3-Day Singapore Itinerary for First-Timers with Kids: Homejourney's Family Guide

Planning a 3-day Singapore itinerary for first-timers with kids doesn't have to be overwhelming. Homejourney, Singapore's trusted real estate platform, has created this verified family guide to help you experience the best of Singapore while prioritizing safety, comfort, and value for money. This itinerary balances iconic attractions with kid-friendly activities, free experiences, and insider tips that only locals know—ensuring your family creates unforgettable memories while building confidence in this vibrant city.

Whether you're visiting Singapore for the first time or considering it as a future home, understanding the city's family-friendly attractions helps you envision your lifestyle here. This guide covers three days optimized for children aged 2-12, with minimal walking distances, plenty of rest stops, and activities that engage young minds.

Day 1: Gardens by the Bay & Marina Bay Magic

Morning: Supertree Grove & Children's Garden (9 AM - 12:30 PM)

Start your Singapore adventure at Gardens by the Bay, one of Asia's most iconic attractions and completely free to explore the outdoor areas.[1] Your kids will be mesmerized by the towering Supertrees—futuristic structures reaching up to 50 meters high that create an otherworldly landscape perfect for photos and exploration.[1] The spacious lawns provide ample room for children to run freely and burn off travel energy.

Essential Information: Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953. Take the MRT to Bayfront Station (Exit B), then walk 5 minutes. Opening hours: 9 AM - 9 PM daily. Admission: Outdoor areas are free; Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are S$28 per adult, S$15 per child (ages 3-12), and free for children under 3.[3]

Head directly to the free Children's Garden waterplay area, open 9 AM-7 PM daily.[3] This is a game-changer for families. The splash zones feature dedicated areas for children under 5 with shallow water features, plus slides and play structures for older kids.[1] Insider tip: Arrive at 9 AM sharp to claim shaded picnic spots—the Singaporean sun is intense, and shade is premium real estate. Bring swimsuits, towels, and water shoes. Pack snacks or purchase them from nearby vendors; the area is stroller-friendly with accessible pathways.

After 90 minutes in the water, head to the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.[1] The Flower Dome is the world's largest greenhouse, and children are fascinated by the exotic plants and climate-controlled environment—a welcome respite from the tropical heat. The Cloud Forest features a stunning 35-meter indoor waterfall with mist makers that kids love to interact with, plus treetop walkways offering unique perspectives.[1]

Lunch: Satay by the Bay Hawker Centre (12:30 PM - 1:30 PM)

For lunch, visit Satay by the Bay, a clean, air-conditioned hawker centre within Gardens by the Bay.[3] Budget S$5-10 per child for local favorites like satay skewers, noodles, or rice dishes. Hawker centres are quintessentially Singaporean and introduce kids to authentic local cuisine in a safe, family-friendly environment. Most stalls offer halal, vegetarian, and allergy-friendly options—don't hesitate to ask vendors about ingredients.

Afternoon: Flower Dome & Cloud Forest (1:30 PM - 4:00 PM)

Spend the afternoon exploring these climate-controlled attractions. The Flower Dome's cooler temperature (24°C) provides relief, and children enjoy identifying different plants and flowers. The Cloud Forest's misty environment and waterfall create an immersive experience that feels like stepping into a rainforest—magical for young explorers.

Evening: Supertree Light Show (7:45 PM - 8:50 PM)

Return to the Supertree Grove for the spectacular free light and music show, performed daily at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM.[1] This 15-minute performance features synchronized lighting and music that transforms the Supertrees into a glowing spectacle. Pro tip: Arrive 20 minutes early to claim a good viewing spot. Lie down on the grass with your kids and watch the show cascade above you—it's an unforgettable experience and completely free.[1] For a premium experience, book a Supertree Skywalk ticket (S$33 per adult, S$20 per child) to watch the show in 360-degree views from elevated walkways, though the ground-level experience is equally magical.

Day 2: Sentosa Island Adventure

Morning: Cable Car to Sentosa (9 AM - 10:30 AM)

Begin Day 2 by taking the cable car to Sentosa Island, Singapore's premier family destination.[2] From Harbourfront Station (MRT to Harbourfront, Exit E), walk 10 minutes to the cable car station. The cable car journey itself is an attraction—offering stunning aerial views of Singapore's southern islands and the Strait of Singapore.[1] Your ticket includes the return journey plus the Sentosa Island cable car experience, making it excellent value.

Insider tip: Book your cable car tickets online in advance to skip queues. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes, and children are fascinated by the bird's-eye perspective of the city below. If your child is nervous about heights, sit in the middle of the cable car cabin where the motion is less noticeable.

Mid-Morning: Sentosa Sensoryscape (10:30 AM - 12:00 PM)

Upon arrival at Sentosa, head to the Sentosa Sensoryscape, a 350-meter interactive walkway featuring six massive structures designed to engage children's senses.[1] Kids can walk through tunnels, experience sound installations, and interact with tactile elements—all free to explore. This breaks up the journey to the beach and provides engaging entertainment for different age groups.

