If you ask us, it doesn’t get much better than Singapore for the ultimate family destination—not only does it boast stunning tropical landscapes, cutting-edge architecture and fabulous endless shopping, but it’s also a paradise for kids with so many sensational adventures to be shared while being incredibly clean and safe.
To help inspire your next vacay or weekend activity, Urban List has rounded up some of the best things to do with kids in Singapore.
Spend A Day (Or Two) At Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group | Supplied
Animal lovers will be captivated by the endless options at Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Say hello to over 300 species of rare animal breeds at the Singapore Zoo, find out what really happens after dark with Night Safari or check out River Wonders and be amazed by the world’s biggest freshwater aquarium, the Amazon Flooded Forest. Don't forget to stop by the Reserve’s latest attraction—the stunning Bird Paradise where you can get up close and personal with some of Asia’s most curious and unique birdlife.
We recommend starting your day with the Breakfast in the Wild experience. You'll get to savour a hearty meal of local and international flavours and meet some of the zoo’s wildlife ambassadors and their keepers, who will fill your minds (and hearts) with stories about the animal kingdom, habitats and nature.
Learn Interactively At The Children’s Museum
Children’s Museum Singapore (CMSG) is the first museum in Singapore dedicated to children 12 years old and below. The museum believes in sparking wonder, the power of play and aspires to be a place of wonder and joyful learning for all children to engage with Singapore and the world.
Families with young children can look forward to interactive exhibits, anchored in rich storytelling, complemented by engaging programmes and initiatives. The little ones will have hands-on opportunities to learn about Singapore’s heritage through play.
CMSG also organises educational programmes throughout the year to cater to children of different age groups and abilities. These programmes are created in collaboration with educators to ensure that they are developmentally appropriate for children.
Live Out Your Dessert Dreams
Image credit: Museum of Ice Cream | Supplied
The Museum of Ice Cream is just as fun as it sounds, and even more delicious.
Dive straight into the world-famous sprinkle pool, learn all about ice cream’s history across 12 fabulous interactive installations and of course devour unlimited ice cream served up in all sorts of crazy forms and shapes. A dream for kids both big and small, this kaleidoscope of sights and tastes needs to be high on your bucket list.
Explore Some Of Singapore’s Most Lush Green Spaces
Singapore is teeming with gorgeous and unexpected green spaces, thanks to its tropical humidity—it’s the perfect spot to tap into Mother Nature or throw down a picnic rug allowing the little ones to run wild.
Wanderers will love exploring the luscious 10 km-stretch of trails at Southern Ridges or the beautiful Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, while energetic little ones will want to spend hours at the massive East Coast Park Coastal Playgrove complete with all sorts of things to climb, slide down and discover.
Go Wild At Kiztopia
Image credit: Kiztopia | Supplied
Winner of Singapore Tourism’s Best Attraction Experience in 2021, Kiztopia is a mega indoor kids’ edutainment playground with all sorts of vivacious original characters ready to enchant the kids for hours while you sit back and relax.
From magic shows, trampolines, obstacle courses and massive ball pits to thrilling slides for the bigger visitors, Kiztopia aims to bring big smiles to each visitor through play and animation.
Their latest outlet, Kiztopia Prestige at New Bahru, is an exhilarating haven for young adventurers with a range of immersive role-play rooms, workshops, and soft play concepts tailored for children aged four and below.
You can check out our full list of Singapore’s best indoor playgrounds for air-conditioned fun here.
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Connect With Mother Nature At COMO Adventure Grove
Another leafy spot nestled within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the COMO Adventure Grove allows children to swing, slide and climb up structures that resemble plant life unique to the city while learning about the importance of preserving our precious environment.
You’ll feel like you’ve landed in an overrun forest with all sorts of adventures to be had and corners to safely explore with plenty of shady areas to beat that midday sunshine for parents as well.
Immerse Yourself In Technology At The ArtScience Museum
Image credit: ArtScience Museum | Supplied
A stunning must-see architectural venue, the ArtScience Museum sits pretty inside the extraordinary iconic open-hand building that looks a little like a lotus flower right by the water and Marina Bay Sands.
