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Here’s our guide to VivoCity and HarbourFront, which are full of kid-friendly activities, tasty food and a maze of shops!
Planning to spend the day at VivoCity or HarbourFront Centre with the kids? As the biggest shopping mall in Singapore, VivoCity is a complete maze. It’s no surprise that trying to navigate it with your kids trailing behind you can be overwhelming. With VivoCity next door, HarbourFront Centre is often overlooked. But with lots of kid-friendly activities, both VivoCity and HarbourFront Centre are a great place to keep the kids entertained and do some much-needed shopping.
Here’s our handy guide to kid-friendly activities, food and shopping to help you make the most of VivoCity and HarbourFront Centre.
Note that most of the shops and restaurants only open after 10:30am or 11am. Check ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Kid-friendly Guide to VivoCity and HarbourFront Centre:
Fun Activities for Kids at VivoCity & HarbourFront Centre
1. The Polliwogs
This playroom is a regular haunt for my kids. It’s big enough to keep the kids entertained, but not too big that you have to keep running after them. It has ball pits, slides, tunnels, climbing sections, a small trampoline, and so much more. There’s also a separate toddler section for kids under 3 years old.
They have 2-hour play slots starting at 9:30 am, 11:45 am, 2 pm and 4:15 pm. On Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays they also offer a 6:30 pm slot. You can buy tickets online or at the door. During busy periods, get tickets beforehand.
The Polliwogs is also a great option for your little one’s birthday party. The staff are super helpful and host party games as part of the package.
Tip: It’s generally easier to get to Polliwogs from HarbourFront Centre. Take the escalators up to Level 3 of HarbourFront Centre, and then exit out the glass doors next to the post office (it’s on the opposite side of HarbourFront Centre from Mothercare). This takes you to the Level 3 roof of VivoCity. You will then see Polliwogs on your right.
The Polliwogs, VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #03-12, Singapore 098585, thepolliwogs.com/venues/vivocity
2. Bouncetopia
A great indoor bouncy castle playroom, with two large sections to jump, crawl and climb. Bouncetopia also offers a ball pit area and a big “sandpit” when you (or your little ones) need to take a break and play more quietly. The “sand” is actually small wooden cubes. We’ve always had a lot of fun in Bouncetopia playing hide and seek or tag.
Bouncetopia is best for kids that are walking steadily and can jump by themselves (around 2 years and above). There are no set time slots, so you can enter at any time. Tickets are offered for 1 hour or 2 hours of play.
Tip: The Bouncetopia entrance is on Level 3 of VivoCity in the outside open area, right next to Food Republic.
Bouncetopia, VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #03-02, Singapore 098585, kiztopia.com/branches/bouncetopia-vivocity
3. Timezone
Your kids will be happy to know that there are two different Timezones in VivoCity. A smaller one on the interconnecting walkway between HarbourFront Centre and VivoCity (the walkway closest to the main entrance of the malls), and a larger one next to Daiso and the Golden Village Cinema in VivoCity.
For younger kids, the larger Timezone has more options. It has a whole range of arcade games, mini bowling, air hockey, car racing, drift bumper cars, VR rides, claw machines, and dance revolution. It’s amazing how much a kid can spend in 30 minutes playing arcade games. The points you collect from those games can be used to redeem gifts. But you may have to play the “we have no more money” card to keep the kids from bleeding you dry.
Tip: the large Timezone is directly underneath the Library and Beauty in the Pot.
Large Timezone: Timezone VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-43, Singapore 098585
Smaller Timezone: Timezone VivoCity Plus+, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-205, Singapore 098585, www.timezonegames.com
4. Library@HarbourFront
We love coming to this library regularly. It has a large children’s section filled with fiction and non-fiction books. It’s a great way to escape from the heat or rain (for free) and spend some time exploring different books and helping to answer their many questions.
