15 Things To Do With Kids in Singapore

Singapore is one of the most family-friendly cities in the world. It's safe, clean, well-connected by public transport and packed with world-class attractions designed with children in mind. Whether you're a resident looking for weekend ideas or a visiting family with a few days to fill, this list covers the best experiences across the island.

Why Singapore Is Great for Families

• Safety - consistently ranked among the safest cities globally
• Public transport - MRT and bus networks are clean, affordable and stroller-friendly
• Year-round warm weather - outdoor activities are always an option (with rain backup plans)
• Variety - nature, culture, theme parks and world-class dining all within a small island

Central Singapore

1. Gardens by the Bay

Singapore's iconic Supertree Grove is spectacular for kids and adults alike. The two conservatories - Cloud Forest and Flower Dome - are air-conditioned and visually stunning. The Cloud Forest's indoor waterfall captivates children of all ages, and the OCBC Skyway connecting the Supertrees offers a thrilling elevated walkway. The outdoor gardens are free to explore, with water play areas near the Far East Organization Children's Garden.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Multiple food outlets, pram-friendly paths, baby change rooms, water play area (bring swimwear) Tip: The Children's Garden has free water play - bring swimmers and a towel. Visit the conservatories in the morning when it's less crowded, then let kids splash in the afternoon.

2. Singapore Botanic Gardens

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Botanic Gardens offers 82 hectares of lush greenery right in the city centre. The Jacob Ballas Children's Garden is purpose-built for kids with nature play, treehouses and a suspension bridge. The Swan Lake area often has monitor lizards and turtles that fascinate young children. Entry to the main gardens is free.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Several cafes and restaurants, accessible paths, toilets throughout, free admission (except National Orchid Garden) Tip: Start at the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden (free, opens 8am) for the nature play elements, then wander through the main gardens. Bring water and sunscreen - there's limited shade on some paths.

3. National Gallery Singapore

Housed in the former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings, the National Gallery is home to the world's largest collection of Southeast Asian art. For families, the Keppel Centre for Art Education on Level 1 is the highlight - a dedicated children's art space with interactive installations and workshops that rotate regularly. Kids can touch, climb and create.

Best for: Ages 3-12 Facilities: Multiple restaurants and cafes, baby change rooms, pram-friendly lifts, lockers Tip: Singaporean and permanent resident children get free admission. Check the gallery's website for weekend family workshops - they're excellent and usually free with admission.

4. Singapore River Cruise

A bumboat ride along the Singapore River is a surprisingly engaging experience for families. The 40-minute cruise passes through Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands. Children enjoy being on the water, and it's a painless way to see key landmarks without walking in the heat. Boats depart every 15 minutes from Clarke Quay or various riverside jetties.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Covered boats, life jackets provided, multiple boarding points along the river Tip: Take the cruise in the late afternoon for golden-hour light and cooler temperatures. The evening cruise with the city lit up is equally magical for older kids.

East Singapore

5. East Coast Park

Singapore's most popular coastal park stretches 15 kilometres along the southeastern shoreline. Families come for cycling (rental shops throughout), the hawker centres, beachfront playgrounds and the sea breeze. The Marine Cove playground near McDonald's is enormous, with climbing structures, swings and a water play area.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Multiple hawker centres and restaurants, bicycle rental, shower facilities, free parking (limited on weekends) Tip: Rent a family tandem bike and cycle the length of the park. Stop at Marine Cove for the playground and East Coast Lagoon Food Village for dinner - the satay there is legendary.

6. Changi Museum and Chapel

The Changi Museum tells the story of Singapore during the Japanese Occupation in World War II. It's a moving and educational experience suitable for older primary school children and teenagers. The museum includes personal stories, artefacts and a replica of the Changi Chapel. It's an important piece of Singapore's history presented with sensitivity.

Best for: Ages 8+ Facilities: Air-conditioned, cafe, gift shop, accessible Tip: Combine with a visit to Jewel Changi Airport (10 minutes away) for the spectacular Rain Vortex and Canopy Park - a good balance of serious history and family fun.

West Singapore

7. Science Centre Singapore

The Science Centre in Jurong East has been educating and entertaining Singapore's children for decades. With over 1,000 interactive exhibits across 14 galleries, it covers everything from physics to the human body. The outdoor KidsSTOP section is designed for children under 8 with imaginative play and basic science concepts. Omni-Theatre films add a cinematic dimension.

Best for: Ages 3-14 Facilities: Cafe, gift shop, baby change rooms, fully air-conditioned, adjacent to Snow City Tip: Buy a combo ticket with Snow City next door - kids love the contrast of going from tropical Singapore into a -5°C snow chamber. Allow at least 3 hours for the Science Centre itself.

8. Jurong Lake Gardens

Jurong Lake Gardens is Singapore's newest national garden, opened in stages from 2019. The Clusia Cove water playground is outstanding - a nature-themed water play area with fountains, tipping buckets and shallow streams, all set among lush greenery. The Rasau Walk boardwalk over the wetlands offers a chance to spot herons, kingfishers and monitor lizards. Entry is free.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Sheltered pavilions, toilets, water play area (bring swimwear), free admission, car park available Tip: Clusia Cove is one of Singapore's best free water playgrounds. Arrive early on weekends - it gets busy by 10am. Bring a change of clothes and reef-safe sunscreen.

