upper Thomson Rd
Tel: +65 6456 3140
Wed to Fri: 12pm – 7pm & 10am – 7pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 7pm
Nearest Station: Marymount

4. THE SLIDE @ CHANGI AIRPORT TERMINAL 3

Standing at 12 metres high (equivalent to 4 storeys tall), Singapore Changi Airport has the tallest slide in Singapore. Simply spend $10 in a single receipt to redeem one ride at the 12-metre slide located at Terminal 3, Arrival Hall (Level 1). Do note that participants have to be at least 1.3 metres tall. Children aged 7 and above are allowed to ride the slide.

The Slide @ T3
Singapore Changi Airport
Airport Boulevard
Tel: +65 6595 6868
Daily: 12pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

5. ROAD SAFETY COMMUNITY PARK

Here at the Road Safety Park, children have the opportunity to explore the mini traffic environment equipped with zebra crossing, reading road signs, mini overhead bridge, traffic lights and so on. They get to role play as a driver, cyclist or pedestrian. They are bound to be engaged as they explore the park while learning the precautions they have to take when they are on the road as well as the importance of following traffic rules.

Road Safety Community Park
910 East Coast Park Way
Road Safety Park
Tel: +65 6440 5254
Daily: 24hrs
Nearest Station: Tanah Merah

6. MARINA BARRAGE

What better way than to enjoy the comfortable breeze in an open field? Fly a kite and have a potluck session with your family and friends in the afternoon or evening! Bond over homemade finger food (which you can engage your little ones in!) and hearty laughter and chats. As if that’s not enough, you’ll be spoilt with the beautiful scenery of Marina Bay!

8 Marina Gardens Drive
Tel: +65 6514 5959
Daily: 9am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

7. HOKEY POKEY

Who could resist an indoor playground with different equipment to explore and varied levels of challenges to overcome? Hokey Pokey is a fun and educational place for children as young as 6 months old to practice and develop their motor skills while playing in a safe environment.

Hokey Pokey
33 Sengkang West Ave
#B1-28/29, The Seletar Mall, Singapore 797653
Mon to Fri: 11am – 9pm
Sat & Sun: 10am – 9pm
Nearest Station: Fernvale

8. HAY DAIRIES

Bring your little munchkin to the Goat Farm to view the goats and the milking session! It’s a fun process especially when you see the goats lining up in a straight line to get to the milking station. You can also purchase goat milk here. Goat milk is suitable for people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to cow milk. Why not give it a try?

No. 3 Lim Chu Kang
Agrotech Park Lane 4
Tel: +65 6792 0931
Mon, Wed to Sun: 9am – 4pm
Nearest Station: Kranji

9. BOLLYWOOD VEGGIES

Allow your child to step out of the buzzing city life and enter a countryside in Kranji to see a different side of Singapore. Take a relaxing stroll in the ten-acre farm, enjoy the greenery, and head to Poison Ivy Bistro for a meal with your family after. Do note that dinner is not available though, as the farm closes at 6.30pm.

100 Neo Tiew Road
Tel: +65 6898 5001
Wed to Fri: 9am – 6.30pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 8a, – 6.30pm
Nearest Station: Kranji

10. KIDZANIA

KidZania promises an “interactive learning and entertainment experience for kids in a kid-sized city, through over 80 role-play activities”.

Besides just being an indoor theme park, kids can experience role-play activities, earn a salary in the form of kidZos (official currency), pay for goods and services and even manage a bank card. Remember how we used to have Problem-based Learning (PBL) in school? This is pretty similar, and it will make learning a fun-filled experience for them.

KidZania
Sun to Thu: 10am – 5pm
Fri, Sat, Eve of PH, PH and School Holidays: 10am – 8pm

Admission prices:
Infant (under 2 years old): Free
Toddler (2-3 years old): S$25 (walk-in), S$23.75 (online)
Kid (4-17 years old): S$58 (walk-in), S$55.10 (online)
Adult (18-59 years old): S$35 (walk-in), S$33.25 (online)
Senior (60 years old+): S$25 (walk-in), S$23.75 (online)

11. SINGKIDS

The bright and colourful soft play equipment and toys will definitely be loved by both adults and children! Children can run around freely in this safe (and not to mention, clean!) environment and explore all the exciting equipment that they don’t get to use often. The playground looks so enticing that parents will be so tempted to join in the fun! And that is exactly what the whole idea of this post is about – play with your children!

