Things To Do In Singapore: Family-Friendly Guide for Parents

Singapore’s a goldmine for kid-friendly adventures, packed with things to do that mix excitement, culture, and plain old fun without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a local parent or a visitor scratching your head over places to visit in Singapore to keep everyone happy, this BusyKidd’s ‘things to do’ guide has got your back. We’ve rounded up the best things to do across this vibrant island, from lush parks and splashy water playgrounds to hands-on museums and hidden cultural spots. Perfect ‘things to do’ places to visit in Singapore for families.

This isn’t just for things to do in Singapore this weekend. These ideas work any day, with 2025 updates like new play areas and free exhibits to keep things fresh. You’ll find Fort Canning Park’s shady trails, Tanjong Beach Club’s beachy vibes, ArtScience Museum’s techy wonders, and Singapore Art Museum’s crafty corners. Pack your snacks, grab some sunscreen, and let’s dive into the best things to do in Singapore!

Related Reading: Check out our guides to MacRitchie Reservoir, VivoCity: Family-Friendly Guide.

Indoor Fun: Cool Spots For Hot Days

When Singapore’s heat or rain strikes, indoor things to do keep kids giggling and parents chill. These spots blend learning and play, ideal for curious minds and wiggly feet.

Museums: Where Fun Meets Discovery

Singapore’s museums swap “quiet” for “wow,” offering free or cheap things to do that spark creativity.

National Gallery Singapore Keppel Centre for Art Education

Image Credit: National Gallery Singapore via Instagram

Start at National Gallery Singapore’s Keppel Centre for Art Education (1 St Andrew’s Rd), a free haven for locals where kids paint giant walls or build bamboo creations.
The Children’s Biennale (running into 2026) dazzles with touchable art on “Joy” and “Dreams”. Think soft play for tots and eco-crafts for bigger kids.
Nearby, Singapore Art Museum (39 Keppel Rd) hooks families with free sticker-art workshops, a top place to visit for young artists.
ArtScience Museum (6 Bayfront Ave) mixes tech and art. Kids love drawing digital fish that swim on screens in FutureWorld (~$20). Free outdoor light shows add sparkle, making it a prime pick.
The National Museum of Singapore (93 Stamford Rd) offers free entry for locals and AR storytelling in “Get Curious!”. Great things to do for school-age kids.
Children’s Museum Singapore (23-B Coleman St) is another free gem for locals, with dress-up zones and food-themed crafts that feel like a storybook adventure.
For culture, Asian Civilisations Museum (1 Empress Pl) has free entry (locals/PRs) and Peranakan dress-ups.
Plane-crazy tots? Air Force Museum (400 Airport Rd) has free jet displays.

Singapore City Gallery: Be an Urban Planner

Hidden in Telok Ayer (45 Maxwell Rd), Singapore City Gallery is a free place to visit in Singapore. Kids marvel at a massive city model, build “skyscrapers” with blocks, or tweak virtual MRT routes. Open till 5 pm daily, it’s a smart thing to do before Chinatown hawker eats.

Libraries: Stories And Crafts Galore

Singapore’s libraries are secret play zones with free things to do.

library@harbourfront (1 Maritime Sq) boasts 200,000+ books, TumbleBook digital tales, and a Tinker Truck for Lego fun. Its Stories Come Alive Room brings stories to life with puppets. A magical activity!
Punggol Library (131 Punggol Field Walk) offers Spark!Lab, a free tinkering space for ages 7-17 to craft robots or eco-tools.
Woodlands Regional Library (900 South Woodlands Dr) has climbable book forts, and NLB’s online TumbleBooks keep rainy days full of things to do.

Mall Playgrounds: Slide And Play

Malls double as free play hubs with tons of things to do.

VivoCity’s Level 3 rooftop (1 HarbourFront Walk) has cargo nets and Sentosa views. A breezy place to visit!
Paragon (290 Orchard Rd) offers indoor slides and ball pits, while Changi Airport’s Fit and Fun Zone (T3) keeps kids climbing 24/7. Post-play, hit Aesop or Innisfree Singapore in ION Orchard for free hand-wash samples.

Temples And Theatres: Cultural Charm

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (288 South Bridge Rd, Chinatown) is a free four-story stunner with golden Buddhas and relic tales kids love. Guided tours add storytelling. A true activity!
In Little India, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple (141 Serangoon Rd) offers free rangoli-drawing. Colorful things to do!
For drama, Gateway Kids Club (3615 Jalan Bukit Merah) hosts free Saturday storytelling with Phantom of the Opera Singapore-style flair for tots, a lively place to visit in Singapore.

Outdoor Adventures: Fresh Air, Big Fun

Singapore’s parks, beaches, and trails make outdoor things to do a blast. From historic forts to sandy shores, these places to visit in Singapore are family gold.

Forts And History: Time-Travel Treks

Fort Canning Park (River Valley Rd) is a double-dose thing to do. Nine gardens, old battlements, and huge slides keep kids busy. Little adventurers hunt “artifacts” on free trails, making it a top place to visit in Singapore.

