Top family-friendly activities in Singapore

Top family-friendly activities in Singapore

Families. They're the best. They support us through our hardest times, and help us celebrate our victories. They are the backbone of our civilization. But sometimes, planning for a family can be tough. Will the kids dig exploring a destination's culture? Will the grown-up want to ride waterslides all week? How do you juggle all the responsibility without physically exploding? Just, ka-boom. No more vacation. No more you.

It's simple, really; just read our picks of the top family-friendly activities in Singapore. You've already clicked through, so the hard part is over. Now? Time for adventure.

Including:

  • Sentosa
  • Gardens by the Bay
  • Universal Studios Singapore
  • Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin
  • Virtual Room Singapore
  • and more!
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Sentosa

Why don't we begin with one of Singapore's most popular tourist destinations? You may already know about Sentosa. In fact, it may already be at the very top of your itinerary. However, if you're unaware of Sentosa's awesomeness, let's explore why it's one of the top family-friendly activities in Singapore.

Sentosa is an island paradise carefully curated to please pretty much everyone. Found just off the coast of southern Singapore, it prides itself on offering 50 unique experiences that'll delight both kids and grown-ups alike. From waterparks to indoor skydiving, plus plenty of relaxing beaches and delightful restaurants, it has anything a vacationing family needs to have a great time. Will you even want to leave? Only time will tell.

Adventurous families should test their mettle on the Giant Swing and Skybridge, which combine fantastic views with death-defying feats! Or settle in for some thrilling entertainment at 4D AdventureLand. That's just a taste; enjoy the full meal when you visit.

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Gardens by the Bay

Does exploring over 101 hectares filled with 1.5 million plants sound like a good time for your fam? If you need some green on your vacation, you can't beat a visit to Gardens by the Bay.

You'll explore indoor and outdoor gardens, lakes, conservatories, huge sculptures, artwork, and more. Its beauty is so widely known that you might even recognize it - many films and TV shows have filmed scenes amid its luscious flora. In fact, with an experience dedicated to the blockbuster movie franchise Avatar on display, you can join in on the cinematic fun!

And be sure to check out the Flower Dome, the world's largest glass greenhouse. Inside, you'll find displays representative of five continents, including 1000-year-old olive trees. And make sure you don't miss Cloud Forest - a display that takes you up into the clouds, with striking mountain views and a diverse range of plants.

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Universal Studios Singapore

Speaking of cinematic fun, it doesn't get much more cinematic than Universal. A titan of the movie industry, you probably see at least one Universal movie every year. With such a massive cast of colorful characters calling the company home, why not go meet them at Universal Studios Singapore?

Kids will love family-friendly rides like Puss In Boots' Giant Journey, Enchanted Airways, and Madagascar: A Crate Adventure. They'll get to meet their favorite characters from Sesame Street, as well as the minions, everyone's favorite weird yellow things. Well, maybe not yours, but your kids love them. Trust us.

For the larger kids, yes, including you adults, there are also a number of fantastic rollercoasters to ride in the Transformers and Jurassic Park universes, and when you're all tuckered out, settle down for some delicious food to refuel.

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Nature Kayaking Adventure at Pulau Ubin

If you want to add a little physical exercise to your family-friendly activities, why not take the fam on a nature kayaking adventure at Pulau Ubin? It's one of the top experiences in Singapore, and you will love it.

Located just off Singapore's northeastern coast, Pulau Ubin is one of Singapore's last remaining villages. As such, they live life a little in the past. And that means plenty of untouched natural beauty, clean air, and good vibes. As you set off on your kayak adventure, you'll take in Pulau Ubin's thriving mangroves, which are home to a variety of flora and fauna like herons and kingfishers.

Of course, the whole thing is guided by an expert, so they'll be able to fill you in on the village's way of life, as well as the different species that call Pulau Ubin home. Good stuff.

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Virtual Room Singapore

Kids love technology these days, and who can blame them? With fully-realized worlds literally in the palm of their hand, we'd be exactly the same if we grew up today. In fact, with gaming being the highest-earning media format on the planet, it looks like plenty of us love technology too. That's why a trip to another reality - a virtual reality - might be just the ticket for the whole family.

Up to four people can adorn their headsets and play together in a number of different games and activities. Solve puzzles, compete to win challenges, and aim to beat the game!

And, with each session only lasting 40-50 minutes, you won't have to worry about your kids' eyes going square. That's not a real thing, by the way - just something our parents made up.

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Puzzle Hunt

And finally, we end our list of the top family-friendly activities in Singapore with a little scavenger hunt. Hunt for clues, solve riddles, and complete your quest at Puzzle Hunt.

With locations in Chinatown and Fort Canning Park, you're spoilt for choice. Team up with the fam to chase down the prize before the other teams do!

But it's not all fun and games; they're learning experiences too! Each offers a unique look into Singapore's diverse culture and history, so even if you don't walk away with the grand prize, you'll walk away with the most important prize of all. Knowledge. Sweet, priceless knowledge.

