โWhat else can you do with kids in Singapore beyond the usual tourist spots and while staying on a budget?โ - Thatโs a question local and visiting parents might pose a lot, wondering how they can fill their itinerary this weekend without breaking the bank.
While iconic family-friendly attractions like the Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa are fantastic for a fun-filled family day out, they definitely donโt come cheap. Thankfully, Singapore has so much more to offer, especially for families seeking free or low-cost kid-friendly activities and unique experiences!
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Hereโs a roundup of some of the favourite free (or low-cost) things to do with kids in Singapore, both outdoors and indoors. Pack your kidsโ essentials and sunblock โ itโs time for an amazing adventure that will create core memories for you and your littles!
Indoor playgrounds and activities for kids
The Artground (Goodman Arts Centre/Holland Village)
The Artground โ A Curious Place to be at Goodman Arts Centre or Holland Village is a haven for creative little souls. Suitable for kids aged newborn up to nine years old, this indoor playground features interactive art spaces and play areas designed to spark imagination and encourage exploration. Kids can crawl through tunnels, build with blocks, and engage with rotating exhibits that introduce them to the world of art through everyday themes such as the weather or transportation. The Artground also hosts weekend family arts programmes for a nominal fee, offering storytelling sessions, art and craft activities, and workshops.
Pre-booking of tickets is required for all activities and workshops.
Admission is free for Blue and Orange CHAS card holders. Admission charges for other visitors are S$5/pax (Adult/Child) on weekdays and from S$8 (Child) and S$5 (Adult) during Weekends, Public Holidays, and School Holidays.
The Artground (Goodman Arts Centre)
Address: 90 Goodman Road, Block J #01-40, Goodman Arts Centre, Singapore 439053
Opening hours: 09:15am to 10:30am, 10:45am to 12:00pm, 1:45pm to 3:00pm, 3:15pm to 4:30pm, 4:45pm to 6:00pm daily (pre-set time slots)
How to get there: 10-minute walk from Mountbatten MRT Station (CC7)
The Artground (One Holland Village)
Address: 7 Holland Village Way, #01-20 One Holland Village, Singapore 275748
Opening hours: 09:15am to 10:30am, 10:45am to 12:00pm, 1:45pm to 3:00pm, 3:15pm to 4:30pm, 4:45pm to 6:00pm daily (pre-set time slots)
How to get there: 8-minute walk from Holland Village MRT Station (CC21)
Keppel Centre for Art Education (National Gallery Singapore)
For a dose of properly pint-sized art and culture, head to the Keppel Centre for Art Education at the National Gallery Singapore. This interactive space offers kids activities that encourage creativity and exploration. Different activity areas use sensory experiences such as shadow, light, and texture to introduce children to the intricacies of art. While drop-in workshops allow them to create their very own masterpieces.
Admission is free for all. Admission charges apply for ad hoc workshops.
Address: Level 1, City Hall Wing, National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrewโs Road, Singapore 178957
Opening hours: 10:00am to 7:00pm daily (Closed 12:30pm to 1:00pm and 3:30pm to 4:00pm daily for regular cleaning)
How to get there: 8-minute walk from City Hall MRT Station (EW13/NS25)
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Shopping mall playgrounds (JEM, Nex, IMM, Westgate, Waterway Point, etc.)
Many shopping malls in Singapore offer free indoor playgrounds and outdoor play areas (water parks too โ more on those below!), making them a convenient option for families who want to cool down without spending a cent. Some popular choices include:
- JEM (Jurong East): Rooftop sheltered playground with mini fountains and pool for water play.
- NEX (Serangoon): Rooftop outdoor playground with dry and wet play options.
- Shaw Plaza (Balestier): Indoor sheltered playground with vertical climbing structure, slide and other playground features.
- Junction 8 (Bishan): Rooftop sheltered playground with rock climbing wall and holds, more suitable for older children.
- Paragon (Orchard Road): Indoor playground with play areas and games.
- City Square Mall (Little India): Several playgrounds including an outdoor space with swings and climbing structures, and a play fountain in the basement.
Address: Various
Opening hours: Depends on the mall
How to get there: Refer to mall website for detailed directions
Changi Airport playgrounds
Yup, Changi Airport offers free indoor playgrounds for kids! Locals and visitors can find them at Terminals 1 and 3โs Public areas. Travellers transiting through Changi can head to playgrounds at Terminals 2, 3, and 4 Transit.