Inside, children (and adults) will learn all about the mind-boggling power of technology, science and arts with hi-tech installations and plenty of interactive exhibitions for all to explore.
Investigate The Ecosystems Of This Historic Island
Embark on a tranquil journey to Pulau Ubin and unwind from the bustle of the city. Let your little ones run wild on this petite boomerang-shaped island paradise which is home to Singapore’s last remaining village as well as the incredible Chek Jawa Wetlands, a treasure trove of biodiversity boasting one of the country’s most abundant and important ecosystems. Accessible via a quick ten-minute traditional bumboat, kids will love the magic of seeing a time long before their own.
Start planning your next family getaway over at Visit Singapore— your go-to guide for maximising the kid-friendly fun.
Voyage To The Bottom Of The Ocean At S.E.A Aquarium
Image credit: S.E.A Aquarium | Urban List Singapore
S.E.A Aquarium is one of the world’s largest aquariums and is home to a staggering 100,000 marine animals across more than 40 habitats. Come face-to-face with sharks, rays, octopuses, jellyfish, eels and more fish than you can believe.
With the PADI Open Water Diver experience, you can take your first open water dive in the glorious Open Ocean Habitat under qualified instructors who will be able to get you scuba-certified right there and then. The Junior Ocean Detective program allows children 7 - 12 years old to embark on a strange and wonderful investigative journey seeking out clues to solve marine-animal mysteries in the aquarium’s underwater world.
Tackle Netted Obstacle Courses At Nestopia
Nestopia is a unique open-air play space with 17 different play sections on Siloso Beach. Ideal for kids of all ages, it features a range of netted obstacle courses connecting three giant nests and two of the longest slides on Sentosa.
Because this is an outdoor playground and there’s not a lot of shade, be sure to pack sunscreen, water and hats. Tickets for children below the age of 12 have a complimentary entry for one adult so there’s no need to book additional tickets. Although Nestopia is owned by Shangri-La, it’s not located at Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, so don't get caught out.
Cool Of At Adventure Cove Waterpark
Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa | Supplied
Cool off at Adventure Cove Waterpark where there's an energy level and water slide to suit every vibe. Take things easy while you float down Adventure River in the comfort of a relaxing tube. Alternatively, thrill seekers will love the Riptide Rocket. The hydro roller coaster climbs and twists before its adrenaline-pumping drops.
For younger ones, the Big Bucket Treehouse and Bluewater Bay are great options. As is Rainbow Reef where you can snorkel with over 20,000 marine animals and wade with friendly rays in the shallows.
Get Your Skates On
Stretching along 15km of coastline, East Coast Park is the ideal location for an active evening out that won’t break the bank.
Heading out of the city, stop in at Coastline Leisure to hire inline skates or a bike (prices start from $11 for three hours), before heading along the ECP’s well-maintained cycle paths at your own pace as the sun gently sets. Alternatively, bring your own board and hit up Xtreme SkatePark, where Singapore’s skate community gather to catch air along the waterfront, totally free of charge.
Check Out A Family-Friendly Beach Club
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Part of the new The Palawan @ Sentosa (a standalone lifestyle and entertainment precinct by the Shangri-La Group), Splash Tribe is a family-oriented beach club with a sandcastle-themed wet-play zone and an infinity pool right by the beach. Complete with poolside and in-water sun loungers as well as elaborate two-storey private gazebos, you’ll be able to soak up some sun while the kids have a splashing good time.
As for the food and drink, there’s a kids menu full of child-friendly dishes such as chicken nuggets, pizza and fish and chips. For mum and dad, you’ll find everything from sliders and salads to seafood and wraps. There’s also a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available but we recommend their signature tiki cocktails.
