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A trip to the Singapore Botanic Gardens makes for a fun day out with the fam! Whether it’s free playgrounds, nature trails or great restaurants, UNESCO World Heritage Site Singapore Botanic Gardens has it all!
Singapore Botanic Gardens is the only tropical botanic garden in the world that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site so it’s clear to see why it’s one of the best parks in Singapore. Not only do the Singapore Botanic Gardens have a wide array of lush flora and fauna, there are also nature activities, sensorial experiences and fun playgrounds. Plus the Singapore Botanic Gardens has plenty of options for kid-friendly dining. Read on if you’re planning a day here with the family:
Read more: Guide To The Gallop Extension At Singapore Botanic Gardens
Jump to:
– Things to do at Singapore Botanic Gardens
– Other Highlights at Botanic Gardens
– Where to Eat at Singapore Botanic Gardens: Cafés & Restaurants
– Singapore Botanic Gardens Opening Hours
– Getting to Singapore Botanic Gardens
NB: Before you head to the Singapore Botanic Gardens it’s worth noting that you aren’t allowed to cycle, scooter, skate or skateboard in the park, play ball/racquet games, or use frisbees, fly model drones/ kites.
Read more: Best Kid-Friendly Cycling Routes & Bike Trails
Things to do at Singapore Botanic Gardens:
Play at Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Designed for children aged 14 and below, the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden within the Singapore Botanic Gardens is an experiential learning environment that lets kids delve into plant ecology and the environment with plenty of room for exploration, adventure and play. It’s the first garden in Asia that’s dedicated to children (you may only enter if you have a child with you), and there is plenty that will excite kids who love the outdoors. In addition to growing vegetables and a forest with its own stream and ponds, the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden has a suspension bridge for adventurous little ones, nature play areas, a mini maze, a treehouse with swirling slides and sand play. There’s also Flying Fox plus more climbing structures and mini trampolines too.
For hot days, there’s a water play section where your kids can cool off! This water playground has different areas, including mist zones, wading pools and even different jets that spray water to varying heights! There’s also an umbrella fountain and a splash bucket for some extra fun. Don’t worry about washing up afterward—there’s a changing area nearby for your convenience.
Where to eat near Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden: Small Batch
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 8am to 7pm (last admission at 6.30pm)
NB: Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is closed on Mondays unless it’s a public holiday.
Read more: Guide To Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Check out COMO Adventure Grove Playground
The COMO Adventure Grove Playground at Singapore Botanic Gardens is a free outdoor playground where kids can connect with nature. Part of the gardens’ Gallop Extension, this biophilic playground is inspired by forest canopies, jungle trails and Singapore’s diverse flora, and there’s plenty of climbing, sliding and swinging to be enjoyed! Kids will love hopping around the pod and seeds of a Saga tree, climb over the jagged surface of a giant Cempedak structure or even climb up structures that resemble the roots of the Weeping Fig–all of which are designed to introduce children to nature through play.
Where to eat near COMO Adventure Grove: Pangium
Opening hours: Daily, 7am – 7pm
Read more: COMO Adventure Grove playground
Go on a nature walk at the Learning Forest
Tucked inside a six-hectare rainforest of the Gallop Extension, the Keppel Discovery Wetlands is a great place to learn about freshwater forest wetland habitats. Hit up the SPH Walk of Giants elevated boardwalk that takes you eight metres above ground so you can get up close to some of the forest’s biggest giants. Check out the Canopy Web while you’re at it to get a feel of what it’s like to peer into the surrounding trees and see them flowering up close. Click here to download a map of the Learning Forest within the Singapore Botanic Gardens, or click here for a virtual tour! Pssst … You can also look out for the Spotify links at different points of the Learning Forest where you may listen to their audio tour.
Currently, the Gallop Extension also comprises the Botanical Art Gallery, Mingxin Rambler’s Ridge and the OCBC Arboretum.
Where to eat near the Learning Forest: Pangium
Opening hours: Daily, 7am – 7am (Forest areas)
NB: The SPH Walk of Giants, Keppel Discovery Wetlands, Botanist Boardwalk and Pulai Marsh Trails are closed from 7pm to 7am to maintain a conducive habitat for wildlife. Dogs are allowed only on the HPL Canopy Link.
Read more: Guide To The Gallop Extension At Singapore Botanic Gardens
Admire the flowers at the National Orchid Gardens
The orchid is Singapore’s national flower, and the highest hill of Singapore Botanic Gardens boasts the National Orchid Garden. This garden hosts some of the most exotic orchid collections in the world, complete with breathtaking exhibits. You can enjoy a tranquil walk under the tall and majestic Silver arches clad with a variety of orchids and silver foliage at The Mist Garden and Silver Arches or take in sweet smells of jasmine or chocolate at The Enchanted Garden.
