Family Holiday Guide to Singapore
Singapore packs a lot into a small space. If you’re planning a Singapore family holiday, you’ll find plenty to keep everyone entertained. One day you can be exploring futuristic gardens and eating chicken rice at a hawker centre; the next, riding roller coasters on Sentosa or cycling around leafy Pulau Ubin.
We’ve explored Singapore with our kids, and some of our favourite experiences have been the simplest: riding the MRT, finding a great bakery and letting the kids burn off energy in the gardens. The big attractions are impressive, but you don’t need a packed itinerary to enjoy a family holiday here.
This Singapore family travel guide will help you decide where to go, what to do, where to stay and how to get around, with links to our detailed guides and reviews along the way.
Prefer to browse? See all our Singapore articles here.
Explore this Singapore guide
Table of contents
- Family Holiday Guide to Singapore
- Why visit Singapore with kids?
- Singapore at a glance
- Where to go in Singapore with kids
- Things to do in Singapore with kids
- Where to stay in Singapore with kids
- Best time to visit Singapore with kids
- Getting to Singapore and getting around
- Eating in Singapore with kids
- Singapore itineraries and day trips
- Budgeting for your family holiday to Singapore
- Singapore with kids: Watch our videos
- More help planning your Singapore family holiday
- Where to next?
Why visit Singapore with kids?
Singapore is easy to plan a holiday around what your family enjoys. There are gardens and playgrounds for younger kids, wildlife encounters and theme parks for bigger adventures, and colourful neighbourhoods to explore together. You can even swap the city streets for an island outing to Pulau Ubin.
The practical side helps, too. English is widely used, and the MRT and bus network make getting around straightforward. You can explore independently, with plenty of opportunities to stop for a meal, grab a snack or take a break from the heat.
There’s also no need to fill every day from morning to night. Mix a big attraction day with a slower morning, a neighbourhood wander or an afternoon by the hotel pool. Flexibility is the secret sauce to making travelling with kids of different ages enjoyable and Singapore is quite an easy destination to be flexible in.
📖 Singapore Tourism Interview – why ease is Singapore’s family holiday super power
Singapore at a glance
| Detail | What families need to know |
|---|---|
| Destination | Singapore is an island city-state |
| Population | Approximately 6.21 million, as at June 2026 |
| Official languages | English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil |
| Time zone | UTC+8; two hours behind Brisbane |
| Currency | Singapore dollar, written as SGD or S$ |
| Electricity | 230V/50Hz; Type G sockets with three rectangular pins |
| Drinking water | Tap water is safe to drink |
| Emergency numbers | Police: 999; fire and emergency ambulance: 995 |
Where to go in Singapore with kids
Singapore might be small, but its neighbourhoods, gardens and islands offer very different experiences. You don’t need to visit every area in Singapore on one family holiday. Choose a few that suit your family, then leave yourself time to enjoy them.
Marina Bay
Marina Bay is where you’ll find Singapore’s famous skyline, waterfront walks and futuristic gardens. It’s a good place to start a first visit, with plenty to capture the kids’ attention while adults enjoy the views. Allow time to explore Gardens by the Bay rather than rushing through for a quick photo, and consider returning to the waterfront in the evening.
📖 Read our guide to Gardens by the Bay with kids
Sentosa
Sentosa is worth setting aside time for if your family loves theme parks, marine life or beach breaks. You can plan a full day around a major attraction or take a slower approach, mixing an outing with time on the sand. Be selective: trying to squeeze everything into one visit can make for an expensive and exhausting day.
Mandai
Mandai is Singapore’s main wildlife attraction area, making it a natural choice for animal-loving families. Treat it as a dedicated outing rather than something to squeeze between city sights. Choose the experiences your kids are most interested in and allow for walking, meal breaks and the tropical heat – especially if you’re considering staying out for an evening visit.
Chinatown
Chinatown offers a change of pace from Singapore’s bigger attractions, with heritage streets, temples and plenty of places to stop for food. It works well for a relaxed wander, giving kids a chance to notice the details, browse shops and try something different for lunch. Keep the outing flexible rather than expecting younger children to spend hours sightseeing.
Little India and Kampong Glam
These are two distinct neighbourhoods, each worth exploring for its food, architecture and atmosphere. Little India is a lively place for market browsing and colourful shopfronts, while Kampong Glam offers street art and streets surrounding the striking Sultan Mosque. Pick one for a short outing or explore them on separate days, with food stops along the way.
