Ultimate Family Travel Guide to Singapore With Children
Singapore completely surprised us, we knew it would be clean, we knew it would be safe and we knew it would be efficient and easy to navigate. That’s the reputation it has, and to be fair, it lives up to it.
What we didn’t expect was just how much fun we would have.
Singapore is often treated as a stopover city — somewhere you spend less than 24 hours stretching your legs before flying on to somewhere “more exciting.” We’ve even done that ourselves in the past. But it was time to spend longer than 24 hours here, we decided to spend 5 days in this amazing country.
It’s one of the easiest cities we’ve ever travelled with a toddler. Not because it’s cheap (it’s not), and not because it’s packed with theme parks (although there are some good ones), but because it feels designed for families. Everything works. Everything runs on time. Everything feels intentional.
From glowing futuristic gardens to indoor waterfalls, from nighttime safaris to Sentosa Island adventures, our days were full — but never overwhelming. Our daughter was wide-eyed most of the time, and yes, occasionally sticky with ice cream. But there were no full-scale meltdowns, no chaotic transport moments, no stressful “why did we do this?” days.
If you’re planning a family trip to Singapore, this guide is everything we genuinely loved, what worked, what didn’t, and what we would absolutely do again.
Table of Content
Why Singapore Is So Easy With Kids
Before we get into specific attractions, it’s worth explaining why Singapore works so well as a family destination — especially with a three-year-old, because the ease of a destination often matters more than the attractions themselves, we all know how kids can cause so much joy but also cause so much stress.
First Up It Feels Incredibly Safe
This is the first thing you notice; you don’t feel on edge. You don’t feel like you need to be hyper-alert every second like you would it let’s say western cities. The streets are clean, well-lit and organised and are only second to Japan in the cleanest places we’ve ever been. Then the public transport feels controlled and calm. There’s no aggressive traffic chaos, but the county is small… London is more than twice the size of Singapore.
After spending two weeks in Bali before this trip, the difference was obvious. Bali was beautiful, but crossing roads with a toddler felt like a tactical mission, the streets were dirty and chaotic, everything was so cheap and the people were AMAZING! In Singapore everything is the complete opposite, but along with Bali the people were AMAZING!
Everyone Speaks English
This might sound minor, but it matters. Ordering food. Asking for directions. Clarifying ingredients for allergies. Checking opening times. Everything is easy. There’s no guessing, no awkward miscommunications, no relying on Google Translate for basic conversations. It truly is an international country.
Public Transport Is Brilliant
The MRT is clean, fast and air-conditioned — which in Singapore’s humidity is a blessing. Because IT WAS HOT! but we did go at the beginning of summer, which was our fault, we didn’t think to research that before we went. SO, TOP TIP! Check the weather that time of year!
Stations have lifts. Platforms are clearly marked. Trains arrive exactly when they say they will. It’s buggy-friendly and straightforward. We used Grab taxis occasionally too, especially late evenings, and never had long waits. So, grab taxis are basically uber… Grab is more popular in Asia than here in Europe/West, it works the same but just cheaper (well we found it cheaper). Getting around never felt like a challenge.
But we also used the Big Bus hop on hop off bus services, we use this in nearly all major cities we visit due to its convivence. You can get on and off the bus as many times as you wish and it covers the entire city, what more could you ask for?.
Indoor Options Everywhere
Singapore is hot. There’s no pretending otherwise, it was around 35 degrees Celsius when we went with 95% humidity. We love the sun and heat but this was a little uncomfortable.
But what makes it manageable is the number of indoor spaces:
• Malls
• Attractions
• Museums
• Air-conditioned walkways
• Underground connections
You can hop between cool spaces without fully melting or in our case just walk through the mall to cool down. That’s a huge advantage when travelling with toddlers and you get to see some cool places or get trapped buying ice-cream.
Singapore crowd calendar
Understanding Singapore’s Busy, Moderate & Quiet Travel Periods
Singapore doesn’t really have an “empty” season — it’s a global city, major business hub, and a family favourite in Asia. But there are clear periods when hotel prices rise, attractions feel packed, and flights creep up.
🔴 Busy Periods (Expect Higher Prices & Crowds)
These are the weeks where hotel rates spike and popular attractions like Gardens by the Bay, Universal Studios Singapore and Sentosa can feel noticeably busier.
The main high-demand periods are:
Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) – One of the biggest travel periods in Asia. Regional visitors flood in and hotels increase prices.
Singapore Airshow (February) – Huge international event that fills up business hotels quickly.
March & June School Holidays – Family travel surges, especially from Southeast Asia and Australia.
National Day (Early August) – Big celebrations and fireworks draw domestic tourism.
Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix (October) – This is the most expensive week of the year. Luxury hotels can double or triple in price.