North Singapore

9. Singapore Zoo

Widely regarded as one of the best zoos in the world, Singapore Zoo uses open-concept enclosures that feel remarkably natural. The zoo is home to over 300 species, with highlights including the free-ranging orangutans, the white tigers, and the Rainforest Kidzworld water play area. The Breakfast with Orangutans experience is uniquely Singaporean.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Multiple restaurants and snack bars, pram rental, tram ride, splash zone, nursing rooms Tip: Arrive when gates open at 8:30am to see the animals at their most active and beat the heat. The tram saves tired legs. See our full guide to Singapore's zoos and wildlife parks.

10. River Wonders

Formerly River Safari, River Wonders is Asia's first and only river-themed wildlife park. The Amazon Flooded Forest features manatees and giant river fish in a massive underwater viewing gallery that mesmerises children. The boat ride through a recreated Amazon rainforest is gentle and suitable for all ages. It sits adjacent to Singapore Zoo.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Restaurants, gift shop, pram-friendly paths, boat ride included in admission Tip: Buy a multi-park ticket if you plan to visit the Zoo and River Wonders - significant savings versus individual tickets. The boat ride queue is shortest before 11am.

South (Sentosa Island)

11. S.E.A. Aquarium / Singapore Oceanarium

One of the world's largest aquariums, the S.E.A. Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa is home to over 100,000 marine animals. The centrepiece is the Open Ocean habitat - a wall of water so vast it feels like standing on the ocean floor. Sharks, manta rays and enormous groupers glide past at eye level. The touch pool lets kids handle sea stars and sea cucumbers.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Fully air-conditioned, cafe, gift shop, pram-friendly, baby change rooms Tip: Head straight to the Open Ocean tank first - it's at the end of the trail, so most visitors arrive later. Going there first means you'll have the best photo spot almost to yourself.

12. Sentosa Island Beaches and Attractions

Sentosa offers multiple beaches (Palawan, Siloso, Tanjong), the Skyline Luge (a gravity-powered cart ride down a hillside), cable car rides, and the new Sentosa Sensoryscape garden trail. Palawan Beach has a rope bridge to a small islet that kids love exploring. The whole island is pedestrian-friendly and reachable by monorail, cable car or boardwalk.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Restaurants and food courts throughout, shower facilities at beaches, free island bus service Tip: Take the Sentosa Express monorail from VivoCity - it's the easiest way to get there with kids. The Skyline Luge is a highlight for children over 6 (they can ride with a parent from age 2).

13. Universal Studios Singapore

Southeast Asia's only Universal Studios theme park has rides and shows spanning seven themed zones. For younger kids, Madagascar, Far Far Away and Sesame Street zones have gentle rides and character meet-and-greets. Older children will enjoy the Transformers, Battlestar Galactica and Revenge of the Mummy rides.

Best for: Ages 4-16 Facilities: Multiple restaurants, lockers, stroller rental, baby swap for rides, first aid Tip: Buy Express passes on busy days - the time saved is worth the premium. Arrive 15 minutes before opening to maximise ride time. Weekdays outside school holidays are significantly quieter.

North-East Singapore

14. Coney Island Park

Coney Island (Pulau Serangoon) is a 50-hectare nature park accessible by bridge from Punggol. It's car-free, with unpaved trails perfect for cycling and nature walks. Kids love the rustic beaches, the Casuarina Exploration playground built from natural materials, and the chance to spot wildlife - long-tailed macaques, hornbills and monitor lizards are regularly seen.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Bicycle rental at Punggol Point Park, basic toilet facilities, no food outlets on the island (bring your own) Tip: Rent bikes at Punggol Point Park and cycle in. Bring plenty of water, snacks and insect repellent. The west entrance from Punggol is easier to access than the east entrance from Lorong Halus.

15. Pasir Ris Park and Mangrove Boardwalk

Pasir Ris Park is a hidden gem for nature-loving families. The 6-hectare mangrove forest has an elevated boardwalk where kids can spot mudskippers, crabs and wading birds. The park also has one of Singapore's best public playgrounds, a pony ride area, and barbecue pits. It's far less crowded than East Coast Park and feels genuinely wild.

Best for: All ages Facilities: Multiple playgrounds, barbecue pits, toilets, car park, nearby Downtown East for food Tip: Walk the mangrove boardwalk at low tide for the best wildlife spotting. Check tide times online before visiting. The playground near the car park is excellent for toddlers.

Tips for Families Visiting Singapore

• Hydrate constantly - the heat and humidity are relentless. Carry water bottles everywhere and refill at water coolers (available in most malls and attractions).
• Plan around the rain - afternoon thunderstorms are common. Have an indoor backup plan or embrace getting wet.
• Use public transport - the MRT is efficient, affordable and air-conditioned. Most stations have lifts for strollers.
• Download the SingapoRediscovers or attraction apps - many offer family bundles and combo ticket discounts.
• Eat at hawker centres - Singapore's hawker centres are clean (many are Michelin-rated) and incredibly affordable. Kids love choosing from the variety of stalls.
• Sunscreen and hats - even on overcast days, the UV index is high. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours.

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