We NEVER get tired of visiting Gardens by the Bay. Here’s the ultimate guide on how to get there, and all the fun things to do with the family!
Whether you’re visiting Singapore, a new arrival, or rediscovering your hometown as a parent, there’s one place you MUST visit with your kids: Gardens by the Bay. There’s a reason why we’re happy to hang out here with the kids over and over again: 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… Here’s a complete guide to gardens by the bay.
Every time we’ve come here there’s something new to explore, But to help you tick off the must-dos, we’ve shared our ultimate day out, guaranteed to burn off your kids’ energy. Mums and dads, you’ll absolutely deserve an icy beer and a feast of local dishes at Satay by the Bay at the end of all this!
HOW TO GET TO GARDENS BY THE BAY
By MRT
The latest (and most direct route) is to take the Thomson-East Coast line and drop off at Gardens by the Bay MRT. Otherwise, stick to the tried-and-tested route, which is to take the Circle or Downtown line and alight at Bayfront MRT (not Marina Bay!). Walk over to Exit B through the long underground linkway.
Alternatively, if you’re lunching or staying over at Marina Bay Sands, you can follow the footpath under the East Coast Parkway (ECP) and Helix Bridge to get to the Bay South Garden entrance of Gardens by the Bay.
By taxi
If you’re getting dropped off at Gardens by the Bay, you’ll want to choose the entrance that’s closest to your destination. We suggest keying in the Main Entrance so it’s an easier walk to the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and Far East Organisation Children’s Garden playground.
THINGS TO DO AT GARDENS BY THE BAY
1. Walk amongst the clouds at the Cloud Forest
Start nice and early at the Cloud Forest: a rainforest inside a dome! Stand next to a massive indoor waterfall, check out the carnivorous plants, and wind your way down the rainforest past hidden sculptures, crystals, and through misty lakes. This is a pram-friendly trail, so bring your little ones! (Pssst: bring a light jacket too – it’s cool inside the Cloud Forest!)
Operating hours: 9am-9pm
How much: Tickets cost $12 for adults, $8 for children (three to 12 years old) and senior citizens.
2. Check out the flowers at the Flower Dome
The Flower Dome is a hop, skip, and jump away, and its awesome flower displays change with the seasons and for cultural festivals in Singapore. Chinese New Year is always super fun here, and it gets even more spectacular when the annual Christmas Wonderland is unveiled at Gardens by the Bay. Think giant snow globes in the Flower Dome, and nutcracker dolls bigger than your kids!
Operating hours: 9am-9pm
How much: Tickets cost $12 for adults, $8 for children and senior citizens.
3. Let the kids run free(ish) at the playground!
Time to let the kids burn off some steam! Let the kids loose in the Far East Organisation Children’s Garden playground. Look for the sandpit next to the water play area: there’s an awesome obstacle course, and Robinson Crusoe-style hanging bridges leading to a climbing web, other pockets for play, and tunnel slides. Keep an eye on those kiddos as there are different places for them to pop in and out of along the way.
Toddlers have a fantastic little playground of their own, with tiny bridges, swings, and a fun tunnel to run through. Need a snack? There are light bites and ice cream at the adjacent Children’s Garden Cafe.
Operating hours: Thu-Sun and public holiday, 9am-7pm (last admission at 6pm, waterplay closure at 6.30pm)
4. Climb those Supertrees
Since you’ve been gazing up at those Supertrees, give in to the urge to do a treetop walk! Grab your tickets to the OCBC Skyway and zoom up in the lift. Once up, you’ll find a walkway 22 metres above the ground to enjoy one spectacular view!
How much: Tickets cost $5 for kids and $8 for adults onwards.
5. Hop on a toadstool or two at the World of Plants
Back on land, find your way to the World of Plants to spot some exotic greenery and hop over some toadstools. So simple but SO much fun.
6. Splash around at the Far East Organisation Children’s Garden
We hope you packed the kids’ swimmers and a towel, because by now, the kids will be dying to hit the brilliant water play park back in the FEO Children’s Garden! There’s a splash pad with gently bubbling fish fountains for the little ones, while bigger kids can run through fountains and dodge the giant flowers. Be quick – they pour a bucketload of water on you if you stay still for too long!
7. Treat yourselves to some satay
Temporarily closed October – November 2023
Famished yet? Bundle up the whole gang and stroll over to Satay by the Bay. At this outdoor food court, you can grab satay sticks and prawns straight off the coals and other local treats. After a day like this, you deserve a feast – don’t forget the fresh coconuts!
8. Grab some lunch
If you seriously need to refuel, head across to the Jurassic Nest Food Hall, which also includes super cool and realistic dinosaur statues! There are daily shows and an educational trail that guides you to explore the surrounding gardens. You’ll get to discover fascinating facts about some of the earliest species of flora and fauna that existed since prehistoric times. When you’re done, grab an ice cream and enjoy it on the lawn if it’s a lovely day!
Love this guide to Gardens by the Bay with kids? Check out our guides to Universal Studios and Singapore Zoo, too!
