Cosmopolitan, green and squeaky-clean, Singapore is one of the most kid-friendly spots in Asia. From its immaculate stroller-friendly sidewalks and surplus of family attractions to its English-speaking locals, Singapore offers visitors an Asian getaway that is safe, organised and easy to navigate in a superb tropical climate.
There’s plenty of kid-friendly to fill up your Singapore family holiday itinerary: enjoy breakfast with orangutans at Singapore Zoo, or if your little ones like their friends feathered, try Bird Paradise. Jump into a world of movie magic at Universal Studios and take to the sky on the Singapore Flyer, the world’s third-largest Ferris wheel, for a visual feast of the city.
Singapore Botanic Gardens is a firm favourite and the Children’s Garden a perfect place to cultivate an appreciation of nature through play. Visit colourful Little India for the decorous Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and awesome Indian food. A range of activities, beaches and theme parks on Sentosa Island make for the ultimate day trip.
Below, we’ve rounded up 45 ways for families to soak up the heady mix of flavours, sights and smells that make Singapore so charismatic.
Feast on Singapore's best family food experiences
If your family loves to eat, there is no holding back in Singapore! Sampling Singapore’s world-renowned, and diverse, food offerings should be high on your ‘to do’ list.
Traditional Singaporean cuisine is a mix of its people; Chinese, Indian and Malaysian dishes offer so much choice, you just have to keep eating to try them all. From local treats like satay and laksa to world-class gourmet, you and the family will find it all here.
1. Enjoy street food at Singapore's Hawker Centres
Having a meal at a Hawker Centre – the city’s version of street food – is one of the culinary highlights of Singapore. This unique dining experience gives a perfect snapshot of the multiculturalism that is at the forefront of Singapore.
There are around 120 markets and Hawker Centres across Singapore, including the popular Lau Pa Sat in the heart of the CBD and Makansutra Gluttons Bay next to the Esplanade Theatre.
Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown is known for being one of Singapore’s most authentic hawker centres and is home to world-famous Tian Tian Hainese Chicken Rice.
To make eating like a local easier and safer, all hawker centre food stalls are given a hygiene rating of A, B, C or D.
OAWK Tip: Put anything from a tissue pack to an umbrella on a chair to ‘reserve’ your seat at a hawker centre while you hunt down delicious food.
2. Indulge in afternoon tea at Raffles Hotel
It’s not cheap, but indulging in a Raffles Hotel afternoon tea is a real treat for the whole family. Tuck into scones, sandwiches and pastries in decadent surroundings and to the accompaniment of a live harpist. End the experience with a Singapore Sling in the famous Raffles Long Bar, where the kids will love the novelty of eating peanuts and tossing their shells on the floor.
3. Try kaya toast - Singapore's traditional breakfast
While in Singapore, it’s essential to sample a traditional breakfast of charcoal-grilled bread, known as ‘Kaya Toast’, at a local institution like Killiney Kopitiam. The bread, lavishly spread with homemade coconut jam, is a definite hit with both kids and adults, while parents will appreciate the freshly-brewed coffee.
4. Shop at Singapore's wet markets
For an authentic shopping experience away from the organised calm of the air-conditioned malls, head down to a local wet market to take in the sights and sounds of local Singapore. This is a great introduction to local fruits, vegetables and seafood for kids.
The Tekka Centre in Little India is a popular one, and don’t miss the live frogs and turtles in the wet market in the basement of the Chinatown Complex.
Visit Singapore's totally wild animal attractions
5. Breakfast in the Wild at Singapore Zoo
One of the city’s most famous attractions, the Singapore Zoo is set over 26 hectares within the lush Mandai rainforest. Famed for its stunning ‘open concept’ wildlife habitats, the zoo is home to more than 4,200 animals from 300 species, including the rare white tiger.
Don’t miss Breakfast in the Wild – where you can enjoy an eco-conscious breakfast buffet while meeting the zoo’s daily rotation of animal ambassadors, including orangutans, penguins, owls and sea lions. For an even more immersive experience, consider staying in a Family Sanctuary at Mandai Rainforest Resort.
