Saving on cost doesn't mean saving on fun when it comes to these affordable indoor playgrounds, activities and playgroups!
It’s finally here – a list of affordable activities for kids in Singapore. Kids are, it’s fair to say, rather expensive. Feeding them, schooling them, keeping them in shoes that fit: it all adds up to a tidy sum. Then, on top of the ever-mounting child-related expenses, the little darlings demand to be entertained, too! No matter that they have a bedroom full of cool stuff from some of the best toy stores in Singapore or that we’ve bought enough books to create a library of our own. Proclamations of boredom are incessant (and more than a little irritating).
As such, we’ve been on the lookout for great activities that are not going to punch a whopping great hole in our wallets, and we’ve been busy finding, trying and testing the fab indoor playgrounds and awesome drop-in classes that cost less than $25 per child. Just in time for the upcoming end-of-year holidays. You’re welcome!
Affordable indoor playgrounds in Singapore
The Artground: From $5/pax (free for Blue and Orange CHAS Card holders)
As well as running a series of fantastic weekend art programmes, The Artground provides an interactive art space at Goodman Arts Centre and One Holland Village for the kids to explore. It’s suitable for babies and kids up to nine years old, and we also love that it’s an accessible space for kids of all abilities. The theme changes throughout the year, so it’s never boring. This place is hugely popular, so make sure you book in advance!
The Artground, #01-40, Block J, Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Road, Singapore 439053 and 7 Holland Village Way #01-20 One Holland Village, Singapore 275748
Canopy Park: $6 for Singapore residents
It’s no secret, we love Jewel Changi Airport! The super cool Canopy Park at the top floor of Jewel is a fab indoor play area with affordable entry. From hedge mazes to discovery slides, foggy bowls and sky nets, there’s a whole heap of fun going on here!
Canopy Park, Level 5, Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666
Kidz Amaze at SAFRA Toa Payoh
Spanning a whopping 12,700 square feet, Kidz Amaze has a massive jungle gym for bigger kids, but that doesn’t mean the toddlers and babies are left out. The soft play area for infants and toddlers has been specially designed by early childhood experts to develop infant’s gross motor skills, so you know it’s going to be all gravy. It’s tummy time a-go-go!
Where: Kidz Amaze, SAFRA Toa Payoh, 293 Lor 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 319387
Price: From $10.10 per child up to 14 years old; $4.05 for every accompanying adult
Kaboodle Kids: $15-20 per child (drop-in)
Imagination is key at Kaboodle, where its oversized blue foam blocks, noodles and balls are shipped in from New York and designed to inspire kids to build the castle/race car/fort of their dreams. And they’re positively encouraged to enjoy smashing it all down before starting afresh. It’s fun learning at its best!
Kaboodle, 88 East Coast Road, #02-05 Katong Square, Singapore 423371
KidsSTOP at the Singapore Science Centre: $10 – $23 per child
For an indoor play zone that offers arguably the best edutainment experience for kids in Singapore, head to KidsSTOP @ the Singapore Science Centre. It’s like Willy Wonka’s factory filled with loads of fun science-based exhibits to keep your kiddos amused for ages. The dino-dig pit is simply irresistible for younger kids, while older adventurers will love scaling to eye-watering heights on the climbing equipment. Tickets start at $2 for grownups and $5 for children (Singaporean and PR only) or from $10 and $20 for everyone else.
KidsSTOP, 21 Jurong Town Hall Rd, Singapore 609433
Future World at the Art Science Museum (kids go free on Fridays with a paying adult!)
With its amazing Future World exhibit, the ArtScience Museum is right up there as one of our fave cool kids’ play areas. Truth: it’s actually a permanent museum exhibition, but it’s a truly spectacular experience for young and old(er). Immerse yourselves in a room with floor-to-ceiling flower blooms, chillax and watch waves roll in, stack oversized illuminated blocks, and enter a ball pit like no other. Get the full scoop on our visit to Future World and get to the ArtScience Museum as quick as your lovely legs will take you.