If you’re looking for an Insta-worthy shot, head over to The Burkill Hall and the VIP Orchid Garden, which are full of beautiful statues and orchid hybrids. While you stroll through The Golden Shower Arches, keep an eye out for a striking display of the beautiful Golden Shower or Dancing Lady orchids. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a journey up a mountain forest at The Tropical Montane Orchidetum and enjoy panoramic vantage points. Look out for a quaint pineapple grove at Yuen Pend McNiece Bromeliad. Finally, the last showstopper is The Sembcorp Cool House, a glasshouse designed to mimic a high-montane forest with over 1,000 orchids and hybrids to enjoy. There are loads of spots for Insta-worthy pics, and it’s a multisensory experience you won’t forget!
Where to eat near the National Orchid Garden: The Halia & Halia Pantry Bakery
Opening Hours: Daily, 8.30am – 7pm (Last admission at 6pm)
Entry Fees: From $3 per pax. Children below 12 can enter for free.
NB: Local Students & Seniors with a valid ID can enjoy concession rates of $1 per pax.
Read more: 101 Kids’ Activities & Things To Do In Singapore With Kids
Visit Swan Lake in the Singapore Botanic Gardens
One of the major attractions at Singapore Botanic Gardens, Swan Lake was constructed in 1866 and is thought to be the oldest ornamental water feature on the island. There are many species of aquatic plants and fishes in the lake, and plenty of visitors come here to turtle-watch. Swan Lake is also known for its Nibong palms, which were planted in 1891.
Where to eat near the Swan Lake: Fusion Spoon & Nourish Table
Spot black swans at the Eco-Lake
The Eco-Lake is the perfect place to wind down after a long day of walking! Spot families of otters and turtles as well as a pair of black swans from Western Australia. The lake’s shores border the Eco-Garden, which houses plants that have held economic importance in human history– think spices, dyes, resins and fibres to fruits, timbers and more. Located close to the Bukit Timah entrance, which is easily accessible from Botanic Gardens MRT station. It’s also near Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden!
Where to eat near the Eco-Lake: Small Batch
Read more: Guide To Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden
Have a picnic at the Bandstand
This octagonal gazebo was first built in 1930 and was first a designated spot for regimental performing bands. These days, you’re more likely to find engaged couples, newlyweds and families using the spot to snap gorgeous photos. It’s one of the most iconic landmarks at Singapore Botanic Gardens, and it’s often identified also the ring of Yellow Rain trees that surround it.
Where to eat near the Bandstand: The Halia & Halia Pantry Bakery
Read more: Family-Friendly Picnic Spots In Singapore
Spot tonnes of ginger varieties at the Ginger Garden
Enter this relaxing garden via the Singapore Botanic Gardens car park and check out several hundred species of ginger and plants from related families. There are different zones here, and you’ll find various gingers organised by their regions of origin. There’s a fun little waterfall to explore and a pond that’s filled with giant Amazon water lilies, too!
Where to eat near the Ginger Garden: The Halia & Halia Pantry Bakery
Healing Garden, Fragrant Garden & Ethnobotany Gardens
There are three gardens that should be on your list when you make a trip to the Singapore Botanic Gardens. At the Healing Garden, you’ll find more than 400 varieties of medicinal plants from Southeast Asia, all laid out thematically in correlation to the parts of the body each plant is meant to heal. As some plants may have toxic properties, you should always keep a close eye on the kiddos and keep your furbabies away from this garden. The Fragrant Garden is filled with sweet and aromatic smells – plus butterflies and insects – from the many plants within.
It’s best to visit this garden at night, as that’s when many plants exude their scents. At the Ethnobotany Garden, look out for colourful murals on large boulders (pictured) at each of its four zones – Living, Craft and Construction, Symbolism and Medicinal – which showcase how Singapore indigenous communities used various herbs and plants for rituals, cooking, healing purposes and more.
Where to eat near the Healing Garden: Sprouts Food Place
Opening Hours: Mon, Wed – Sun, 7am – 7pm
NB: The Healing Garden will be closed every Tuesday unless it is a Public Holiday
SBG Heritage Museum & CDL Green Gallery
Expect interactive and multimedia exhibits, historical items in the form of old photographs, artefacts, plant specimens, rare botanical books, oral recordings, botanical paintings and more–many dating back to the early 19th century.
Where to eat near the Heritage Museum: Fusion Spoon & Nourish Table
Opening Hours: Daily, 9am – 6pm
NB: SBG Heritage Museum is closed every last Monday of the month while CDL Green Gallery is closed every last Tuesday of the month.
Read more: Best Kid-Friendly Museums In Singapore
Where to Eat in the Singapore Botanic Gardens: Cafés & Restaurants
Fusion Spoon
Located at Singapore Botanic Gardens’ Tanglin Gate, Fusion Spoon (right next to the closed outdoor toddler playground) offers casual and affordable Western and Asian dishes, including Korean Bingsu (all halal) for families.
