If you’re a new expat looking for fun things to do in Singapore, here are some ideas for cool activities around town. The Expat Living team has had years of playing tour guide to friends and family, so we’ve used this to put together this list. From fun things to do with kids, free activities (like walks and picnics), top places to visit and things to do in Singapore for all ages. For couples, there’s heaps of fun things to do at night time – with or without kids. And don’t forget to watch our short video on things to do in Singapore this weekend at the end of the article.
What to do in Singapore this weekend?
Gaming Galore
There are plenty of gaming options for children and adults in Singapore, including the Sandbox VR experience just off Orchard Road. The immersive experience will see you go on exciting missions using the latest in VR tech. There’s also the huge family entertainment Timezone centre at Westgate (pictured), the newest and largest in its offering, with more than 200 arcade games and attractions in three zones. You can also find themed party rooms and a large prize area under the same roof.
Sandbox VR is bookable here and more information on Timezone’s Westgate can be found here.
Soak up sun on Lazarus Island
For the best sand-and-sea experience in Singers, jump on the ferry from Marina South Pier to Lazarus Island – next to St John’s island. A morning visit is your best bet, when the powdery stretch of sand is usually empty, save for a few other day-trippers. Pack along some food and drinks for a sandy picnic, and enjoy splashing in turquoise waters. Although there’s zero infrastructure here, internet access is still decent (for folks who’d like to upload envy-invoking shots of the day onto Insta…).
Board a ferry at Marina South Pier, 31 Marina Coastal Drive.
Walk with the dinosaurs
Changi Airport is playing host to 20 life-sized dinosaurs, hanging out in its Jurassic Mile. The outdoor display boasts a huge Tyrannosaurus Rex, gigantic dinosaur eggs and more, across over 1km of cycling and jogging paths. Need respite from the weather but still want some fun? Head to Jewel Changi Airport, and explore the maze, canopy park and plenty of other attractions. Just make sure you check the website for ticket prices.
Travel to Jurassic Mile on foot or by cycling from Hub & Spoke Café or from East Coast Park via the Changi Coastal Park Connector.
Fun Activities To Do
Skate the time away
Unleash that inner roller disco diva and check out Hi Roller indoor skating rink. Offering both inline and roller skates, the rink is home to certified instructors who can provide lessons suitable for all ages. Fancy something a bit cooler? Singapore is home to a handful of ice-skating rinks, including the family-friendly Kallang Ice World. Suitable for beginners or those looking to improve their skating skills, the rink at Kallang also has a handy gallery if you just fancy enjoying a hot drink and watching the skating action.
Hi Roller is located in Pasir Ris, while bookings can be made here for Kallang Ice World.
Give kayak fishing a shot
Kayak fishing is a great outdoor activity that you can do right here in Singapore. As its name suggests, it combines the fun of paddling a kayak with the thrill and skill of trying to catch fish. Kayak Fishing Fever offers three itineraries, covering different distances: The Playground (2-4 kilometres), Big Boat Small Boat (3-5 kilometres) and Island Hopper (7-10 kilometres). You’ll be glad to know that fish caught during the tours are released back into the sea as part of the company’s catch-and-release practice.
9660 9928 | fever.sg
Have a splashing good time!
Get your swimmers at the ready and book a ticket to Singapore’s first floating aqua park, HydroDash. Found at Palawan Beach on Sentosa, the floating obstacle course will get you, your friends and your family sliding, jumping and bouncing across inflatables. Put your balance skills to the test on the wiggle bridge and show off your sliding prowess and monkey bar technique at this aqua playground.
Take the Sentosa beach shuttle to Palawan Beach, or the closest parking is Sentosa Beach Car Park. Tickets can be bought from the HydroDash website.
Explore Sembawang’s hot spring park
Relax at Singapore’s only natural hot spring park in Sembawang. With a cascading pool and flora walk, visitors can explore the rustic environment that’s reminiscent of old kampongs. Soak your feet in the footbath pool, explore the education zone or even cook an egg in the hot spring water at the designated egg cooking station.
It’s located off Gambas Avenue; for getting there and other information, visit the NParks website.
