It's possible to enjoy a day out on a budget in the Lion City - here's your guide to free attractions in Singapore
Singapore may have been ranked the world’s most expensive city, but there are still ways to enjoy a day out with the kids on a budget. With no shortage of attractions island-wide, here’s a snapshot of some great places you can take the kids across Singapore…wait for it…for free! We’ve got options for free entry for kids under 3, under 4, under 6 and for everyone! Read on…
For kids 3 years old and below
Jurong Bird Park
As one of the largest free-flying aviaries in the world and Asia’s biggest bird park, Jurong Bird Park boasts a collection of more than 5,000 birds across 400 species.
Jurong Bird Park, 2 Jurong Hill, Singapore 628925, p. 6265 0022
Singapore Zoo
Located within the Mandai rainforest, the Singapore Zoo is home to over 2800 animals and represents over 300 species of mammals, birds, and reptiles. Offering an immersive experience, you can choose to travel on-board one of their guided trams or trek on foot through the park at your own leisurely pace.
Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826, p. 6269 3411
Night Safari
11-time winner of best attraction category awarded by Singapore Tourism Board, this award-winning park bags the title as the world’s first safari park for nocturnal animals too.
Night Safari, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826, p. 6269 3411
River Safari
River Safari
Nestled between Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, this $160-million attraction features the world’s largest freshwater aquarium and Singapore’s resident giant pandas – Kai Kai and Jia Jia.
River Safari, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826, p. 6269 3411
For kids 4 years old and below
S.E.A Aquarium
The S.E.A Aquarium is home to over 100,000 marine animals of over 800 species in 49 different habitats. It’s the world’s largest aquarium and features some amazing marine enclosures and viewing platforms.
S.E.A Aquarium, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269, p. 6577 8888
Trick Eye Museum
Korea’s famed Trick Eye Museum is finally here on Singapore shores! Marvel at the miraculous art technique, which turns two-dimensional paintings into mesmerising 3D optical illusions.
Trick Eye Museum, Resorts World Sentosa, 26 Sentosa Gateway, #01-43/44, Singapore 098138
Universal Studios Singapore
Enter the thrilling world of movie magic with seven fun zones to explore – Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar.
Universal Studios Singapore, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269, p. 6577 8888
Universal Studios Singapore
Free for citizens, PR, and children under 6 years old
Singapore Art Museum
Housed in a restored 19th century mission school, Singapore Art Museum aims to showcase the best of contemporary art practices in Singapore and the Southeast Asian region. Here’s where you’ll find the world’s largest public collections of modern and contemporary Southeast Asian artworks.
Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555, p. 6332 3222
National Museum of Singapore
Don’t mistake the nation’s oldest museum to be dull and boring. Bearing a young soul, there are interesting permanent exhibitions in the living and history galleries, alongside a dedicated kids play area, special exhibitions, and film projects.
**Please note: The permanent exhibitions (including the living and history galleries) are currently closed for renovations as part of the Museum’s re-vamp. Expected re-open date is September 2015. **
National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897, p. 6332 3659
Malay Heritage Centre
Take a trip down to the vibrant Kampong Glam district and check out this vital heritage institution. You’ll be greeted with a wonderful cultural exposure and plentiful learning opportunities, regardless of age or race.
Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501, p. 6391 0450
Asian Civilisations Museum
If you’re looking to introduce your child to the rich cultures of Singapore’s multi-ethnic society, Asian Civilisation Museum is the place to go. It’s also the first museum in the region dedicated to pan-Asian cultures and civilizations.
Asian Civilisation Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555, p. 6332 7798
Peranakan Museum
Considered a component of Asian Civilisations Museum, this intimate museum possesses one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of Peranakan (Straits Chinese) heritage objects and visual artworks.
Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian Street, Singapore 179941, p. 6332 7591
Free entry for everyone!
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
This majestic temple, located in the heart of Chinatown, is both a feast for the eyes and a rich cultural symbol. Head inside to check out the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic in a stupa weighing 3.5 tonnes and composed of 320 kg of gold donated by devotees.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, 288 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840, p. 6220 0220
Haw Par Villa
Explore the amazing, and incredibly mind-boggling, world of Chinese folklore, legends, and history at this kooky national attraction.
Haw Par Villa, 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore118628, p. 6872 2780
Gardens by the Bay
Singapore’s premier garden in the city needs no introduction but did you know that access to the Outdoor Gardens in Bay South is free and open all day? Take the chance to get close to nature this weekend. And there’s an amazing Children’s Garden for water play, sand play, climbing and exploration.
Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Top Image: National Museum of Singapore