50 Free activities to do for families in Singapore

Want to bring your family out?


With the rising cost in Singapore, there are families with younger kids who would choose to stay home over weekends instead of exploring Singapore. Frankly, it is not cheap to go out on a family outing. Even a simple visit to a movie theatre on a weekend can cost up to $100 if you include
tickets, popcorn, transportation and meals.



Nonetheless, all work and no play does not make a child a Happy Jack. For those looking for weekend ideas with families, here are 50 activities that would probably cost you next to nothing.

Free Playgrounds

If you do not know, you need not fork out exorbitant rates to play in playgrounds. There are quite a few large playgrounds with both dry and wet activities to keep the little ones running for free.


1 Gardens By the Bay Far East Organization Children's Garden

Nestled in the lush Gardens by the Bay, it is one of the biggest free playgrounds in town. This children playground has a water play area and a dry area for children to roam about. There are changing facilities there too.

Read our review here

Website

Address 
Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Gardens Dr, S 018953

Opening hours
Weekdays ( Tues -Fri) 10am-7pm
Weekends ( Sat, Sun, Public Holiday) 9am-9pm
Close on Monday


2 Marina Cove

If you are heading to East Coast Park, this mega playground would be perfect for kids. You can have your meals at the family-friendly F&B establishments while the kids have their day in the sun.

Read our review here

Address
1000 ECP, S499876

Opening Hours 
24 Hours

3 Sentosa Palawan Pirate Ship

It was once known as Port of Lost Wonder - a paid attraction. Now it is free for all. Most suitable for kids age 3-10

Website

Address
Sentosa Palawan Beach

Opening Hours
10am-6pm Daily


4 Jacob Ballas Children's Garden

It is more than a Garden. It is a complete nature learning environment where kids learn through exploration, adventure and play. There are 8 play spots including water play, trampoline and a treehouse. Suitable for children age 14 and under.

Website

Address
481 Bukit Timah Road S 259769

Opening hours
8am-7pm

5 West Coast Park

Source:  Shutterstock

If you are living in the West, the West Coast Park would be great to bring your kids around for playtime.

There are a couple of playgrounds along the 3 km stretch to play.

Address
W Coast Ferry Road, S 126978


Sun and Sand

Have fun at the beach. With Sun, Sand and Water, you would have everything you need for a family day out.

6 East Coast Park

Source:  Shutterstock

Cycle, rollerblade, scoot, playground, beach ... everything you need for a lazy afternoon with the family. 18 km of fun awaits.

Address
East Coast Park
E Coast Park Service Road S 449876



7 Siloso Beach

Source:  Shutterstock

If you are looking for something more hip, Silosa beach would be the place to go. Overall, the beach is much cleaner than East Coast Park and it is great for swimming

Address
Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa

8 Changi Beach

Source:  Shutterstock

If swimming is not what you are looking for, a day at Changi Beach would be something different. Here, you can look up and do some plane spotting or walk at the Changi Point Costal Boardwalk for a walk. There are pockets of beaches but they are better for building sandcastles rather than swimming.


Head to the Gardens

Singapore is a Garden City. Here are some of the best in town to explore

9 Bay East Garden

Bring your skates and scooters here. With the City as your skyline, it makes a perfect place to chill and unwind. Look out for the resident otters too!

Address
11 Rhu Cross, S437440

10 Botanic Gardens

Source:  Shutterstock

Singapore first Unesco Site. Have a picnic or simply stroll around this Heritage Site

Website

Address 
1 Cluny Road, S259569

11 Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is a good place to explore. There are plenty more greenery than just the Flower Dome. Visit the Dragonfly and Kingfisher lakes, heritage gardens, the world of plants, sun pavilion and more. Don't forget to take a selfie with the baby!

Website

Address
18 Marina Gardens Dr, S 018953

12 Chinese Garden

Source:  Shutterstock

A tranquil patch of imperial China in Singapore. No need to take a flight to China to experience Ancient China. MRT will do. While you are there, you might want to visit The Live Turtle and Mortise Museum before it closes down.

