Bright, beautiful and buzzing – Little India is a must-do with kids, whether you live in Singapore or are just visiting. Here's how to navigate the 'hood…
Singapore may be small, but it’s big on colour, culture and wonderfully diverse neighbourhoods. One of the most vibrant of all? Little India, of course! From colourful street art and historic temples to delicious Indian food, bustling markets and sparkling jewellery shops, there are plenty of things to do in Little India with kids.
One of the best times to visit is around Deepavali, which falls on 8 November 2026. This is when Little India is usually transformed with dazzling street lights, festive decorations, bazaars and cultural activities. The neighbourhood is also an important stop during Thaipusam, when Hindu devotees take part in a sacred procession between two temples.
But you don’t need to wait for a festival to explore Little India with the kids. Wander through its historic streets, visit the beautiful temples, hunt for colourful murals and introduce little foodies to Indian sweets, snacks and family-friendly dishes. You’ll also find fragrant flower garlands, beautiful saris, glittering gold jewellery and plenty of interesting shops to browse. Ready to explore? Here’s our family guide to Little India Singapore.
Little India Singapore with kids: At a glance
- Best for learning about Indian culture: Indian Heritage Centre
- Best for a cultural experience: Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
- Best for colourful family photos: Former House of Tan Teng Niah
- Best for street art: Little India murals
- Best for affordable family dining: Tekka Centre
- Best for shopping under one roof: Mustafa Centre
- Best for Indian sweets and souvenirs: Little India Arcade
Why trust this guide to Little India with kids?
HoneyKids Asia has been helping families explore Singapore for over a decade, and we’ve looked at Little India from a parent’s perspective. This guide brings together cultural attractions, family-friendly food, shopping, transport and practical tips such as stroller access and the best time to visit. We regularly check opening hours, admission fees and festival information, but details can change, so always confirm directly with the attraction or restaurant before setting off.
How to get to Little India by MRT, bus or car
Getting to Little India by MRT
Little India MRT station is served by the North East Line and Downtown Line. Take Exit C towards Bukit Timah Road and make your way towards Tekka Centre, which is a convenient starting point for exploring the neighbourhood.
You can also alight at Farrer Park MRT station on the North East Line if you want to begin near Mustafa Centre or Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple.
Getting to Little India by bus
Numerous buses stop along Serangoon Road and Bukit Timah Road. The bus stop in front of Tekka Centre is convenient for the Indian Heritage Centre, Little India Arcade and the Former House of Tan Teng Niah.
Driving and parking in Little India
Drivers can find sheltered parking at Tekka Centre, Tekka Place and Mustafa Centre. There are also limited roadside parking spaces along Norris Road, Chander Road, Race Course Road and Syed Alwi Road. Make sure you have the Parking.sg app ready if you use a coupon-parking lot.
Arriving by taxi or ride-hailing service
Use Tekka Centre, Indian Heritage Centre, Tekka Place or Mustafa Centre as your drop-off point, depending on where you want to begin. Tekka Centre is the most convenient starting point for the main heritage area.
When is the best time to visit Little India with kids?
Weekday mornings are ideal if you want cooler weather and fewer crowds. Arrive between 9am and 10am, explore the outdoor sights first, and head indoors to the Indian Heritage Centre or a restaurant as the day gets warmer.
Little India becomes busier in the evenings and on weekends, particularly during Deepavali. Visit after sunset if you want to see the festive street lights, but expect crowds and allow extra time when walking with young children or a stroller.
Things to know before visiting Little India as a family
- Dress for the weather: Wear light clothing, comfortable shoes and sun protection as much of the neighbourhood is best explored on foot.
- Bring water: Singapore’s heat and humidity can make even a short heritage walk tiring for young children.
- Use a compact stroller: Main pavements are generally manageable, but some five-foot ways are narrow or crowded, and you may need to lift the stroller over kerbs.
- Visit temples respectfully: Dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering and remind children to speak quietly. Always ask before photographing worshippers or religious ceremonies.
- Plan toilet breaks: Public toilets are available at Tekka Centre, Tekka Place, the Indian Heritage Centre and Mustafa Centre.
- Check festival arrangements: Roads, opening hours and public transport routes may be affected during major celebrations and processions.
What to do in Little India with kids
1. Indian Heritage Centre: Learn about Singapore’s Indian communities
Begin your family adventure at the Indian Heritage Centre, where the permanent galleries trace the history of Indian and South Asian communities in Singapore and Southeast Asia. The chronological displays make it easier for children to understand how migration, trade and tradition helped shape the neighbourhood they’re about to explore.
The museum is compact enough to cover in around one to two hours, and the air conditioning offers a welcome break from the heat. Families can also look out for interactive children’s spaces, guided tours and special programmes held during festivals such as Deepavali. For more indoor cultural adventures, see our guide to the best kid-friendly museums and exhibitions in Singapore.
