Family Fun in Singapore: The Best Experiences for Parents

Ready for quality time? Discover top things to do with parents in Singapore!

Published: April 28, 2026
Family in Singapore

Travelling to Singapore with parents deserves something special. Whether you’re introducing them to this exciting city for the first time or showing them a new side of the Lion City, you want a mix of culture, relaxation and fun—no matter the pace. Luckily, Singapore’s attractions are made for making memories, from strolls in gardens to unique dining and interactive museums. Ready to find the perfect balance of enjoyment and comfort? Here’s your ultimate list of suggestions for things to do with parents in Singapore! 

Our favorite things to do with parents in Singapore include: 

  • Gardens by the Bay 
  • Singapore DUCKtours 
  • Singapore Cable Car 
  • Raffles Hotel 
  • River Wonders at Mandai Wildlife Reserve 
  • National Gallery Singapore 
  • Authentic Tea Appreciation Experience at Tea Chapter 
  • Canopy Park at Changi Airport 
  • Chinatown Heritage Centre 
  • Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve 

Gardens by the Bay  

If you want a stress-free outing that impresses everyone, Gardens by the Bay is the place. This world-famous urban oasis feels both futuristic and wholesome—a combination that delights parents and kids alike. The Supertree Grove’s impressive “trees” are even more dazzling at night, while the Cloud Forest dome transports you into a real-life misty wonderland. The Flower Dome offers something gentler, with a vibrant carousel of global blooms that change with the seasons. It’s all wheelchair- and stroller-friendly too—great news for those who prefer taking things easy. 

Take your time to stroll the boardwalks, soak up the sea breezes, or grab an ice cream and watch the boats drift by in Marina Bay. There’s plenty of shaded seating for breaks, plus the on-site cafes let you pause for a tea or a light bite. As a bonus, you’re right next door to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck—perfect if you want to add panoramic city views to your adventure. 

Singapore DUCKtours  

Seeing Singapore from land and water has universal appeal, and Singapore DUCKtours does it with quirky charm. Board an amphibious vehicle straight out of the pages of adventure comics and prepare for plenty of parent-pleasing photo ops. Your journey starts on four wheels, cruising past City Hall and the padang before suddenly splashing right into Marina Bay—no need to change seats! 

Parents have a blast listening to the engaging guides, who blend local history with just enough dad-joke humor. Every seat is a window seat, so both city sights and skyline moments feel extra special. Seniors and younger kids alike love the gentle motion and breezy pace, and the tour is a brilliant way to cover a lot in an hour. If mobility is a concern, the DUCKtours staff are always on hand to help everyone board comfortably. 

Singapore Cable Car  

If your parents enjoy a good view but prefer to skip the strenuous climbs, the Singapore Cable Car delivers soaring experiences without breaking a sweat. Ride smoothly between Mount Faber and Sentosa, with sweeping vistas of Harbourside greenery, city towers and ships dotting the sea. The cabins are clean and air-conditioned, offering a cool escape from Singapore’s tropical sunshine. 

It’s not just about stunning sights; the cable car drops you straight onto Sentosa Island, where you can explore attractions at a relaxed pace. Pack a picnic or enjoy lunch with a view at Arbora Hilltop Garden & Bistro—order the seafood laksa pasta or a chilled coconut shake to make it memorable. For active families, Sentosa has easy-access beaches and manicured gardens just steps from the station. 

Raffles Hotel

Raffles Hotel

History-loving parents will appreciate a luxurious pause at Raffles Hotel, Singapore’s legendary colonial-era landmark. Strolling under its tall palm trees and whitewashed arches feels like stepping back in time. Even if you’re not staying the night, you can take a guided heritage tour or pop into the grand lobby to admire its gleaming chandeliers and old-world elegance. 

No visit here feels complete without trying the famous Singapore Sling at the Long Bar. The ambiance is relaxed, with slow ceiling fans, old photographs and a tradition where you toss peanut shells right onto the floor. If cocktails aren’t your parents’ style, Tiffin Room’s afternoon tea—complete with silver stands of scones and curries—is a treat. The peaceful courtyards and shaded verandas let you linger over conversation in true Singaporean style. 

