Published on 27 May, 2026
School’s almost out, and the holidays are fast approaching! While it is a time where both parents and children look forward to after a long school term, more planning is required since usual routines are paused.
For some, the holidays are the perfect time to travel to destinations they’ve been dreaming about since last Christmas. For others who may not have the time or budget for a trip, local attractions offer just as much joy. The good news is that our little red dot is full of fun, affordable activities families can enjoy without burning a hole in your wallet.
Outdoor playgrounds
In recent years, there has been a significant revamp of local playgrounds to encourage more family time outdoors. Several playgrounds are found in parks like East Coast Park, Pasir Ris Park and Gardens By The Bay. Others are nestled within housing estates, especially in the newer Built-to-Order areas, and boast tons of fun for all age groups. A few that stand out to me are:
What I really appreciate about these playgrounds are how massive they are, with a variety of structures for climbing, sliding, swinging and even jumping. Since they are located within housing estates, they are also easily accessible to coffeeshops and washrooms for families to refresh themselves and recharge after playing.
The best part is that they are completely free, and children can head back to play after meals, making it an easy and enjoyable way to keep them engaged for hours with minimal effort. You may find these Instagram accounts helpful for discovering great outdoor playgrounds near you: @littledayout, @playoutsidesg and @sassymamasg.
Indoor playgrounds
Indoor playgrounds are highly favoured by parents because they offer a safe, enclosed and air-conditioned space for children to play in. While some may find the time-limited entry a drawback, several indoor playgrounds offer affordable options such as multiple-entry passes or single-entry tickets that allow re-entry.
Artground is one of our family’s must-visit indoor playgrounds during the school holidays. It is highly affordable, with admission priced at $12 per child and $10 per adult on weekends, public holidays and school holidays for a 75-minute play session. Entry is also free for all Blue and Orange CHAS card holders. It has two convenient locations at Goodman Art Centre and One Holland Village.
We enjoy the experience as their booking system limits the number of children per session. This ensures that the space is not overly crowded, giving kids sufficient space to explore and play comfortably. The play space is sanitised after every session, which is crucial especially for the younger children.
The Joy of Toys is another of our favourite spots during the school holidays. They have train structures, doll houses, puzzles, pretend play kitchens and more. During the school holidays, admission is $29 for a 2-hour play session in the Main Play Space, which includes access for two accompanying adults.
Our kids have always loved spending time there because of the wide variety of engaging toys. Furthermore, it is located within Clarke Quay Central which is easily accessible by public transport. There are plenty of nearby food options along with family-friendly amenities such as changing rooms and washrooms.
KidsStop is another indoor play area located within the Science Centre, which focuses on science and practical learning. It features play zones that explore themes like healthy living, history, music and nature. There are two sessions daily – 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm. During the school holidays, admission is priced at $10 per child and $5 per adult. Families can easily visit the Science Centre before or after their play session continue exploring and learning!
Water Playgrounds
Water playgrounds are always a hit with children of all ages! There is nothing quite like splashing around together with families and friends. Thankfully, we have several free water playgrounds in Singapore, as well as affordable ones that can be accessed using ActiveSG credits. Here are a list of some lesser-known ones (do check the weather forecast before planning a trip down to avoid disappointments).
Free Entry:
With ActiveSG Credits/SAFRA Membership:
Museums
Local museums have recently introduced various school holiday programmes to draw families in. Recent highlights include ACM & Me at the Asian Civilisations Museum, Children’s Season at the National Museum and Children’s Museum Singapore, and the very familiar Children’s Biennale at the National Gallery. Entry to these exhibitions is free for Singaporeans and permanent residents, but pre-booking is required. Do check the respective websites for more information on registration and time slots.
To stay on top of things, I have created a list of places to visit across different categories that I can easily refer to during the school holidays. It helps me plan ahead and keeps things manageable – especially on mornings when my kids ask “Where are we going today?” A little preparation goes a long way in reducing stress and freeing up more headspace to enjoy the school holidays as a family!
Nelson and Gina
Workshop: May 2026
Nelson and Gina Lee have been accredited facilitators with Focus on the Family Singapore for over a decade, beginning their involvement conducting relationship talks for tertiary students since 2011.
Driven by a passion for nurturing strong relationships, they have extensive experience in facilitating dating workshops for courting couples and pre-marital programmes for those considering marriage. They have also have led marriage retreats designed to deepen connection and commitment among married couples.