Read our review here

Website

Address
1 Chinese Garden Road

13 Japanese Garden

Source:  Shutterstock

The Japanese Garden is built on an artificial island and is connected to the Chinese Garden. Have a slice of Japan here.

Website

Address
1 Chinese Garden Rd, S 619795

14 Fort Canning Park

Source:  Shutterstock

Malay Royalty once ruled here, the British surrendered here, some of the world's biggest music acts hold their concerts here. Fort Canning Park is a place brimming with history. Explore the parks little secrets here.

Website

Address
River Valley Rd, S179037

15 Hort Park

Source: NPark

Want to learn more about gardening? Head to the Hort park to see and explore the themed gardens. You can also head to the nearby Southern Ridge for a climb.

Website

Address
33 Hyderabad Rd, S 119578

16 Bishan - Ang Mo Kio Park

Source:  Shutterstock

Located in the heart of Singapore, a day out at this park will bring you out of the hustle-bustle of city life. Enjoy tranquillity with the beautiful 3 km meandering river. Have a picnic, cycle or jog around this area. There is a playground for kids too.

Website

Visit the Museum
Do you know that entrance to the Museum is free for Singaporeans and PR?
Why not pay it a visit and learn more about the history of Singapore?

17 National Museum

Source:  Shutterstock

This is where you can learn about Singapore's early years. A must visit will be the Singapore History Gallery. All Singaporeans should go the NSM at least once to learn about our past.

Website

Address
93 Stamford Road

Opening Hours
10am-7pm, Daily

18 Asia Civilisation Museum

Source:  Shutterstock

Explore the rich culture and heritage of Asia through its collection. Singaporeans will get to visit the Permanent Galleries for free

Website

Address
1 Empress Pl, S 179555

Opening Hours
10am-7 pm, Daily

19 Peranakan Museum

Source:  Shutterstock

Get to know the Peranakans ( Straits-born people of Chinese and Malay/Indonesia) heritage and culture at the Peranakan Museum. Over 10 permanent galleries over 3 floors to explore.

Website

Address
39 Armenian St, S179941

Opening Hours
Sat- Thurs - 10 am -7pm
Friday 10 am -9pm

20 Singapore Philatelic Museum

Source:  Shutterstock

See the world of stamps come alive. Located near the Peranakan Museum, combine both places for a day out with the family. The themes change occasionally and they have housed Star Wars, DC Comics and even The Little Prince

Website

Address
23B Coleman St. S179807

Opening Hours
10am-7pm, Daily

21 Reflections at Bukit Chandu

Source: VisitSingapore.com

Uncover Singapore's tales of heroism during World War 2 at Reflections. Visit this black and white colonial bungalow to relive their bravery.


Address
31-K Pepys Road S118458

Opening Hours
Tues to Sunday 9am-530pm


22 Singapore Art Museum

Source: Shutterstock

If your child is into Arts, bring them to the Singapore Art Museum. Featuring immersive and interactive art such as Imaginarium, it is a fun place to bring the little ones.

Website

Address
8 Queen St, S 189555

Opening Hours
Mon-Sun 10 am-7pm


Fireworks Season

23 Grab a Spot at Marina Bay

July / August is the time for Fireworks. Have a picnic at Marina Bay to catch the fireworks and the flypast.

Dates for 2018 NDP Fireworks - 7 Jul, 14 Jul, 21 Jul, 28 Jul, 4 Aug, 9 Aug

Embrace Nature 

Head outdoors and embrace Nature. We may be known for our cityscape but there are plenty of outdoor spots to explore.

24 MacRitchie Treetop

Source:  Shutterstock

Walk above the trees in this unique walk in Singapore. The trek to the walk will be interesting too as it is about 2.5 km from the car park at Venus Drive and 4.5km from MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Worth an adventure!

