17 Crazy Cool Things To Do in Singapore With Kids

Last Updated on March 27, 2024 by Leslie Stroud

We visited Singapore with our five kids in 2019 and fell in love with this amazing city! Though not as large as other Asian countries and often used as a layover, Singapore has much to boast. In fact, we often say Singapore would be our home base if we were to live in Asia. With many expats doing that exact thing and English being one of the main languages of the country, living or traveling in Singapore with a family is well worth the effort.

What makes Singapore great? Safety is a top priority for kids, thus making it a fun place to be with families. The locals are incredibly honest…you could leave your purse on the street, and it would definitely be there hours later when you returned for it. There is an incredible blend of cultures in Singapore, resulting in a unique cultural experience in food and activities.

On top of this, the economic prosperity, efficient public transportation, and innovation and technology of Singapore will leave you with such fun travel memories with kids! Singapore is a bit like a super clean kind of Manhattan with hidden cultural pockets as you’ve never seen before.

Singapore, for sure, should be on your short list of family travel destinations.

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Why You Should Visit Singapore

• Culinary Delights: There are plenty of choices when it comes to food. Choose from bustling hawker centers to Michelin-starred restaurants. The city boasts a culinary scene that caters to every palate. Try the iconic Hainanese chicken rice or the diverse flavors of laksa and chili crab – each dish is a gastronomic adventure!

• Skyline: The city’s skyline is a testament to its architectural prowess. The iconic Marina Bay Sands, with its gravity-defying rooftop pool, and the futuristic Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay redefine urban landscapes. Take a stroll along the Singapore River or enjoy a Singapore Sling at a rooftop bar for panoramic views that leave a lasting impression.

• Vibrant Neighborhoods and Cultural Enclaves: Singapore’s neighborhoods tell tales of its multicultural heritage. Walk through the vibrant streets of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam to witness the harmonious coexistence of diverse communities. Explore centuries-old temples, mosques, and churches, each narrating a unique chapter of Singapore’s history.

• Family-Friendly Attractions: Discover the magic of Universal Studios on Sentosa Island, where thrilling rides and beloved characters come to life. Tease young minds at the interactive Science Centre or enjoy a wildlife adventure at the renowned Singapore Zoo.

• Efficient Public Transport: Navigating Singapore can be a breeze, thanks to its efficient public transport system. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) makes exploring every corner of the city easy. Taxis are also readily available, and the compact size of Singapore ensures that you spend more time enjoying your experiences and less time commuting.

Things We Loved and Didn’t Love About Visiting Singapore With Kids

• Everyone is so nice! I know I keep saying that, but outside of the taxi drivers from the airport, we met some of the nicest people in Singapore. For example, we took several cooking classes with Food Playground, which employs stay-at-home moms who want to return to the workforce without being in an office for 70-80 hours a week. The teachers were so good with the kids and so incredibly patient!

• The transportation is incredibly clean and efficient. It’s all easy to use and understand, as English is the official language of Singapore.

• While Singapore, in general, is expensive to visit, the food can be really affordable and delicious at the hawker markets. These are chocked full of locals specializing in family recipes of just a few foods. These recipes may die with the proprietors, and the food is amazing. They are a must-visit.

• Unfortunately, you cannot eat or drink on any form of transportation. I was used to giving my kids a snack on the bus or car ride and got in trouble both on the bus and with the taxi drivers. It’s hard when the kids are hungry, but they must wait!

• The people of this society, in general, are rules followers. While this leads to efficiency and order overall, it can mean that you might be met with some resistance if you are not following the rules (you may not even know about them). It can be a little bit of a learning curve!

• There are no homeless. At least not that we could see. We even asked some locals about it, and they told us the government would basically not accept that. Anyone found without a job or somewhere to sleep would be provided with this and expected to get back to work.

Top Things To Do in Singapore With Kids

1. Universal Studios Singapore

We are theme park people and are always on the lookout for one when traveling abroad. This popular theme park on Sentosa Island features a variety of themed zones with thrilling rides, shows, and attractions based on blockbuster movies. It’s a must-visit for families! Unfortunately, there is no Wizarding World of Harry Potter here (which is our favorite part of Universal Studios elsewhere, like the Japan one). However, there is still plenty to keep the family having fun.

2. Singapore Zoo

We’ve been to MANY zoos, and in general, the kids groan a bit when we mention zoos. However, we all loved the Singapore Zoo. Singapore Zoo is known for its open and spacious enclosures, allowing you to get up close to a wide variety of animals. Don’t miss the Night Safari and River Safari nearby. We loved how well treated the animals were and the respect shown for them by the employees and the shows.

3. S.E.A. Aquarium

The S.E.A. Aquarium is located on Sentosa Island, and it is one of the world’s largest aquariums. It offers a stunning underwater world with diverse marine life and immersive exhibits.

4. Gardens by the Bay

Explore the beautiful Gardens by the Bay, which include the stunning Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome. The kids will be amazed by the futuristic architecture and the Garden Rhapsody light show in the evenings. The gardens are equally amazing in the daytime. There is plenty of room to run and explore!

5. Singapore Botanic Gardens

These gardens are a great place for a family picnic and stroll. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, The Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden inside is specifically designed for kids.

