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 C, 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. Wondering how to have the perfect day out at the Singapore Botanic Gardens with kids? 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 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 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 Chempedak 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!
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. This is a safe space for children to get out and explore, as adults are only allowed entry if they have a child in tow. You’ll find a farm, an orchard, and even a forest with its own stream and ponds!
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 (entrance fee required)
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. 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.
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 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
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 in sweaty running or workout clothes, you’ll still be welcome here.
Privé Singapore Botanic Gardens
Privé is a fun cafe is pet friendly and serves up local and western delights including fresh salads, sandwhices, laksa, and delicious cakes. While the menu is all-day dining, there’s a cheeky daily happy hour from 4pm to 8pm if you fancy a cold beer after your walk! Take in the garden views while the kiddos play in the sweet and tiny indoor playground and fun kid’s corner. There’s a mini rock climbing wall, story books and kids colouring activities to keep the little ones entertained. Conveniently located near to the Visitor’s Centre and carpark entrance, this is an easy one to get to with tiny tots.
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
