We were in Singapore in February 2020 for a one week stop on the way to New Zeeland. We loved it so much, we wanted to come back and explore more. Then the opportunity to return presented itself with a very good deal from Singapore Airlines from Brussels. So this year we returned to Singapore to test some of our favourites. And are happy to report that all the entertainment, colour and delicious food of the city were still there where we left them 3 years ago.

Here are our favourite attractions and a few impressions from our favourite family hotel – the Shangri-La.

1. Gardens by the Bay

If you make it to one place in Singapore, than this should be it. A combination of technic and nature that comes alive with sound and lights in the evening. We have enjoyed an entire day in Gardens by the Bay as there are so many things to see and do, including the (i) greenhouses, (ii) a huge splash play area (that was the highlight of our Singapore trip for the kids), (iii) food trucks, (iv) a sky walk and of course (v) the sound and light show in the evening.

2. Singapore Zoo

We would very much prefer to see animal roaming free rather than in animal parks and we take every opportunity to explain to the children where animals belong. At the same time, some zoos do play a role in the conservation of endangered species and do a good job in taking care of the animals. One of these animals parks is in Singapore. We have visited a few in our travels and we have to say, it is probably among the top in the World, along with Taronga Zoo in Sydney. First, it is huge, like you need a train to take you from one enclosure to another huge meaning there is plenty of space for the animals to roam around. Second, there are some of the rarest animals I have seen, the highlight being a white tiger and the pigmy hippo. Our son still recalls this zoo, two years after our trip.

3. FOOD and drink – hawker centers

Singapore is the food capital of the world. There is an amazing variety of different cuisines, from Chinese to Malay and Indian, you can find it all in the hawker centers scattered in the city.

And bubble tea, my shameless addiction.

Some of our favourite places to eat at, servicing delicious foods from around the world are in the beautiful Amoy Street, Lau Pa Sat hawker center and Satay street in Chinatown and the Takashiya shopping mall.

We’ll have a video on our favourite Singapore foods and restaurants popping up on the YouTube channel shortly so subscribe so you do not miss anything.

4. Universal Studios

A full day at this amusement park will be enough to try all the rides. We liked that it is very compact and easy to navigate from one area to another. Ot is also largely covered, so you can continue exploring even if it starts raining If possible, best to visit during the week, as queues do get quite long in the weekend and school holidays.

We bought the tickets the day before on the Klook app and scanned our electronic tickets directly at the entrance. Sometimes they have good deals if you buy add ons like a fast pass or access to special shows. We kept it simple as we knew that our kiddos may still be too short to try every ride so keeping things flexible was a good idea.

5. Exploring Singapore’s Different Neighbourhoods

One of the things we enjoy most about Singapore is how quickly the atmosphere changes from one neighbourhood to another.

Chinatown

Chinatown combines beautiful temples, colourful shop houses and some of the best food in the city.

The streets are easy to explore with children and there are always interesting details to spot.

Little India

The colours, smells and energy of Little India make it one of the most memorable parts of Singapore.

The flower garlands, spice shops and vibrant street art felt completely different from anywhere else we visited.

Kampong Glam

This was one of our favourite discoveries during our most recent trip.

The area around Sultan Mosque is filled with independent cafes, murals and boutique shops. It feels creative, relaxed and perfect for a slow afternoon wander.

5. Rainy Day Activities in Singapore

One thing we quickly learned about Singapore is that rain rarely lasts all day. It often arrives dramatically, pours for an hour, and then disappears as if nothing happened. Still, if you happen to wake up to grey skies, there are plenty of family-friendly indoor activities.

ArtScience Museum

Located beside Marina Bay Sands, this futuristic museum is worth visiting for the building alone. The highlight for our children was the interactive exhibitions where they could draw, create and play rather than simply look at displays behind glass.

The digital installations change regularly, so it is worth checking what is on before your visit.

Jewel Changi Airport

Most airports are places you pass through as quickly as possible. Singapore somehow managed to turn theirs into an attraction.

The indoor waterfall is spectacular and the surrounding gardens, playgrounds and walking trails can easily fill half a day. If you have an evening flight, arriving early is not a chore here—it is part of the holiday.

