Kid-friendly Guide to Gardens by the Bay: Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Light Show, Restaurants and Water Play

Gardens by the Bay has become an iconic attraction in Singapore. With a lush garden, nightly light show at Supertree Grove, restaurants, plus free water play and playground, Gardens by the Bay is one of our fave parks!

Gardens by the Bay gives us the opportunity to enjoy plants and flowers in a whole new way and educates us about other species usually found in cooler, temperate climates. Much of this beautiful park is free to access – you can explore the gardens and walk under the tall trees that line the walkways and provide a shaded path for little ones! The water play and nightly light show at Supertree Grove are free but some of the main attractions at Gardens by the Bay including the Flower Dome and Cloud forest are ticketed. To help you plan your next trip to Gardens by the Bay, we’ve compiled a guide including things to do (outlining what’s free and what’s ticketed), plus how to get to Gardens by the Bay, where to eat and family-friendly tips!

Jump to:
– Flower Dome
– OCBC Skyway
– Supertree Observatory
– Supertree Grove
– Gardens by the Bay light show
– Far East Organisation Children’s Garden: Water Play 
– Where to Eat at Gardens by the Bay
– Nursing Rooms at Gardens by the Bay
– Getting Around Gardens by the Bay
– How to Get to Gardens by the Bay

        Read more: Children’s Festival 2023 at SuperTree Grove 

Kid-friendly Guide to Gardens by the Bay:

Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay (Tickets Needed)

This is probably one of the most popular attractions at Gardens by the Bay. Cloud Forest features lush mountain greenery with exotic plant species that you would not find in your neighbourhood park! The cool, fresh misty air (23 to 25 degrees Celsius) makes this a comfortable (and almost relaxing) place to explore with your little ones! Their eyes will be opened as they marvel at the colourful plants from around the world – plus don’t miss the 35-metre indoor waterfall, one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls! We love that the walkways are stroller-friendly, and there are lifts within the dome for quick and easy access to each level. Be sure to bring along a jacket in case it gets a tad too chilly!

Cloud Forest Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm daily (last admission at 8pm)
Recommended Visit Duration: 1.5 hours
Tickets: from $23. Click here to buy tickets. 
Nearest Carpark: Main Entrance Basement Carpark at Gardens by the Bay

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Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay (Tickets Needed)

The Flower Dome is probably the most colourful attraction at Gardens by the Bay! Imagine seeing flowers in every shade of colour – such a lovely sight. Your kids can stroll through the Flower Dome and smell the roses (literally!) and even get up close with plants from the Mediterranean region or arid deserts that you would not be able to find anywhere else in Singapore! Like Cloud Forest, the paths here at Flower Dome are spacious and stroller-friendly in case your little one gets too tired to walk. To provide the ideal environment for the flowers to bloom, the air can be a little cooler than what you’re used to in Singapore, so bring a jacket just in case!

The Flower Dome Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm daily (last admission at 8:30pm)
Recommended Visit Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: from $27. Click here to buy tickets.
Nearest Carpark: Main Entrance Basement Carpark, Gardens by the Bay

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Floral Fantasy at Gardens by the Bay (Tickets Needed)

If you can’t get enough of flowers, head over to Floral Fantasy which offers a picturesque escape with suspended bouquets of floral arrangements. There is a mix of over 15,000 fresh cut, dried, and preserved flowers perfectly arranged for your next shot for Instagram! This garden landscape spans 1,500 square meters, so you and the littles can take your time to enjoy a magical stroll through a vibrant garden like no other!

Floral Fantasy Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm (Monday to Friday, last admission at 6:30pm); 10am – 8pm (Saturday, Sunday & PH, last admission at 7:30pm)
Recommended Visit Duration: 1 hour
Tickets: from $5. Click here to purchase tickets.
Nearest Carpark: Bayfront Plaza Carpark

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OCBC Skyway at Gardens by the Bay (Tickets Needed)

For a captivating view of Gardens by the Bay, this 22-metre high aerial walkway gives you the perfect opportunity for Insta-worthy shots! With a panoramic bird’s eye view of the garden, you will be able to capture the lush greenery and marvel at the breathtaking landscape. Although, those who are afraid of heights may want to stay closer to the middle part of the path! The wide walkway gives you plenty of space for your stroller or your little one to run around while you enjoy the view and maybe take a rare selfie without the kids!