Fun family activity: Download the Little India Heritage Trail booklet for kids and use it to explore the surrounding neighbourhood.
Where: Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209924
Admission: Free for Singaporeans and permanent residents; $10 for foreign adults and $8 for foreign students, seniors aged 60 and above, and persons with disabilities. Children under six enter free
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10am–6pm; last admission at 5.30pm. Closed on Monday
2. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: Introduce kids to Hindu culture
You can’t miss the colourful entrance to Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple along Serangoon Road. Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, this historic temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore and remains an important place of worship for the local community.
Look up at the intricate gopuram, or entrance tower, which is covered in statues of Hindu deities and mythological figures. Inside, children can observe the colourful shrines and learn how Hindu devotees make offerings and practise their faith.
Visitors are welcome, but remember that this is an active place of worship. Dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering and keep voices low. Shawls or coverings may be available near the entrance if needed. Avoid blocking worshippers and always ask for permission before taking photographs of people or ceremonies. Read our guide to visiting temples in Singapore with kids for more cultural tips.
Fun family activity: Ask the kids to look for Lord Ganesha, one of the most recognisable Hindu deities thanks to his elephant head. See how many different animals, flowers and colourful figures they can spot around the temple too.
Where: Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, 141 Serangoon Road, Singapore 218042
Opening hours: Daily, 5.30am–12pm and 5pm–9pm. Opening hours may change during religious festivals
3. Former House of Tan Teng Niah: Take colourful family photos
Tucked along Kerbau Road, the Former House of Tan Teng Niah is one of Little India’s most photographed landmarks. The rainbow-coloured villa is believed to be the last surviving Chinese villa in the neighbourhood and reflects the diverse communities that have shaped Little India’s history.
The house was built in the early 20th century for Tan Teng Niah, a Chinese businessman who owned several sweet-making factories in the area. Its architecture combines Southern Chinese and European influences, although the bright colours visitors see today were added much later.
The building is now used for commercial purposes, so families can admire it from the outside but should avoid blocking its entrance. Visit earlier in the morning if you want to take photos before the area becomes busy.
Fun family activity: Challenge the kids to count how many colours they can spot on the building, then look for doors, windows and decorative details in contrasting shades.
Where: Former House of Tan Teng Niah, 37 Kerbau Road, Singapore 219168
Opening hours: The exterior can be viewed at any time
4. Little India murals: Go on a family street-art hunt
Little India’s side streets and alleys are filled with colourful murals that tell stories about the neighbourhood’s people, trades and traditions. Exploring them is an easy way to break up a heritage walk and keep the kids interested between stops.
Look out for murals around Belilios Lane, Hindoo Road, Upper Dickson Road, Clive Street and Kerbau Road. One of the best-known works is Traditional Trades of Little India by Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong, which depicts tradespeople who once worked in the neighbourhood.
Other artworks celebrate Indian dance, cattle trading, traditional food and Little India’s colourful community. Bring water, wear comfortable shoes and explore the outdoor murals earlier in the morning if possible.
Fun family activity: Let each child choose a favourite mural and explain what they think is happening in the picture. Older kids can photograph the artworks and create their own Little India street-art collection.
Where: Various locations around Belilios Lane, Hindoo Road, Upper Dickson Road, Clive Street and Kerbau Road
Opening hours: The outdoor murals can be viewed at any time
5. Deepavali street light-up: See Little India after dark
Little India becomes even more vibrant in the lead-up to Deepavali. Elaborate light installations usually span sections of Serangoon Road and Race Course Road, transforming the neighbourhood after sunset.
Deepavali falls on 8 November 2026, although the street light-up and related celebrations usually begin several weeks before the festival. Families may also find festive bazaars, cultural performances, workshops and colourful decorations around the neighbourhood. Exact dates and programme details for the 2026 celebrations should be confirmed before visiting.
Little India also hosts decorations and activities for Pongal, the Tamil harvest festival usually celebrated in January.
Fun family activity: Take an evening walk beneath the festive arches and ask the kids to look for traditional motifs such as oil lamps, peacocks, lotus flowers and rangoli-inspired patterns.
Where: Mainly along Serangoon Road and Race Course Road, Little India
When: The Deepavali light-up is usually held in the weeks leading up to the festival. Check the confirmed dates before visiting
Where to eat in Little India with kids
Little India is packed with North and South Indian food, including plenty of vegetarian, vegan and Jain-friendly options. Although you’ll find a restaurant on almost every corner, these are some of our favourite places to eat in Little India with kids.