Singapore Changi Airport
Airport Boulevard
Terminal 3, #B2-14/15/16/26
Tel: +65 6832 8002
Daily: 11am – 11pm
Nearest Station: Changi Airport

12. SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS

Enjoy a family picnic at the Botanic Gardens while enjoying nature’s wonders! Prior to the picnic, a good suggestion would be to prepare the food at home and remember to involve everyone – adults and little ones! It’s gonna be a fun process and the picnic will be even more enjoyable and meaningful.

1 Cluny Road
Tel: +65 6471 7138 / +65 6471 7361
Daily: 5am – 12midnight
Nearest Station: Orchard/Boatnic Gardens

About the writer:
YSL is an early childhood educator with an avid passion for the little ones and has many years of experience in this field since her scholarship days. Ever ready to reach her hand out to her students and babies in her family, she is always researching on the best childcare tips and trends.

Singapore Changi Airport is more than just an ordinary airport, it is a delectable gourmet world with many restaurants, eateries and cafes serving cuisines from all over the world. And we swear this feature will have you develop a newfound love for dining at an airport.

Whether you are in transit, need to fill your tummy before a flight, or just simply want a good family dinner, our airport can be your answer for any occasion and with this post, we will prove the typical perception of airports having the worst food options wrong. Yes, you’ve got that right – you do not have to settle for horrible food with ridiculous price tags. Whatever your craving is, however much your budget is, even if you are on a mission to catch your plane and running out of time, there will always be food. You just have to decide what cuisine you like.

Changi Airport is kindly giving away 3 X S$50 Changi Dollar Vouchers which you can use at your favourite shops or restaurants at the airport. To win the vouchers, leave a comment in this post to tell us your favourite dining option in Changi Airport. For more details of the giveaway, please read more at the end of this post.

Welcome to a gastronomical experience at our lovely world class airport. Here is a guide to dining at Changi Airport, featuring 20 restaurants, eateries and quickbites in the public and transit areas.

QUICKBITES AT CHANGI AIRPORT

Spent too much time shopping at the duty-free shops that you do not have much time left to have a proper meal before catching your flight? Or just feeling peckish and want a snack? There are many food and beverage outlets at Changi Airport that offer ready-to-eat items and simple snacks that you can just grab and go. There will not be anymore reasons to go hungry when you are at the airport – even if you are running late.

Gong Cha (T2 Public Area)

For as far as we are concerned, bubble tea makes one happy. And it is definitely a good idea to grab a cup of your favourite sweet drink before your flight. Pudding Milk Tea for us, please!

Terminal 2 Arrival Hall (South)
Daily: 24 hours

Killiney Kopitiam (T2 Transit Area)

We miss local food the most whenever we travel overseas, so we always make sure to satisfy our craving for our favourite kaya toast. Killiney Kopitiam, one of the most established names for kaya toast and local coffee, is the place to head to. Fuss-free and comforting!

Terminal 2 Departure Transit Lounge (South)
Daily: 24 Hours
Terminal 2 Departure Transit Lounge (Central)
Daily: 6am – 1am

Paris Baguette (T2 Public Area)

Fans of Paris Baguette will be delighted to know that the famous Korean bakery chain is now open at the airport. Besides their signature pastries, cakes and breads, sandwiches and salads, the branch at Changi Airport is also serving an exclusive brunch menu.

Terminal 2 Arrival Hall
Daily: 24 Hours

Toast Box (T3 Public Area)

Another place that we always frequent is Toast Box because it not only has popular local classic dishes – like kaya toast, laksa, curry chicken, and peanut butter thick toast – but it also opens for 24 hours, making it the perfect place to have a quick bite.

Terminal 3 Departure Check-In Hall, Level 2
Daily: 24 Hours

Tip Top (T2 Transit Area)

Pick up a piece of Curry Puff – the locals’ favourite snack – and enjoy the fragrance of the curry and diced potatoes from Tip Top, an established brand since 1979.

