Family Adventures in Singapore with iBestTravel
With its year-round tropical climate, top-notch infrastructure, abundant green spaces, and amazing child-friendly attractions, the tiny island nation of Singapore is a fabulous destination to explore with children. The city boasts a myriad of engaging and exciting experiences for families.
What Makes Singapore Good for Kids?
Exploring Singapore with children is a delight thanks to the country’s efficient, accessible, and pristine MRT train system. Family-oriented attractions are plentiful, catering to the interests of young adventurers through kid-centric tours and exhibitions. Moreover, many outdoor venues feature free water play areas—perfect for a refreshing break! Essential family facilities such as bathrooms and changing rooms are widely available. However, it’s worth noting that public breastfeeding is less common due to local cultural norms, although perspectives on this are gradually changing.
Food is one of Singapore’s greatest offerings, with options sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Local favorites include chicken rice, Chinese-style dumplings, and roti prata—crispy, fried South Indian flatbreads. The city is replete with international restaurants, and supermarkets stock everything from cuisine to baby items. Hygiene and food safety standards align with those found in Europe and America, with tap water being safe to drink.
Best Locations in Singapore for Kids
Areas like the Colonial District and Marina Bay provide numerous attractions to keep kids entertained. Nature enthusiasts can explore the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, home to the acclaimed Singapore Zoo and the largest bird park in Asia, Bird Paradise. Sentosa Island caters to thrill-seekers, offering attractions such as Universal Studios, Mega Adventure Park, and AJ Hackett Bungy Jump, while younger children can frolic in the island’s family-friendly beach clubs.
Best Activities in Singapore with Babies and Toddlers
Explore a Garden Dedicated to Kids
Young adventurers will revel in the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, part of the famous Singapore Botanic Gardens. This magical space features numerous zones for exploration, including adventure trails, sensory gardens, a treehouse, hobby farm, hedge maze, and water play area, promising endless fun and learning—all for free. A visit to the garden’s café is a delightful follow-up.
Engage in Play and Learning
Ignite your child’s curiosity at the Children’s Museum Singapore, a vibrant space filled with interactive exhibits focused on Singapore’s rich heritage and culture. The sensory-themed Play Pod is tailored for toddlers, offering soft surfaces and colorful activities perfect for little hands.
Spot Real and Imaginary Animals
Make your way to Marina Bay to visit the iconic Merlion. This famous statue—part lion, part fish—symbolizes Singapore’s maritime heritage. Keep an eye out for the city’s wild otter colonies, which frequently play in the water around Marina Bay and the Singapore River.
Fun Activities for Kids
Enjoy Thrilling Wildlife Encounters
The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is a must-visit for animal-loving families, featuring the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Bird Paradise, and the Night Safari. Each attraction has its own admission ticket, though multi-park passes provide a more economical option. Consider visiting the zoo before exploring the other parks. The Night Safari offers a magical nocturnal experience, opening at 6:30 PM.
Experience a Duck Ride
For a unique outing, embark on a Duck Tour—a lively, amphibious vehicle ride. Knowledgeable guides share local history and tales while you enjoy a thrilling off-road adventure in Marina Bay.
Discover Innovative Gardens
A fun-filled day awaits at Gardens by the Bay. Explore the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome within cool, futuristic bio-domes, followed by a walk along the OCBC Skyway between the iconic Supertree Grove structures. Don’t miss the captivating nightly Garden Rhapsody light-and-sound show, ideal for families. If time permits, visit the playground and water play zone at the Far East Organization Children’s Garden.
Activities for Tweens and Teenagers
Experience an Exciting Zipline Adventure
Thrills await at the Mega Adventure zipline and high ropes course, where kids can climb, bounce, and zip through exciting treetop trails. Afterward, relax on Sentosa’s beautiful beaches and consider checking out nearby Universal Studios for thrilling rides.
Explore Green Hiking Trails
Energetic tweens and teens can enjoy hiking the Southern Ridges trails, which span 4km (2.5 miles) from Kent Ridge Park to Mt Faber, featuring canopy walks and gardens. Conclude your day with a scenic cable car ride to Harbourfront or Sentosa.
Neighborhood Exploration
Singapore’s efficient MRT system allows for effortless neighborhood hopping—start in Chinatown with its vibrant markets before heading to Little India for a tasty local lunch. Then, check out the trendy boutiques and street art in Kampong Glam.
Learn and Play at the ArtScience Museum
Tweens and teens will love engaging in unique exhibits at the ArtScience Museum, where art, culture, and technology converge. Exhibitions vary but can include biodiversity, virtual reality experiences, and the world of Studio Ghibli.
Planning Tips
Given Singapore’s hot and humid climate, it’s advisable to pack sun hats, insect repellent, rain gear, and insulated water bottles for your little ones. A compact stroller will be a great asset for navigating the stroller-friendly city. Kids under 0.9m (2.95ft) can travel free on the MRT and buses when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, and free access is granted to many city museums for children under seven.