Catch A Light And Water Show
It wouldn’t be a trip to Singapore without a stop at Gardens by the Bay. When the sun goes down you can catch Garden Rhapsody—a free musical display that brings the park’s iconic 50m supertrees to life at 7.45pm and 8.45pm. Just around the corner, Marina Bay Sands offers up Spectra, an epic 15-minute light and water show on the Marina Bay waterfront.
Expect colourful visual projections, fountain jets and plenty of lasers—displayed Sunday to Thursday at 8pm and 9pm, and Fridays and Saturdays at 9pm and 10pm. If you’re over at Sentosa, wander along to Magical Shores at Siloso Beach from 7.30pm to 9.30pm for a multi-sensory light and sound experience, or head across to the Sentosa Musical Fountain at 4pm, 5pm or 6pm to relive the iconic display that’s been kicking around since the eighties.
Spot The Dinosaurs At Changi Jurassic Mile
Image credit: Changi Airport | Supplied
Just a stone’s throw away from Changi Airport you’ll find Singapore’s best-kept secret. Cycle, skate, jog or walk along the Park Connector to scope the city’s largest outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs, just keep your camera ready to snap the giant T-Rex chomping down on the Park Connector’s fence.
Refuel at the nearby Hub and Spoke Café at Changi Airport, or cycle towards East Coast Park for a refreshing cup of sugarcane at East Coast Lagoon Food Village.
Visit The Countryside
Believe it or not but just 30 mins outside of Singapore’s bustling city centre lies a charming countryside that needs to be explored. Filled with sprawling green fields and farms, you won’t find a skyscraper out in Kranji.
Kick off your visit here with a bit of farm hopping. There are around 100 in the area, and 20 of them are open to the public. Hays Dairies should go to the top of your list. As Singapore’s only goat farm, you can feed the baby goats before picking up a carton of fresh goat’s milk—there’s even a chocolate variety on offer. Bollywood Veggies is another fave—the farm is the largest producer of bananas in Singapore so trying their homemade banana bread is a must-do. And for something a little different, you have to stop by Jurong Frog Farm where 10,00 American Bullfrogs reside. Next, explore the natural rugged beauty of Kranji from above at the Krani Marshes Raptor Tower; go hiking in the stunning Kranji forest and scope out birds and crocodiles at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore’s first heritage park.
Experience The Magic Of Universal Studios
Image credit: Resorts World Sentosa | Supplied
Experience Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park. Spend the day immersed in the wonders of imagination with captivating rides, interactive shows and sets from your favourite movies and television shows.
Join Optimus Prime and the Autobots as you become a freedom fighter in an epic 3D battle against the forces of evil on the Transformers ride or engage in the ultimate intergalactic battle between good and evil on the world’s tallest duelling roller coasters. Little ones will love piloting their own Pteranodon on Dino-Soarin' and going on a space mission with the Sesame Street gang on the world’s first Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase.
Discover The Fascinating World Of STEM
Science Centre Singapore is a vibrant hub of scientific discovery and innovation, catering to visitors of all ages. Its captivating interactive exhibits and enlightening educational programs ignite curiosity, inspiring a deeper appreciation for science and technology.
Highlights include the iconic “Know your Poo” exhibit which touches on the topics of human waste, toilets and sanitation, the “Laser Maze Challenge” where you can harness your inner ninja, the “Science of Fear” exhibit where you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and find out what phobias really are, “Professor Crackitt's Light Fantastic Mirror Maze” which features a life-size labyrinth of mirrors, filled with infinite reflections and endless hallways, and the famous “Fire Tornado Show” where you can come face to face with a spectacular natural phenomenon.
For the youngest in the family, there’s even a water park (appropriate swimwear is required) where they can learn how important water is in our lives and KidsSTOP—a dedicated zone for little ones aged eight and below. Designed to introduce the concepts of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, there are a range of themed zones such as Flight and Space, Built Environment, and Supermarket which provide ample room for exploring science topics through hands-on activities.
We love the Planet Warriors marine conservation exhibit which uses immersive technology to enhance learning, the Dino Sand Pit where you can grab a shovel and dig for fossils, and the Typhoon Simulator where you can experience the effects of a typhoon without having to worry about the danger of flying debris.
