After seven visits to Singapore, and numerous other times passing through the airport I feel that I can confidently give suggestions on Places to Visit in Singapore for Families.
I have personally been to each of the places I’m listing below, many of which I’ve been to on multiple occasions.
My first visit to Singapore was in 1987 with my family, since then I have been on numerous occasions. Most recently I’ve traveled with my husband and children.
So here we go, my large list of things to do in Singapore with Kids.
S.E.A. Aquarium
I’d not been to the S.E.A Aquarium until my most recent trip. I must say we was very impressed, I’ve been to a bunch of different aquariums around the world and to date this has been the best.
Our two boys also loved it, at the time they were, seven and four years old. There were many things to see as well as lots of things to interact with.
The aquarium is located on Sentoa Island.
Universal Studios
Also located on Sentosa Island is Universal Studios.
I really enjoyed Universal Studios, so did my boys, though my younger son wished he was just a bit older and a bit taller, so that he could have gone on more of the rides.
If you have been to Universal Studios elsewhere, you will find the format much the same, but Singapore’s Universal Studio’s is nice and new with lots of rides.
Due to the heat in Singapore there are a number of large covered areas, some also with gigantic fans and demisters, which are fantastic in the afternoon heat.
Singapore Cable Car Sky Network
There are two lines which make up the Singapore Cable Car Network.
The first line allows you to catch the cars from Faber Peak in Singapore over to Sentosa.
On Sentosa you can catch the cars across Sentosa Island between Merlion Station, Imibah Lookout Station and Siloso Point Station.
Each providing different views. This is one of our favourite things to do in Singapore, and as you can see our boys love it too.
Singapore Flyer
Opened in 2008, the addition of the Singapore Flyer to Singapore. Riding on the flyer provided a wonderful view around Singapore.
When we visited it was extremely quite, so not sure if this is normal or not.
Little India
If you love Indian food, you will love Little India.
Apart from great restaurants serving scrumptious curries, you will find markets selling fresh produce and aromatic spices.
You will also find Temples, shopping centers and a Heritage Center.
On one visit to Singapore I had the privilege of staying in Little India during Deepavali. The whole area is lit with lustrous illuminated lights and decorations strung up over buildings and street corners.
China Town
The oldest Chinese temple in Singapore is the Thian Hock Keng Temple (Temple of Heavenly Happiness).
It is a Taoist-Buddhist Temple built in about 1820.
Found in the centre of China town the temple is very colourful .
China town also has great shopping, including the China Town Street Market which is certainly worth going to.
Gardens by the Bay
Built on 250 acres (101 hectares) of reclaimed land is Gardens by the Bay.
Gardens by the Bay has so much to see and do, there are the two conservatories the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest Dome, both of which are very impressive. We love plants so we were in our element. Our boys loved the walkways in the Cloud Forest.
We also visited the Far East Organisation Children’s Garden. This is a wonderful spot to cool off in the fountains. Also in the surrounding gardens are all kinds of play and climbing equipment including a couple big tree houses. Best of all the children’s garden is Free.
The OCBC Skyway is also located in the Gardens by the Bay area. Come along late afternoon, early evening and go for a walk around the skyway. It is 22 meters above the ground! Then wait for the sun to set, the super tree grove lights up. At 7.45 pm and 8.45 pm there is a free Garden Rhapsody light and sound show. A lovely way to relax in the evening.
Marina Bay Sands
Technically we have been to Marina Bay Sands, we’ve wondered around the shops on and near ground level, and looked at the building from the distance.
I couldn’t justify the price for all of us to go upstairs to the viewing platform. But I believe the view is fantastic.
Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is located along the river, and surrounded by restaurants. At night the area seems to come alive. Boat tours can be booked and many leave from the area. China Town is only a few blocks walk away too.
We have stayed as a family at the Novotel Clarke Quay on two separate occasions. Our boys loved the breakfasts and loved to cool off in the large swimming pool.