Terminal 2 Departure Transit Lounge (Central)
Daily: 6am – 1am

DINING AT CHANGI AIRPORT PUBLIC AREA

The best thing about Changi Airport is the mind-boggling selection of F&B outlets; even when you are not hungry, you feel compelled to dine there. Whether you are going for a holiday, sending your loved ones off, or to simply hangout and have a meal – there is always something to eat at Changi Airport. Here are some of the restaurants and eateries in Changi Airport’s public area that you should include in your list:

Central Thai (T2 Public Area)

From tom yum to Thai mango salad, green curry seafood and phad thai, Central Thai serves a great variety of classic Thai dishes prepared by native Thai chefs at pocket-friendly prices.

Terminal 2 Viewing Mall, Level 3
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm

Itacho Sushi (T3 Public Area)

Salmon skin sushi for S$0.40 – everyone will know Itacho Sushi because of this. But more than that, they offer a wide variety of sushi creations at very pocket friendly prices. When dining at Itacho, treat yourself to a selection of makis, rolls and nigiris made with fresh ingredients.

Our picks have got to be the wagyu nigiri – quality beef that is so rich in flavour and well-marbled, the salmon aburi that is torched to perfection, and sweet makis with creamy avocado and soft-shelled crab. Itacho Sushi always satisfies.

Terminal 3 Level 3
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm

Gurney Drive (T3 Public Area)

Gurney Drive presents the best of Penang hawker food like Penang laksa, prawn noodles, and char koay teow – which was, in particular, quite a plate of heaven with a generous serving of juicy prawns and sausages atop rice noodles. The food is pretty authentic and pleasantly affordable.

Terminal 3 Viewing Mall, Level 3
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm

Dian Xiao Er (T3 Public Area)

This traditional Chinese restaurant is another popular haunt for families to have a simple and casual meal. Its renowned herbal roast duck is always immensely satisfying.

Terminal 3 Level 3
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm

O’Coffee Club (T3 Public Area)

Need some sugar rush? Go for O’Coffee Club’s signature Mudpies. The picture speaks for itself.

Terminal 3 Departure Check-in Hall
Daily: 24 Hours

Ramen Champion (T3 Public Area)

Pork base, chicken base, miso base… whatever you are feeling, Ramen Champion has a bowl to feed that craving. Our favourite has got to be Keishoken by Chef Kazuo Sukuraoka, who exhibited his concept of colors via the toppings – black, red, orange and yellow. The red topping deserves a special mention for its sizzling spiciness atop rich pork broth.

Terminal 3 Basement 2
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm

Saboten (T1 Public Area)

Tonkatsu is ever popular, and Saboten does theirs well. Which explains why they are always packed, but we really would not mind the wait just to have a serving of the gorgeously-fried hire Katsu (pork tenderloin cutlet); we never leave Saobten without a serving of that. And the cheese katsu is a fabulous alternative that we always add-on, too! The various sets is another reason why Saboten is an ideal option for families.

Terminal 1 Viewing Mall, Level 3
Daily: 8am – 11pm

Seafood Paradise (T2 Public Area)

If you need your crab fix before your holiday, or if you are returning from a holiday with a major craving for our local crabs, head to Seafood Paradise and indulge in a luxurious seafood spread. Crabs aside, we really love their cheese lobsters – fresh, chunky crustaceans lavishly soaked in a bed of cheese. Eat it with deep-fried mantou! Also, the cuttlefish with kangkong is a favourite among locals, too!

Terminal 2 Viewing Mall
Departure Check-in Hall, Level 3
Daily: 10.30am – 10.30pm

Soup Restaurant (T2 Public Area)

Serving an unparalleled menu of daily brewed soups, families can always count on Soup Restaurant for a good meal. Its quality comfort Chinese food with reasonable price tags includes the all-time favourite Samsui Ginger Chicken.

Terminal 2 Viewing Mall
Departure Check-in Hall, Level 3
Daily: 10.30am – 11pm

Swensen’s (T2 Public Area)

We always end up at Swensen’s when we are back in Singapore on a midnight flight because it opens for 24 hours, and also because of the variety of dishes on the menu – there is something for everyone to choose from.

Terminal 2 Arrival Hall
Daily: 24 Hours

DINING AT CHANGI AIRPORT TRANSIT AREA

We are huge advocators of arriving and checking in early at the airport so as to enjoy the facilities and amenities. Treat yourself to a good meal before your flight! With so many restaurants and eateries in the transit areas, you will be spoiled for choices on what to eat. Here are some places that you can go.

