Singapore might be one of the most expensive cities to live in, but don't worry, we have rounded up the best and most updated list of FREE things to do with your kids in Singapore!
There's always something exciting to do with kids every weekend in Singapore, from exciting events and experiences to family-friendly playgrounds and museums!
Before you start worrying about your wallet, you will be please to know that there are many free options where you can create family fun without burning a hole in your wallet!
This list will be updated regularly with the latest free events and experiences, and new fun venues too! So bookmark and don't lose it for your next budget-friendly family fun! Before you read on, here's a list of articles that you might be interested in too!
- The Best Indoor Playgrounds in Singapore for Families
- The Best Public Pools and Water Play for Families
- The Latest Free Events in Singapore
Navigation
- Free Limited Time Family Events and Experiences
- Free Outdoor Activities for Kids
- Free Indoor Venues for Kids
Free Limited Time Family Events and Experiences
1. Celebrate the Festive Season with Sonic at i12 Katong
Venue: i12 Katong, 112 East Coast Rd, Singapore 428802
Dates: 22 Nov - 31 Dec 2024
Admission: Free, redeem obstacle course pass with min. spending
Looking for an action-packed way to spend the festive season with your family?
i12 Katong invites your family to Festive Frenzy with Sonic! From 7 to 22 December, kids aged 3 and up can take on the Sonic Obstacle Challenge Course – a high-energy, Sonic-themed adventure filled with exciting challenges like the Sea of Rings and Quintuple Steps. Conquer the course to earn a Limited Edition Sonic Badge too!
Adding to the excitement, Sonic himself will be there for special Meet & Greet sessions on every weekend this December. Bring your cameras for a memorable photo with everyone’s favourite blue hedgehog!
i12 Katong will also be hosting fantastic spend-and-redeem promotions for exclusive Sonic merchandise and more. Spend $50 to earn a free challenge pass, or up to $300 to unlock exciting rewards like a Sonic EZ-Link Card and a pair of Sonic The Hedgehog 3 Movie Premiere Pass. Weekday shoppers can even score extra F&B vouchers too!
For an added thrill, families spending $150 or more will enter a Lucky Draw for a chance to win an unforgettable 6-day, 5-night holiday to Japan for 2!
Don't miss out on the lineup of exciting Sonic activities and exclusive merchandise this December and i12 Katong!
2. Free Festive LEGO Fun this Festive Season
Venue & Date:
- Plaza Singapura: 25 Nov to 15 Dec 2024
- Westgate: 16 to 29 Dec 2024
- Junction 8: 17 to 29 Dec 2024
Admission: Free
In partnership with CapitaLand, The LEGO Group invites families and friends to join a fun adventure across three malls in Singapore. Little builders will become real-life heroes as they join Santa and his Elves on a mission to recover lost Holiday gifts. Through imaginative LEGO play, children will unleash their problem-solving skills to save the day!
Some of the activity stations include:
- The Search for Santa’s Surprises: Draw a colour card and build two festive LEGO gifts from the LEGO brick pit to match the card colour with their superpower of creativity
- Lost & Found Elves: Use the superpower of problem-solving skills in this digital game to build a path to guide lost elves back to Santa's workshop.
- All Aboard the Holiday Express: Load your gift onto the train and watch it journey across the magical tracks. Make sure it doesn’t lose any of its cargo until it reaches its destination!
- Galactic Gifts Delivery: Create a cosmic LEGO gift and launch it into space from our very own Transportation Room.
Complete these challenges to redeem an exclusive LEGO Micro Train and LEGO vouchers, while stocks last. To use the LEGO voucher, a minimum spend is required at the event.
3. What's In That Cloud?
Venue: PIP's PLAYbox
Dates: 13 - 22 Dec 2024
Admission: Free
What's In That Cloud is a multi-sensory installation brought to life with rhythm, music, and movement, specially created for babies and toddlers – and the grown-ups they bring along for the ride!
Meet the mystical Sun Fish at Silver Cloud Lake as they bless little fish on this very special day.
Please note that the 9.30am show is designed for infants and pre-walkers. The 10.30am and 11.30am shows are suitable for all toddlers up to 3 years old. We encourage all participants to wear long pants and grip socks.
4. Elmo and Cookie Monster at HarbourFront Centre!
Venue: HarbourFront Centre
Dates: 1, 5 and 22 Dec 2024, 2 pm and 3 pm
Admission: Free with min. spending required
Visit HarbourFront Centre for a Sesame Street Jolly Christmas. Featuring a Sesame Street theme inflatable playground at Level 1 Atrium. Get an access ticket with min. spending (from $80 min. spending depending on tier).
On selected days, families can also spend to redeem tickets to the Elmo and Cookie Monster’s birthday party or get a pass to the Elmo and Cookie Monster meet & greet (no min. spending required, available on a first-come-first-served basis)!
5. Catch the Christmas Light-Up at the Christmas on A Great Street at Orchard Road
Venue: Various locations along Orchard Road
Date: November 2024 to January 2025
Admission: Free
Get ready to immerse your family in the holiday magic as Christmas on A Great Street returns to Orchard Road this festive season. Starting on 9 November 2024, Singapore's iconic shopping district will be transformed into a winter wonderland, filled with dazzling lights, captivating performances, and fun activities for the whole family.
