Family with children visiting for two weeks:
When you’ve got children in the mix, make your days much less packed as things always take a little longer with kids. Try to cater for all age groups where you can – but let everyone know that there’s lot of fun things around Singapore and everyone will get their turn. When all else fails, use a bribe – ice cream always works for us!
Day 1
Boat trip on the river. Start at Clarke Quay. Get off at Clifford Pier to see the original Merlion at Merlion Park. Plenty of photo opportunities here for kids including spouting water from their mouths and ‘carrying’ MBS – if you don’t know what you’re doing take some tips from those around you. Then walk down to the Fullerton Bay Hotel and go in to reception. Not only is it a respite from the heat (and offers a spot for a loo break!) but it’s beautiful decor and peaceful feel will take your breath away. And don’t worry, you can just wander in as it’s a public walkway. Once you’ve taken in the sights around there, jump back on a boat and see the rest of the river. Just make sure you buy a ticket that allows you to hop on and off.
Everyone loves a relaxing potter down the river don’t they? If not, bribe them with icecream!
Day 2
Get the MRT to Esplanade and have a wander around the Esplanade. You can get some pics of the Grand Prix Track from its roof and there’s a great Haagan Daaz inside. Take a leisurely stroll towards Marina Bay Sands crossing the stunning Helix Bridge. You can stop for lunch at one of the many places at MBS, there’s plenty of options including a not too pricey food centre on the lower floor. Whilst you’re in MBS show the kids the canal that runs through it and if you’ve timed it right, you’ll see the Rain Oculus empty – it collects rain water that fills the canal! You can even jump on one of the sampans for a leisurely ride.
Next it’s time to grab your head for heights and go on up to the sky park for the most stunning views of Singapore. This is where your guests will get to see what the city from 57 floors up – and if you stretch your neck enough, can gawp at those in the famous infinity pool (no entry if you’re not a guest I’m afraid). You can stop at Ce La Vie for a quick drink – a good way to relax whilst taking in the view.
Young and old alike will be blown away by the views at the top of MBS
Day 3
Is pool day and a bit of down time for the adults whilst the kids burn off some energy in the pool. If you are a member of a club, head there for the day – if not, a condo pool or house pool would do the trick too. If you don’t have one and are not a member anywhere – take advantage of most clubs free two weeks/one month membership whilst you have guests here!
A day by the pool relaxing will be just what you all need today.
Day 4
After a relaxing day yesterday today is all about action packed fun and is probably THE thing your younger guests have been waiting for. Universal Studios. A great family day out that will tick all the boxes no matter what age the children are. Discount tickets can be bought through places like the British Club and you can buy an express pass to help skip some of the long queues (the price can vary). But really, these places are all about the anticipation as much as anything else so just go armed with lots of patience and you’ll be fine. Pre-book your entrance tickets to avoid the long lines to get in and get there early.
One of the less hair-raising rides – for some!
Day 5
Take it easy today, the kids will be exhausted from yesterday – as will the adults. Take your guests out for lunch somewhere you would go to usually. Go for a walk around your local area, let them get to know your ‘hood’. Have lunch at a hawker centre and order some food the kids may not have tried before.
Day 6
For older children today is all about local heritage so head for China Town. This may be met with groans of ‘boring’ from younger guests but remind them they can look for cheap pressies to take home or find the best noodles in Singapore today. Visit China Town Heritage Centre to get a feel for how the city has changed over the years and see how people used to live.
China Town and its Markets are full of colour and culture.
Head to food street for some local fare. If it all looks a bit scary to your younger visitors, choose something simple like chicken sate or spring rolls. Or ask The Noodle Man for some plain non spicy noodles.
Spend the afternoon wandering around the markets and challenge your guests to try some Durian.
or
Monkey around at Singapore Zoo.
If this really doesn’t appeal to your older children and probably won’t with younger children you could suggest Singapore Zoo. One of the most impressive zoo’s I’ve ever been to and although it’s a long day you can take your time walking around and can jump on and off the tram for a few extra dollars. The monkey exhibit is amazing and there are plenty of animal experiences and shows to see too including jungle breakfast (this requires pre-booking).
Day 7
Have a shorter day today and suggest The Alive Museum in Sun Tec city is a great spot to take families (especially on a rainy day, but it will be busy) and you will literally run out of battery on your camera. From flying on the back of a huge Kingfisher to being picked up by a giant baby, this 4D museum has to be seen to be believed. Great fun for young and old alike!
Day 8
Sentosa is calling. There really is so much to do on The State of Fun that one day is not enough. Madam Tussauds to Segways, Ziplines to a butterfly park. There’s a good page on the website here that will help you plan. It’s worth buying a Fun Pass which gives you access to a number of attractions. You can even stay for the evening and watch one of the light shows too.
For me, the things you should not miss is the Luge – brilliant fun for all and the most hair-raising skyline ride up to it, the Merlion Walk and the Merlion and the Images of Singapore LIVE (really one of the best ways to introduce children to the history of Singapore).
