One of my colleagues, who’s a parent, recently shared how exciting (and sometimes challenging) the year-end December school holidays can be. With the kids out of school, many parents start wondering how to keep them entertained without turning to endless screen time. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Singapore during the holidays – from dazzling Christmas light-ups to wild outdoor adventures. Inspired by those conversations, I’ve rounded up the best childrens’ activities this December that families in Singapore can enjoy together.
Singapore’s signature yuletide event, Christmas Wonderland, transforms Gardens by the Bay into a magical winter fairyland. Wander through the Supertree Grove adorned with twinkling lights and massive luminarie sculptures, browse festive markets for treats and crafts, and enjoy carnival games and kiddie rides amid “snowfall” in the tropics. The Garden Rhapsody light and sound show adds extra sparkle to the evenings.
Don’t forget to snap some Insta-worthy shots at the gorgeous light displays and let the kids marvel at the “snow” flurries (foam or bubbles) that delight without the chill. Christmas Wonderland gets crowded on weekends, so consider a weekday visit and book tickets early for a smoother experience!
Dates: 29 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, S(018953)
Price: From $7 (Child), $9 (Adults)
Along the way, pop into the Christmas villages at spots like Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, which often host European-style festive markets with yummy treats and kid-friendly activities. Some nights even feature “snowfall” shows – a big hit with children. It’s all free to enjoy, making this an ideal evening out for the whole family.
Dates: 8 November 2025 – 1 January 2026
Address: Runs between the junction of Tanglin Road and Orange Grove Road at one end, and Dhoby Ghaut at the other
Price: Free
For another dose of Christmas magic, head to Marina Bay. The Marina Bay waterfront area, including Marina Bay Sands and The Promontory, glows with beautiful lights and decorations during the holidays. Take a leisurely walk by the bay in December evenings to admire illuminated art installations, towering trees, and glittering displays reflecting off the water.
Marina Bay Sands often hosts special festivities – think live carol performances, meet-and-greets with Santa, and occasionally even fireworks or a light show on Christmas Eve. Your kids will be wide-eyed at the sight of giant ornament sculptures and the kaleidoscope of colours. This open-air celebration is a wonderful way for the family to soak in the festive spirit without spending a dime.
Dates: 9 November 2025 – 25 December 2025
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, S(018956)
Price: Free
If you’re looking for a unique holiday event, Downtown East is going full unicorn-themed this year! Kids can enjoy free activities like unicorn balloon sculpting, Christmas carolling sessions, ukulele performances, and even bubbly “fairy” meet-and-greets. Over at the Wild Wild Wet, expect unicorn-themed mocktails, giant floaties, foam parties, and family movie screenings by the pool. The whole place is decked out in pastel rainbow décor – truly an Instagram dream come true.
There are also exclusive unicorn goodies up for grabs for shoppers (like a convertible plush blanket or keychains with a minimum spend). The best part? Many activities are free, and others are affordably ticketed, so you can choose what fits your schedule!
Dates: 8 November 2025 – 31 December 2025
Address: 1 Pasir Ris Clove, S(519599)
Price: From $23 for Wild Wild Wet
For instance, they’re hosting evening “Lava Floor” games (think an interactive version of “the floor is lava”) on Fridays and Saturdays between 21 Nov and 27 Dec. Little ones can dance and jump around glowing “lava” patterns – a great way to burn energy! Pororo Park will also have exclusive meet-and-greets with Pororo and friends in festive outfits, and limited-edition merch giveaways for participants.
Dates: 21 November 2025 – 31 December 2025
Address: Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard, #02-29, S(039594)
Price: $29.90 (Child), $6 (Adult)
For an action-packed day, head to Universal Studios Singapore (USS) on Sentosa, which goes all-out for the holidays. Every year from late November to early January, USS runs A Universal Christmas – a park-wide celebration with cheerful decorations and special programming. Think themed holiday parades, Christmas shows, and even “snowy” photo ops with Santa Claus in the tropics. In 2025, USS is embracing a Wizard of Oz twist, transforming Hollywood Boulevard into the Emerald City – complete with Dorothy, Scarecrow, and the Wicked Witch, adding an “Oz-some” touch to the festivities.