Website

Address
MacRitchie Reservoir

Opening Hours
Tues-Friday 9am-5p,
Sat, Sun, Public Holidays 830am-5pm

25 Changi Beach Board Walk

Source:  Shutterstock

If MacRitchie Treetop walk sounds too challenging, head for the Changi Point Boardwalk instead. This leisure 2.2 km walk will be a great place to catch the Sunrise.

Website

Address
Changi Point Ferry Terminal (Start Point)

26 Pasir Ris Mangrove Boardwalk

Source:  Shutterstock

Another place to explore in the East would be the 6 ha Pasir Ris Mangrove Boardwalk. Want to spot birds? Head to the three storeys high Bird Watching Tower.

Website

Address
Pasir Ris Park, 60 Pasir Ris Dr 3 S 519497

27 Coney Island

Source:  Shutterstock

This 50 ha Park house a variety of habitats, including coastal forests, grasslands, mangroves and woodlands. Spot one of the 80 species of birds there during your bushwalk.

Website 

Address
Beside Punggol Promenade Nature Walk

28 Bukit Timah Natural Reserves

Source:  Shutterstock

This 163-ha reserve has Singapore's highest hill, Bukit Timah Hill, standing on it at 163m tall. The Primary forest is still intact despite Singapore's rapid urbanisation.  Take a hike up the hill with the family.

Website

Address
End of Hindhede Drive

Opening Hours
7am-7pm daily


29 Southern Ridges

Source:  Shutterstock

Connecting Mount Faber Park, Telok Blandah Hill Park, Hortpark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve, this 10 km of open space is a good place for a hike for families Don't miss the Henderson Waves, the highest pedestrian bridge rising 36 metres above Henderson Road...

Website

Address
South of Singapore


30 Sungei Boleh Wetland Reserve

Source: National Park

Heading to the coast, you would find Singapore's first ASEAN Heritage Park. Explore this 202-ha side consist of mangroves, mudflats, ponds and forest.

Website

Address
60, Kranji Way, #01-00, S 739453

Opening Hours
7am-7pm Daily

31 Labrador Nature Reserve and Coastal Walk

Source: National Park

Check out the remnants of the British military battlement. You might even find the secret tunnel to Sentosa there!

Website

Address
Labrador Villa Road


Free events

They say the best things in life are free and we agreed. From Free Movies to Free Concerts to Free Sports activities and even Free stuff. Find them all here!


32  Free Movies Under the Stars

Source: Movie Mob

No need to head to the theatres when you can enjoy a movie under the stars. Follow the MOVIE MOB
to see where is the latest screening.

Website


33  Go to a REALLY Really  FREE Market

Source:  Singapore Really Free Market

This is no flea market... it is a FREE market. Everything is Free in the market. How cool is that?
Follow Singapore Really Really Free Market for updates on the next Free Market Date

Website

34 Free Concerts @ Esplanade

Source:  Shutterstock

Want to watch a concert for free. Esplanade has regular free concerts for you to enjoy. Check out the website for listings

Website


 35 Free Concerts @  Botanic Gardens

If you like your concerts in a more natural setting, head to the Botanic Gardens. Regular free concerts are held there. Check the website for listings.

Website

36 Free  Classical Performances from SSO

Love classical music?
Then you would love the free SSO concerts held all around Singapore. Check the website for listings

Website

37 Free Sports Activities

Singapore Sports Hub is a great place to go-to for the sporty family. You can use the Sports Hub facilities such as Hard Courts, Beach Volleyball courts, lawn bowls and giant chess for free. There are also various free activities for families plan for community Play Day. Head to the website for listings of activities.

Website

Visit Farm Animals

Farm animals in Singapore?
We bet you that you do know these places exist!

38 Hay Dairies

Goat feeding in Singapore?
Yes, you can at the Hay Dairies. Entrance is free and if you want to feed the goats, each feed packet is at $5, There is also a goat milking session daily from 9am to 1030am. This is the place you can get closet to goats in Singapore.

