Best 10 Family Things to Do in Singapore
Singapore is widely regarded as Asia’s ultimate family travel destination, seamlessly blending futuristic urban marvels with lush tropical nature and world-class entertainment. Designed with pristine cleanliness, air-conditioned efficiency, and flawless public transit, navigating the Lion City with children of all ages feels entirely effortless. From splash pads set against iconic Supertrees and interactive digital art museums to world-renowned sanctuaries like the Night Safari and the high-energy rides of Sentosa Island, Singapore transforms sight-seeing into pure play. This curated guide highlights the 10 absolute best family experiences in Singapore, complete with timing tips, precise GPS coordinates, and practical insider advice to help you build an unforgettable holiday.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
November to January or February to April
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Language
English (Mandarin, Malay, & Tamil widely spoken)
Time Zone
SGT (UTC+8)
Why Visit Singapore for Family Adventures?
Futuristic Eco-Marvels
Marvel at giant Supertrees, misty Cloud Forest waterfalls, and outdoor splash zones at Gardens by the Bay.
World-Renowned Wildlife
Experience open-concept animal encounters at Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, and the nocturnal Night Safari.
Sentosa Island Entertainment
Enjoy thrilling rides at Universal Studios Singapore, massive marine habitats at S.E.A. Aquarium, and beach parks.
Interactive Digital Art
Immerse young minds in futuristic sensory exhibits at the iconic lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum.
Singapore Explorer Pass
Save up to 50% on 2 to 7 top attractions including wildlife parks and cable cars. Get Explorer Pass ↗
Rich Cultural Enclaves
Explore vibrant historic quarters filled with street art and flavors. Book a Cultural Walking Tour ↗
How to Get to Singapore
Singapore is a world-class global aviation hub situated at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula.
By Plane (Airport)
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN): Frequently rated the best airport in the world. Features the spectacular Jewel indoor rain vortex. Connected directly to the city center via the East-West MRT Line (approx. 30 minutes) or taxi.
Compare flight routes and prices using our Flight Search Widget ↓ below.
By Train & Overland (Cross-Border)
Connected to Johor Bahru (Malaysia) via the Woodlands Causeway and Tuas Second Link.
KTM Shuttle Tebrau trains and cross-border express buses connect Singapore directly to Malaysia in under 30 minutes.
How to Get Around Singapore
Singapore boasts an exceptionally clean, fully air-conditioned, and punctual public transportation network managed by LTA.
| Transport Type | Best For | Useful Details & Tickets |
|---|---|---|
| MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) | Fastest cross-city transit to Marina Bay, Sentosa & Changi | Air-conditioned 6-line subway. Simply tap your contactless credit card or digital wallet (Apple Pay/Google Pay) directly at turnstiles. |
| Public Bus Network | Scenic surface transit & reaching Singapore Zoo / Mandai | Modern double-deck buses offer elevated city views. Same tap-to-pay fare system applies as the MRT. |
| Hop-On Hop-Off Bus | Relaxed family sightseeing & open-top views between major sights | Discover the city effortlessly with the Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Open-Top Bus. |
| Taxis & Ride-Hailing | Traveling with young kids, strollers, or evening returns | Metered taxis are fair and reliable. Popular apps include Grab, Tada, and CDG Zig; child seat options can be selected. |
Where to stay in Singapore
Not sure where to book? We’ve rounded up the best hotels in Singapore for every budget, with live prices and availability.
Gardens by the Bay
The Experience
Wandering among the towering, plant-covered Supertree structures feels like stepping straight onto a futuristic movie set. The highlight for kids is the Far East Organization Children’s Garden, featuring an expansive water play zone with splash buckets, fountains, and adventure treehouses. Inside the climate-controlled Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories, children can admire a massive indoor waterfall cascading down a misty mountain. What I love most is how the energy transforms at dusk during the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show.
Why it’s worth your time
I consider Gardens by the Bay an absolute must-visit for families because it effortlessly pairs eco-engineering marvels with world-class outdoor play spaces.
Make the most of it
I strongly recommend packing swimsuits and small towels in your daypack so your kids can jump right into the outdoor splash zone. After cooling off, head inside the cool Cloud Forest conservatory during the hottest hour of the afternoon.
When to go
Late afternoon around 4:00 PM for water play, staying through the 7:45 PM or 8:45 PM Supertree light show.
