10 Things to Do in Singapore with Kids

Singapore is a city suitable for all ages, its safety and technological advances make it a favourite destination for thousands of families every year. It's easy to get around and offers a variety of attractions such as theme parks, museums and gardens. You can start your itinerary by visiting Universal Studios, whose movie-inspired attractions include roller coasters, themed shows and character encounters. For other theme parks, head to Sentosa Island which is packed with options.

At the very least, I recommend planning a 5-day trip in Singapore so you can check out the S.E.A. Aquarium and the delicious Ice Cream Museum for a refreshing afternoon. If the little ones have boundless energy, you might want to try cultural shows, book tickets for the GX-5 extreme swing, ride the local Ferris wheel or venture on a night safari through the zoo.

The best destination for a family visit to Singapore is undoubtedly Universal Studios. This entertainment park has more than 24 attractions with vibrant shows and themed worlds inspired by movies and series. Here the little ones can interact with their favourite characters, such as Fiona or Woody Woodpecker.

For your visit, please note that you are allowed to bring water, but not food. In the facilities you will find different gastronomic proposals inspired by films or themed areas, such as Shrek's cheesecake, New York pizza and the corn dog in the Cairo Market. Among the most notable entertainment options are:

• New York: where you'll find Sesame Street a passageway with a variety of Sesame Street-inspired family attractions. Children must be at least 92cm tall, so they can fly to a mysterious world, through a thrilling roller coaster. You can also ride Lights, Camera, Action and experience how a hurricane hits the streets of New York.
• Hollywood: here you can enjoy character encounters, a tour of the streets of Hollywood and a musical show.
• Sci-fi City: is a futuristic city where kids can meet Transformers characters and take advantage of different themed coasters.
• Ancient Egypt: inspired by Ancient Egypt, in the world of the Pharaohs you can experience the famous Revenge of the Mummy, a roller coaster with special effects.
• The Lost World: In the world of dinosaurs, inspired by the movie Jurassic Park, you can ride roller coasters, climb walls, play with Stegosaurus and watch a colourful show.
• Far Far Away: Step inside Shrek and Fiona's castle, where a green ogre awaits you in the 4D theatre, and don't miss the age-appropriate roller coasters and the beloved Donkey character show.

Admission to Universal Studios Singapore for adults starts from 58 euros, while there is a children's rate from 43 euros. Children under 4 years old can enter for free, although they cannot access the extreme roller coasters, as most have age and height restrictions.

After a long day of walking, it's a good idea to find a place that captures the attention of the little ones. The S.E.A. Aquarium is one of the best things to do in Singapore, with around 100,000 animals of 1,000 different species. To make the visit more enjoyable, it is divided into 50 habitats with marine fauna from all over the world, such as majestic sharks, manta rays, eels, fish, jellyfish and seahorses.

When children are included, it's definitely worth opting for a skip-the-line ticket to Singapore's S.E.A. Aquarium from 35 euros, where they will have a different kind of afternoon. In this vast marine world you will find themed areas and entertaining activities such as:

• Species feeding programmes: from a safe environment for you and the animals, you can help prepare their food and feed them during a guided tour. Or watch as trained staff feed different species, including Shark Sharks.
• Junior Ocean Detective: children can take part in a marine quest, following clues to learn about the mysteries of the ocean.
• Aquarium Lab: takes children to learn about the care of different sea creatures.
• Dolphin World: visit the dolphin habitat with mammal specialists, the whole family can interact, play games and collect interesting information about the lifestyle of this species.

Another must-do on your family holiday is a tour of the Singapore Zoo, but not in the traditional way. Step out of the mould and into the wildlife of the Singaporean jungle to explore its nocturnal lifestyle. The tropical species are mostly nocturnal, so you won't be able to see them during the day. This tour is usually audio-guided, so you can learn about more than 1,000 animals of 100 different species, including Malayan tigers, flying squirrels, giraffes and bats.

Immerse yourself in this exciting experience to learn how the lions feed, see the Creatures of the Night show and board a tram that gives you a privileged view of each habitat. The tram ride is optional, but it's best to take it as there are some locations that are difficult to access on foot.

It's an activity included in Singapore's best tourist cards, so you can save a couple of euros. In general, entrance fees start from 34 euros per adult and from 24 euros for children. Note that children under 3 are free and the tour has no age restrictions.

If you're travelling with older children, they'll probably ask for a fun, adrenaline-filled activity to suit their age. From the age of 12 and up, they can fly on the GX-5 Singapore extreme swing. It's an intense three minutes that will take you 40 metres up in the air, swinging at 120 km/h. While the colours of the horizonare projected in the background, the screams of euphoria of the participants do not go unnoticed.