Your kids can meet their favourite characters in holiday outfits (Minions in Santa hats, anyone?), catch an exclusive Christmas stage show featuring the Sesame Street gang, and enjoy extended park hours on select nights. Of course, all the signature rides and attractions are still running, so you get the best of both worlds – thrills plus holiday frills.
Dates: Mid-November 2025 – early January 2026
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, S(098269)
Price: $65 (Child), $80 (Adult)
This December, the zoo is hosting a Disney’s Zootopia 2-inspired “Wild Patrol” adventure for families. Visitors can join Judy Hopps, Nick Wilde and other Zootopia characters on a scavenger hunt through the zoo. Your mission: help solve animal-themed “cases” by finding clues at different enclosures – a fun way for kids to learn interesting facts about the animals.
Along the trail, there are Zootopia-themed photo spots and games, plus weekends might feature character appearances or show-and-tell sessions with zookeepers. Aside from the Wild Patrol event, the zoo itself is always a hit during school holidays. Say hello to the elephants, feed a giraffe, cool off at the KidzWorld water play area, or catch the Animal Friends show.
Dates: 8 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, S(729826)
Price: $32.30 (Child), $46.55 (Adult)
Imagine strolling through lush aviaries decked out with Christmas wreaths and lights, with jolly holiday music in the air – that’s the vibe at Bird Paradise this December. The park is organising special bird shows featuring “festive” avian stars (think parrots delivering Christmas bells or hornbills flying with ribbons).
Kids can also participate in themed craft workshops like ornament-making using feathers (ethically collected) or face-painting to look like their favourite bird. Don’t miss the charming animal presentations, where keepers share how they prepare treats for the birds as year-end “gifts.”
Dates: 15 November 2025 – 4 January 2026
Address: 20 Mandai Lake Road, S(729826)
Price: $27.20 (Child), $39.20 (Adult)
Got a budding palaeontologist or a kid who’s dino-obsessed? The Science Centre Singapore has you covered with its blockbuster exhibition DINOSAURS | EXTINCTIONS | US. This internationally acclaimed exhibit (running through the holidays) features over 30 life-sized dinosaur fossils and replicas, including a 40-metre Patagotitan and the mighty T. rex “Scotty”. It’s like stepping back in time to the age of dinosaurs! Families can wander among Jurassic giants, experience interactive stations where kids can “dig” for virtual fossils, and learn about the five mass extinction events that shaped our planet.
Beyond the dinos, the Science Centre always offers hands-on fun – from optical illusion galleries to cool robotics workshops (often scheduled on weekends). During the school break, they even run extra science shows (such as fire tornado demos or Tesla coil concerts) to wow the crowd. A visit here is both educational and entertaining, making it a perfect school holiday outing where learning meets play.
Dates: Ongoing till further notice
Address: 15 Science Centre Road, S(609081)
Price: Free for Singaporeans & PRs
For a more low-key yet enriching experience, spend a few hours at the Children’s Museum Singapore (formerly the Singapore Philatelic Museum, now reimagined for kids!). Aimed at children under 12, this museum is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits that make history and culture fun. Little visitors can clamber aboard a vintage trishaw model, play around in a mini old-school Singapore provision shop, and try hands-on activity stations that spark imagination.
During the holidays, the museum often rolls out special programmes – like storytelling sessions, craft workshops, or scavenger hunts through the galleries. One ongoing exhibit invites kids to explore Singapore’s past through immersive play zones (for example, they can “cook” in a kampong kitchen or learn about different cultural festivals in a tactile way). Parents will appreciate that there’s plenty of seating and even a small reading nook for quiet time. Since it’s in the Civic District, you can pair this visit with a walk around Bras Basah or a library trip!
