The best things to do with kids in Singapore

It doesn't get more picturesque than Jurong Lake Gardens, a park in the west with dreamy grasslands, naturalised streams, and easy boardwalks through landscaped marshes. But where the kids will have the most fun is at Clusia Cove, a mini water park that's been cleverly designed to mimic the natural movement of water on coastal shores. Let the children splash around in the shallow tidal pools or build sandcastles on the 'beach'. If you prefer them to stay dry, take them to Forest Ramble instead. This nature-inspired playground has ziplines, rope swings, and trampolines. 

No need to travel far to catch some waves or snow now that there's Trifecta right here in Singapore. This one-of-a-kind surf-snow-skate facility has all that's needed to learn how to surf, snowboard, or skateboard – with lessons suitable for kids as young as six (snow) or eight (surf). It's a well-controlled environment in which to learn these adventure sports TOO, which should set worried parents' hearts at ease. After you and your kids have mastered the proper technique in Trifecta's snow arena or deep water wave pool, you can consider booking that pricey flight ticket overseas to test your skills in the great outdoors. 

This one's a no-brainer – the Children's Museum is designed from top to toe to keep the kids thoroughly entertained. Opened in December 2023, this museum features two floors of interactive and educational play areas designed just for children aged 12 and below. Take the kids on a gander through Singapore's history, presented through four permanent galleries on the first floor. Better than any textbook, these galleries are filled with National Collection artefacts, factoids about the Singapore River and its ties to trade, and replicas of old shophouses and a modern neighbourhood post office. Bring the kids back every year to check out the rotating exhibitions upstairs. One that's running from now till 2026 is Into the Hawkerverse, where kids can learn about the past and future of local hawker culture, meet hawker heroes, and even play at being hawkers themselves. 

As you bike down Changi Airport Connector with the fam, keep an eye out for the city’s largest permanent outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs. Changi Jurassic Mile is home to over 20 different prehistoric, colossal creatures including the tyrannosaurus rex, velociraptors, and parasaurolophus – the tallest standing at about five-metres high. While you explore the grounds, look out for the baby dinos hatching from their massive eggs, and try to spot all nine species along the one-kilometre cycling and jogging path.

If the dinosaur replicas at Changi Jurassic Mile aren't cutting it, how about some real dinosaurs at Lee Kong Chain Natural History Museum? Well, the bones of real ones, anyway. This museum is perfect for introducing the kids to wildlife and natural history, with its wide array of awesome specimens – from awe-inspiring dinosaur fossils and a sperm whale skeleton, to the only specimen of the largest species of turtle ever recorded. Beyond the big boys, there are more delicate specimens to explore across fifteen thematic zones too, such as plants and fungi and fascinating information about their habitats. 

This gravity-fuelled cart ride down from the top of Sentosa is like no other outdoor experience. Since it’s suitable for both kids and adults, you’ll want to bring your entire family for a memorable weekend out. Choose from four different tracks: Dragon, Jungle, Kupu Kupu, and Expedition. While some have unexpected twists and turns, others have straightforward gentle slopes. If your child is under six years of age, they’re sure to have a memorable experience by riding in tandem with you. No matter which trail you pick to coast down, you’ll enjoy the cool sea breeze in your hair. 

Deemed as the largest nature wonderland in the heartlands, Jurong Lake Gardens is Singapore's latest national garden, spanning a whopping 90-hectares. Beyond the flora and fauna, the grounds are specially landscaped and designed for families and the community to come together to play, learn and bond. Children can burn their energies by taking on the various obstacle courses, hopping about at the sunken trampolines, flying across a zip line, and scrambling up a tower to go down a tube-like slide.

The stunning lotus-shaped building is an iconic landmark in the Singapore skyline and also a place where art, science, culture and technology come together. Take your kids on an artistic adventure at the museum's permanent exhibition, Future World – Where Art Meets Science. Together with digital art installations by teamLab, a trip here will light up your kids’ creative bulb where they can watch their 2D crayon creation transform into animations, create thrones out of colour-changing blocks, and go down an interactive slide.