OAWK Tip: 2-in-1 Park Hopper passes offer great value on Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise tickets. You can also pre-book your in-park experiences like tours, Breakfast in the Wild and the ropes course.
6. Feeding time at Bird Paradise
Asia’s largest bird park, Bird Paradise, houses over 3,500 birds from over 400 species and is set in a beautifully landscaped park. Visit the world’s largest walk-in aviary, feed the Loris, Ostriches and Pelicans and watch the fun shows, including Birds n Buddies Show and the Thunderstorm Experience.
OAWK Tip: Pick up a multi-park bundle to make it a 4-in-1 animal adventure!
7. S.E.A. Aquarium (Singapore Oceanarium)
Immerse yourself in the magic of the ocean at the S.E.A. Aquarium in Resorts World Sentosa. Over 800 species of marine life swim here across 49 different habitats: majestic manta rays, enormous goliath grouper, napoleon wrasse and other gentle giants of the sea.
With over 100,000 marine creatures in all, it is hard not to be impressed – especially when you reach the grand finale: the Open Ocean – a panoramic marine vista complete with manta rays, sharks, and goliath grouper.
Update: As of April 30 2025, S.E.A. Aquarium is temporarily closed for renovation. It’s expected to re-open in Q3 2025 as Singapore Oceanarium, so stay tuned for further news!
8. Mandai Night Safari
A visit to the ever-popular Night Safari gives you the rare opportunity to get up close and personal with hundreds of exotic nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. The attraction was the world’s first night safari when it opened in 1994 and with many additions over the years, continues to welcome families into a world of nocturnal creatures after dusk. Nestled in 40 hectares of lush secondary forest, subtle lighting facilitates the viewing of more than 1,000 nocturnal animals from 120 different species in the tropical jungle.
9. Meet Singapore’s two Giant Pandas at River Wonders
Tucked in between the Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari, River Wonders offers a wildlife experience inspired by the world’s most iconic rivers. Housing over 6,000 animals, the attraction is home to the world’s largest freshwater aquarium and also features beavers, crocodiles, tapirs, squirrel monkeys and more. The highlight for many is the Giant Panda Forest, home to Singapore’s two resident Giant Pandas, Jia Jia and Kai Kai.
10. Visit the Turtle Temple on Kusu Island
Turtles are good luck in Singaporean culture. A local legend tells the tale of a turtle who turned into an island to rescue two shipwrecked sailors – today, you can visit Kusu Island to see the turtle temple, wishing well and wishing tree, and meet the island’s namesakes at the turtle sanctuary.
Have a blast on family-friendly Sentosa Island
Want family friendly resorts, pristine beaches, world-class attractions, and endless fun for all the family? Only 15 minutes from Singapore city centre, Sentosa has it all and more.
With the steamy climes of this gorgeous island, Sentosa has a host of water fun to keep the whole family cool – and stacks of adventures to experience. Between the zipline, chairlift, cable car and luge there’s no shortage of fun and futuristic transport options.
11. Ride the Cable Car to Sentosa Island
One of the most fun ways to get to Sentosa is by Cable Car. Cruising through office buildings up to Mount Faber, this sky-high ride offers the perfect perspective of Singapore.
Start at Harbourfront to ride up to Mount Faber and take in the views at the top, before re-boarding the cable car to take the 12-minute journey across Keppel Harbour to Sentosa. The Sentosa Line then takes you onward towards all the attractions of Sentosa at Merlion Station, Imbiah Lookout and Siloso Point.
OAWK Tip: Klook offers great-value cable car bundle deals including a Movenpick ice cream at Mount Faber Peak or the chance to ride in the SkyOrb Cabin.
12. Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore needs no introduction. Enter the world of movie magic at Southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios theme park at Resorts World Sentosa. Meet some of your favourite movie characters, while riding movie-themed rides and roller coasters.
Our favourite – Illumination’s Minion Land and the Sesame Street gang for all the family. For fear fans, give Revenge of the Mummy a whirl and scream your lungs out with the fantastic film-inspired effects.
Fun!
OAWK Tip: For fantastic discounts and bundle options, why not pre-purchase your tickets on Klook? Add on an Express Pass or VIP tour for the ultimate experience.
