The best things to do with kids in Singapore

Dinosaurs, microbes, coral reefs – Mandai's newest attraction, Exploria, has it all. This new digital playground spans five zones that bring to life unique habitats around the world: step into a 360-degree film of prehistoric dinosaurs, walk through dark cave habitats, and see microorganisms up close and larger than life. Digitally savvy kids of today will love creating a digital avatar at the biopools in the Interconnected World, which will be their companion as they travel through Exploria, completing challenges, interacting with exhibits, collecting badges, and racking up points. Don't forget to check the scoreboard on your way out. 

If you have a budding marine scientist on your hands, then the new Singapore Oceanarium is a must-visit. The former S.E.A. Aquarium has been revamped and extended, and is now three times bigger (and we reckon, better). Kids will have plenty to explore – 22 immersive zones to be exact, littered with life-sized animatronics, interactive exhibitions, and digital projections working together to bring the story of the ocean and its habitats to life. From a single drop of water and prehistoric marine creatures, to a plethora of ocean habitats and the future of our seas, the Singapore Oceanarium offers a spellbinding day out for the whole family. Also, don't miss behind-the-scenes tours with marine scientists and Singapore Oceanarium crew, not to mention the iconic 36-metre-panel full of sharks, rays, and fish in the Open Ocean zone. 

If your little explorer loves animals, get ready for a wild adventure through a recreated Southeast Asian rainforest teeming with 36 incredible species, from stealthy Malayan tigers to playful Javan langurs and elusive Philippine spotted deer. Wander through eight immersive habitat zones, including The Cavern, a breathtaking 220-meter air-conditioned cave route inspired by Sarawak’s UNESCO-worthy Mulu Caves. With raised walkways and shaded rest areas, families with strollers can roam comfortably. 

Trifecta is a one-of-a-kind surf-snow-skate facility where kids from as young as five years old can learn how to surf, snowboard, or skateboard in a well-controlled and safe environment. The deep-water wave pool, stretching 9.34 metres in length, is a young surfer's paradise with the biggest waves in the region. There’s also a ski simulator for future winter Olympians to conquer the Alps in the comfort of the city. If your little adrenaline junkie’s a skater, they can continue practising for free at Trifecta’s skate bowl, the world’s first hybrid skateboarding and surfskating arena. 

Here’s some splashin’ good news – the water play area at Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden at Singapore Botanic Gardens has finally reopened. The new space is three times its original size, with a mega splash bucket, a mist arch, and umbrella-shaped rain fountains. There’s also a splash zone featuring water jets, tiny hills for kids to climb, and a shallow pool to wade around in. Children can learn about the different stages of the water cycle at the interpretive signs equipped with light and sound effects to keep them engaged. 

Known for more than just its organic produce, Bollywood Farms (formerly Bollywood Veggies) is where aspiring young gardeners can get a head start in their agricultural exploration. The farm offers plenty of educational workshops and activities for all ages, including a padi planting workshop where kids will be given rice saplings to plant in the farm’s mini rice field, and learn all about this staple food, from production to plate. Through the Little Green Fingers workshop, they’ll also discover the edible and ornamental plants that grow on Bollywood Farms, plus learn how to pot and care for their very own plant, which they can bring home to grow.

Saddle your tot up for a safe and fun horse or pony ride. The latter will only set you back $10 and is fully supervised and led by trained staff. Your little one can also feed adorable ponies and bunnies at the stable’s Pasir Ris outlet. Raising the next polo star? Sign them up for riding classes starting from $45 for a single 20-minute session, where they will learn the basics of riding, from leading and mounting horses to executing different horse gaits.

Whether rain or shine, tot or teen, a wet and wild time awaits young thrill-seekers at HomeTeamNS Aqua Adventure, Singapore’s first integrated indoor water park. It’s home to the city’s first indoor aquatic challenge ropes course and the longest indoor water slides – including one that’s 85-metres long. It also features twin water slides perfect for a thrilling race between friends and a lazy pool when a break from the adrenaline rush is needed. If your little one prefers staying dry, there are plenty of net obstacle arenas and five challenging climbing walls to try out. Better still if you’re a Safra or HomeTeamNS member as you’ll get tickets at discounted rates.