Dates: Ongoing till further notice
Address: 23-B Coleman Street, S(179807)
Price: Free for Singaporeans & PRs
If you’re venturing to Marina Bay Sands, take your kids to the ArtScience Museum, especially for the permanent Future World exhibit by teamLab. It’s essentially a digital art playground that will leave your little ones (and you) wide-eyed. Picture interactive rooms where your child’s colouring of a fish comes alive as a swimming animation on the wall, or a space with floors that react to your movements with blooming flowers and darting butterflies. The dazzling lights, colours, and sounds make it a multi-sensory wonderland.
Future World has several zones, including Crystal Universe (hundreds of thousands of LED lights mimicking stars – super Instagrammable) and sliding ramps that create artwork with your motion. Visiting during the school holidays is great because the museum might extend hours or cap entry to prevent overcrowding, giving you a better experience. Occasionally, they also add seasonal installations – for example, a special light show or workshops for kids to learn simple coding through art.
Dates: Ongoing till further notice
Address: 6 Bayfront Avenue, S(018974)
Price: $28 (Singapore residents), S$35 (international tourists)
Cultivate your child’s creative side with a visit to the National Gallery Singapore’s Keppel Centre for Art Education. The Centre features rotating interactive installations by local artists – for instance, a recent one had a giant colourful “city” made of soft blocks that children could move around to create their own skylines. There’s also an Art Playroom where kids can experiment with different materials (like stamping, colouring, building) and a Story Corner that occasionally hosts storytelling or short film screenings. During the November-December holidays, the Gallery often conducts special family programmes, such as parent-child art workshops (e.g., creating your own batik painting or making Christmas ornaments inspired by Southeast Asian art). These may require signing up in advance, so keep an eye on their website.
Even outside the kids’ zone, the National Gallery’s wide-open halls and stunning art pieces can be intriguing – kids love the huge sculpture installations and the echo in the high-ceiling corridors! A couple of hours here will inspire creativity and offer a calm contrast to the usual high-energy play spots. Plus, the Gallery’s air-conditioning is a welcome respite on a warm afternoon.
Dates: Ongoing till further notice
Address: 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, S(178957)
Price: Free
When the tropical weather gets unpredictable, indoor playgrounds are a godsend. Singapore is packed with massive indoor play gyms where kids can run, climb, and slide to their hearts’ content. For younger children, spots like Amazonia at Great World City offer multi-level play zones with ball pits, tunnels, and even an “ice world” theme that feels like a mini winter escape. Other popular ones include Kiztopia (multiple outlets with different themes), The Polliwogs, and Pororo Park for toddlers. Many of these playgrounds have holiday specials too – e.g., Kiztopia might host a Christmas-themed scavenger hunt or costume contest.
Tip: Go early on weekdays if possible; it’s less crowded and often cheaper. And don’t forget socks for everyone (most places require them). While the kids are busy conquering obstacle courses or bouncing in a bounce house, parents can usually relax at an on-site café. It’s a win-win: the little ones burn off energy (and those endless holiday snacks), and you get a breather in air-conditioned comfort.
For older kids (and adventurous younger ones), level up the fun at an indoor adventure park. Think of these as next-level indoor playgrounds with thrilling activities that even teens (and parents!) will enjoy. One great option is SuperPark Singapore at Suntec City – an all-in-one activity park featuring climbing walls, trampoline jumps, obstacle courses, a skate and scoot circuit, and even a zip line. It’s basically a high-energy paradise where kids can scale a rock wall, shoot hoops, bounce on trampolines, and play augmented reality games all under one roof.
Another hotspot is Adventure HQ at HomeTeamNS Khatib, which boasts a mega two-storey indoor ropes course and Singapore’s longest indoor slide. There’s also Action Motion (Tampines), known for its parkour zones and neon-lit obstacle challenges. These parks often have timed sessions, especially on weekends, so do check if you need to book a slot. Safety briefings and gear (like helmets or harnesses) are provided on-site.
Craving a bit of adrenaline? Take the family to Skyline Luge Sentosa for a gravity-fueled racing experience. The Skyline Luge is a go-kart meets toboggan ride, where you and your kids can zip down a winding downhill track on a three-wheeled cart that you control. Don’t worry – it’s easy to navigate with a handle that controls the speed, and children above 6 years (and 110cm tall) can drive their own luge cart (younger ones can ride tandem with an adult). There are a few different tracks, including the Jungle Trail and Dragon Trail, each with twists, turns and tunnels that will have everyone grinning ear to ear.