Deepavali & November FinTech Festival – A mix of cultural travel and large business conferences.
Mid-December to New Year – Christmas lights, year-end holidays, and international visitors make this peak season again.
If you’re travelling during these periods, book accommodation early — especially Marina Bay area hotels.
🟡 Moderate Periods (Typical Singapore Buzz)
These are your “normal” weeks. Singapore still feels lively, but prices are generally stable and queues manageable.
Most of:
Late January (outside CNY)
Late February (after Chingay)
Early May (outside long weekends)
July (between school breaks)
This is a good balance if you want atmosphere without peak-season pricing.
🟢 Quiet Periods (Best Value & Easier Exploring)
If you want the best chance of lower hotel rates and less crowded attractions, aim for:
Mid-April
Early to mid-May
Late August
Mid-September to early October (before F1)
These windows sit between major holidays and global events. Attractions feel more relaxed, and hotel prices tend to soften — especially midweek.
Our Favourite Things to Do in Singapore with Kids
Now onto the fun part, these are the places that stood out across our visit to Singapore — the experiences that genuinely impressed us, not just the ones that look good on Instagram.
Gardens by the Bay
If I had to recommend just one place in Singapore with kids, it would be this, gardens by the Bay feels like stepping into a futuristic nature documentary. We started in the Cloud Forest. The moment you walk in, cool mist hits your face and a towering indoor waterfall dominates the space. You slowly wind your way around elevated walkways with panoramic views of lush greenery below. At the time we visited there was a Jurassic world exhibition on which was incredible! Athena just stopped and stared.
Then it was time to move onto Floral Fantasy. This was brighter and more playful. During our visit, there happened to be a Disney-themed installation, which felt like a bonus surprise, the smells were amazing!
But the highlight of Gardens by the bay? Of course, it’s the Super tree Grove. It’s just beautiful to look at and climb up. It costs S$12 for adults and S$8 for children aged 3-12, the views once you're up there will take your breath away… it’s truly worth paying to go up there. Then the added bonus of the Super Tree Grove is light show in the evening, we found a spot on the ground, lay back and watched the towering trees glow and pulse to music. It wasn’t chaotic. It wasn’t too loud. It was just beautiful.
I feel perhaps the best thing about Gardens by the bay— the outdoor gardens are completely free. You can wander, picnic, leave early if needed, and not feel pressured. For families, that flexibility matters there is so many playgrounds and a McDonalds… We like the occasional McDonalds, and we seem to have this weird thing where we eat in every McDonalds at every new country we visit… Sad, but fun!
We love theme parks; they are perfect for adults and children alike. Our first proper family theme park experience was in Orlando, and I came away exhausted. The queues felt endless. The heat was relentless. Everything felt overstimulating, and managing small children in that environment was hard work. And now we’ve been made over 5 times and it feels easier, its our go to destination for a thrill break away from life.
So, when Universal Studios Singapore came up on our list, I was hesitant. Universal in my opinion is catered towards teens and adults but here’s the difference: it’s smaller. And that changes everything, but this is the first universal studios we’ve been to that felt aimed at all ages.
Universal Studios Singapore is compact enough that you don’t feel like you’re hiking between zones. You can walk from one end to the other without feeling defeated. With a three-year-old, that matters more than you think.
The Layout & Zones
The park is split into seven themed zones:
• Hollywood
• New York
• Sci-Fi City
• Ancient Egypt
• The Lost World
• Far Far Away
• Madagascar
Each zone has its own atmosphere, food options, restrooms and shops. That might sound standard, but it means you’re never trekking too far when someone suddenly needs the toilet or a snack, but I feel you get that at any major theme park you visit.
Our Daughter gravitated toward New York and Far Far Away — probably because of Shrek and the minions’ rides as she’s a big fan and didn’t really understand everything else. The ride themselves was great! Highly recommend! The Madagascar boat ride was gentle, colorful and ideal for toddlers. She was just tall enough for several rides, which made her feel independent rather than restricted. But there was over half the rides in the park she was unable to ride, but that didn’t stop Mummy and Daddy riding them! Chloe’s favourite was the Puss and boots giant journey and mine was Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure.
The Queues & Express Pass
In the morning, queues were manageable. By midday, they built up noticeably but never felt too long or overwhelming. Unlike Disney, Universal don’t have a lot of activities for children to do while queuing up so luckily the lines were manageable.
Singapore heat combined with queueing is not ideal. So here’s my honest advice: if your budget allows, the Express Pass is worth considering. It’s significantly cheaper than US equivalents and makes the day smoother. Less waiting = fewer meltdowns. Universal Studios Singapore Express Passes typically range from S$60 to over S$120+.
Rain Strategy (Very Important)
Singapore weather can change quickly as we found out. Outdoor rides close when there’s thunder or heavy rain. We learned this the slightly inefficient way — wandering around trying to work out what was still open, maybe we should have downloaded the app thinking about it now.