Be sure to visit the two Great Christmas Villages—one at Shaw House Urban Plaza and the other at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza which will open to the public on 8 November and 10 November respectively. Besides carnival rides, there will be live performances by local buskers and bands on weekends at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit.
A standout this year is an outdoor 14-metre-tall Mastercard Priceless Christmas tree which will be the centrepiece of the Great Christmas Village at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza. Visitors will be enchanted with a magical four-minute programmed snowfall show around the tree at 8pm and 9pm from 10 Nov 2024 to 1 Jan 2025.
6. Enjoy A Sweet Christmas This Year with Twinkle & Treats at Plaza Singapura
Date: 22 November – 25 December 2024
Venue: Plaza Singapura
Admission: free with paid activities
Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with a month-long festive party featuring Orchard Road’s first-ever pink-themed light show spanning 170 meters and Singapore’s largest ice cream-inspired igloo!
Snap some photos and take home cherished keepsakes as Plaza Singapura transforms its level 1 frontage into a magically pink wander-land. With pink lights adorning every tree and breathtaking setups, you’ll find endless opportunities to capture picture-perfect moments
Step into the Pink Igloo Village, the ultimate Christmas hideout. Adorned with stunning decorations, it features highlights like a life-sized twinkling snow globe and a whimsical Igloo Sprinkle Pool. These charming spots provide the ideal backdrop for your family’s holiday photos!
You'll also be amazed by Plaza Singapura’s first-ever Christmas lights show, happening every Friday to Sunday evening from 22nd November to 15th December and every evening from 20th to 25th December. Shows start at 7.30 pm, 8.30 pm, and 9.30 pm.
7. Changi Airport celebrates 50 years of Hello Kitty
Venue: Changi Airport Terminal 3
Dates: 1 Nov 2024 - 1 Jan 2025 (Hello Kitty Festive Wonderland and Snow Show), till 16 Feb 2025 (Carnival and Water Park)
Admission: Free
This year-end holiday season, Changi Airport is turning up the magic with the fifth edition of the Changi Festive Village, celebrating Hello Kitty’s golden jubilee in the most kawaii way. Fans of the adorable Sanrio characters can immerse themselves in a festive wonderland bursting with cuteness, as Hello Kitty and Friends take centre stage for a celebration packed with fun, laughter and unforgettable moments.
Step into Terminal 3 (T3) Departure Hall and marvel at Hello Kitty Festive Wonderland, featuring a breathtaking 8-metre-tall Hello Kitty topiary, surrounded by her beloved friends, including My Melody, Kuromi, Cinnamoroll, and Pompompurin. Then, join in the fun as you take a joy ride over a 7-metre-long rainbow slide.
Throughout the celebration, fans can look forward to exclusive meet-and-greet sessions on weekends, allowing them to get up close and snap photos with their favourite Sanrio characters. Spend S$50 (S$80 in supermarkets and Jewel) in a single same-day receipt at participating retail and F&B outlets in Changi Airport public areas to reserve a meet-and-greet pass using the Changi App.
To add to the festive spirit, daily snow shows will create a winter wonderland, making every visit special!
8. Blast from the Past! at Singapore Discovery Centre
Venue: Singapore Discovery Centre
Dates: Now till 3 Jan 2024
Admission: Free
9. Anchors Aweigh! at Singapore Navy Museum
Venue: Singapore Navy Museum
Dates: 7 Dec 2024
Admission: Free with paid activities
Enjoy a festive Christmas at the Singapore Navy Museum's Anchors Aweigh! with excitingly fun to-dos and activities for families to bond together! Highlights include
- Otto's Tentacle Takeover: Dive into a quirky interactive exhibit featuring the famous marine creature.
- Navy Fit: Discover your Navy personality through a fun exploration game.
- Be a Junior Naval Officer for a Day: Step into the shoes of a Navy officer and experience life at sea.
-
Plus more exciting Navy-themed activities!
10. Jet, Set, Joy! at Singapore Air Force Museum
Venue: Singapore Air Force Museum
Dates: 7, 14 and 21 Dec 2024
Admission: Free
Come celebrate Christmas at Jet, Set, Joy! happening across 3 days at the Singapore Air Force Museum! Go on an adventure trail, shop at the Christmas market and even get a chance to meet with Santa Claus too!
- CPT Ted’s Xmas Adventure: Embark on a whimsical journey with Captain Ted to recover Santa’s lost presents.
- Soaring Stories: Be inspired by heartfelt tales of bravery from RSAF veterans.
- Xmas Marketplace: Find unique handmade gifts from talented local artisans.
-
Santa Claus Meet & Greet: Snap a festive photo with Santa himself!
11. Explore a Magical Bamboo Forest at Downtown East
Venue: Downtown East
Dates: 29 Nov 2024 - 12 Feb 2025
Admission: Free
Discover a 75m bamboo forest maze installation at Downtown East that combines play with purpose, incorporating 12 engaging activity zones crafted to be tactile, interactive, and visually captivating. Each zone is thoughtfully designed to impart fascinating insights into the world of bamboo and pandas, creating a playful yet educational experience for young adventurers.