Before you visit
Outdoor gardens and the Children’s Garden are completely free to enter, but tickets are required for the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome glass houses.
Plan your visit
Located at 18 Marina Gardens Drive. Take the MRT to Bayfront Station (Circle/Downtown Line) or Gardens by the Bay Station (Thomson-East Coast Line). Cooled conservatories open daily 9:00 AM–9:00 PM; Children’s Garden opens Tuesday–Sunday 9:00 AM–6:30 PM (closed Mondays).
Book your visit:
Singapore Zoo & River Wonders
The Experience
World-renowned for its "open concept" habitats, Singapore Zoo relies on hidden moats rather than heavy cages, allowing kids to encounter wildlife like orangutans swinging directly overhead. Right next door at River Wonders, families can cruise along simulated river habitats and visit the giant panda forest enclosure. What I enjoy most is the KidzWorld area, where little ones can pet domestic animals and play in water fountains.
Why it’s worth your time
I think this is hands-down one of the finest wildlife conservatories on the planet, delivering an immersive and deeply educational experience for animal lovers.
Make the most of it
I suggest taking the open-air tram ride around the main zoo loops to save little legs, and booking splash pad time at KidzWorld mid-day.
When to go
Arrive right at 8:30 AM opening time when animals are most active and temperatures are mildest.
Before you visit
The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is extensive; bring plenty of sunscreen, insect repellent, and stroller-friendly footwear.
Plan your visit
Located in Mandai. Take the MRT to Khatib Station (North-South Line) and hop on the cheap Mandai Shuttle bus ($1 SGD). Park open daily 8:30 AM–6:00 PM. Combination multi-park tickets offer great savings.
Book your visit:
S.E.A. Aquarium
The Experience
S.E.A. Aquarium is a mesmerizing underwater universe housing over 100,000 marine animals across 40 distinct habitats. Children stand wide-eyed in front of the colossal Open Ocean habitat—a giant floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass wall where hammerhead sharks, leopard rays, and goliath groupers glide effortlessly. What I find most thrilling is walking through the glass shark tunnel as apex predators swim directly overhead.
Why it’s worth your time
I regard S.E.A. Aquarium as an essential rainy-day or heat-escape sanctuary that captivates toddlers, teens, and parents alike.
Make the most of it
My favorite insider tip is to head straight to the main Open Ocean viewing panel first before the crowds gather, or sit on the carpeted tiered steps for a quiet family rest.
When to go
Weekday mornings at 10:00 AM or early afternoons during sudden tropical rain showers.
Before you visit
Strollers are fully accessible throughout all exhibit halls via ramps and spacious elevators.
Plan your visit
Situated on Sentosa Island at Resorts World Sentosa. Take the Sentosa Express monorail from VivoCity to Resort World Station. Tickets cost ~$45 SGD for adults and $35 SGD for kids. Open daily 10:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Book your visit:
Night Safari
The Experience
Operating as the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, the Night Safari offers an exhilarating adventure into the jungle after dark. Families board a guided open-air tram that winds through subtle moonlight-lit zones inhabited by Asian elephants, rhinos, and tapirs. What I love most is walking the lit forest trails like the Fishing Cat Trail, where nocturnal animals are active just meters away.
Why it’s worth your time
I consider the Night Safari an irreplaceable nocturnal experience that turns a standard zoo visit into an unforgettable evening safari.
Make the most of it
I strongly recommend booking the earliest entry time slot (7:15 PM online) and reserving seats for the popular Creatures of the Night amphitheater show as soon as you enter the gates.
When to go
Evening timeslots starting from 7:15 PM.
Before you visit
Flash photography is strictly prohibited to protect the nocturnal animals' vision; teach kids to adjust camera settings beforehand.
Plan your visit
Located adjacent to Singapore Zoo in Mandai. Accessible via the Mandai Shuttle from Khatib MRT. Open daily 6:30 PM–12:00 AM (midnight). Pre-booking time-slotted admission tickets online is mandatory.
Book your visit:
Universal Studios Singapore
The Experience
Packed into 7 themed zones on Sentosa Island, Universal Studios Singapore delivers big-screen movie magic tailored for families. Young kids love meeting Far Far Away characters in Shrek’s castle and riding the Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase, while older kids and teens head straight for the Transformers 3D ride and Battlestar Galactica dueling coasters. What I enjoy most is the intimate size of the park, making it manageable to cover in a single day without feeling overwhelmed.