Cedele (T2 Transit Area)

The ladies’ favourite, Cedele, offers a delicious and healthy menu of sandwiches, soups and desserts that are prepared using the freshest ingredients.

Terminal 2 Departure Transit Lounge
Daily: 24 Hours

La Cave Wine Bar (T1 Transit Area)

Head to the rooftop Cactus Garden to enjoy fresh air and a pint of beer or glass of wine at La Cave Wine Bar.

Terminal 1 Departure Transit Lounge
Daily: 7am – 2am

Peach Garden Noodle House (T1 Transit Area)

Signatures like the wasabi salad cream prawn, golden salted yolk prawn, braised ee fu noodle with baby lobster, and to-die-for custard buns is why this casual dining eatery has our loyalty. Peach Garden always dishes out consistently good Chinese food that is hard to not love.

Terminal 1 Departure Transit Lounge
Mezzanine Level 3
Daily: 6am – 12am

Tai Hing (T2 Transit Area)

Tai Hing is one of the most well-known roast meat restaurants in Hong Kong, with more than 30 branches dishing out its much-lauded roast goose and other cooked dishes. If you are not heading to Hong Kong anytime soon, we would definitely recommend coming here for a meal before going off for your holiday.

Terminal 2 Departure Transit Lounge
Daily: 24 Hours

The Green Market (T1 & 2 Transit)

For the health conscious, head over to The Green Market, a modern casual Japanese Restaurant that offers a salad and appetiser buffet (11am – 1am) for S$20.

Terminal 1 Departure Transit Lounge
Daily: 6am – 1am
Terminal 2 Departure Transit Lounge
Daily: 6am – 1am

Changi Airport x ladyironchef Giveaway

1. 3 X S$50 Changi Dollar Vouchers
2. Leave a comment in this post to tell us which is your favourite dining option in Changi Airport and why?
3. Closing Date of Contest: 17 March 2013 2359 Hours
4. Winners will be notified by email

// Updated on 18 March: The three winners are Chan Jian Da, Theresa, and Sean.

We can stay at the airport for a week and not run out of ideas on where to eat! Have you shortlisted your favourites, and mapped out an eating plan for your next trip to the airport? And if you have time after your meal, remember to check out the other wonders. Read our previous guide on 12 Things You Never Knew about Changi Airport.

For more information, go to www.changiairport.com. Follow Fans of Changi on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for the latest updates.

This post is brought to you by Singapore Changi Airport.

For frequent travellers like us, Singapore Changi Airport feels like our second home. But even though we head there on a monthly basis, we were somewhat astonished by how little we knew about our beloved airport – until a recent life-changing tour that had us falling in love with our world class airport on a whole new level.

From catching a free movie at the airport’s theatre, to taking a stroll at the Sunflower Garden and the Butterfly Garden – there are so many things to do, see and eat at Changi Airport before catching your flight. The next time you go on a holiday, be sure to arrive early at the airport because your holiday truly begins at Singapore Changi Airport.

Here are 12 things you never knew about Changi Airport.

#1 Make friends with butterflies at the Butterfly Garden

Spend some time at the butterfly garden – the first of its kind to be featured in an airport – with 47 species, and more than 1000 butterflies roaming around the garden. Yes, you read that right. A butterfly garden within our very own airport.

Unlike wild butterflies which are very cautious towards humans, the butterflies here are very accustomed to visitors, and they won’t fly away in fright even if you are close enough to count the spots on their wings. It is quite an amazement to be so “up close and personal” with the butterflies. There are also educational corners and individual enclosures which will give you more insights into the life cycle of a butterfly. And if you are lucky, you will be able to catch the birth of a butterfly as it emerges from the pupa.

#2 Take a stroll at the Sunflower Garden

A Sunflower Garden in the airport? This is surely one thing in Changi Airport that most people never knew about. No flower quite like the sunflower to brightens up our days. The next time you are in Changi Airport, remember to drop by the rooftop sunflower garden at level three of departure transit lounge at Terminal 2.

#3 Catch a free movie at the theatre

If you have some time to spare before your flight, why not catch a show at the movie theatre? Movie buffs will be delighted to know that the movie theatres are open 24 hours daily, and the screenings are free!