Lunch & Beach Time (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM)

Grab quick snacks from local 7-Eleven outlets or small restaurants near the Sensoryscape.[1] Then head to Siloso Beach via the Sentosa Island cable car, which connects the Sensoryscape to Siloso Point.[1] This tranquil beach offers calm waters perfect for young swimmers, plus amenities including restaurants, restrooms, and shade structures. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) and reapply every two hours—the tropical sun is intense.

Money-saving tip: Sentosa Island charges an S$4 entrance fee per adult (children under 7 are free), but this is waived if you arrive via cable car, which you already have. Pack your own snacks and drinks to minimize food costs; water is essential in the tropical heat.

Afternoon: Sentosa Attractions (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM)

Depending on your family's interests and budget, choose from Sentosa's world-class attractions:[2]

S.E.A. Aquarium: Part of Marine Life Park, this is one of the world's largest aquariums with over 40,000 marine animals. Children are captivated by the massive viewing panels and interactive touch pools. Admission: approximately S$38 per adult, S$28 per child.
Adventure Cove Waterpark: Perfect for cooling off with water slides, a lazy river, and shallow pools for younger children. Admission: approximately S$42 per person.
KidZania: An interactive kid-sized city where children role-play different professions in realistic settings. Excellent for 4-12 year-olds. Admission: approximately S$80-100 depending on session.
Universal Studios Singapore: A full-day theme park with rides suitable for various ages. Many attractions have child-friendly options or parent-child rides. Admission: approximately S$79-99 depending on dates.

For first-time visitors with younger children (2-6 years), we recommend the S.E.A. Aquarium or Adventure Cove Waterpark over full-day theme parks, as they offer more flexible pacing and shorter wait times.

Evening: Wings of Time Show (7:30 PM - 8:00 PM)

Cap off your Sentosa day with the spectacular "Wings of Time" multimedia show, a 20-minute performance featuring fireworks, lasers, water effects, and pyrotechnics set on Siloso Beach.[1] This is a highlight for kids—the combination of visual effects and beach setting creates pure magic. Best value: Children under 4 attend free; standard tickets are approximately S$15-20 per person for older children. Arrive 30 minutes early to secure good seating on the beach.

Day 3: Culture, Wildlife & Iconic Views

Morning: Chinatown Cultural Exploration (9 AM - 12:00 PM)

Begin your final day exploring Chinatown, a vibrant neighborhood that introduces kids to Singapore's multicultural heritage.[1] Take the MRT to Chinatown Station (Exit A). The area is compact, walkable, and packed with colorful streets, markets, street art, and temples—all free to explore.

Start at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a stunning four-story temple open 7 AM-5 PM daily (free admission).[3] Children are fascinated by the ornate architecture, golden decorations, and the sacred relic housed within. The temple's upper floors offer peaceful spaces and interesting artifacts. Nearby, visit the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu shrine, built in honor of the goddess Mariamman.[1] The colorful gopuram (tower) and intricate carvings captivate young visitors.

Insider tip: Walk the streets looking for street art—Chinatown is covered with incredible murals and installations that showcase Singapore's diverse local history.[1] Kids enjoy hunting for specific artworks, turning the exploration into a game. Take photos at popular art spots for memorable keepsakes.

Lunch: Maxwell Food Centre (12:00 PM - 1:00 PM)

Maxwell Food Centre, located near Chinatown Station, is a legendary hawker centre offering authentic Singaporean cuisine at budget prices (S$3-5 per meal).[3] This is where locals eat, and it's an authentic cultural experience. Popular stalls include Tian Tian Chicken Rice and various noodle vendors. The bustling atmosphere and food variety introduce kids to Singapore's hawker culture. Note: It can be crowded during peak lunch hours (12-1 PM), so arrive early or go slightly off-peak.

Afternoon: Merlion Park & Singapore River Cruise (2:00 PM - 4:30 PM)

Take the MRT to Raffles Place Station and walk 5 minutes to Merlion Park, home to Singapore's iconic Merlion statue—a mythical creature with a lion's head and fish's tail.[1] The statue is free to photograph and instantly recognizable. Pro tip: Arrive mid-afternoon to avoid crowds; early morning and late afternoon offer better lighting for photos.

Next, embark on the Singapore River Cruise, a 40-minute journey offering a relaxing perspective of Singapore's landmarks.[1] The cruise passes vibrant Clarke Quay, the colorful Old Hill Police Station, and Marina Bay—perfect for resting tired legs while kids enjoy the water views. Admission: approximately S$25 per adult, S$15 per child. Cruises depart regularly from Raffles Place, and the narration helps kids understand Singapore's history and development.

Evening: Singapore Flyer Grand Finale (5:30 PM - 7:00 PM)

End your perfect three-day itinerary with a ride on the Singapore Flyer, the world's tallest observation wheel at 165 meters.[1] Each rotation takes 30 minutes, offering 360-degree views of the entire city, Marina Bay, and beyond—an unforgettable finale for kids. The enclosed air-conditioned capsules are safe and comfortable, even for nervous children. Admission: Approximately S$33 per adult, S$21 per child. Insider tip: Book the last rotation (8:45 PM) to experience the city's transformation as day shifts to night—the twinkling lights are magical for children.