Gardens by the Bay's Sakura 2025 – A Family Adventure

As a mom, finding activities that entertain the kids, educate them, and give us a break from the daily grind can feel like a tall order. But Gardens by the Bay’s Sakura 2025 event is a dream come true for families. Let’s cover everything from the cherry blossom display to family-friendly activities and practical tips with this BusyKidd’s Guide!

Related Reading: Check out our guides to Fort Canning Park, Best Indoor Playgrounds For Children, Free Water Parks in Singapore and SEA Aquarium.

Sakura 2025

The Sakura 2025 event, marking its 10th edition, runs from Saturday, March 8, to Sunday, April 6, at the Flower Dome in Gardens by the Bay, Singapore. This collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Singapore brings a slice of Japan to our doorstep, featuring an impressive 440 cherry blossom trees across 48 varieties. That’s a significant increase from what was initially mentioned, highlighting the event’s scale. Specific varieties include the Japanese weeping cherry (Prunus yedoensis Yoshino Shidare), known for its graceful, drooping branches, the Japanese Hill Cherry (Prunus lannesiana Kawazu-zakura), and Prunus Accolade, all creating a vibrant pink and white canopy.

The display is a cultural journey through Fukuoka Prefecture. You’ll find recreations of historic sites like Kokura Castle, a five-storey keep reassembled in 1959, famous for its springtime blossoms, and a 5.6m-tall Phantom Castle, an artistic interpretation for the yozakura (night sakura) experience. This night viewing, with illuminated cherry blossoms and 130 bamboo lanterns from Kitakyushu, adds a magical touch, brought to Singapore through the efforts of over 1,000 local volunteers from Kitakyushu city—an unexpected detail showing community involvement.

Additional cultural elements include displays of Fukuoka Prefecture items like Hakata and Tsuyazaki dolls, Kokura textiles, and the Magoji kite, offering a glimpse into Japanese craftsmanship. Japanese zen gardens and a water-powered gong installation provide interactive and serene spaces, perfect for family exploration.

Family-Friendly Activities and Passes

For busy moms, the event offers plenty to keep the kids engaged. On select weekends—March 15-16 and March 22-23—you can participate in tea ceremony demonstrations at the Flower Dome. These free sessions, part of the opening weekend’s offerings, are a gentle introduction to Japanese traditions, allowing your children to watch and learn in a calm setting.

If you’re planning multiple visits, consider the SG60 Wonder Blooms Pass, priced at just S$22. This pass, available until March 31, at Wonder Blooms Pass, offers unlimited access to six floral displays in 2025: Sakura (until April 6), Tulipmania (April), Lilytopia (May), Rose Romance (June), Orchid Extravaganza (August), and Alpine Adventure (September). It’s a steal, especially with over 60% discount, making it ideal for families looking to explore more throughout the year.

Fun for All Ages

Sakura Japanese Cultural Activities Gardens by the Bay

If you’re visiting on the opening weekend, March 8 and 9, 2025, you’re in for a treat with free outdoor programs designed for families. Here’s what’s on offer:

Ghost Cat Anzu Film Screening: Settle in for a heartwarming animated film about an 11-year-old girl and a talking ghost cat. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to Japanese animation, and it’s free, so no extra cost!
Mochi-Making Workshop: Watch mochi masters in action as they pound rice into chewy, pillowy treats, and let your kids try their hand at using the wooden mallet. It’s educational, hands-on, and a fun way to learn about Japanese traditions.
Sakura Fair: Dive into the sights, sounds, and flavors of Kyushu with stalls offering fruit-flavored slushies, ramen, and matcha. It’s a chance to fuel up and shop for unique souvenirs.

These days, the Anime Garden adds to the fun with cosplay meet-and-greets, performances by local talents, and concerts featuring renowned Japanese artists. It’s free to enter. So gather the family, dress up if you’re feeling festive, and celebrate anime in full bloom. You can also participate in a tea ceremony on a pay-as-you-like basis, with proceeds supporting Gardens by the Bay’s Gift of Gardens program. A nice way to contribute while sipping matcha!

Year-Round Family Attractions at Gardens by the Bay

Even outside the Sakura event, Gardens by the Bay is a haven for families. Here are some highlights you can enjoy year-round:

Children’s Garden: Located at the Far East Organization Children’s Garden, this sprawling playground is designed for kids of all ages. It features water play areas with orchid-shaped splash buckets and hydro-vaults, perfect for cooling off on hot days. There’s also a toddler zone (1-5 years) with swings, swaying bridges, and slides, ensuring even the littlest ones have fun. It’s a hit with kids, and the lush greenery makes it feel like a jungle adventure.
Active Garden: Near the Waterfront Promenade, this area has a musical instrument playground where kids can bang on drums or play xylophones, developed by Grammy Award-winning musician Richard Cooke. Sheet music is even provided for simple tunes like “Happy Birthday.” While the kids play, you can sneak in a workout at the nearby fitness area. There’s also a pet-friendly cafe, Mylo’s, for a quick coffee break.
Cloud Forest: Step into a tropical rainforest with a massive indoor waterfall and digital art experiences like The Hidden Forest. It’s a cool, air-conditioned escape and offers educational value, teaching kids about different ecosystems.

These areas are free to access (except for conservatory admissions), making Gardens by the Bay a versatile destination for family outings throughout the year.

Practical Tips for Moms

Planning is key when you’re out with the kids, so here are some tips to ensure a smooth visit:

Best Times to Go: Weekdays are less crowded, so if you can, plan your visit then, especially if you want to avoid long lines for the Sakura display. For the nighttime Yozakura experience, aim for late afternoon to catch both daylight and evening views.
What to Bring: Comfortable shoes are a must—there’s a lot of walking! If you have little ones, bring a stroller, but note that some areas, like the Flower Dome, might have stroller-free zones. Pack snacks and water, especially if you’re staying for evening events, and don’t forget sunscreen for outdoor activities.
Ticket Tips: Book tickets in advance to save time, and check for any special promotions. Singapore resident rates apply, so bring proof of residency (citizens, PRs, EP/WP/DP holders).

Why This Event Is Perfect for Families

Gardens by the Bay’s Sakura 2025 is an immersive cultural experience that brings Japan’s springtime beauty to Singapore. It’s a chance to educate your children about different cultures, enjoy stunning visuals, and create lasting family memories. Whether you’re snapping photos under the cherry blossoms, participating in mochi-making, or exploring the Anime Garden, there’s something for everyone. And with year-round attractions like the Children’s Garden and Active Garden, it’s a destination you’ll want to visit again and again.

So, mark your calendars, gather the family, and get ready to blossom into spring at Gardens by the Bay. Your kids (and you!) will be talking about it for weeks.