The movie theatres can be found at Terminal 2′s departure transit lounge south on level three, and at Terminal 3′s department transit lounge north on level three. The films are all up to date and we swear by the comfort level of the seats, too! The movies at terminal 2′s theatre are from FOX movies, while the ones from Terminal 3′s theatre are recently released movies specially curated by the team at Changi Airport.

#4 Play games at the Entertainment Deck

The Entertainment Deck at the departure transit lounge at level 3 of Terminal 2 has an array of entertainment facilities such as Xbox Kinect Room, MTV booth, XBOX360 and Playstation 3 consoles, music area and the aforementioned movie theatre.

#5 Watch the latest sports events at the Xperience Zone

Sports lovers can head to the Xperience Zone to watch the latest sports events on large screen in the comfort of plush, cushioned seats which come with its own set of speakers for a surround sound experience.

#6 Kids’ Friendly Playgrounds

For families with kids in tow, Changi Airport has several children’s playgrounds at the three terminals. Your kids can not only make new friends with the other kiddos, but also run around in comfort – a great way for them to work off their excess energy so that you can enjoy a peaceful flight later.

#7 Go for a slide

Singapore’s tallest slide, The Slide @ T3 is a four-storey tall slide, and is every kid’s favourite playground. The best part is that the slide is located in the public area of Terminal 3′s arrival hall – all you have to do is to spend S$10 at Changi Airport in a single receipt to redeem a free ride.

Watch this cool video to see the making of the slide.

#8 Go for a Fish Spa or a massage

After shopping, head to Fish Spa & Reflexology at Terminal 1 for a pampering quick treat. For those who prefer something more traditional, they also provide a range of massages like foot reflexology, neck & shoulder massage, TCM Tui-Na, Thai yoga massage, and hot stone massage.

#9 Free massage

If not, there are plenty of massage chairs – scattered all over the airport – to provide relief for your tired feet.

#10 Take a nap at the Snooze Lounge

If you are feeling tired before the flight, go straight to the Snooze Lounge at Terminal 3 – with comfy leather chairs and a relaxing environment. Quite the perfect place to catch forty winks. Just don’t oversleep and miss your flight!

#11 Capture memories at the Social Tree

The Social Tree is one of the newest additions to Terminal 1. Changi Airport’s memory capsule is like no other – there are eight photo booths where you can capture memories via photos and videos and have them archived permanently, and retrieve them on subsequent visits to the airport. Just imagine: you can take a photo with your loved ones during this trip. One year, two years, ten years down the road, you will be able to rekindle the good times every time you are back at Changi Airport.

This is after all what our beloved airport is about. From sending off your friends for their overseas studies, to going on a holiday with your family, and receiving friends who are visiting Singapore, every memory at Changi Airport is priceless. The bonus is that you are also able to upload the photos and videos on your own social networking profiles.

#12 iShopChangi – Duty Free Shopping Online

Before you go to the airport to explore all the facilities, there is actually a chance to do some duty free shopping before flying. Everyone knows about the awesome duty free shopping at Changi Airport, but not many people have heard of iShopChangi, which allows you to enjoy tax and duty-free shopping at the comfort of your home. It is essentially an e-commerce platform which curates the most popular duty-free products from Changi Airport’s retail shops – including beauty, wine & spirits, chocolates & delicatessen, IT & Electronics, as well as timepieces.

All you have to do is to click to purchase via the website, and pick them up when you are at the departure terminal before going to the flight gate. It is that easy! What’s more, there is a 30-day Money Back Guarantee. For those who are not satisfied with their purchases, they can return the product within 30 days for a full refund or exchange.

You can make your online purchases on iShopChangi from as early as two weeks to 24 hours before your flight. Shop away at www.ishopchangi.com

There are too many facilities at Changi Airport that it is impossible for us to highlight all of them in this feature. Other noteworthy mentions are Kinetic Rain, Enchanted Garden, Koi Pond and an open-air rooftop Cactus garden.

We have previously shared a guide to Changi Airport - featuring some of our favourite dining options, places to go, and things to see at the World’s best airport – and next month, we will be bringing to you our guide on where to eat at Changi Airport.

For more information, go to www.changiairport.com. Follow Fans of Changi on Twitter, Facebook, andInstagram for the latest updates.

This post is brought to you by Singapore Changi Airport.