Are you travelling around Asia with kids in tow this school holiday season? A raft of new attractions – from Hong Kong to Tokyo, Dubai to Mumbai – have opened their doors over the past couple of years, while others have undergone a refresh. Check out these recently launched family-friendly attractions that will delight all ages:
For a taste of the fantastical
1. Explore the magical world of Harry Potter in Japan
Book a flight to: Tokyo
Following its success in London, The Making of Harry Potter makes its Asia debut in Japan’s capital city. Since its opening in June 2023, it also boasts the title of the world’s largest indoor Harry Potter attraction.
Visitors will get the chance to explore some of the most iconic sets from the movies – some exclusive to this location – alongside the props, costumes and special effects that brought the wizarding world to life. Wander the colourful winding streets of Diagon Alley, enter the eerie expanse of the Forbidden Forest to try casting a Patronus and board the Hogwarts Express at Platform 9 ¾.
2. Walk Middle Earth at this Shire replica in Malaysia
Book a flight to: Penang
Those planning a trip to Malaysia should stop by Hobbitoon Village, where you’ll be greeted by replicas of the distinctive Shire cottages from blockbuster fantasy films The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Located in the Perak region, it’s just under three hours’ drive from Penang International Airport, and around an hour away from scenic Cameron Highlands Flora Park.
After you’ve explored the quaint structures and taken your fill of pictures, meander up the hill for a breather at Hobbitoon Café. It serves a selection of Western dishes and colourful, whimsical beverages that you can enjoy while drinking in panoramic views of the verdant surrounding landscape.
3. Find yourself spirited away at Japan’s favourite Ghibli Park
Book a flight to: Osaka
The buzziest theme park launch in Japan, Ghibli Park, which opened its gates in November 2022, has announced all-access ticketing for 2024.
Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the dreamlike world of Studio Ghibli, the creative minds behind classic anime favourites like Spirited Away and Howl’s Moving Castle. The park is divided into five sections. This includes Ghibli’s Grand Warehouse, a mind-blowing maze of all things Ghibli; Hill of Youth, with dazzling architecture from the sets of iconic Ghibli films; Dondoko Forest, a wonderland modelled after scenes from My Neighbour Totoro; and the Mononoke Village inspired by the mountainous landscape of Princess Mononoke. The Valley of Witches, the newest section debuting in March this year, will include a fantastical carousel and a flying machine spinner-type ride.
Nagoya City is about an hour away from Osaka by bullet train, or a two-hour train ride from Tokyo. From Nagoya Station, take a bus or train to the Aichi Expo Park. Note that entrance tickets sell out quickly so you’ll want to book as far in advance as you can.
To whet curious minds
4. Get crafty at Southeast Asia’s largest museum for regional modern art
Book a flight to: Singapore
Among the Lion City’s myriad of family-friendly attractions is Keppel Centre for Art Education at National Gallery Singapore. Reopened at the end of 2023 following a four-month revamp, it’s a dedicated space filled with hands-on activities for kids to nurture their inner creative.
New features include the Makers Studio, where children can experiment with different materials to assemble their own 3D creations, and a place for families to paint, build collages and craft clay pieces together. Other fresh offerings range from immersive digital exhibitions to a cosy book corner and a portrait gallery.
5. Nurture conscious world citizens at the Museum of Solutions
Book a flight to: Mumbai
Most museums require that children be chaperoned by an adult. At the Museum of Solutions, grown-ups can only enter if they’re accompanied by a kid. Opened in Mumbai, India in late 2023 and spread out over a whopping 10 floors, its mission is to inspire young minds to make meaningful change by becoming responsible, conscious and caring world citizens.
Teach your kids about water conservation and climate change through an interactive exhibition; dabble with design thinking, robotics, woodworking and photography at the maker space; and get them thinking about nature and sustainable living at the soon-to-open rooftop tropical garden.
To delight your inner child
6. Enjoy thrill-seeking family fun at Dubai’s brand new indoor adventure complex
Book a flight to: Dubai
Recently opened at Dubai’s Al Ghurair Centre is GLITCH. At this massive indoor playground, adventurous families can take on adrenaline-pumping challenges that run the gamut from obstacle courses to gravity-defying experiences.
Popular adventures include Sky Surf, Dubai’s first and only indoor roller glider. You’ll be strapped into a harness and soar sky-high through the air. There’s also Newtons Walls, home to an array of themed climbing courses. There’s also a 10-metre-high slide, bowling alley and immersive arcade games to enjoy.
7. Let it go at the world’s biggest Frozen attraction
Book a flight to: Hong Kong
Step into Elsa and Anna’s enchanting universe at Hong Kong Disneyland’s brand new World of Frozen. Built to resemble Arendelle – the fictional, Norwegian-inspired kingdom where the Frozen films are set – this is the world’s first and largest themed land based on the blockbuster franchise.
Attractions include Frozen Ever After, a musical boat ride to Elsa’s Ice Palace where beloved characters charm you with song and laughter; Playhouse in the Woods, an interactive theatrical experience in Elsa and Anna’s childhood hideaway; and Wandering Oaken’s Sliding Sleighs, a family-friendly rollercoaster adventure that whizzes through the scenic Arendelle Forest.
8. Revel in Pop Mart collectors’ paradise in Chaoyang Park
Book a flight to: Beijing
If you or your little ones collect Pop Mart’s eye-catching figurines, a visit to Pop Land in Beijing, China should be on the cards. Launched in September 2023, it spans a relatively compact 40,000 square metres within the lush and leafy confines of Chaoyang Park.
The attraction is split into four whimsical zones that include a castle, treehouse, mini maze, themed play areas, game booths and retail shops for you to stock up on adorable Pop Mart toys. Life-sized displays of the brand’s flagship characters are scattered throughout the park, providing plenty of picture-perfect moments.
For more information on Singapore Airlines flights to the above destinations, visit the official website.
Photo information for The Making of Harry Potter Tokyo: ‘Wizarding World’ and all related names, characters and indicia are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Wizarding World publishing rights © J.K. Rowling.