Join a hash house run
Hash House Horrors is a hash for kids – a fun-run with a difference. Participants are grouped in appropriate-sized pods, and follow a trail of flour, chalk or paper through varied terrain, from the flattest pavements to the deepest jungle. The trail is set earlier in the day by the ‘Hares’. The hash can take between 30 to 60 minutes, can often be a mudfest, and there’s plenty of Singapore wildlife to spot on the way for good measure. All good family fun!
Got to the Hash House Horrors website for more information.
Ride the wake
Singapore Wake Park is the country’s only cable-ski park built in a lagoon at Singapore East Coast Park. It ensures a safe environment for both beginners and experienced riders looking for an adrenaline fix. Promising all level of fun and challenges, the park features three cable-systems catering for experienced, intermediate and novice riders. Once you’ve worked up an appetite (or you just don’t fancy getting wet!), visit one of the dining options serving international and local cuisine onsite.
More information on pricing and bookings can be found here.
Snow in Singapore
Yes, you can experience snow in the tropics – at Snow City Singapore. Aside from tubing and snow play, you can also try skiing and snowboarding in this winter wonderland. Lessons for all abilities can be taken privately or in a group. More good news: you won’t need to lug along your winter wear as jackets, pants and gloves are provided. So, suit up and take to the slopes!
Indoor play fun
Kiztopia at Marina Square is a cool indoor playground in Singapore where kids can burn off extra energy while having a great time and learning new skills. Suitable for ages one to 12 years, it’s perfect for a family day out. This ‘edutainment’ centre has all sorts of interactive activities to keep kids (and parents) happy and entertained. With the motto ‘Play to Learn, Learn through Play’, the park’s zones have key learning objectives for children, where they can both play and learn.
High ropes thrills!
Big and little kids alike will enjoy a trip to Forest Adventure at Bedok Reservoir Park. The family-friendly treetop obstacle course has three courses catering to different ages and heights. If you’re bringing your tweens and teens along, you’ll be glad to know that the facility is designed to offer the older ones greater independence as they’ll be able to navigate most of the course on their own. For adrenaline junkies there’s the Big Zip, an exhilarating 300-metre zip-line that takes riders flying over the waters of the reservoir.
Enjoy a leisurely cruise
Indulge in a sail aboard the Royal Albatross. The traditionally-rigged ship is the only one of its kind in Asia, having sailed for 15,000 kilometres from Chicago to Singapore. With elegant carvings and interiors made from 100-year-old Kempas hardwood, the tall ship is the masterpiece of Hollywood rigger Jim Barry, who designed the ships on the Pirates of the Caribbean. Its signature Sunset Sail is a lovely way to cruise the southern coast, and enjoy drinks and dinner. Special packages for proposals, anniversaries and birthdays are also available. Besides cruises, the luxury ship also offers fun experiences such as a thrilling mast climb and the chance to get behind the helm.
Find out more about bookings and different packages available from their website.
Top Places To Visit in Singapore
Visit the Singapore Zoo and River Safari
Animal enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Singapore’s award-winning zoo, which is home to over 300 species of creatures. There are heaps to see in each zone – from baboons in the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia to komodo dragons in the Reptile Garden – as well as lively animal shows. Kids in tow will love the Kidzworld area, which has a water playground, an obstacle course, farmyard animals and more. And, if their little legs get tired of walking, you can tour the zoo by guided trams.
While you’re here, the River Safari next door is worth a visit too. This new park house over 6,000 animals that live in or along the world’s most famous rivers. Highlights include Giant Pandas and a cruise along an Amazon-like river.
80 Mandai Lake Road. $32 (adult), $21 (children 3-12); $28 (adult), $18 (children 3-12) for River Safari. For more information, head here. Book tickets now.
…And stay on for the Night Safari! Stirring to life after dusk, the Night Safari offers an elusive look at beasts and critters that are soundly snoozing during regular zoo hours. While visitors are free to trek through the dimly lit park on foot, the guided tram is a wildly popular option for its unique insight into the nocturnal habits of the animals – you might even spot some friendly ones roaming freely as you trundle past. Mammals seen along the trails include spotted ‘laughing’ hyenas and Malayan tapirs.
80 Mandai Lake Road. $42 (adult), $28 (children 3-12) for entry. Book tickets now. Heading to both? Get a bundle deal for River Safari and Night Safari.
