3 days of family fun in Singapore

3 days

In Singapore with the young ones and their grandparents in tow? We show you the best family-friendly spots on the island.

Make a family trip to the Lion City
A family at push cart mural in Arab Street.

There’s fun for the whole family around every corner in sunny Singapore.

Ride historic bumboats down the Singapore River
A family taking a bumboat down the Singapore River.

Enjoy the sights and sounds of the city as you cruise down Singapore River.

The view from Marina Bay
View of Marina Bay area at night.

A night skyline like no other—enjoy some of the best views and cityscapes when you visit Singapore.

Add to Bookmark - people added this
Print

Day 1: Go out and play

A plate of nasi lemak.
1. Adam Road Food Centre

Morning

For breakfast, feast like a king on nasi lemak (fragrant rice dish cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaf, accompanied with an array of side dishes like omelette, fried fish and anchovies) from Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak at Adam Road Food Centre. Each plate comes with a generous helping of fragrant rice infused with coconut milk, that’s meant to be mixed with copious amounts of sweet and spicy sambal (chilli paste). The kids will love the juicy fried chicken wings, while the adults should try the otah (spicy grilled fish paste), ikan kuning (yellowstripe scad) and bergedil (potato patty) for the full local experience.

The open theatre at Singapore Botanic Gardens.
2. Singapore Botanic Gardens

Afternoon

The family is in for a day of fun at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, conveniently located across the road from Adam Road Food Centre. The only tropical garden to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the 158-year-old landmark is home to Michelin-starred ‘gastro-botanica’ restaurant Corner House, , the National Orchid Garden, which houses more than 1,000 species of orchids, and the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden (free admission). The latter has play areas, tree-houses and a maze to keep the young ones entertained, while the older folks can unwind in the shade of a gazebo to the tune of birds chirping.

A signature dish from Bèni, a Michelin-starred restaurant along Orchard road
3. Orchard Road

Evening

From Singapore Botanic Gardens, you’ll be a stone’s throw away from Orchard Road, Singapore’s glamorous shopping belt. Drop the kids off at BOUNCE Singapore, an indoor trampoline park, while you spend time clocking in some much-deserved R&R or treating yourself to an uninterrupted fine dining meal. Orchard Road is home to a fleet of Michelin-starred restaurants, including Béni for French food reinterpreted with Japanese sensibilities, and Les Amis, one of Singapore’s oldest fine dining establishments.

Day 2: Appreciate local heritage

A tea maker making teh Tarik, pulled milk tea
4 North Bridge Road

Morning

Start the day right by dining at one (or more) of Singapore’s oldest restaurants. Singapore Zam Zam has had its roots in the Kampong Gelam neighbourhood since 1908 while Victory Restaurant opened next door just two years later. Both are known for their murtabak (an oversized omelette prata filled with egg, garlic, onion, spices and a minced meat of your choice), a hearty dish stuffed with layers of onions, egg and meat, and served with a side of fish curry that’s best washed down with a cup of teh tarik (pulled milk tea).

Exterior of Malay Heritage Centre entrance.
5 Kampong Gelam

Afternoon

Take a stroll along Arab Street, sifting through trinkets, perfume and leather goods at shophouses that line the street. Stop by the historic Sultan Mosque, an iconic landmark in Kampong Gelam with its magnificent golden domes. Interested in learning more about the local Malay culture? Immerse yourself in Malay history by visiting the Malay Heritage Centre—it’ll be an educational experience for both young and old.

Outdoor dining area at Chijmes.
6 City Hall

Evening

As the sun sets, make your way to CHIJMES, a former Catholic convent school that’s been converted into a bustling dining enclave. Enjoy live music with a beer in hand, while the kiddos play hide-and-seek near the lawn. Alternatively, head indoors to Marina Square for a casual family meal and some shopping in the massive mall—within it, you’ll also find a mini playground equipped with slides and rockers for the children, and the cartoon-themed Pororo Park.

Day 3: Spend a day by the waterfront

People eating at East Coast Lagoon Food Village.
7 East Coast Lagoon Food Village

Morning

You’ve covered the city; why not head east? Grab a big breakfast at East Coast Lagoon Food Village to fuel up for a full day of activities. The Lagoon has every Singaporean dish you could possibly imagine, such as char kway teow (fried flat rice noodles) and wanton mee (egg noodles with barbecued pork and dumplings).

People cycling at East Coast Park.
8 Singapore Wake Park

Afternoon

There’s plenty to see and do at East Coast Park, and the best way to get from one end to the other is by bike. Rent a family bicycle that fits up to three adults and two kids, then take in the vibrant hues of the sea and sky as you cruise along. To amp up the action, hit up Singapore Wake Park for a heart-racing experience. The little ones can start out with the beginner cable-ski course, while the grandparents relax at Coastal Rhythm, a café and bar within the Wake Park premises.

Wonder Full light and water show at Marina Bay Sands<sup>®</sup>.
9 Marina Bay Sands

Evening

No trip to Singapore is complete without catching catching the Spectra light and water show at Marina Bay Sands®. Watch the waterfront come to life in a dizzying array of pyrotechnics, neon lasers and water fountains that take you on an audiovisual journey of Singapore’s history. After the show, bask in the sights and sounds along the promenade to round off your evening.

Also

Check Out