Food & Breaks
One thing that pleasantly surprised me was food pricing. It wasn’t wildly inflated compared to other parks we’ve visited, and it felt cheaper to eat in the parks than it did in the city itself. There were plenty of options — Asian dishes, Western options, snacks. And yes, there’s a Starbucks near the exit, which we absolutely used as a “parent reset” moment.
Final Thoughts on Universal with Kids
We left tired, but not overwhelmed, and that’s the difference. For toddlers, it’s manageable. For older kids, there are thrill rides. For parents, it doesn’t feel like a logistical nightmare. A Universal Studios Singapore one-day ticket prices generally start from SGD 76 to SGD 83 for adults(ages 13+) and slightly less for children (ages 4-12) which is less than some of the American parks. If you’re debating whether to include it — I would.
Night activities with toddlers are always a gamble, you’re messing with routine, you’re also messing with your sanity when your 3-year-old is running round like she has a rocket on her back at 11pm. But with that being said the Night Safari ended up being one of the most memorable experiences of our trip.
It’s not your typical zoo experience. Instead of animals sleeping in the midday heat, they’re active. You board a tram that moves quietly through open enclosures designed to replicate natural habitats. The lighting mimics moonlight — soft, subtle and surprisingly effective. You can see clearly, but it still feels atmospheric. I thought it might have been a waste of money because we wouldn’t see anything but oh boy I was wrong.
Athena was completely engaged; damn I was completely engaged!
We saw elephants moving slowly through the landscape, hyenas pacing, deer crossing paths, and small nocturnal animals you wouldn’t normally spot. There are also walking trails if your child has the stamina at that time of night or just bring a buggy, and a live show that’s genuinely impressive. Arrive early if you want good seats!
What stood out to me most was how calm it felt. It wasn’t chaotic or loud. It felt controlled — which is something Singapore does very well. Or it could be no one really wants to be out at 11pm.
So the night safari is located at Mandai wildlife reserve which is around 30 minutes from gardens of the bay. If your child loves animals, this is a brilliant alternative to a daytime zoo visit or alternatively you could buy a multiple pass that gets you into 5 amazing attractions!
If you wanted a multi ticket pass that allows you into multiple attractions, then the best one out there is Go City Pass.
The best value for money is the Singapore Multi-attraction at Mandai ticket.
Adult: S$98
Child (3-12): S$75
Is the Go City Pass Worth It for Families Visiting Singapore?
When we were planning our Singapore adventure, the idea of a sightseeing pass intrigued us — but we also wondered if it was actually worth the money, especially with a toddler in tow because we’ve had a few of these before and frankly they’ve been poor. With Singapore’s attractions being on the pricier side, getting the math right before buying was important.
After using the Go City Singapore Pass on our trip, here’s our honest take:
What the Go City Pass Includes
The Go City Pass gives you access to a bundle of Singapore attractions for one price. At the time of writing, it covers 45+ experiences, including many of the major hits:
✔ Jewel Canopy Park
✔ Sky Nets & Discovery Slides
✔ Universal Studios Singapore
✔ SEA Aquarium
✔ Singapore Flyer
✔ Gardens by the Bay (incl. Cloud Forest & Flower Dome)
✔ River Wonders
✔ Night Safari
✔ Singapore Zoo
✔ Madame Tussauds
✔ Duck & Hippo Sightseeing Tours
… and more
You have 60 days to use your pass from the date you redeem your first attraction — which gives a lot of flexibility for travel that isn’t super rushed.
How the Pass Works (Practical Tips)
Unlike some passes where you pay extra for reservations, Go City works like this:
Activate it the first time you use it
Visit included attractions within your selected days
There are two main formats:
👉 Explorer Pass – Choose a specific number of attractions (e.g., 3, 5, 7) and pick them from the list.
👉 All-Inclusive Pass – Unlimited entry to all included attractions for a set number of days (1, 2, 3, 5 days).
For families, we much preferred the Explorer format — it gave structure without feeling like a theme-park-per-hour sprint.
Real-Life Family Math: Does It Save Money?
Here’s how we looked at it during planning:
Let’s compare buying tickets individually vs. using the Go City Pass:
Attraction Individual Ticket Pass Value
Gardens by the Bay domes SGD $28–$38 Included
Universal Studios Singapore SGD $79+ Included
SEA Aquarium SGD $41 Included
Singapore Flyer SGD $35 Included
Night Safari SGD $55 Included
River Wonders SGD $40 Included
Individually, those add up quickly. Even if you only hit 4 or 5 big attractions, the Explorer Pass often saves you 20–40%, depending on the combo you choose.
