Singapore SEA Aquarium

Things to do in Singapore for Families and Kids

By Adam Fraiel

Looking for a holiday destination that’s fun for the whole family? Singapore is basically a giant playground - safe, sunny, and full of fun, all year round. From adventure parks to beautiful beaches, exotic wildlife to mesmerizing light shows, there are plenty of family-friendly sights for you and your children to enjoy. If you’re looking for things to do in Singapore with kids, check out this list of our favorite kid-friendly activities.

Cycle with dinosaurs at the Jurassic Mile

The fun begins as soon as you touch down at Singapore’s Changi Airport. It’s a magnificent building, housing waterfalls, wildlife exhibits, a swimming pool, movie theater, and much more. It certainly breaks the mold of what an airport can be.

But that’s not the really cool part. Connecting Changi Airport to East Coast Park, via a 3km path, is the Jurassic Mile. The largest outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs! If your kids are dino-lovers, they’ll have a blast here.

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Take your pick of walking, scooting, or cycling as you pass pterodactyls, velociraptors, an angry T-Rex, and many more. The whole route takes around 30 minutes one-way, depending on how many times you stop for photos.

Take a walk on the wild side at Singapore Zoo

Welcoming over two million visitors per year, Singapore Zoo aims to showcase how animals behave in their natural habitats. The park is so big there’s a tram to help you get around - always handy if the little ones are getting a little restless.

Check the Zoo map and feeding schedule before visiting, so you can see all your favorite animals, and even feed a few too. There are also special events and animal shows, so be sure to factor these in when planning your itinerary.

You’ll see a vast array of animals, including kangaroos, pygmy hippos, frogs, sloths, wolverines, and rhinos, to name just a few of the 300 species. There are also plenty of feeding holes for humans, so you can keep your energy levels up as you explore the wilderness.

Head below the surface at SEA Aquarium

Explore Singapore’s underwater world at SEA Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Southeast Asia. With over 100,000 aquatic animals of more than 1,000 species in over 45 habitats, SEA Aquarium has one of the largest collections of aquatic life in the region.

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Standing face to face with a Giant Pacific Octopus is an experience your little ones won’t soon forget. If that sounds a little too scary, how about Bottlenose Dolphins or adorable little seahorses?

With a huge central aquarium and immersive shark tunnel, you’ll be loving life under the sea.

Slip and slide at Adventure Cove Waterpark

If your kids have more energy and like things a little more hands-on, head to Adventure Cove Waterpark. They’ll can snorkel through the rainbow reef and see 20,000 colorful fish up close, or really let loose in the giant wave pool.

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With rides for all ages, including the Big Bucket Treehouse, Riptide Rocket, and Seahorse Hideaway, the hardest part of the day will be dragging them away when it’s time to leave.

For the adults who need a brief moment of peace and quiet, hop in a tube and float down Adventure River where you’ll drift through 14 different environments, including an immersive underwater tunnel filled with marine life.

Take it to the next level at Universal Studios Singapore

Scream if you want to go faster! Universal Studios Singapore features seriously exciting rides, attractions, and shows.

Are you brave enough to ride Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN vs. CYLON? Or take on The Ultimate 3D Battle featuring The Transformers? Don’t worry, if you need to slow things down a little then Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey or Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase are a little easier on the nerves.

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With seven themed areas to explore: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar, plus plenty of dining options, from fast food to sit-down restaurants, it’s an adventure-packed day for young and old alike.

Head to the beach

A day at the beach is a must if you’re heading to Singapore, and whether you have teens or tweens, there’s a beach for them.

If building sandcastles while you sip on a frosty drink sounds like a dream day out, add Silosa to your itinerary. The restaurants have tables on the sand, meaning you can always keep an eye on the little ones as they splash in the shallows. Silosa also offers watersports for the older ones, with kayak and paddleboard rentals available year-round.

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If you get bored easily and want a little more action, East Coast Park is the dream destination. Soak in the sun as you explore the abundance of cycle and rollerblading paths. (rental shops are aplenty), or really test your nerves in the Xtreme SkatePark.

For the ultimate watersport adventure, Singapore Wake Park offers a safe environment for both beginners and experienced wakeboard riders looking for an adrenaline fix. It’s set in the safety of a lagoon, with rides available for children as young as six years old.

