8 Tours that Bring You Behind-the-Scenes of Local Attractions

These attractions offer a behind-the-scenes tour to give you a more intimate experience into the stories and happenings! 

We’ve been to these places, possibly more than once. We know what happens and we know your way around. We also know there’s more to these places than meets the eye.

These 8 family-friendly immersive tours will let you have a peek at the work that goes on behind the scenes where our eyes don’t reach and the dedicated staff who carry them out.  

Singapore Zoo - Zoo Adventure Tour 

Venue: Singapore Zoo
Dates: Mon to Fri, choose from 3 time slots (details)
Fees: $440 (Mon - Fri), $550 (Sun, Sat and PH), discounts available for members 

Go on a Zoo Adventure Tour at the Singapore! Hop on board your private buggy and let your personal guide take you on an adventure and bring you closer to wildlife.

The 1.5 hour tour will bring you on intimate and up-close animal encounters where you will hear unique stories from your guide too! From feeding the Giraffe to interacting with the Giant Tortoise, this will be a different experience from exploring the zoo by yourselves! 

Note that the tour accommodates a maximum of 7 persons. 

S.E.A. Aquarium VIP Experience

Venue: S.E.A Aquarium
Dates: Selected dates (details)
Fees: 

• Non peak: $198 (adult), $158 (child, 12 and below)
• Peak: $218 (adult), $178 (child)

Go on a 3.5 hour behind-the-scenes tour at the S.E.A Aquarium VIP Experience! You and your little ones will gain exclusive access to non-public areas in the S.E.A Aquarium! 

That's not all! Your guide will be sharing fun facts about the animals and you will get to learn how the animals are cared for at the S.E.A Aquarium. So meet up at the VIP Meeting Point at the S.E.A Aquarium and start your journey to get a deeper appreciation of the marine realm! 

Tours are in English and Mandarin at selected timings daily and can accommodate up to 12 persons. 

Gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes areas in S.E.A. Aquarium through this personalised VIP guided tour. Discover fun facts about the animals and learn about how we care for our animals in S.E.A. Aquarium through this in-depth and immersive programme that will leave you with a deeper appreciation of the marine realm.

Fire Station Open House

Venue: Available at selected Fire Stations 
Dates: Every Saturday, 9.00am to 9.50am and 10.00am to 10.50am
Fees: Free

Held every Saturday of the month, the Fire Station Open House gives visitors a glimpse into the lives of our heroic fire fighters.

In addition to meeting firefighters and learning more about their job, you’ll also get to handle equipment like the water hose, board the prominent fiery red truck, and even witness a live demonstration of firefighting.

While the open house is available at several locations, we would recommend visiting the Central Fire Station where there is a Fire Station Museum that showcases the history of firefighting through a fascinating collection of artefacts.

RELATED: BYKidO Visits – Central Fire Station Open House

Esplanade Backstage Tour 

Venue: Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
Dates: Mon - Thu, 9 am - 3 pm (excluding PH)
Fees:  $50 

As much exciting as it is to watch a play brought to life by skilled artistes, it is that much more exciting to explore behind the stage!

Esplanade Backstage Tour will take you from the orchestra pit to the dressing rooms and Green Room, where famed artists lounge, places usually barred to the public. Your exhilarating tour of uncovering all the hush-hush that goes on behind the curtains will be wrapped up with some light refreshments.   

Not just the basckstage tour, Esplanade organises other guided tours that you and your family might be interested to explore too. 

National Gallery Singapore - Back-of-House Guided Tour: “Former Supreme Court: Unseen, Unheard”

Venue: National Gallery Singapore, Level 1, Padang Atrium, Tour Desk
Dates: Sat 2.30pm | Sun 4.30pm
Fees: $25 per pax 

This exclusive tour at the National Gallery Singapore takes you behind the scenes to explore restricted areas of the former Supreme Court, usually out of bounds to the public. Experience courtroom proceedings and experience the perspectives of both a Chief Justice and a person on trial.

You will:

• Explore hidden passageways used by prisoners and guards
• Climb through a trapdoor into the prisoner’s dock
• Gain access to the Viewing Gallery where members of the public used to sit during court hearings
• Discover stories of Singapore’s highest-profile cases since 1939, that were tried in these courtrooms
• Enjoy an exclusive viewing of Chief Justice’s private lift and courtroom seat

Singapore Sports Hub Venue Tour

Venue: Singapore Sports Hub
Dates: Daily, 10.30 am and 2.30 pm
Fees: TBC

If you really want to see Singapore Sports Hub up close, this immersive Venue Tour gives you the chance to see our world class facilities, like the National Stadium, OCBC Aquatic Centre and Singapore Indoor Stadium in a way.

On this tour, you’ll feel what it’s like to be an athlete with exclusive access to rooms and preparation areas usually only available to athletes!

For those interested in sport history, you’ll also be guided through the Singapore Sports Museum, home to a truly unique collection of rare artefacts, memorabilia and interactive exhibitions that feature the lives and stories of our greatest legends in Singapore sport.

The tour is currently only available for group booking (up to 20 pax). Tours are held every weekday at 10.30 am and 2.30 pm.

Istana Open House

Venue: The Istana, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823
Dates: Normally coinciding with key national celebrations (details)
Fees: Admission is free with a fee for guided tours

The Istana Open House happens 4 or 5 times each year, and this is the only time the public can explore the historic grounds and the stunning Istana Heritage Building. If you aim to visit the Istana, do take note of these dates and what you can expect before visiting! 

The Istana Open House will allow visitors can explore the lush grounds, take guided tours, and enjoy cultural performances and family-friendly activities.

Mediacorp Experience Tour 

Venue: Mediacorp, Campus, 1 Stars Avenue, Singapore 138507
Dates: Mon - Fri
Fees: TBC

If you’ve ever watched the news and wondered what it’s like to be behind the screen, the Mediacorp Experience Tour gives you an idea.

Stand on a replicated set and experience what it feels like to star in a drama, present the news of the day at the simulated news studio, find out how well you’ll fare as a radio DJ, and more.

The tour is currently only available for group bookings and you are advised to book at least a month in advance. So, gather your family and friends, and make your plans early!

*While the booking form for the tour is still available, the landing pages have been removed. We are currently unsure if the tour is still available and will update once we have more details. 

RELATED: BYKidO Visits – The Mediacorp Experience Tour