Families can look forward to foam obstacles; a ball pit; a mirror maze; cute photo ops and hands-on activity areas within the maze; and admission is free!
Don’t miss the chance to meet our beloved panda mascot as it hands out heart-shaped candies for a delightful holiday treat! Families can also redeem the cutest black-and-white panda gifts with purchase – including a charming panda tote bag and compact UPF 50+ panda umbrella, along with a matching gift wrapper.
12. Christmas Carolling and Snowfall at The Capitol Singapore Singing Tree
Venue: Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza
Dates: 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 20, 21 and 22 Dec 2024
Admission: Free
Voices of Singapore (
Held at the Capitol Singapore Outdoor Plaza, this annual tradition offers an exciting and diverse line-up of choirs and musical ensembles, lighting up the season with joyful melodies. Every weekend evening, audiences will be treated to multiple 30-minute sets of Christmas classics, performed by various VOS choirs and guest performers. All performances are FREE!
- 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15 Dec 2024: 6.30 pm, 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm
- 20, 21 and 22 Dec 2024: 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm
Adding to the festive cheer, experience artificial snowfall every 30 minutes, lasting 10 minutes each, creating a magical experience as the choir performs at the Singing Tree. Audience members can also explore the Capitol Singapore Christmas Market at the Outdoor Plaza, featuring unique offerings, intricate crafts, and charming gift ideas.
13. Explore the Worlds Around You: A Think! Contemporary Primary School Exhibition
Venue: Level 1, The Engine Room, SAM at Tanjong Pagar Distripark
Date: 2 Nov 2024 to 1 Jan 2025
Admission: Free
Step into the creative minds of 10-year-olds with Worlds Around You: A Think! Contemporary Primary School Exhibition at the Singapore Art Museum (SAM). This 12th edition of the Think! Contemporary programme features imaginative artworks by students from six primary schools, responding to pieces from SAM’s exhibitions. Through themes like Singaporean culture, self-image, and digitalisation, these young artists offer unique perspectives on the world around them. The exhibition showcases a variety of mediums, including clay, fabric, plaster, and prints.
For more information and a deeper dive into the artwork, visit SAM’s website.
14. Heartland Countdown Parties: Festive Fun Close to Home
Location: 17 Neighbourhoods (e.g., Ang Mo Kio, Tampines, Woodlands)
Dates: 31 December
Time: Evening festivities, fireworks or drone shows at midnight
Admission Fees: Free
Join your local community at 17 heartland celebrations featuring live performances, carnivals, food booths, and dazzling fireworks or drone displays. More information about the celebrations will be announced later.
Residents of Ang Mo Kio, Bedok, Bishan, Boon Lay, Bukit Batok, Bukit Panjang, Choa Chu Kang, Hougang, Jalan Besar, MacPherson, Marine Parade, Marsiling, Yishun, Punggol, Tampines, Queenstown and Woodlands can look forward to ushering in the new year in their neighbourhoods.
15. Marina Bay: Iconic Fireworks and Light Shows
Location: Marina Bay
Dates: Throughout December, with the main event on 31 December
Time: Evening onwards, fireworks at midnight
Admission Fees: Free
As part of the Marina Bay Countdown 2024, Marina Bay promises a mesmerising New Year’s Eve experience with stunning fireworks over the bay and a series of exciting activities. Enjoy live performances at the Esplanade, captivating light projections at The Fullerton Hotel, and the immersive illumi exhibition at Bayfront Event Space.
The specially choreographed fireworks displays, with a total duration of 30 minutes, will take place in four chapters starting from 11pm on New Year’s Eve, with the grand finale unfolding at midnight.
For those there for the fireworks, here are some locations that you can get the best views!
- Marina Bay Waterfront
- The Promontory
- Gardens by the Bay East
- Merlion Park
- Along Esplanade Drive
- Esplanade
- Marina Barrage (partial view)
- Helix Bridge / Sheares Bridge
- Singapore Flyer
The public can visit the Crowd@MarinaBay map for timely updates on the crowd situation on New Year’s Eve and plan their routes and activities accordingly.
16. Brightening Lives - Illuminating the Bay with Artworks from Artists with Disabilities
Venue: Facade of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Dates: 26 - 31 Dec 2024, 8 pm - 10.30 pm (every 15 mins)
Admission: Free
Returning for another edition, the inspiring Brightening Lives light projections echo the values of SG60 with uplifting artworks that encourage the community to reflect on what it means to thrive in Singapore where everyone, regardless of background or circumstance, has an opportunity to succeed.
From 26 to 31 December 2024, the facade of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore will come alive with a display of three newly commissioned artworks, in addition to five adapted artworks that speak of the spirit of a thriving nation.
Running every 15 minutes from 8pm to 10:30pm nightly (until 10:45pm on 31 December 2024), the vivid artwork projections will collectively tell a story of tenacity, resilience and progress. The story presents the aspirations and hopes of childhood which evolve as each person takes flight into the world beyond, where they blossom after overcoming each new challenge as they journey through life. Emerging from this mosaic of diverse paths lighting up the hotel facade is a unified vision to build a Singapore where everyone can grow, contribute and thrive.