Future World, ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
T-Play HometeamNS Bukit Batok
If you’ve got an advanced crawler on your hands, they’ll love HometeamNS Bukit Batok’s T-Play indoor playground, which is vehicle-themed with ‘roads’, planes and an aeroplane-inspired playground! There’s also a ball pit here which little ones will appreciate. It’s almost entirely baby- and toddler-friendly, so parents can do with just sticking nearby and keeping an eye on the littles while they explore the space!
Where: T-Play at HometeamNS Bukit Batok, 2 Bukit Batok West Ave 7, Singapore 659003
Price: From $10.18 per child; free for babies under 12 months old (with every paying child)
Affordable attractions and sights in Singapore
Grab your swimsuits and hit one of Singapore’s fantastic free water playgrounds!
It’s too easy to break a sweat under our blistering sun, so where do you go to escape the heat in Singapore? Forget about staying huddled around the aircon; bring the kids to one of the city’s fantastic free water playgrounds to cool down and play. From the elaborate outdoor fountains and sprinklers at Gardens by the Bay to the rooftop oasis at Wildlife Wet Play Area at Tampines, check out our list of top places to go for a splashing good time – totally free of charge!
Explore a market: we love Cosford Container Park’s monthly Weekend Market
Cosford Container Park has launched a monthly Weekend Market with diverse themes, local vendors, and fun activities. Join the October edition with 12 F&B vendors to choose from, live music, and unique vendor finds like vintage clothing, semi-permanent jagua tattoos, and handcrafted pet accessories . Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at Cosford Container Park – check out what went down at our last visit!
When: Next edition is 18 and 19 January 2025.
Where: Cosford Container Park, 30 Cosford Rd, Singapore 499550
Dinoland: The largest indoor live forest with dinosaurs!
We love hunting for dinosaurs all around Singapore, and dino mad kiddos will absolutely love this adventure! Set inside a living forest, join the rangers on an immersive trek into the dinosaurs habitat, a live indoor forest where dinosaurs roam. Dig for fossils, get up close to a huge variety of life size dinosaurs, and learn all about the different species. Sounds amazing to us!
Where: Dinoland at SAFRA Yishun, 1.5 hour guided trail, open weekends from 10am – 8pm
How much: Tickets from $28/pax
A day at the museum: Free all year round for Singapore residents and citizens
One of our fave reasons we love raising kids in Singapore? All the free perks! And that includes free museum entry all year round! Check out our guide to all the best kid-friendly exhibits happening right now.
Have the perfect day out at Gardens by the Bay: $20 for adults, $12 for children
There’s a reason we love hanging out at Gardens by the Bay: from the free water play to the giant waterfall and rainforest in a dome, super fun floral displays and one of the most awesome playgrounds in town… Gardens by the Bay is one awesome attraction for families in Singapore.
SkyHelix Sentosa: From $15.30 for kids
Want to try something different? Take to the skies by trying out SkyHelix in Sentosa! This open-air rotating gondola offers awesome panoramic views over Singapore, plus a nice breeze if you’re looking to beat the heat. The price also includes a drink you can take with you on the ride, which takes you up as high as 79 metres above sea level. Psst, children between 1.05 and 1.20 metres or 12 years and below may take the ride only if accompanied by an adult.
SkyHelix Sentosa, 41 Imbiah Road, Singapore 099707
Wildlings Dempsey: $24 per child-adult pair
How does unstructured play in a wild, natural space sound? We’re talking mud kitchens and messy water play inspired by the forest school concept! At Wildlings, kids are encouraged to play with leaves, sticks, mud, explore nature, touch everything and even climb and swing from trees – it’s where the kids can really go wild! Worried about bringing home some muddy kids after? Don’t fret as there are nearby bathrooms for washing up, and you could even pick up a snack from Baker & Cook!
Wildlings Dempsey, 27A Loewen Road Wildlings, Nature Space, Singapore 248839, open Fridays: 3:30pm-6pm, Saturdays: 3pm-5:30pm, Sundays: 9:30-12pm, 3pm-5:30pm
Hay Dairies: Free entry, $5/packet of hay!