OCBC Skyway Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm daily (last admission at 8:30pm)
Recommended Visit Duration: 15 minutes
Tickets: from $5. Click here to purchase tickets.
Nearest Carpark: Main Entrance Basement Carpark

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Supertree Observatory (Tickets Needed)

If you want to get an even better aerial view of the Gardens by the Bay, the Supertree Observatory is for you! Sitting at the top of the tallest Supertree canopy, you can get unbeatable views and picture-perfect photos! Overlooking the Singapore city skyline, you will be able to spot the Singapore Ferris Wheel, Marina Bay Sands and other iconic landmarks.

Supertree Observatory Opening Hours: 9am – 9pm daily (last admission at 8:30pm)
Recommended Visit Duration: 45 minutes
Tickets: from $6. Click here to purchase tickets.
Nearest Carpark: Main Entrance Basement Carpark, Gardens by the Bay

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Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay (FREE!)

To experience the magnificence of these Avatar-like trees, take a stroll through the Supertree Grove surrounded by 12 of the Gardens’ 18 Supertrees. The little ones will be in awe of these giants that stand 50 metres above the ground. These Supertrees artistically present a novel, vertical way to grow plants. With a diverse selection of plants spanning across 200 species, your kiddos can hunt for ferns, orchids, and tropical climbers! By the way, seven of these Supertrees harvest solar energy, which serves as a great conversation starter with any young science enthusiast at home!

Opening Hours: 5am – 2am
How much: Free!

Gardens by the Bay light show (FREE!)

If you stay at the Supertree Grove until after sunset, you can watch your kids’ faces light up when the trees come alive with a colourful light and musical show at night! The Gardens by the Bay light show is one of the most popular attractions here, so be sure to catch it! Each month features a new music and light arrangement for you to keep coming back for more.

When: 7:45pm & 8:45pm daily
Where: Supertree Grove or World of Plants
How much: Free!

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Far East Organisation Children’s Garden: Water Play (FREE!)

Perhaps the most kid-centred attraction at Gardens by the Bay, the Far East Organisation Children’s Garden features a huge water play for kids (and their grown-ups!) to beat the heat and stay cool. There’s plenty of space to run around and even a dedicated Toddler Play Zone water play section with less overwhelming water fountains and play opportunities for the younger ones (ages 1 – 5)! Depending on how much your kids love water play, you can expect to spend a whole morning or afternoon here! After the kids’ fingers have become wrinkly, they can embark on a jungle adventure at the Rainforest Tree House (for ages 6 – 12) equipped with a maze or ropes, and ladders in the middle of a canopy of trees.

Water Play Opening Hours: 9am – 7pm (Thursday – Sunday & PH, last admission at 6pm); closed on Monday – Wednesday (unless it is a public holiday)
How much: Free!
Nearest Carpark: Satay by the Bay Carpark

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Heritage Gardens at Gardens by the Bay (FREE!)

Heritage Gardens features a beautiful array of fauna and flora that are intricately weaved into the culture of Singapore’s three main ethnic groups and colonial past. Take a stroll through the Indian Garden to admire the most creative garden here that takes the shape of a traditional floral motif or be intrigued by the tantalising garden lined with plants that are grown for food. Head over to the picturesque Chinese Garden where nature meets art for a creative display of plants. The Colonial Garden features aromatic spices and cash crops for much-needed aromatherapy! The wide walkways in each garden are perfect for little ones to roam and explore while you take in the sights and smells.

Opening Hours: 5am – 2am
How much: Free!
Nearest Carpark: Main Entrance Basement Carpark

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Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes at Gardens by the Bay (FREE!)