17. Singapore Sports Hub: Let’s Celebrate 2025 Countdown Show
Location: Singapore Sports Hub
Dates: 31 December
Time: Fringe activities from 5pm, show gates open at 7pm, fireworks at midnight
Admission Fees: Free
Join Mediacorp’s Let’s Celebrate 2025, featuring live performances, roving acts, and the longest single fireworks display for the countdown celebrations in Singapore—a 15-minute spectacle!
The festivities kick off at 5PM with crowd-pulling acts like The Annoying Circus Comedy Show by Mr. Bee, the rhythmic beats of Bloco Singapura, a mesmerising Bubble Show by CJ the Bubble Girl, and thrilling Fire Twirlers.
From 7PM, dive into stage games and activities for a chance to win fantastic prizes, then dance the night away with live DJ sets and band performances.
When the clock strikes 12, ring in the New Year with a spectacular 15-minute firework display – the longest among all fireworks displays across this year's countdown celebration!
19. Palawan Beach, Sentosa: Family-Friendly Countdown
Location: Palawan Beach, Sentosa
Dates: 31 December
Time: Movie marathon from 7pm, countdown party from 5pm, fireworks at midnight
Admission Fees: Free
Enjoy a relaxing evening with a free movie marathon or join the family-friendly countdown party at Palawan Green, featuring music, games, and fireworks.
20. Play:Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play
Venue: National Museum of Singapore
Date: 5 Jul 2024 to 5 Jan 2025
Fee: Free Admission
Step into a world of playful nostalgia at the National Museum of Singapore’s latest showcase centred on toys and play! Come relive and connect over nostalgic childhood memories in a new toy-themed experiential pop-up titled Play:Date – Unlocking Cabinets of Play happening till 5 Jan 2025.
The Museum worked with local toy collectors and artists to co-create this immersive showcase comprising large-scale artworks, extensive toy displays, and interactive experiences to tell the fascinating stories behind some of these beloved playtime icons of the past and trace their evolution across the years.
21. Free Listings on the BYKidO SHOP
If you are looking for free trial classes or opportunities to redeem other free listings, do check out the free listings on the BYKidO Shop and register directly too!
Free Outdoor Activities for Kids
1. Visit a Massive Park Playground
There are several parks in Singapore that are also homes to massive playgrounds for endless fun. Below are a couple of our favourites where you can spend the entire day having fun (but do remember to use sunblock and drink enough water)!
There are many outdoor playground options for families, but we really highly recommend that you visit these at least once! .
1.1 Admiralty Park - Free Adventure Playground For Kids
Location: Admiralty Park @ 31 Riverside Rd Singapore 730000
Admiralty Park is the largest park in the north with a hilly terrain and a river running through it. It houses one of the largest and best outdoor playgrounds in Singapore!
The Admiralty Park Playground is built into the hilly terrain. The playground features a wide variety of exciting slides - 26 in total! From little slides to massively tall ones that go up to 3 floors high! Families will also find a range of play equipment across the Junior Play, Adventure Play and Family Play zones making it suitable for kids of all ages!
1.2. Jurong Lake Gardens - Explore Nature, Play In Dry and Water Play Areas
Venue: Yuan Ching Rd
Easily accessible from Chinese Gardens MRT and Lakeside MRT, Jurong Lake Gardens is a stunning waterfront destination great for families. It boast a number of family-friendly features such as the nature-inspired playground, water play, therapeutic garden and more!
Let the kids play to their hearts content at Forest Ramble, the largest nature play garden to be opened in the heartlands! Located nearer to the North Carpark, this outdoor playground features 13 different play areas for kids to run, jump, climb and slide - each of the play elements are nature-inspired based on the movements and actions of the animals that live in a freshwater swamp!
And over at Clusia Cove, children can experience a unique water playground experience featuring tidal patterns, surface ripples and directional currents that mimic water movement of coastal shores. The three-hectare water playground is a great place to cool off after playing in the hot sun!
1.3 West Coast Park - The Play Centre of the West
Location: W Coast Ferry Rd, Singapore 126978
West Coast Park offers one of Singapore's largest adventure playground, as well as cycling trails, picnic spots and even a camping venue, offering a great venue for families looking for weekend family fun!
The playground at West Coast Park is made up of multiple play spaces ranging from sand play, adventure play, inclusive play and so much more! There's even a flying fox area too!
2. East Coast Park - Lots to do at Singapore's Most Popular Park
East Coast Park would have made the list above, except that it deserves a list of its own! East Coast Park is definitely one of Singapore's most popular parks with lots of fun to be had in the sun, sand and sea!
The park also features multiple F&B options across the 15km stretch with many free activities that families can enjoy too!
- Visit and play at the 2 massive playgrounds at the park, Coastal Playgrove and Marine Cove
- Take a break away from the crowd at the play space, Raintree Cove
- Ride your bikes at the Road Safety Community Park
- Practice cycling at the Cyclist Park, there's also a nature playgarden located here too.
3. Play Amidst Nature At Various Playgardens Island-wide
Known as a green city, but did you know that Singapore is dotted with various Nature playgardens across island. With the NParks’ Biophilic Playgarden Plan that centres around the concept of biophilia, which refers to the nature of humans to connect with other living things, it means that only more playgardens will pop-up over time!
Below are some of our favourite playgardens - and they are all FREE!