Who could pass up the chance to pet some cute baby goats?! We love Hay Dairies for its free entry and affordable hay for goat-feeding. It’s the one and only dairy goat farm in Singapore – home to almost 1,000 goats – and the perfect spot to try some goat milk products like fresh goat milk, goat milk gelato and popsicles, bar soap and more!
Hay Dairies, 250 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 719866
Experience Sensoryscape on Sentosa
Sentosa’s latest landmark is a sensory haven that helps you escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Check out the six sensory gardens that’s design to ignite a specific sense in you. The ‘show’ goes on at night as the place comes alive with the ImagiNite experience, featuring seven unique digital art installations. Not to mention, a perfect place to snap some family photos for keepsake!
Sensoryscape, 3 Siloso Road, Singapore 098977
Opening hours: 24 hours, ImagiNite runs from 7.50 – 9.40pm
Cost: Free
Be a Space Explorer at Science Centre Singapore
With all the cosmic activity that has been happening across our night skies lately, our kiddos interests have certainly skyrocketed when it comes to all things space. Head to the Science Centre Singapore this weekend and be one of the first to experience Space Explorers: The Infinite – an Immersive Experience. Wear some fancy VR goggles and be transported to the International Space Station! Based on real-life NASA missions, we can’t wait to try this one for ourselves.
When: Opens 12 October 2024
Where: Space Explorers: The Infinite – an Immersive Experience, Science Centre Singapore, The Annexe. Tickets from $32.
Head to the park for some outdoor fun: free!
Take advantage of Singapore’s lush green spaces, grab a picnic mat and head to a park near you. If you’ve got a little bike rider, the park connector network is worth checking out, too!
Head to the beach: FREE!
One super affordable (and practically free) activity to try out with the kids is a day out at the beach. We’ve listed our fave beachy spots on the island, including nearby destinations that won’t break the piggy bank.
Due to the oil spill on 14 June 2024, it is advised to avoid the affected beaches and shorelines while NParks conducts joint clean-up operations.
Affordable playgroups in Singapore
Hollandse Club Playgroup
HC Playgroup is more than just a fun hangout for babies under 2 years, it’s a supportive community. Join sleep consultant Evie Bonney and the New Mothers’ Support Group for a cuppa and to connect with fellow parents while your children play! Bonus: Evie is an experienced registered nurse and the founder of Evelyn Bonney Sleep Consulting, and she’s available to answer any questions you might have about all things healthcare-related in Singapore. The cost is free for HC members and $10 for non members, ($15 for one parent and 2 kids). Check with the Hollandse Club for dates and times!
Kidmando: $25 per child (reservation required)
Fundamental Movement Skills (FMS) are the name of the game for active kids aged one to six years at the daily Kidmando sessions around Singapore. It’s set up by a mum who understands small humans need to move a LOT to get tired out! Kidmando challenges kids to fun-packed games and agility courses which encourage teamwork, movement and, above all, fun!
Kidmando playgroups, various locations
Mucky Pups: $31-35 per child (reservation required)
If your small bundle of energy is a fan of getting a little bit grubby and a whole lot creative, then you’d be barking mad to miss out on Mucky Pups. Run by a mum who knows her messy stuff (she has two boys of her own), this is a 45-minute parent participation group. It involves singing, dancing, games, bubbles and art: a.k.a. mess! Plus, you don’t have to tidy up once the messy mayhem has finished! Perfect for toddlers ages 1-3. Psst…babies (6-14 months) get their own Mucky Pups baby sensory classes, too!
Mucky Pups, multiple locations, book classes here
Vivo Roos: $40 per child (reservation advised)
If your little one is a bit of a mover ‘n’ groover, then this drop-in parent participation class is fab. Vivo Roos is a music and movement class for babies, toddlers, and their parents. Mums, you also get to wave the scarves, shimmy with the shakers and blow the bubbles, too! For kids seven months to three years old.
Vivo Roos, various condo locations
Need more activity inspo? We’ve got a weekend guide to all the best things to do with kids in Singapore. Plus, don’t forget to check our guide to free indoor activities and cool outdoor activities!