Once at the bottom, a Skyride chairlift carries you back up, offering cool panoramic views of Sentosa Island and the South China Sea. In the evening, the tracks light up for a Night Luge experience, which is extra thrilling with the coloured lights. A holiday outing to the Luge is perfect for some friendly family competition – see who’s the speediest racer in your household!
Dates: Permanent attraction
Address: 1 Imbiah Road, S(099692)
Price: From $30
Related: The Island Of Fun: Exciting Things To Do In Sentosa
School holidays are a great time to hit Adventure Cove Waterpark on Sentosa – the weather’s perfect for a day of splashing fun! Adventure Cove has everything a water-loving kid could want: high-speed water slides, a giant wave pool, a lazy river for floating, and a dedicated Big Bucket Treehouse water playground for younger ones. Thrill-seekers can challenge the Riptide Rocket, Southeast Asia’s first hydro-magnetic coaster that’s like a rollercoaster + water slide combo. But Adventure Cove isn’t just about adrenaline; it also offers unique experiences like Rainbow Reef, where kids (who can swim) can snorkel in a safe lagoon with thousands of friendly fish. Imagine their faces lighting up as a school of tropical fish swims right past!
The park often extends its hours slightly during the peak holiday season and sometimes holds year-end promotions (like kids entering free with a certain adult ticket purchase – keep an eye out). Cabana rentals are available if you want a base to chill.
Dates: Permanent attraction
Address: 14 Sentosa Gateway, S(098132)
Price: From $28 (Child), $35 (Adult)
Looking for budget-friendly ways to cool the kids down? Singapore has numerous free water playgrounds that are perfect for a mid-day splash. One of the best is the Far East Organisation Children’s Garden at Gardens by the Bay – it features interactive fountains that spray in time with music, splash buckets, and mini water tunnels, all with an amazing view of the Supertrees around you. Another popular spot is the Clarke Quay Fountain, where kids love darting through jumping water jets (bring a towel and change of clothes, because they will get soaked!).
In the heartlands, many malls and parks have their own water play areas too: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Northpoint City, and Tampines 1 mall, just to name a few. These spots are usually free and open to the public during the day; some may close in the early evening for cleaning. Tip: Try to go in the earlier part of the day, as afternoon thundery showers are common in the year-end monsoon season. Also, these outdoor playgrounds often require adult supervision, so be ready to get a little wet yourself or stay close by.
Yes, you can experience a taste of winter right here in sunny Singapore! Snow City in Jurong is Singapore’s permanent indoor snow centre – essentially a huge refrigerated hall filled with real snow. Suit up in the provided winter jackets and boots, and step into a -5°C snowy wonderland where kids can go sledging, build mini snowmen, and have gentle snowball fights. There’s even a snow slide that’s super fun for children (and adults who are young at heart). Snow City usually has seasonal themes; during December, they might add festive backdrops like a “North Pole” setup with Santa’s house for photo ops.
Meanwhile, if your kids fancy ice skating, check out Kallang Ice World at Leisure Park Kallang – an Olympic-sized ice rink open to public skaters. Skating hand-in-hand with your child amidst twinkling Christmas lights (they do decorate the rink in December) is a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
Turn travel into an adventure by riding the Singapore Cable Car with your kids. The cable car line connects mainland Singapore (Mount Faber) to Sentosa Island, offering a bird’s-eye view of the city, harbour, and lush greenery below. Board a cabin at Mount Faber Peak or HarbourFront and glide your way over Keppel Bay to Sentosa. Many locals forget about this gem, but children are often thrilled by the novelty of flying over buildings and cruise ships in a glass gondola. The cabins are enclosed and safe, and you can even bring a stroller on board (folded).
