Most parents in Singapore are already aware of this, but if not, Singapore’s fire stations are open to the public every Saturday morning. You can see their official site here.

It’s a very entertaining and very informative family excursion, and really highly recommended! We’ve been a few times and I’ve written about the Bukit Batok fire station here.

By the way – IT’S FREE! And totally hands-on!

 

This time around, we checked out Central Fire Station. It’s quite iconic, with it’s large wooden red doors. It’s filled with fire engines – every vehicle-mad kid’s dream.

 

What’s wonderful about the SCDF guys working there is that they are not just helpful, but also super friendly. They are always excellent with the kids, and are very patient explaining about what they do. Here, the kids are captivated learning about the ambulance and how people are loaded in/out of it.

 

There’s HEAPS of hands-on things to do as well. Hunter’s trying his hand at a water gun, whilst Carter is having a go with the (super powerful) water hose.

 

Surprisingly, kids can also clamour up on the fire engines to play as they please. They’re allowed to play with the steering wheel, check out the walkie talkie, and press all the buttons inside. Loads of fun!

 

Here we are in the Red Rhino. This is my engine of choice, because it’s more compact and thus much more mobile during an emergency.

 

Fire-fighting demo time! You can watch the fire fighters ‘in action’ as they show us how the perform a rescue and beat a fire. Hunter quickly noted, “Oh, it’s not a REAL fire. It’s only a pretend one – they’re just using a picture.” He wanted to see the real thing, haha!

 

Located right in the premises of Central Fire Station is the Civil Defence Heritage Gallery. Entry is FREE and it’s lovely and air conditioned, so it makes a nice escape after all the buzz and action outside.
 

 

There’s more (vintage) fire engines and hands-on games and activities for kids here, plus a gallery of hundreds of fire engine models and toys – this can keep my kids occupied for hours as the gawp away and try and make me buy the lot (fat chance).

 

A pretty spiral staircase just outside the gallery. I wonder if they actually use it?
 

The fire engine visit is guaranteed to include wet feet, because of all the water gushing around. Dress comfortably and come in washable/rubber shoes!