How to Plan a Family Trip to Singapore
Singapore is perfect for families with kids of all ages. Plan 5-6 days to cover the highlights without rushing. Book accommodations near MRT stations for easy transport, and expect to spend $150-200 per day for a family of four including attractions, food, and transport.
- Budget
- $150-200 per day for family of four
- Duration
- 5-6 days recommended
- Best Time
- March-May and September-November for lower humidity
- Visa Required
- No for most nationalities - 30-90 days visa-free
Step by step
Choose your base location
Stay near an MRT station for easy access everywhere. Marina Bay area puts you near Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Flyer. Orchard Road has shopping and is central. Sentosa requires daily commuting but keeps you near beaches and Universal Studios.
Book key attractions in advance
Universal Studios Singapore sells out on weekends and holidays. Book online 2-3 weeks ahead. Singapore Zoo morning slots fill up fast during school holidays. Gardens by the Bay Cloud Forest doesn't require advance booking but buy online to skip ticket lines.
Plan around nap times and energy levels
Schedule indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm). Plan one major activity per day for kids under 8. Older kids can handle two attractions if you build in rest time. Many attractions have stroller parking and family rest areas.
Map out food courts and kid-friendly restaurants
Hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre have high chairs and are budget-friendly. Food courts in malls have air conditioning and familiar options for picky eaters. Most restaurants welcome families - Singapore is very kid-friendly.
Download essential apps
Download the MyTransport.SG app for real-time MRT updates. Grab app for taxis when you have tired kids and heavy bags.
Questions people ask
Is Singapore safe for families with young children?
Extremely safe. Singapore has very low crime rates, excellent healthcare, and family-friendly infrastructure everywhere. Public transport, attractions, and restaurants all accommodate families well.
Do we need to rent a car in Singapore?
No, absolutely not. The MRT system reaches all major attractions and is stroller-friendly. Taxis and Grab are readily available when you need them. Parking is expensive and unnecessary.
What if my kids are picky eaters?
Singapore has excellent Western food options alongside local cuisine. Food courts and malls have familiar chains like McDonald's and KFC. Many hawker stalls serve simple rice and noodle dishes kids typically enjoy.
Is the weather too hot for kids?
It's humid but manageable with planning. Most attractions are air-conditioned. Schedule outdoor activities for early morning or evening. Kids adapt quickly, and there are always indoor alternatives.
Are attractions suitable for different age groups?
Yes, most attractions work for wide age ranges. Universal Studios has areas for different ages. The zoo and Gardens by the Bay engage toddlers through teenagers. Singapore specifically designs attractions to be family-friendly.
Budget
Expect $150-200 per day for a family of four. Accommodation: $80-150/night for family rooms. Attractions: $30-50 per adult, kids often get discounts. Food: $40-60/day for family meals at hawker centers and food courts, $80-120 for restaurant meals. Transport: $20-30/day for family using MRT and occasional taxis.
Packing
- Lightweight stroller that folds easily for MRT travel
- Swimwear and water shoes for Sentosa beaches and Gardens by the Bay water features
- Portable phone charger - you'll use maps and attraction apps constantly
- Light rain jacket or umbrella for afternoon showers
- Comfortable walking shoes for everyone - you'll walk more than expected
Itinerary
- 1 — Watch the Spectra light show at Marina Bay Sands (8pm or 9pm). Easy dinner at the food court in Marina Bay Sands mall. — Arrive and check in. Take the MRT to Chinatown. Explore the Heritage Centre and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Let kids run around in Chinatown Complex playground. — Lunch at Maxwell Food Centre. Walk through Chinatown Street Market. Take MRT to Marina Bay Sands area. — Keep first day light to adjust to timezone. Spectra show is free and kids love it.
- 2 — Return to hotel for rest. Dinner at nearby hawker center or food court. — Gardens by the Bay - start with the outdoor gardens while it's cooler. Kids love the Children's Garden with water play areas. — Cloud Forest and Flower Dome (air conditioned). Lunch at Gardens by the Bay food court. — Bring swimwear for Children's Garden water features. Gardens by the Bay has stroller parking.
- 3 — Night Safari (starts at 7:15pm). Book the tram ride - walking trails can be challenging with young kids. — Singapore Zoo - arrive when it opens at 8:30am. Catch the animal shows - kids especially love the elephant and sea lion shows. — Continue exploring the zoo. Lunch at one of the zoo restaurants. Take the tram if kids get tired walking. — Zoo and Night Safari combo tickets save money. Bring insect repellent for Night Safari.
- 4 — Sentosa Boardwalk back to mainland for dinner, or stay on island for dinner at Resort World. — Take the cable car to Sentosa Island. Start at the aquarium - less crowded in the morning. — Beach time at Siloso Beach. Kids can play in the sand while parents relax. Grab lunch at beachside cafes. — Bring beach toys and sunscreen. Siloso Beach has clean restrooms and shower facilities.
- 5 — Dinner at Universal Studios or take MRT back to mainland for local food. — Universal Studios Singapore - arrive at opening (10am) to avoid crowds. Head straight to popular rides. — Continue at Universal Studios. Many rides suitable for families. Take breaks in air-conditioned shows. — Express passes worth it on busy days. Height restrictions apply to some rides - check before visiting.
- 6 — Departure or extend stay — Singapore Botanic Gardens - free entry and great for kids to run around. Visit the Children's Garden section. — Orchard Road for shopping and lunch. ION Sky observation deck has great city views. — Botanic Gardens is perfect for a relaxed final morning. Many families extend with an extra beach day.
For the trip: more family trips, 3-day trips and trip types.