Singapore Botanic Gardens with Kids: Children’s Garden, Picnic & Family Day Guide

Singapore is home to plenty of lush green parks, but few places can match the Singapore Botanic Gardens when it comes to feeling timeless and serene.

As parents living in Singapore, we are always searching for places where our daughter Yuyi can run around freely, explore nature, and get some energy out in the outdoors.

We decided to take it slow today at the Singapore Botanic Gardens with kids, and it turned into one of those easy-going family outings that remind you how special Singapore’s parks really are.

Booking our morning from start to finish we loved exploring the gardens taking MRT train right to the entrance, letting Yuyi run around the sand playground in the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, and ending our morning with a quick picnic near a tranquil lake.

If you’re searching for fun things to do at Botanic Gardens Singapore with kids here’s what our day looked like:

Singapore Botanic Gardens Location + Transportation Tips

Visiting the Singapore Botanic Gardens is easy, especially if you take the Circle Line MRT.

The Botanic Gardens Station on the Circle Line is steps away from the gardens entrance, making travel quick and easy.

Plus when you’re traveling with kids, anything that minimizes transport and transfers is a plus in my book.

We exited the MRT and were immediately greeted by giant trees and lush greenery.

Walking through Singapore Botanic Gardens feels like you’ve escaped to nature right in the middle of the city.

The Gardens with Kids

Today our main activity was exploring the Singapore Botanic Gardens with kids, but we focused our time on one specific area called the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.

This playground is known as one of the best areas for kids inside the Gardens, and it’s free to enter if you have children with you.

The entire children’s garden is made for young children under the age of 14. It features tons of activities and areas for kids to play that incorporate nature and learning.

Fun in the Sand Playground at Botanic Gardens Singapore

As soon as we arrived at the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden Yuyi immediately spotted the sand playground and that was it. She was hooked.

Yuyi played in the sand for what felt like hours running back and forth throughout the play areas.

As a parent, it’s the perfect kids playground.

It’s open, safe, and surrounded by shade.

You can easily sit back and relax while your child plays at their own pace.

Walking Around Singapore Botanic Gardens

We spent the majority of our morning walking around the Singapore Botanic Gardens after playing at the sand playground.

It’s easy to get lost within this gigantic garden. There are so many trails to choose from lined with lush tropical plants that make you forget you’re in the middle of a bustling city.

Singapore truly does urban nature beautifully, and Botanic Gardens is a shining example of their city parks.

Stopping at random spots to take it all in, we walked along wooden pathways, passed open grassy areas, and stumbled upon quiet picnic spots.

At times it felt like a rainforest.

Kids Playground Singapore Botanic Gardens

One of Yuyi’s favorite spots were these open lawn areas where she could run around freely.

We came across a few different open lawns while exploring, but this was easily Yuyi’s favorite place to be.

She ran around, giggled, and took her shoes off to feel the grass between her toes.

She’s still at the age where exploring the outdoors is her favorite thing to do, and Singapore Botanic Gardens gives her every opportunity to do just that.

Simple Picnic at Singapore Botanic Gardens

Speaking of fun outdoor activities with kids in Singapore, did I mention we had a picnic at Botanic Gardens?

Finding a nice spot right by the water we threw down a small blanket and enjoyed some simple snacks and drinks while Yuyi ran around on the grass.

It doesn’t get much better than that.

Easy Family Fun at Singapore Botanic Gardens

There is no shortage of kid-friendly activities at the Singapore Botanic Gardens but here are some of our favorite highlights:

• Open grassy areas for kids to run
• Beautiful lakes you can explore
• Relaxing shaded picnic spots
• Easy-access sand playground for younger kids
• Tons of greenery to discover

Having Fun at Singapore’s Botanic Gardens

One reason Singapore Botanic Gardens is perfect for kids and families is that it never feels crowded. Even when there are lots of visitors around the gardens are big enough that parents can relax knowing their kids have room to roam.

I’ve come to appreciate places like these more and more since becoming a parent.

They’re calm. Simple. And let kids be kids.

Natural Photo Backdrops at Singapore Botanic Gardens

Another fun surprise was realizing how many natural photo backdrops we stumbled upon while visiting Singapore Botanic Gardens.

From shady tree covered bridges to open green lawns under blue skies, there are tons of picturesque scenes for family photos at Botanic Gardens.

Here are some of our favorites from today:

• Yuyi walking on a wooden boardwalk through fields of green
• Quiet picnic on a blanket by the lake
• Yuyi running around on the open grass lawn
• Snapping this photo while we enjoyed the views

Singapore Botanic Gardens is a Dream for Family Photoshoots

One reason we had so much fun at Singapore Botanic Gardens with kids is that it’s easy to forget you’re taking photos in the middle of Singapore.

Between the giant trees, abundant flowers, and giant open lawns the Gardens truly is a photographers dream.

Especially if you’re looking for natural scenes to capture your family.

Enjoying Nature in Singapore

Something about Singapore Botanic Gardens made me feel relaxed today. Slowed down.

Singapore is such a busy city full of life. But at the Botanic Gardens it was peaceful.

You hear birds chirping instead of city traffic.

Children playing instead of cars.

Trees and plants instead of skyscrapers.

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape in the middle of Singapore, grab your kids and take them to the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Spend an afternoon relaxing on a picnic blanket or wandering down one of their many shaded paths.

Every time we visit feels different than the last.

Simple Tips for Singapore Botanic Gardens with Kids

Need some extra advice for your visit to Singapore Botanic Gardens with kids? Here are a few tips that made our day easier.

1. Take MRT to Botanic Gardens Station

The easiest way to arrive is by taking the Circle Line MRT to Botanic Gardens Station.

No needing to find parking and you’re steps away from the gardens.

2. Visit the Children’s Garden Early

Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden fills up as the day goes on so try to arrive earlier to enjoy the playground.

3. Bring a Picnic Blanket

We brought along a small blanket to sit on. Makes sitting on the grass a lot nicer.

4. Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes

You’ll be doing a lot of walking so comfy shoes are key.

5. Bring Water and Snacks

Kids love to run around and expend energy so expect to do some snack feeding after playing at the playground.

Reflecting on our Day at Singapore Botanic Gardens

I didn’t want our morning at Singapore Botanic Gardens with kids to end.

There’s just something about relaxing in nature with your family that brings you back down to earth.

Slow mornings roaming the jungle, building sand castles at the playground, and eating sandwiches on a picnic blanket.

It’s the simple things.

If you’re looking for fun things to do with kids in Singapore you won’t be disappointed with Botanic Gardens.

Don’t overthink it. Grab your family and venture on a nature-filled adventure at Singapore Botanic Gardens.

You’ll thank yourself later.

Oh and we already planning on going back.

Yuyi asked when we can return to the sand playground!

And honestly. I can’t wait to go back there either.