If you’re in search of something calming, the Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes are just what you need! It’s been proven that looking at a body of water – whether it’s the sea or a lake – helps to improve mood and reduce stress. We know that being a parent is stressful, and everyone needs a breather once in a while. This 440-metre river walk will help you step outside of the running to-do list in your head! The kiddos can try to spot the roaming dragonflies (or otters if you are lucky!), and older ones can scan QR codes along the boardwalk to discover fascinating facts about the lake system!
Read more: Where to spot wild animals in SG

Opening Hours: 5am – 2am
How much: Free!

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Active Garden at Gardens by the Bay (FREE!)

With the vision to bring everyone together, the Active Garden is an outdoor social hub that serves as a playground. This communal space welcomes people of all ages to relax, connect, and unwind in a lush garden setting.

Opening Hours: 5am – 2am daily
How much: Free!
Nearest Carpark: Bayfront Plaza Carpark or Main Entrance Carpark

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Kingfisher Wetlands at Gardens by the Bay (FREE!)

Spanning over 15,000 square metres (bigger than two football pitches!), Kingfisher Wetlands is the place to be for bird watchers and nature lovers. There are more than 200 mangrove trees and plants to contribute to sustainability and a diverse range of exotic flora and fauna. For the bird watchers, 16 out of 40 migratory birds have passed through Kingfisher Wetlands, so if you’re lucky enough, you might catch a glimpse of the White-collared Kingfisher, Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker, or maybe even the Lesser Whistling Ducks. This is a great place to explore biodiversity with the little ones and teach them to appreciate the beauty of nature in all its glory!

Opening Hours: 5am – 2am daily
How much: Free!

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Bay East Garden at Gardens by the Bay (FREE!)

Lined with palm trees and lush greenery, Bay East Garden overlooks the awe-inspiring Marina Bay skyline. An oasis in the heart of Singapore’s busy business district, this is the place to go for a relaxing afternoon with a family picnic. There’s plenty of space for the kids to run around, soak up the sun, and explore the nature around them! If you’re looking for an Insta-worthy spot for a new family photo, Bay East Garden gives you the perfect backdrop!

Opening Hours: 24 hours daily
How much: Free!
Nearest Carpark: Bay East Garden Carpark

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Serene Garden at Gardens by the Bay (NEW!)

This new outdoor attraction at Gardens by the Bay adopts the minimalist concept of Japanese gardens. With 2-hectares to explore, this tranquil escape gives you a reprieve from the chaos of city life and helps you reconnect with nature. Here, you will find the tallest Podocarpus bonsai tree measuring 11.5 metres tall and over 160 naturally red and blue rocks from Niyoda, Japan. As you follow the path through the Serene Garden, shady tropical trees will keep you and the little ones cool and shade you from the scorching Singapore heat.

Opening Hours: 5am – 2am daily
How much: Free!
Nearest Carpark: Bayfront Carpark

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Sun Pavilion at Gardens by the Bay (FREE!)

Though high temperatures in Singapore can often feel like we live in the desert, the humidity reminds us otherwise! The Sun Pavilion gives you and the kiddos an opportunity to walk through desert-like landscapes with unique cacti that you wouldn’t find elsewhere in Singapore. The fittest cacti here can live up to 300 years! With over 1,000 desert plants and 100 species and varieties, you will be able to marvel at unique plants like the Brain Cactus that is shaped just like the human brain. Both young and old will be amazed at the range of fauna that you will find here.

Opening Hours: 5am – 2am daily
How much: Free!
Nearest Carpark: Main Entrance Basement Carpark

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The Canyon at Gardens by the Bay (FREE!)

This 400-metre trail is lined with the world’s largest collection of sculptural rocks. These intriguing shapes and sizes come from Shandong, China and are some of the most timeless structures. The biggest rocks here are an astounding 7 metres tall! Over 200 plant species are interspersed throughout this trail adding colour and life to this mystical trail. The young ones will be amazed to walk next to these uniquely ginormous rocks.

Opening Hours: 5am – 2am daily
How much: Free!
Nearest Carpark: Main Entrance Basement Carpark

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World of Plants at Gardens by the Bay (FREE!)