6. Sentosa Island

Beyond Universal Studios, Sentosa Island offers a variety of family-friendly attractions, such as Adventure Cove Waterpark, S.E.A. Aquarium, and a beautiful beach. We loved taking the cable car over to the island and grabbing some ice cream as we explored.

7. KidZania Singapore

Located at Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island, KidZania is an interactive indoor theme park where kids can role-play various professions and learn about different careers. If you haven’t been to a Kidzania before, it is absolutely worth a visit. Our kids love them, and we can easily spend an entire day there. Note that it’s not very fun for kids under five as they can’t go into different professions. Also note that parents sit outside, and do not go into the professions with the kids. Bring something to work on or something to do, or hit the parent lounge (found in some KidZanias) and rest!

8. Marina Bay Sands

The entire reason we went to Singapore was to see the Marina Bay Sands. After watching a documentary on some of the most amazing hotels in the world, we knew we had to visit. We were planning out some of our full-time travels at the time, and Singapore suddenly made the list! Seriously though, we knew we had to swim in that incredible rooftop pool. We booked a room for one night, snuck in the kids, and loved our experience up there on the top of Singapore. We had a bit of a sleepover in the room with many kids on the floor. The hotel also has some fantastic restaurants on the lower levels, such as the Super Heros Cafe.

9. Science Centre Singapore

This interactive science museum offers hands-on exhibits and educational displays that can be both fun and educational for kids.

10. ArtScience Museum

This unique museum at Marina Bay Sands hosts a variety of exhibitions blending art and science, providing an educational and visually stimulating experience.

11. Singapore Flyer

Take a ride on the Singapore Flyer, one of the world’s largest observation wheels, for breathtaking views of the city. Chris, my husband, was totally scared of the views, but the rest of us loved it.

12. Haw Par Villa

This quirky and colorful park is filled with statues and dioramas depicting Chinese mythology. It can be a fascinating and slightly bizarre experience for kids. We saw some of our first freshly caught squid, which was something we would see much more of throughout Asia.

13. Pulau Ubin

Take a ferry to this small island for a more rural experience. Rent bikes and explore the island’s nature trails, wildlife, and traditional kampongs (villages).

14. Biking and Scooting

Singapore has an excellent network of parks and dedicated bike/scooter paths, making it a great place for family bike rides and scooter excursions.

15. Indoor Playgrounds

There are numerous indoor playgrounds and trampoline parks around the city, such as Amazonia, Polliwogs, and Cool de Sac, perfect for active play and birthday parties.

16. Zipline in Sentosa

Get off your feet for an exciting adventure and soar through the sky on the steepest and longest zipline in Southeast Asia.

17. Take A Cooking Class

We love exploring new cultures through the food. Our two cooking classes in Singapore were amazing, and we still talked about the rich culture we learned about while in the cooking class. For example, mothers-in-law are reticent to share family recipes with their daughters-in-law as they always want to be better cooks! Because of these, many recipes die with their matriarchs, something Food Playground is trying to remedy.

8 Fun Facts About Singapore

1. Lion City – The name “Singapore” is derived from the Malay words “Singa” (lion) and “Pura” (city), even though there are no lions in the country. The name comes from a 13th-century Sumatran prince who saw a lion on the island, which is now believed to be a reference to a tiger.

2. World’s Busiest Port – Singapore boasts one of the world’s busiest ports and is a major hub for international trade and shipping.

3. The Island City-State – Singapore is both a city and a country, making it the world’s only island city-state. The entire country is effectively one large urban area.

4. Singlish – Singlish is a unique colloquial language spoken in Singapore, blending elements of English, Malay, Hokkien, Tamil, and other languages. It’s a source of local pride and a distinct part of the country’s culture.

5. The Singapore Sling – The Singapore Sling is a famous cocktail that was created at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore in the early 20th century.

6. Changi Airport – Changi Airport is consistently ranked as one of the world’s best airports, known for its efficiency and extensive entertainment options, including a butterfly garden, a rooftop swimming pool, and a cinema.

7. Michelin-Starred Hawker Stalls – Singapore is home to several hawker stalls and street food vendors that have received Michelin stars, making it one of the few places where you can enjoy gourmet dining in a casual setting.

8. Supertrees – Gardens by the Bay features “Supertrees,” towering artificial trees that are not only visually stunning but also serve as vertical gardens with a variety of plant species.

Family-friendly Hotels in Singapore

• Experience a luxury stay in one of Singapore’s iconic landmarks, the Marina Bay Sands. This top rated family-friendly hotel has a casino, a nightclub, an airport shuttle, and a driving range. If you’re looking for some relaxation, have yourself a massage at the onsite spa.

• Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore, is nestled near a metro station and on the beach. Some notable landmarks nearby are Marina Bay Sands Skypark and Merlion, while popular attractions include Universal Studios Singapore and Singapore Botanic Gardens.

• InterContinental Singapore Robertson Quay is located on the Singapore River. Must-see attractions nearby are Singapore Flyer and Singapore Botanic Gardens. Up for some outdoor activities? Explore the area’s hiking/biking trails.

• The St. Regis Singapore is a 30-minute drive from Changi Airport (SIN) and is near Orchard Road and Bugis Street Shopping District.

Singapore is simply packed with fun adventures for families!

Additional Reading

The Decision is Final! We are Going to Travel the World with kids

Taking Our Kids to Brian Head Ski Resort

Beginning Our Full-Time Travel Journey with Kids