River Wonders at Mandai Wildlife Reserve  

For animal lovers looking for something easygoing, River Wonders at Mandai is a top pick. This riverside wildlife park is home to creatures from the world’s great rivers—from Amazonian manatees gliding gracefully to China’s exclusive giant panda enclosure. Well-marked, flat paths and plentiful shaded zones make for a comfortable visit at any speed. 

The park’s Amazon Flooded Forest dome is a family favorite. Peer beneath the water to see playful otters and enormous freshwater fish, or visit the Squirrel Monkey Forest for gentle close-ups with its namesake residents. River Wonders is as educational as it is entertaining—perfect for sparking those family conversations about conservation. If you’re feeling energetic, you can also hop next door to Bird Paradise or Singapore Zoo, but we recommend taking your time and soaking in the tranquil riverscapes. 

National Gallery Singapore  

Art isn’t just for the experts, and the National Gallery proves it with spaces as stunning as the exhibits. The museum itself is a dialogue between two national monuments: the old Supreme Court and City Hall. Inside, you’ll find Southeast Asian masterpieces, large, light-filled galleries and fantastic views over the Padang and Marina Bay. 

Designed with accessibility in mind, it’s a great place for parents who enjoy taking it slow. Settle into a plush armchair by a window or linger in the rooftop garden for a breath of fresh air (and a selfie or two). If your group needs a sweet treat, Gallery & Co. serves handcrafted pastries and strong, aromatic kopi with chic interior flair. Pop into the museum shops for art books and unique souvenirs—there’s always something inspiring to take home. 

Authentic Tea Appreciation Experience at Tea Chapter  

Looking to unwind? Introduce your parents to the ritual of Chinese tea with the Authentic Tea Appreciation Experience at Tea Chapter in Chinatown. This inviting teahouse blends old-world ambiance—think carved wood panels and soft lantern light—with a fascinating education in the art of tea. Your tea master will show you the proper way to brew, pour, and savor leaves from the region’s top estates. 

Choose from a fascinating menu: delicate green teas, oolongs with floral notes, or smoky pu’er. Each session is unhurried, inviting you all to unwind, chat, and embrace the timeless pleasure of a really good cup. Pair your tea with traditional snacks like crispy egg rolls or tea eggs. The atmosphere is calm and reflective—a pause in your busy city itinerary. Once re-energized, you’re just minutes from Chinatown’s vibrant temples, markets and heritage museums. 

Canopy Park at Changi Airport

Child on Walking Net at Canopy Park

Who says airports are only for arrivals and departures? Canopy Park, tucked within Jewel at Changi Airport, is so beautiful and fun that even seasoned locals return for playdates. With its lush indoor gardens, art installations and quirky play zones, it’s designed for all ages—including parents who love flowers or enjoy taking whimsical family photos. 

Enjoy dawn-to-dusk access to hedge mazes, bouncing nets, and misty garden walks high above the terminal. Take a relaxing stroll along the Topiary Walk, or snap a multigenerational group selfie beneath the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex. There are plenty of cozy cafes and gourmet hawker-style dining just steps away—ideal for a leisurely bite between exploring the greenery. 

Chinatown Heritage Centre  

Give your folks a real taste of Singapore’s past at the Chinatown Heritage Centre. This immersive museum on Pagoda Street boasts restored shop-house interiors and rooms tricked out to look just as they did in the 1950s. Like time travel—minus the bulky time machine. Expect evocative displays, touching personal stories, and detailed dioramas that put faces and voices to Singapore’s immigrant journeys. 

Parents enjoy the gentle storytelling and chance to slow down, while locals and international visitors alike pick up insights about the multicultural city’s origins. After your visit, Chinatown’s famous food stalls and tea shops are just seconds away, as is the delicious, air-conditioned Maxwell Food Centre—perfect for putting local flavors to the test with family-friendly dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and char siu noodles. 

Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve  

Bird Paradise is a riot of color, sound and activity—a delight for parents who love nature and a gentle stroll. Wander through vast, beautifully landscaped aviaries, each themed after exotic habitats such as the South American Pampas or lush African rainforests. Friendly staff and thoughtful design make navigation a breeze, so everyone can relax and soak in the sights at their own pace. Everywhere you turn, there are bursts of vibrant feathers, playful parakeets swooping past, and melodious calls creating an almost magical atmosphere. 

