Let the kids run free at the Singapore Botanic Gardens! Here's our ultimate guide of things to do and where to eat for a fun day out with the family.
Singapore is full of gorgeous parks and green spaces – we’re not known as the Garden City for nothing, and we are totally spoilt for choice! As well as enjoying a dose of vitamin D, heading to the Singapore Botanic Gardens. is an easy peasy way to get some exercise and squeeze in some quality time with the fam.
If you’re looking for something to do with the kids today, we say head to our fave outdoor destination with the kids, which is also a fantastic UNESCO World heritage site. It’s easy to get to, and most importantly, super kid friendly. The gardens is mostly pet-friendly too! Wondering how to have the perfect day out at the Singapore Botanic Gardens with kids and furkids? Here’s our ultimate guide…
Pro tip: If you’ve lived in Singapore for a while, then you’ll know that most days it gets super hot at around 10am. Since the Botanic Gardens has a lot of open spaces, we suggest heading there earlier (7.30am, if you can make it) rather than later. Don’t forget to pack hats for the little ones, sand toys, a football, mosquito repellent, LOTS of water, snacks, and sunscreen!
How to get to the Singapore Botanic Gardens
We’re big fans of Singapore’s awesome public transportation and we love the fact there’s the Botanic Gardens MRT stop on the Circle and Downtown Lines at the Cluny entrance of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This stop is also close to Cluny Court, one of our favourite breakfast and boutique shopping spots. You can also take the MRT on the Thomson-East Coast line to Napier, and enter via Tanglin Gate.
If you’re driving, there are carparks located close to the various gates, depending on where in the Botanic Gardens you want to go. Have a look at the map for reference. Note that the carparks can get quite full and busy during peak hours, and public transport is super easy! For all the latest info on how to get to the Singapore Botanic Gardens (including car park closures / maintenance), check out their Visit Us page.
Map of the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Botanic Gardens opening hours
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is open daily from 5am until midnight, however the timing may vary during special events and public holidays. Note that the various restaurants and galleries within the Botanic Gardens will have different opening and closing times. Visitor Service Counters within the Gardens have staff available from 8am until 5:30pm daily.
Things to do in the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Let’s be real – if you’re bringing kids to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, you most likely won’t get to explore all 82 hectares of it. In fact, your kids will probably get tired when hour two rolls along (also, that’s usually nap time for our tots). Our ideal Botanic Gardens trip involves playing in the open fields in the Eco Gardens, and visiting the uber-picturesque Swan Lake. Walk over to the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden (near the Bukit Timah entrance) for loads of fun play and learning.
1. Take a walk around Swan Lake and spot the animals
Surprisingly, this man-made lake is home to what seems to be a gazillion turtles, tadpoles, swans and even otters. Our kids never get tired of spotting their animal friends, even if they see them all the time. Please don’t feed the animals no matter how hungry they look – especially those greedy turtles!
2. Burn off some energy at the COMO Adventure Grove playground
We’re big fans of the COMO Adventure Grove, found in the Gallop Extension. This nature-focused playground features saga seed balancing, tubular slides, rope climbing, swings, and even cempedak fruit for climbing! Nestled amidst the lush forests of the Rambler’s Ridge and flanked by the Arboretum, this play area is like an outdoor ninja course for the kiddos and is a guaranteed energy burner! Do note that this play area opens from 7am to 7pm and furry friends are not allowed here.
3. Play and learn at Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is a haven for little ones, with playgrounds surrounded by nature and fun learning zones. The theme of this garden is ‘Life on Earth Depends on Plants’, and we love that it aims to educate and instil a love for nature in our kiddos. We sure had fun after its re-opening in March 2025, with new features like splash buckets and a larger wading pool and amenities. Plus, its three times as big as before! There’s a simple two cubicle changing area with outdoor water showers to wash off after the play.
This is a safe space for children to get out and explore, as adults are only allowed entry if they have a child (2 – 14 years old) in tow. You’ll find a farm, an orchard, and even a forest with its own stream and ponds! It opens daily from 8am to 7pm (except Mondays). We recommend heading there early in the morning and bring your hats and brollies! See all the fun we had on our Instagram.
