15 Best Places to Visit in Singapore with Family
Singapore is known for several unique things you can’t find elsewhere. But if you’re visiting the country with your entire family, you’d want to know the best places to see and experience here.
So for your next planned Singaporean vacation, we hope that this post can provide you with some useful information on where to bring your family.
Is Singapore a family-friendly city?
Singapore offers a vibrant and exciting environment for visitors and locals, making it one of the most family-friendly vacation destinations in the world. It’s also one of the safest places to visit with its low crime rate and disciplined citizens.
There’s plenty to do in this small island nation that is ideal for a family travelling and vacationing together. Aside from fun kids’ activities in Singapore, some places can also appeal to adults, teens, and even senior citizens within a group.
For Animal and Nature Lovers
Despite its small size, Singapore has some great natural parks and animal sanctuaries to offer. So if your family loves being surrounded by nature and creatures great and small, the following destinations should be on your itinerary.
1. Singapore Zoo
Location: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Hours: 8:30 AM to 6 PM (5 PM last admission) daily
How to get there: Take the Farrer Park MRT, Mandai Khatib Shuttle, Bus 138, or a taxi
There’s a great reason why the Singapore Zoo is considered one of the world’s finest animal parks. For one, there are nearly 3,000 animals representing around 300 species neatly organised in zone and exhibits.
Singapore Zoo is also packed to the rafters with so many attractions that it will take a good part of the day to explore and experience most of them.
There are four main programmes at Singapore Zoo to help people understand the plight of certain animals like elephants and rainforest creatures. So it’s not just a leisurely visit, but an informative and educational one, too
And in case you get hungry, there are dozens of dining options for everyone.
2. Singapore Night Safari
Location: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
Hours: 6:30 PM to 12 AM (11:15 PM last admission) daily
How to get there: Take the MRT via Khatib MRT Station, Mandai Khatib Shuttle, Bus 138, or a taxi
The Singapore Night Safari is one of the most unique zoo experiences in Singapore. The sanctuary comes alive when the sun sets, promising a mysterious and magical experience for visitors.
Your family could choose to either walk the park’s trails or ride a special tram to tour the premises. The guided tram rides take around 40 minutes, which is enough time to see everything from nocturnal creatures to huge predators snoozing away.
Meanwhile, the walking trails allow you to see the animals up close and observe them as long as you want to.
The four trails include exhibits for big cats, smaller predators and animals native to Asia, grassland and tropical creatures, and animals from Australia and New Zealand.
3. Jurong Bird Park
Location: 2 Jurong Hill Singapore 628925
Hours: 8:30 AM to 6 PM (5 PM last admission) daily
How to get there: Take the East-West MRT and get down at Boon Lay, then take Bus 194
Visiting Jurong Bird Park is a must for the bird lovers’ itinerary. Plenty of birds you see only through binoculars or books are on full display in this Singaporean avian sanctuary.
The park is divided into ten zones featuring over 5,000 different kinds of birds representing nearly 400 species. There’s also a nine-story high loft aviary filled with colourful birds as well as a lake inhabited by bright pink flamingoes.
Aside from getting to observe them from afar, visitors have the chance to see them up close and personal during the birds’ feeding sessions.
So if your family wants to see how pelicans, flamingoes, ostriches, and other birds take their lunch, don’t miss out on this fun activity!
To Learn about Singapore’s History and Heritage
Singapore may be a young country, but its history and heritage are rich ones worth exploring and understanding. Your family can learn more about Singapore’s beginnings and colourful past by visiting the following places.
4. National Gallery Singapore
Location: 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM (last admission 30 minutes before closing time) daily
How to get there: By cab, the City Hall MRT, or the 961 and 195 Buses
The National Gallery is considered one of the best museums in Singapore and with good reason. It’s won several Singapore Tourism Board awards including one for the 2022 Best Leisure Event.
Exhibits cover everything from 19th-century art to modern photography. Aside from viewing newer art and permanent exhibitions, families can also visit artists’ archives and look up references at the Rotunda Library and Archive Collection.
And while it might not be at the top of the must-visit list for kids, there’s plenty to see and experience at the National Gallery that will surely stay with them.
There’s a GalleryKids programme that includes art education, creative workshops, and a gallery with works for and by kids.
5. Chinatown
Locations: Telok Ayer, Kreta Ayer, Bukit Pasoh, Tanjong Pagar
Hours: Depends on specific operating hours of centres, markets, and temples
How to get there: Take the Chinatown MRT, Tanjong Pagar MRT, Telok Ayer MRT, or the Outram Park MRT
Chinatown in Singapore is a living and breathing cultural testimony to the country’s beginnings and its present-day vibrancy. With its various eateries, places of worship, and unique markets, you can engage practically all senses while you’re there.