4. Play at a Themed Outdoor Playground
This might come as a surprise to many, but did you know that we have many themed outdoor playgrounds hidden among the HDB estates around the island? From Alice in Wonderland to Battleship, take a look at our favourite themed playgrounds, and let us know if you like to recommend any other!
4.1 Alice in Wonderland at Dawson Vista
Venue: Dawson Vista, 79 Dawson Road, Singapore 141079
One of the most interesting HDB playgrounds that we have found, is the Alice in Wonderland-themed playground that is hidden among the HDB blocks and trees at Dawson Vista. While it is not as well-equiped as some of the larger playgrounds in the park, the playground is well-designed to the theme and gives one the magical feel of being inside the story!
4.2 OG Alice in Wonderland Playground at Vista Park
Venue: Vista Park, Between Blk 581 - 584 Woodlands Drive 16
The OG Alice in Wonderland playground is located at Vista Park, Woodlands. While the playground is still open to families, it has undergone several refreshes since its opening and has lost most of its original Alice in Wonderland structures. You will still find some elements from its original Alice in Wonderland design.
With these changes, the playgrounds continues to offer a great play venue with multiple play spaces with a variety of play structures and equipment suitable for different ages. It is really a hidden find where families can spend the entire afternoon exploring the different playgrounds.
4.3 Transport-themed Playground at Ubi Grove
Venue: Ubi Grove Estate
Nestled within the Ubi Grove estate, the expansive playground draws inspiration from the nearby driving school, featuring four distinct vehicle-themed play areas - there is something exciting in store for children of all ages!
Right beside DT27 Ubi MRT station lies the vibrant new Ubi Grove estate, which has a wide variety of play areas catered for all children. From the larger-than-life-sized Monster Car, to the cute little driving circuit with zebra crossings and traffic cones, it’s time to lace up those sneakers and get ready for hours of fun here!
4.4 Battleship Playground @ Sembawang Park - Pretend Play To The Fullest!
Location: Sembawang Park, Sembawang Road
Situated in the north of Singapore facing the Johor Straits, Sembawang Park is a tranquil park away from the bustle of the city. Blending nature with history, families can relive Singapore's naval heritage and play at the magnificent Battleship Playground at the park too! The playground pays homage to Sembawang's links to our naval history.
The sand-based playground will definitely excite the little ones with lots of climbing, ropes and slides to have fun on! Definitely bring along your spades and buckets for the sand play too!
4.5 Aeroplane Playground at The Oval - 2 Planes Await
Location: The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park
Come take off at The Oval @ Seletar Aerospace Park with not one, but two aeroplane playgrounds waiting for you! You will get to board the plane and even climb up the "control tower" that oversees the entire area too! While you are here, you don't want to miss the many good food and a chance to watch actual planes take off too!
4.6 Road-Safety Themed Playground @ Kampung Siglap
Venue: 10 La Salle Street, Singapore 456933
Kampung Siglap is a first-of-its-kind life skills training and retreat centre, but beyond it's "business" element, the venue is a great place for families to visit with an outdoor playground, basketball court, futsal court and cafe!
While the road-safety themed playground is not huge, the playground makes this list of best outdoor playground due the road-system circling the playground and the working traffic lights!
4.7 Train Playground at Tiong Bahru Park
Venue: Tiong Bahru Park, along Tiong Bahru Road and Lower Delta Road
The Train Playground at Tiong Bahru Park is a consistent feature in any top outdoor playgrounds, it will not disappoint with its quirky design, different play elements and definitely because it includes sand play too! It is also one of the few playgrounds with a flying fox!
It's just 5mins from Tiong Bahru MRT and there are shaded areas for families to rest in too!
5. Splash Around At These Free Water Play Venues!
Located all around the island, families can playground hop and explore the various free water play options available! You may not have expected this, but getting wet and having loads of fun can be free too!
These free water play venues are a must-visit for families! Who says getting wet and having a ton of fun must be expensive?
5.1 Oasis Waterpark @ Yishun
Venue: Next to MSCP, Blk 307 Yishun Ring Road
Oasis Waterpark @ Nee Soon East, located about a 10 mins walk away from the Yishun MRT station, is a big water park that both provides relief from sweltering weather of Singapore and entertainment with its variety of features. Divided into three main play areas, the waterpark features include water sprays and buckets, a shallow pool, and giant board games.
5.2. Jelutung Harbour Park Playground - Hidden Gem In The North
Venue: Near Blk 488/489 Admiralty Link, Singapore 750488
Nestled in the midst of a residential area, Jelutung Harbour Park is home to multiple playgrounds and a water play area, among others. Though not a vast space, the water playground with its water fountains, water guns, jet sprays, and a tiny splash bucket, are probably enough to keep the kiddies entertained for a long time. There is a small changing and shower facility next to the playground so you don't have to worry about heading home in soaking wet clothes.
If that wasn't enough fun or if your little tots rather stay dry, there are other play structures scattered around the park, which includes slides, swings, merry-go-round, and climbing nets.
5.3 Splash-N-Surf at Singapore Sports Hub - Water Play For The Young Ones Too!
Venue: Singapore Sports Hub, access via the entrance near to Gate 22 of the National Stadium
Splash-N-Surf is located at Singapore Sports Hub and is suitable for kids of all ages! The older ones can head over to the play area for splashing fun at the playground with slides and more, while younger ones can be at the wading pool where they can dip themselves in the water or go on the swings in the pool!