Explore one of Singapore’s parks
We’re spoilt for choice in Singapore for beautiful walks and hikes – and yes, they can be challenging too! Take the Southern Ridges trail that weaves through the treetops of Mount Faber all the way to Labrador Nature Reserve. Or MacRitchie Reservoir, which, aside from being a great place for a jog, has five scenic hiking trails through the forest, ranging from 3km to 11km. (Take note, the TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie is currently closed for upgrading.) Then there’s the Botanic Gardens (pictured), a national treasure and top picnic spot, as mentioned in our handy picnic round-up!
If you fancy something a little wilder, try the Sungei Buloh Wetlands. Get acquainted here with Singapore’s unique wildlife or visit the recently opened extension that boasts a coastal boardwalk and a mid-canopy walk.
Check out our in-depth list of hikes and walks in Singapore here. For more information on specific parks, you can also visit the NParks website.
Stroll through Gardens by the Bay
The gigantic waterfront garden has a cool, futuristic feel and plenty of exotic plants, making it a wonderful spot for a leisurely walk. Must-see bits include the Flower Dome, which focuses on Mediterranean flora and the Cloud Forest, a misty tropical wonderland with a roaring indoor waterfall (the tallest in the world). Want to get closer to the space-age Supertrees? Hit the Skyway trail after dusk for a surreal 22-metre high stroll amidst the glowing structures. If you have kids to keep amused, toddle off to the huge Children’s Garden, which has sprawling tree houses, a water play area and a toddler zone (free entry, too).
18 Marina Gardens Drive. 5am-2am (general areas), 9am-9pm (ticketed areas). $28 (adult), $15 (child) for entry to Cloud Forest and Flower Dome; $5 (adult), $3 child for entry to OCBC Skyway. Get discounted tickets here.
Discover the backstreets of Chinatown
The busy alleys and shophouses of Chinatown are ripe with Chinese heritage, and a great place to load up on souvenirs too. Duck into shops for antique wares, Chinese tea leaves, traditional remedies, clothing and more, before stopping by the hawker stalls and eateries along Smith Street for a local meal. Better to go in the evening when it’s a looooot cooler! Prominent places of worship, including the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Sri Mariamman Temple, are a short walk from one another. Aside from historical sights, Chinatown is teeming with cool bars and restaurants to try – check out Ann Siang Hill and Club Street for some of the best spots.
Various streets, including Sago Street and Temple Street.
Wander around Little India
The cultural enclave of Little India has lots of interesting lanes to explore. Savour Indian desserts from the famous Moghul Sweet Shop in Little India Arcade, visit temples or find out your fortune from a street-side parrot astrologer. Ladies will also love Little India for beautiful saris, cheap eyebrow threading and intricate henna tattoos. If it’s a kooky late night experience you’re after, try shopping at Mustafa Centre – the 24-hour shopping mall sells everything you could possibly want, and then some.
Get up to your ears in art at the National Gallery
Did you know that the National Gallery is home to the biggest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art in the world? Yep, there’s a whopping 8,000 artworks on display! (If that sounds daunting for a family visit, be sure to visit the Kids & Families section of the Gallery website for ideas on what to see and do for younger ones.) The Gallery opened in 2015; it occupies the former City Hall and Supreme Court heritage buildings, making it the largest visual arts venue in Singapore and the region – matching the likes of Musée d’Orsay (France) and the Tate Modern (UK) in size. If you’re more “foodie” than “arty”, you should still visit for the plethora of restaurants and bars at the venue, including modern French at Odette, and spectacular skyline views from Aura Sky Lounge & Bar.
1 St Andrew’s Road
Get down to Dempsey Hill
The former nutmeg plantation turned army barracks and now lifestyle enclave is a hugely popular haunt both day and night. There are tons of places to eat and drink, for any taste and budget, with plenty of shops to visit too (particularly if you’re on the lookout for antiques of carpets). Grab a coffee from one of the many cafés and explore the area on foot. Not only will you find bars, restaurants and shops, but hairdressers, a spa, a women’s fitness studio and even a luxury pet hotel.
Find a list of Dempsey Hill tenants here.
Chill out at Kampong Glam
A short walk from Bugis MRT, the Kampong Glam district has rows and rows of vibrant shophouses hiding quaint cafes, trendy boutiques, laidback bars, Middle-Eastern restaurants and more. For a more traditional taste of Malay culture, visit the stately Masjid Sultan Mosque or the old fabric and trinket shops nearby. Families can also make a pit-stop at the Children Little Museum on Kandahar Street, an archive of olden day toys, antiques and curios from the 50s to the 80s. You can’t miss the giant robot out front.