On Sentosa, Fort Siloso Skywalk (free) offers WWII tunnels and ocean views via a stroller-friendly walkway. Monkeys add a wild what to do in Singapore twist.

Water Playgrounds: Splash Away

Free water parks and wet playgrounds Causeway Point Singapore

Image Credit: Causewaypoint.com.sg

With 24 free water playgrounds, cooling off is a top thing to do.

Causeway Point (1 Woodlands Sq) has a dino-themed splash pad with geysers—roar-worthy fun.
Far East Organization Children’s Garden at Gardens by the Bay is a place to visit with water mazes and treehouses.
Jurong Lake Gardens’ Clusia Cove (104 Yuan Ching Rd) adds 2025 dino-themed slides. A splashy activity!

Gardens By The Bay: Nature’s Magic

A must for things to do, Gardens by the Bay (18 Marina Gardens Dr) shines with free Supertree Grove lights (7:45 pm/8:45 pm). The nearby Marina Bay Sands light show (8 pm/9 pm, free) adds dazzle. The Children’s Garden is a watery place to visit in Singapore with eco-zones for hot days.

Beaches: Sandcastles And Sunsets

East Coast Park (along ECP) is a free thing to do for sandcastles or cycling (rent bikes ~$10/hour or BYO). Sentosa’s beaches near Tanjong Beach Club offer calm waves and free entry—club views give luxe what to do in Singapore vibes. Sofitel Sentosa’s greenery adds resorty feels, no cost required.

Parks And Playgrounds: Swing High

Image Credit: Nparks.gov.sg

Admiralty Park (31 Riverside Rd) has Singapore’s longest slide, free and accessible. A 2025 thing to do hit!

Bidadari Park (Bidadari Park Dr) brings Winnie-the-Pooh charm with nest swings, while Tampines Boulevard Park West has sand pits.

Near Sofitel Singapore City Centre, Telok Ayer Green offers urban play. A sneaky place to visit in Singapore.

Farms And Animals: Wild Times

Image Credit: Hay Dairies via Facebook

Hay Dairies Goat Farm (61 Sungei Tengah Rd) offers free milking views (9-10:30 am), a cuddly thing to do.

Bollywood Veggies (100 Neo Tiew Rd) has free veggie trails and wildlife spotting.

KidzWorld at Singapore Zoo (80 Mandai Lake Rd) offers free animal talks and pony petting (rides ~$5). A top place to visit!

Hiking And Cycling: Nature Vibes

Hike MacRitchie Reservoir (free) for TreeTop Walk views, adventurous things to do.

Coney Island’s quiet trails are cycling heaven, while Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has rugged paths. Free things to do that beat screens.

For a quick getaway, grab a Batam ferry ticket (~$40 RT from Tanah Merah) for island trails. A far-out way to have activity in Singapore.

Cultural Gems: Dive Into Heritage

Wander Little India’s Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple (141 Serangoon Rd) for free peacock-feather crafts and colorful things to do.

Chinatown’s Thian Hock Keng (158 Telok Ayer St) stuns with dragon carvings, while Kampong Glam’s Masjid Sultan (3 Muscat St) offers free heritage walks.

St. Andrew’s Cathedral (11 St Andrew’s Rd) is a serene place to visit in Singapore. Peek at Raffles Town Club (1 Plymouth Ave) for free colonial charm.

Jurassic Mile: Dino Chases

Changi’s Jurassic Mile (Airport Blvd) is a free 1km path with 20+ dinosaurs—perfect for biking or strolling, a roaring thing to do. Stop by Diptyque Singapore in Changi T3 for free scented samples. A luxe what to do in Singapore!

Fire Station Open Houses: Hero Fun

SCDF Fire Stations (18 locations, Saturdays 9-11 am) offer free truck tours and hose demos—heroic things to do. Kids climb rigs; check Singapore time (GMT+8) for slots.

Kites And Coastal Trails: Soar Free

Fly kites at Marina Barrage or Punggol Waterway Park—windy, free things to do. Keppel Coastal Trail at Labrador Nature Park mixes WWII relics and sea views.

Things To Do In Singapore This Weekend

Craving things to do in Singapore this weekend?

Early Scares & Science At Newtonshow’s Halloween Fun Camp

Get a jump on Halloween with Newtonshow’s Fun Camp, floating ghost experiments, pumpkin collages, costume parades, and spooky games. Kids craft and take-home creations, with lunch included. A thrilling thing to do in Singapore this weekend for mini mad scientists.

Deets: till November, 9 am-4 pm, Multiple locations
Age: 3-12
Price: From $100/day
More Details

Bonus Adventures: 20+ More Things To Do

Need more things to do? These extras, from 2025 gems to classics, hit our list.

