Over the years we've travelled in SE Asia, we've spent weeks in Singapore if you added it all up.
Some say it's a bit too clean and civilised, but we think it's a brilliant addition to a SE Asia family holiday. There's so much to discover and it's well laid out. The excellent, cheap public transport in Singapore means everything is easy to access too.
Here are a few of our favourite things to do with kids in Singapore.
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is our favourite thing to do in Singapore! A huge chunk of reclaimed land is now a complex of exotic zoned gardens. There a several huge glass domes where you can discover other biospheres. Our fave is the Cloud Forest with its indoor waterfall. You can climb up to the top! There’s a brilliant kids’ water play area perfect for cooling off – so bring your swimmers. The towering ‘Supertrees’ dazzle with lights after dark – the free sound and light show is epic.
Asian Civilisations Museum
There are museums about culture elsewhere in this part of the world - but nothing comes close to the ASM. It is without question the best. The exhibits are displayed on a thematic basis which makes experiencing them so much more compelling. The descriptions are fantastic and there's lots of activities to keep curious kids interested. Mysterious statues, ancient artworks, delicate ceramics, glittering jewellery - it's all here.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa is Singapore’s ultimate family fun island, packed with activities for every age. From sandy beaches and cable car rides to indoor skydiving and aquariums, if you want fun, it’s definitely here. Universal Studios Singapore is a highlight for older kids with thrilling rides and movie-themed attractions. Younger children will enjoy the S.E.A. Aquarium and the beachside playgrounds. It's easy to spend a whole day or even two here. You can even stay at the various hotels - but it's pricey!
National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery might sound a bit dull, but we really enjoyed it. The air-conditioned space is also a nice break from the tropical heat! The building itself is so cool – a colonial era domed palace with a groovy light modern atrium and sleek galleries attached. The history of Singapore really comes alive in the exhibits and dioramas. There are colouring and exploring activities for kids and the café is really good too. It's right next to Fort Canning Park so easy to combine with it.
Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is a leafy hilltop oasis in the heart of the city, with lots of space to run around and explore. History comes alive here with ancient ruins, old bunkers, and colonial buildings, giving curious young minds a chance to discover Singapore’s fascinating past. The Battlebox, a former WWII command centre, offers a great underground tour for older children. There are also themed gardens, like the Spice Garden, which are great for sensory exploration.
Singapore Night Safari
Singapore’s zoo launched the Night Safari many years back and it was an instant hit. It’s such fun to stay up late and ride the tram through different wildlife habitats, watching nocturnal animals doi their stuff. It’s not cheap, but it’s an unforgettable experience that feels like a mini jungle expedition. Walking trails give families the chance to spot animals up close, including leopards, flying squirrels, and giant bats.
Wild Wild Wet Water Park
This full-on water park is great for beating the Singapore heat. It has rides for kids of all ages too.There's everything from toddler-friendly splash zones to adrenaline-pumping gravity drop slides. We really enjoyed just floating gently down the lazy river and the big tyre slides were huge fun too. There are numerous places to eat right there too. It's quite a long way out east on the MTR, so plan to do a whole day here.
>> Buy your tickets online to get a better deal.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are great for a relaxed wander away from the city. There’s the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden with its suspension bridge, treehouse, mini farms, and water play zones. Kids can learn about plants, gardening, and ecosystems in a hands-on way. The wide open spaces, shady paths, and resident swans and turtles also make for great wildlife-spotting. Bring a picnic or grab snacks at one of the cafés to enjoy a slow-paced afternoon.
Food courts
Singapore feels pricey if you've come from elsewhere in the region. We struggled to eat cheaply until we realised almost every shopping centre has a food court or hawker centre. These places are a Singapore institution – loads of little ‘mom and pop’ stalls churn out cheap and really tasty dishes and you often sit in one big communal space. You get a great value, tasty meal and a chance to see real life Singapore happening right before your eyes.
Read more > Bangkok to Singapore family itinerary