S$8.5m science centre for kids to open by June

SINGAPORE — Kids STOP, a science centre for children between 18 months and eight years of age, will open by June next year, Science Centre Singapore said in a statement issued today (Nov 19).

The new S$8.5 million edutainment centre allows children to learn more about science through interactive play in a safe and guided environment. It will feature exhibits and galleries designed to promote and foster parent-child bonding among its visitors.

Kids STOP is made up of four themed zones — Imagine, Experience, Discover and Dream.

In the Imagine zone, children get to practice their creative and communication skills at specially designed but familiar places such as a movie theatre or even a supermarket.

The Experience zone, on the other hand, encourages visitors to appreciate art and nature through interactions with live animals, stop motion animation and more.

The Discover zone exposes the children to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) principles as well as educational interactives on magnetism, light and sound.

Finally, the Dream zone features a stunning gallery with a lofty climbing structure surrounded by fantastic climbing elements, including leaves, a flying fish, giant gears and more. Science Centre Singapore says that the 9m tall climbing exhibit is bound to awe both children and adults as they get transported into a dream world.

Associate Professor Lim Tit Meng, chief executive of Science Centre Singapore, said that Kids STOP will provide ample opportunities for children “to explore and get inspired”.

“Kids STOP will be a place where the STOP sign in the logo becomes a magic wand and kids stop the real world and embark on a journey into an imaginative one.

“Children learn best through play so we planned the various zones and playful activities at Kids STOP such that they are relevant for curious minds and provide lots of opportunities to explore, experiment and experience the world and science around us,” Assoc Prof Lim added.

Occupying approximately 3,000 sq m of space, Kids STOP is located within the Omni Theatre building. Ticketing details for the new facility will be released at a later date.