5.4 Play @ Heights Park - Water Play, High Elements and Sand Play Awaits!
Venue: In-front of Blk 144 Lorong 2 Toa Payoh
Opening Hours: 8 am - 9 pm (Water Playpark)
Located at Lorong 2 Toa Payoh, Play @ Heights Park is a small family-friendly park nestled within the neighbourhood with an exciting water playpark, sand playground, an high-elements play structure, tracks for scooters/bicycles and fitness equipment too!
The largest draw at Height Park will be the water play park. Kids be eager to go splashing in the water play area with splashing fountains, water sprouts and a ship structure for pretend play!
You will also find a flying fox at the sand playground and also have fun at the high-elements play structure too!
5.5 Water Play and More at Buangkok Square Park
Venue: Buangkok Square Park, between Block 986D and Block 992A
The Buangkok Square Park Water Park joins the growing list of exciting water playgrounds located at the HDB estates in Singapore. The play areas at Buangkok Square Park includes the water park and a village-themed dry playground.
The Aquatic-themed Water Playground offers families a gated space to enjoy water play and to cool off from the heat! Families will find many splash elements, including a Dragonfly spray fountain, a spray tunnel and even a mini splashing bucket too! What we like about the splashing bucket is that it is transparent, and you can know when the bucket will be tipping over (instead of waiting too long)!
There are also ample seating that circles the water park, giving parents a place to rest while having a view of the kids.
And if you don't intend to get wet, next to the water playground are 2 dry play areas that resembles huts on stilts, one is taller for older kids and the other lower for younger ones.
5.6 Waterplay Plaza at Yew Tee Lifestyle Corridor
Venue: Beneath Rail Viaduct near Yew Tee MRT towards Pang Sua Canal
Opening Hours: 9 am - 8 pm daily
Located just next to Yew Tee MRT, Waterplay Plaza is a fun, interactive water playground designed to keep families and children active, enhancing their outdoor experience. It includes a number of play elements from water sprouts to splashing buckets, that is sure to excite the little ones. So make sure to come dressed to get wet!
5.7 Others
There are other water play scattered throughout the article, including at Clusia Cove at Jurong Lake Garden and Coastal Playgrove at East Coast Park. Jump over to our list of water play venues for a consolidated list!
6. Walk With Dinosaurs At Jurassic Mile, Changi
The Changi Jurassic Mile is a permanent outdoor display of life-sized dinosaurs that includes more than 20 different pre-historic creatures displayed along the one-kilometre cycling and jogging path.
This is a free Jurassic Park adventure for the family, and one NOT to be missed! You may walk or cycle, the path connects East Coast Park to Changi Park
7. Ride Around Singapore Through The Park Connectors
The Park Connector Network connects Singapore, this includes the Round Island Route, a 150km park connector that goes around Singapore. Here are our selection of the 8 best cycling routes and nature trails in Singapore!
You may also be adventurous by cycling between different experiences too. Example, cycling from East Coast Park to the Jurassic Mile through the Changi Park Connector. If you do not have a bike, you may like to check out our list of bicycle rental across Singapore!
8. Go on a Nature Walk at these Family-Friendly Trails
On the topic of trails, if your kids are not yet riding, you may wish to head out to explore these 11 Nature Walking Trails for families! Put on your shoes and gear for an "out of the city" experience to reconnect with nature and to spend outdoor time with the kids! A great way to get off the devices and just go wild (maybe not THAT wild)!
9. Play At These Unique Playgrounds For Free
Did you know that Singapore has the largest number of playground per land area in the world? That means there is so many playgrounds that you can visit around you. Check out our list of playgrounds in the North, East or West!
If you need to narrow it down, below is a list of playgrounds that we think are unique and definitely needs to be visited at least once! There are always new playgrounds popping up, follow us on our Telegram Group for the latest updates or sign-up to our mailing list to receive our weekly newsletters!
9.1 Stilt Houses Playground at Yishun Neighbourhood N8 Park
Pictures of the new playground at Yishun Neighbourhood N8 Park received so much attention and excitment that we have to include it here! Opened in 2021, this very exciting addition features colourful "houses" on stilts and compliment the parks existing playground and facilities. The new playground allowed children to climb up and navigate across houses on stilts. There are houses on different heights for kids of different ages to conquer.
9.2 Toa Payoh Crest Outdoor Playground - Conquer The Slopes AND Slides!
Venue: Beside Blk 131 Toa Payoh Lorong 1
Surrounded by the blocks of flats at Toa Payoh Lorong 1, the Toa Payoh Crest playground is set on a slope offering various play equipments and structures that are built into the contours of the slope.
The entire play venue is padded and families can find play structures such as climbing nets and ropes, slides and hammocks to rest at! In fact, you will notice that the various play elements have made use of the slope to create an interesting play experience for kids.
9.3 Playgrounds at The Arena @ Keat Hong - Massive Play & Sports Venue In The West
Venue: Next to Blk 411 Choa Chu Kang Ave 3 & Blk 427 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4
The Arena @ Keat Hong is a sports and play venue that includes a mega playground, a ship-themed playground, futsal pitch, basketball court and a badminton court.