And that's our list of the top family-friendly activities in Singapore! If you're interested in things to do without the kids, or just want to diversify your vacation portfolio, check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience all the best bits of Singapore for one low price!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Shopping Singapore
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Shopping in Singapore

By Mia Russell One of the world’s best shopping destinations, Singapore is a shopaholic’s heaven! The bustling city offers everything from electronics to clothing at affordable prices. The variety is mind-boggling, and you can indulge in luxury brands on Orchard Road or find ethnic treasures at one of the many craft markets. There’s something around every corner. Shopping in Singapore is so much more than just buying things. It’s a showcase for the multicultural diversity within the city and the different worlds in which retail and heritage meet. From the vibrant Tanglin Mall Bazaar packed with vintage treasures to the sleek international flagship stores along Orchard Road, you’ll be immersed in the rich dichotomy that this incredible city-state is famous for. Best Places for Shopping in Singapore Singapore is a shopper’s paradise with an unimaginable array of places to shop. From the bustling markets on Pagoda Street in Chinatown to the world of electronics at Funan IT mall, here are some of the best places to shop in Singapore. 1. Orchard Road Home to mega malls, designer boutiques, and local and international department stores, Orchard Road is the most famous spot for shopping in Singapore. Dating back to the early 1830s, Orchard Road began as an unnamed road lined with nutmeg plantations, fruit orchards, and pepper farms. The first department store, TANGS, was built on Orchard Road in 1958, and today, the bustling boulevard is now a retail and dining paradise. Begin your retail adventure at TANGS, one of Singapore’s oldest department stores. Designed in an Eastern style to homage to the Forbidden City, TANGS is stocked with Asian collectibles, unique souvenirs, and international brands. In stark contrast, the ION Orchard is one of the city’s most dazzling shopping complexes. Boasting over eight levels of brand stores, restaurants, and an art gallery, the famously futuristic-looking mall is one of the most popular places to shop. You’ll find high-end brand stores like Gucci and Prada and specialist stores like The Grande Whisky Collection. The ION Art Gallery hosts local and international exhibitions, and the Far East Plaza is a bargain hunter’s utopia. Another great retail haven along Orchard Road is the massive Far East Plaza. The plaza is famous for being the best spot in town to get Asian brands of apparel, accessories, and footwear at discounted prices. Top tip: If you have limited time, Orchard Road is your best bet for one-stop shopping. 2. Marina Bay One of Singapore’s most glamorous locales, Marina Bay is home to several malls such as Raffles City and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands that promise an unforgettable shopping experience. From trendy boutiques and international brand stores to state-of-the-art electronics, Marina Bay is one of Singapore’s top retail spots. Take a break from shopping and head up to the SkyPark Deck on the top of the Marina Bay Sands. Based on the 57th floor, this popular spot offers the most incredible views of the city, Marina Bay, and the busy Singapore Strait. Take a guided tour and learn about Singapore's history and enjoy a dip in the hotel’s famous infinity pool that seemingly floats over the city. Use your pass to enjoy a free drink from the CÉ LA VI SkyBar as you soak up the unbelievable views. 3. Chinatown Singapore’s Chinatown is renowned for being one of the most fascinating and vibrant places to shop in the city. Home to bustling markets, quaint spice shops, and colorful arts and crafts stalls, Chinatown is the best place to buy spices, unique gifts, antique Asian treasures, and souvenirs. Make your first stop at Ann Siang Road. Named after the wealthy businessman, Chia Ann Siang, the road is lined with rows of beautifully restored and brightly colored shophouses that blend the district’s rich history with trendy shopping and dining options. 4. Little India Colorful, vibrant, and buzzing with energy, Little India is a maze of winding lanes lined with quaint shops selling rich sari fabrics, aromatic spices, beautiful flower garlands, and antique jewelry. The Mustafa Centre is the main mall in the district and is famous for being one of the best places in the city to shop in bulk for the lowest prices. You’ll find everything from electronics to fabrics and souvenirs and it’s also open 24 hours, 7 days a week, so you can shop until you drop at all hours of the day. Other good places to explore in Little India include Serangoon Road and its many little side street shops, and the Little India Arcade. Take a break from shopping and visit the Indian Heritage Centre to learn about the rich history of India and South Asia. Located in the heart of the Little India Heritage District, the museum has themed galleries displaying a wonderful array of artifacts and objects relating to Indian and South Asian heritage. 5. VivoCity Situated on the HarbourFront, VivoCity is Singapore’s largest shopping mall and is hailed as the ultimate shopping, entertainment, and lifestyle destination. Boasting over a million square feet of retail space, this megamall is jam-packed with an array of brand-name stores from Chanel to Marks & Spencer, and everything in between. VivoCity is more than just shopping – it’s also home to four food courts, a wading pool, an amphitheater, and the world’s largest cinema. There is also an open-air playground on the second floor and a rooftop sky park for the kids to burn off some energy. 6. Haji Lane If it's quirky boutiques and trendy designer stores you’re looking for, make your way to Haji Lane. Renowned for being one of the best street shopping places in Singapore, the famous narrow street in this Arab Quarter is lined with quaint vintage stores and chic boutiques. From vintage cameras and stylish apparel, you’ll find a spectacular range of unique items, gifts, and souvenirs. Some of the top spots on Haji Lane include Fabulous Fads, Dulcet Fig, and Tangers. 7. Clarke Quay Clarke Quay is a beautiful riverside quay that is home to a clutch of historic warehouses that have been transformed into glamourous shops, fancy waterfront restaurants, and sleek nightclubs. Home to designer boutiques and high-end brand stores from around the world, Clarke Quay is the best place to splurge on shopping. Top shopping spots range from Central Clarke Quay, Riverside Point, and Great World City. 8. IMM Singapore’s largest outlet mall, IMM in Jurong is a bargain hunter’s paradise! Home to over 80 outlets offering up to 80% discount all year round. You’ll find big brand apparel names like COACH, DKNY, and Sacoor, as well as local labels like Charles & Keith. The mall also has several home décor and furniture stores for all your interior designing needs. 9. Tanglin Mall Bazaar Vintage lovers and retro nuts will love the Tanglin Mall Bazaar on Tanglin Road which is packed with second-hand apparel and accessories, nostalgic CDs and vinyl, and other quirky items. There is also a fantastic food court with a wide range of delicious fare. 10. City Plaza One of the oldest malls in Singapore, City Plaza is a budget bazaar for locals and tourists alike. Five floors are full of stores selling clothing, accessories, electronics, makeup, and footwear with some of the most popular shops including Whitefiction, PEONY Collection, and the Power Photo Store. Top Tips for Shopping in Singapore If you are planning a trip to Singapore with the sole aim of shopping, head to the city between May to July for the Great Singapore Sale. You’ll find massive discounts and fantastic bargains. If you have limited time for shopping, choose a spot with many shops or malls to get everything under one roof to save time. Look out for shops that have ‘GST Refund’ or ‘Tax-Free Shopping’ signs – keep all your receipts and claim back the tax when you get home. If you are buying large appliances or electronic items, make sure to check that your purchase has an international warranty. Shop with your own recyclable bags and help save the environment.
Go City Expert
Traditional boat on the Singapore River near Clarke Quay
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A guide to the Singapore River