If youโre looking to up the fun (for a small fee) you can head to the Canopy Park at Jewel Changi Airport. This attraction on level 5 is a wonderland of fun, featuring slides, mazes, trampolines, and sky nets that kids and the young at heart will enjoy. Standard admission is S$8 (Adult/Child) and S$6 (Adult/Child) for Singapore Residents.
Protip: Changi Airport has more than playgrounds when it comes to family-friendly experiences!
Changi Airport playgrounds
Address: Terminals 1 and 3 (Public) and Terminals 2, 3, and 4 (Transit) at Changi Airport, 60 Airport Blvd., Singapore 819643
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
How to get there: Refer to Changi Airport website for detailed directions
Canopy Park
Address: Level 5, Jewel Changi Airport, Airport Blvd., Singapore 819666
Opening hours: 10:00am to 9:00pm Monday to Thursday; 10:00am to 10:00pm Friday to Sunday, PH & PH Eve
How to get there: Refer to Changi Airport website for detailed directions
Libraries and storytelling sessions
Public libraries in Singapore are a treasure trove of free activities for kids. Many libraries have dedicated children's sections with reading corners and occasionally toys or activities to keep little ones occupied. They also often host storytelling sessions and other events for kids, making them a great place to foster a love of reading and learning.
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Address: Various
Opening hours: Depends on the library
How to get there: Refer to NLB website for detailed directions
Free outdoor activities and nature trails
Perfect for active families and kids who love adventure.
East Coast Park and Marine Cove Playground
Of Singaporeโs 350+ parks, East Coast Park (ECP) is definitely one of its most popular. Across its scenic coastline of over 15km, youโll find families enjoying a DIY picnic or barbecue by the beach; kids playing with kites, frisbees, and sandcastles; and fitness enthusiasts jogging, cycling, or rollerblading along the tracks. Simply put, itโs a family-friendly haven with no shortage of fun activities for kids. Just be sure to bring along sunscreen!
A must-visit for families is Marine Cove, a 3,500 sqm childrenโs playground right in the middle of ECP. After the kiddos have sweated it out, you can conveniently head to the nearby F&B establishments to refuel for more fun ahead.
East Coast Park
Address: 1000 East Coast Parkway, Singapore 449876
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
How to get there: Refer to NParks website for detailed directions
Marine Cove Playground
Address: East Coast Park Area C
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily; operating hours of nearby shops and restaurants vary
Jurong Lake Gardens
One of the latest additions to Singaporeโs sprawling network of parks and green spaces, Jurong Lake Gardens is a large family-friendly park conveniently located next to Lakeside MRT. It's organised into three smaller garden spaces โ Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, and Lakeside Garden โ each of which has its own unique aesthetic and attractions.
Highlights include Forest Ramble, a nature-inspired playground; Clusia Cove, a water playground inspired by coastal shores and tidal patterns; walking routes like the Rasau Walk, where kids can try their eye at nature-spotting; and the occasional kid-friendly storytelling or workshop session.
Address: 50 Yuan Ching Rd, Singapore 618661 (South carpark)
Opening hours:
- Lakeside Garden open 24 hours daily
- Chinese Garden open 5:30am to 12:00am daily
- Japanese Garden open 5:30am to 12:00am daily
- Specific attractions may have their own operating hours (Refer to Nparks website for more details)
How to get there: Next to Lakeside MRT Station (EW26)
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HortPark and the Southern Ridges
HortPark is a unique park dedicated to horticulture, offering themed gardens, educational exhibits, and nature-themed playgrounds for kids. Itโs part of the Southern Ridges, a larger 10km trail within the Labrador Nature Park Network that offers stunning views and opportunities for hiking and nature appreciation.
If youโre spending the day at HortPark, be sure to check out the three playgrounds within it as well as a nature playground with structures to help encourage open-ended play. HortPark also hosts dedicated nature exploration programmes for children and with more than 10 gardens to visit across the park, youโll be able to keep the littles entertained for hours.
Once youโve had your fill of HortPark, try venturing along the other parks within the Southern Ridges: Kent Ridge Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and Mount Faber Park. Highlights here are the Henderson Waves pedestrian bridge with its cool wave-like structures; Telok Blangah Hill Parkโs Forest and Canopy Walks; and the scenic sights of Sentosa and the Southern Islands from atop Mount Faber Park. (And yes, the Mount Faber cable carโs located here too!)
