Singapore in 3 Days: An Exciting Itinerary for Families

Singapore is a small country, filled with a mix of cultures, innovative greenery and some of the best family friendly attractions in the world! Whether you are here on a layover or Singapore is your destination, this family friendly itinerary is ideal for exploring the city.

This 3 day Singapore itinerary is perfect for families and may even interest travellers who are looking for a relaxed but fun itinerary for their trip to Singapore.

When planning the itinerary for your Singapore holiday, make sure to change up the itinerary to suit your families needs and interests. Don’t be afraid to cut out some activities, especially if you’re travelling with young kids! Keeping your itinerary flexible is key to having a great family holiday.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a small commission on purchases made through these links at no extra cost to you. By making a purchase, you are directly supporting and allowing me to continue providing you with free high-quality travel content. Thank you for supporting this blog!

Itinerary Overview:

This is a summary of your 3 day Singapore itinerary. Jump to the detailed day-by-day breakdown below.

• Day 1 – Experience the City
• Day 2 – Marina Bay Area
• Day 3 – Sentosa Island

Getting Around Singapore

If you’re wondering the best ways to get around Singapore (especially with kids) then make sure to read through this section. I’ve broken down the most common and efficient ways to get around the city, along with how much it costs to travel around Singapore.

Via Train

Singapore has a well-connected transportation network. It is easy and affordable to get around via the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), which will get you wherever you want to go.

If you want to see as much as possible during your stay, you can buy a Singapore Tourist Pass. This pass will give you unlimited travel on any public transport. You can buy a 1-Day Pass (S$10), 2-Day Pass (S$16) or 3-Day Pass (S$20); check the website for current prices. Note: there is a refundable S$10 deposit on the pass.

However, if you are looking to use the MRT for a single trip, tickets cost as little as S$1.40 – S$2.50.

Hot Tip: You can simply use your credit/debit card to tag on and off the MRT rather than purchasing individual tickets (you’ll need a seperate card per adult rider).

Via Taxi/Grab

Taxis are everywhere in Singapore, and cheaper to use compared to Australian taxi prices. However, you will still be looking at approximately S$10 – S$30+ for a single ride. But, if you are travelling with a family, it is sometimes the easiest option to pack as much into your Singapore itinerary as possible. Taxis will allow you to hold your baby on your lap.

Uber is no longer in Singapore. Instead, download the Grab app. It works just like Uber and is a great way to get around the city.

Via Walking

Singapore is a beautiful city to walk through. If it is just a short distance, try to walk instead of taking transport. It is the best way to take in the sights and experience the city!

Read More: The Ultimate Singapore Travel Guide

Where to Stay

Singapore is known to be an expensive city and you may find the bulk of your budget will go towards your accommodation. I’ve provided three family friendly accommodation suggestions to suit different budgets. However, choosing where to stay in Singapore will ultimately come down to budget, family size and the activities you have planned.

In terms of location, ideally you’ll find accommodation with easy access to a metro station. If you have access to the metro, you can then transit to all the destinations on your itinerary.

Tip: Make sure to book your accommodation in advance to get the best price!

• Budget – Ibis Budget Singapore Imperial: Only a 5-minute walk from Lavender MRT Station, the Ibis Budget Singapore Imperial has a rooftop swimming pool and free parking. Rooms include a tv, air conditioner and an en suite bathroom. Breakfast is also available onsite.
• Mid-Range – Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt: With newly renovated rooms, the Mercure Singapore Tyrwhitt offers a timeless, comfortable and modern stay. Only 600m from Little India, there are also 2 MRT stations within walking distance. A continental breakfast is provided with your booking.
• Luxury – Pan Pacific Singapore: A 5-star hotel, the Pan Pacific Singapore is located in Singapores Business District. There is an outdoor swimming pool, 8 restaurants and free wifi for guests. Garden’s by the Bay is only 1.1km away and the MRT is easily accessible.

Browse all Singapore Accommodation here

Day 1 – Experience the City

To start off this itinerary, get your family ready for an extremely culture-filled day exploring all that Singapore has to offer. The first day of your family friendly itinerary is busy, but manageable and easily customised to suit your families needs. If you are travelling Singapore with young kids, simply cut out a few activities to ensure you have a fun filled day!

