As a parent, thinking of a holiday in Singapore with your children will be equal parts fun and stressful. It’ll be fun because you get to project your own childhood dreams of visiting or experiencing a certain activity (wink wink) and also get to spend time with your little buddies.
However, it can also get very stressful trying to figure out what you and your child(ren) will enjoy together. We mean that in a way that will require you enjoying yourself and doing your thing, sans pacifying after your cranky kids. Not to worry, we’ve dealt with the stress for you beforehand and listed down some of the best places for you to have some wonderful family time right here in The Lion City.
SEE ALSO: Singapore: 5 Best Spots To Celebrate The Festivities
1. Marina Bay
It’s almost impossible to think of Singapore without conjuring the image of the iconic Marina Bay Sands in your head. Whether it’s the futuristic gardens with its ‘Supertrees’ or the big-domed conservatories, the Gardens by the Bay is a must-visit even if it isn’t your first time there. Most importantly, when you’re here with kids, take them to Far East Organisation Children’s Garden, where you will find a water playground, tree houses and play equipment perfect for those avid climbers.
On another note, you could always take a stroll on the high walkways of the OCBC Skyway and Sky Forest, which will give you stunning views of Singapore. Everything at Marina Bay is stroller friendly too!
How to get there: Take a shuttle that would drive you between MRT Bayfront and the conservatories
Tickets: General admissions are free, but you do have to pay for the conservatories (SGD15 for children aged 3 to 12, and SGD28) and OCBC skyway (SGD3-5). The shuttle is SGD3 per person, including kids. For an even greater value, check out this deal.
2. Singapore Flyer
How would you like a ride on the second-largest observation wheel in the world? It’s a whopping 165-meters high and provides some very cool views of the city, and let’s face it, which kid wouldn’t mind getting on an observation wheel? It’s a rather quick yet fun journey, but a memorable one all the same for both adults and kids. Side note: there is also the multimedia exhibit, ‘Journey of Dreams’ which tells of the history behind the Singapore Flyer.
How to get there: Take the MRT to Promenade station
Tickets: SGD33 for adults, SGD24 for seniors above 60 years old), and SGD21 for children aged 3 to 12.
3. Mint Museum Of Toys
There is an extensive collection of over 50,000 toys from over 40 countries dating from the mid-19th century stored right here in Singapore’s Mint Museum of Toys. It is as straightforward as it can get, but just imagine looking around such a vast area dedicated to toys. Keep in mind that the toys are on display and they aren’t for playing with, so this is a good time to practice the ‘look, but don’t touch’ discipline… for both you and your kids!
How to get there: Between City Hall and Bugis MRT station
Tickets: SGD20 for adults, SGD10 for children aged 2 to 12, and SGD10 for senior citizens aged 60 and up
4. Wild Wild Wet
Did you know that based on a worldwide survey, when it comes to travel, kids want pools and teens want Wi-Fi? So here you go, the best of both worlds. While this isn’t as big of a water park compared to Sentosa Island (which we will get to much later), this is most certainly a budget-friendly option. There are water slides, a lazy river (in case you wanted to take a step back and relax on rafts while your kids run around), and a wave pool. You could easily spend the whole day here, and grab some food at the shopping complex nearby if you get hungry.
How to get there: Walking distance from Pasir Ris MRT station
Tickets: Free admission for children under 3, SGD24-32 for adults, SGD18-24 for children aged 3 to 12
5. Singapore Zoo
Arguably one of the best zoos in the world, Singapore Zoo brings in a lot of tourists but it’s very much justified. The large zoo houses an amazing variety of animals like lions, giraffes, tiger, zebras, polar bears, African penguins and local ones like orangutans and Komodo dragons — all organised geographically so it’s fairly easy to know where you’re going … but do grab a map.
The enclosures are well-designed and allow for maximum view enjoyment from different angles, and you can even get up close and personal with some of the animals. Be prepared to get swept away by all the action (like feeding some animals, for a fee) and get hypnotised for hours!
The zoo is most certainly kid-friendly, complete with lockers, baby changing rooms, strollers and wagons for rent, a playground and a water play area.
