Singapore with babies, toddlers and kids

Question 1

What is there to do in Singapore with a toddler?

Accepted Answer

Start with free water play: the Far East Organization Children's Garden has a Toddler Play Zone for ages 1 to 5. Jacob Ballas Children's Garden has water play for ages 2 to 12, and Singapore Zoo's KidzWorld has a toddler zone at its splash area. We'd start at Jacob Ballas, set in woodland beside streams, and pack a change of clothes.

Question 2

Can I take a stroller on the MRT and buses in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Yes, strollers can stay open on MRT trains and buses if they fit within 120cm by 70cm, and anything bigger has to be folded. Use the designated stroller space with the brakes on, and take the station lifts rather than the escalators. On a crowded bus the captain may ask you to fold it. Blue-sticker priority zones at stations and interchanges are open to families with strollers.

Question 3

At what age do children need a ticket at Mandai, Universal and the Oceanarium?

Accepted Answer

Mandai lets children under 3 in free, Universal Studios Singapore prices child tickets for ages 4 to 12, and Singapore Oceanarium wants a ticket only above 4. Mandai's Curiosity Cove sells child tickets for ages 3 to 12, and Universal's adult tickets start at 13. If your youngest is near a cut-off, read the operator's ticket page before you book, starting with Universal Studios Singapore.

Question 4

Is Universal Studios Singapore worth it with young children?

Accepted Answer

Universal Studios Singapore is worth it once your child is about 1 metre tall. In Minion Land, Silly Swirly asks for 92cm, Despicable Me Minion Mayhem for 102cm and Buggie Boogie has no minimum height. Children under 122cm ride with a supervising adult on most rides, and the child swap programme lets one of you ride while the other stays with them. For anyone shorter, we'd spend the day at Singapore Zoo.

Question 5

Which Mandai park is best for small kids?

Accepted Answer

We'd pick Singapore Zoo: its KidzWorld has a toddler splash zone and animal encounters, and wagons are for hire when little legs give out. Bird Paradise has a water playground with toddler areas, and Curiosity Cove is entirely indoors and made for children up to 12. Save River Wonders for later, as the Amazon River Quest boat ride asks for 1.06m. Mandai, one park at a time plans the day.

Question 6

What can we do with the kids in Singapore when it rains?

Accepted Answer

Go indoors for a session: Curiosity Cove at Mandai is entirely indoors and made for children up to 12, and KidsSTOP suits ages 8 and under. Our pick for a wet day is the Science Centre, with KidsSTOP for the little ones. A rainy day in Singapore has more indoor ideas for older children.

Question 7

Is the Children's Garden at Gardens by the Bay free, and when is it open?

Accepted Answer

Yes, entry is free, and in school term the garden opens Thursday to Sunday and on public holidays. In school holidays it opens Tuesday to Sunday, apart from a Tuesday after a holiday Monday. It's for children 12 and under, and adults can enter only with a child. Water play suits ages 6 to 12, so with a toddler head for the Toddler Play Zone. The Far East Organization Children's Garden has the hours.

Question 8

Is Jacob Ballas Children's Garden free, and what ages is it for?

Accepted Answer

Yes, entry is free, and the garden is built for children up to 14. Adults can go in only with a child, and children under 12 need an adult with them. The water play, with mist zones, wading pools and jets, suits ages 2 to 12. The Tree House is closed while a new one is built, with reopening hoped for around the end of 2027. Jacob Ballas Children's Garden has the hours.

Question 9

Where can I nurse or change a baby in Singapore?

Accepted Answer

Universal Studios Singapore, Gardens by the Bay and Mandai all have nursing rooms, and some MRT stations and bus interchanges have baby care rooms. Universal's Baby Care Centre is near the entrance, and the Children's Garden at Gardens by the Bay has its own nursing room. On the network, look at Marina Bay and Caldecott stations and the Jurong East, Yishun and Bukit Panjang interchanges.

Question 10

Can I take a stroller into the zoo, Universal Studios and other attractions?

Accepted Answer

The Zoo, Universal Studios Singapore and Singapore Oceanarium all take strollers, and KidsSTOP at the Science Centre is the exception. The Zoo and Universal rent strollers, in limited numbers at Universal, and the Oceanarium lets you bring your own stroller or wagon. Zoo wagons hold two children up to 35kg combined. Wild macaques around Mandai link prams with food, so keep snacks out of sight.

Question 11

How old should my child be for KidsSTOP at the Science Centre?

Accepted Answer

KidsSTOP is for children aged 8 and under, and every child needs an adult of 18 or over with them. Adults aren't admitted on their own. Strollers stay outside, in a parking area by the door, and the day runs in two sessions. KidsSTOP lists the times, and children over 8 are better off in the Science Centre galleries.

Question 12

What is there for teenagers who are bored of the zoo?

Accepted Answer

Go faster: at Skyline Luge on Sentosa, riders 110cm or taller steer their own cart, and a parent can ride tandem with a younger child. AltitudeX, the former iFly, puts you in a vertical wind tunnel with professionals to guide you, so check its age and height limits when you book. We'd pick the luge for a mixed-age group and AltitudeX for a teenagers-only outing. See Skyline Luge Sentosa.