Blog / Singapore
2026-03-29
Best things to do in Singapore with kids
A year-round tropical climate. Top-notch (and stroller-friendly) infrastructure. Abundant green spaces. Super-fun, child-geared attractions. These are just a few reasons the tiny island nation of Singapore is a top destination for family vacations.
Is Singapore good for kids?
Discovering Singapore with children is a joy thanks to the country’s efficient, accessible and sparkling-clean MRT train system. Fun and engaging attractions abound, nearly all offering kid-centric tours, child-focused exhibitions or play parks. As a bonus, many outdoor attractions have free water-play areas – perfect for a quick cool down in the steamy climate. Family facilities such as bathrooms and changing rooms are widely available – but do keep in mind that, though views are slowly changing, breastfeeding in public is not common due to cultural traditions around modesty.
Food is one of Singapore’s greatest loves – and visitors can easily find dishes that will satisfy even the pickiest little ones. Local kiddie favorites include chicken rice, Chinese-style dumplings and roti prata (fluffy, fried South Indian flatbreads). International restaurants are plentiful; supermarkets are well stocked with foods and baby items. Hygiene and food safety is on par with – or even better than in – Europe and America, and the tap water is safe to drink.
Where is best in Singapore for kids?
The busy areas of the Colonial District and Marina Bay offer plenty of top sights and attractions to keep kids entertained. Nature enthusiasts can explore Mandai Wildlife Reserve, which houses such renowned family spots as the Singapore Zoo and Bird Paradise, Asia’s largest bird park. Sentosa Island caters to older thrill seekers with teen-oriented attractions like Universal Studios, Mega Adventure Park and AJ Hackett Bungy Jump at Skypark Sentosa. Young kids will enjoy splashing around at the island’s family-friendly beach clubs.
Best things to do in Singapore with babies and toddlers
Discover a garden dedicated to kids
Little ones will delight in exploring and playing their way through Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, part of the famed Singapore Botanic Gardens. This enchanting space offers many zones and features to explore, including adventure trails, sensory gardens, a jungle treehouse, a hobby farm, a hedge maze and a water-play area, ensuring endless fun and learning. Best of all? It’s completely free. A pit stop at the garden’s Little Spot cafe makes for a perfect follow-up.
Learn through play at a great children’s museum
Spark your kid’s curiosity and imagination at the family-focused Children’s Museum Singapore, a fun space brimming with interactive exhibits inspired by Singapore’s heritage and culture. Tiny tots have their own sensory-themed Play Pod, with crawl spaces, soft surfaces and plenty of brightly colored activities that are perfect for little hands. Note that slots must be booked in advance, which helps prevent overcrowding – and ensures maximum enjoyment.
Spot animals both real and fantastical
Singapore visitors of all ages will love admiring the mystical Merlion, which overlooks Marina Bay. This water-spouting statue is a famed Singapore emblem, its half-lion, half-fish body a tribute to maritime past of the city as well as its former name (Singapura, meaning “Lion City” in Malay). But don’t spend all your time gazing up at the sculpture: look down at the water to discover that Marina Bay and the Singapore River are well-known playgrounds for the city’s booming wild otter colonies.
Best things to do in Singapore with kids
Seek out awesome wildlife encounters
Home to the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Bird Paradise and the Night Safari, the Mandai Wildlife Reserve is the place to head with animal-loving kiddos. If you’ve only got one day, be realistic about how much you can fit in, as the parks are big. (Each park has its own admission ticket, but multi-park passes are available.) Our tip: hit the zoo before heading to River Wonders or Bird Paradise. The Night Safari doesn’t open till 6:30pm, but if your kids can last that long, it’s a truly captivating after-dark experience.
Go for a jaunt on a duck truck
For something a little different, embark on a rollicking adventure on a brightly colored, formerly military vehicle that can navigate both on land and in the water. Engaging guides will share the Lion City’s history and stories, with the highlight an off-road escapade splashing into Marina Bay. Everyone on board can expect to take away moments of sheer joy.
Explore ultra-high-tech gardens
A whole day of kid-friendly entertainment awaits at Gardens by the Bay. Spend a few hours checking out the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome – located in two refreshingly air-conditioned, space-age bio domes – before heading to the OCBC Skyway, which winds between the futuristic “trees” of Supertree Grove.
These structures are at their most dazzling during the free Garden Rhapsody light-and-sound show that happens each night at 7:45pm and 8:45pm. If the kids still have energy to burn, visit the playground and water-play zone at the Far East Organization Children’s Garden. When tummies rumble, head to breezy Satay by the Bay for hawker favorites.
Best things to do in Singapore with tweens and teenagers
Hop from neighborhood to neighborhood
Singapore’s super-efficient metro system means you can cover a lot of ground quickly – unlocking the chance to compare and contrast neighborhoods as you discuss the island’s diverse cultural heritage with curious kids. Begin by exploring the wet market and temples in Chinatown before zipping over to Little India for lunch at the Tekka Centre. After wandering the area’s colorful streets, make your way to the neighborhood of Kampong Glam for a spot of trendy-boutique shopping and street-art spotting.
Fly through the treetops on a zip-line adventure
An immense dose of fun awaits at the Mega Adventure zip-line and high ropes center, where youngsters will score thrills as they climb, bounce and zip their way through the treetops. Pick a single course to focus on – or bundle them all together for the ultimate daredevil experience. Sentosa’s beaches are just steps away, providing relaxation after death-defying feats. Nearby Universal Studios is also worth a visit for its roller coasters and movie-themed rides.
Go hiking in green spaces
Energetic older kids can get their blood pumping by hiking the trails that stretch along Singapore’s Southern Ridges. The doable 4km section from Kent Ridge Park to Mt Faber takes in canopy walks, terraced gardens, history (at the Reflections at Bukit Chandu center), and the iconic, undulating Henderson Waves bridge. Cap off the adventure with a cable car ride down to Harbourfront or onward to Sentosa.
Inspire them at the ArtScience Museum
Tweens and teens will love interacting with new ideas of art, culture, science and tech at ArtScience Museum, in the iconic, white-lotus-shaped building on Marina Bay. While exhibitions vary, you might explore biodiversity projects at sea in the Ocean Imagineer residency, immerse yourself in virtual reality in the VR Gallery and celebrate storytelling in the The World of Studio Ghibli.
Planning tips
- Considering Singapore’s hot and humid weather, it’s wise to pack a sun hat, insect repellent, rain gear and an insulated water bottle for each tiny traveler.
- Opt for a compact travel stroller: the city is largely stroller-friendly and carrying a baby can be uncomfortably sweaty.
- Kids under 0.9m (2. 95ft) tall travel free on basic MRT and bus services with a fare-paying adult, while children under 7 enjoy complimentary access to numerous city museums.
