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

Go behind the scenes at these local attractions and get an additional insight into how they operate - don't forget to grab more photos too! 

We’ve been to these places, possibly more than once. We know what happens and we know our way around. We also know there’s more to these places than meets the eye. What if we have a chance to take a peek behind the scenes? These 8 family-friendly immersive tours will show us another perspective of the attractions we may be familiar with.    

Mandai Wildlife Reserve 

Dates: Mon to Fri, choose from 3 time slots
Fees: Vary for public, WildPass holders and friends of Mandai, starting from $102.40 
See details here.

Hop on board your private buggy and let your personal guide take you on an adventure and bring you closer to wildlife at the Singapore Zoo. The 1.5-hour tour will bring you on intimate and up-close animal encounters where you will hear unique stories from your guide! From elephant feeding to guided tours of signature zones, this will be a different experience from exploring the zoo by yourselves.  
(*Tour accommodates a maximum of 7 persons) 

While you are at it, do also check out Backstage Pass Tours for exclusive access to animal exhibits at Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Bird Paradise!

Singapore Oceanarium

Dates: Check schedule of respective activity in details
Fees: Vary for activities, starting from $88
See details here.

From expert-led tours of iconic zones, getting your hands dirty unearthing your very own fossil, getting up close and personal to dolphins in your private groups, to scuba diving among an incredible array of marine life, the Singapore Oceanarium has a revamped suite of options beyond just getting a ticket to strolling the attraction. 

Fire Station Open House

Dates: Every Sat, 9am - 9.50am and 10am - 10.50am
Fees: Free
See details here.

Good news! SCDF has revived their Saturday mornings Fire Station Open House (with effect from 25 April 2026) at selected fire stations. The 50-minute guided tour includes an introduction to the Open House, introduction to Emergency Vehicles and their capabilities, demo on donning the full protective gear and using various equipment/appliances. There will also be opportunities for photo-taking.

Do book your preferred slot online at least 3 days prior, subject to availability! Walk-in visitors without an online booking will be allowed entry depending on the availability of visitor slots.

RELATED: BYKidO Visits – Central Fire Station Open House

Esplanade Backstage Tour 

Dates: Mon - Thu, 9am - 3pm (excluding PH)
Fees: $50 
See details here.

Ever wondered how a performer can seemingly emerge from under the stage during a concert? Or where large sets are hidden on stage, away from the audience’s view during a theatre performance? This backstage tour will uncover these secrets and more! From the Esplanade Concert Hall under-stage, massive Esplanade Theatre stage, spanking new Singtel Waterfront Theatre, to a dressing room that has hosted world-famous artists and the Green Room where artists mingle, these are usually off-limits to the public.

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

Dates: Sat 2.30pm, 4.30pm | Sun 2.30pm (except last Sun of the month), 4.30pm
Fees: $25
See details here.

Start off at Level 1, Padang Atrium, Tour Desk where you will be led through behind the scenes and restricted areas (think hidden passage ways used by prisoners and guards!) of the former Supreme Court. Hear about courtroom proceedings (Singapore’s highest-profile cases since 1939 that were tried in these courtrooms!) and experience the perspectives of both a Chief Justice and a person on trial.

The Kallang Venue Tours
(formerly Singapore Sports Hub)

Dates: Daily, 10.30am & 2.30pm
Fees: TBC
See details here.

If you really want to see The Kallang up close, this immersive 2-hour tour gives you the chance to see their world class facilities, like the National Stadium, OCBC Aquatic Centre and Singapore Indoor Stadium. You’ll also get a feel of what it’s like to be an athlete with exclusive access to rooms and preparation areas. For those interested in sport history, the Singapore Sports Museum houses a truly unique collection of rare artefacts, memorabilia and interactive exhibitions that feature the lives and stories of greatest legends in Singapore sport.

Istana Open House

Dates: Check details for next available date
Fees: Admission is free with nominal fee for selected area and guided tours
See details here.

The Istana Open House is held up to 5 times a year, featuring live performances and family-friendly activities. happens 4 or 5 times each year, and this is the only time the public can explore the historic grounds, heritage buildings within the compound and lush greenary.  

(*The Istana Main Building is currently closed for restoration till further notice)

Singapore Media Academy EduTour 

Dates: Enquire through marketing@MediaAcademy.sg 
Fees: Vary with programmes
See details here.

Singapore Media Academy (SMA) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mediacorp, offering training, education, and consultancy services to address the needs of the local and regional media industries. The EduTour - Media Learning Experience Programmes are specifically for kids and youths between the ages of 9 and 17, providing an interactive and hands-on experience in media production facilities, facilitated by experienced media professionals. Ranging from 3-hour sharing sessions to 5-day bootcamps, have your children take their pick! 

RELATED: BYKidO Visits – The Mediacorp Experience Tour

*Images are from official websites or social media profiles