The World of Plants houses a remarkable 24,500 species. With something new to explore around every corner, this is a great place for kids to learn about how plants disperse their seeds and adapt to diverse environments.

Opening Hours: 5am – 2am daily
How much: Free!

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Where to Eat at Gardens by the Bay

Jurassic Nest Food Hall (NEW!)

Located in the heart of Supertree Grove, this newly opened food hall features Michelin-rated cuisines and larger-than-life dinosaurs! The little dino fans at home will love sitting right next to these giant creatures while feasting on their meal. Offering a variety of cuisines from soya sauce chicken rice to briyani or Thai food, there is something for everyone. Perhaps the most family-friendly stall here JN Cafe serves kid-friendly dishes like pasta, sandwiches, waffles, and more!
Jurassic Nest Cafe (8:30am – 9:30pm); Food Hall (11am – 9:30pm), Supertree Grove

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Hopscotch (NEW!) 

This newly opened restaurant features well-loved dishes like chicken and waffles, cereal prawns, burgers and truffle fries to go with Singapore-themed artisanal cocktails! They even have a kids’ menu with classic mac & cheese or wagyu beef bolognese linguine.
Hopscotch, Bayfront Plaza (Next to Bayfront MRT)

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Hortus 

To enjoy a unique Mediterranean meal with a stunning view, head over to Hortus, which features vibrant salads, dips, hearty mains and much more, specially prepared by Michelin star chef Michael Wilson.
Hortus, Flower Dome

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Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant

Savour classic Chilli Crab, dim sum or the Bay’s signature “Kopi” Crab at Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant while you enjoy breathtaking views of the Marina Bay waterfront.
Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant, Near Cloud Forest entrance

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Marguerite 

Marguerite sets the bar for an unforgettable fine dining experience that is perfect for a date night or a fancy ladies’ lunch. You can look forward to delicious dishes like bouillabaisse, ratatouille, New Caledonian blue prawn “tagliolini” and many more!
Marguerite, Flower Dome

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Shake Shack 

An easy crowd-pleaser, Shake Shack serves modern-day “roadside” burgers with 100% all-natural Angus beef burgers, chicken sandwiches, and even hot dogs. Shake Shack does awesome milkshakes too. This fuss-free restaurant is perfect for families and is sure to have something that everyone will enjoy.
Shake Shack, The Canopy

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McDonald’s (Halal-certified) 

This fast-food restaurant needs no introduction! A popular family favourite and probably your little one’s first choice, McDonald’s offers family-friendly seating and fuss-free options like fries, burgers, chicken nuggets and more!
McDonald’s, Near Golden Garden

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Petit Coco at Children’s Garden Cafe

Waffles for lunch? Yes, please! Petit Coco at Children’s Garden offers brunch all day, giving you the perfect place to enjoy a cup of specialty coffee and a sweet treat for lunch (or dinner!) while your kids let loose at the Children’s Garden. As the most kid-friendly cafe, their menu offers kids’ favourites like ham & cheese sandwiches, pepperoni pizza, nacho cheese fries, chicken meatball bolognese and more! Closed every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
Petit Coco, Far East Organisation Children’s Garden

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Conservatory Cafe

Conservatory Cafe offers ice cream, light snacks and thirst-quenching drinks.
Conservatory Cafe, Between Flower Dome and Cloud Forest

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Mylo’s 

Named after the Churner-in-Chief Michael Wilson’s golden retriever, Mylo’s is a pet-friendly cafe with indoor and open-air seating. There are fresh bakes, coffee, and over 20 seasonal gelatos that are made onsite!
Mylo’s, Active Garden

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The Social Kitchen

Want to fill hungry tummies while supporting a social enterprise? The Social Kitchen is on a mission to create jobs for the vulnerable community. Here, you can enjoy sweet treats and sip on gourmet coffee with a view, while the kids feast on pasta or a hearty shepherd’s pie. Their menu is specially curated with plant-based options for vegetarians to enjoy!
The Social Kitchen, Supertree Observatory