Our kiddos love the suspension bridge and nature play areas. Take a walk along the stream and climb in the tree-houses. Learn about how plants grow and follow the nature trails. You’ll need to leave your stroller and scooters at the entrance though – they aren’t allowed in for safety reasons. Pets aren’t allowed inside either, so if you’re bringing your dog along, you might want to skip this area of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. If you’re bringing a little one, we suggest taking a cab (safely) directly to the Children’s Garden itself, rather than trekking through the rest of the Gardens to reach your destination.
Bonus: Here’s a kid-friendly guide to Botanic Gardens you can print out for the little ones!
4. The National Orchid Garden (entry from $5)
There are some super special orchids to see at the National Orchid Garden, and you’ll even find flowers named after celebrities! Prince William and Duchess Katherine have visited here, and it’s a tranquil place to walk and enjoy the beautifully landscaped walks. It’s one of the quieter parts of the park with a cool house that’s maintained at 16 to 23 degrees celsius. Now you know where to cool off! Too bad fido won’t be able to enjoy this. Note there is an entrance fee of $5 for local adults, and $15 for visitors.
5. Go on a sculpture hunt, with 40+ water features and sculptures to see!
There are so many beautiful sculptures sprinkled throughout the gardens, and water features that add peace and tranquility to the spaces. If your kids need to calm down a little or rest in the shade, find one of these masterpieces and take in the serenity. You can also go on a treasure hunt around the gardens to see if you can spot them all!
6. Watch a symphony performance under the stars
Keep an eye out for the musical performances that take place at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra will often take to the stage at sunset, and families are welcome to pull up a picnic blanket and enjoy the outdoor concerts under the stars. Bookmark their events page to find out who’s performing when!
7. Do a family photoshoot at the Bandstand
There are loads of lovely places to take photos in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and the Bandstand gazebo is truly iconic. Hire a photographer, or snap some adorable pics of the kids yourself at this picturesque hot spot.
Where to eat in the Singapore Botanic Gardens (and nearby…)
Bees Knees at The Garage (soon to be Wildseed Cafe from 1 October 2025)
We love taking the kids to this little outdoor cafe on the ground floor of The Garage, Bees Knees. Serving up delicious breakfast and lunch dishes and great coffee, the vibe is fun and laidback. There are also takeaway offerings include picnic baskets! On the menu you’ll find a breakfast of eggs, waffles and fruit bowls. Snack on cakes or choose from pizza and pasta, salads and sandwiches. Best bit: Even if you are sweaty in workout clothes or are with your furry friend, you’ll still be welcome here. When the weather is good, reach for their Picnic Buzz-kets with basically everything you need, from the table and mat to food and drinks, for a lovely picnic at the gardens. Yes, doggo gets a goodie bag too!
From 1 October, Wildseed Cafe will bloom in place of Bees Knees! Stay tuned for updates.
Small Batch @ Botanic Gardens
Because good things come in small packages, Small Batch believes in “honest food in small batches”. The halal-friendly cafe sits next to the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, making it the perfect spot to refuel after a day at the free waterpark. It has a rustic, tropical ambience which many describe as “Bali-like”. If your little fussy eaters can’t decide on anything from the kids menu, let them build their own brunch board! Pretty fun, if you ask us.
Sprouts Food Place
If you are craving for local delights, Sprouts Food Place at Nassim Gate features some of the best local eats. Think Botak Jones, Pondok Abang, and Melben Seafood. It’s a kopitiam-styled place with aircon and food here is a little more economical. 60 cents kopi, anyone?
Plain Vanilla (Cluny Court)
Ah, the most important meal of the day. If you prefer to dine in and take it easy, we suggest heading to Cluny Court’s Plain Vanilla outlet. There’s a great selection of breakfast food and pastries, including our fave lemon chia slice. Our suggestion? Get some banana bread or lemon slices to go and some iced coffees so you can make the most of your morning at the gardens.
Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari (Minden Road)
Hungry? Check out Tiong Bahru Bakery – Safari. This is an adorable cafe conveniently located just across the road from the Tanglin entrance of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Croissants, a small sandy playground, and a fun ‘safari park’ vibe, plus ample parking, make this a regular pit stop for us when we are visiting the Gardens with our little ones in tow!
Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
Privé Botanic Gardens (closed as of 31 August 2025)
It’s sad news that Privé at Botanic Gardens has shuttered as of 31 August 2025. It was one of our favourite spots to hang out with the fam for breakfast and coffee after exploring the gardens. We’re still waiting to find out what’s coming up next, so stay tuned for updates!
Have a blooming good time at the gardens!