HortPark
Address: 33 Hyderabad Rd, Singapore 119578 (HortPark car park)
Opening hours: Open 6:00am to 11:00pm daily
How to get there: Refer to HortPark website for more information
Southern Ridges
Address: Various
Opening hours:
- Kent Ridge Park: Open 24 hours daily
- Telok Blangah Hill Park: Open 24 hours daily (Earth Trail closed after 7:00pm)
- Mount Faber Park: Open 24 hours daily
- HortPark: as above
How to get there: Nearest MRT stations are Labrador Park MRT Station (CC27), Telok Blangah MRT Station (CC28), and HarbourFront MRT Station (CC29/NE1)
Upper Peirce Reservoir Park
If youโre looking for an outdoor adventure for kids at a more leisurely pace, Upper Peirce Reservoir Park sounds right up your alley. Itโs located next to Upper Peirce Reservoir and has a tranquillity to it thatโs the complete opposite of the bustling, busy ECP. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon or evening when the sunโs a little less harsh, so the whole family can enjoy light activities such as a walk by the dam or even some wildlife spotting.
Address: Along Old Upper Thomson Road
Opening hours: Open 7:00am to 7:00pm daily
How to get there: Public transport is limited to the area; the most convenient way to get to the park would be taxis or private hire cars
Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Little nature lovers will be entranced by the wildlife at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve! Stroll along the boardwalks and trails, trying your best to spot local flora and fauna like mudskippers, crabs, otters, the occasional Estuarine Crocodile, and of course, the mangrove ecosystem that the park is known for.
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Protip: Migratory birds often drop by between August and April so you can time your visit to up your chances of seeing them in person. The Reserveโs Visitor Centre and Wetland Centre also offer nature hunt worksheets to work on as you make your way to the park plus free online resources to get kids interested in biodiversity.
Address: Wetland Centre, 301 Neo Tiew Crescent, Singapore 718925
Opening hours: Open 7:00am to 7:00pm daily (Last entry 6:30pm)
How to get there: Take bus 925 (Mondays to Sundays) or 925M (Sundays and Public Holidays) from Kranji MRT Station (NS7)
Water play areas and splash zones
Childrenโs Garden @ Gardens by the Bay
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The water park at the Childrenโs Garden is great for cooling down when the sun gets too hot! Image credit: @elisetay_ on Instagram
Families heading to Gardens by the Bay might think of visiting the Flower Dome or Supertree Grove first โ but did you know thereโs a free family-friendly attraction there too? The Childrenโs Garden is organised into three zones: Toddler Play Zone (for ages one to five), Rainforest Tree House (for ages six to 12), and Water Play (for ages six to 12). The Toddler Play Zone is a water play area with simpler structures for younger kids, while the Water Play Zone is a bit more rambunctious with splash buckets, water splines and a hydro vault. Older children will also love challenging themselves on monkey bars, balancing beams, rope bridges, and other activities at the Rainforest Tree House.
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Opening hours: 9:00am to 7:00pm Thursday to Sunday and Public Holidays; closed Monday to Wednesday (Water play closure 6:30pm)
- School holiday hours: 9:00am to 7:00am Tuesday to Sunday (Water play closure 6:30pm)
How to get there: Adjacent to the Cloud Forest Conservatory; see the Gardens by the Bay map for directions
Lower Seletar Reservoir Park
Lower Seletar Reservoir Park is a great water playground thatโs usually low on crowds. Image credit: @elisetay_ on Instagram
The kidsโ water play area at Lower Seletar Reservoir Park is a great outdoor playground as it's usually not so crowded, even on weekends. The spacious central fountain area is popular with kids who want to be able to run wild and free, enjoying all that the park has to offer without having to worry about bumping into other children.
Address: Bounded by Yishun Ave 1 and Lentor Avenue
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
How to get there: Refer to NParks website for detailed directions
Splash-N-Surf @ Kallang Wave Mall
Need a quick and easy way to cool off on a hot day? Head to Splash-N-Surf at Kallang Wave Mall, a free water play area that's perfect for a spontaneous splash session! This outdoor playground features splash pads, water jets, a small wading pool and even slides that provide hours of fun for kids of all ages. It's a great way to let the little ones burn off some energy while parents take a break from shopping or enjoy a coffee at a nearby cafe.