Stop for a visit to Singapore and the first thing you’ll notice – after the skyscrapers and warm, humid air – is that there’s a lot of water. Rivers, harbors and canals are the lifeblood of this city, bringing trade, tourism, and tranquility to its many green and quiet spaces. At the heart of it all, snaking its way west to east from the Kim Seng Bridge the Singapore Strait, is the Singapore River. Now lined with vibrant shopping districts and dazzling sky scrapers organized around three main quays, this two-mile stretch of fresh water has been indelibly linked to Singapore’s history and livelihood from its days as a remote fishing village to the internationally recognizable metropolis it is today. Read on to find out more about: Its history Robertson Quay Clarke Quay Boat Quay The Marina Things to do History The history of the Singapore River dates back many centuries to when the ‘Lion City’ was a small fishing village inhabited at various points by traveling (or invading) fisherman from China, Malaysia, India, Java and other neighboring countries. It wasn’t until Sir Stamford Raffles arrived in 1819 that serious development began, and it grew into a large city with a well-connected trading port. The first quay was built in 1823 and large warehouses were built all along the Singapore River to house goods and merchandise being imported and exported by sea. Other industries – such as finance – thrived on this success, but it took its toll on the waterways. Pollution and congestion became so bad that in 1977 the Prime Minister launched an ambitious ten-year clean-up project. Hotels, green spaces and sewerage were installed, and most of the trade was moved out to Keppel Harbor to make way for the tide of tourism now flooding into the city. Nowadays, The Singapore River forms the backbone of social and commercial life in the city, with vibrant districts and glamorous promenades culminating in the spectacular vista of Marina Bay. Things to do Fortunately, the weather and daylight hours are pretty consistent throughout the year in Singapore, so it doesn’t really matter when you go. It’s always going to be humid, so undoubtedly the best way to experience the river is on it, where fresh breezes and water spray will cool you down. River Cruises in traditional bumboats will take you gently around the quays and the Marina for perfect waterfront pictures, or for something more adventurous try a Duck Tour in an amphibious vehicle. If you prefer two wheels, there are some great bike tours that take in all the river’s major attractions, or you could just hire a bike and do your own exploring. If you need some family fun, try a Puzzle Hunt in Fort Canning, or if you need a rest and fancy some ‘high’ life, grab a drink at the Ce La Vi SkyBar in the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, where you can look back and marvel over the entire length of the river and out to the sea. Cruise around Singapore with Go City Whether you prefer your views from rooftop bars, traditional boats or riverside restaurants, there’s always something to see on the Singapore River. Be sure to have your Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass handy, so you’ll save on all your favorite attractions as you go!
Karleen Stevens

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