Orchard Road and the Botanic Gardens
Orchard Road and the Botanic Gardens offer two very different outings: shopping and indoor breaks on one hand, leafy paths and outdoor exploring on the other. Families can choose whichever suits their mood, or combine a morning in the gardens with lunch and some time out of the heat. For younger kids, Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is a particularly appealing reason to visit.
📖 Read more about the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden here
Katong–Joo Chiat and the East Coast
Head east for colourful shophouses, Peranakan heritage and a more relaxed coastal outing. Katong–Joo Chiat is a lovely area for a food-focused wander, while East Coast Park gives kids room to move between sightseeing days. These are separate areas, so allow travel time if you’re combining neighbourhood exploring with a visit to the park.
Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin offers a very different side of Singapore, with leafy trails and a slower island atmosphere. It’s a good option for families who enjoy nature and want a break from malls and major attractions. Set aside time for the journey and exploring, and consider your children’s cycling confidence if you’re planning to hire bikes.
📖 Read our guide to visiting Pulau Ubin with kids
Things to do in Singapore with kids
Singapore’s family attractions range from big-ticket theme parks and wildlife experiences to gardens, playgrounds and island adventures. Choose a few outings your family is excited about, then leave space for slower exploring and breaks from the heat.
📖 Read our guide to Things to do in Singapore with kids
Browse our guides below for ideas, practical tips and experiences for family travel in Singapore.
Where to stay in Singapore with kids
Where you stay in Singapore can make a big difference to your family holiday. Before booking, check the maximum room occupancy and the actual beds provided. A room that sleeps four might include a sofa bed or an extra bed, and requesting connecting rooms doesn’t necessarily mean they’re guaranteed.
Nearby food, easy access to public transport and a pool for cooling off are also worth considering.
Central accommodation
For a holiday that mixes gardens, neighbourhood exploring and bigger attractions, a central hotel near an MRT station is a practical starting point. Think about the outings you’re planning and how easily you can reach them from your accommodation. Having somewhere to eat close by is also handy when everyone returns hungry after a day out.
Staying on Sentosa
Sentosa is worth considering if your plans revolve around its attractions, beaches and resort downtime. Staying on the island lets you spend more of your holiday enjoying the area, although you’ll still need to allow travel time for outings elsewhere in Singapore.
Compare room layouts and family facilities alongside the location and expect it to be a bit pricey.
Budget accommodation
If you’re hoping to keep accommodation costs down, look closely at room dimensions and bed arrangements. A compact room might work for a short stay, but feel cramped once you add luggage and a tween or teen who needs their own sleeping space.
Our family stayed at Tai Hoe Hotel near Farrer Park MRT station. Read our Tai Hoe Hotel review for a closer look at our experience and the room setup.
Island stays
An island stay offers a different pace from a city hotel and may suit families looking for a quieter part of their holiday. Plan around boat transfers, luggage, meals and supplies rather than expecting the same convenience as a mainland base.
For something a little different, take a look at the tiny houses on Singapore’s Lazarus Island.
Accommodation options to compare
Once you’ve chosen an area, compare accommodation for your travel dates. Check the total price for your family, including any extra beds and breakfast, and confirm the room configuration before booking.
Our top picks for a family holiday to Singapore:
Marina Bay Sands: Iconic, with breathtaking views and a family-friendly vibe.
Shangri-La Hotel: Known for its amazing kids’ club and splash zone.
Village Hotel Bugis: Centrally located with family rooms.
Resorts World Sentosa – Hotel Michael: A perfect base for exploring Sentosa Island.
Best time to visit Singapore with kids
Singapore is hot, humid and rainy throughout the year, so there’s no season when you can leave the rain gear at home. November to January generally receives more rain, while February is usually the driest month. Even then, keep your plans flexible.
For families, a good daily routine matters as much as the month you visit. Plan outdoor exploring earlier in the day, allow time to cool off and keep an indoor alternative in mind.
If your dates are flexible, check major events, public holidays and accommodation prices before booking. Festival periods can add atmosphere to a trip, but they can also affect crowds and availability.
Family-friendly events:
- Chinese New Year (January/February): Vibrant parades, lion dances, and festive food markets.
- Hari Raya Puasa and Deepavali: Cultural festivals filled with lights, food, and celebrations.
- Christmas Wonderland (December): A magical light display at Gardens by the Bay plus a lot more. Perfect for kids!
