5 Things To Do In Singapore With A Child

Aside from sampling copious amounts of food in Singapore (encouraged by my friend, Gen, who lives in the city), we did manage to fit in some activities and found Singapore to be a very child friendly city to navigate. It has an efficient transport network in the MRT and it is easy to get around with a pushchair. Here is what we did with our daughter (who was 19 months old at the time).

SINGAPORE ZOO

A trip to the world famous Singapore zoo is a must! We went to the daytime zoo rather than the Night Safari (which is excellent) but not ideal for a small child who is usually in bed when it is just kicking off.

Giraffes at Singapore zooOrangutan at Singapore zoo

Singapore Zoo is impressive and was perfect for Mrs T (and us too). She loved looking at the animals, learning a fair few new names along the way (hippo, giraffe, zebra). All the animals are really easy to view and they have lots of space to roam too which is always reassuring. There are several walk through exhibits and there were a number of small monkeys roaming above us in the treetops near the Orangutan area which allowed us to see them up close. Although seeing the rhinos indulging in a ‘personal moment’ was maybe a bit much (sorry had to include this pic)!

X Rated action with rhinos at Singapore zoo

Zebras, Singapore Zoo

There are daily animal feeding events and different shows like one put on with the elephants where we could see the animals in action and get a wealth of information from the zoo rangers too. Our highlight was seeing the rare and very beautiful White Tigers.

White Tigers at Singapore ZooWhite Tiger gets fed, Singapore Zoo

We did a lot of walking but there is a little tram which can take you from section to section as well as a river safari. It was rather hot wandering around (as you’d expect in Singapore) but if you are after a cool down head for the polar bear enclosure.

Polar Bear at Singapore zoo

Singapore Zoo is a MUST for children (and as you’d expect in Singapore, the food is pretty good at the onsite food court too).

COST (in Singapore dollars):  Under 3’s – Free, Children 3-12 – $18 (£8.50), Adults – $28 (£13.50), Senior Citizens – $12 (£5.75)

IMG_6143 By the White Tigers

CHINATOWN

If you are after a bit more history and heritage from your Singapore trip then head down to Chinatown. Not only will you find a Hindu and Buddist temple but you’ll also have the opportunity to try some authentic Chinese street food, buy some Chinese tat (well, why not) and have a general wander around.

China town, Singapore

There are places serving beer if you want to rest your weary feet and a pedestrianised area which makes it better to navigate with children. It is very easy to get there via the underground network (MRT) – which in itself is a bit of an adventure for children AND air-conditioned. Just head for the ‘Chinatown’ stop.

Hindu temple in Chinatown, Singapore

MARINA BAY SANDS HOTEL

One afternoon we headed to the Marina Bay Sands hotel. It is allegedly the world’s most expensive building costing an estimated £3.4bn!!  Worth checking out if only to see the opulence money like that can buy. You may know the building as ‘the one with a ship on top’. This part is called the SkyPark which houses an infinity swimming pool (for guests only), bars, a club and two restaurants – including one run by local celebrity chef Justin Quek.

Marina Sands SkyPark SIngaporeMarina Sands Skypark Singapore

We weren’t staying at the hotel so couldn’t take a dip in the pool. For us, the best thing about this 57 storey building were the views over the city. There is an observation deck with 360 degree views (which you have to pay for) but we went for a glass of wine and some food in Ku Da Ta restaurant where we had a great view of the marina area – for free!

Marina Sands SkyPark Singapore

Family photo at the top of Marina Sands Hotel

Mrs T enjoyed herself. At one point she started pulling out some moves on the dance floor in the club/bar adjacent to the pool and loved people watching (it is quite a bustling area) and checking out the views.

Marina Sands SkyPark SIngapore Marina Sands SkyPark SIngapore

Other than the SkyPark, the huge building also has a casino and a mall development with amazing architecture AND a canal with boats – well, for that money would you expect anything less? Worth a gander!Canals inside the mall at Marina Sands

GARDENS BY THE BAY

Just a stones throw from the Marina Bay Sands complex is Gardens by the Bay. Recently opened, it is a completely man-made area which offers a new dimension to Singapore, away from the towering high rises which dominate the city. What intrigued me was the promise of ‘Supertrees’. For some reason I was expecting a large, roomy, Enid Blyton style magical treehouse. I was a little disappointed.

Super Trees in Singapore

They might be striking but Supertrees are more ‘Hunger Games’ than ‘Far Away Tree’. Their tall trunks are a cylindrical mesh of coloured metal interspersed with plants which fan out at the top. They aren’t the most beautiful of structures although at night they give off impressive light displays. They have other functions too. One houses a restaurant and two are adjoined by a 122m metre footbridge, 22 storeys up – giving excellent views over the gardens.

