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 

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Best souvenirs to bring back from Singapore

Fed up of leaving a place with the usual cheaply-made tourist trinkets? Looking for unique Singapore gifts for loved ones back home? Fortunately, Singapore won’t let you down. Yes, you can get a molded plastic Merlion is that’s what you’re after. But with a little bit of local know-how, those looking for something more special can also find exactly that. What are the best souvenirs to bring back from Singapore? We’ve spent some time sifting through endless meters of shelf space to discover just that! Sumptuous textiles Add a Singaporean twist to your home or wardrobe by seeking out the stores and market stalls dedicated to cloth and fabric. Displaying a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional patterns, buying a cut of cloth is a great way of remembering your time in the Lion City. Singapore’s diversity means there’s plenty of choice, with designs originating from the country’s Malay, Peranakan and Indian communities all on offer. From batiks to silks, the range will likely leave you spellbound. There’s a multitude of stores to check out in Chinatown and Arab Street in Kampong Glam. Others are dotted along Little India’s Serangoon Road close to the Indian Heritage Centre. Meanwhile, high-end Holland Village’s Independent Market has a seriously cool selection of tea towels, cushions and tote bags all created by local artists. Each have a very Singapore twist, such as cushion covers honoring the city’s famed chili crab. Tea for two Tea has been at the heart of Singaporean culture since the very beginning. Just a few months after Sir Stamford Raffles claimed the island for the British Empire, it had become one of the key ports in the export of tea. Clipper ships could soon be seen loading in the port before making the months’ long journey to the docks of London. You can stop off at any street side stall to sample the highly-sugared brew that’s the mainstay of everyday life in the city. But for a more laid-back affair, you’ll have to head to Tea Chapter for a tea appreciation experience. Recreating the Chinese tea ceremony in a traditional teahouse located in Chinatown, you’ll get to sample a wide range of teas. These include the very special Imperial Gold Cassia. Made using leaves from Fuijin province in China, the delicate floral brew was even served to Queen Elizabeth II during a visit in 1989. It’s not recorded whether the queen took any back to Buckingham Palace with her, but you certainly can. Alternatively, head to one of TWG’s stores, who are constantly blending and perfecting. Look out for their Singapore Breakfast Tea, which combines green and black teas with a hint of ginger to celebrate the mixed cultural traditions of the island nation. Flower power The must-visit Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome & Cloud Forest demonstrates Singapore’s status as a garden city. But if it needed confirming, this city known for its rampant development has over 300 public parks. And that’s alongside attractions including Singapore Botanic Gardens and Mount Faber. When it comes to gifts made in Singapore, what could be better than taking a piece of this away with you? Although buying live plants can cause you issues at customs, there is still a way to have these memories close at hand long after you’ve said goodbye to Singapore. RISIS, for instance, was founded in the 1970s. Since then, this jewelry and lifestyle store has used the skills of local craftspeople to encapsulate real orchids in gold. The result is an incredible range of necklaces, bracelets, brooches and rings, as well as picture frames, sculpture and even chopsticks. Tomes with a sense of place It’s stating the obvious to say that the best Singapore souvenirs for booklovers are going to be books about Singapore! Thankfully, though small, Singapore has a thriving book industry. This means not only can you find photobooks and histories of the island, but also an abundance of children’s books and novels. Either set in Singapore or written by Singaporeans, SingLit has gone from strength to strength. Look out for the writings of Catherine Lim, Imran Hashim and poet Cyril Wong. Their books can be purchased from all the big bookstore and are sure to add a touch of class to any shelf they rest on. Old and new Meanwhile, all you history buffs out there looking for something extra special from Singapore will delight in the city’s antique stores. With a cluster on the streets running from the northern end of Orchard Road, you won’t be limited in choice either. Displaying items from all around the world, these largely independent stores have stock that ranges from coins to sofas, by way of artworks, ornaments and firearms. There are plenty of retro and vintage goods on show too. But for a gift Singapore is known for, keep an eagle eye out for Peranakan porcelain. This style of brightly-colored ceramics has a distinctly Chinese look. Much of it dates to the nineteenth century, so prices pre-bargaining can be on the steep side. More wallet-friendly modern versions can be found at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle. Their potters use the last remaining dragon kiln in Singapore to create contemporary examples of the style. Family friendly souvenirs from Singapore Relive your time on the streets of Singapore with the city’s very own version of that family favorite – Monopoly. Replacing some of the original player tokens with a T-Rex, rubber duck and penguin, streets incorporated include Connaught Drive, Orchard Road and Marina Square. Using local currency, the railway stations of the original board game have been replaced with four of Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) stations. Find it in toy shops and souvenir stores across the island. Save on Singapore attractions, spend on Singapore souvenirs Whether you’re buying for yourself or for friends and family, the best souvenirs to bring back from Singapore go beyond the tacky and cheap. Made by skilled artisans, they let you take a little of the city’s culture home with you. At Go City we’re big on memories. That’s why we work so hard to provide travelers to Singapore with savings on admission to the biggest attractions around. That way, you’ll never say you can’t afford that extra souvenir from Singapore!
Alex Birungi
Gardens by the Bay
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Singapore Night Safari Walking Trails