Why it’s worth your time
I think it is the top high-energy amusement destination in Southeast Asia, offering world-class rides and character meet-and-greets.
Make the most of it
I advise purchasing Express Passes during peak holiday periods to skip long queues, or downloading the official USS mobile app to track live wait times across rides.
When to go
Arrive 20 minutes before the 10:00 AM opening time on a weekday.
Before you visit
Check height requirements online beforehand so you can set expectations for younger toddlers.
Plan your visit
Located at Resorts World Sentosa. Ride the Sentosa Express monorail to Resorts World Station. Open daily 10:00 AM–7:00 PM. Advance online booking is recommended.
Book your visit:
ArtScience Museum
The Experience
Housed inside an iconic lotus-inspired building along Marina Bay, the ArtScience Museum features the permanent "Future World" exhibition created by art collective teamLab. Kids slide down interactive light slides that trigger blooming flowers, build digital cities on glowing blocks, and scan their own crayon-colored sea creatures into a massive living digital aquarium wall. What I love most is how effortlessly it blends technology, art, and childhood curiosity.
Why it’s worth your time
I consider Future World to be Singapore’s best indoor digital playground, offering pure creative magic for toddlers and older children alike.
Make the most of it
I suggest reserving time-slotted tickets online well in advance, as capacity is strictly limited per entry window.
When to go
Morning sessions around 10:00 AM for lower crowd density and quiet drawing tables.
Before you visit
Kids need to remove shoes in certain play zones; wearing comfortable socks is recommended.
Plan your visit
Located at 6 Bayfront Ave (Marina Bay Sands). Short walk from Bayfront MRT Station. Open daily 10:00 AM–7:00 PM (last entry 6:00 PM). Tickets start at ~$25 SGD.
Book your visit:
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
The Experience
Situated within the UNESCO-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens, Jacob Ballas is Asia’s first garden dedicated entirely to children up to age 14. Designed around the theme "All Life on Earth Depends on Plants," kids can explore suspension rope bridges, treehouses, farm gardens, and a water-play area with water wheels. What I love most is the peaceful, nature-first environment that encourages kids to discover ecosystems through hands-on play.
Why it’s worth your time
I regard this as one of Singapore’s absolute best free hidden gems for families with young children seeking outdoor fun away from busy shopping malls.
Make the most of it
Pack a picnic lunch to eat in the shaded pavilions and let kids spend time at the natural stream and farm plots.
When to go
Morning hours from 8:30 AM to 11:00 AM before the heat of midday sets in.
Before you visit
Adults are only admitted if accompanying a child, keeping the space safe and family-focused. Admission is completely free.
Plan your visit
Located at the Bukit Timah Core of Singapore Botanic Gardens. Take the MRT to Botanic Gardens Station (Circle/Downtown Line). Open Tuesday–Sunday 8:30 AM–7:00 PM (closed Mondays).
Book your visit:
Jewel Changi Airport
The Experience
Jewel Changi transforms airport transit into an extraordinary family destination centered around the 40-meter indoor HSBC Rain Vortex waterfall surrounded by lush indoor forest trails. On the top level, Canopy Park offers giant bouncing nets suspended above trees, hedge labyrinths, glass-bottom canopy bridges, and fog-emitting lawn mounds where kids love running through clouds. What I enjoy most is watching the light show over the waterfall with kids dangling safely above the canopy.
Why it’s worth your time
I think it is the most impressive airport leisure complex in the world, turning flight arrival or departure days into a major vacation highlight.
Make the most of it
I strongly recommend planning a 3-hour window at Jewel either right after landing or before your departure flight home.
When to go
Late afternoon, staying to watch the Rain Vortex Light & Music show (runs hourly from 8:00 PM).
Before you visit
Closed-toe shoes are required for kids participating in the Bouncing and Walking Nets at Canopy Park.
Plan your visit
Directly connected to Changi Airport Terminals 1, 2, and 3 via sky bridges or MRT (Changi Airport Station). Jewel mall is open 24/7; Canopy Park attractions run 10:00 AM–10:00 PM.
Book your visit:
Science Centre Singapore
The Experience
Spanning over 1,000 interactive exhibits, Science Centre Singapore turns physics, earth science, and tech into an exhilarating playground. Inside, kids can witness live indoor fire tornado demonstrations and explore giant mirror mazes. For children aged 8 and under, KidsSTOP is a dedicated 3,000 sqm edutainment center featuring giant climbing rockets, pretend grocery shops, and construction zones. What I love most is the hands-on freedom kids have to touch and test everything.
