Are you new to Singapore, or you simply want to enjoy the very best of this dazzling city? We’ve picked 20 of the best things to do with kids for your next family day out!
Singapore is arguably the best city in the world for families, with its year-round tropical weather, delicious child-friendly restaurants and unbelievable attractions for kids. Even when the dreaded haze hits, we still have awesome indoor play centres to hang out in with our kids. All of that, and that’s before we mention all the Singapore’s best attractions and fun things to do with kids!
We’re so proud to call Singapore home that we don’t want you to waste precious time faffing about working out what to do. So, we’ve carefully curated a list of 20 things to do with kids in Singapore – the very best activities, attractions and family-friendly destinations. There’s so much to do and no time to waste, so let’s get cracking!
TOP 20 THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS IN SINGAPORE
1. Gaze at nature at Gardens by the Bay
Singapore is a city synonymous with lush tropical growth, with Gardens by Bay being its finest example. Gaze up in awe at the impressive Super Trees en route to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The giant waterfall in the Cloud Forest will take your breath away, and there is always something new to see at the ever-changing Flower Dome. Don’t miss the free FEO Children’s Garden water play area, which is so fab it warrants a whole separate visit. Here’s our complete guide to Gardens by the Bay!
Where: 18 Marina Gardens Drive
2. Spend a day at Sentosa
The “State of Fun” is so jam-packed with family-friendly activities that you’ll need a week to tick them off your list. Our top tips?Check out S.E.A. Aquarium for magnificent manta rays and sharks and ducking into the eel cave and getting the chance to touch the starfish at the rock pools. Water-enthusiasts will love Adventure Cove waterpark and adrenalin-junkies should head to the Skyline Luge. Psst – plan your visit in advance with our handy guide to Sentosa!
3. Go behind the silver screen at Universal Studios Singapore
Okay, so Universal Studios Singapore should be filed under the Sentosa banner above, but South East Asia’s only Hollywood theme park is such a hot ticket that it deserves its own dedicated mention. Go behind the silver screen and witness movie magic as you explore seven awesome zones – Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar. Check out our insider’s guide to Universal Studios here. Hot tip: upgrade to the express pass to avoid ride queues!
Where: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
4. Meet the animals at Singapore Zoo
Renowned as one of the best zoos on the planet, Singapore Zoo is so cleverly designed that it feels like open wilderness. You’ll see what we mean when you walk beneath orangutans swinging in vines, look across a moat at white Bengal tigers or spy through glass at swimming pigmy hippos. The entire family will fall in love with all the furry (and scaly) animals here! What ever you do, don’t miss the antics of one very cheeky sea lion in the Splash Safari Show. We sat in the front row where we were thoroughly entertained and splashed! Check out our guide to Singapore Zoo here.
Where: 80 Mandai Lake Road
5. Day trip to Pulau Ubin
Take a day trip to Palau Ubin via bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to Singapore pre-independence. It’s home to Singapore’s last surviving kampong (village), and is an untouched isle crisscrossed with nature trails, local eateries in old wooden huts, and hundreds of rental bicycles. We went with friends visiting Singapore and were in stitches ferrying the kids around on dinky bikes. And our little adventurers loved running up the hill and frolicking with the butterflies in the butterfly garden. Kids’ paradise!
Where: Pulau Ubin, Singapore
6. Spot nocturnal animals on the Night Safari
Love the zoo but hate the heat? Witness the stunning Singapore wildlife reserve sans sweat at the nocturnal Night Safari. Doors open at 7.30pm, with animal-lovers lining up for the first Creatures of the Night Show from 7pm. Wave to the lions for us! Buy tickets online to score up to 25 per cent off the regular ticket price.
Where: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
7. Set sail on the River Safari
Jump aboard and set sail on a wild adventure at the $160-million attraction that is the River Safari. Admire exotic animals while cruising down the Amazon, Congo, Yangtze, Ganges, Nile, Mekong, Murray and Mississippi! Whatever you do, don’t skip a visit to the Giant Panda Forest to meet resident pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia. If your nascent Jane Goodall is keen for a more personal approach, join a guided River Trail. Not only will your kiddos learn all about the animals, they’ll also be involved in feeding time, and may even grab a pat!
Where: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
8. Spy parrots at Jurong Bird Park
Anyone who grew up in Singapore will remember childhood trips to the Jurong Bird Park to see the parrot show. Opened in 1971, this institution holds the enviable title of Singapore’s first attraction. Work your way through all the feather-tastic exhibits on offer, from Lory Loft, Jungle Jewels, Waterfall Aviary, Penguin Coast and Pelican Cove. You’ll spy over 5000 birds! For a special treat, our kids love eating local delights while meeting the cheeky parrots…
Where: 2 Jurong Hill, Singapore 628925
9. Inspire mini minds at the Singapore Science Centre
You might want to think about an annual membership at this wonderfully interactive scientific haven, Singapore Science Centre. With exhibits scattered across an impressive 14 galleries, your kids will be inspired to greatness as they investigate first-hand and learn all about the solar system, tornados and earthquakes. KidsSTOP is like Willy Wonka’s factory, with music-making stations, cool machines and so much more. The family can watch short movies starring Sesame Street characters or dinosaurs under a domed screen at the Omni-Theatre, too! And did you know, there’s even a water play park at the Science Centre? Make sure you check out the Kinetic Garden too. You can happily spend an entire day at the Science Centre, so thankfully you can refuel at the Kidz cafe. Who knew science could be so fun?