Getting to Singapore and getting around
Getting there
Singapore is a major travel hub, with direct flights from Australia’s major cities and many other countries in the world. Qantas, Singapore Airlines, and Jetstar frequently offer deals to Singapore.
Search for a great deal on flights at Trip.com.
Check Singapore’s entry requirements before travelling. Foreign visitors generally need at least six months’ passport validity and must submit the free SG Arrival Card within three days, including the day of arrival. Submit it through the official ICA service or MyICA app.
Getting around
- MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): Cheap, clean, and efficient, the MRT is the best way to get around. Grab an EZ-Link card for easy travel or use your contactless card.
- Buses: Well-connected and air-conditioned, with clear routes and signs in English.
- Taxis and ride-sharing: Apps like Grab are widely used and affordable for families.
- Walking: Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, and pathways are stroller-friendly.
- Big Bus Singapore: Grab a ticket for the Big Bus Singapore hop-on-hop-off tour bus.
Tips for travelling with kids
- Public transport is family-friendly, but pack a foldable stroller to navigate busy stations.
- Keep a lightweight umbrella or poncho handy for unexpected rain.
- Bring water bottles to stay hydrated in the tropical heat.
Eating in Singapore with kids
Hawker centres are a handy option when everyone wants something different. Try Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat for kid-friendly classics like chicken rice and satay. One person can choose noodles, another chicken rice, and someone else a plate of dumplings. Order a few dishes to share if your kids like trying things, or keep it simple with familiar flavours.
Food courts and bakeries are also useful for quick meals and snacks between outings. When ordering, ask about chilli rather than assuming a dish will be mild.
If your family has food allergies or dietary requirements, confirm ingredients and preparation directly with the vendor. A translated allergy card can help explain what you need.
Pro tip: Don’t miss Singapore’s iconic dessert, ice kacang – a colourful shaved ice treat your kids will love.
Singapore itineraries and day trips
| Trip length | Suggested approach |
|---|---|
| One day | Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay waterfront, with meal and cooling-off breaks |
| Three days | One Marina Bay day, one Sentosa day and one wildlife or neighbourhood day |
| Five to seven days | Add the Botanic Gardens, more neighbourhood exploring, a slower day and an optional Pulau Ubin outing |
Budgeting for your family holiday to Singapore
Accommodation and attraction tickets can add up quickly when you’re travelling as a family. Start with your biggest costs – flights, somewhere to stay and your must-do experiences – then allow for meals, transport, snacks and a little extra for unexpected spending.
Plan your spending with our free Travel Budget Calculator
Our free downloadable travel budget calculator helps you bring those costs together in one place. Available for Excel and Google Sheets, it adds up your upfront expenses and estimated daily spending, so you can see your total holiday budget and how much you still need to save.
Compare attraction tickets and bundles
Before booking activities, decide which attractions your family really wants to visit. You can browse Singapore attraction tickets, passes and combo options on Pelago, with options to combine selected experiences in one booking.
Compare the bundle price with individual tickets for your travel dates, and check the child age bands, inclusions and booking conditions. A package offers good value only if you’ll use the experiences included.
Simple ways to keep costs down
- Mix bigger outings with slower days. Balance paid attractions with neighbourhood exploring, gardens and playgrounds.
- Eat at hawker centres and food courts. They’re useful for casual meals when everyone wants something different.
- Use public transport where practical. Save some room in the budget for a taxi when tired legs win.
- Compare the full accommodation cost. Include extra beds, breakfast and transport rather than looking only at the nightly rate.
- Budget for the little things. Drinks, ice-creams and snacks deserve their own allowance when you’re travelling with kids.
Singapore with kids: Watch our videos
Take a look at our Singapore videos for a closer look at the places we’ve explored with the kids.
More help planning your Singapore family holiday
Ready to put your trip together? These guides and resources will help you choose your outings and check the practical details before departure.
- Plan your activities: Explore our things to do in Singapore with kids guide for ideas and firsthand experiences.
- Still choosing a destination? Our Singapore or Tokyo comparison can help you decide which suits your family.
- Keep exploring: Browse all our Singapore articles for more guides, reviews and inspiration.
- Find official destination information: Visit Visit Singapore to explore attractions, neighbourhoods and upcoming events.
- Check entry requirements: Use Singapore’s Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) for official passport, visa and SG Arrival Card information.
- Check travel advice: Read Smartraveller’s Singapore advice before departure for updates on safety, health and local laws.
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Where to next?
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