Dinner at Coastes is a great way to end the day – kid friendly, relaxed, the food comes quick and the kids can play in the sand whilst you and your adult guests can enjoy a much-needed beverage.
The perfect spot for a family dinner – relaxed, good food, service is quick and your toes are in the sand. What’s not to love?
Day 9
Relax. Take it easy as everyone will be tired from yesterday. If the kids get tetchy take them for a walk around your local park.
This evening would be a good time to go on the Night Safari. The world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, it’s quite a unique night out, but it’s a late one so maybe some afternoon naps would be a good idea before you go. Book your tickets in advance and although it’ll be busy when you arrive, it’s well organised and everyone gets to see everything.
Day 10
Time to head for Gardens By The Bay. Go later in the afternoon if you can so that you can stay for the light show at 7:45. Allow a few hours at the gardens or if necessary, go back in the evening.
Tell your guests to lay down and take in the wonder of the Singing Trees.
Plenty to do at the Children’s Garden including a splash park so get the kids to take their swimwear. If they are older they might enjoy the Cloud Forest but it’s pretty chilly inside the dome so take jumpers. Don’t forget to head to the Supertree Grove to see the gardens during the day and you can visit the OCBC Skyway if you’re ok with going up high with the kids.
Day 11
East Coast Park. If the children are able to ride bikes this is a good place to go as you can hire them here and cycle all the way along the cycle paths that run next to the beach. If not, just grab the stroller and take a leisurely walk. Scooters, roller blades, inline skates – they’re all welcome! Plenty of dining options along the way or take a picnic. There are also barbecue pits if you want to get organised for a family bbq, you’ll need to book here though.There is a children’s playground too.
- Make a wish at Mount Fabe
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You could go for a ride on the Cable Car for spectacular views and fun. Begin your journey at Mount Faber where you can have a look around at the stunning park before getting on the cable car. There’s the huge polish bell of friendship, stunning views and a great little restaurant and gift shop up there. Also, you can buy a bell or two of your own and tie them on the railings as many others have done before.
Day 12
Water Park. Whilst Adventure Cove is great fun and well worth a visit, if your guests have already made heavy dent in their wallets, take them to Jurong Water Park instead. A local pool that has enough rides, slides and lazy rivers to keep the younger ones happy. It may not be ideal for older children looking for huge thrills, but is a good substitute for little ones. For older ones, I’d opt for the Sentosa park for sure – if you are a member of the British Club (or know someone who is) they have discounted tickets available.
Day 13
Simple fun at the beach – and it doesn’t cost a penny!
Beach day. Most children will want to go to the beach before they go home. You can go to Tanjong, Siloso or Palawan on Sentosa for an easy day. At Palawan there’s also a fantastic pirate ship splash park ideal for under 10’s. Check the website for opening times. Whilst you’re there you can maybe do one or two of the attractions that you may have missed on day 8.
Day 14
Take a day off today and let your guests relax in the sun whilst they get ready to leave. Again a pool is a bonus here. If you’re feeling generous (which you may not be after two weeks) you could offer to take the kids out to a park to give the parents some space to pack.
Or…
If the family that are coming to stay are feeling adventurous suggest a few days away somewhere like Bintan. There are many resorts and hotels to choose from and gives people a different taste of Asia. It’s only 45 minutes by ferry so you can do it over a long weekend – we’ve even done just two days.
Take a break from Singapore and hop on the ferry to Bintan for a few days. Simple laid back fun.
Other options a bit further afield are Thailand, Malaysia, Batu Batu and so on. As long as it’s within a 2 hour flight or 5 hour drive it’s worth it I think.
By doing this it takes the pressure off you as a host too as feels more like a holiday. Alternatively if you are working or your kids are at school the family may want to take a few days away on their own. Give them lots of ideas before they come and let them decide. It may even be they treat themselves to a couple of nights at one of the hotels here in Singapore.
Other places to visit that you can swap in are:
Orchard Road – I’ve missed out shopping on here as it bores me, but if you have a shopaholic visiting you must of course visit the shopping district – Ion, Paragon etc. Botanic Gardens – a beautiful and relaxing stroll for as long or short as you like.
National Museum – in fact any museum! The Peranakan is one of my faves.
Singapore Zoo – both during the day and at night (the Night Safari is very popular).
Gardens By The Bay – either just wander around the huge gardens and/or go into the flower dome or cloud dome (take a jumper, it’s chilly in there!)
Pulau Ubin – to see a bit of how Singapore used to be. Ideal for mountain bike enthusiasts.
Jurong Bird Park.
Kent Ridge Park – or any of the other parks, especially early morning to catch a taste of what the locals do to keep fit.
The list goes on and on…
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Take a look at the other itineraries for more information on the above or more ideas.
5 Go Mad in Singers 