For example:
✔ Universal
✔ Cloud Forest + Flower Dome
✔ SEA Aquarium
✔ Singapore Flyer
That alone would have cost us around SGD $200+ per adult, before kids’ pricing.
With the pass? Considerably less.
Later in the trip, we added lighter activities — a boat tour and Madame Tussauds — without feeling like we were constantly paying. If you only plan to do one or two big ticket items (e.g., Universal and Gardens), the pass is borderline. But once you add 3–4 experiences, the savings kick in.
So ahead of time when I was planning this trip, we have a list of non-negotiables… Attractions and experiences we wanted to visit/need to visit. Gardens by the bay was on our bucket list for years and so many other attractions were a must-do, and we calculated the total cost of all the attractions, and it was expensive! So I done some research and came across the Go City Singapore Pass, so it was a no brainer to purchase it!
Some people wouldn’t benefit from it, but others like use totally would. So if you wanted the Go City Singapore Pass you can get your Pass here. Go City Singapore Pass
The Pros (Why We Liked It)
⭐ Big Savings When You Bundle
Most of Singapore’s best-known attractions are included — so you’re not paying full price at every stop.
⭐ Flexible Window (60 Days)
If you’re not in Singapore for a tight 48-hour window, this helps. You can spread it out over your whole trip.
⭐ Great for Planning
Knowing what you already paid for helped us build every day with purpose instead of aimlessly trying to pick something that “seemed good.”
⭐ Easy Redemption
You don’t have to queue at ticket counters. Most places just scan your pass at entry.
The Cons (Let’s Be Honest)
🚫 Some Attractions Still Require Reservations
Even with the pass, spots for popular experiences (like Cloud Forest timed entries or Universal entry slots) may require advance booking.
🚫 Not All Kids’ Activities Are Included
There are a few kid-friendly attractions not in the pass, so you still might budget extra.
🚫It Makes You Feel Like You Should Use Everything
If you’re the type who wants to maximise value, you might try cramming too much in — and that’s not great when traveling with toddlers.
Is It Worth It for Families?
Yes — if you plan to do 3+ major attractions.
The math works. The convenience is real. And because the pass covers a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, you can pivot based on weather and toddler moods.
But if your trip is just Universal + Gardens + one small activity, the savings aren’t dramatic. In that case, assess based on ticket deals when you buy.
Jewel Changi
Yes, it’s in the airport. yes, it’s famous on social media. And yes, it’s free— it’s absolutely worth visiting even if you’re not flying.
The Rain Vortex the world’s tallest indoor waterfall is genuinely impressive in person; photos don’t quite capture the scale. It can get pretty busy because the Jewel is a massive shopping center spread over 10 floors with over 280+ shops and restaurants. So, there are loads of people wanting to get photos either from their holiday or their stop-over on the way home. But it’s totally worth a visit! It’s one of them attractions you need to see when you're in Singapore, full stop!
But the real magic for families is upstairs at Canopy Park, our daughter ran across sky nets suspended high above the ground, tackled giant slides and wandered through a mirror maze. All inside an airport. This all does come at an extra cost.
Is Canopy Park at Jewel Worth It With Kids?
If you’re short on time, you can easily spend 1–2 hours here without it feeling rushed or you could spend the entire day here. We spent 3 hours here just before our flight home. And because it’s air-conditioned and inside the airport, it’s a perfect last-day activity before flying home.
WE LOVED IT!
These bundles are great if you’re planning to do most of the park’s activities in one visit, we didn’t do them all. We felt deal 1 was more than enough for what we wanted to do and it was so fun! Highly recommend!
How to Choose What’s Worth It for you..
Here’s the easy way to think about it:
Best for Toddlers (3–6) Best for Older Kids (6+)
Basic Canopy Park entry Walking Net
Mirror Maze (lots to explore) Bouncing Net
Foggy Bowls & slides Hedge Maze
Top Tips Before You Go
Children under 3 typically enter for free with a paying adult.
Canopy Park has a height minimum (110 cm) for certain net attractions.
Tickets can be bought on site or online in advance for convenience.
Park is open daily, usually from around 10 am to 9 pm (check current times before visiting).
We actually went back before flying home because it felt like an attraction in its own right and it feel right to get there early the day of your flight to let the kids burn all their energy before your long flight home.
Sentosa Island
Sentosa deserves more than a paragraph, if Universal Studios is the headline attraction, Sentosa Island is the full supporting cast. Honestly I never heard of it until I started to do research of things to do in Singapore, this is where Singapore starts to feel like a holiday rather than just a city break.
The first thing you notice about Sentosa is that it feels contained, it is on an island of course! Once you’re there, you don’t feel like you’re navigating traffic, busy intersections or huge distances. Everything is designed for leisure. We took the monorail from Vivo City. Our daughter treated it like an attraction in itself, which is something I’ve learned to appreciate because kids don’t have that stress radar that us adults have, they live in every single moment.