This 3,500-square-foot playground has all manner of swings and slides. Older kids can take on wobbly net climbing courses at a three-storey play structure aptly modelled after a lighthouse. For those with toddlers in tow, steer them over to the merry-go-round and grass maze.

If you're looking for a leisurely hike with the family, head to Hindhede Nature Park located next to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve which has easy trails and well-defined footpaths perfect for families, children and hiking beginners. Scenic and serene, it is also an excellent spot for wildlife watching as it is home to inhabitants like the banded woodpecker, clouded monitor lizard and plaintain squirrel so it pays to keep your eyes open when taking a walk. The main highlight of course is the picturesque Hindhede Quarry which is located at the end of the park. 

Sing Under the Sea as you ogle over 100,000 marine animals at S.E.A. Aquarium. Kids will have a ball exploring seven zones at the aquatic park, which cover all sorts of fascinating marine life, such as majestic sharks, friendly dolphins, quirky poison arrow frogs, and vibrant coral life. The most impressive exhibit is the Open Ocean Habitat, which houses over 40,000 marine creatures across 120 species in one giant tank. We guarantee that jaws will drop at the manta rays, sharks, and fish swimming overhead. The exhibits at S.E.A. Aquarium are both inspiring and educational – and are bound to create little ocean lovers out of kids. 

Take a wild ride down any one of the 26 unique slides at three main play areas: Junior Play, Adventure Play, and Family Terracing Play. The young and the young-at-heart can slide down The Curved Roller Slide, a 34-metre-long outdoor slide lined with black tubes similar to that of a conveyor belt for easy sliding. Besides the slides, there’s an inclusive playground fitted with a wheelchair swing and merry-go-round to support play between children with and without needs.

If you've a daredevil on your hands, then they'll love Houbii Spot. This high-element rope course located in Singapore Zoo has thrilling obstacles for kids of all ages – with a stunning view of Upper Seletar Reservoir to boo. Accompany your little one (120cm and below) on the Mini Rope Course and problem-solve together through 14 obstacles, or take on The Real Thing (for 120cm and above), which has 74 exhilarating obstacles, including Tarzan-like swinging ropes that will have even you shaking in your boots. 

Jewel Changi Airport’s wonderland makes a great indoor playground for both kids and kidults. Burn your energy by weaving through various mazes, bouncing on nets, sliding down an art sculpture, and admiring the stunning views of the HSBC Rain Vortex and Shiseido Forest Valley from above a glass bridge. Alternatively, take a breather at a misty garden, pose for a selfie with the many animal topiaries, and stop and smell the roses at a floral fantasia.

An institute built for cultivating everything scientific (yeah, science!), this kid-friendly institution features regular exhibitions promoting the physical, life, applied, technology, and industry sciences. The centre also lays claim to Singapore’s only domed cinema, the Omni-Theatre, which is equipped with state-of-the-art IMAX technology. It also has a 40-centimetre mega-telescope which gives little astronomers a closer view of the starry skies at the Science Centre Observatory.

This one’s a no-brainer. Beat the boredom at Universal Studios Singapore. With so many rides and attractions across the park’s seven themed zones, teens can get their heart rates pumping on thrilling rides like the Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cyclone. Don’t miss meet-and-greet opportunities with a revolving cast of Universal Studios characters, such as the beloved Minions from Despicable Me. 

Where else can kids burn off their energies with fitness-related activities besides the Singapore Sports Hub? Children can pick up a new sport (and new friends) at various sports-centred kids' camps at the hub – the schedule is ever-changing but expect soccer, frisbee, swimming, rugby, and everything else kids love. For some splashin' good time, head to the kids' pool and two-storey water playground. The latter has multiple slides, jets, and sprays to keep the tots happily drenched. 

While natural snow is unlikely to fall in tropical Singapore, the city makes up for the lack of sub-zero temperatures with faux snow. Spanning at 3,000 square-metres, the three-storey-high winter wonderland has a 60-metre-long snow slope, an ice gallery, a bumper car arena, and photo-taking memories to capture those magical moments. Keeping the energy high, the centre's latest addition is a Winter Shooting Arena where teens can have an icy paintball shoot-out. Younger children can play in the family-friendly Snow Chamber where there's an Inuit home, a snow playground, and a treehouse adventure playground. There's also a bumper car arena for some high-octane fun.

