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Cable car at Sentosa

Photo: Maksym Kozlenko, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped

Family Travel

Things to Do With Kids in Singapore: 12 Family Ideas

Twelve easy, fun family days out in Singapore, from wildlife parks and Sentosa to free gardens and water play.

By EatStays Editorial · Updated · 3 min read

Singapore is one of the easiest cities in Asia to visit with children. It is safe and clean, the food is varied and most attractions are designed with families in mind. Whether your kids love animals, water or theme parks, this list of things to do with kids in Singapore has ideas for every age and budget. It also has tips to keep the whole family happy in the heat.

Wildlife and nature

1. Singapore Zoo

The zoo is known for its open, natural enclosures in a rainforest setting. Go early in the morning, when the animals are active and the weather is cooler.

2. Night Safari

The Night Safari lets you see nocturnal animals after dark, by tram or on walking trails. Older children usually love it; for little ones, choose an early entry time.

Night Safari, Singapore
Night Safari, Singapore. Photo: pelican from Tokyo, Japan, CC BY-SA 2.0

3. Bird Paradise and River Wonders

These two parks sit next to the zoo in Mandai. You can combine them into a full day of animals, with tickets for several parks sold together.

4. Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is free to enter and has wide lawns, lakes with turtles and fish, and a dedicated children's garden with play areas.

Palm Valley in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a large lawn filled with palms, popular with picnics and enjoying concerts in Symphony Lake
Palm Valley in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a large lawn filled with palms, popular with picnics and enjoying concerts in Symphony Lake. Photo: Calvin teo, CC BY-SA 3.0

Sentosa island

5. Universal Studios Singapore

The theme park has rides and shows for every age. Arrive at opening time and head to the most popular rides first.

6. Beaches and the cable car

Sentosa's beaches are calm and family-friendly, and the cable car ride over the harbour is a highlight in itself. Our Sentosa day out guide covers how to plan the day.

Beach at Sentosa with ships
Beach at Sentosa with ships. Photo: Maksym Kozlenko, CC BY-SA 4.0

7. S.E.A. Aquarium

Cool, indoor and full of sharks, rays and colourful fish, the aquarium is a great choice for a hot or rainy afternoon.

Free and low-cost ideas

8. Gardens by the Bay

The outdoor gardens at Gardens by the Bay are free, and there is a children's garden with water play. Bring swimwear and a towel.

9. Free evening light shows

Kids love the lights and music of Garden Rhapsody and Spectra at Marina Bay. Our guide to free light shows in Singapore has the show times.

10. Cycling at East Coast Park

Rent bikes or scooters and ride along the seafront paths. There are playgrounds, beaches and plenty of food stops along the way.

11. Hawker centre dinner

Hawker centres are relaxed, cheap and full of choice, so even picky eaters find something they like. Read our hawker centre etiquette guide before you go.

12. Jewel Changi Airport

The Rain Vortex waterfall is free to see, and the indoor gardens make a good stop on arrival or before your flight home.

Tips for travelling with kids in Singapore

  • Heat: bring water bottles, hats and sunscreen, and take breaks in air-conditioned malls.
  • Rain: carry a small umbrella; storms are usually short.
  • Transport: the MRT is pram-friendly, with lifts at every station. See our guide on how to use the MRT.
  • Tickets: book big attractions online, often for a lower price and shorter queues.
  • Where to stay: families love Sentosa for beaches and resort pools. See our list of Sentosa resorts.

Browse more ideas on our family fun page and in our theme park and zoo guides.

FAQs about things to do with kids in Singapore

Is Singapore good for a family holiday?

Yes. It is safe, clean and easy to get around, with many attractions designed for children.

What are the best free things to do with kids in Singapore?

The Singapore Botanic Gardens, the outdoor gardens and water play at Gardens by the Bay, the evening light shows and East Coast Park are all free.

Is the Night Safari suitable for young children?

Most children enjoy it. For younger kids, choose an early entry time and take the tram rather than walking all the trails.

How many days do you need in Singapore with kids?

Four to five days lets you visit the wildlife parks, Sentosa and Marina Bay without rushing.

More family ideas in our family travel guides.

ESEatStays EditorialSingapore travel team

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