Finish the day with a light show

The light shows in Singapore are magical, and the perfect end to a long day of exploring. Some are paid, others are free, but all are amazing.

With a variety of fireworks, water jets, and lasers choreographed to music, Wings of Time is a stunning, state-of-the-art performance that’s guaranteed to get a “Wow!” from even the most temperamental of teens.

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Other light shows worth attending include Spectra, which takes place at Marina Bay Sands just before sunset, and Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay. Both are unmissable, jaw-dropping experiences.

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Adam Fraiel

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Pair of lorikeets at Bird Paradise in Singapore.
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Bird Paradise Guide Singapore – All You Need to Know

Hey, do you like birds? Yes you! Sure, leviathan creatures of the deep are cool, and land-loving critters can be cute, cuddly and ferocious in equal measure. But birds are the connoisseur’s animal of choice; a feathered favorite of poets, painters and romantics down the centuries. After all, what other beast can sing as sweetly, or make potential suitors swoon with their flamboyant displays of technicolor plumage? We know, we know: meerkats are pretty entertaining too. But have you ever seen one fly? No, dear reader, you have not. And, now we’ve reeled you in, here’s all you need to know about Bird Paradise in Singapore, an awesome tropical aviary that's among the very best in Asia. Bird Paradise: the Lowdown Part of Singapore’s epic Mandai Nature Reserve, which also includes the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Wonders attractions, Bird Paradise is the 21st-century successor to the country’s long-running Jurong Bird Park. Indeed, the majority of Bird Paradise’s 3,500 or so inhabitants were painstakingly relocated here from the nearby Jurong site during 2022 and early 2023. Bird Paradise opened its gates in May 2023, welcoming bird enthusiasts and Instagram addicts eager to get up close and personal with its highly photogenic stars, among them vibrant scarlet ibises, pretty pink flamingos, majestic Philippine eagles, infectious laughing kookaburras and almost comically ostentatious Andean cocks-of-the-walk, with their brilliant orange crests. In other words, this is an attraction that more than lives up to its (very literal) name. You can easily spend a whole day exploring Bird Paradise, with a whopping 400 species to discover across 42 acres, and 10 distinct zones that include awesome walk-through aviaries, rainforests, wetlands and even a penguin habitat. Pitch up for feeding times with the pelicans, turacos, lories and lorikeets and don’t miss the daily presentations that let you experience the awe-inspiring sight of some of the world’s most successful winged predators, including white-bellied sea eagles and harris hawks, in full flight! Bird Paradise Guide: the Zones Amazonian Jewels – this authentic South American rainforest setting is where you’ll find the aforementioned Andean cock-of-the-walk hanging out with its colorful toucan, cracid and green oropendola pals. Shaw Foundation Australian Outback – say g’day to giant emus, tawny frogmouths, laughing kookaburras and other feathered critters from Down Under. This cool outback setting features aboriginal cave paintings, termite mounds and eucalyptus trees. Nyungwe Forest Heart Of Africa – Inspired by Rwanda’s dense Nyungwe Forests, this is the park’s largest zone, and fairly teems with African species. Around 80, in fact, including flamingoes, bee-eaters, grey parrots and punky turacos. Get an, ahem, bird’s-eye view from the observation tower. Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands – roseate spoonbills, American flamingoes and scarlet ibises ensure this authentic wetlands zone (complete with gushing waterfall) more than lives up to its colorful name. Kuok Group Wings of Asia – you’ll find some of Bird Paradise’s more prehistoric-looking critters here in these lovingly created Balinese bamboo groves and rice terraces. We’re talking rare black-faced spoonbills, Papuan hornbills, Australian pelicans and more. Lory Loft – hit up the Lory Loft for your kaleidoscopic fix of parrots, lories and lorikeets. Look out for the aptly-named fiesta of colors that is the rainbow parrot and try not to be hypnotized by the ice-cool stare of the blue-eyed cockatoo. Mysterious Papua – replicating the coastal forests of lowland Papua, this zone features viewing pavilions influenced by the traditional homes of the Korowai tribe, from which to view the resident southern cassowaries, palm cockatoos and colorful Nicobar pigeons. Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove – there’s an underwater kelp forest and rocky beach to explore at this, one of the world’s largest sub-Antarctic cold saltwater penguin habitats. Check out king, gentoo and Humboldt penguins, alongside feisty northern rockhoppers, with their ultra-chic punk crests. Songs of the Forest – if bathing in a symphony of birdsong is your bag, then this is the zone for you. Here’s where you can hear endangered species including straw-headed bulbuls, Bali mynahs and laughing thrushes in full throat. Bird Paradise Guide: shops and dining Now you know everything you need to know about the residents of Bird Paradise, you’ll also want to know where you can refuel and snag some souvenirs on your visit. Good news: the park has several dining outlets, including the Bird Bakery for your coffee and pastry fix, and the Egg Splash Café with its eggs-cellent menu and fun activities for kids. Food Central is on the plaza and offers a range of local favorites, like Hainanese chicken rice, in a casual setting. Alternatively peckish punters can take in spectacular views of the wetlands waterfall from the Crimson Restaurant, or join the penguins for lunch in the Cove restaurant or café. No, not literally, but you’ll be able to see them swimming through glass walls that border the underwater kelp forests. The Penguin Cove Café has a shop, too. Penguin plush toys, penguin tees, penguin stationery, penguin mugs... if you like penguins you’re going to be in clover here. It’s joined by chick-inspired merchandise at the Egg Splash Café and a plethora of bird-related souvenirs ready to fly off the shelves in the main Bird Paradise shop. Bird Paradise Tickets and Opening Hours An attraction pass from Go City includes general admission to Bird Paradise and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in Singapore. Choose an All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass for entry to Bird Paradise plus Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, Madame Tussauds and many more top Singapore attractions, tours and experiences. The park is open daily from 9AM to 6PM, with latest entry at 5PM. The easiest way to get there is on the Mandai Khatib shuttle bus from Khatib MRT station. The shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes and costs S$1 each way. Check the Bird Paradise website for more ways to get to the park. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
A group cycling in Bedok
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Things to do in Bedok Singapore

