Every year, around 605 migratory bird species journey up to 5,000 kilometres along the Central Asian Flyway, a major route stretching from northern Asia to the Indian Ocean. Along this incredible journey, many stop by Singapore to forage for worms and snails across the mudflats of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve.

These visitors are more than seasonal guests. They play a vital role in our daily lives, contributing to healthy ecosystems, farms and even cities by controlling pests, pollinating plants, and dispersing seeds. However, their survival is under increasing pressure as their natural habitats shrink and urban areas expand.

To raise awareness and celebrate this natural phenomenon, World Migratory Bird Day is observed annually around the world, timed to the migratory season in each country. This year’s theme, “Creating Bird-Friendly Cities & Communities,” encourages families to look skyward and explore how neighbourhoods, parks, and even backyards can be more welcoming for wildlife.

In honour of this special day, we have put together a series of engaging activities that invite families to step outdoors, connect with nature, and discover the diversity of birds that grace our shores.

Step Into A Colourful Paradise of Birds at Mandai Wildlife Reserve

If you are looking for a day out that your whole family can enjoy, Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve is a wonderful choice. As Asia’s largest bird park, it brings you and your kids face-to-face with over 3,500 birds from more than 400 species, all within 17 hectares of beautifully designed spaces.

As you explore together, wander through eight immersive aviaries that transport your family across the globe. Watch your little ones marvel at flamingos in the Crimson Wetlands, point out hornbills in the Rwanda Nyungwe Forest Heart of Africa, or light up with wonder as penguins dive and play at Penguin Cove. Every step offers a chance for all ages to discover something new and unforgettable.

For a hands-on experience, there are feeding sessions with lories, cassowaries, starlings, and even penguins, along with daily presentations that showcase the remarkable talents of these creatures. Keeper talks are also available, where experts share insights into conservation and caring for endangered species. For something extra special, families can book behind-the-scenes experiences, from meeting their VIPs (Very Important Penguins) to learning about the Avian Hospital’s care routines.

Open daily from 9am to 6pm, Bird Paradise offers the perfect blend of learning, leisure, and close encounters. More than just a visit, it is a full day of discovery and a chance to create lasting family memories, while deepening your appreciation for bird species from different biomes around the world.

Plan ahead and book your visit through the website to make the most of your experience.

Uncover Sentosa’s Feathered Visitors on a Guided Tour

If you would like a serene journey into nature, you can choose the Birdwatching Tour at Sentosa. Led by experts from The Untamed Paths, the guided excursion encourages participants to center themselves in the present moment, quietly observing birds in their habitat while soaking in the island’s tranquil greenery. Held every Saturday morning from 7am to 8:30am, the tour welcomes all generations, from children to adults, to start the rewarding weekend together.

With binoculars and a guide sheet in hand, you and your little ones will learn the basics of spotting and identifying avian species in their natural surroundings. As you follow rainforest trails and coastal edges, you will begin to notice details often overlooked — the flicker of wings, a distinctive call, or a sudden flash of colour high in the canopy.

Far from being just a hobby, birdwatching opens your eyes to the variety of life around us. Our City in Nature may be as big, but it boasts more than 420 bird species, making it one of Asia’s most surprising migratory hotspots. 

This tour is not only educational, but also a chance for families to unwind, immerse themselves in greenery, and bond through shared discovery. So step into a new rhythm, enjoy time with your loved ones, and see the island through the eyes of its feathered residents. 

Reserve your spot today and let birdwatching be your family’s new weekend hobby.

Take Flight Together at the Sungei Buloh Race

Gather your family, form a team, and make this a chance to learn, explore, and create lasting memories at the 41st Singapore Bird Race 2025, organised by the Nature Society Singapore. 

Since 1984, this event has been bringing together families, friends, and birdwatchers of all ages to celebrate the beauty of our nation’s wild birds. Taking place on 15 and 16 November 2025 at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, the race invites you and your loved ones to step into nature and experience the thrill of spotting these feathered friends in their natural habitats.

With categories for everyone — from curious first-timers to seasoned bird watchers — there is a place for all to join in. The Family Race is designed especially for parents and kids, giving you five hours to work as a team and see how many species you can record. It is a fun way to introduce your children to birdwatching while enjoying quality time outdoors together.

More than just a day out, your participation also supports conservation. Every bird your family records adds to important data that helps protect local species and their habitats. By joining, you are not just having fun; you are contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for Singapore.

Register today and get ready with the pre-race talks and walks designed to prepare you for the big day.

Let Their Curiosity Soar

Whether it is observing local avian fauna by their markings and calls in your neighbourhood or discovering unique species at the bird park, these simple moments offer families the opportunity to connect with each other and nature.

This World Migratory Bird Day, turn your visit into an opportunity to spark curiosity, foster care for our feathered visitors, and see how small actions can help protect their habitats for generations to come.

To make the occasion even more memorable, join our Facebook and Instagram Giveaway and stand a chance to be 1 of 5 lucky winners to take home a $30 eCapitaVoucher and a Geneco Green Starter Kit (worth $40), which includes a foldable umbrella, reusable straw, and grocery net bag.

To participate, share your answer in the comments below: “Name 1 activity from our blog that your family would like to partake in this World Bird Migratory Day”. Contest ends 31 October 2025. Terms and conditions apply.

Together, let’s #PowerTheChange by nurturing a sustainable community today for tomorrow’s generations.