Things to do in Singapore with kids
Relocating to a new country can be hard, even more so when there are kids in tow. Aside from trying to set up a new home and settle into a new job, parents often worry if their young ones are able to adapt to the new environment. Your kids transition into Singapore can be made easier if you have activities set up for you and them that show what Singapore has to offer.
While Singapore may not be as vast in size in comparison to some countries, this small island does have many ‘gems’ within it that are bound to entertain both the young and old.
Universal Studios Singapore
This 20 hectares theme park, located in Resort World Sentosa, will keep both the young and old entertained with its vibrant concept of bringing your favourite movies to life. Spend a fun-filled day exploring seven themed zones, from Hollywood to Madagascar, and getting up close and personal with icons such as Marilyn Monroe, Woody Woodpecker, Shrek, Sesame Street and many more. For those with thrill-seeking kids, defy gravity as you hurtle on the world’s tallest pair of dueling roller coasters, Human and Cylon, based on the popular television series, Battlestar Galactica. Alternatively, throw yourself in the thick of an Autobot and Decepticon battle on Transformers: The Ride, a 4D motion simulator. For those with younger children, head on to Far Far Away for the Shrek interactive shows or hop on the animal themed carousels in Madagascar.
Opening Hours:
Mondays – Fridays & Sundays: 10am – 7pm
Saturdays: 10am – 8pm
Website
Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Give your young ones the opportunity to play as they learn at Asia’s first garden designed specifically with children in mind. Located within the Singapore Botanical Garden, this garden is open for kids up to 12 years of age (and requires adult supervision). Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden features playgrounds, water play areas, exciting mazes and tree houses with slides and many interactive exhibits that serves its purpose of educating your little ones with knowledge on flora and fauna, and the life sciences.
Opening Hours:
Tuesdays to Sundays: 8am – 7pm
Closed on Mondays (except when it falls on a designated public holiday)
Website
Sentosa Island & Resort World Sentosa
Slap on some sunscreen and head down to the beaches of Sentosa for some rest and relaxation with the kids. Let them run freely, throw a Frisbee or even take a swim with the friendly pink dolphins at the dolphin lagoon! There are many other things to do on the island of Sentosa, such as learning about the history of Singapore at the Images of Singapore. Get the opportunity to hop on a Segway or whizz down an exciting trail on the Luge. Experience skydiving at the iFly – a controlled environment that simulates the feeling of free falling from the sky. End the night watching the Songs of the Sea show, an exciting themed show, which includes pyrotechnics, water jets, flames and lasers. Return to the city by hoping on the cable car for a ride out of the island.
While you are on the island of Sentosa, do visit the Resort World Sentosa’s Marine Life Park, which features an aquarium and a waterpark. Visit the S.E.A. Aquarium, which is home to more than 800 species of marine creatures, including manta rays and sharks. Be amazed as you get a peak at the deep-sea life through the largest viewing gallery. Your kids will also enjoy themselves at the Adventure Cove Waterpark, which features the first hydro-magnetic coaster in Southeast Asia and various water slides and pools.
Opening Hours:
S.E.A Aquarium
Mondays – Sundays: 10am – 7pm
Adventure Cove Waterpark
Mondays – Sundays: 10am – 6pm
Pulau Ubin
Get away from the hustle and bustle of Singapore’s city life and travel back in time as you and your kids explore one of the few remaining villages of this cosmopolitan country. Hop on a 10 minute bumboat ride from Changi Jetty and choose to either take a day trip or an overnight camping trip with your kids. You can either explore the serene island on foot, rent bicycles (or even bring your own) or rent the local islander taxi services. Pack a picnic basket and relax as the islanders do or put on your trekking shoes and walk amidst the natural lush greeneries. Alternatively, teach your children about different ecosystems at Chek Jawa Wetlands. You can either go on the boardwalk or sign up for a guided tour to explore the wetlands and get up close with monitor lizards, starfishes, collared kingfishers and many other marine creatures and birds.
Singapore Zoological Garden & Night Safari
Give your kids a twist to breakfast at the Singapore Zoological Garden as they enjoy their croissants and omelette in the presence of friendly animals, such as the orangutans and elephants. Then explore the 26-hectare park on either foot or tram and get face-to-face with lions, tigers, cheetahs, jaguars, penguins, polar bears, giraffes, zebras and many more. Let your kids watch their favourite animals go about daily routines in a habitat that has been designed to closely simulate their natural environment. Don’t forget to bring your children’s swimsuits as the zoo also offers a water play area for them!
If you prefer to observe the animals at night, then proceed to the Night Safari after sunset. Watch tribal warriors perform thrilling fire-eating acts and then hop on the tram, which brings you across seven different geographical zones around the world as animals such as tapirs and deer walk alongside your tram. End off the night with the Creatures of the Night show, which features clever otters, the binturong and others.
Opening Hours:
Singapore Zoological Garden
Mondays – Sundays: 8.30am – 6pm
Night Safari
Mondays – Sundays: 7.30pm – 12am
Recommended reading: If you are still looking for more ideas on things to do in Singapore or ideas for Weekend Breaks check out our handy guides!