Family Travel Guides

Why Singapore with kids works so well

Travelling around Singapore with kids is easier than in many big cities. Streets are clean and safe. English is widely spoken, tap water is safe to drink and health care is good. Most MRT stations have lifts, so a pram is easy to manage. The main challenges are the heat and sudden rain.

Plan outdoor time for the morning and late afternoon. Save the middle of the day for indoor sights, a swim or a nap. For a ready-made list of ideas, read Things to Do With Kids in Singapore: 12 Family Ideas.

Top family attractions

Wildlife parks in Mandai

The Mandai wildlife parks sit together in the north of the island. Singapore Zoo has open-style enclosures and shady paths. Bird Paradise has large walk-through aviaries. River Wonders shows animals from some of the world's great rivers. Night Safari opens in the evening and suits older children who can stay up late.

Sentosa

Sentosa is a resort island linked to the mainland by road, cable car and a short monorail. Universal Studios Singapore is the big theme park. Palawan Beach is calm and good for younger children. Teenagers often enjoy the ziplines at Mega Adventure Park. The Singapore Cable Car is a fun way to arrive.

Free and low-cost fun

• Gardens by the Bay: the outdoor gardens and Supertrees are free to explore.
• East Coast Park: a long seaside park with cycling paths and playgrounds.
• Jurong Lake Gardens: a large park with play areas in the west.

Rainy days

Children's Museum Singapore is made for younger children. Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum has dinosaur skeletons that most children love. See Rainy Day Activities for more.

Choosing a family-friendly hotel

Location matters most. Sentosa suits a resort-style holiday with pools and beaches. Marina Bay puts you close to the main sights. Orchard Road has malls with food courts and nursing rooms. Read What Makes a Hotel Family-Friendly in Singapore before you choose.

On Sentosa, Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore is a beachside resort. Hotel Michael (Resorts World Sentosa) is close to Universal Studios Singapore. In the east, D'Resort @ Downtown East is a resort in Pasir Ris.

Need more space? Connecting Rooms vs Family Suite in Singapore Hotels compares the options. A serviced apartment adds a kitchen and a washing machine. Travelling with a toddler? Toddler-Proofing a Hotel Room in Singapore has simple safety steps.

Eating out with children

Hawker centres are great for families. These are large, casual food courts with many small stalls. They are cheap, noisy and relaxed, so nobody minds a messy eater. Mild dishes such as chicken rice, fried rice, satay and kaya toast suit most children. Kaya is a sweet coconut jam. Chilli usually comes on the side, so you can leave it out.

Read Best Hawker Centres in Singapore for Tourists to pick a good one. If your child has a food allergy, see Eating at Hawker Centres With Food Allergies. Shopping mall food courts are another easy choice, with air-conditioning and clean toilets. For fussy eaters, Hotel Buffets offer a wide choice in one place.

Practical tips for every age

• Babies: large malls and attractions usually have nursing rooms and baby-changing tables.
• Toddlers: bring a light, compact pram that folds quickly for taxis and lifts.
• Older children: give them a simple map and let them help plan an MRT route.
• Teenagers: mix big attractions with free time in Haji Lane, Orchard Road or a cycling trip.
• Everyone: pack hats, sunscreen, insect repellent and a refillable water bottle.

Children shorter than 0.9 metres ride free on the MRT and buses with a paying adult. Few taxis carry child seats, so ask for one when you book or bring your own.

FAQs about family travel in Singapore

Is Singapore good for toddlers?

Yes. It is clean, safe and easy to get around with a pram. Plan around the heat and include plenty of indoor breaks.

How many days do you need in Singapore with kids?

Four to five days lets you visit the zoo, Sentosa and Gardens by the Bay without rushing. Add a day or two for a slower pace.

Where should families stay in Singapore?

Sentosa is best for a resort holiday. Marina Bay and Orchard Road are better if you want to see the city sights.

When is the best time to visit Singapore with kids?

Any month works, as it is warm all year. Attractions get busier during local school holidays, around June and at the end of the year.