Why it’s worth your time
I consider it the ultimate interactive science hub in the region, ideal for sparking curiosity in young minds.
Make the most of it
My favorite tip is to purchase combined admission for both Science Centre and KidsSTOP so younger and older siblings get tailored activities.
When to go
Weekday mornings at 10:00 AM to beat school group excursions.
Before you visit
Bring spare clothes and a towel if visiting the Waterworks outdoor play area within the center.
Plan your visit
Located in Jurong East. Take the MRT to Jurong East Station (East-West/North-South Line) and walk 8 minutes. Open Tuesday–Sunday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM (closed Mondays).
Book your visit:
Palawan Beach & HydroDash
The Experience
Palawan Beach is Sentosa’s premier family shoreline, featuring calm waves, soft sand, and a suspension bridge connecting to a tiny islet billed as the "Southernmost Point of Continental Asia." Floating just off the beach is HydroDash—Singapore’s first inflatable water park where kids and teens can bounce across obstacle courses, slippery slides, and target jump towers. What I love most is the relaxed seaside atmosphere paired with high-energy water play.
Why it’s worth your time
I think it offers the perfect outdoor beach day out, combining classic seaside relaxation with active water obstacles.
Make the most of it
Pre-book a 1-hour HydroDash session online, then relax at nearby shaded beach cafes like Coastes or +Twelve while kids play.
When to go
Morning around 9:30 AM before the sun gets too strong, or late afternoon from 4:00 PM.
Before you visit
Children must be at least 5 years old and 100 cm tall to participate on the HydroDash water park. Life jackets are provided.
Plan your visit
Located on Sentosa Island. Take the Beach Tram along Palawan Beach or ride the Sentosa Express to Beach Station. Palawan Beach is free to access; HydroDash tickets cost ~$22 SGD per hour.
Book your visit:
Find & Compare Flights
Check the best route options and ticket prices to kickstart your trip planning.
Where to stay in Singapore
Singapore offers accommodation for every family travel style—from luxury resorts with lagoon pools on Sentosa Island to spacious family suites in tranquil residential districts and budget-friendly boutique hotels near public transit. Choosing the right neighborhood makes a real difference: stay in Marina Bay or Orchard Road for central walkability to shopping and iconic attractions, or on Sentosa Island for a beach-and-theme-park holiday. Here are my personal recommendations:
Unique & Instagram-Worthy Stays:
Marina Bay Sands: The ultimate Singapore icon featuring the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool with sweeping skyline views. Its direct connection to the ArtScience Museum, Gardens by the Bay, and luxury shopping makes it an unforgettable splurge for families. Check availability
Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore: Singapore’s only beachfront resort, located right on Siloso Beach on Sentosa Island. With multi-tiered pools, splash pads, water slides, and dedicated kids’ club activities, it is a paradise stay for families with young children. Check availability
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering: A striking eco-friendly “hotel-in-a-garden” featuring cascading sky gardens, lush foliage, and an infinity pool along the edge of Chinatown. Its unique green architecture and central location make it a memorable design-led base. Check availability
Classic Singapore Stays:
Shangri-La Singapore: A legendary luxury hotel set within 15 acres of manicured botanical gardens near Orchard Road. Boasting a huge outdoor splash zone (Splash Zone), indoor play space (buds by Shangri-La), and dedicated family suites, it is widely considered the top luxury family city hotel in Asia. Check availability
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore: A luxury hotel situated along Marina Bay, renowned for its spacious guest rooms with panoramic harbor views and exceptional service. Its central location puts you within walking distance of the ArtScience Museum and Singapore Flyer. Check availability
Budget-Friendly Favorites:
YOTELAIR Singapore Changi Airport: Located right inside Jewel Changi, offering compact, cleverly designed “cabins” perfect for family layovers or short transit stays with direct access to Canopy Park and the Rain Vortex. Check availability
Mercure Singapore ON Stevens: A modern, affordable hotel located in a tranquil enclave near Orchard Road. Featuring twin outdoor swimming pools, family rooms, and shuttle services to key MRT stations, it provides great value in a prime district. Check availability
EDITORIAL NOTES
We visit or research every place on this list ourselves and no business pays to appear here. Some accommodation links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you. Prices shown are indicative and change with your dates.
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