From A to Z, there’s just so much to see and do in Singapore, AKA the magical city we call home!
Whether you’re new to Singapore or a seasoned veteran, sometimes we’re at a loss for ideas on things to do with the family. Get out of your comfort zone and explore a new neighbourhood or learn something new about the Little Red Dot! From A-Z, here is our list of Singapore delights!
A-Z of Singapore’s top sights and attractions
A is for ArtScience Museum, which not only is stunning in design (it’s built in the shape of a lotus!), but the world’s first art and science museum. Keep an eye out for fun family-friendly exhibitions going on. In the past, there’s been an Alice in Wonderland exhibition and currently there’s Virtual Realms: Videogames Transformed. We know that kids will love that! A is also for the Adam Road food centre… we love a bite or three of local food!
B is for Botanic Gardens, a fun – and free! – day out. Pack a picnic and head over to the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, or duck into the Orchid Garden (this one costs a few dollars, but you’ll definitely get some Insta-worthy snaps of the kids!).
C is for Chinatown, a colourful district full of shopping, food and some pretty cool temples. C is also for Changi Airport, consistently voted the best in the world, and two other Singapore past times: chicken rice and chilli crab!
D is for Dempsey Hill, a leafy ‘hood with plenty of cafes and restos for a lazy weekend brunch. Don’t forget to check out Core Collective, a brand new wellness centre where the whole family can take part in activities to stay healthy.
E is for East Coast Park, full of more outdoor fun for the whole family. Rent bikes and ride along the coast (there is a dedicated bike path) or let the kids run wild at Marine Cove playground. Stop and refuel at one of the cafes at Parkland Green. Don’t forget the SPF – it’s hot hot hot in Singers!
F is for Fullerton Bay Hotel… well, Lantern, the bar at the hotel! Grab a table on the far end of the pool and watch the sunset over Marina Bay Sands while sipping on a cocktail or two. It’s just magical.
G is for Gardens by the Bay. It sounds like a tourist trap, but there’s plenty to do with the kiddos, from walking along the OCBC Skyway in between the Supertrees to ducking into the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome for a bit of air conditioning. We’re gearing up for the holiday season, and with it comes a Christmas Wonderland with food, drinks, games and fun for the whole family!
H is for Haw Par Villa, where the weird meets the wonderful and the kids learn exactly what happens if they give us too much cheek! The mansion and the gardens on the current site were opened to the community as a teaching centre and theme park dedicated to Chinese mythology and legend. They were also opened to advertise Tiger Balm! Too scary for the little ones? Check out Haji Lane instead, with its amazing street art and cute cafes, it’s a cool spot for a coffee and a bit of people watching.
I is for island getaway. There are so many islands around Singapore for a quick, short weekend getaway with the family. Bintan and Batam are just a short ferry ride away!
J is for Jewel Changi, the most insta-worthy mall ever with the fountain and the canopy walk. Spend the day exploring (or queuing up for Shake Shack or A&W if you have patience!) and stick around for the mesmerising light show (currently suspended until further notice), running hourly. The best views are at the Level 2 Viewing Deck.
K is for Katong, a vibrant area in the East with its gorgeous neighbour Joo Chiat. Think beautiful shophouses, cute cafes, places to shop and local food like no other.
L is for Little India, a lively and vibrant neighbourhood. You’ll be able to find everything from the most delicious Indian food and gorgeous temples to jewellery and fabrics. A must-visit spot, especially around Deepavali.
M is for Marina Bay Sands, the hotel resort with the infinity pool from Crazy Rich Asians. Sadly, you have to be a guest of the hotel to use the pool… but maybe it’s time for a staycation! Indulge in a boozy brunch at Lavo or stop for a cocktail at Spago. Otherwise, get your shop on in the mall, or head to ArtScience Museum with the kiddos.
N is for National Gallery, a museum which houses the largest collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art. The best bit? It’s in the space of old City Hall and the Supreme Court… think beautiful architecture with a light and airy atmosphere. We could go on about the stunning building, but keep an eye out for family-friendly exhibitions going on and do check out the Keppel Arts Centre for free family fun!
O is for Old Chang Kee. We’re a sucker for a good curry puff, and nothing beats this Singapore staple for our fix. O is also for Orchard Road and its endless malls, cafes and restos.
P is for Pulau Ubin, an outlying island off Singapore. Head to Changi Ferry Point Terminal and hop on a bumboat for a few dollars and you’ll have the best day out cycling with the gang. It’s one of the last few places to experience the kampong (village) life. While you’re in the area, why not check out quirky cafe Coastal Settlement for a quick bite?
Q is for Quays… Robertson, Clarke and Boat! Robertson Quay is best for a Sunday stroll with the kids – there’s plenty to do and loads of cafes to duck into for a quick coffee or a bite. We suggest leaving the kiddos home on a Friday night and heading to Clarke Quay for a few drinks and maybe a boogie!
R is for the river cruise. Grab a ticket and hop on one of the boats along the river for a guided ride. You’ll learn about the history of the Little Red Dot, how it used to be a port town and how everyone worked out to live together harmoniously.
S is for Sentosa, likely one of the first things you hear about Singapore when you arrive. The island is packed with kid-friendly things to do, such as the Trick Eye Museum, the S.E.A. Aquarium, Fort Siloso, beach clubs galore… and of course, Universal Studios Singapore. Looking to get away from the city? Check in for a staycation at one of the amazing hotels on the island.
T is for twenty four hour shopping at Mustafa. It’s impossible to venture into Little India without being lured into this huge department store. It stocks everything but the kitchen sink: from spices and electronics to gold and jewellery. Make sure you fill up your bucket of patience though – the aisles are narrow, and nothing gets restocked in the same area so you’ll definitely be spending time hunting down what you need.
U is for Universal Studios Singapore, and boy are we seasoned visitors of the theme park. Gear up for thrilling rides, meet and greets with the characters and make sure you know where to grab a bite, because the last thing you need is to keep hearing cries of “but I’m hungryyyy” while schlepping around the park in the heat! While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out our handy dandy height restrictions guide!
V is for VivoCity, one of the biggest and best family-friendly shopping malls in Singapore. Parenting rooms are dotted liberally throughout, complete with breastfeeding chair, nappy changing area and boiling water for heating that urgent bottle or baby food. Unleash the kiddos at the open-air playground on level two.
W is for water play. It’s one of our favourite free things to do with the kids!
X is for XCape, one of many escape rooms for tweens and teens to kill time.
Y is for a year’s worth of date nights. Really – as family-oriented as Singapore is, there are some things that you just need to ditch the kids for and spend some quality down time with the hubster.
Z is for zoo, and Singapore has one of the best. From breakfast with the orangutans to the Night Safari, there is literally an activity to fill every second of the day – make sure you have the stamina for it!
Now you know your ABCs!
