Kid-friendly Guide to Merlion Park: Story, Opening Hours & Light Show

Take the kids to one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions – the Merlion Park – for a fun, family day out and fabulous IG-worthy photos! From food near the Merlion Park to the nearest MRT, here’s all you need to know!

The Merlion Park is a popular tourist attraction in Singapore that is home to the mythical Merlion statue which has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. Though this icon is usually on the bucket list for tourists trying to get Instagrammable photos, it’s a fun place to check out with the kids, if you’re looking for something free to do apart from the usual outdoor playgrounds or water parks in Singapore. From how to get there to the best photo-taking spots and where to eat near the Merlion Park, here are our top tips for a fun visit to see the Merlion statue!

Kid-friendly Guide to the Merlion Park:

The story of the Merlion Statue at Merlion Park

What exactly is a Merlion we hear you ask? Legend has it that Sang Nila Utama, a Srivijayan prince of Palembang, landed on the shores of Singapore and spotted a strange creature that looked like a lion giving Singapore our name Singapura, ‘lion city’. The Merlion has a lion-head and fish-like body (“mer”, meaning the sea) paying homage to our sunny island’s origins as a fishing village. The Merlion was designed in 1964 by Fraser Brunner and used as a logo by the Singapore Tourism Promotion Board from 1964 to 1997. Today, it remains one of Singapore’s icons and is featured in many tourist souvenirs.

Merlion Statue Relocation

The Merlion statue was constructed in November 1971 and unveiled to the public on 15 September 1972 by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. It was originally located at the mouth of the Singapore River, but when the Esplanade Bridge was built in 1997, the Merlion statue was no longer visible from the waterfront. As such, the Singapore Tourism Board moved the Merlion statue to its current location, a new pier that overlooks Marina Bay. The Merlion statue faces east for optimal feng shui.

Merlion Park statue

The Merlion Park is a popular tourist attraction in Singapore that is home to the mythical Merlion statue which has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The Merlion is 8.6 metres tall, weighs a whopping 7,000kg, and overlooks the gorgeous Singapore River and Marina Bay waterfront.

You can get up close to the Merlion and sit on the steps enjoying the view, but if you’re looking to take that iconic shot of the Merlion spouting water into your mouth you’ll need to find the steps where you can see the Esplanade Theatre (the spiky building pictured above!), then ask a kind soul to guide you into place so they can snap a photo that looks as if the Merlion statue is spraying water into your mouth!

Merlion Statue at Merlion Park, 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213

Merlion Park: Tickets & Opening Hours

The Merlion Park is open 24/7, so you can head there early to enjoy the sunrise or stay out at night to catch the gorgeous Singapore city skyline. Unlike many other attractions in Singapore, the Merlion Park is free to enter!

How to Get to the Merlion Park

The closest MRT station to the Merlion Park is Raffles Place. Thanks to Singapore’s interconnected public transport you can easily get to the Merlion Park via MRT. The closest bus stop to Merlion Park is at Fullerton Square with a number of bus services. If your kids are not fans of a longer commute by train, simply call for a taxi or book a Grab!

Best Time to Visit the Merlion Park

• Visit early in the morning or late in the evening: There isn’t much shelter at the Merlion Park, so be sure to visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the sun’s scorching heat! If you visit in the evening, you can catch the stunning light show at Marina Bay Sands (read more below!).
• Pack essentials to stay cool: Bring an umbrella, sunscreen, water and hats.
• Take the Singapore River Cruise to get up close to the Merlion: Hop on a bumboat cruise to learn all about Singapore’s history and its iconic city landscape. Plus, you’ll get to snap pics of the Merlion statue from a much better angle than you would get on land!

Merlion Park: Light Show

While there isn’t a Merlion Park light show, you can catch a good view of the Marina Bay Spectra Light Show across the Singapore River. This free outdoor extravaganza is displayed over the water and features a stunning choreography of fountain jets, lasers, colourful visual projections and mist effects, complemented by an impressive orchestra soundtrack.

When: Sunday – Thursday, 8pm – 9pm; Friday & Saturday, 8pm, 9pm & 10pm
Where: Marina Bay Sands, Event Plaza
How much: Free!

Restaurants Near Merlion Park

One Fullerton Shopping Mall is located right by the Merlion Park, where you’ll find plenty of options when the kids start to get hungry. Here are a few options to consider:

Bistro Aseana Pasta & Skewer Bar

This Asian-Western fusion bistro has delicious pastas like the Tiger Prawn & Japanese Halfshell Scallop Pasta and Donburi Rice Sets like Yaikiniku Sliced Beef Donburi. Plus, they even have bubble tea, if you’re craving a cold drink after exploring the Merlion Park under the hot sun!

Bistro Aseana Pasta & Skewer Bar at Merlion Park, 1 Fullerton Rd, #01-11, Singapore 049213

Palm Beach Seafood

There’s something special about indulging in seafood while sitting by the water. Palm Beach Seafood serves up the infamous Singapore Chili Crab and local favourites Grilled Satay, Mee Goreng, Chendol and more. Kiddos will love their homemade ice cream for a refreshing sweet treat!

Palm Beach Seafood Singapore at Merlion Park, 1 Fullerton Rd, #01-09 One Fullerton, Singapore 049213

Saint Pierre

If you’re looking for a fancy meal, head to Saint Pierre, just a short walk from Merlion Park. As a two-Michelin-starred contemporary French restaurant, Saint Pierre offers modern French cuisine with an Asian accent, while boasting one of the best views of the city.

Saint Pierre at Merlion Park, 1 Fullerton Road, #02-02B, One Fullerton, 049213

OverEasy

This classic all-American diner is the place to go for juicy burgers, Baby Back Ribs, Fish & Chips, a 250g Angus Ribeye Steak, Chili Dog, Mac & Cheese and OverEasy Fries. They also have a small kids’ menu for children aged 12 and under.

OverEasy at Merlion Park, 1 Fullerton Road 01-06 One Fullerton, 049213

Mos Burger

For food that won’t break the bank, head to Mos Burger, where you can pick up a quick bite. Choose from burgers with buns or try their iconic rice burgers, hot dogs or their zero-carb, high protein lettuce burgers! Plus, they have a kids’ meal that includes fries, 2-piece nuggets, a kids’ burger and an apple juice.

Mos Burger at Merlion Park, 1 Fullerton Rd, #01-10 One Fullerton, Singapore 049213

So, what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to the Merlion Park to get that iconic Instagrammable Merlion shot! 

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