Singapore Botanic Gardens (FREE): Swan-spotting and kids’ garden crafts.
Nightflix Somerset Movies (FREE): Monthly outdoor flicks—cinematic things to do.
Supertree Grove Borealis (FREE): Northern Lights shows—dreamy what to do in Singapore.
VivoCity Rooftop Play (FREE): Sentosa-view swings—urban things to do.
Cosford Container Park (FREE): Weekend stalls—an eclectic place to visit.
Long Kuan Hung Crocodile Farm (FREE Viewing): 22,000 crocs—wild things to do.
Qian Hu Fish Farm Fishing (~$5): Splashy what to do in Singapore.
Gallop Stable Pony Rides (~$10): Horsey things to do.
Sports Hub Giant Chess (FREE): Brainy what to do in Singapore.
Marina Bay Sands Promenade (FREE): Skyline strolls—an iconic activity.
Sungei Buloh Reserve (FREE): Birdwatching—nature things to do.
Pulau Ubin Trek (Ferry ~$4): Rustic activity.
ION Sky Deck (FREE): 56th-floor views—sky-high things to do.
Suntec Fountain Shows (FREE): Nightly lasers—dazzling what to do in Singapore.
Esplanade Concourse Gigs (FREE): Live music—tuneful things to do.
Merlion Park Photos (FREE): An Iconic place to visit in Singapore.
Telok Ayer Green Play (FREE): Urban fun near Sofitel Singapore City Centre.
Changi Bamboo Grove (FREE): Zen things to do.
Jurassic Nest Food Hall (FREE Entry): Dino eats—prehistoric what to do in Singapore.
Palawan HydroDash (~$15): Water park thrills—splashy things to do.
KidZania Singapore (~$40): Role-play city—immersive activity in Singapore.
Universal Studios Singapore (~$98): Minion rides—an epic place to visit.

3-Day Family Itinerary: What To Do In Singapore

Need a plan for what to do in Singapore? Here’s a relaxed 3-day itinerary with free things to do and budget splurges (under $50/family).

Day 1: Marina Bay Magic

Morning: Gardens by the Bay’s free Supertrees and Children’s Garden.
Lunch: Hawker picnic at Marina Bay.
Afternoon: Merlion Park stroll, Singapore City Gallery.
Evening: Marina Bay Sands light show (free, 8 pm/9 pm).

Day 2: Cultural Dives

Morning: Chinatown’s Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Thian Hock Keng.
Lunch: $5 plates at Maxwell Food Centre.
Afternoon: Little India’s Sri Veeramakaliamman, Singapore Art Museum crafts.
Evening: Esplanade free gigs or Raffles Town Club Colonial peek.

Day 3: Sentosa and Nature

Morning: Fort Siloso Skywalk, sandcastles near Tanjong Beach Club (free).
Lunch: Sentosa hawker stalls.
Afternoon: VivoCity rooftop play, Sofitel Sentosa views.
Evening: Palawan Kidz City free movies or Batam ferry ticket (~$40 RT), island hop.

FAQ: Your Singapore Family Questions Answered

What should you not miss in Singapore?
The Marina Bay Sands light show is a free, twice-nightly dazzle of lasers and water jets. Pair with Gardens by the Bay for a top thing to do in Singapore.

What is the number 1 tourist attraction in Singapore?
Gardens by the Bay: Supertrees, free kids’ garden, and eco-zones make it the ultimate place to visit in Singapore.

What to do in 3 days in Singapore?

Day 1: Marina Bay—Supertrees, Merlion, Marina Bay Sands light show.
Day 2: Chinatown, Little India, and Singapore Art Museum crafts.
Day 3: Sentosa—beaches, Fort Siloso, Sofitel Sentosa views. Add Fort Canning Park for history—free things to do galore.

What is the prettiest place in Singapore?
Singapore Botanic Gardens at dawn: misty orchids, swan ponds—a dreamy way to spend time in Singapore. Fort Canning Park nearby adds historic charm.

Quick Tips:

Batam ferry ticket: ~$40 RT from Tanah Merah via Sindo—island things to do.
Aesop Singapore: Free hand washes at ION—pampering what to do in Singapore.
Raffles Town Club: Free colonial exterior views—a historic place to visit in Singapore.
Phantom of the Opera Singapore: Sands Theatre 2026, tickets ~$100.
Innisfree Singapore/Diptyque Singapore: Free Orchard samples—mini-spa things to do.
Singapore time: GMT+8—plan evening things to do in Singapore, sharp.

Foodie Fun: Tasty Things To Do

Singapore’s food scene is a thing to do in itself. Grab $5 chicken rice at Maxwell Food Centre or satay at Lau Pa Sat—budget what to do in Singapore. For treats, Sofitel Sentosa or Sofitel Singapore City Centre offer afternoon teas (~$80), but their lobbies are free to ogle. Kid-friendly The Fabulous Baker Boy (near Fort Canning Park) has play corners—yummy things to do. Stop by Aesop Singapore, Innisfree Singapore, or Diptyque Singapore in malls for free scented samples—a relaxing activity.

Singapore’s charm? Free fun, cultural dives, and green escapes in one tiny island.