Where: 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
10. Stroll around the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Given the abundance of lush green spaces in Singapore, you’d be forgiven for not realising that it’s a teeming metropolis of almost 5.5 million people. Our favourite green oasis, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, is Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the lush tropical rainforest, through the spectacular National Orchid Garden and gander at the resident swans and turtles. Don’t miss the lovely Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden (closed Mondays) for the most awesome treehouse slide (don’t forget your bucket and spade for the sand pit). Check our guide for the perfect day out at Botanic Gardens!
Where: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569; www.sbg.org.sg
11. Visit FUTURE WORLD @ the Art Science Museum
With its amazing FUTURE WORLD exhibit, the ArtScience Museum is a truly spectacular experience for young and old(er). Immerse yourselves in a room with floor to ceiling flower blooms, chillax and watch waves roll in, stack oversize illuminated blocks, and enter a ball pit like no other. Be savvy and make sure to go on Family Fridays (one adult ticket secures entry for up to four kiddos – bargain!).
Where: 6 Bayfront Ave Singapore 018974
12. Get artsy at The National Gallery – Keppel Centre for Art Education
The refurbished National Gallery Singapore, housed in the stunning former Supreme Court Building, is a cutting-edge visual arts institution focusing on Southeast Asian art. Sure, it has a massive collection of works from the 19th century to present day, but what really makes this place special for families is the Keppel Centre for Art Education. Plan ahead and join in one of the innovative programmes (our kids adore playing with fabulously interactive puzzle art at the Art Corridor and exploring the Art Playscape with an illustrated floor-to-ceiling enchanted tree house theme). All that art appreciation is sure to work up a hunger. Thankfully the National Kitchen by Violet Oon is there to satisfy your local food cravings with a touch of panache. Or if its more of a casual lunch you’re after, head to Gallery & Co. for a cupcake and coffee. Nom nom.
Where: 1 St. Andrew’s Road #01–01, Singapore 178957
13. Get cultured at the Asian Civilisations Museum
Head to the Asian Civilisations Museum for an awesome hit of pan-Asian art and culture and walk away with a head full of knowledge about the intriguing history of vibrant, multicultural Singapore. The clever exhibits appeal to all ages, which make it a staple for school excursions. Check out the brilliant Saturday programs for families, which include storytelling, art and craft. The kids will be busy learning while having fun!
Where: 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555
14. Ride the Singapore Flyer
Treat your fam to a bird’s eye view of Singapore from aboard the Singapore Flyer. As the world’s second-tallest ferris wheel, it has a somewhat circus appeal to little kids (and is rather exciting for us too!). You’ll have fun pointing out the iconic sights of the Lion City, from Marina Bay Sands, to Merlion Park and beyond.
Where: 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039803
15. Run amok at Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park
The first thing you need to know about bringing kids to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio park is that it’s made up of two sections, Pond Gardens and River Plains, separated by Marymount Road. Should you choose to head to River Plains, you can take advantage of all the exploring by the river beds. Bring scooters and work up an appetite for brunch at Canopy Dining. For cool water play, head over to Pond Gardens and the adventure playground for even more outdoor fun! Check our complete guide to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park here.
16. Head out on a Singapore Guided Tour
A Singapore River Cruise will have you touring the traditional way: on board a quintessentially Singaporean bumboat. The 40-minute journey will float you past the lively restaurant district of Clarke Quay, alongside the colourful shop houses of Boat Quay, past the Merlion and to super-sleek Marina Bay Sands. If you can keep the kids awake – catch the light show trip at 7.45pm.
Where: Jetties from Robertson Quay to Marina Barrage (we went to Clarke Quay)
Otherwise, DUCKtours’ remodelled WWII Vietnamese war craft will take you touring on both land and sea! Extra points for the amazed look on your kids’ faces as you plunge into the river. Fun!
Where: #01-330, Suntec City 3 Temasek Boulevard;
17. Immerse in nature at MacRitchie Reservoir
Get back to nature with a ramble along the scenic trails and boardwalks at MacRitchie. There’s a good stretch that’s pram friendly, but the majority is a little more intrepid (so a baby carrier is required). If your older trekkers have a sense of adventure and stamina to match, tackle the 250m long, 25m high treetop walk. The wildlife is spectacular, but keep a safe distance from the pre-historic monitor lizards. The monkeys have become quite brazen when stealing food, and have been known to bite (squirt water at them and they’ll leave you in peace!).
Where: MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Singapore 298717
18. Cruise the coastline at East Coast Park
No trip to Singapore is complete without a walk, scoot or rollerblade along beachside East Coast Park. Hire a family bike and see how much of the 42km length you can traverse before stopping for a swim. The seafood restos along this strip are some of the best in the country – chilli crab anyone? And Parkland Green offers great family-friendly dining options. If you’re short on time, make sure to reserve some for Marine Cove. This 3,500 sqm playground is out-of-this-world, and yes there are swings!
19. Play and swing at Watten Estate Park
This little hidden gem of a park is a lovely leafy place to spend a morning with the kids to run off excess energy. Grab a coffee and morning tea from Baker & Cook and scoot around the corner to the park where you’ll be rewarded with a flying fox, climbing frames and swings (which are oddly scarce in Singapore). Bring insect repellant!
20. Ride ponies at Bukit Timah Saddle Club
If you’re looking to escape the high-rise city life of Singapore, head out to Bukit Timah Saddle club. It’s a true sanctuary where you are instantly transported to farm ‘like’ life. The kids can wander around the stables admiring the horses and then have a pony ride for $10 (Sundays only at 10am). Feast on delish grub at Marmalade Pantry or Riders Café too!
Where: 51 Fairways Drive, Singapore 286965
Love this list of things to do in Singapore with kids? Check out this whopping list of family-friendly restaurants!