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 admire. 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. 

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 motor skills. Besides playing at the bouncy castle and trampoline arena, let them attempt to grocery shop, cook, drive, and more at the role playrooms.

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. Specifically designed for kids aged four years old and below, the soft play area features a safe, multi-sensory environment that allows them to safely get their jumping fix.

Whether your kid’s a mini Picasso or a budding artist, nurture their creative streak at Chalk N Pencils Art Studio, with locations in Joo Chiat and New Bahru. The studio caters to all skill levels and offers painting and drawing classes for kids as young as three years old. Apart from bringing home beautiful works of art, young artists also develop fine motor skills and learn art fundamentals, all while building their confidence to turn their ideas into artistic creations. 

Amazonia’s massive play-gym (over 3,000 square feet) is home to the city's highest indoor wave slide. Designed to resemble a frosty wonderland, it also houses a variety of play structures, including climbing walls, slides, and obstacle courses. Active kiddos will love jumping around on the netted trampoline and diving into the snowball pit (no actual snow included). Babies, on the other hand, can have fun in the separate soft-play area which features a mini slide, ball pit, interactive play panels, and swings. 

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 have to worry about your kids falling flat on their faces as there are inline skating athletes and certified instructors to guide them through the glide.

Located along the Southern Ridges’ 10 kilometres of open space, HortPark houses three playgrounds and more than 10 uniquely themed gardens like the Silver Garden in the Ornamental Zone and the Butterfly Garden in the Exploratory Zone. Imaginations will run wild at the all-natural nature playgarden with nine different features, like a ‘kitchen’ and ‘huts’. Young explorers can also attend various nature-related guided workshops, where they can pick up plant styling, make pressed-flower artworks and more. 

Splish, splash, splosh with the little ones at this indoor water wonderland. And by little ones, we also mean that babies under 12 months who get free entry. The water playground stretches out to 23,000 square feet, with five slides and eight play decks 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 gravity-powered 2.6-kilometre cart ride down Sentosa is unlike any other outdoor experience, thanks to plenty of unexpected twists, sudden turns, and relaxing slopes. Since it’s suitable for both kids (children under six can ride tandem with an adult) and adults, you’ll want to bring your entire family for a memorable weekend out. Choose from four different tracks: Dragon, Kupu Kupu, Expedition, and Jungle – we recommend the last one for children under eight years old. But don’t worry – there’ll be clear signs peppered around the route to help riders identify the appropriate tracks. No matter which trail the kiddos choose to coast down, they’re sure to enjoy the thrilling experience of having the cool sea breeze and sun on their face.

If your little one can’t stop bouncing off the walls, get them to climb it instead at Climb@T3, Changi Airport's first sport climbing facility. Managed by The Rock School (TRS) Singapore, this climbing and bouldering facility in Basement 3 of Terminal 3 offers both guided and unguided sessions. Its highlight is its eight-metre High Wall, with over 20 challenging climbing routes. For younger climbers, try some rope-free fun at the 12-metre-long and 2.5-metre-high Boulder Wall to clock in some practice and build up confidence before giving the High Wall a try. Avid climbers can also participate in popular climbing workshops often organised during the school holidays.

For the young thrillseekers, Sentosa’s Adventure Cove Waterpark is a must-visit. Just a short boardwalk away from the megamall VivoCity, this exciting destination guarantees a good time thanks to its array of high-speed water slides, relaxing lazy river, various water play areas, and more. The water park is also home to Asia's first hydro-magnetic coaster, where adrenaline junkies can enjoy gravity-defying climbs, twists and drops. Besides the exciting rides and attractions, there are plenty of opportunities to learn about marine life – you can snorkel with over 20,000 tropical fish, wade among rays and more at the Rainbow Reef.