There are other ways, you can also take the cable car, which gives panoramic views over the harbor. It’s more expensive, but if your child enjoys “experiences” that involve movement and height, it’s worth considering. Unfortunately, Chloe isn’t great with heights so we gave this one a miss. But once you arrive, the island has a very different energy from central Singapore.
Why Sentosa Works With Toddlers
There’s soooooooo much to do!
First up you have Resorts World Sentosa (North Entrance Area) This is where most first-time visitors start — it’s right by the main bridge from Vivo City, you have.
The big draw. A full theme park with: Rollercoasters, family rides, Water World stunt show & 7 themed zones. This is your “full day” attraction.
One of the largest aquariums in the world. Massive ocean viewing panel, Sharks, manta rays, coral reefs and Easy with kids.
An amazing water park to escape the Singapore heat and just relax and have some fun! It has Water slides, a Lazy River, Snorkeling with tropical fish and a Wave pool.
We didn’t visit here because once you’ve done one they all seem pretty similar but it’s a Wax museum with loads of your favourite celebrities, a Marvel 4D experience and a Boat ride section.
Sensoryscape
Sentosa Sensory scape this is a newer immersive walkway connecting Resorts World to the beaches with gardens and light features. This was shut when we were here, but it looks right up our street!
Sky Helix Sentosa is Singapore’s highest open-air panoramic ride, that lifts guests 79 meters above sea level. The gondola gently rotates while ascending, offering 360-degree views of Sentosa and the Southern Islands. Tickets typically include a non-alcoholic drink or souvenir. Yes, I had to copy that from google because Chloe wouldn’t go on it as in her words “No Thank you, I would rather swim with sharks”.
This is for you thrill seekers it has a Zipline across the island which looked incredible! Obstacle courses which would test most people and Climbing walls.
KidZania Singapore
KidZania Singapore is a brilliant indoor activity for kids who love role play and hands-on experiences. Set up like a mini city, children can try out real-life jobs such as pilot, firefighter, chef or doctor, earning and spending their own KidZania currency as they go. We didn’t visit here because Athena was too young but it looks like even I would have fun!
Harry Potter: Visions of Magic
This is an immersive experience located at Resorts World Sentosa, designed to bring the Wizarding World to life through interactive rooms, magical light effects and themed environments. It’s more of a walk-through visual experience than a theme park attraction, but fans of the series will love it! I know we had a great time, and we appreciate Harry Potter but wouldn’t call us fans but it was so worth a visit!
Beaches
Siloso Beach
The liveliest beach of them all, it’s more aimed towards adults but you can still visit with your children, maybe just not at night. It has Beach clubs & bars called Coastes, Bikini Bar, 1-Flowerhill and Ola Beach Club. Alot more social and more upbeat. We stayed away from here because we like the calmer life haha.
Palawan Beach & Tanjong Beach
These are the two beaches we spent most of our time on as they are both very family-friendly and more relaxed vibe that Siloso Beach. On Palawan beach you have the Suspension bridge, the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia which was pretty cool and both beaches had loads of beach activities & Sports. Also there is a show calledWings of Time which is a Nighttime water, fire and light show on the beach, it has Pyrotechnics, Music and Projections on water. Its a great way to close your evening.
Flights
Direct flights from London Heathrow to Singapore take around 13 hours, but for this trip we chose a one-stop flight with Qatar Airways via Doha. Our total travel time ended up being around 15 hours including a 90-minute layover in the airport.
For us personally, the stopover was actually really helpful. Flying long-haul with a toddler can feel stressful before you even leave home, so having the chance to get off the plane, walk around, grab food and reset for a little while made the journey feel much more manageable.
The main airlines flying from the UK to Singapore include Singapore Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways and Etihad. Singapore Airlines currently offers the only direct route from London Heathrow, while the Middle Eastern airlines are often cheaper and usually include a layover.
Athena has been a frequent flyer since she was born, but I completely understand that for many families this might be their child’s first long-haul flight. As parents, it’s easy to overthink how they’ll cope with such a long journey and unfamiliar environment, but honestly, kids often handle it far better than we expect.
Because Athena is over 2, she had her own seat for the journey, which made a huge difference for comfort and sleep. We were also able to keep our buggy right up until the gate before boarding, which helped massively when navigating the airport.
In total, Athena slept for around 8 hours during the journey, which honestly surprised us. The in-flight entertainment, regular meals and the excitement of travelling all helped break the flight up nicely.
Of course, business or first class would always be more comfortable if your budget allows for it, but realistically we fly economy and found Qatar Airways really comfortable compared to some other airlines we’ve flown with in the past. For a long-haul family flight, we genuinely had a really positive experience.