They say everywhere can be a playground – that's certainly the case for Airzone, the world's first indoor suspended net playground that welcomes both the young ones – and the not too young as well. Occupying the atrium space between different floors in City Square Mall, be prepared to explore the multiple play areas where you can dive in a ball pit, crawl through a maze, climb to the top and try out the slides or just hang out on the suspended nets. 

Singapore is home to the first garden in Asia dedicated to children. With the aim of promoting awareness and education, the Jacob Ballas Childen's garden is divided into several spaces for play and exploration – there's a farm, orchard, and forest with stream and ponds. The active tykes can burn some energy at the trampolines, treehouses, and flying fox zipline. For a cool down, head to the sheltered outdoor café nearby with all-day brunch items for the whole family.

New to the hiking game? Start with the 63-hectare Dairy Farm Nature Park. The main trail is paved, so you don't have to rough it out Bear Grylls-style with the little ones. Make your way to the Wallace Education Centre for hands-on activities and exhibits that tell the story of Dairy Farm’s changing landscapes. Keep a lookout for the striking red and yellow heliconias as well as the monkeys, pangolins, and butterflies along the way. For a chance to spot rare species of dragonflies and the critically endangered birds known as Little Grebe, head towards the scenic Singapore Quarry at the park’s south-western end.

A world of imaginative fun awaits at National Gallery Singapore's Keppel Centre for Art Education. It reopened in December 2023 with seven child-centric zones and tons of family-friendly programmes in the theme of Art & Wonder. Designed for children aged 4 to 12, these immersive spaces introduce kids to different elements of art through interactive play, augmented reality games, 3D art, role-playing activities and more. Even the most hyperactive kid will find something to capture their attention here. 

A colossal playground for the young and the young-at-heart, "Singapore’s First Smart Clubhouse" boasts the city's largest multi-installation indoor hub, and first indoor Player versus Player (PvP) airsoft arena. The little ones will love the Peranakan-inspired indoor playground complete with a climbing slide tunnel, a sports pitch, a foam ball shooting arena, an interactive trampoline, a ball pit, and a ninja course – all designed to engage the senses. Older kids can get then check out Adventure HQ which features a 233-metre-long roll glider, a 14-metre-long slide, a 165-metre-long artificial cave, a 15-metre cloud climb, and a two-tiered, 16-obstacle indoor challenge rope course.

Escape to the countryside with the fam. At Kranji Countryside, kids can watch goats getting milked and even feed, erm, other kids at Hay Dairies, see vegetables being harvested and grown at Quan Fa Organic Farm, get schooled on organic produce at Bollywood Veggies, and more. Check out our guide to the countryside for more ideas.

Live out your ultimate Wipeout dream at Singapore's very first floating aqua park. Both kids and kidults can climb, slide, leap and bounce at the massive inflatable playground and obstacle course – think a giant bouncy castle in the sea, just off Sentosa's Palawan Beach. To maximise the fun for everyone, the water park is split into four zones with varying difficulty levels – Level 1 is specially designed for kids aged five to eight (every one child has to be accompanied by one adult), and Levels 2, 3 and 4 are for those aged nine and above.

Over at Changi Airport Terminal 3, the kiddos can have their fun at the Cartoon Network-themed Play! indoor playground. The star of the show is a Powerpuff Girls interactive game that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to transform players into one of its adorable hero characters. There are also Ben 10 play spaces including ball pits and slides. Parents, don't worry – the playground is padded out to the fullest, with soft-fall floors.

After a major facelift in 2019, Amazonia is back with an arctic theme that's oh-so-cool (see what we did there?). Kids can go down the city's highest indoor wave slide, jump around on the netted trampoline, and dive into the snowball pit (no actual snow included). There's also a massive 3,000-square-feet play-gym which features kid-friendly challenges for the active tykes. Babies, on the other hand, can enjoy themselves at the soft-play area which is separated from the larger children's area, and features a mini slide, ball pit, interactive play panels, and swings.

From rapid flume rides to four-storey slides and wave pools, there's no shortage of fun at this water park in the East. The little ones can take it easy in the meandering river or splash around in Yippie!, a shallow sloshing area. The Yakult Professor’s Playground – with its slides, ladders, water cannons and fountains – will entertain older kids for hours. 