Head across to Pulau Ubin
For just two or three bucks, you can catch a 10-minute bum-boat from Changi Village to one of Singapore’s biggest offshore islands. Pulau Ubin is like taking a step back in time – local villagers still live on the island and offer an insight into what life was like before Singapore became a busy city. For around 10 dollars, you can hire bikes near the ferry point on the other side, and cruise around the rural island for a good few hours. There are also some harder mountain bike trails, if that’s your thing. Keep an eye out for monkeys and wild boars, plus head to the Chek Jawa wetlands trail.
Brave the fabled oddities in Haw Par Villa
One of the most unique places in the actual world (or so we think), Haw Par Villa has over 1,000 statues, not to mention the 150 dioramas, that dramatise Chinese legends and folklore. Have a good laugh as you witness characters such as Fu Lu Shou, Confucius and the Laughing Buddha doing some very odd things indeed. Ten Courts of Hell, Journey into the West and numerous other exhibits aim to take you on an experience through ancient times, complete with blood, gore and, er, human crabs. The level of weird here is so famous amongst locals that it’s even inspired a homegrown music video.
262 Pasir Panjang Road. Open daily from 9am to 7pm. Free admission.
Tour Changi Museum
For a poignant look back at Singapore’s wartime past, visit Changi Museum. (Editor’s note: the museum itself is currently closed for renovations, though the chapel remains open for now. Work is expected to finish on both in 2021.) Here, you’ll find lots of photos, letters and artefacts from prisoners-of-war that shed light on their plight while being interned at Changi Prison. For a more immersive experience, rent an audio tour set ($8) to listen to real stories of survivors as you explore. The museum also has a little chapel (replicated from the one built by POWs during the war) where you can light a candle for the victims. Note: Both the museum and the chapel are currently closed for a revamp and are expected to open some time in 2021. Follow changimuseum.sg for news and updates.
1000 Upper Changi Road. Open daily from 9.30am-5pm. Free admission.
Step into the past at Kampong Buangkok
Believe it or not, Singapore still has one surviving kampong (traditional village) amid its jungle of high-rise apartments. Home to less than 30 families, the rustic cluster of zinc-roofed houses near Hougang has been standing since 1956 and feels like a portal to the past. It’s common to see cats, dogs and chickens roaming about, as well as more exotic wildlife in the surrounding foliage. If you want to delve deep into kampong life, take a tour with Let’s Go Tour. Your guide will take you into the Kampong houses and really help you explore Singapore’s past.
5 Lorong Buangkok.
Visit the National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore is Singapore’s biggest museum, and regularly features exhibits full of the island’s historical and cultural artefacts. Keep tabs on their website for their latest interactive workshops and outdoor movie screenings.
93 Stamford Road. Open daily from 10am-6pm. Free for citizens and permanent residents, $6 (adults), $3 (students) for foreign visitors.
Cycle through Punggol Waterway Park
With heaps of foliage and cycling and jogging paths along calm waters, Punggol Waterway Park is lovely for an afternoon jaunt. Bring along your bicycle or skates, or rent them from stalls along the stretch, and enjoy breezing past the peaceful backdrop of nature. Bird-watchers have plenty to keep an eye out for too, such as rose-ringed parakeets and collared kingfishers. Kids can have fun running amok in the watery playground.
Sentul Crescent Road
Catch music and art at the Esplanade
The Esplanade’s intimate Outdoor Theatre often plays host to live music gigs spanning all kinds of genres – from jazz to pop rock – and makes a decent chill-out spot by the bay. Look out for scheduled shows on their website. If your guests prefer visual candy, stop by Jendela (Visual Arts Space) at Level 2 for ever-changing exhibits, often spotlighting local artists.
1 Esplanade Drive. Open daily from 11am-9pm.
Visit the junkyard for knick-knacks
If shabby chic is your thing, you will love the junk shops that sit behind the Turf Club in Bukit Timah. They are piled – and we mean piled – high with everything and anything you might want in a home. Whether you’re looking for dining chairs, tables, desks, mirrors or storage, these shops have everything by the dozen and for insane prices. Simply dig (on your hands and knees through cobwebs sometimes!) through the pieces to find the item you love, take a photo and show it to the staff. They will come up with a price (as there’s no way they can tag the stores!) and you can haggle a little too. On our last visit, we saw a huge vintage carousel (merry go ’round), a life-size statue of Jesus and a wooden hot tub.