Simply walking down its many streets can make you feel how Chinese immigrants helped shape Singapore’s history via food, trade, art, language, and religion.
And if you want Instagram-worthy moments without paying for anything, you can simply walk Chinatown’s streets and Mohamed Ali Lane to see some breathtaking murals.
The beautiful paintings depict everyday migrant activities in the past that look wonderful in pictures and in real life.
6. Little India
Location: Serangoon Road, Rochor Canal Road, and Bukit Timah Sungei Road
Hours: Depends on specific operating hours of centres, markets, and temples
How to get there: Take the Little India MRT, the Rochor MRT, the Farrer Park MRT, or a taxi
Little India is a colourful representation of the Indian community in Singapore. Being there is like travelling in a smaller country with sights, sounds, and smells that are distinctly Indian.
To start, you can visit the Hindu temple called Sri Veeramakaliamman on Serangoon Road and marvel at all the colourful sculptures on its facade. It’s even more breathtaking inside with all the statues depicting Hindu gods and goddesses.
You can dive deeper into Indian history and culture by visiting the Indian Heritage Centre on Campbell Lane. The curated exhibits also show how early Indian migrants, merchants, and traders helped shape Singapore’s social and commercial landscapes.
Places for Active Family Fun
Singapore has plenty of spots dedicated to group activities and entertainment. Below are just some of the best ones that offer physically rewarding recreational places and activities.
7. Bounce Singapore
Location: 09-01 Cathay Cineleisure Orchard 8 Grange Road Singapore 239695
Hours: Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 10 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 9 AM to 10 PM
How to get there: Take the North-South Line; the 14, 16, 175, 5, 502, 54, or 75 Buses; or a taxi
Beyond being an indoor playground, Bounce offers several difficulty levels that will suit any age. That means toddlers, older kids, teens, and adults can bounce around according to how physically fit they are.
There are several trampolines in the jumping arena. But if your family is ready for even bigger challenges, Bounce has other arenas where you can play dodgeball or showcase your wall climbing skills, too.
There are even trapezes for the budding trapeze artist in your group. Bounce is a great way for the entire family to keep fit while staying indoors.
8. Beaches at Sentosa
Location: Pulau Ubin, East Coast Park, Siloso Beach, etc.
Hours: Hours vary per spot, some reservations are required for particular beaches
How to get there: Take the Harbourfront MRT, the Sentosa Express MRT, or the 123 Bus
It’s summertime all year long in Singapore, so it would be a pity not to hit the beach with your family when you’re here. The good news is that there are several exciting Singapore islands to visit.
Some great beaches can be found in Sentosa alone, including Pulau Ubin, East Coast Park, and Siloso Beach. You can choose any (or all) of them depending on the kind of ambience you want for a sun, sand, and sea getaway.
Pulau Ubin is more down-to-earth and rustic, with its secluded beach and surroundings that look more like a traditional fishing village. On the other hand, Siloso Beach has an unmistakable party vibe where people go skydiving, banana boat riding, and dancing all day.
But hands down, East Coast Park is considered to be the most family-friendly beach in Sentosa. People go there to set up camp, ride their bikes, and generally bask in the sun away from it all.
9. Singapore Flyer
Location: 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039803
Hours: 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM daily
How to get there: Take the Promenade MRT and follow pedestrian signs leading to the Flyer
Not afraid of heights? Then a giant Ferris Wheel ride might just be the perfect family adventure for you.
With this exhilarating tourist activity, it’s possible to see Singapore in almost its entirety from a bird’s eye view. The Singapore Flyer is 165 metres at its highest point, so you can drink in the panoramic views it offers.
The pods have aircon, are clean and comfortable, and can accommodate entire families. It takes 30 minutes for a complete rotation, so there’s plenty of time to marvel at the sights and take as many pictures as you want.
All-Day Entertainment for Everyone
At the end of the day, it’s all about family fun and entertainment. That’s why Singapore’s menu of all-day leisure and enjoyment offers some of the finest in the world, as illustrated below.
10. Universal Studios Singapore
Location: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10 AM – 7 PM; Friday to Saturday, 10 AM – 10 PM
How to get there: Take the bus outside Vivo City, the Sentosa Express from the VivoCity Shopping Mall, or a taxi
What’s a family trip to Singapore without visiting Universal Studios? It has exciting rides, shows, parades, and characters walking around and greeting everyone!