Where to stay in Singapore
Singapore has no shortage of “nice” hotels, in fact there are over 450+ hotels in Singapore ranging from budget to ultra luxury. One of the things that surprised us most about Singapore is how compact it is. Before we went, I was obsessing over location — trying to figure out whether we needed to be right next to Marina Bay, on Sentosa, or somewhere in between. But once we were there, we realised you’re never really that far from anything. The MRT (Trains) is brilliant, taxis are affordable, and the city just works.
That said, where you stay absolutely changes the feel of your trip.
If you want big, iconic, “this is Singapore” energy — you stay near Marina Bay. If you want beach vibes and theme parks — you stay on Sentosa. If you want a central base without the chaos — Chinatown or Orchard works beautifully.
Here are the five hotels I’d genuinely recommend for families, depending on what kind of trip you want.
Let’s be honest, this one is about the pool and views! Marina Bay Sands isn’t just a hotel; it’s part of the skyline. Waking up here feels different. You’re in the Centre of everything, and you feel it. It impressive, I’ve never seen a building like it anywhere in the world and I can see why!
The rooms are modern and comfortable, though not enormous. For a family of three, they’re absolutely fine, but if you’re used to big resort rooms, they may feel more city-sized than sprawling. You can request an extra bed, but that comes at a cost. For larger families, connecting rooms are often the better option. But overall, the rooms are nice but you're not staying here for the nice rooms you're staying here for the views and location.
The real draw is the SkyPark infinity pool on the 57th floor. Yes, kids are allowed. Yes, it’s safe. And yes, it’s as surreal as it looks in photos. It can get busy as this is probably the most booked hotel in Singapore and possibly the world.
Downstairs, you’ve got The Shoppes mall attached, which makes life easy. If you don’t fancy formal dining, there are casual food options, bakeries, and places you can grab something quick without it becoming a full event. RISE buffet is particularly good for families because it’s relaxed and varied. There are shops also but majority of them are high end designer outlets.
You’re a five-minute walk from Gardens by the Bay, which is ideal with kids because you can pop back to the room if meltdowns start. Bayfront MRT(Train) is directly underneath, which makes getting to Orchard, Chinatown or even Sentosa incredibly simple. This hotel is perfectly located!
Price-wise, expect it to start around £350 per night and climb quickly in school holidays. It’s expensive. But for one or two nights at the start of a trip? It does feel special. We only booked this for 1 night just to experience it and it was such an amazing hotel and would definitely stay here again for one-night haha.
If Marina Bay Sands is high-energy and dramatic, The Fullerton feels elegant and grounded. It’s right by the river, close to the Merlion, and walking distance to Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. You’re still in the center, but it feels slightly removed from the tourist buzz. You can defiantly feel the difference in vibe around this hotel, it feels more local than tourist if that makes any sense.
The rooms here are noticeably more spacious than many Singapore hotels, which matters if you have kids and a large number of suitcases. Interconnecting rooms are available, and the layout feels practical rather than flashy.
The pool overlooks the river and feels calmer than Marina Bay Sands. It’s not a kids’ resort pool with slides and noise, but it’s relaxed and family-friendly. Breakfast at Town Restaurant is genuinely good — lots of choice, and not just pastries and fruit.
You’re about a five-minute walk from Raffles Place MRT (Train), which connects you easily to Orchard Road or Chinatown. Taxi to Sentosa takes roughly 15–20 minutes depending on traffic.
Prices usually sit around £250–£400 per night. It’s still luxury, but not “Instagram landmark” pricing. If you want central without sensory overload, this is a solid choice.
This one is completely different! The Bus Collective on Sentosa is made up of converted luxury buses turned into hotel rooms. When we first saw it, I wasn’t sure if it would feel gimmicky but oh my it was fun! We had so much fun here, we always like to stay somewhere quirky and unique and this ticked all the boxes for us!
Each bus is air-conditioned, cleverly designed, and surprisingly comfortable. Some have bunk bed layouts, which instantly makes it exciting for children. It’s not five-star hotel luxury, but it’s memorable and it works!
The hotel itself is located right next to Changi International Airport which makes it the perfect stay for 1/2 nights when you’ve been on a long-haul flight to Singapore or a 1-night stay before you head home.
Prices usually range between £180–£300 per night.
Orchard Road is Singapore’s shopping district, but don’t let that put you off. Pan Pacific Orchard is modern, green, and beautifully designed. It feels like a city escape rather than a shopping base. It was by far the most beautiful hotel we saw in Singapore! It Stunning!
Rooms are sleek and thoughtfully laid out. Family configurations are available, and the hotel feels fresh and new rather than dated. We had plenty of space!
The layered pool decks are impressive — and because it’s not a theme-park hotel, it tends to feel calmer. The Pan Pacific Orchard hotel is centrally located so hoping on the Orchard MRT(Train) is around a five to seven-minute walk, which connects you directly to Marina Bay and other key areas, it’s perfectly located.