Regular playground slides just got a major upgrade. Take a wild ride down any one of the 26 unique slides at Admiralty Park’s three main play areas: Junior Play, Adventure Play, and Family Terracing Play. Slide down a 32-metre-long High Adventure Roller Slide and a 34-metre-long Curved Roller Slide in Adventure Play – both consist of rollers similar to a conveyor belt for easy sliding. The Junior Play area is home to Singapore’s first family slide, designed to be wide enough for multiple people to use at the same time. Besides the slides, there’s an inclusive playground with a wheelchair swing and merry-go-round to allow kids of all abilities to play together.

Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park needs no explanation for why it’s a must-visit. Teens can get their heart rates pumping on thrilling rollercoasters like Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cyclone and Revenge of the Mummy. Younger thrill seekers must ride Canopy Flyer and Enchanted Airways for a bird’s eye view of the park. There are also six immersive ‘zones’ to explore, like Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, and Minion Land. Don’t miss meet-and-greet opportunities with a revolving cast of Universal Studios characters like stars from Dreamworks’ Shrek, the Transformers, Jurassic World’s Velociraptors, and more. Best of all, children under 4 years old enter for free!

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 now 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. 

Surrounded by the lush greens of Gardens by the Bay, the Far East Organization Children's Garden outdoor playground has one mission in mind: to get everybody drenched. There are water tunnels, stepping springs, and various jets that 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.

We’ve got no shortage of islands to escape to, and that includes the rejuvenated Big Sister’s Island in the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park.  Reopened in 2024, the island features scenic coastal forest trails, Singapore’s first floating boardwalk, and a new lagoon tidal pool. Get your children’s swim gear ready because they can snorkel among rich biodiversity at the island’s tidal pool during low tide. Or, take an intertidal walk to check out marine life like the Haddon’s carpet anemone, sandfish, and flower crab. 

The stunning lotus-shaped building is an iconic landmark in the Singapore skyline where art, science, culture and technology come together. Unlike other museums, the ArtScience Museum holds exhibitions that explore interesting aspects of science, including big data, particle physics, palaeontology, marine biology, cosmology and space exploration. The museum’s lineup changes every couple of months, with two now that will fascinate budding scientists: Flesh and Bones: The Art of Anatomy and Insects: Microsculptures Magnified. On March 14 and 21, there will be a special insect tour for kids led by an Education Specialist that dives deep into how photographer Levon Bliss created his larger-than-life images of tiny critters for the Insects exhibition. 

It doesn't get more picturesque than Lakeside Garden, a park in the west with dreamy grasslands, naturalised streams, and easy boardwalks through landscaped marshes. Deemed the largest nature wonderland in the heartlands at a whopping 90 hectares, it’s specially landscaped and designed for families and the community to come together to play, learn and bond. And 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.

Spread over 26-hectares of lush nature reserve land, the Singapore 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. Or, walk among free-flying birds and learn about the world’s most threatened bird species at Bird Paradise. 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.

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 exhilarating near-vertical Free Fall slides – one of Asia’s longest free fall water slides – will entertain older kids for hours. 

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 great 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 turtle ever recorded. Beyond the big boys, there are more delicate specimens to explore across fifteen thematic zones, such as plants and fungi, with fascinating information about their habitats.

A world of imaginative fun awaits at National Gallery Singapore's Keppel Centre for Art Education. Designed for children aged four to 12, the centre’s immersive spaces introduce kids to different elements of art through interactive play, augmented reality games, 3D art, role-playing activities and more. Young learners can get inspired by art and literature from Singapore and Southeast Asia through its seven child-centric zones, like the Portrait Gallery and Book Nook. Even the most hyperactive kids will find something to capture their attention here.

An institute built to cultivate all things scientific, this kid-friendly institution features regular exhibitions that promote the physical, life, applied, technology, and industrial 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.

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.

A colossal playground for the young and the young-at-heart, the Khatib 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.