Cast A Spell At Harry Potter: Visions Of Magic Exhibition
Image credit: Harry Potter: Visions Of Magic Exhibition | Supplied
Can’t wait for the release of the new Harry Potter TV series? Get your wizarding world fix with Harry Potter: Visions of Magic at Resorts World Sentosa which will be taking place from 22 November.
Exploring the most-loved—and most-mysterious—corners of the magical community, this immersive experience uses video, sound and multi-sensory installations to bring to life magical spaces like the Room of Requirement, Newt’s Menagerie and the Ministry of Magic.
Book A Family-Friendly Staycay
If you’re lucky enough to call Singapore home, why not treat the kids to a fancy staycation? If you’re planning a holiday here with little ones, we suggest bookmarking our roundup of the best family-friendly hotels in Singapore. From themed rooms to outdoor play areas and delicious children’s menus—Singapore’s best family-friendly hotels have a lot going for them.
One of favourites is the Shangri-La Singapore which is the first hotel on Orchard Road to have a dedicated programme offering a range of luxury family experiences for families with young ones. Known as buds by Shangri-La, it is an interactive play space located on the first floor of the hotel’s Tower Wing. This is complemented by deluxe family rooms and themed family suites in the same building. The suites are designed to the concepts of safari, treetop, castle, underwater and space.
In 2020, the hotel added an outdoor water playground with specially designed aquatic amenities and six unique water play areas. From meandering around lazy rivers to sliding down vertical drops on the slides, splashes with water sprouts and jet cannons, to shallow wading pools for aspiring little swimmers, there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
If that wasn’t enough, the hotel also offers a range of top tier childcare amenities from Stokke including strollers, travel cots and high chairs. Smaller items like bath time toys, bibs, thermometers, potties, diapers bins, and sterilisers can also be provided.
Join Your Favourite Disney Heroes In An Unforgettable Ice-Skating Spectacle
Image credit: Disney on Ice | Supplied
Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero is skating into the Singapore Indoor Stadium from 15 to 23 March 2025, and it’s going to be an adventure you won’t forget.
Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, and all your favourite Disney heroes in an unforgettable ice-skating spectacle filled with heartwarming stories and breathtaking performances. Whether you’re navigating the ocean with Moana, singing along with Mirabel from Encanto, or journeying through an icy adventure with Anna, Elsa, and Olaf, this show has something for everyone.
But the magic doesn’t stop there. Get caught up in the fun with Rapunzel, dive “Under the Sea” with Ariel, and witness Belle's heartwarming tale with the Beast. With jaw-dropping skating, dazzling costumes, and show-stopping special effects, this is a magical journey the whole family will cherish.
Embrace The Festive Spirit At Christmas Wonderland
Image credit: Christmas Wonderland | Supplied by Blue Sky Events
Christmas Wonderland is back and better than ever with even more light displays and festive performances, as well as the return of fan favourites that will delight visitors of all ages.
Taking place at Gardens by the Bay from 29 November 2024 to 1 January 2025, you’ll be able to enjoy ‘snowfall’ in the tropics surrounded by a dazzling light installation. Look out for the iconic Supertree, say hello to a trio of Merry Bears, explore an enchanted forest, have a go at carnival games, catch festive performances by local artistes, dine on festive treats and more.
Over at Santa’s Village, join thousands of locals who have made it an annual tradition to take a family photo with Father Christmas at his home. The young and the young-at-heart can take a charming ride on a double-storey Venetian horse Carousel (the only one of its kind in Singapore) or hop aboard the CDG Zig Express Christmas Train.
Looking for more? Check out:
- The Best Sentosa Beach Clubs For A Day Of Fun In The Sun
- 8 Reasons To Check Out Singapore’s Coolest Aquarium
- From Mega Malls To Street Markets, Here’s Why Singapore Is A Shopping Mecca
Main image credit: Mandai Wildlife Group | Supplied
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