One of the best features? You can get surprisingly close to the action at Bird Paradise. Take a seat at the Keeper’s Talk for fun stories about the clever hornbills or linger at the feeding stations, where brilliant lorikeets sometimes land right near your shoulder. If you need a break, the aviary’s shaded seating and peaceful gardens invite you to rest and watch the world flutter by. With plenty of cafes on hand and paved paths suitable for all ages, parents can enjoy a relaxing adventure surrounded by nature’s finest performers. 

 

Singapore offers countless ways for families to share special moments, no matter their interests or energy levels. Whether you’re exploring the gardens, enjoying a vintage high tea, or discovering wildlife wonders together, each of these experiences is guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face. With so many options to suit every pace, you and your parents are all set for a trip filled with connection, discovery and, of course, a little bit of fun in the sun. Happy exploring! 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Bird Paradise or SkyHelix Sentosa vs. Gardens by the Bay 

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®   

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.   

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City® – just choose a pass to get started!   

Powered by AI

This article was generated with the help of AI to provide accurate and up-to-date information. The Go City team has reviewed and curated the content to ensure it meets our quality standards for accuracy and relevance.

Continue reading

The colorful Kampong Glam district in Singapore, with the golden dome of the Sultan Mosque visible behind the palm trees.
Blog

Things to do in Kampong Glam

One of Singapore’s hippest ‘hoods, Kampong Glam is an Instagrammer’s dream, all colorful 19th-century shophouses, cute cafés, chic boutiques, vibrant street art and heritage grandeur. Take a stroll along this buzzy district’s atmospheric lanes with us as we take a deep dive into the coolest things to do in Kampong Glam. Kampong Glam and How to Get There Once ruled by super-wealthy Malay sultans, Kampong Glam is known as Singapore’s Muslim district, its magnificent 200-year-old gold-domed mosque a gleaming beacon above the labyrinth of streets and alleys that surround it. The sultans may have long since departed but this treasure trove of heritage buildings, eye-popping street art and beautiful Peranakan buildings in sunset reds, lime greens and turmeric yellows still bear a certain regal charm. Being tucked handily between Chinatown and Little India, Kampong Glam is easily walkable – it would take around an hour to stroll east out of Chinatown to Kampong Glam and then onward to Little India. This timeline of course assumes the impossible, i.e. that you won’t be tempted to pause for delicious dumplings, souvenir shopping and perfect photo opportunities along the way. Alternatively, buses serve many nearby roads including Victoria Road and Beach Road, or you can hop on the super-efficient automated MRT metro. The Green Central Line will take you direct to Bugis station, from where it’s a short walk to the heart of the Kampong Glam action. Things to do in Kampong Glam Start your Kampong Glam sightseeing trip with a stroll through the streets, getting an eyeful of the funky street art that adorns nearly every available surface: in Arab Street alleys, on hotel facades, even on the sides of several museums! Look out for works by internationally acclaimed artist Ernest Zacharevic, especially along Victoria Street towards North Bridge Road, and spot pieces by mural maestro Didier ‘Jaba’ Mathieu on Arab Street, the side of the Cuturi Gallery and elsewhere. Muscat Street’s Gelam Gallery takes the theme and runs with it, filling two sides of a narrow back-alley with a technicolor explosion of works from artists including PrettyFreakyFantasy, Liyana Farzana, Helene Le Chatelier and local legend Slacsatu. Of course, no Kampong Glam itinerary would be complete without a visit to the splendid Sultan Mosque, commissioned by the first Sultan of Singapore in the early 19th Century. Its opulent golden dome, ornate parapets and vast prayer hall are among the most admired features, but look out too for the glass bottle ends that decorate the base of each domes, contributed by lower-income Muslim families during the mosque’s construction. The Malay Heritage Centre adds further