Worried that Indian food might be too spicy for little taste buds? Look for milder dishes such as butter chicken, naan, prata, rice, thosai and dhal, or ask the restaurant whether the spice level can be adjusted.
1. The Banana Leaf Apolo: Famous fish head curry and family favourites
The Banana Leaf Apolo has been serving Indian food in Little India for over 50 years. Its signature fish head curry is the star of the menu, arriving in a rich, tangy gravy that’s ideal for sharing with the family.
If fish head curry sounds a little adventurous for the kids, order familiar favourites such as butter chicken, biryani, naan, prata or tandoori chicken. Food is traditionally served on banana leaves, which adds to the fun of the experience. The large Race Course Road restaurant can get busy during lunch and on weekends, so make a reservation or arrive before the main dining rush.
Where: The Banana Leaf Apolo, 54 Race Course Road, Singapore 218564
Opening hours: Daily, 10.30am–10.30pm
2. Kailash Parbat: Vegetarian Indian street food for sharing
Introduce the kids to Indian street food at Kailash Parbat, a vegetarian restaurant known for its colourful selection of chaat. These sweet, savoury and tangy snacks combine ingredients such as puffed rice, crisp pastry, potatoes, yoghurt and chutneys in lots of interesting textures.
Try the pani puri, bhel puri or dahi puri, then order crowd-pleasers such as naan, paneer, vegetable biryani or dosa for the table. Families with a sweet tooth can finish with traditional Indian desserts, including gulab jamun and jalebi.
Some chaat dishes contain spicy chutneys, so ask the team to reduce the heat when ordering for younger children.
Where: Kailash Parbat, 93 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207669
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am–11.30pm
3. Lagnaa Barefoot Dining: A fun floor-seating experience
The clue is in the name at Lagnaa Barefoot Dining. Head upstairs, remove your shoes and settle down on cushions around low tables for a relaxed family meal. Regular table seating is also available if sitting on the floor isn’t practical for your family.
The menu covers North and South Indian dishes, with plenty of vegetarian choices and adjustable spice levels. Tell the team how much heat your family can handle before ordering. Lagnaa retained its Bib Gourmand distinction in the 2026 Michelin Guide Singapore, making it a good pick for families looking for quality Indian food in a casual setting.
Where: Lagnaa Barefoot Dining, 6 Upper Dickson Road, Singapore 207466
Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, from 11.30am. Closed on Monday. Check the restaurant for its latest closing time
4. Tekka Centre: Affordable local food for the whole family
Dining with children who all want something different? Tekka Centre’s hawker centre has Indian, Chinese and Malay dishes under one roof, making it one of the easiest and most affordable places for a family meal in Little India.
Look out for mutton biryani, thosai, prata and Indian rojak alongside child-friendly choices such as chicken rice and noodles. A cup of freshly squeezed sugarcane juice is also a refreshing reward after walking around the neighbourhood.
Tekka Centre can be warm, noisy and crowded during peak periods, so visit before noon or after the main lunch rush if you’re dining with toddlers. Opening hours vary between stalls, and some vendors close once they sell out.
Where: Tekka Centre, 665 Buffalo Road, Singapore 210665
Opening hours: Vary by stall; most food stalls operate around breakfast and lunchtime
5. Bismillah Biryani: Michelin-recognised dum biryani
Bismillah Biryani is known for its traditional dum biryani, in which meat and rice are slowly cooked together so all those fragrant spices soak into every grain. The lamb chop biryani is a highlight, topped with sweet fried onions and generous pieces of tender lamb.
The restaurant is one of a small group of Singapore eateries that has retained its Bib Gourmand distinction across all 10 editions of the Michelin Guide Singapore, including the 2026 selection. Portions are made for sharing, but note that some dishes may be spicy for younger children.
Where: Bismillah Biryani, 50 Dunlop Street, Singapore 209379
Opening hours: Daily, 11.30am–8.30pm
6. Little India Arcade and Moghul Sweet Shop: Indian sweets and souvenirs
Save room for something sweet at Little India Arcade, a collection of shops housed within colourful shophouses dating back to the early 20th century. It’s just a short walk from Tekka Centre and the Indian Heritage Centre.
Track down Moghul Sweet Shop for a tempting display of traditional Indian mithai. Let the kids choose from colourful treats such as laddoo, burfi, jalebi and gulab jamun, or pick up a savoury samosa for the road.
The arcade is also a handy place to shop for bangles, embroidered bags, wooden ornaments, peacock feathers and other souvenirs. You may find artists offering temporary henna designs, although parents should check the ingredients and avoid products advertised as “black henna”, which can contain potentially harmful additives.
Fun family activity: Ask the kids to select one Indian sweet they’ve never tried before, or let them go on a hunt for the most colourful bangles and peacock-inspired souvenirs.