If you’re looking for a place to burn off your kid’s endless energy, then Singapore Sports Hub might just be your answer. As one of the world’s first fully integrated sports, entertainment & lifestyle destinations, the Singapore Sports Hub comprises a cluster of world-class facilities like the National Stadium, Singapore Indoor Stadium, OCBC Arena, Kallang Wave Mall and more. Amp up the school holidays by signing the young ones up for the annual Sports Hub Multi-Activity Camp – the schedule is ever-changing but expect the kiddos to develop a variety of fundamental sports skills and social skills while enjoying soccer, frisbee, swimming and more in a safe environment. For some splashin' good times, head to Splash-N-Surf for a two-storey kids' water playground on level three of the nearby mall. Little ones will love splashing about in the shallow pools, while older tweens will be racing down the spiral slides at every opportunity.

Encourage the kids to aim high at this kid-friendly obstacle course. Designed for those between five to nine years old, Forest Adventure is where 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 before participants take on the obstacle course.

Just as many of us have fond childhood memories of Singapore’s first indoor snow attraction, it’s time for your kids to create just as many cherished memories. Fortunately for them, it got a revamp in 2024, where kiddos can look forward to a brand new 120-metre-long Glacier Luge – a three-storey mammoth of an ice slide that glows bright with coloured lights. There’s also a new Snow Village, which features a mini illuminated ice maze, a majestic ice castle, and regular snowfall sessions. Of course, kids will still get to enjoy long-time favourites like the bumper car arena on ice and the snow hill slide, both of which remain highlights of this snowy wonderland.

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 the park is the picturesque Hindhede Quarry, nestled at the end of the park. 

Parents, relive your childhood and bask in nostalgia while introducing your kids to time-honoured characters like Tintin and Popeye at this 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 the past at this five-story shrine to toys.

Charity starts at home, so bring the little ones to the SPCA to cultivate empathy for animals. The society emphasises the importance of treating all living creatures with kindness and respect, and teaches about animal welfare and more. It also runs a shelter for adoptable dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs.

A quaint bookshop specialising 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. A great place for grooming Singapore’s next literary genius.

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.

More than just a tourist attraction, this lush park in downtown Singapore is where you can let the kids explore nature freely. Though the park’s Cloud Forest and Flower Dome are paid attractions, there are plenty of other free spots. Spend a cheery morning strolling by the Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes and let the kiddos get up close with aquatic life in and around the lake. Or pack up the whole family – including the furkids – for a breezy evening trip to the Active Garden, designed to be a communal space for all ages. Of course, don’t miss a visit to the stunning Supertree Grove, which comes alive every night with the Garden Rhapsody light and music show and, for a limited time, the Borealis experience as well.

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 five-a-side pitches, with energetic music pumping through its speakers to keep the ball rolling. The space is perfect for small practices, friendly matches, and free-flow footies with your aspiring footballers. 

Jewel Changi Airport’s wonderland makes a great indoor playground for both kids and kidults. Burn some 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.

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. Classes are divided into six levels to encourage children to reach the next milestone, all while building their 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.

Siloso Beach is a hive of activity with numerous beach clubs and an array of watersports options that simply exude good summer vibes. Plus, 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 little theme park of horrors is both terrifying and impressive at the same time, so ensure your child is truly ready before bringing them here. Multi-coloured statues and tableaux depict scenes from Chinese history and mythology in bright, gaudy colours – making it look more menacing than it should. Still, it's fun to explore this sloping park in the West with the little rugrats.

Stop to smell the roses with your little one at this award-winning attraction in Gardens by the Bay. This perennial favourite, which holds the Guinness World Record for the largest glass greenhouse, is where your tot can get up close with various unusual plants from unique habitats, like South African savannahs and arid deserts. Just next door is Cloud Forest, which houses one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls and exotic plant species. Be sure to arrive in time for the daily misting hours, when little ones are sure to be delighted by the experience of being surrounded by a cool blanket of fog. 

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.