Confident climbers can enjoy the mega-tall playground comprises of tall towers with tunnels, rope ladder and rock walls all around! You will probably hear lots of screaming while the kids slide down the many slides available too!
For younger kids, there is a pirate ship-themed playground where they can pretend play as pirates and more!
9.4 Bird Nest Playgrounds at Rivervale Shores
Venue: 172A, 173C and 175A Sengkang East Drive Singapore 541172
Located within the new HDB BTO housing estate at Sengkang East Drive, families will be excited to know that there are 3 different adventure playgrounds suitable for young kids from 2 years old up to 12 and above!
The Rivervale Shores Playgrounds are inspired birds and bird nests with different play equipment and structures to encourage play time across all ages!
10. Explore the Many Areas of Gardens by the Bay
One of the most family-friendly venues to visit, Gardens by the Bay offers multiple attractions so that you can always visit with your little ones over and over again! From free water play to a daily evening music and light performance, from ticketed air-conditioned waterfall and rainforest to free open spaces, there is so much for families to do!
So go ahead and explore the grounds and enjoy the many free options available at Gardens by the Bay. With regular happenings, you will want to be updated on the latest events at Gardens by the Bay too! We are very sure you will find something to do at Gardens by the Bay every weekend!
11. Go Sailing with DBS Marina Bay Sailing Programme
Set sail on the SB20 (a 4-men crew boat, which is commonly used for racing) and the SM40 (which has an impressive height of about 4 storeys), and experience the view of Singapore's Marina Bay from a different perspective.
The DBS Marina Bay Sailing Programme is part of the bank's commitment to enliven the bay. Slots are highly popular and registration is required.
12. Fire Station Open House
Dates: Every Saturday, 9.00am to 9.50am and 10.00am to 10.50am
Families can visit selected Fire Station on Saturdays and experience the Fire Station Open House! The open house happens across several fire stations island-wide and you will get to watch a fire-fighting demonstration, meet the firefighters and paramedics, touch and feel various equipment, board the fire engines and ambulance, and learn more on how SCDF responds to emergencies!
Admission is free. As of 2024, the SCDF website encourages online bookings* so that the Fire Stations can plan ahead and provide guests with the best visitor experience.
*Note that the form is only available on Mon - Fri, from 9.30 am - 5 pm (excluding Public Holidays).
Free Indoor Venues for Kids
1. Learn & Play At A Family-friendly Museum
Singapore offers a good variety of museums suitable for little ones. While many of these are chargeable, there is also a good number that offers free entry for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. We have put together some of the best Family-friendly Museums and Exhibits in Singapore.
We just like to highlight some exhibitions that we really feel you will want to visit!
1.1 Keppel Centre for Art Education
Venue: National Gallery of Singapore
National Gallery Singapore offers Keppel Centre for Art Education, a dedicated space offering a world of wonder for children to learn about art through play. The popular exhibition space features new child-centric learning zones and activities that revolve around the theme of Art & Wonder: Nurturing Wonder through Play and Creativity.
So come and enjoy an immersive learning space comprising seven zones, with stimulating and interactive experiences suitable for children aged 4 – 12. Each zone offers a welcoming and nurturing environment, providing a gateway through which children can be fully immersed in the wonderment of the world of art through play and creativity.
1.2 SINGAPO人: Discovering Chinese Singaporean Culture
Venue: Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre
The Singaporean Chinese culture is unique and the SINGAPO人 exhibition takes an interactive approach to highlight Chinese Singaporean culture from food to music, as well as language and festivals. Through videos, games, and interactive stations, let the kids learn how Chinese culture in Singapore has evolved in a way quite unlike other communities around the world.
1.3 Future World: Where Art Meets Science
Venue: ArtScience Museum
Quite possibly the best exhibit in Singapore, the interactive exhibit is created in collaboration teamLab. Future World is a digital playground for families and bring visitors into a world of art, science, and magic through a collection of digital interactive installations.
Families will also get to experience 4 new interactive as part of the Exploring New Frontier installations that were added on 26 Nov 2022. As at July 2024, some sections will be temporarily closed as they are being refreshed with exciting new works.
1.4 Professor Crackitt’s Light Fantastic Mirror Maze
Photo Credits: Science Centre Singapore
Venue: Science Centre Singapore
It’s a Mirror Maze! This life-size labyrinth is filled with infinite reflections and endless hallways. Without getting lost, children are to help Professor Crackitt find his lost pet parrot, Wattnot! Now… did we come from this way or that way?
We have to warn that this can get rather frightening as you feel lost in the maze!
2. Be Bewitched at Jewel Changi Airport
A trip to Jewel Changi Airport is not just about a trip to the Mall but a full experience! While many of the attractions are ticketed, including the the Canopy Park, and the Manulife Sky Nets. But a simple trip to the mall to marvel at the HSBC Rain Vortex or to visit the Pokemon Centre might just get the kids all excited too!
3. Play at a Free Mall Playgrounds
Many of Singapore malls offer free play areas, both outdoor and indoors as well as water play too! The list of quite long, over 30 mall playgrounds in our last count, but here's our highlighted list for your consideration!