13. Swim and splash at Adventure Cove Waterpark
Adventure Cove Waterpark is where thrill seekers go to get wet and wild. This adventure water park has something for the whole family: zoom down the fastest waterslides, relax at the Bluwater Bay wave pool or grab a tube and float down Adventure River. Snorkelling over a colourful coral reef with 20,000 friendly fish is a treat, or you might prefer to wade amongst dozens of rays – or not! Big kids will make a beeline for the Riptide Rocket, Southeast Asia’s first hydro-magnetic roller coaster (a slide that takes riders upwards).
OAWK Tip: Express Passes are super affordable for this water park. Grab one when you pre-purchase your Adventure Cove Waterpark tickets on Klook.
14. Kid-Friendly Sentosa Beaches
Tanjong, Palawan and Siloso Beach line the southern coast of Sentosa Island, and are where you need to head to when you’re in need of some beach action. Here you will find some cool beach bars, plenty of palm trees and lots of sand for building sandcastles. Let your kids run on the beach in the warm evenings whilst supping at one of the many beachfront restaurants or indulge in a buffet that will have you staggering away replete.
15. Walk around Fort Siloso
Head to Fort Siloso on Sentosa Island to experience life as a soldier in the 1880s and in World War II. The sole surviving coastal fort in Singapore is now a museum dedicated to the memory of soldiers who lost their lives trying to defend Singapore. The museum is visited via self-guided tour, with waxwork models and audio recordings bringing the scenes to life. Kids will be wowed by the 6-inch gun crew in action.
16. Maximise the thrills at Mega Adventure Park
There is plenty to keep adrenaline junkies happy at Mega Adventure Park on Sentosa. Climbmax is an aerial obstacle course of wobbly bridges, cargo nets and tightropes set high amongst the trees.
The MegaZip zipline is even more challenging and will take you on a breathtaking journey 450 metres over the jungle down to Siloso Beach. There’s also ParaJump, a free-fall parachute simulator, and MegaBounce – trampolining with secured elasticated ropes.
17. Take unique photos at Trickeye Singapore
For a trick-of-the-eye, immersive experience head to social media sensation Trickeye Singapore. The quirky Sentosa attraction is a wonderland of mind-blending 3D art, optical illusions and AR experiences. Dive into an underwater world, step into iconic paintings, explore the Rainbow Garden and experience the magic of the Levitation Exhibit. You’re guaranteed plenty of laughs and crazy photos for Facebook!
18. Splash Tribe beach club
Have a splashing good time at Splash Tribe, Singapore’s top family beach club experience. Designed for family bonding, the attraction has a sandcastle-themed water play zone (including slides) and a fab infinity pool. Dining, drinks and amenities are all at your fingertips and it’s well worth booking a gazebo session.
19. Sentosa 4D AdventureLand
Finding the heat hard to beat? Head for some indoor fun at 4D AdventureLand. Get lost in your immersive Pirates 4D movie, ride on a virtual 4D log ride and brave the haunted mine ride. Grab a motion-sensor pistol, aim and fire at Asia’s first 4D interactive shooting game Desperados. So much interactive fun to be had here!
20. Skyline Luge and Skyride chairlift
The Skyline Luge will have your kids wanting to go again and again! There are four different rainforest tracks to experience: Dragon, Expedition, Kupu Kupu and Jungle. Kids over six and 110cm tall can ride solo, while littlies can tackle the tracks tandem with an adult. For a slow and scenic approach, stick to the Skyride chairlift and enjoy a birds-eye view of the Singapore skyline.
21. Take in the views from SkyHelix Sentosa
Experience Singapore’s most impressive 360° view with a scenic spin on the Skyhelix Sentosa. As the city’s tallest open-air panoramic ride, the rotating gondola sits at an impressive 79 metres above sea level. This family-friendly attraction welcomes kids above 105 cm tall to ride and all tickets include a standard non-alcoholic drink or exclusive souvenir.
22. Delight your senses with a Scentopia perfume workshop
Experience one of Singapore’s most immersive sensory experiences at Scentopia. The perfumes here feature Singapore’s native orchids, making this activity a memorable journey into local ‘floral heritage’ and craftmanship.