During festive periods, the cable car sometimes gets themed decor – past editions included Pokémon and Marvel superhero wraps on the cabins, which add to the fun. Once you’re on Sentosa, you can use the cable car’s other line (Sentosa Line) to soar across the island’s attractions (e.g., from Merlion Plaza to Siloso). Consider timing your ride for sunset or early evening; the city lights coming on are a beautiful sight, and you might catch glimpses of holiday illuminations from above.
Dates: Permanent attraction
Address: 109 Mount Faber Road, S(099203)
Price: From $25 (Child), $35 (Adult)
For a mini island getaway without leaving Singapore, plan a day trip to Lazarus Island. Part of the Southern Islands, Lazarus is just a 15-minute ferry ride from Marina South Pier (via St. John’s Island) but feels like a world apart. When you arrive, you’ll find a stunning crescent-shaped beach with soft white sand and clear turquoise waters – perfect for sandcastle building and shallow-water splashing. The best part? It’s usually far less crowded than Sentosa’s beaches, so your kids have plenty of space to run and play. Bring along a picnic (there are no shops on the island, so come prepared with food, water, and sunblock). The calm lagoon waters are quite kid-friendly, but always keep an eye on little swimmers as there are no lifeguards on duty.
You can also explore the rustic trails linking Lazarus to St. John’s Island – sometimes you’ll spot butterflies, peacocks, or even the resident cats that live there. Do note there aren’t facilities like showers or cafes, but there are basic toilets on St. John’s.
Dates: Check ferry schedule
Address: Ferry to Lazarus Island departs from Marina South Pier Ferry Terminal
Price: Ferry tickets from $12 (Child), $15 (Adult)
Related: Short Getaway Places From Singapore [1 – 3 Hours Away]
Take your family on an adventure back in time by visiting Pulau Ubin, one of Singapore’s last rural kampongs. A 15-minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal (which in itself is an exciting boat trip for kids) brings you to this charming island stuck in the 1960s. Once there, you can rent bicycles near the jetty – they have kid-sized bikes, and even tandem or family bikes – and pedal off to explore Ubin’s rustic trails. Along the way, you’ll encounter fruit orchards, wooden village houses, stray chickens, and maybe a wild boar or two crossing the road! Must-visit spots include Chek Jawa Wetlands, where a boardwalk lets you observe marine life during low tide (watch for mudskippers and fiddler crabs), and the Jejawi Tower, which kids love climbing for a treetop view of the mangroves. The island’s roads are a mix of gravel and pavement, so go at a comfortable pace and pack plenty of water.
If cycling isn’t your thing, hire a van or simply walk some of the shorter trails. Don’t forget to grab some coconut water or snacks from the local warung (stall) at Ubin Town to refuel. Visiting Pulau Ubin is not just a fun day out but also a gentle history lesson – your children will get to see what Singapore was like decades ago, far from the modern cityscape.
Dates: Check ferry schedule
Address: Ferry to Lazarus Island departs from Changi Point Ferry Terminal
Price: Ferry tickets from $4 per person, with an additional $2 charge for bringing a bicycle
How about a little farm adventure? Hay Dairies in Lim Chu Kang is Singapore’s only goat farm and makes for a surprisingly delightful morning trip. It’s an eye-opener for city kids to see live goats up close and learn where goat’s milk comes from. Head down in the morning (the farm opens around 9am and feeding time is usually in the 9am – 10.30am range) to watch the farmers milking the goats. The kids can actually feed the goats, too – grab some alfalfa hay (sold on-site for a few dollars) and let your little ones hand-feed the friendly adult goats in their pens. They’ll squeal in delight as the goats chomp away happily! There are over 800 goats of various breeds; newborn kid goats are incredibly cute to observe. Entry is free for small groups, which is wonderful. Before leaving, consider buying a bottle or two of fresh goat’s milk to try – it’s nutritious and quite tasty chilled.
Since you’re already in the Kranji countryside, you could also swing by the nearby Kok Fah Technology Farm (a hydroponic veggie farm) or Jurong Frog Farm for more agri-tainment. Keep in mind, Hay Dairies is closed on Tuesdays.