Singapore’s Bedok neighborhood occupies much of the coastal area between downtown Singapore and Changi international airport, where you’ll arrive into the country if coming by air. Home to roughly 300,000 people, it emerged as a major residential district in the post-independent period of the 1960s and 70s. Largely because of its high permanent population, there are an exciting range of things to do in Bedok Singapore. From what to buy in Bedok, to Bedok hidden gems, this is the only guide you’ll ever need to feel just like one of the locals! Things to do in Bedok Reservoir and around On the northern limits of the neighborhood, Bedok Reservoir Park has turned a vital piece of public infrastructure into an attractive place to spend some time any day of the week. Paths circle the entire ten-kilometer circumference of the lake, offering ample chances for a stroll amongst attractive greenery. There’s also a dedicated jogging track and children’s playground. Those keen to cool off by getting into the water have the option of a range of watersports, from canoeing and kayaking to sailing. Bedok Reservoir Park is also home to Forest Adventure, a Go Ape style adventure park. The largest in Singapore, it has courses suitable for adults and children, as well as four zip lines giving a unique and exhilarating view of the area. If you’ve got a head for heights or a love of flight, the nearby Air Force Museum should not be missed either. A great mix of original artefacts and multimedia displays combines with an outdoor gallery of military aircraft and missiles that will have any would-be top gun swooning with delight. But for the ultimate in aviation experiences, you’ll want to instead check out Singapore’s Virtual Reality Fighter Jet Experience. Your virtual mission will see you strapped into an F-15 or F/A-18 as you soar past some of the US’ most recognizable landmarks. What to do in Bedok with the kids It’s not every day we recommend people head to the local library. But Bedok does libraries very differently to most places around the world. In actual fact a community hub containing the neighborhood library, Heartbeat@Bedok is a good all-round tip whatever the weather. In addition to library shelves containing a quarter of a million books, the center contains a first-floor outdoor children’s play area and an eight-lane swimming pool complex with jacuzzi and wet play zone. However, when it comes to slides and rides, the 4.5 hectare Coastal Playgrove in East Coast Park is difficult to beat. Boasting Singapore’s largest outdoor play structure, the four story ‘Vertical Challenge’ play net, there’s also a twisting slide that takes kids down from the fourth floor to ground level. Here they’ll be able to splash about in the pools and water jets or head into the bamboo tunnel which forms part of the ‘nature playgarden’. If the little ones still have energy to burn, you might also consider Gogreen Bicycle Rental as a way of exploring the full extent of East Coast Park. And with park connectors and green corridor tracks linking public spaces throughout the Bedok neighborhood, hitting the saddle is a great way of exploring more widely too. Try your hand at some of Bedok’s alternative past times Whether its skateboarding, wakeboarding, fishing or gardening, Bedok’s got you covered. Stick with East Coast Park to join the skater crowd at Xtreme SkatePark. Its rails, ramps and halfpipes are the obvious place to give a frontside 180, ollie or alley oop a go. Just a short stroll away, Singapore Wake Park (SWP) gives you the chance to tackle similar tricks and stunts on the water. The country’s only cable-ski park, it has three different cable systems allowing everyone from total beginners to semi-professionals to experience the thrill of wake boarding. For the more sedate visitor, Bedok Jetty is an excellent option. Stretching for 300 meters into the Strait of Singapore, it’s a popular spot from which to take in tropical sunsets. But it’s equally well known as a good spot for anyone keen to grab rod and reel. Barracuda, stingray and rosy jewfish can all be snagged. The jetty is easy to combine with a trip to the bright flower heads of the Bougainvillea Garden, which rises gently up the sloping ground from the coast. Perhaps best avoided if you’re a hay fever sufferer, it can be admired from a distance from East Coast Beach. This marries the warm waters of the Strait with soft sand perfect for both sunbathing and sand castles. Head for Bedok’s indoor attractions Come rain or shine, Bedok’s indoor attractions should be just as tempting. Art lovers need look no further than Telok Kurau Studios. An art center housing the work spaces of around 30 artists aged from 29 to 83, it also houses the Singapore Colour Photography Society and Singapore Watercolour Society. Together, the artists and societies host regular exhibitions of their work, so be sure to check local press for upcoming dates. Shopaholics are also well catered for. The first true mall to land in Bedok, Bedok Mall still looks as elegant as ever thanks to its gleaming glass and shining metal interior. When it comes to stores, there are roughly 200 to choose between. They have a great range of fashion and lifestyle items, alongside life’s essentials and a tasty food court too. Other places to soothe the shopping habit are Bedok Point and East Village malls. Both offer typical Singaporean mall experiences. Save on Singapore’s top attractions with Go City Want to enjoy the very best that Singapore has to offer without breaking the bank? Take control of your vacation budget with Go City! Our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes let you select from a host of magical attractions whilst saving on admission. Not only do they cover things to do in Bedok, but right across Singapore, from museums and art galleries to tours and one-off experiences. So why not share your vacation photos with us by tagging @GoCity or using #GoCityPass on Instagram and Facebook!
Alex Birungi
Sentosa skyline
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7 things to do on Sentosa Island

