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Dream job for a day: Building real-world skills through role-play at KidZania
Over the year-end school holidays, children can explore various professions and learn through play at the newly reopened edutainment centre in Sentosa, making it a must-visit for families and school groups
Children can explore over 40 different professions at KidZania Singapore, a unique edutainment destination in Sentosa. PHOTO: KIDZANIA
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This December school holidays, your child could fly a plane, be a dentist or put out fires – all in a day’s play. That is the magic of KidZania Singapore, a children’s edutainment theme park located within Sentosa.
Spanning 7,600 sq m over two levels, KidZania Singapore is the ultimate child-size replica city, combining the thrill of exploration with practical learning. Children up to the age of 17 can explore various jobs in a range of local and international companies through realistic role-play.
Recently revamped under the ownership of Sim Leisure Group, KidZania Singapore reopened in May this year and has become a go-to destination for families and school groups looking for a day of interactive, enriching experiences.
Always something new to explore
With the various interactive experiences, kids can step into roles such as police officer, broadcast journalist and more, leaving them spoiled for choice.
Datin Silviya Georgieva, governor of KidZania Singapore, notes that the park is perfect for repeat visits as there may be too many activities for kids to experience in a single day.
She says: “Our setup encourages visitors to return again and again to try different activities or simply enjoy their favourites.”
To keep things fresh, KidZania Singapore also introduces new role-play activities seasonally and updates existing ones with fresh and relevant variations in collaboration with industry partners.
“KidZania Singapore plays an important role in children’s learning process. As the children continue to visit, they will discover what they enjoy most and focus on their interests,” Ms Georgieva explains.
Before it relaunched, popular activities included riding in an ambulance to rescue a “casualty” with Parkway East Hospital and fighting fires with the Singapore Civil Defence Force. Today, the city has grown to include a diverse range of fresh, new activities in addition to the signature classics to enrich the KidZania experience.
In keeping with the times, the updated city has also added role-plays centred on trending sectors such as mental health, nutrition and sustainability, as well as next-generation professions focused on technology, environmental stewardship and more.
For instance, The Straits Times, one of KidZania’s newest collaborators, offers young visitors a taste of life as a journalist, letting them experience the thrill of reporting and storytelling.
“We focus on developing inspiring, ethical and relevant activities related to children’s futures,” Ms Georgieva.
“We continually look for fresh ideas and encourage businesses and government organisations to propose initiatives that motivate children to become better individuals and positively impact society.”
Learning in disguise
While its little guests may feel like it is just fun and games, it is not all child’s play. From filling roles as policemen to being culinary chefs – all amid a realistic cityscape, the children are gaining life skills – such as teamwork, problem-solving and independence.
It is experiential learning that goes beyond what traditional classrooms provide, and KidZania Singapore’s approach ensures that lessons stick long after the day is over.
“Many people mistakenly believe that learning cannot be fun and that education must be strict and serious,” adds Ms Georgieva.
“However, studies show that we learn best when we are having fun. Our favourite classes and subjects in school are often those where the teacher made the lessons interesting.”
The power of partnerships
KidZania Singapore’s unique brand partnerships play a crucial role in bringing these immersive educational experiences to life.
With an impressive list of partners covering industries such as emergency services, banking, retail, food and beverages, and media, the children have a wide range of careers and activities to try out.
“Our strategy centres on collaborating with a wide array of brands and industries. This variety is crucial as it provides children with a comprehensive view of life, enabling them to explore different career paths beyond the conventional options suggested by their parents and teachers,” says Ms Georgieva.
The extensive selection of role-play activities not only enhances the authenticity of the KidZania Singapore experience but also enables industry partners to do some market testing. They can see how their businesses and products could be integrated into engaging role-playing scenarios.
“We appreciate all our collaborations, including partners like The Straits Times. Their participation brings valuable expertise and a broader reach, enriching our offerings and elevating the overall experience we provide,” she adds.
“We believe each partner plays a distinct role in our mission of inspiring children and nurturing diverse role-play opportunities.”
Lessons beyond the classroom
For school groups seeking an immersive educational experience with a twist, KidZania Singapore offers an ideal blend of fun and learning.
A typical school trip to the park includes a structured day of role-play activities tailored to different age groups, with guidance from KidZania staff to ensure a smooth experience.
Each visit is uniquely customisable. Teachers can select specific activities aligned with educational goals, whether that is developing social skills, understanding civic roles or fostering creativity.
One of the highlights for visiting students is the B·KidZanian CitiZenship Programme. Children receive a PaZZport, which allows them to collect stamps from each activity.
As they progress through three membership levels, they earn perks such as higher “wages” in KidZania currency and discounts on merchandise.
The PaZZport also works at KidZania locations worldwide, making each return visit more rewarding and giving kids a tangible sense of growth and achievement.
Ready to see your kids play firefighter, chef or even a reporter? Make KidZania Singapore your next outing this school holiday.