Gardens in the Bay, Singapore

You could spend a lot of time at Gardens by the Bay. There are acres of gardens to wander around (although with the Singapore weather, prepare to sweat)! If you are looking for a cooler area, head to the flower domes which house plants from different climates from across the world or ‘Clouds in the Forest’ which has an indoor waterfall and 35 metre mountain covered in vegetation.

COST: Much of the gardens are free but you have to pay to go in Flower Domes, Clouds in the forest and Skyway.

SHOPPING

Singapore is famed for its dozens of malls and as well as eating, another favourite pastime for the Singaporeans is to shop. As a tourist, take advantage of the competitive prices, range of products on sale and if you’re on the petite side (like me) stock up on clothes that actually fit. I have to admit, I was pretty restrained on this trip. The last time I was in Singapore, nearly seven years ago, I really went for it. On this occasion I just bought one dress…and four pairs of shoes too…well, they are so CHEAP! The great thing about the shopping malls is not only are they air conditioned so provide a cool sanctuary away from the heat and have lots of lifts, but there are also loads of stuff for the kids to do. One had this amazing balloon exhibition on display.

Balloon display in Singapore mall

They also have soft play areas, small playgrounds and loads of fun machines to go on which quickly dispense of your coins.

Shopping mall entertainment

Plus, there are great changing facilities and places to breastfeed, get hot and cold water and heat up bottles.

Singapore changing room Singapore

Singapore is perfect for families wanting to dip their toes in Asia. It is an Asian city for beginners really. Its English speaking population helps ease the stress of travelling with children but it still offers a multicultural experience. A great stop off if you are going somewhere even more far flung.

Have you been to Singapore? What were your experiences? Have you any other suggestions? As ever I would love to hear from you, just comment below. 

Wander Mum
My Travel Monkey
5 things to do in Singapore with a child


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Wander Mum

I've always loved to travel so when my two daughters came along, I didn't stop. Travelling as a family can have its ups and downs but I love showing my children the world and helping others navigate travelling with children in tow.

45 Comments
    1. Well, you’re pretty close so am sure you will at some point. It’s a pretty easy place to navigate and the food is delicious! X

  1. I haven’t been to Singapore for ages – part of a trip around Thailand and Malaysia too, but I remember loving the night safari and eating black pepper crab on Boat Quay (and cocktails in Raffles, obviously!) Really interesting to see how family-friendly it is too, although everything’s so efficient, I can imagine it would be. I’m hoping for a trip back to SE Asia next year, with a possible stopover there too so this will be perfect if I can make it back. #mondayescapes
    mummytravels recently posted…The June round-upMy Profile

    1. Thanks Trish. It’s a great city and the food is outstanding. I do wonder what it’s like actually be in the infinity pool looking at the rooftops. X

  2. That photo of the rhinos!!!! I hope they were successful seeing as how endangered they are! I have a Singaporean friend locally in SoF and she posts so many photos of fun things on FB each trip home that I’m dying to go there again. I’ve only been pre-children and many years ago when I found it rather sterile, but I think it’s got much more fun since then with Marina Bay Sands and the supertrees. I like your description as an Asian city for beginners, which of course includes most children. BTW, personal question, are you tiny or is husband enormous? You don’t have to answer if you find me impertinent, it’s just that I’ve only ever seen photos of you alone or with your daughter and the one in Chinatown took me by surprise!!
    Phoebe @ Lou Messugo recently posted…The Frenchness of GuadeloupeMy Profile

    1. Haha – not impertinent at all Phoebe! I do look particularly diddy in that picture (well, did have my flats on). Yes, I’m a shorty (5’1) BUT my husband is also pretty tall – not a giant – but there’s basically a foot in height between us! Singapore has definitely got more going on now – especially for children too. X

    1. Thank you! I bet they would love that. It’s such an interesting place. Yes, shopping is kid-friendly and air conditioned (which you need with Singapore’s humidity… Win, win!) the White Tigers were amazing to see! X

  3. I stopped over in Singapore many years ago whilst en route to Australia. I primarily remember the shopping and torrential thunderstorms! I’ve never visited with children but it sounds like there’s plenty to keep them occupied. I’m certainly intrigued by the night safari….. #citytripping
    Christine recently posted…Family walks in the Shropshire HillsMy Profile

  4. This is great. My dad lives in Singapore and we are hoping to take the little one to visit, but had no idea what might be good for toddlers in the city. #citytripping

  5. Ah this looks fab – I’ve seen a lot of posts about Singapore, and it always looks so fascinating! would love to visit someday 🙂 I quite like those “trees” too – I’ve sene pictures of them before too and they looks very interesting and quite arty. Thanks for hosting 🙂
    Wave to Mummy recently posted…London with toddlers: ZSL London ZooMy Profile

    1. We didn’t go to Sentosa although may this time around. We stayed at Pan Pacific last time. Nearer the harbour area. Staying somewhere near Orchard rd this time so will let you know how get on in next couple of weeks.

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