3.1 Great World Playground
Venue: Level 2, Kim Seng walk 2 Singapore, Singapore 237994
The Great World Playland is a transport-themed playground with a hot-air balloon, train and ship for the kids to pretend play while climbing and running around!
The main play equipment at the Great World Playland is a hot-air balloon play structure. The "balloon" is a metal dome with climbing nets for children to climb into. inside the dome, kids will find more climbing nets and ropes, and to exit, they simply take the metal slide to make a grand exit! Kids can also board the red choo choo train or climb up the ship too!
3.1 Dry and Wet Play at NEX Singapore
3.2 NEX
Venue: 23 Serangoon Central, Level 4R, Singapore 556083
Located at the roof-top of NEX, KidzPlay @ SkyGarden is a popular venue with families as it boast both a wet and dry play space for kids. The refreshed play space was reopened in 2023.
It offers a toddler play area, Pirate's Hangout, that features a pirate-themed main play structure. Kids can slide, swing and see-saw at this play space! There's also a water play option, Pirates Sea Adventure, where families will discover a Giant Octopus slide as well as a Pirate Ship structure for more splashing fun!
3.3 More Water Play at Waterway Point
Venue: 83 Punggol Central, Singapore 828761
Waterway Point offers Happy Park, an outdoor dry and water play area for kids to play at. It is located at level 2 where families can choose to play at the water play area where they can splash around the dipping pool or at the dry play area with slides and climbing structures. The playground is good-sized and great for the kids to run around to play catching too!
3.4 Dinosaur Play at Causeway Point
Venue: Causeway Point, Level 7, Woodlands Square, Singapore 738099
Families can expect more fun and excitement in their next visit to Causeway Point with the Dino-themed wet playground! Located at Level 7 of the mall, the playground includes slides, splashes and water sprouts designed as dinosaurs and more!
The centerpiece of the playground is an Erupting Volcano that erupts with water - splashing water on the kids waiting below! Just like the giant buckets at other popular playgrounds, the kids will definitely get excited about this.
3.5 VivoCity - Massive Open Space
Venue: 1 Harbourfront Walk, Levels 2, Singapore 098585
One of the most family-friendly malls, VivoCity boast not just family-friendly amenities and shops but a massive play space located at Level 2. The VivoCity Play Court is an outdoor playground includes wide slides and climbing structures as well as a trampoline section for kids to go jumping in! There is also a wet play section for the kids to go splashing in!
Families can also choose to dine at one of the many restaurants that circle around the playground too! But do note that the playground gets pretty hot in the afternoons!
4. Let the Kids Catch A Free Movie
Thinking of watching a movie with your kid? Did you know that Golden Village, Shaw, Cathay and WE Cinemas have a kids watch for free promotion? There are T&Cs and other limitations, but why not for a free show! Click here for more details!
Other venues that offer free movies are included below too! Where appropriate, we have included a link for you to check the latest movie screened and timings too!
- ST3PS @ Changi Airport Terminal 3: Changi Airport’s ST3PS is a communal space where you can catch free movie screenings around the clock! Check schedule here.
- Festive Plaza @ Our Tampines Hub: For a spontaneous movie date night, you can swing by Our Tampines Hub. The open-air plaza at Our Tampines Hub transforms into a movie theatre but remember to check on their Facebook page for the latest show dates and time!
- Celebration Square @ One Punggol: Families living near One Punggol will be excited to know that they can head down to catch regular movie screenings - details are posted on their Facebook page.
- Movies at Southside @ Sentosa: On selected days, you can catch a free movie screening of popular movies at Southside on Sentosa. Get the updated movie timings and dates here.
5. Kids Eat For Free At These F&B Outlets
Usually parents will still need to make a minimum purchase, but here's a list of the latest F&B options where Kids Eat For Free! Hopefully this helps you narrow down your search for a suitable dinner option this weekend!
6. Explore the Central Public Library's A New Children’s Biodiversity Library By S.E.A. Aquarium
Venue: Central Public Library, 100 Victoria Street, National Library Building, B1, Singapore 188064
The National Library Board’s (NLB) Central Public Library offers families a children’s section, which brings the wonders of biodiversity – with a focus on marine life – closer to young explorers. This is the first marine biodiversity-themed learning space for children at a public library in Singapore.
The Children’s Biodiversity Library by S.E.A. Aquarium is a partnership between the National Library Board (NLB) and Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) offering new opportunities, including monthly programmes, for parents and children to have deeper learning in marine biodiversity. It is the first marine biodiversity-themed learning space for children at a public library in Singapore.
The library includes features such as a floor-to-ceiling column with coral- like features, a collection of marine specimens including shark egg cases and coral skeletons, digital content from the aquarium, an outdoor mangrove showcase, and The Submarine, a room where families can expect regular educational programmes. The library will also feature gamification kiosks with features such as an interactive digital installation where patrons can colour an avatar from NLB’s well-loved Book Bugs series and see them appear on the projection screen.
7. Go Volunteering with your Little Ones
When volunteering, your little ones learns about empathy and appreciation, the recipient receives help and you get to do a meaningful activity as a family. That's a win for everyone involved! Here are a list of 5 places to volunteer in Singapore that are suitable for kids.