There’s so much to see, hear, taste, and feel at this wonderful theme park with your family’s favourite movie characters coming alive to perform and entertain crowds.
You can also visit zones where you can pretend to be in ancient Egypt or even during the Jurassic era.
There are many restaurants and gift shops to get your fill of yummy meals and souvenir items. Universal Studios is always a family favourite, so make sure it’s part of your Singapore itinerary.
11. Palawan Pirate Ship
Location: 54 Palawan Walk Sentosa, Sentosa Island
Hours: 10 AM to 6:30 PM daily
How to get there: Take the Sentosa Express MRT, the Amara Sanctuary Shuttle, the 123 Bus, or a taxi
Arrr, now here’s a family activity that can let you gather your hearties to become sea dogs for a full day! Palawan Pirate Ship is also located at Sentosa Island, so you can make it a part of your beach itinerary.
The weekends in particular are exciting and fun with Bubble Parties onboard the Palawan Pirate Ship. But throughout the week, there are games and activities on the premises for entire families to enjoy.
And since it’s right beside the beach, there’s no shortage of sunshine, sand, and sea to make the pirate experience authentic and complete for every lad and lassie in your family.
12. Wild Wild Wet Singapore
Location: 1 Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 519599
Hours: Monday to Friday, 12 NN – 6 PM, closed on Tuesdays
How to get there: Take the 3, 5, 6, 12, 17, 21, 89, 354, or 358 Buses after alighting at the Pasir Ris MRT station
To beat the heat during your vacation, your family can go swimming. But there’s no need to settle for boring old pools when you can visit a fun waterpark like Wild Wild Wet, instead.
Popular rides include The Waterworks, Vortex, and Torpedo, so those usually have a long queue. But there are so many fun things to do at Wild Wild Wet that you might not notice how many hours have passed.
So if your family likes a bit of adrenaline to go with swimming, make sure to add this place to your itinerary. And don’t forget to pack your sunscreen!
Family Eats and Treats
With Singapore being a foodie destination, there’s no reason to rely on fast food fare while you’re here. So as a unique twist, we’re recommending some great family-friendly food destinations.
13. DC Comics Superheroes’ Cafe
Location: 2 Bayfront Avenue Bay Level, 01-03, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972
Hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30 AM to 11 PM; Saturday to Sunday, 11 AM to 11 PM
How to get there: Take the 97 Bus, the Bayfront MRT, or a taxi
If your whole family are comic book fans, then we’ve got the best place to get lunch in Singapore to recommend. DC Superheroes Cafe can bring out your inner caped crusader with its superhero-inspired menu.
Partake of such treats as Batman Burgers with a side of Wonder Woman potatoes. All the food items are promised to be prepared fresh, not frozen.
It’s an American-style diner through and through with all the kitschy elements you can come to expect. There’s even a souvenir shop filled to the rafters with DC superhero memorabilia you can take home!
14. Picnic Urban Food Park
Location: Third Floor, Wisma Atria mall
Hours: 10 AM to 9:30 PM daily
How to get there: Take the North Line metro or the 43, 175, 502, 65, or 77 Buses
There’s no need to pack picnic essentials when you go to this particular food park at Wisma Atria mall. Located on the third floor, the entire family will be enchanted by the Alice in Wonderland vibe courtesy of the food mall’s whimsical lighting.
There’s something for everyone’s tastes because the Picnic Urban Food Park offers everything from Mexican to Korean cuisine. Crowd favourites include tacos and rice bowls and a wide array of delectable desserts.
So in case you find yourself wanting to dine al fresco but it’s raining, consider this unique food experience. It’s outdoors but sheltered enough for any kind of weather.
15. Little House of Dreams
Location: Block 8 Dempsey Road 01-14, Singapore 247696, Singapore
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 11 AM to 10:30 PM; Friday, 11 AM to 12 MN; Saturday, 9 AM to 12 MN; Sunday, 9 AM to 10:30 PM
How to get there: Take the 75, 77, 106, 7, 105, 123, 174 or 564 Buses; a taxi; or the Farrer Road or Queenstown MRT
To cap off your Singapore family vacation, we recommend something sweet and whimsical by way of a bakery-slash-cafe. Little House of Dreams on Dempsey Hill serves colourful cupcakes in dreamy flavours, along with other yummy baked goods.
The place will appeal to kids with its quaint interiors and colour palette. The bakery’s unique custom cakes reflect the playful interiors and have become favourites for children’s parties.
But for adults without much of a sweet tooth, there are savoury meals offered at Little House of Dreams too. From salads to burgers and fries, you can take your pick of what can nourish you after all the family activities you’ve been through.