Expect around £250–£450 per night depending on season, this is a great “balanced” option — central, stylish, and practical.
Then we arrive at the final hotel, the one we stayed at the longest and the one we would recommend for short stays and long stays. We chose PARKROYAL Pickering because it felt like the middle ground between location, price and atmosphere — and honestly, it was perfect for us.
The hotel is located in Chinatown which means you’re five minutes from Chinatown MRT (Train), ten minutes from Clarke Quay, and about a 15-minute taxi to Marina Bay. Everything felt easy.
The hotel itself feels like it’s built into a garden. It felt on the same level as Pan Pacific Orchard but without the extra cost. There’s greenery everywhere and I spent a long time wondering the gardens in the evening just admiring where we were.
Our room was modern and calm, and it comfortably fit the three of us. A cot was provided without fuss. Storage was decent, and there was enough space for Athena to move around without feeling cramped. We were even offered a free upgrade to a larger room upon check in, but we were happy with our original choice.
The pool was ideal for families — not chaotic, not packed, but relaxed., In fact there was no one in the pool all day when we visited it. It felt like somewhere you could actually unwind for an hour rather than just tick a box.
Breakfast at Lime Restaurant was excellent. Proper hot food, Asian options, Western options, fruit, pastries — and enough variety that even a picky toddler could find something. But it did seem heavily fish focused, but we are in Singapore and I am all for trying new food but my daughter on the other hand wasn’t! Good thing they offered a great variety.
Prices hovered around £200–£350 per night when we looked, which felt reasonable compared to some other options in Singapore. If you want central, family-friendly, stylish without being overwhelming, this is a really strong choice.
Sample 3 Day Singapore Itinerary with Kids
If you only have three full days in Singapore, the key isn’t trying to do everything it’s choosing the right mix. Singapore is compact, clean and easy to navigate, but it’s also humid and packed with attractions. Overplanning is the fastest way to turn a great trip into an exhausting one.
This is how we’d structure three days if we were doing it again as a family.
Day 1 – Marina Bay & Gardens by the Bay
Your first day should feel exciting, but not overwhelming — especially if you’ve just come off a long flight.
Start around Marina Bay. Walk the waterfront, cross Helix Bridge, and stop at the Merlion for the classic photo. The whole area feels iconic without being chaotic, and it’s an easy introduction to the city.
In the afternoon, head into Gardens by the Bay. The Cloud Forest is perfect with kids because it’s air-conditioned and visually impressive without feeling like a museum. The indoor waterfall alone makes it worth it.
If everyone still has energy, explore more of the gardens or grab dinner nearby at Marina Bay Sands.
Finish the evening with the Supertree Grove light show. It’s free, it’s genuinely impressive, and it wraps up your first day with that “wow” feeling without needing tickets or long queues.
Then go back to the hotel. Don’t stack anything else on day one.
Day 2 – Sentosa Island (Choose Your Main Event)
Sentosa is where families can easily overdo it, you could spend three full days here alone so for a 3-day Singapore trip, pick one main focus.
If your kids are theme park age, make it a Universal Studios day. Arrive early, take breaks, and accept you won’t do every ride. It’s far more enjoyable when you slow down rather than chasing every queue time.
If you’d prefer something calmer, combine S.E.A. Aquarium in the morning with beach time in the afternoon. The aquarium is immersive and manageable, and Palawan Beach gives kids space to run while you reset.
Trying to combine Universal, Adventure Cove and the aquarium in one day sounds productive — but usually ends in tired meltdowns.
If energy allows, end the day with Wings of Time, the beachside light and water show. If not, head back and enjoy your hotel pool instead.
Day 3 – Zoo, Nature or Jewel Changi
For your final day, choose based on energy levels. If your family loves animals, start early at Singapore Zoo. It’s spacious, well designed and genuinely one of the best wildlife parks in Asia. Morning visits are cooler and quieter.
If you want something shorter, River Wonders is more compact and easier to cover in a few hours.
Alternatively, if you have an evening flight, spend the day at Jewel Changi Airport. It sounds unusual, but it’s an attraction in itself. The Rain Vortex waterfall, Canopy Park and indoor play areas make it an ideal final stop without adding travel stress.
It also gives kids space to move before a long flight home.
Sample 5-Day Singapore Itinerary With Kids
Day 1 – Marina Bay & Gardens by the Bay
Start your Singapore trip in the heart of the city. Begin at Merlion Park for the classic skyline views, then head up to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck for one of the best panoramas in Asia. From there, walk over toGardens by the Bay where kids will love exploring the cooled indoor domes. The Cloud Forest is especially impressive, with its indoor waterfall and elevated walkways. In the evening, stay for the Supertree Grove Light Show, which is completely free and a brilliant way to end your first day.