Dates: Permanent attraction
Address: 250 Neo Tiew Crescent, S(719866)
Price: Free
Sometimes the simplest outings are the most fun. Singapore’s parks are perfect for kids to run free, and many now feature awesome nature-themed playgrounds that blend into the green surroundings. One highlight is Jurong Lake Gardens, home to the HUGE Forest Ramble playground, which has sections themed after local wildlife – kids can hop like squirrels on trampolines, swing like an orangutan on rope courses, or climb a tower like a heron. Over at East Coast Park, the Marine Cove playground offers a giant tower slide and swings, all next to the beach (plus a McDonald’s for an easy lunch). And for epic slides, check out Admiralty Park in the north – it boasts 26 different slides, including long tunnel slides built into the hillside!. Don’t forget the classic Botanic Gardens too, which has the Jacobs Ballas Children’s Garden with a mini suspension bridge and farm-themed play area.
An outing to the park is great for unstructured play – bring a frisbee, a scooter, or even a picnic mat and bubble wands. If the weather is cool, nature trails like those at MacRitchie Reservoir or Windsor Nature Park can be fun for a family hike (spotting monkeys or monitor lizards along the way adds excitement). Exploring the outdoors is healthy, free (mostly), and a lovely way to bond as a family away from screens and malls. Just pack some insect repellent and you’re set!
Why not turn a normal night into an adventure? Glamping – glamorous camping – has become a trendy family activity in Singapore. Instead of roughing it out with basic tents, glamping companies set up large, stylish tents equipped with air mattresses, fairy lights, and comfy decor, usually at scenic spots. Over the school holidays, places like East Coast Park and Sentosa’s Palawan Beach often have glamping sites where families can spend a night by the sea. Imagine building sandcastles at dusk, having a picnic or barbecue dinner, then curling up together in a fairy-lit tent listening to the waves – magical! Another option is glamping at Mandai Wildlife Reserve’s Camp (sometimes called Camp Colugo), where you stay overnight next to the animal parks. Glamp tents there might come with guided night walks to see nocturnal animals and a behind-the-scenes tour in the morning. These experiences do cost more than DIY camping, but they take care of all the setup, so you just show up and enjoy.
If you prefer to DIY, you can also rent a plot at designated campsites like Pasir Ris Park or Pulau Ubin (apply for a camping permit) and bring your own tent. For first-timers, though, glamping services provide that extra comfort and ease that parents of young kids will appreciate. Don’t forget some marshmallows to roast (bring a portable lamp for ambience).
Related: Best Glamping Spots In Singapore For A Unique Staycation
Amid all the fun, the year-end season is also a great time to teach kids about kindness and empathy. One of the most meaningful activities you can do is volunteering together. Singapore has several family-friendly volunteering opportunities during the holidays. For example, you could help out at a food bank or soup kitchen, assembling food packs for the needy, or deliver meals to elderly folks living alone. (Groups like Willing Hearts welcome families to assist in their kitchens, and kids can help with simple tasks like packing rice.)
Another option is participating in beach or park clean-up events – get the whole family to don gloves and pick up litter, contributing to nature while instilling environmental responsibility. Animal lovers might consider volunteering at the SPCA or ACRES wildlife rescue, where older kids can help prepare food or clean enclosures for rescued animals. Even simpler, you and your children could sort through toys and clothes at home and donate usable items to charities – involve them in the process so they understand the act of giving. Many organisations ramp up their efforts during the festive period, so it’s an apt time to join in. Volunteering not only keeps kids engaged, but it also shows them the value of helping others and being grateful for what they have.
The year-end break is the perfect chance to create lasting memories with your family. From festive events downtown to outdoor adventures off the beaten path, Singapore offers countless ways to keep your kids happily busy throughout the holidays. As you plan your December, don’t forget to check out other great ideas, like things to do this weekend or fun things to do in Singapore with kids, for even more inspiration beyond this list. And since it’s the Christmas season, you might also get crafty at home with some DIY Christmas card ideas for kids on a quieter afternoon.
This article was updated on 5 November 2025. Additional research done by Shermyn Tan.
just here espresso-ly for the vibes.
Decked out and ready to battle!
Shimmy Shimmy cocoa what?
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