color to Kampong Glam’s rich history with historical artifacts, interactive exhibitions and occasional cultural performances held inside what was once the royal palace of the Singapore sultans. Or, for something altogether more quirky, mosey over to the Vintage Cameras Museum, where the fascinating collection of over 1,000 cameras dates back as far as the late 19th Century and includes examples of spy cameras and cameras used as weapons during the Second World War. You can’t miss this one: the facade itself is designed to look like a vintage camera and there’s a colorful painting of a camera-toting dude by Singapore artist Ceno2 on the side of the building. Kampong Glam Shops Putting the ‘glam’ in Kampong Glam, Haji Lane is an impossibly narrow lane crammed with cool indie boutiques, cute cafés and hip bars. This is where you’ll find in-the-know Singapore fashionistas shopping the latest styles, while arty types browse for one-off avant garde jewelry pieces. Arab Street and Bussorah Street are where you can explore seemingly timeless antiques stores like Dwiz and Grand Bazaar. These absolute treasure troves of Turkish goods and handicrafts including ceramics, textiles and intricate mosaic lamps are stalwarts of the neighborhood. Meanwhile, you’ll find the most exquisite hand woven antique rugs and carpets in family-run stores including the mighty Samad & Sons and Amir & Sons. Kampong Glam is also a hub for Singapore's best-loved perfume businesses, where oils, unguents, fragrances, balms and more can be bought ready-made or customized to your own personal tastes. Head to Sifr Aromatics’ fabulous laboratory-like emporium on Arab Street to have your own blends of scents created and bottled to take away in delightfully decorative vessels. Royal Fragrances and Aljunied Brothers also merit a stop to sniff and purchase some of their scent-sational products. Ceramics are big business here too, and you’ll find plenty of fine local pottery at Supermama’s on Beach Road. Pick up something blue-tiful from their signature Singapore Blue range of plates, saucers, cups and more and browse the kaleidoscope of other souvenirs including homewares, candles and more. Kampong Glam Restaurants Gourmands rejoice! Kampong Glam is among Singapore’s top foodie destinations, with a deliciously decadent hotch-potch of cuisines to explore, from Malaysian to Indonesian, Swedish to Singaporean. Authentic Indonesian fare is the name of the game at Sari Ratu, an unpretentious eatery on Pahang Street that serves up some of the best nasi padang in Asia, as well as sticky peanut satay, zingy lamb rendang and impossible-to-resist beef tendon curry. Head over to Arab Street’s Fika Swedish Café & Bistro for halal meatballs. Yep, you read that right: enjoy these perfectly moreish meaty treats with roasties and a dollop of lingonberry jam. Cheap and cheerful with street tables in view of the Sultan Mosque, Kampong Glam Cafe serves no-frills Malay favorites to hungry tourists, students and locals. Try curry served with homemade rotis or a warming bowl of mee rebus for the win. Hit up tiny, trendy Brine for French-Japanese fare that includes dishes such as charred cauliflower with hummus, spicy sambal octopus, and braised beef cheeks with couscous. Fans of baked goods will not be disappointed by the Kampong Glam food scene either. Mother Dough is Singapore’s premier purveyor of almond croissants – and not without good reason. Get there early to avoid disappointment. Meanwhile, pop culture mavens will delight at the names of some of the sweet treats to be found at Guilt and The Fabulous Baker Boy. Guilt’s menu of kooky cookies includes the Tinder Surprise, a vanilla choc chip cookie that’s wrapped around a decadent double chocolate fudge brownie with salted caramel. Then there’s the Fifty Shades of Grey with its orgasmic combination of Earl Grey tea, creamy white cocoa butter, pistachios, sea salt and honeycomb toffee. The Fabulous Baker Boy is no slouch in the name game either, with signatures including the very lemony Beyonce (inspired by her Lemonade album, of course) and The Ed Sheeran Carrot Cake, for which no further explanation is necessary. Tuck in! 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
Friends by a Ride at Universal Studios
Blog

After the Park: Singapore’s Top Free Finds Next to Universal Studios

The adventure continues outside Universal Studios, and your bank account will thank you!
festivals in singapore
Blog