2 Turf Club Road
Try a durian!
The spiky, pungent ‘King of Fruits’ usually gets lots of extreme reactions and flak from foreigners. But whether you end up loving it or swearing off another bite completely, it’s one of those things you have to try once just for kicks. Geylang is famous for durian stalls – for a wide selection, try Ah Hung Company. Open 24 hours, durians here range from $5 to $18 depending on type and (debatable) tastiness.
204 Geylang Road.
Visit Gillman Barracks
Taking roost in former colonial barracks, this art hub’s cluster of galleries always has cool contemporary shows going on. After spending an afternoon gazing at the intriguing artworks here, retreat to one of the hip neighbourhood restaurants for a hearty dinner. We like The Naked Finn for beautifully grilled seafood and bespoke cocktails.
9 Lock Road. For more info head to the Gillman Barracks website.
Chill at a cat café
Close the doors to the hectic life outside and find a relaxing spot in one of Singapore’s cat cafés. Visitors can pay a small entry fee to enjoy a drink, curl up in a comfy chair and enjoy interacting with the felines. Niko no Niwa (pictured) has over ten adopted cats in its premises and a minimum age limit for visitors of seven-years-old; the The Cat Café also houses only re-homed or adopted strays. There are plenty more cat cafés springing up, so it’s definitely worth a search to find the nearest one to you.
Zoom down The Luge
If you’re hitting Sentosa with little ones, The Luge is worth a pit stop. Popular with families, the 1.2km track lets you whiz down slopes, hairpin corners and smooth stretches on slick go-kart-style vehicles. The joyride takes all of two minutes, but don’t be surprised if the kiddos want a second (or a tenth) go.
Near Beach Station, Sentosa. $15, $3 for children under 6 riding tandem with a paying adult.
Marvel at marine life in the S.E.A. Aquarium
Home to more than 100,000 animals of over 800 species, the S.E.A. Aquarium on Sentosa goes all out when it comes to learning about the deep blue sea. Its Open Water Habitat is one of the biggest in the world, and filled with enormous sharks, rays and turtles. Fancy staring at them over a fancy dinner? There’s actually a high-end dining spot called Ocean Restaurant by Cat Cora that offers just that experience.
Take the plunge at iFly
The indoor skydiving complex lets guests float and flip in a state-of-the-art 16.5 feet wide wind tunnel – the largest in the world. And since this does away with the daunting task of leaping out of a plane, it’s perfect for folks who get a bit jittery about heights – and kids! Suitable for ages seven and above, each ‘flight’ is supervised by fully-qualified instructors, who will train you before ‘take off’ and keep you on the right track during the dive.
43 Siloso Beach Walk, #01-01, Sentosa. Book your e-tickets now.
Get your thrills at Universal Studios
Get your hands on a queue-jump pass for a few extra bucks, or head along on a weekday for the best experience at Universal Studios. Sure, it’s not as huge as the ones in the US, but a day in this wacky theme park definitely makes for a fun day out – with or without kids. Expect rollercoasters, 3D experiences, water rides and movie-set towns and eateries.
Scratch your head at the Trick Eye Museum
Snap-happy tourists will love the Trick Eye Museum for its bevy of interactive 2D and 3D scenes that make for fun, outrageous illusions. Just pose in the right spots (pointed out with markers) and you could be balancing on a circus elephant’s trunk or flying on a broomstick. It’s a hilarious, lighthearted way to spend a few hours, and you’ll leave with lots of photos to baffle friends and family with.
8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa. For more info, call 6577 8888. Book discounted tickets now.
Visit a rooftop bar
With towering high-rise buildings at every turn, it’s no shock that Singapore is home to some of the best rooftop bars in the world. And not only are the views amazing, the drinks are top-notch too. Head here for our pick of the best bars to feel on top of the world.
Please note with current restrictions, some events and activities may not be available.
If it’s rainy or very hot read on for things to do indoors!
Moving to Singapore? Find more helpful tips in our Living in Singapore section.
If you’re planning to live in Singapore or if you’re new to our sunny island, then make sure to read the digital edition of our latest CITY GUIDE.