Read our review here

Website

Address
3 Lim Chu Kang Lane 4, S 718859

Opening Hours
9am to 4pm Daily except for Tuesday

39 The Animal Resort

Another place to see farm animals in Singapore is The Animal Resort.
You could get up close with several farm animals such as rabbits, chickens guinea pigs, cassowary and even a horse. Entrance is free.

Read our review here

Website

Address
81 Seletar West Farmway 5, S 798061

Operating Hours
10am-6pm

Prepare for National Service

It's never too early to introduce National Service to the young kids especially the local boys who have to complete his 2 years of compulsory National Service. Give them a headstart at these places.

40 Singapore Army Museum

The place to go to prepare your boys for National Service. There is even a shooting game where you could get your hands on the M16 or Sar 21. Try out the mini SOC course there too.

Read our review here

Website

Address
520 Upper Jurong Road S638367

Currently closed for renovation


41 Singapore Air Force Museum

Source: Mindef

If your child love planes, you should head out to the Air Force Museum for a visit. Learn about the history of RSAF and get close to fighter planes on display.

Website

Address
40 Airport Road Pay Lebar Airbase, S34234

Opening Hours


42 Singapore Navy Museum

Source: Mindef

Complete the military experience with a visit to the Navy Museum. With Singapore surrounded by Sea, do not underestimate the might of the Navy.

Website

Address
118 Tanah Merah Coast Rd, S498794

Opening Hours

43 Fire Station Open House

Source:  Shutterstock

The SCDF is also a part of National Service. You can visit the fire station Openhouse and learn about the daily operations of a Fire Station, the different roles of SCDF and Civil Defense system. Just walk in during the opening hours for a visit ( for groups less than 10)

Website

Address
Selected Stations only

Opening Hours
Saturday 9am-11am



44 Police Heritage Center

Source: Singapore Police Force

The Police Heritage Center is a showcase of an exhibit tracing the roots of Singapore Police Fore since 1800s. Here you can actually see a policeman in shorts!

Website

Address
28 Irrawaddy Rd, S 329560

Opening Hours
Tues to Friday - 10am -5pm, Saturdays 10am-1pm


Discover Local Heritage
Take Heritage walks in this vicinity to discover the history of the people.

45 Little India

Source:  Shutterstock

Explore Little India on foot. Visit the mix of Hindu, Chinese Temples, mosques and churches there. Visit the Sultans of spice and have a delightful local dish. Do check out the backplanes that are painted with interesting street art.

46 Colonial Walking tour

Source:  Shutterstock

Explore the colonial side of Singapore. Start from St Andrew's Cathedral than to CHIJmes building, National Gallery ( Former Supreme Court) and The Arts House (Old Parliament House). Cool down after the walk with a visit to the National Gallery (Free)

47 Chinatown

Source:  Shutterstock

Explore the 5 footways, discover the glowing Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, step into Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple. There are lots to see and explore at Chinatown. Go there during Chinese New Year to soak in the atmosphere.

Source:  Shutterstock

48 Haw Par Villa

Before Universal Studios, there was Haw Par Villa. It is Singapore's first theme park. While not exactly the place to go with younger kids, it might be interesting to visit it with older kids.


Website

Address
262 Pasir Panjang Road , S1186528

Opening Hours
9am-6pm Daily


49 Changi Chapel

Source:  Shutterstock

The Changi Chapel serves as a memorial site for Prisoners of War. It house alongside the Changi Museum. Currently, the museum is closed for renovation but the chapel remains open till 1 Jan 2019. Thereafter, both will reopen in 2020. Visit it in its original state before it close

Website

Address
1000, Upper Changi Road North, S 507707

Opening Hours
930am to 5 pm daily

50  Peranakan Culture @ Katong

Experience the Peranakan Culture in the enclave of Katong. Take a selfie with the colourful houses. You can even visit Rumah Kim Choo and Katong Antique House when you are there.

Read about our experience here 

Address: Joo Chiat Road / Katong


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