There’s fun on tap on Sentosa, a small but perfectly formed man-made isle off the south coast of Singapore. In Malay, the word ‘Sentosa’ translates to ‘tranquillity’, and while there are plenty of peaceful pockets to be found on this tropical island, there’s also tons of stuff to see and do. Pure feel-good territory, it’s little wonder the place attracts some 20 million visitors a year. One thing’s for certain – whether you’re here for action or relaxation, or you’re visiting for a day or a week, you can be sure your time here will be epic. As for how to spend it? Here’s a round-up of some of the highlights... 1. Get to know the island on a guided tour A driving tour is a great way to discover Sentosa – you’ll be introduced to the island’s best bits from the comfort of an air-conditioned bus, while a knowledgeable guide explains the history of the isle, which was once a British military base. Your guide will also show you the top sights and attractions, talk through interesting local facts and make handy recommendations. Tours last a couple of hours and will help you narrow down what you want to do and when, so it’s a good choice for day one of your visit. 2. Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush at AJ Hackett Sentosa Skypark Here for adventure? The AJ Hackett Sentosa Skypark is the place to get your kicks. With a prime location overlooking Siloso Beach, this much-loved attraction serves up a triple whammy of adrenaline in the form of three heart-pumping activities. First up is the Giant Swing, which catapults you towards the ocean at dizzying speeds of up to 120 miles-per-hour. You can choose to brave it solo or strap in with a couple of friends or family members for support. Close by, there’s the bungee jump – Singapore’s first – which invites you to dive headfirst off the side of a 50-meter-high tower. Finally, there’s the peaceful Skybridge walkway, which offers stellar views of the island and (thanks to transparent sections of the floor) the dreamy shoreline below. 3. Meet your movie heroes at Universal Studios Singapore Part of Sentosa’s sprawling Resort World, Universal Studios Singapore makes for a brilliant day out for families of all ages. You’ll find action-packed rides, laugh-a-minute shows, your favourite characters and themed shops and restaurants, all based on smash-hit Hollywood movies and spread across seven superbly created ‘zones’ – Hollywood, New York, Ancient Egypt, Sci-Fi City, Far Far Away, The Lost World and Madagascar. There are more than 24 attractions to enjoy here, but standouts include Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon (the world's tallest battling roller coasters), Transformers: The Ride – a futuristic and super-realistic 3D experience, and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, which whisks you away on a wet and wild journey through the age of the dinosaurs. 4. Encounter creatures of the deep at Marine Life Park Marine Life Park is where you’ll find two of Sentosa’s most popular attractions – the S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark. The former is one of the world’s largest aquariums, and home to more than 100,000 underwater creatures across 800 species, in more than 45 aquatic areas. You’ll come right up close to weird and wonderful sea life, including menacing looking sharks and technicolour fish and coral formations. Our favourite feature of all? The Open Ocean Habitat – a colossal tank that’ll make you feel as if you’re walking right along the seabed. The Adventure Cove Waterpark, meanwhile, combines water-based thrills with marine life enclosures. Float peacefully down Adventure River, take a sheer drop into darkness on Pipeline Plunge, and snorkel with 20,000 fish at Rainbow Reef. Another big-hitter is Ray Bay, where you can paddle with a friendly family of silky rays. 5. Take time out to unwind Time for a little R&R? Sentosa has three man-made beaches to its name, all of which unravel along the west coast and are ideal for lounging. Siloso Beach is the busiest – a vanilla-shaded powdery swathe in the isle’s north-west. If you tire of sunbathing, there’s an endless list of sports to try here, including kayaking, volleyball and skimboarding, as well as a palm-freckled promenade packed with bars and restaurants. Further south is Palawan Beach, which is quieter and a hit with families thanks to its long, wide belt of sand. There’s a friendly resident mascot to help entertain little ones, too, known as Captain Palawan. Lastly, there’s Tanjong Beach, where you’ll find peace and quiet and a cool, boho-style beach club, depending on which end you choose to settle on. Want to up to ante on the relaxation front? There’s an impressive spa scene on Sentosa Island. The isle’s luxury hotel resorts are decked out with decadent wellness centres, where you can experience sensation showers, cooling plunge pools, and soothing body treatments. 6. Take the kids to Sentosa 4D AdventureLand Families give a thumbs-up to Sentosa 4D AdventureLand, an immersive entertainment hub that uses state-of-the-art 4D technology to wow visitors. There are three attractions to discover here, including the Extreme Log Ride – a high-speed rollercoaster simulator that takes you speeding through the jungle without leaving the theatre – and Desperados, which requires you to saddle up and battle a gang of outlaws in the middle of the Wild West. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, meanwhile, is a 4D show that lines up incredible special effects. 7. Get back to nature in Sentosa’s forests Take a breather from all the action and head deep into the tropical forests that cloak the isle’s interior and coast. Whether you’re hiking under your own steam, or you’ve opted for a guided tour with a local expert, you’re guaranteed to leave wide-eyed – tropical birds, exotic flowers, lizards, monkeys, and peacocks are just some of the gems you’ll clap eyes on in these parts. Don’t fancy all the legwork? Get a bird’s-eye look at the rainforest canopy from high up above it instead. Hop on the Sentosa Line – a slick cable car network that runs the length of the island. A round trip takes a little under 15 minutes to complete, and you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the island – and the Singapore mainland – along the way. Make BIG savings on Sentosa Island attractions Whether you want to experience as many Sentosa attractions as possible, or you’ve got a few firm favourites in mind to tick off, Go City can help. Our passes could save you up to 55% on top attractions, and everything is given the seal of approval by our travel experts. To find out more about how things work, click here.
Alex Birungi

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