Festivals in Singapore

Singapore is a melting pot of so many beautiful cultures, so it's no surprise you'll find dozens of festivals there throughout the year. If you're visiting this beautiful country and want to join in the festivities, you'll need to know when they are, what they're about, and what you can expect to do and see during them. So, let's talk about festivals in Singapore. We've run our fine-tooth combs through the wealth of offerings to find the very best ones you won't want to miss. So, without further ado, this is our guide to the best festivals in Singapore! And by the by, this list is in chronological order. So you'll find your early-year ones at the top and your later-year ones at the bottom! Enjoy! Including: Pongal Chinese New Year Thaipusam Lantern Festival Hari Raya Puasa and more! Pongal When: January 15 - January 18, 2023 This four-day festival is widely celebrated by the Indian population of Singapore, as it originated there. Dedicated to the Hindu god of the sun, Surya, Pongal is honored to bring wealth and a rich harvest to the people. Head to Singapore's Little India, and you'll find it ablaze with lights, celebrations, and events. It's customary to exchange gifts and wear new clothes during Pongal, so bear those in mind if you want to get in on the festivities. Chinese New Year When: January 22, 2023 Chinese New Year is celebrated all over the world, and in Singapore, it's no different. In 2023, the big day falls on January 22, so expect Chinatown to be full of fun and fancy! This year is the Year of the Rabbit, and people born in these years are said to be witty, ingenious, and vigilant. You can be all of those things, too, believe it or not. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Expect to find plenty of red and gold decorations, dancing in the streets, and lively processions to boot. And, like with many of these festivals in Singapore, gifts are often exchanged. Because gift-giving is fun, and fun is all we have in this cruel, cruel world. Thaipusam When: February 5, 2023 'Thai' is a month in the Tamil calendar. 'Pusam' is the name of a star in the night sky. What do you get if you combine the two together? Thaipusam, of course! And you can bet your stars that Singapore's burgeoning Tamil population will celebrate it with abandon! Over the festival, you'll see those taking part walk from Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple to the Sri Thendayuthapani Temple, carrying all sorts of symbols of divinity, but the celebration itself actually takes place over two days. Lantern Festival When: February 5, 2023 Taking place on the fifteenth day of the Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival is unsurprisingly celebrated by lighting paper lanterns and letting them drift up into the sky. It's one of the most popular festivals in Singapore, so if you're visiting at the beginning of February, you're sure to see some of these bright tributes floating in the air. Head to Chinatown to get the best views of the festivities. If you've never seen countless lanterns lighting up the sky, you're in for a treat. Hari Raya Puasa When: April 21 - April 22, 2023 Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. So it's no surprise that the following day is called the 'day of celebration'! Following a month of fasting, you can understandably expect plenty of delicious food making the rounds. On the holy side of things, many Muslims also flock to local mosques, visit the graves of their forebears, and wear new clothes to signify the purity and renewal that comes in the wake of Ramadan. If you're a Muslim and visiting Singapore at the back end of Ramadan, you'll be pleased to know you can share Hari Raya Puasa with others! Vesak Day When: May 5, 2023 Don't worry, Buddhists, we see you. And thankfully, you're catered to too here, thanks to Vesak Day. For those that don't know, Vesak Day marks the enlightenment and death of Buddha. And, given its melting pot of cultures, you'll find many Buddhists celebrating Vesak Day in Singapore. Meditation and charity are the name of the game here, which gives believers a chance to look inward and take part in some nice self-reflection. Duanwu Festival When: June 22, 2023 More commonly known as the Dragon Boat Festival around the world, Duanwu Festival is another celebration of Chinese origin. Falling on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Chinese calendar, it's been celebrated for thousands of years. As you may expect from the Dragon Boat Festival, it primarily consists of dragon boats racing one another. Pretty cool! Even onlookers can enjoy the day, thanks to the food and rice wines often consumed from the sidelines. Hari Raya Haji June 28 - July 2, 2023 Another Muslim festival, Hari Raya Haji is dedicated to the character of Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his first-born son Ismail as an act of obedience to Allah. Sacrifice plays a huge role over Hari Raya Haji, with volunteers from mosques sacrificing goats, sheep, and cows on the holy day. A third of the meat from these animals is given to people that need it most. The rest is given to the families of those who sacrificed their animals. Singapore National Day When: August 9, 2023 No matter your religion or cultural background, August 9 is a special day for Singaporeans. It's the country's National Day, and it draws massive crowds from all over the world every year. Expect massive parades, choreographed dance, and plenty of other festivities to enjoy! Diwali When: November 12, 2023 And finally, we end our guide to festivals in Singapore with Diwali, the biggest celebration in the Hindu calendar. Marking the return of Lord Rama to his kingdom, it represents the triumph of good over evil. But what does it mean for you, oh traveler? Well, plenty! Plenty of fireworks, bright clothes, and dancing. Little India will be buzzing all day, so make sure you go down there and check it out! And that rounds out our guide to the best festivals in Singapore! Looking for more fun things to do on your vacation? Go City's got you covered. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience the best of Singapore for one low price, and fit them around your festival itinerary!
Dom Bewley

Have a 5% discount, on us!

Sign up to our newsletter and receive exclusive discounts, trip inspiration and attraction updates straight to your inbox.