Whether you're jumping on the Tik Tok trend-wagon, or revisiting a popular pastime of the, um, past, HiRoller Indoor Skating Rink in Pasir Ris offers state-of-the-art experiences on both inline and roller skates – think disco lighting and thumping music. It's also a great spot to introduce the kids to both inline and roller skates. You won't even have to worry about your kids falling flat on their faces – there are inline skating athletes and certified instructors to guide them through the glide.

The massive indoor playground at Marina Square is an interactive play space for children 12 and below. Kiztopia offers an environment where kids can play and learn valuable skills as well. Besides fun times at the bouncy castle and trampoline arena, let them try the grown-up world for size and fake it – hopefully – until they make it by grocery shopping, cooking, driving and more at the role playrooms and even bring home the goodies they have made in the kitchen.

Encourage the kids to aim high at this kid-friendly obstacle course. Designed for those between five to nine years old, your mini adrenaline junkies can go ham on 22 crossings including zip-lines, ladders, swings, nets, and tunnels. Parents, don’t sweat – as safety is a priority, briefings are conducted once your kids are strapped in the harness prior to taking on the challenge.

Charity starts at home, so why not bring the little ones to the SPCA. The society emphasises the importance of treating all animals and birds with kindness and respect, and schools everyone on animal welfare and more. It also runs a shelter for adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs – you might even end up adopting a furkid too.

Spread over 26-hectares of lush nature reserve land, the zoo is home to more than 4,200 animals of hundreds of species from across the globe. Unlike traditional caged zoos, it’s one of the world’s first 'open concept' zoos with animals in individually landscaped enclosures and zones. Here, you can have breakfast in the rainforest, say hello to the friendly Asian elephants, and see the rare white tiger in the flesh.

While you’re in the area, visit the manatees, crocodiles, flamingos, and pandas next door at the river-themed wildlife park River Wonders. Come face-to-face with animals from the rainforest on a boat ride aptly named Amazon River Quest. Then in the evening, squeeze some time for the Night Safari, the world’s first night zoo. Witness what over 900 nocturnal animals from close to 100 species get up to after dusk, in naturalistic habitats, and without barriers, via the use of special lighting techniques.

After admiring animals in their respective enclosures, bring the kids to Singapore Zoo's new Kidzworld, where they can interact with animals – that means actual touching of critters is allowed! They'll get to meet Pygmy goats, tortoises, and falabellas (that's mini horses for you) in the free-ranging Animal Land or learn how to care for cats, dogs, and rabbits at the indoor Little Paws space. Besides participating in animal presentations and Ranger Buddies Base Camps, kids can also have a ball at Play Trees or a splash at the Splish Splash wet play zone. 

A quaint bookshop that specialises in picture books, Woods in the Books is a literary wonderland for the curious ones. It offers a feast of pictorial treasures including classics like Goodnight Moon and Where the Wild Things Are, pop-up versions of The Little Prince and a wide selection of activity and colouring books. Who knows? You could be grooming Singapore’s next literary genius.

The best part about The Better Toy Store is that it stocks toys for kids as young as three months all the way to teens – plus it even has a modest selection of collectibles and limited edition teddy bears for adults. That’s right, no one is too old for toys. For toddlers, it is good to have toys that engage and build, rather than fragment, a child’s attention span. With that in mind, this chain stocks a huge array of toys selected for their play value, functional design, and impact on the environment.

Let your mini Mo Salah dribble and pass at Singapore's "first indoor football stadium". The Cage allows football enthusiasts to bend it like Beckham on six 5-a-side pitches – rain or shine. The space is perfect for small practices, friendly matches, and free-flow footies with your aspiring footballers. Open on a regular, the venue has energetic music pumping through its speakers to keep the ball rolling.  

At some point, you have to take your kids out for a meal, so why not order comforting treats at this Aussie-inspired restaurant? The young ’uns can dig into stacks of pancakes with fresh berries and maple syrup, or French toast with honey at this cosy nook in the west. Café Melba even has a Kids Club that allows kids to eat free every Monday and Tuesday with every main meal purchased. 