The short time of this adventure will be enough to stimulate your senses, to the extent that it will become one of your favourite activities. It is a completely safe activity, beyond the adrenaline rush, it does not represent any real risk for the family. Of course, it is not recommended for pregnant women or people with health problems.

Sentosa Island is the main entertainment area in Singapore, which can be reached via the Cable Car, which is considered a thrilling experience. From here you can soar above the main highway and get panoramic views of Siloso Beach. Keep your eyes peeled, as you'll have the option to travel on two lines with completely different routes. This transport allows you to make stops at attractions such as:

• Mega Zip: this is a long and steep zip line, where you can fly at 60 km/h over the jungle and beaches of the area. The safety is millimetric and any person weighing more than 30 kilos can go up.
• 4D Adventureland: is a theme park with 4D attractions where you can watch movies, take special effects rides and see the Shrek show with less crowds than at Universal Studios Singapore It is suitable for all ages and is included in Singapore's best tourist cards.
• Nestopia: a children's play area with slides, outdoor workshops, climbing nets and more.
• SkyHelix Sentosa: an attraction included in the All-Inclusive Pass, where you can go on a thrill ride that takes you 43 metres above the ground. The panoramic views of the area are amazing, please note that you need to be taller than 1.05cm.

Singapore is a futuristic city where culture is encouraged, so I recommend taking the little ones to the nightly shows that take place in various locations. They feature a vibrant artistic and historical scene through special effects, lights and live music. Highlights include:

• Spectra at Marina Bay: this is a great option for the whole family, as it's completely free. It's also ideal if you're looking for things to do at night in Singapore, as it takes place at this time in Event Plaza and takes you into local history through ancient choreography, special effects and the Singaporean orchestra.
• Wings of Time on Sentosa Island: this is a laser show with special effects, which has a powerful learning story for the little ones. Admission is from 13 euros, but it is also included in the best tourist cards in Singapore such as the Explorer Pass.
• Garden Rhapsody at the Gardens by the Bay: if you are planning to visit the gardens, you cannot miss this experience categorised as one of the best things to do in Singapore. It will be 15 minutes of fun in the famous Supertrees, which are transformed with vines of lights and colours.

Singapore' s best museums offer endless possibilities, where children have a place too. Beyond the historical tours that can be boring for certain ages, at the Trick Eye Museum you can enjoy a family experience in an interactive world. Here you will find exhibitions with 4D optical illusions, where you will put all your senses to the test.

Its multi-sensory attractions also allow you to climb rocks, explore the rainforest and experience a space adventure. Or you can take the little ones into a fairy tale where they will have to escape from a dragon, battle a witch and explore dinosaur islands. It also offers a variety of photo locations to immortalise the memory. Tickets start from 20 euros, or you can take advantage of the city's best tourist passes.

Botanic gardens are interesting for adults, but not always an option for children. Not only does the Singapore Botanic Gardens offer areas where they can run around freely, it also has the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden playground for children between the ages of 3 and 12. Here they'll have the freedom they need to let off steam as they're taken on a plant exploration walk, where they can touch anything they want (safely and under supervision).

One of Singapore' s best activities for kids, you'll find a tree house with slides, water play areas, caverns and waterfalls, mazes, farms, orchards and a suspension bridge.

If you want to take a closer look at the city from above, you should give the Singapore Flyer a try. It is one of the largest Ferris wheels in the world, where you can get amazing 360° panoramic views. In addition, there is an audio guide in the capsule that gives you relevant information on local history. You'll also find smart tablets known as Flyer360+, which show you a perspective of old Singapore.

Additionally, here you can take advantage of special events such as a Chinese New Year themed flight or private capsules for families and couples. Without a doubt, it is an interactive, educational, fun and safe experience for children. Please note that in rainy or bad weather conditions rides are suspended for safety reasons.

Museum tours are tedious for children, so look for themes that suit their needs to show them another perspective of Singapore. The Ice Cream Museum fits the bill, and it's not for nothing that it's one of the best local museums. The temptation of flavours is irresistible, offering unlimited ice cream tastings, chip pools and special activities.

It's not only suitable for the little ones, adults will also have a great time wandering around the multi-sensory installations and exploring the oversized ice cream sculptures. At the dessert station you can learn more about the history of this delicious dessert and explore how it is made. If you're looking for things to do in Singapore at night, you can enjoy evening workshops here.

• Be careful at crowded attractions as it's easy to lose sight of them, so it's best to keep them close at hand.
• Look for rides with no age or height limits, so the whole family can enjoy.
• Keep them hydrated, as sometimes the heat can get intense.
• If you plan to visit Singapore's best museums, be sure to bring a jacket as they tend to be air-conditioned in cooler temperatures.
• Take out travel insurance for your peace of mind and the safety of your little ones.
• Opt for Singapore's best tourist cards, especially if you're travelling with children over the age of 3 to save a couple of euros.