Saving on cost doesn't mean saving on fun when it comes to these affordable play centres, activities and playgroups!
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 play centres 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.
Activities for kids in Singapore under $40
AFFORDABLE PLAYGROUPS IN SINGAPORE
Mucky Pups: $30-32 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, of course, 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!
Where: Multiple locations, p. 9002 3568
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!
Where: Various locations
Jiggle Wigs $15 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. Jiggle Wigs is a music and movement class aimed at babies and toddlers along with 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.
Where:Various condo locations, p. 8607 5610
Dancing Kids: $10 per child (registration advised)
With two parent participation classes to pick from, and based at condos around the island, Dancing Kids knows a thing or tutu about having fun through dance. Its Music and Movement parent-accompanied class is for littlies age six months to three years old with songs, games, musical instruments and, of course, a parachute at the end of the session! If you have a budding ballet dancer, why not join a Mummy and Me ballet class? Sessions will include mime, coordination exercises, songs and props, and some high-energy fun!
Where: Various condo locations, p. 9028 9485
AFFORDABLE INDOOR PLAY CENTRES IN SINGAPORE
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!
Where: 88 East Coast Road, #02-05 Katong Square, Singapore 423371
The Petite Park: $18 per child (drop in)
If you have smaller kids (under seven years), the small but nicely decked out The Petite Park is a good option for burning a couple of hours. There are two distinct play spaces on offer. The active zone has pastel padded equipment including a double slide, cage with colourful balloons, and swinging balls. The pretend zone has all the gear to ignite big imaginations, including a train track, natural and eco-friendly wooden toys, a mini-kitchen, and a fruit market.
Where: Kallang Wave Mall, 1 Stadium Place, #01-06/07 Singapore 397628
KidsSTOP at the Singapore Science Centre: $10-$23 per child (drop in)
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 a 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.
Where: 21 Jurong Town Hall Rd, Singapore 609433
Clip ‘n’ Climb: $18-$25 per child (drop in)
If your kids have a healthy disregard for heights – then Clip ‘n’ Climb is just the ticket. Expect to be wowed by 19 themed climbing walls suitable for kids weighing over 10kg (no toddlers). Nail the safety briefing, harness instruction and demo and your intrepid adventurers will have the rest of their 90 minute session to use their logic and puzzle-solving skills to negotiate the colourful walls. Our kid-critics rave about The Twister: a colourful puzzle wall that looks like an abstract staircase, The Ladder and The Tetris. Older, stronger kids will master the epic challenges of the Triffid and Dry Ice walls by session end.
Where: 51 Tampines Ave 4, #03-03 Tampines Hub Singapore 529684
HomeTeamNS T-Play: $2-$20 per child (drop in)
Want the kids to learn something as they zip around ball pits, trampolines, transparent climbing walls and slides? We’ve got our sights set on T-Play, an augmented transportation-themed playground at HomeTeamNS. From airport check-in counters to heli landing pads, the kiddos will emerge absolute experts in all things transportation. Chuck in a nursery area with plenty of soft play equipment for the smaller tots and you’ve got yourself a winner. Entry fees range from as low as $2 to $20 depending on age, visiting hours and membership tier.
Where: 2 Bukit Batok West Ave 7, Singapore 659003
AFFORDABLE ATTRACTIONS & SIGHTS IN SINGAPORE
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.
Head to the beach
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.
A day at the museum: free 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 RN.
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 is worth checking out too!
AFFORDABLE CLASSES FOR KIDS IN SINGAPORE
Art classes at the Drawing Mint: $30
Lessons at the Drawing Mint for little creators start from age four years and are broken into small classes for maximum fun in a cool and cosy little studio. And, you can even book a 90-minute trial for your little artist at $30!
Where: The Drawing Mint, 6 Mohamed Sultan Rd, #02-01, Singapore 238956
Martial arts classes at Evolve MMA: Free trial!
Kickstart your child’s martial arts journey with a free trial at Evolve MMA. We love the fabulously fun Little Samurai class at Evolve MMA, offered to kids as young as four. They learn fundamentals of martial arts such as self-defence strategies through fun drills and games. Older kids from seven to nine years old can take part in BJJ Kids, while those 10 to 13 years old can join BJJ Preteens.
Where: Various locations around Singapore
Need more activity inspo? We’ve got a weekly and 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!