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Address: Level 3, Kallang Wave Mall (Near Gate 21 of National Stadium), 1 Stadium Pl, Singapore 397628
Opening hours: Open 9:00am to 8:00pm Wednesday to Monday (Closed Tuesdays, selected Public Holidays)
How to get there: Next to Stadium MRT Station (CC6)
Other mall-based water play areas (VivoCity, Changi City Point, etc.)
Combine retail therapy with fun for the kids at free indoor playgrounds and outdoor water play areas across Singapore. Image credit: @elisetay_ on Instagram
Singapore's malls are more than just shopping destinations; they're also havens for family fun. Many malls across the island offer free indoor, outdoor, and sheltered water play areas, providing a welcome escape from the heat and a chance for kids to splash and play. Here are a few options to consider:
North / North East
- Kidzplay @ Nex
- The Playground @ Northpoint City
- Playground @ Waterway Point
East
- Splash-N-Surf @ Kallang Wave Mall
- The 3 House @ Changi City Point
West
Central
- Water Play @ Vivocity
Address: Various
Opening hours: Depends on the mall
How to get there: Refer to mall website for detailed directions
Arts, culture and free performances
The Esplanade โ Outdoor Theatre
Captivate your kids with free performances by the waterfront. Image credit: @elisetay_ on Instagram
The Esplanade is a waterfront arts centre housing a concert hall, theatre, performance studios, and free performance venues ideal for exposing children to the arts on a budget. The genres of performances here vary from pop and rock to ballet to contemporary dance โ but rest assured, these skilled performers and musicians will immerse your child in a sensory wonderland. The Esplanade regularly hosts both free and paid interactive childrenโs programmes, so keep an eye out for the latest news and performance schedules!
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Opening hours: Open 8:00am to 11:30pm daily; operating hours of shops and restaurants and programme timings vary
How to get there: Connected to City Hall MRT (EW13/NS25) and Esplanade MRT Stations (CC3)
Merlion Park and Singapore River Walk
From the Esplanade, take a leisurely stroll towards the Merlion Park where the 8.6m-tall original Merlion statue is located. The water gushing from the statueโs mouth is always a huge hit and great for creative family photos.
Pro tip: If the crowds are too much, head towards the back of the statue where itโs emptier. There, youโll find a smaller statue that kids can have a closer look at. You can also take a moment to soak in the waterfront breeze and Singapore skyline, or people-watch groups of runners passing by.
Address: 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
How to get there: 9-minute walk from Raffles Place MRT Station (EW14/NS26)
Public art trails and murals
Getting kids to see the beauty of art in their everyday lives is a great way to develop their appreciation for it. Here are a few neighbourhoods around Singapore where you can ooh and ahh at colourful and engaging murals for free, whether on foot or via bicycle:
- Kampong Gelam (Aliwal Street, Bali Lane, Haji Lane)
- Tiong Bahru (Spottiswoode Park Rd, Eng Watt Street, Seng Poh Lane, Between Tiong Poh Road and Eu Chin Street)
- Little India (Serangoon Road, Kerbau Road, Dunlop Street)
- Chinatown (Thian Hock Keng Temple, various)
- Joo Chiat (Joo Chiat Road, East Coast Road)
The National Arts Council (NAC) has also developed three free public art trails throughout Singaporeโs Civic District to help you and your littles discover the beauty of local art at your own pace. Thereโs also Benchmarks, an initiative that runs till July 2026 of free-to-sit, creatively-designed benches inspired by the Civic District and Singaporeโs history. And since it consists of benches, youโll literally be walking to your next rest stop!
Address: Various
Opening hours: Open 24 hours daily
How to get there: Refer to NAC website or Google Maps/Waze for directions. Local artist Yip Yew Chong, whoโs painted several public murals across Singapore, also has maps of his murals on his website.
Soak in all the good, fun activities to do as a family here
From indoor playgrounds and nature trails to water play areas and evening performances, Singapore will surprise you with its wealth of fun, free indoor and outdoor things to do with kids. Whether your little ones are budding artists, nature enthusiasts, or simply love to play, there's something for everyone in this vibrant, family-friendly city.
Have more recommendations for free kidsโ activities in Singapore? Share them with us!
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