Here, you can design and test your own perfume, including a journey through five “scent personality rooms” to discover your perfect fragrance notes. Turn your unique scent into a room spray, reed diffuser, scented candle or bath oil for something the whole family can enjoy together.
Explore Singapore's magical gardens and parks
23. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Head to the Singapore Botanic Gardens to enjoy some peace and tranquility. The beautiful gardens were accorded the honour of being Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. There is a huge variety of lakes, fountains and sculpture gardens as well as plenty of well-manicured lawns to run around, paths to scoot on, and turtles to feed.
Don’t miss the beautiful National Orchid Garden, where you can see over 60,000 orchids from over 1500 species (and 2000 hybrids). Kids will adore the dedicated Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden complete with tree house and water play areas.
24. Gardens by the Bay free water play
The magical Gardens by the Bay is the city’s most iconic pocket of greenery. The precinct is home to the tall and impressive supertrees, which are solar-powered and function exactly the same way a real tree does. The 16-storey giants form part of the Singapore’s progressive approach to renewable energy.
The gardens feature over 1.5 million plants from around the world, while two climate-controlled conservatories make for a welcome break from Singapore’s heat and humidity. Cloud Forest is home to one of the tallest indoor waterfalls, while the highlight for the kids is the fabulous water play area (open Thursday to Sunday and public holidays, or Tuesday to Sunday on school holidays).
Don’t miss the fantastic and free Garden Rhapsody light & sound show daily at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. The dazzling display ignites the night sky amidst the towering supertrees. Gardens by the Bay is also a great place to grab dinner; feast on satay-inspired skewers and South East Asian fusion fare or grab burgers from Shake Shack to feed your pack.
The Gardens also hosts some fantastic events and exhibitions, like Disney Garden of Wonder (until 30 June 2025) and Jurassic World: The Experience (from 29 May 2025).
OAWK Tip: Book via Klook to get up to 10% off tickets for Gardens by the Bay attractions like Disney Garden of Wonder and Jurassic World: The Experience – plus some special merch items!
25. Picnic at the Chinese Gardens
Jump on the MRT and head west and you will find the beautifully presented Chinese Gardens. Pack a picnic and enjoy the sprawling lawns, rainbow bridges, arch buildings, pagodas and koi ponds. Don’t miss the fabulous Bonsai garden.
26. Haw Par Villa Park statue garden
The strange and surreal statue garden in Haw Par Villa Park, in the West of Singapore, is filled with hundreds of multi-coloured statues and tableaux depicting Chinese myths and legends. Photo opportunities abound for snap-happy mums and dads. The highlight is undoubtedly the 10 Courts of Hell, depicting scenes of bloodthirsty torture, which of course may not be suitable for younger children…
27. TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir
The primary rainforest of the MacRitchie Reservoir is home to more than 840 flowering plant and 500 animal species and there are several hiking trails and boardwalks to choose from. The highlight is the TreeTop Walk, a free-standing 250m long suspension bridge which gives you a bird’s eye view from its 25m high position. It’s an 11km round walk to get to though, so not for the really little ones!
28. Go cycling with the kids at Pulau Ubin
To get a glimpse of what ‘old Singapore’ looked like, we headed across the water to nearby Pulau Ubin, where the last village kampongs remain. A ten-minute bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal will get you there for just SGD $4 per person, plus an extra $2 if bringing your own bike over. It’s easy and convenient to hire bikes on arrival, though, with children’s bikes and baby seats available.
Pulau Ubin is a world apart from mainland Singapore with modern skyscrapers towering above traditional shop fronts nestled at their base. The island’s cycling trails are the drawcard, leading you past former fruit and rubber plantations, old Malay wooden houses, and Chek Jawa Wetlands – one of Singapore’s richest ecosystems, where you can explore the mangroves and coast via boardwalks, and climb the lookout tower.
29. Encounter life-sized dinosaurs on the Changi Jurassic Mile
Only five minutes from Changi Airport, the Jurassic Mile is a 1-kilometre path lined with Singapore’s largest permanent display of life-sized dinosaurs. See who can identify the most of the prehistoric species you run into!