SEA Aquarium

Located on Sentosa Island, this is one of the largest aquariums we have visited.

Watching giant manta rays and sharks glide past enormous viewing windows had both children completely mesmerised. It is also wonderfully air-conditioned, which makes it a perfect escape during a tropical downpour.

Shopping Centres (Trust Us!)

Normally shopping malls are not something we put on a family travel itinerary, but Singapore’s malls are different.

Many have impressive indoor playgrounds, family activity zones, bookshops and excellent food courts. On particularly wet afternoons, they became our secret backup plan.

6. Activities for Very Hot Days

Singapore is warm year-round, but some afternoons can feel especially intense, particularly if you are travelling with younger children.

Our strategy was simple: outdoor adventures in the morning, a long lunch and indoor activity during the hottest hours, then back outside after 4pm.

Splash Parks

If your children enjoy water, Singapore is paradise.

The Far East Organization Children’s Garden inside Gardens by the Bay remains our favourite. The water play area is beautifully designed and completely free.

We honestly had to drag our children away.

Singapore Cable Car

Sometimes the best way to explore a city in the heat is from above.

The cable car connecting Mount Faber and Sentosa offers fantastic views with the bonus of air conditioning. It is a relaxing way to see the city while giving little legs a break.

River Cruise at Clarke Quay

Towards sunset, we enjoyed taking a boat along the Singapore River.

The breeze makes a surprising difference and the city skyline looks beautiful as the lights begin to come on.

Ice Cream Stops

This may sound obvious, but Singapore takes desserts seriously.

Whether it was mango shaved ice, bubble tea or traditional ice cream sandwiches sold from colourful carts, stopping for a treat became one of our favourite ways to recharge between attractions.

Shangri-La -the perfect family hotel in Singapore

We spent our time in Shangri-La and it was a great choice for our family. The first time in Singapore, we were travelling with a 5-month old and a 4 yo and were happy to have a hotel that was so welcoming with babies and kids. We had a family room with a separate tented bed for our son and a cot for the baby. They have specific floors for families and a concierge that can bring pretty much everything with a short phone call, from nappies to bathtubs and bouncers. It was great not to have to worry about this at the start of our travels with the baby.

When we returned with a 4 year old and a 8 year old, we went for a larger room in the Garden Wing.

What immediately stands out is that it genuinely feels designed with families in mind rather than simply adding a children’s menu and calling itself family friendly.

The Buds Play Space

The indoor play area quickly became our children’s favourite hotel feature.

There are climbing structures, creative play zones and enough activities to entertain younger children for hours.

On particularly hot afternoons it was the perfect place to escape the heat.

Splash Zone

The outdoor water play area was another huge success.

After busy mornings exploring the city, the children could cool off while we relaxed nearby with a coffee.

Everybody wins.

Family Rooms

The themed family rooms deserve special mention.

Children receive their own space while parents still enjoy the comfort expected from a luxury hotel. It felt thoughtful rather than gimmicky.

Location

Although the hotel feels like a resort, it is still well connected to the rest of Singapore.

Most attractions were easily reached by taxi or public transport, making it a convenient base for exploring the city.

Would We Stay Again?

Absolutely.

In fact, one of the reasons we returned to Singapore was because we knew how much we had enjoyed staying here during our first visit.

Travelling with children can sometimes feel like a logistical exercise disguised as a holiday. The Shangri-La manages to make everything easier, which allows parents to focus on creating memories instead of managing schedules.

Final Thoughts

Singapore remains one of our favourite family destinations anywhere in the world.

It is clean, safe, easy to navigate, packed with attractions and offers an incredible food scene. Whether your children love animals, playgrounds, science museums, amusement parks or simply trying new foods, there is something here for every age.

What we appreciate most, however, is how effortless family travel feels in Singapore. Public transport works, attractions are well organised and families are genuinely welcomed everywhere.

Every time we visit, we discover something new.

And if history is anything to go by, we probably won’t wait another three years before coming back.

What are your favourite family-friendly activities in Singapore? We’d love to hear your recommendations for our next visit.

CGK