How to get there: Take bus 138 from Ang Mo Kio MRT station, or grab a cab
Tickets: SGD37 for adults, SGD25 for children aged 3 to 12, SGD17 for senior citizens aged 60 and above. Check out this sweet deal here too.
6. Night Safari
Over 2,500 nocturnal animals from 130 species await you and your kids at The Night Safari. This award-winning experience is often listed as one of the top things to do in Singapore with your family.
Begin your journey here with a tribal performance, and hop on a tram which will take you to seven different geographical regions of the world. There are also walking trails, aviaries and a live show, so you won’t run out of options. However, if you do, you could always check the River Safari next to it. Why not?
How to get there: The Night Safari is located next to the Singapore Zoo, and only opens after 7.15pm
Tickets: SGD40-50 for children aged 3 to 12 and SGD60-70 for adults for any 2-park admissions. We’ve got this exclusive deal for you.
7. Singapore Science Centre
What better time to spark your kids’ interest in science than when they’re young and on holiday? And what better place to do that than at the Singapore Science Centre? This big science museum has plenty to keep the kids entertained and educated, and you could easily spend an entire day there with the plethora of discovery rooms and areas, exhibitions and shows.
The list of shows (such as the fire tornado show that is a hit with both kids and adults) may go on, but if you’re lucky you could even see baby chicks hatch on the spot. These are just the kind of educational but fun things you’d experience at this spot. Best to check their website out for a full list of programmes, so you can plan which ones you (or your kids) would like to catch.
How to get there: Short walk from Jurong East MRT
Tickets: SGD12 for adults and SGD8 for kids 3+
8. Singapore Discovery Centre
Highly interactive, super fun and filled with discovery opportunities, the Singapore Discovery Centre is also one of the top kid-friendly spots in Singapore. Here, you can discover more about Singapore and other exhibits that include bus tours of the Military Academy, the Army Museum, 3D cinema, crisis simulation theatres, pedal boats, studios, labs … we could go on all day, and so will your kids and you!
How to get there: 10-min walk from Joo Koon MRT station
Tickets: Free for Singaporean citizens and PRs, but basic tickets for foreigners range from SGD9-28
9. Sentosa Island
Take it from us: it’s best if you actually set aside a couple of days to explore Sentosa Island on its own because there are just so many things to do here such as Resorts World Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A Aquarium, iFly (indoor bungee jumping), Adventure Cove Waterpark and Dolphin Island, Port of Lost Wonder, Skyline Luge Sentosa, Sentosa 4D Wonderland and the MegaZip. If you need a break from activities, head to the beach for some fun under the sun!
How to get there: Alight at Harbourfront MRT station, and head to VivoCity Mall, purchase a ticket at Level 3, and board the Sentosa Express
Tickets: Considering the myriad of things to do in Sentosa, it’s best that you check out their attractions here, with their ticket prices shown accordingly.
10. Canopy Park
Airports are no longer a droll situation, especially Jewel Changi. Take your kids for some fun at the indoor wonderland here, where they could figure out mazes, bounce on nets, slide down art sculptures and admire the stunning views from a glass bridge. Sure, there are other retail and dining options to be done here, but we all know that the true heroes are the seven different attractive and creative gardens. Psst, it might also be a good idea to take them here before a flight out so that they can snooze throughout the journey, and give you some quiet time!
How to get there:
From the airport, walk out from the Arrival Hall and you’ll see the entrance.
From Terminal 2 Departure Hall, head to level 2 and cross the link bridge to Jewel.
From Terminal 4, take the complimentary shuttle bus that takes you to Terminal 2.
From downtown Singapore, take the MRT to Changi Airport Station.
Tickets: SGD4.50 for residents, SGD5 for standard entries
SEE ALSO: First-Timer’s Guide on How to Spend a Day in Jewel Changi Airport Singapore
Bonus: Marina Bay Sands Light Show
End your fun-filled family holiday with a splendid lights show at the Merlion Park. Whether you’re an adult or a child (or an adult who’s a child at heart), there’s no way you wouldn’t be in awe of the Marina Bay Sands Light Show!
How to get there: Head to the Raffles Place MRT station and take a walk to the Merlion Park
Tickets: Free
Are you getting started on your Singapore plans? Check out these deals to help ease the process! Have fun!
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