Explore Singapore's diverse neighbourhoods
The mix of cultures and ethnicities who call Singapore home are at its heart – so don’t miss the chance to explore Chinatown, Little India and the Patong district.
30. Explore Chinatown in Singapore
Delve into the city’s Chinese heritage in Chinatown, a bubbling ‘burb of old and new where traditional medicine stalls bump up against vibrant fabric hawkers and family-run goldsmiths. It’s a popular destination for tourists thanks to its beautifully preserved shophouses, souvenir stalls and places of worship. Book a walking tour for local insight into Chinatown’s past and present.
Chinatown is also a great place to shop for bargain souvenirs with street stalls along Pagoda and Trengannu streets. When it’s time for dinner, why not sample a little from each of the street stalls that line the pedestrian-only thoroughfare?
31. Chinatown Heritage Centre
The Chinatown Heritage Centre celebrates the early Chinatown residents and depicts the difficulties they faced. Divided between the maze-like warrens of three restored shophouses, the exhibitions explore the harsh conditions that forced many Chinese migrants to flee their home country in search of a better life in Singapore.
32. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
The magnificent Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is located in the heart of Chinatown. Try to visit when a daily ceremony is taking place in the 100 Dragons Hall on the ground floor to hear the monks chanting. The museum itself will be above the heads of most children, but the magnificence of the golden room surrounding the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Chamber should inspire some awe, and you can set them to work counting all of the Buddha statues in the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion on the roof.
33. Wander through vibrant Little India
A wander through Little India will have you wondering whether you are in Delhi rather than Singapore. It’s easy to fill an afternoon browsing this conglomeration of market stalls, food and sub-continental cacophony in the heart of the city. Bustling shops here sell everything from gold jewellery to Hindi music CDs, cheap clothing and bargain-priced souvenirs to satisfy your retail therapy needs.
Little India is also home to the most colourful houses in Singapore, several stunning temples, and Indian delicacies that uphold the city’s reputation as a food mecca, no matter your budget. The Tekka Centre houses a hawker centre and one of the best wet markets in Singapore.
34. Discover the colourful Katong district
The Peranakan people have a unique culture mixing Malay and Chinese origins, best preserved in the lively Katong-Joo Chiat district, where shop houses with sculpted facades and ceramic tiles sell batik textiles, porcelain and jewellery.
The Peranakan Museum gives a fascinating insight into Peranakan life – traditional dress, food, and religious beliefs – set over three floors in a stunning heritage listed building.
35. Enjoy the hip neighbourhood of Kampong Gelam
Kampong Gelam is Singapore’s Arab quarter and former seat of Malay royalty, with an enticing mix of South East Asian fusion cuisine. Exotic architecture meets designer boutiques and trendy cafes which are ideal for a leisurely brunch. Fast becoming one of Singapore’s hippest neighbourhoods, it all happens under the historic gaze of the Sultan Mosque, Royal Palace, and Tombs of the Malayan Princes.
Visit Singapore's best kid-friendly museums
Save up to 40% on admission with a Singapore Museum Pass, letting you bundle access to up to six museums, including the National Museum and Gallery, ArtScience Museum, Trick Eye Museum and Asian Civilisation Museum.
36. National Museum of Singapore
If you only have time to visit one museum in Singapore make it the fabulous National Museum of Singapore, to give you an overview of the history of the country. Starting in the 14th century, the exhibitions take you through the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles and his influence, the difficult times of World War II and the Japanese occupation, and on to the building of modern Singapore. There’s plenty of hands-on activity, flashing lights and attractive presentations to keep the kids happy.
37. National Gallery Singapore
For a culture hit, head to the National Gallery of Singapore, set in the beautifully restored City Hall and former Supreme Court buildings. Housing 8,000 artworks – including the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia – there is plenty to keep all the family absorbed, including dedicated children’s spaces to explore, create and learn. Look out for the striped wall labels, which have been specially written for families and kids, and don’t forget to check their website for the regular family programmes, which include storytelling, workshops and activities.
38. ArtScience Museum
Spend hours exploring and playing in the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. The lotus-inspired design is just a taste of the magic inside!