Fusion Spoon, 1 Cluny Road, Tanglin Gate, #B1-00, Singapore 259569, www.fusionspoon.com
The Halia & Halia Pantry Bakery
Situated in the Ginger Garden, The Halia dishes out contemporary European with a distinctly Asian twist (all dishes are halal). There’s also a delish kids menu for littlies and a communal feast option if you’re sharing with a group of five. If you’re looking for more light bites and a caffeine boost, check-out the Halia Pantry Bakery opposite the restaurant.
The Halia, 1 Cluny Road, Ginger Garden Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569, www.thehalia.com
il Giardino at The Garage
il Giardino, located at The Garage, innovates traditional Italian recipes by incorporating local influences. The restaurant thoughtfully forages ingredients from the Botanic Gardens and serves creative dishes such as Wagyu Beef Rendang Pasta. il Giardino also adopts a ciccheti-style of dining that encourages interaction and sharing among diners.
il Giardino at The Garage, 50 Cluny Park Road, Level 2, Cluny Park Gate, www.ilgiardino.sg
Nourish Table
If you’re looking for gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan options, head over to Nourish Table. They put a healthy spin on classics, replacing chicken satay with satay-flavoured tofu and white rice with cauliflower rice. We love how we can indulge in their gluten-free waffles without guilt.
Nourish Table, 1 Cluny Road, B1, Tanglin Gate Botany Centre, Singapore 259569, www.instagram.com/nourishtable.sg/
Pangium
Pangium is a fine-dining restaurant offering Malay, Chinese, Indian, and Eurasian fusion cuisine. They also serve lunch and dinner sets starting from $198 per pax.
Pangium, 11 Gallop Road, Gallop Entrance, Singapore Botanic Gardens, 259015, www.restaurantpangium.sg
Sprouts Food Place
We love how Sprouts Food Place offers families plenty of options—from zi char and noodles to tasty lontong at the Malay stall. There’s even a Western stall opened by Botak Jones! We also love their affordable 60-cent coffee, perfect for a midday caffeine boost, and their weekday lunch sets starting at just $5!
Sprouts Food Place, 1J Cluny Road (outside Raffles Building), Singapore 259 607, www.instagram.com/sprouts_food_place/
Small Batch
Small Batch is a café near Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden. This new café is halal-certified and offers DIY brunch boards from $17.90, in addition to its well-known brunch menu. They also offer adorable kid-sized bowls and small bites in case you and your little one get hungry after a full day of play!
Small Batch, 1H Cluny Road, #01-K1, Singapore 259604, www.batch.sg
Wildseed Café
Formerly known as Bee’s Knees, Wildseed Café is a modern café surrounded by luscious greenery at The Garage. Families can stop by to enjoy the view while having a yummy breakfast. For those visiting later in the day, the menu ranges from light bites like curly fries to hearty meals such as a wagyu beef burger. But what we love most is the café’s serene setting and peaceful ambience.
Wildseed Café, 50 Cluny Park Road, Level 1, Cluny Park Gate, Singapore 257488, www.wildseedcafe.sg
Singapore Botanic Gardens opening hours
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is open from 5am to midnight daily, and admission is free for all. However, the attractions will have differing operating hours as shown below:
- Ethnobotany Garden: Open daily, 5am – 12am
- National Orchid Garden: Open daily, 8.30am – 7pm (Last admission at 6pm)
- Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden: Open Tuesdays – Sundays, 8am – 7pm (Last entry at 6.30pm, closed every Monday unless it falls on a Public Holiday)
- Como Adventure Grove: Open daily, 7am – 7pm
- The Learning Forest: Open daily, 7am – 7am (forest areas)
Getting to Singapore Botanic Gardens
Want to navigate the Gardens easily? Click here for a series of Singapore Botanic Gardens maps, which include downloadable activity sheets plus maps for the Rainforest Trail, Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, the Gallop Extension, Learning Forest and more.
By Car: If you’re wondering where to park at Botanic Gardens, it largely depends on which area your family plans to visit. Overall, you can enter the Botanic Gardens via Holland Road or Tyersall Avenue and there’s parking available at Gallop Gate, Jacob Ballas, and Tyersall Gate. If you’re arriving by taxi, the designated pick-up and drop-off point is located at Gallop Gate.
By Bus: You can take buses 7, 75, 77, 105, 106, 174 and 174E and get off near the Tanglin Entrance. If you’re headed to the Bukit Timah Entrance, you can take buses 48, 66, 67, 151, 153, 154, 156 and 170.
By MRT: The nearest MRT stations to Singapore Botanic Gardens is Botanic Gardens MRT station, Farrer Road MRT and Napier MRT.
Botanic Garden MRT is right outside the Singapore Botanic Gardens. You’ll be close to the Eco-Lake and a 10 minute walk to Jacob Ballas Gardens. Alternatively, you can get off at Farrer Road MRT station and walk through Woollerton Gate, which is connected to the other attractions at Gallop Extension via Gallop Valley. If you get off at Napier MRT, it will be around a 15-minute walk to reach the National Orchid Garden.
Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569, www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg
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