Where: Little India Arcade, 48 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217959; Moghul Sweet Shop, #01-16
Opening hours: Vary between shops
Where to shop in Little India
1. Tekka Market: Shop for fresh produce, spices and Indian clothing
Tekka Market is a lively place to introduce children to ingredients used in Indian and Southeast Asian cooking. Early risers should arrive before 9am, when the wet market is in full swing and the weather is still relatively cool.
Browse stalls selling fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, seafood, fragrant spices and flower garlands. Look out for ingredients such as freshly grated coconut, Indian gooseberries, mustard oil and puffed rice, then see how many spices the kids can recognise by sight or smell.
Once you’ve explored the wet market, head upstairs to browse saris, Punjabi suits, salwar kameez, children’s Indian outfits and costume jewellery. You’ll also find tailors offering alterations. Prices may be negotiable at some stalls, so ask politely before making your purchase.
The wet-market floor can be slippery and crowded, so keep young children close and use shoes with a good grip. A compact stroller will be easier to manoeuvre than a large pram.
Fun family activity: Give the kids a short shopping list of colourful fruit, vegetables or spices to find as you walk around the market.
Where: Tekka Market, Level 1, Tekka Centre, 665 Buffalo Road, Singapore 210665
Opening hours: Daily, approximately 6.30am–5pm. Individual stall hours vary, and many wet-market stalls close earlier
2. Mustafa Centre: Shop for almost everything under one roof
It’s almost impossible to explore Little India without being lured into Mustafa Centre. This enormous department store sells everything from groceries, household goods and toiletries to electronics, luggage, jewellery and clothing.
Start in the supermarket, where you’ll find snacks, spices and ingredients from around the world. Then browse the electronics department for travel gadgets and other items the kids will insist they absolutely need. Mustafa Centre is also a useful air-conditioned stop when the afternoon heat or rain puts your walking tour on pause.
The store’s narrow aisles can become crowded, especially on weekends and in the evenings. Keep younger children close and agree on a meeting point if you’re visiting with older kids.
Fun family activity: Make a list of unusual snacks or ingredients and challenge the kids to track them down without adding too many extras to the basket.
Where: Mustafa Centre, 145 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207704
Opening hours: Open 24 hours
3. Serangoon Road: Browse Little India’s gold jewellery shops
The streets may not be paved with gold, but parts of Serangoon Road certainly sparkle with it. Little India is known for its jewellery shops, where elaborate earrings, necklaces, bangles, bracelets and rings fill the display windows.
Popular names include Malabar Gold & Diamonds and Ishtara Jewellery, both of which carry traditional and contemporary designs. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, the ornate jewellery makes for some impressive window-shopping.
If you are buying gold, check the purity, weight, making charges, exchange policy and final price before paying. Keep young children close as the shops can become busy during festivals and wedding seasons.
4. Jothi Store and Flower Shop: Find traditional goods and flower garlands
What began as a humble flower shop has grown into a Little India treasure trove. Jothi Store and Flower Shop stocks prayer items, flower garlands, brassware, incense, cosmetics, traditional remedies, kitchenware and decorative objects.
It’s a fascinating place for families to browse, particularly if the kids enjoy spotting interesting household objects. Look out for traditional Indian kadhais, or woks, alongside pressure cookers, bronze statues and rows of colourful bangles.
Some products are religious or intended for worship, so remind children to handle items carefully and ask before touching delicate objects. Natural remedies and supplements should also be treated like other health products: check the ingredients and seek professional advice where necessary.
Fun family activity: Stop outside to watch the flower garland makers at work and ask the kids to identify the different colours and flowers being used.
Where: Jothi Store and Flower Shop, 1 Campbell Lane, Singapore 209882
Opening hours: Daily, 9.30am–9pm
A half-day Little India itinerary with kids
If you’re not sure where to begin, this easy family itinerary covers Little India’s main attractions without too much backtracking:
- 9.30am – Tekka Market: Browse the wet market while it’s lively and the weather is cooler.
- 10am – Indian Heritage Centre: Spend around one hour exploring the galleries and children’s spaces.
- 11.15am – Little India Arcade: Shop for souvenirs and pick up an Indian sweet from Moghul Sweet Shop.
- 11.45am – Former House of Tan Teng Niah: Stop for colourful family photos.
- 12pm – Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: Visit before its midday closure, subject to current opening hours and religious activities.
- 12.30pm – Lunch: Choose Tekka Centre for variety, Kailash Parbat for vegetarian food or The Banana Leaf Apolo for fish head curry and family favourites.
If the kids still have energy after lunch, continue to Mustafa Centre or follow part of the Little India Heritage Trail to look for murals.
Loved exploring Little India? Check out our family guide to Kampong Glam next!