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Starbucks

This internationally renowned coffee chain needs no introduction! Starbucks at Gardens by the Bay is right near Golden Garden.
Starbucks, Near Golden Garden

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Satay by the Bay: Outdoor Hawker

For local delights in an outdoor space, Satay by the Bay is an outdoor hawker market offering everything from BBQ chicken wings and hokkien mee to chilli crabs all enjoyed while overlooking the waterfront.
Satay by the Bay, Waterfront

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Free Events at Gardens by the Bay

Love The Last March: Designed by husband and wife artists Gillie and Marc, Love The Last March is an interactive life-sized exhibit of marching animals, featuring 45 of the world’s most endangered species and the largest bronze sculpture in the world that stands at 192 metres tall. Discover more about the sixth mass extinction that is happening at an astounding rate and what we can do to save these remarkable animals.

When: 19 May 2023 – 18 May 2024
Where: Near Floral Clock

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Active Family Programme: This family-friendly workout programme is curated specially for little ones between 4 to 6 years old and parents. Register for their next workout session on the Healthy 365 mobile app! Click here for more information.

When: 9am – 10am every Saturday
Where: Active Garden

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Quick HIIT: These free weekly group workout sessions are led by professional trainers who put together callisthenics and bodyweight exercises to improve your fitness level. Register your interest in the Healthy 365 mobile app.

When: 7pm – 8pm (Every Thursday); 6pm – 7pm (Every Saturday)
Where: Waterfront Plaza, Active Garden

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Amenities at Gardens by the Bay

Bottle-filling Stations

You and the little ones are bound to get thirsty while spending the day outdoors! If you run out of water, head over to any of these bottle-filling stations to quench your thirst:

• Bay East Visitor Centre
• Supertree Grove
• Active Garden
• Bayfront Shuttle Service

Nursing Room

Baby’s got to eat when baby’s got to eat! Thankfully, there are nursing rooms scattered throughout Gardens by the Bay. Just look for any of these landmarks to get some privacy to feed your hungry baby.

• Golden Garden – near Information Counter
• The Canopy – near Flower Dome entrance
• Supertree Food Hall
• Far East Organization Children’s Garden
• The Meadow

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Getting Around Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is huge, and it can get tiring for little ones to walk around all day! So if you’re in need of a quicker, less exhausting way to get around, hop on their shuttle service that operates daily from 9am to 9pm in 10-minute intervals. It provides a loop service between Bayfront Plaza, Active Garden, and Flower Dome, three primary landmarks at Gardens by the Bay that will get you closer to other attractions in the area. This shuttle service is free for passengers using a wheelchair and little ones under 3, but everyone else is required to purchase a ticket online or via the Gardens by the Bay Mobile App. You can find a useful information guide here for all you need to know to explore Gardens by the Bay.

Operating Hours: 9am – 9pm daily (last ride at 8:45pm; runs at 10-minute intervals)
Tickets: $3 for one 2-way ride (adults & children 3 years and above)

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How to Get to Gardens by the Bay

By Train/Bus: 

• If you are taking the Circle Line or Downtown Line, alight at Bayfront MRT station and take exit B.
• If you are taking the East-West Line, alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT station and take exit C. Transfer to bus 400 at International Plaza, Anson Road, and alight along Marina Gardens Drive.
• If you are taking the Thomson East-Coast Line (NEW!), alight at Gardens by the Bay MRT station and take exit 1.

By Car: 

• Take the ECP towards the City. Head towards Sheares Avenue. Turn left onto Marina Boulevard and enter Bayfront Plaza Carpark.
• Take KPE towards the City. Take exit 1 onto ECP / Sheares Avenue. Turn left onto Marina Boulevard and enter Bayfront Plaza Carpark.
• Take AYE towards the City. Continue onto Marina Coastal Expressway (MCE). Take exit 2 onto Central Boulevard. Turn right to Sheares Avenue and another right onto Marina Boulevard. Enter Bayfront Plaza Carpark.

For more information on parking rates and how to get to Gardens by the Bay, click here.