Start at the Masjid Sultan

• Estimated Time: 0.5 – 1 hour

There is so much culture to experience throughout Singapore. Start your day at the impressive Masjid Sultan, a muslin mosque. There are lots of markets and places to buy food along the street. It is a great place to walk around, soak up the atmosphere and take plenty of photos.

Immerse yourself in the Chinese Culture

• Estimated Time: 2 – 3 hours

Next, take the MRT toward Chinatown where you can see the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and spend some time wandering around the markets. You can also go through the Chinatown Heritage Centre, a museum that tells a story of Singapore’s Chinese history.

Once you have built up an appetite, head towards Chinatown’s Maxwell Food Centre for some traditional Chinese street food for lunch. The Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stand is a local favourite!

Board a River Cruise at Merlion Park

• Estimated Time: 1 hour

Take the MRT to Merlion Park in the Marina Bay Area. There you can board a Singapore River Cruise that will take you around the bay. It is a great relaxing way to see the most popular area of Singapore.

The cruise takes approximately 40 minutes to complete the circuit. It will take you through Marina Bay, Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. I suggest hopping off the boat near Clarke Quay or Boat Quay. Both are great areas to have dinner. This also allows you to make the most of your money, as you will make your way through the whole bay area.

Note: once you hop off the boat, you cannot re-board.

Check ticket prices for a Singapore River Cruise here

Enjoy a Riverside Dinner

• Estimated Time: 2 hours

Hop off of your Singapore River Cruise, in either Clarke Quay or Boat Quay to enjoy an early riverside dinner. Take a stroll along the river until you find a restaurant to suit your family. There are plenty of sculptures to look at along your way!

If your family is looking for something more to do in the area, be sure to add Singapore’s Old Hill Street Police Station to your itinerary.

Watch the Sunset from the Singapore Flyer

• Estimated Time: 1.5 hours

Finish your riverside dinner early, and take the MRT to the Singapore Flyer. The Singapore Flyer is Asia’s largest Giant Observation Wheel, and is a great way to see views across the city!

The experience includes one rotation and takes approximate 30 minutes. So watch the sky light up while taking in the views! 

Check ticket prices for the Singapore Flyer here.

Take in the Grand Spectra Light & Water Show

• Estimated Time: 0.5 hours

Once you have completed your ride on the Singapore Flyer, walk over the Helix Bridge towards The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. From here you can watch the Grand Spectra – a Light and Water Show.

The Spectra Light Show takes 15 minutes and is free and open to all. Show times are 8pm and 9pm (Sun – Thurs) and 8pm, 9pm and 10pm (Fri & Sat). I suggest catching the first showing and then head back to your hotel for some much needed rest!

Day 2 – Marina Bay Area

On your second day, spend the day around the Marina Bay area. There are so many family friendly activities to do in Singapore that will fit perfectly into your itinerary. It also saves you from needing to take public transport to get around the entire City.

If your family was unable to do the Singapore Flyer on the first day of your itinerary, you can easily fit it in on this day. It is located right next to the Marina Bay area.

Start at Gardens by the bay

• Estimated Time: 4 – 5 hours

You will want to arrive early to Gardens by the Bay. I suggest heading to the Supertree Grove first, at around 8:00am. This is the best time to take in these stunning structures, as it is not too hot yet and there are very few other people. The Supertree Grove is free to walk around, however you will have to pay if you wish to walk the OCBC Skyway.

Arriving early is a great option if you want to get some photos of Gardens by the Bay! Read more on my Photography Tips for Gardens by the Bay here.

Depending on what ticket you choose, from there you can head to the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome, two plant life conservatories.

Check ticket options and prices for Gardens by the Bay.

Tip: If you want to re-enter later in the day, make sure to get a stamp when you exit the conservatories.

Once you have finished in the conservatories, head to the Children’s Garden for some play time for your kids. The Children’s Garden is a great family attraction that includes an interactive playground and a water play feature.

The Children’s Garden is FREE to enter, but is closed from Monday – Wednesday.

