24 Hours in Singapore with Kids: Soft Play, Street Food, and Supertrees
Singapore is easily one of the most family-friendly cities in the world, making it the perfect stopover destination—even when you’re battling serious jet lag! If you only have one day to explore the Lion City with little ones in tow, this action-packed, stress-free itinerary balances kid-approved play with iconic local culture and world-class food.
Here is how to spend an unforgettable 24 hours in Singapore with kids.
Morning: Soft Play & Chinatown Strolling
Wake Up & Soft Play at Shangri-La Singapore
Start your morning right at Shangri-La Singapore. After waking up, let the kids burn off early-morning energy at either the hotel's indoor soft play area (Buds by Shangri-La) or the hotel grounds before heading out into the heat. Having an indoor play space right at your base is a total lifesaver for getting everyone moving smoothly in the morning.
Stroll Chinatown & Visit Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Once everyone is wide awake and ready to explore, make your way to Chinatown for a gentle morning stroll. The vibrant colors, lantern-lined streets, and bustling atmosphere are a treat to wander through.
Stop by the magnificent Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum. The rich red architectural details and serene interior offer a fantastic cultural experience that is fascinating for adults and easy to navigate with children.
Lunch: The World’s Cheapest Michelin-Starred Meal
Liao Fan Hawker Chan
All that walking will definitely work up an appetite. Head over to Liao Fan Hawker Chan for lunch. Famously known as the world's cheapest Michelin-starred meal, Chef Chan’s legendary soya sauce chicken with rice or noodles is tender, savory, and extremely budget-friendly. It’s a low-fuss, high-flavor dining experience that pleases both adventurous parents and hungry kids.
or
Din Tai Fung @ Chinatown Point
The Din Tai Fung chain is always an easy choice for the pickier kids, with options such as egg fried rice, noodles, buns and plain rice, this is a great choice if your kids are not adventurous eaters.
Afternoon: Hotel Splash Time & Cooling Off
Beat the Midday Heat at Shangri-La
Singapore's midday heat and humidity can be intense for young kids. Head back to Shangri-La Singapore to enjoy the hotel's fantastic kids' water park and swimming pool. Splashing around in the cool water gives the kids a chance to reset, relax, and burn off leftover energy while avoiding the hottest hours of the day.
Evening: Quick Dinner, Supertrees & A Nocturnal Safari
Quick & Easy Dinner: Five Guys at Gardens by the Bay
When traveling with tired or hungry kids, keeping dinner simple is a game-changer. Right at Gardens by the Bay, swing by Five Guys for a quick and familiar meal. Grabbing juicy burgers, customizable milkshakes, and plenty of fresh-cut fries keeps everyone happy, energized, and fed without a long restaurant wait—giving you maximum time to enjoy the gardens.
"Opera in the Gardens" at Gardens by the Bay
With full bellies, stroll over to the Supertree Grove for the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show.
If you catch their special "Opera in the Gardens" theme, you’re in for a treat! The show features romantic-era opera arias synchronized with a dazzling, colorful light display across the giant Supertrees. It’s a magical experience that captivates kids and parents alike.
Night Safari at Mandai
If the kids are still up for more and kicking that jet lag, end your night at the Night Safari in Mandai. As the world's first nocturnal zoo, it lets you explore the park after dark aboard an open-air tram or along walking trails. Seeing animals active in their nighttime habitats is an unforgettable way to close out a full 24 hours in Singapore.
Quick Tips for Parents
Pack extra clothes: Between the water play areas and Singapore's humidity, a spare change of clothes in your day bag is essential.
Pacing is key: Taking that afternoon break at the hotel pool makes all the difference in keeping everyone happy for the late-night activities!
Easy dining: Mixing high-end or local experiences (like Hawker Chan) with easy crowd-pleasers (like Five Guys) helps avoid kid burnout while sight-seeing.