Start with the Museum’s permanent exhibition Future World: Where Art Meets Science. Designed in collaboration with teamLab, an award-winning Tokyo-based art collective of “ultra-technologists” – it’s a fully immersive interactive digital universe! Lose all track of time using your imagination playing in, and with, the spectacular art installations. It takes interactive creativity to bring each exhibit to life on walls, floor, and even growing around you… and the kids will have a ball too!
The museum-cum-art gallery also hosts an impressive line-up of international touring exhibitions from art and science; media and technology; and design and architecture. Visit on a Friday, and up to 4 children under the age of 12 go free with every adult ticket purchased.
Update: As of May 2025, Future World is temporarily closed for a revamp – check out what’s coming soon!
39. Museum of Ice Cream
Kids will have their lifelong dreams come true at the colourful Museum of Ice Cream! The promise of unlimited ice cream tasting is reason enough to visit this sweet attraction, but you can also swim in a pool of pink sprinkles (while they aren’t edible, they are biodegradable). Be inspired by immersive play spaces and learn about the history of ice cream through interactive exhibits as you move through this self-paced experience. A treat at Scream’s Diner or the dessert bar afterwards is simply the cherry on top.
40. Reflections at Bukit Chandu
History buffs should pencil in a visit to Reflections at Bukit Chandu, a heritage centre commemorating Singapore’s heroes during World War II. Explore the museum’s immersive experience and see wartime artefacts across a range of exhibits, including one that recounts the Battle of Pasir Panjang.
41. Changi Chapel and Museum
Based on St George’s Church, which was constructed by POWs, the Changi Chapel and Museum tells the poignant story of the Changi prison camp internees – primarily Australian and British troops captured during the Battle of Singapore.
Tour Singapore's most iconic sights
42. Take a Singapore River cruise
A boat ride along the Singapore River is one of the best ways to take in the sights of the Colonial District, Marina Bay and the Quays. Board the boat in either Robertson Quay or Marina Bay (near Merlion Park) to ride the whole river and enjoy the views.
OAWK tip: Book your river cruise on Klook to take your pick of Klook-exclusive bundle deals, from pineapple tarts to snack on (a Singapore specialty!) to a luxe seafood feast at Clarke Quay.
43. Captain Explorer DUKW Tour
Much more fun than a standard open-top bus tour, the Captain Explorer DUKW Tour takes you on an adventure aboard an authentic revamped Vietnam War-era vehicle. You begin the tour with a drive around some of the city’s landmarks in the colonial district – Padang, City Hall, Esplanade – before splashing down into Marina Bay for views of the Merlion and the Singapore Flyer.
44. Ride the Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer was the world’s tallest observation wheel until the High Roller opened in Las Vegas on 31 March 2014. Regardless of its superlative status, the Singapore Flyer still stands at 165m tall – the height of a 42-storey building – and offers fabulous views across Singapore and the surrounding islands. Grab your tickets here.
45. Hunt for Singapore's iconic Merlion statues
Did you know that Singapore’s iconic Merlion is angled at exactly 45 degrees? Visit one of Singapore’s national icons (there are seven in total), dotted across the city-state. Hint: the most iconic one overlooks Marina Bay near Marina Bay Sands.
Where to stay in Singapore with kids
Sentosa is home to a dazzling array of fantastic family-friendly resorts. W Singapore – Sentosa Cove is great for a funky, fabulous and friendly stay. Everything here is stylish and cool, the staff are divine and the buffet breakfast will keep you going ’til late afternoon. Families will love the pool; fountains, pool toys, shady cabanas and a dedicated kids’ pool leave everyone swimmingly happy.
How to get around
Singapore is easy to get around, with taxis everywhere! Most locals do not own a car and use the seamless and extensive taxi and transport system. Check out the different airport transfer options ahead of time to make your arrival into Changi Airport hassle-free.
Content contributors: Marianne Rogerson, Elisa Elwin, Samantha Herbert
This article includes edited extracts from Singapore with Kids: The Ultimate Travel Guide for Families by Marianne Rogerson, which is available in paperback and as an e-book on Amazon.