Singapore’s Night Safari is the world’s first nocturnal zoo, part of the epic Mandai Wildlife Reserve which also boasts Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise and River Wonders among its uber-popular attractions. The Night Safari’s whopping 86 acres of parkland houses some 100 species of night-loving creatures, with around 900 different animals to meet on its themed walking trails and tram tour. We’re talking Tasmanian devils, clouded leopards, giant anteaters, flying foxes, barking deer and more. You won’t even need night-vision goggles to spot these crepuscular critters going about their dusky maneuvers. Artificial moonlight means your eyes soon become accustomed to the gloom, allowing you to observe the inhabitants of this tropical forest during the hours of darkness, when even the slowest of lorises will be at its most active. The whole thing is open-air, too, with many curious critters often only separated from you, their human counterparts, by cattle grids. Board the complimentary tram for a 40-minute wildlife adventure complete with audio commentary, or stroll the four themed Night Safari walking trails to get even closer to the park’s residents. Our expert guide to the East Lodge Trail, Fishing Cat Trail, Leopard Trail and Tasmanian Devil Trail gives you the lowdown on what to expect from each walk. East Lodge Trail Titans of the African savannah meet majestic beasts from the Asian tropics on the awe-inspiring East Lodge Trail. This is where you’ll find cartoonish African aardvarks rubbing shoulders (or perhaps snouts) with majestic Malayan tigers and shaggy sloth bears (metaphorically speaking, of course). Compare African red river hogs with their distant babirusa cousins from the Indonesia island of Sulawesi. And see servals, spotted hyenas, bongos, white-faced owls and more peering at you suspiciously from their enclosures. Fishing Cat Trail If you’re a fan of oddball animals, this is the walking trail for you. Alongside the titular fishing cat – a small but muscular beast which, if you’re lucky, you might even see living up to its name at suppertime – you can expect to encounter spectacled owls, whistling ducks, gray-handed night monkeys and giant Asian pond turtles. Star of the show here, however, is the unbearably cute Sunda pangolin. These prehistoric-looking critters have been driven to the edge of extinction by poachers and motor vehicles – here’s your chance to see one living its best life in the safety and security of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. You’ll also spot palm civets frolicking in the vines like mini Tarzans, see the eyes of the slow loris glowing in the twilight, and hear the bone-chilling sound of the barking muntjac deer. Leopard Trail There’s more than just leopards along this trail, where animals indigenous to the Asian peninsula rule the roost. There are, as we have already established, leopards. Clouded leopards, for example, with their huge (and frankly terrifying) jaws. And leopard cats, which look a lot like domestic cats, but with pimped-up hunting skills that go well beyond your little Simba’s penchant for attacking balls of wool. Joining these formidable creatures of the night are majestic Asiatic lions from India’s Gir National Park and huge Malayan flying foxes that soar between the treetops. You can also meet inquisitive palm civets, ferociously cute bushbabies, powerful hog badgers and prickly porcupines. Tasmanian Devil Trail Further weird and wonderful beasts await intrepid night-time explorers of the Tasmanian Devil Trail, where it's all about animals of Antipodean origin. We’re talking New Zealand’s North Island brown kiwi, tree-dwelling sugar gliders, wallabies and – undisputed stars of the show here – the carnivorous critters that give the trail its name. If you’re lucky enough to reach their enclosure at feeding time, you’ll be rewarded with the bloodcurdling screeches and screams that accompany all mealtimes, as well as the spectacle of these ferocious little beasties tearing their supper to shreds in a feeding frenzy that puts larger animals to shame. Guided Tram Ride Before embarking on the Night Safari walking trails for those unforgettable up-close experiences with the animals, you should consider taking a ride on the tram. It’s a cool way to get a broad overview of the park, and means you get to catch a glimpse of some residents – including hippos and Asian elephants – that can only be viewed from the tram, not from the walking trails. The 40-minute narrated ride departs from right at the park entrance and takes you on a journey through six geographical regions, from the jungles of Southeast Asia to the Himalayas' lofty peaks. It’s included with your ticket and is the ideal appetite-whetter for your Night Safari experience. Creatures of the Night Show Also worthy of your attention is this twice-nightly show (three times on weekends) in the Night Safari Amphitheatre, in which expert handlers present a variety of the park’s animal ambassadors, such as the bearded pigs, raccoon dogs, Asian small-clawed otters and fennec foxes. Entry to the show is included with your ticket but you’ll need to book a seat at your preferred performance. You can do this via the park’s booking portal up to two hours before each presentation. Ticket Info and Opening Hours General admission to the Night Safari is included with a Singapore attractions pass from Go City, which can save you money if you plan to visit multiple Singapore attractions. The pass includes entry to the other Mandai Wildlife Reserve parks, plus Gardens by the Bay, SkyHelix Sentosa, the National Museum of Singapore, and more. Alternatively, you can buy tickets direct from the official Night Safari website, where options include multi-park tickets and other add-on experiences. The Night Safari is open daily from 7.15PM until midnight. Last entry is at 11.15PM. 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

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