Introduction
Singapore is a vibrant city with plenty to offer families looking for fun and engaging activities. From educational experiences to outdoor adventures, there are numerous opportunities to enjoy quality time together without breaking the bank. Here’s a list of 24 fun and free activities to explore with your kids in Singapore this year.
It’s 2024. Singapore boasts a dazzling cityscape, world-class attractions, and yes, high costs of living. But it can also be a haven for families seeking budget-friendly adventures if you just know where to look. From exploring lush gardens to watching a movie under the stars, here are 24 free activities to keep your kids busy having fun without spending a cent.
Explore the Wonders of Nature
1. Go on a nature hike
Hike through the verdant trails of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve or spot monkeys at MacRitchie Reservoir. And with stroller-friendly trails along The Southern Ridges, as well as Wallace Trail at Dairy Farm Nature Park, you can even introduce the littlest ones to the rich biodiversity on offer.
2. Wander through wetlands
Explore the beautiful flora and fauna unique to tidal ecosystems such as swamps, marshes, and mangroves. Just follow the boardwalks at Jurong Lake Gardens, Coney Island, and Pasir Ris Park. Keep your eyes peeled for the likes of mudskippers, mud lobsters, and tree-climbing crabs.
3. Gather in gardens
First on the list is the Singapore Botanic Gardens, our very own UNESCO World Heritage Site. These sprawling gardens boast diverse flora, themed gardens, and the COMO Adventure Grove for kids. Over at the world-famous Gardens by the Bay, 101 hectares of lush blooms await. Also check out Sentosa Sensoryscape, the new 30,000-sqm oasis that blends nature, design, and technology.
4. Try birdwatching
Observe a variety of bird species at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve or Kranji Marshes in northwestern Singapore. Bring binoculars and stake out various bird hides to spy on native and migratory birds. You might spot the adorable Common Sandpiper, White-breasted Waterhen, White-bellied Sea Eagle, and more.
5. Cycle the park connectors
Explore our interconnected network of parks on bicycles or even skate scooters and rollerblades. Depending on your kids’ athletic appetites, PCN trails can be as short as 800 m. Begin at the Jurassic Mile and slowly build up to the Round Island Route, currently a 150 km park connector!
Embrace Culture & Heritage
6. Immerse in cultural districts
Search for colorful murals along Little India’s vibrant streets. Go temple-hopping in Chinatown, the only one worldwide that boasts a Buddhist temple, mosque, and Hindu temple on one street. Then soak in the Malay culture in the ethnic enclaves of Kampong Glam and Geylang Serai.
7. Visit historical sites
Learn about Singapore’s pre-independence history at Fort Canning Park and Labrador Park, as well as Fort Siloso and Fort Serapong on Sentosa. Explore the heritage gardens and historic main building during the Istana Open House — this happens five times a year.
8. Take a heritage walk
Embark on the National Heritage Board’s self-guided heritage trails and unearth hidden gems and untold stories. Find heritage markers and track down landmarks, such as the ‘VIP Block’ in Toa Payoh, old East Coast seawalls, and what remains of a rural village in Tampines.
Conclusion
Singapore offers a plethora of fun and free activities for families to enjoy in 2024. From exploring nature and learning about Singapore’s history to enjoying cultural experiences and outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of options to keep everyone entertained. Whether you’re visiting iconic landmarks like Gardens by the Bay and Sentosa’s beaches, or discovering hidden gems like Pulau Ubin and Kranji Countryside, each activity provides a unique opportunity to bond and create cherished memories with your loved ones. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and embark on an exciting journey through Singapore’s diverse and family-friendly offerings.