Day 2 – Sentosa Island
Dedicate a full day to Sentosa. If your kids are old enough for rides, spend the day at Universal Studios Singapore. For younger children or a more relaxed pace, visit S.E.A. Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the world. Afterwards, head to Palawan Beach for downtime by the sea. If you still have energy in the evening, watch Wings of Time, Sentosa’s outdoor light and water show.
Day 3 – Wildlife Parks
Singapore does wildlife extremely well. Spend the day at theSingapore Zoo, which is open and spacious with natural enclosures. Combine it with River Wonders, located next door, where you can see the famous pandas and enjoy the Amazon River Quest boat ride. If you prefer something different, consider the Night Safari, which offers a completely unique after-dark experience.
Day 4 – City & Culture
Explore another side of Singapore beyond the theme parks. Visit Jewel Changi Airport to see the spectacular indoor Rain Vortex and explore Canopy Park. Back in the city, wander through Chinatown, visit the beautiful Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and finish the day at Clarke Quay, where the riverside atmosphere is lively but still family-friendly.
Day 5 – Adventure & Views
On your final full day, take a ride on the Singapore Flyer for sweeping city views. Walk through historic Fort Canning Park, then head to East Coast Park where kids can cycle or play by the sea. If you prefer something more relaxed, spend time browsing along orchard Road before preparing for departure.
Budgeting
How Much Does Singapore Cost for a Family? (Excluding Flights)
Singapore isn’t the cheapest destination in Southeast Asia, but it’s also not as wildly expensive as people assume. The biggest cost for families is accommodation, followed by attractions like Sentosa and the wildlife parks. Food and public transport are actually surprisingly affordable.
Here’s what you can realistically expect to spend based on what we spent on our most recent trip.
3 Days in Singapore (Family of 3)
For a short three-day stay following the itinerary above, a family of three can expect to spend between £1,200 and £1,700 in total, excluding flights.
The largest portion of that will be your hotel. A well-located four/five-star hotel typically costs between £200 and £300 per night, bringing your three-night total to roughly £600–£900. Which all considering is pretty reasonable.
Attractions are the next biggest expense. If you include Universal Studios (or S.E.A. Aquarium), the Singapore Zoo and River Wonders, plus paid attractions like the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark and Gardens by the Bay domes, you’re likely looking at around £350–£450 across the trip.
Food is much more manageable. Eating at hawker (Street food) centres and mixing in a few casual restaurants will usually cost £60–£90 per day for a family, so around £180–£270 for three days.
Public transport is efficient and affordable, and even with a few Grab rides added in, you’ll probably spend no more than £50–£100 on transport in total.
That works out at roughly £400–£570 per person for a comfortable, mid-range three-day stay.
5 Days in Singapore (Family of 3)
With five days, the pace becomes much more relaxed — but naturally the budget increases. For a five-day stay following the full itinerary, you’re realistically looking at £1,900 to £2,650 in total, excluding flights.
Hotel costs will land between £1,000 and £1,500 for five nights in a good four/five-star property, that greatly varies on what time of year you visit Singapore.
Attractions may total £450–£550 depending on whether you include Universal Studios, the Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari and the Singapore Flyer.
Food will likely sit between £300–£450 for the five days, again depending on how often you choose restaurants over hawker centres.
Transport should remain relatively low at around £80–£150, even with occasional taxis.
On a per-person basis, that works out to roughly £630–£880 for a comfortable five-day trip.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Singapore With Kids
Singapore genuinely surprised us as a family destination. Before visiting, we expected it to be clean, modern and easy to navigate, but we didn’t quite realise just how family-friendly it would actually feel once we arrived.
From the incredible attractions on Sentosa Island and the wildlife parks, to the food, transport and hotel options, Singapore felt like one of the easiest long-haul destinations we’ve travelled and probably our favourite destination we have visted. Everything is organised, safe, buggy-friendly and incredibly accessible, which takes away so much of the stress that can sometimes come with travelling as a family.
What we also loved is that Singapore works for so many different travel styles. You can fill your days with theme parks, aquariums and attractions, slow things down with beach days and rooftop pools, or focus on food, gardens and exploring the city itself. Whether you’re visiting for 3 days or stretching your trip to 5 days or more, there’s genuinely enough to keep both adults and children entertained without feeling overwhelmed.
Of course, Singapore isn’t the cheapest destination in Asia, but we personally felt the overall experience, cleanliness, convenience and quality completely justified the cost. With a bit of planning, it can absolutely be done as a family without needing a luxury budget.
If you’re currently debating whether Singapore is worth visiting in general ort with kids, we honestly wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it. It’s one of those destinations that manages to feel exciting, relaxing and easy all at the same time and for families, that combination is hard to beat.