There isn’t a moment of stillness at Bounce Singapore, where you can jump off walls and fly through the air. This addition to the trampoline scene has three areas designed for different interests and various levels of difficulty, so young tots, older teens, adults and even fitness enthusiasts are catered for. Got a pre-schooler in the house? Specifically designed for kids aged four years old and below, Bounce has a soft play area that's designed as a safe, multi-sensory environment to give them their jumping fix.

Surrounded by the lush greens of Gardens by the Bay, this outdoor playground has one mission in mind: to get everybody drenched. There are water tunnels, stepping springs and various jets your pint-sized terrors – or your mischievous side – can use to hose everyone else down. Even toddlers can get in on the aquatic action, with a safe play zone you’ll feel comfortable letting them roam around in.

Marina Barrage attracts couples and families all year round thanks to its breathtaking 360-degree view of the bay area. Pack a picnic basket and a kite for some family fun. Don't have one? Browse through the cavalcade of colourful creations at the shop on the grounds. Then, help your kid unleash his or her kite into the air and let it sail in the bay's gusty winds.

Elevate your tiny bookworms' reading experience by bringing them to engaging storytelling sessions regularly held at public libraries in Singapore (except for library@chinatown). A standout library for kids is Punggol Regional Library, which has sensory play areas like Toy Library, Calm Pods, and assistive technology devices. If you live in Tampines, its library even as an indoor playground where kids can run free. 

Siloso Beach is a hive of activity with numerous beach clubs and an array of watersports options that simply exudes good summer vibes. And you can enjoy some fun under the sun without spending a dime here. Help your little beach bums with sunscreen application and watch them unleash their imagination in sandcastle building, splash around in the sea (with your guidance, of course) and play a friendly game of beach volleyball.

This peaceful park offers four unique themes with something in-store for visitors of all ages. The Nature Cove features a picturesque view of the waterway, with areas for families to spend lazy Sundays on the grass. At the Recreation Zone, little ones can let loose with activities like water play and sand play, while the rest of the family gets a workout at the fitness corner.

Splish, splash, splosh with the little ones at this indoor water wonderland. And by little ones, we also mean that babies under 12 months get to enjoy free entry. The water playground stretches out to 23,000 square feet, with five slides and eight play decks that are all interconnected by climbing structures. Big buckets of water topple at random over a few areas, so expect most children to cluster around that splash pad to get dunked. For those with tots aged 18 to 36 months, head over to a separate wading area where water jets gently spray streams at you.

This little theme park of horrors is both terrifying and impressive at the same time. Multi-coloured statues and tableaux depict scenes from Chinese history and mythology in bright, gaudy colours, making it look more menacing than they should. Still, it's fun to explore this sloping park in the West with the little rugrats. New to the park? Read our guide for the best bits to look out for.

Saddle up – horse riding isn't just for trust fund babies or polo players. Start your little tot (3 years and above) easy with pony trail rides, which cost $45 for a 20-minute session. When your kid is ready to get serious, sign them up for private or group sessions (from $75 for a 30-minute Private Junior session) where they will learn the basics of riding, from leading and mounting the horse, to executing different horse gaits. 

Be blown away, or in this case, up, by this wind tunnel which gives the thrilling sensation of skydiving without having to jump out of a plane. Under the watchful eye of iFly's team of pros, kids can have a ball pretending to be Superman.

The earlier the kids learn to swim, the better. AquaDucks is Singapore’s pioneer infant swimming school, with programmes adapted from a mix of European, USA, and Australian teaching techniques. The school prides itself on being child-centric, providing a safe and fun environment to build your child’s confidence in the water. Parent-child interaction is emphasised and you’re encouraged to be the personal coach, under the supervision of swimming instructors. The programme is divided into six levels to encourage children to reach the next milestone.

Parents, relive your childhood and bask in nostalgia while introducing your kids to time-honoured characters like Tintin and Popeye at this private museum showcasing a collection of over 50,000 pieces of vintage toys. With rare, one-of-a-kind pieces from more than 40 countries – some of which date back to the mid-1800s – it’s easy to get caught up in past in this five-story shrine to toys.