Located under the Novotel is a Japanese supermarket where you can find the essentials you may need. There is also a small shopping center with clothing and a food stalls. Including Starbucks, McDonalds’ and a tiny 7-eleven.
The location is handy to most locations around Singapore. With a family of 4 we found it cost, time effective and convenient to mostly take taxi’s.
Orchard Road
If you are into shopping this is where you need to head. An abundance of shopping centers to wander through in air-conditioned comfort. Some of these centers also have food courts and restaurants incorporated into them.
I’ve stayed at the Holiday Inn Park View, it’s a great location for shopping and a easy spot to stay regardless of what part of the island you are visiting.
Singapore Zoo
The Singapore Zoological Gardens is one of the top Zoo’s around the world. Singapore Zoo was listed in the top 10 Zoo’s of the World Wide in Trip Advisers 2018 Travellers Choice Awards.
The zoo covers an area of 28 hectares Animals are set in an open concept, meaning that the animals seem to roaming free and you can get relatively close to them.
Book your tickets online to avoid the queues and save too. (also grab your tickets to the Night and River Safari’s and Jurong Bird Park at the same time to receive up to 50% off ticket prices)
The zoo is split into zone’s Fragile Forrest, Great Rift Valley Ethiopia, Treetops Trail, RepTopia, Australasia, Frozen Tundra, Reptile Garden, Primate Kingdom and Wild Africa.
Night Safari
The Night Safari is one of the four parks which make up the Wildlife Reserves Singapore .
The Safari consists of a 40 minute tram ride which takes you through 6 of the worlds regions. A walk around the wallaby trail, showing you the Australian outback. Included is also a 20 minute Creatures of the Night Show.
River Safari
River Safari is my favourite park at the moment, but it’s only for two main reasons! Two panda bears live here, their names are Kai Kai and Jai Jai. If any of you have been following me for a while, you will know that Panda’s are and have always been my most favourite animal. I’m somewhat obsessed by them.
Kai Kai and Jai Jai live in a biodome, where the temperature is perfectly controlled.
I spent ages just watching these beautiful animals.
Jurong Bird Park
Jurong Bird Park is home to over 400 species and is Asia’s largest. Large walk in aviaries house the birds. There is even a penguin area.
It has been open sine 1971 and is committed to conservation with up to 20% of it’s inhabitants being threatened with extinction.
Singapore Botanical Gardens
Singapore Botanical Gardens are a Uneso World Heritage listed site.
The gardens are divided into four distinct areas, historic gardens, tourist area, educational and discover zone and in 2017 the learning forest was opened.
The Children’s Garden named Jacob Ballas, is dedicated to Children. It’s aim is to educate and instill a love of nature amongst children.
Raffles Hotel
The Raffles Hotel in Singapore was built during the Colonial era and opened in 1887.
The hotel is famous for the alcoholic drink called the Singapore Sling.
High Tea is a special experience in this grand old hotel.
Please note that the hotel is currently closed as it is undergoing restoration works which will be completed sometime in 2019.
National Orchid Garden
Whether you are into gardens and plants or not, The Orchid Garden is a beautiful place to visit. It is located within the Singapore Botanical Gardens and sits upon the highest point.
The gardens are arranged in four sections of colour and seasons.
Admission is $5 SD for adults and $1 SD for Students over 12 and senior citizens over the age of 60.
Merlion Park
The ionic symbol of Singapore, the half fish half lion Merlion sits at the waters edge Merlion Park, overlooking Marina Bay.
The lion head is a symbol of Singapore’s original name Singapura or in Malay Lion City. The fish represents the origins of Singapore as a fishing village. At the time it was called Temasek, which means sea town in old language Javanese.
A lovely area to walk around an take in the views of many of Singapore’s buildings.
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Other suggestions of places to visit… these are on my list to visit next time!
Art science museum, National Gallery, National Museum of Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark and 1-altitude.
Have you been to any of these places? Do you have any other suggestions? Please let me know below.
As always we recommend our favourite travel resources, the Lonely Planet Guides.
