Becky R Explores Singapore – A Travel Expert's Guide
I've just returned from my third visit to Singapore and my second time exploring it as a family. The first time we visited was back in 2019, when my children were just 5, 9 and 11 years old. Fast forward seven years, and this time I experienced the city through the eyes of three teenagers. It was fascinating to see what had changed, what they loved, and which experiences we enjoyed just as much the second time around.
What I can say with confidence is that Singapore suited our family perfectly on both occasions. From the moment you arrive at Singapore Changi Airport, you get a sense of just how impressive this city is. Voted the World's Best Airport by Skytrax an incredible 14 times, it's easy to understand why. Despite being one of the busiest airports in the world, it feels calm, organised and remarkably stress-free.
Getting into the city is just as easy. Whether you choose a pre-booked transfer, hop into a taxi from one of the airport ranks or take advantage of Singapore's excellent MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) network, you'll be in the heart of the city in no time.
One of the things I love most about Singapore is how easy it is to get around. The MRT quickly became our preferred way to travel. We purchased tourist passes for the children from the station and simply topped them up as we went, while the adults used contactless debit cards and our phones to tap in and out, just as you would on London's Underground. The trains are frequent, clean, air-conditioned and a welcome escape from Singapore's tropical heat.
My top things to do in Singapore with children and teenagers
Visit Mandai Wildlife Reserve
This is easily a full-day experience and one of our family favourites. Begin the day with Breakfast in the Wild at Singapore Zoo before exploring some of the reserve's other fantastic attractions, including Bird Paradise, River Wonders or Rainforest Wild Asia. Round off your day with the world-famous Night Safari, where you can spot nocturnal animals in a completely different setting.
Explore Gardens by the Bay
The iconic Supertrees are an absolute must-see and look even more spectacular in person. Twice every evening they come alive with a free light and music show that shouldn't be missed.
Although "gardens" might not immediately sound like a teenager's dream day out, there's so much more here than flowers. Families can enjoy playgrounds, wetlands, walking trails and, if you're lucky, even spot the resident otters. Much of Gardens by the Bay is free to explore, but I'd highly recommend purchasing tickets for the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories, as well as walking across the OCBC Skyway suspended between the Supertrees. The views are unforgettable.
Spend a day on Sentosa Island
Sentosa is Singapore's playground and offers something for every age. It's incredibly easy to reach from the city by monorail, bus, taxi, cable car or even on foot.
Universal Studios Singapore is the island's biggest attraction, but there's so much more to discover. Harry Potter: Visions of Magic, Adventure Cove Waterpark and the Singapore Oceanarium are all fantastic additions to your itinerary. If you'd rather slow the pace down, spend some time on one of Sentosa's beautiful beaches. Palawan Beach is particularly popular, where you can cross the suspension bridge to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia.
Finish your day with Wings of Time, an impressive outdoor show combining fountains, lasers, fire and fireworks. I'd recommend booking seated tickets in advance, with prices starting from under £10 per person.
Experience Satay Street
If you only have time for one memorable evening meal, make it Satay Street next to Lau Pa Sat. Every evening the road is closed to traffic and transforms into a lively open-air dining area filled with tables and sizzling barbecue stalls.
Grab a drink, whether that's a fresh coconut or an ice-cold Tiger beer, then order a selection of satay skewers. Chicken, beef, prawns and squid are all available, with prices starting from around 50p per stick. The food is fantastic, but it's the buzzing atmosphere that really makes this one of Singapore's must-do dining experiences.
Take in the views from CapitaSpring Sky Garden
One of Singapore's best viewpoints is also one of its best-kept secrets. Head up to the CapitaSpring Sky Garden on the 51st floor for incredible panoramic views across the city, completely free of charge.
Tickets are limited and released two weeks in advance, so it's worth setting yourself a reminder to book as soon as they become available.
Watch Spectra at Marina Bay Sands
If you haven't had your fill of Singapore's spectacular evening entertainment, don't miss Spectra, the free light and water show in front of Marina Bay Sands.
For an even more memorable experience, time your visit with a Singapore River Cruise. Watching the fountains, lasers and projections from the water offers a completely different perspective and is a wonderful way to end your day.
Travelling to the Far East can feel like a big adventure, particularly when you're travelling with children or teenagers, but Singapore makes it incredibly easy. It's clean, safe, easy to navigate and packed with attractions that genuinely appeal to every age group.
Having now experienced Singapore with both younger children and teenagers, I can honestly say it remains one of my favourite family destinations in the world, and one I'd recommend without hesitation.
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