Experience the Art Science Museum

• Estimated Time: 2 – 3 hours

Once your kids have had their fill of playtime, cross over to the Art Science Museum. I suggest going to The Future World Exhibition, which is great for kids as well as adults! It has light displays and plenty of interactive activities to keep your kids entertained.

Tickets prices are from S$18 (adult) and S$13 (child), but there are also family package options available. You will need to get your ticket for a specific time slot, so be sure to check that when you purchase your ticket.

Check here for current prices and more info.

Eat Dinner at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

• Estimated Time: 2 – 3 hours

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands has a huge food court, with plenty of options for a Singapore dinner! In the food court area you can also see the Digital Light Canvas.

If you fancy a little shopping, there are multiple levels of stores with options for everyone!

Watch the Garden Rhapsody Light Show

• Estimated Time: 1 hour

Return to the Supertree Grove to watch the Garden Rhapsody Light Show. This dazzling display lights up the Supertrees in tune to the music. Be sure to get there early to get a good seat!

You can check the show times here.

After the light show, the crowds move towards the transport quite quickly. If you are travelling with little children, make sure you are either ready to go or prepared to wait.

Day 3 – Sentosa Island

For the last day of your family itinerary in Singapore, make your way to Sentosa Island. Sentosa is filled with heaps of family friendly activities that will suit any family. For this last day of your Singapore itinerary, you will have to choose which activities will best suit your family dynamics. 

The best way to get to Sentosa Island is by train. Take either the North-East line or the Circle line to HarbourFront Station. From there take Exit E and head to level 3 to board the Sentosa Express. 

The Sentosa Express is free to use within and exiting Sentosa Island.

Option One: Universal Studios

• Estimated Time: All Day

Universal Studios is the biggest family friendly attraction on Sentosa Island. The theme park opens at 10am and can get busy quickly, especially on the weekends. It is a great way to spend the day with your family, enjoying the shows, attractions and thrill seeker rides!

We visited with our 6-month old baby and despite having a baby along, we had a great time! If you’re looking for tips on how to visit Universal Studios with a baby or young children, here is a guide with all you need to know: Tips for Visiting Universal Studios Singapore with a Baby.

Universal Studios closes at 7pm on weekdays and 10pm on Friday and Saturday. If you are there on the weekend, make sure you stay for the firework display!

Check here for current ticket prices to Universal Studios Singapore

Option Two: Sea Aquarium & Sentosa Beach

• Estimated Time: 3 – 4 hours

If you are travelling with very young kids, your best option is to head to the SEA Aquarium. SEA Aquarium is the largest aquarium in the world, with huge tanks filled with aquatic species from all over the globe. The center is also indoors and air-conditioned, making it a great option to escape the heat or for a rainy day.

The SEA Aquarium is a more affordable option with affordable tickets and family packages available.

Check current ticket prices for SEA Aquarium.

• Estimated Time: 2 – 3 hours

Once you are finished at the Aquarium, board the Sentosa Express towards Sentosa Beach. This is a great area to relax, have a swim and something to eat. Palawan Pirate Ship water playground is free, and a great place for your kids to have a play. For the older families, there are also plenty of adventure activities that you can try at a cost.

Option Three: Adventure Cove Waterpark

• Estimated Time: 4 – 6 hours

If a waterpark is more your speed, Adventure Cove Waterpark is an affordable option in comparison to Universal Studios. Tickets cost: S$38 (adults) and S$30 (Child). Children under the age of 4 have free entry. 

The waterpark has attractions for all ages, from the relaxing Adventure River to the thrilling waterslides.

Check here for current ticket prices to Adventure Cove Waterpark. 

Be sure to check the weather prior to booking, as many of the attractions close when it turns bad.

Once you are finished at Adventure Cove Waterpark, grab a bite to eat at one of the many Resort World restaurants. If you are finished early, hop on the Sentosa Express towards Sentosa Beach for dinner and a sunset.

Overall

There are so many family friendly things to do in Singapore, you could easily plan a week long itinerary here and not run out of things to do! Although, that depends on the size of your budget! If you have longer or are looking for alternative things to do, check out my blog post on the Top Things to do with Kids in Singapore for some inspiration.