You don’t need a library card to enter the children’s section, but you will need one to enter the adult section. A library card can be applied for online or in person. Also, if you want to find a free quiet space to do some remote work away from your home, the Library is a great option. It has free Wi-Fi, and a large quiet reading lounge facing Sentosa and several study areas.
Tip: Right next to the Library is a large pet store called Pet Lovers Centre. Your kids might like to pop their head in to watch the dogs getting groomed and see the wide range of animals they have (fish, turtles, hamsters, rabbits, birds and dogs). It’s a quick way to give the kids an animal fix, and could also be used as an opportunity to explain about adoption vs buying.
Library@HarbourFront, VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #03-05 (Lobby F), Singapore 098585
Read more: Best Libraries in Singapore for Kids
5. VivoCity Play Court
A free open playground in the centre of VivoCity. The kids can slide, climb, bounce and splash around. There’s also ZooMoov, where the kids can sit on electronic animals and ride around. Note that it gets super hot in the afternoon, and there’s no shade over the play area.
Tip: You can cut through VivoCity’s Play Court in order to quickly get to the other side of VivoCity. Of course, it might actually take longer if your little ones get distracted by the playground.
Play Court, VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, Level 2, Singapore 098585
6. Sunshine Childhood Playland
A small playroom in HarbourFront Centre that may get overlooked, but manages to pack a lot into a small space. It offers a ball pit, slides, climbing area and pretend play. It’s relatively cheaper than other playrooms, and is worth a visit if you’re in the area and looking for a quick indoor play area for the kids.
Sunshine Childhood Playland, HarbourFront Centre, 1 Maritime Square, #02-53/54/55, Singapore 099253, www.facebook.com/sunshinechildhood
7. Escape Artist
For the older kids, check out Escape Artist, which offers several escape room games, including VR options. Spend 60 minutes working with your team solving puzzles and clues to find treasures in an ancient temple, escape a kidnapping or evade a trap.
Kids 13 years and older can participate without an adult. For children who are 7 to 12 years old, an adult must also be present.
Escape Artist, HarbourFront Centre, 1 Maritime Square, #03-15, Singapore 099253, theescapeartist.sg
8. Cable Cars
Whilst not in VivoCity or HabourFront Centre, the Singapore Cable Cars are definitely worth a mention as they’re right next door. If you take the side exit out of HarbourFront Centre (right next to Harry’s), you will see the Cable Car Harbourfront entrance in the building opposite.
Singapore Cable Cars, 3 Harbourfront Place #01-02 Harbourfront Tower Two, Singapore 099254, www.mountfaberleisure.com/attraction/singapore-cable-car
9. Star Arts
Star Arts is on Level 2 of HarbourFront Centre and offers window art and sand art. Kids can pick the window art image (think My Little Pony, jet planes, baby shark and Paw Patrol) they wish to create, and then use the different squeeze bottles to colour them any way they wish. Once finished, they get popped in a little oven for a couple of minutes, and then presto – artwork ready to be taken home and stuck on windows or cupboards. They also offer sand art, which is slightly more messy and requires a bit of help from the parents. Best suited for kids 3 years and older.
Star Arts, HarbourFront Centre, 1 Maritime Square, #02-LA5, Singapore 099253
10. Kiddie Rides
Don’t underestimate the simple pleasures of coin-operated kiddie rides. They can keep kids mesmerised for ages, even without coins. On Level 2 of HarbourFront Centre there are two different sections that contain rows of coin-operated kiddie rides and games. One section is conveniently located right next to Star Arts. The other is located closer to the cruise terminal, and near Sunshine Childhood Playland. Each has a machine that allows you to obtain coins by scanning a QR code to pay using PayNow. The rides and games cost between $1 to $2.
HarbourFront Centre, 1 Maritime Square, #02, Singapore 099253
Shops at VivoCity & HarbourFront Centre
VivoCity has an extensive selection of stores selling clothes, toys and stationery. We’ve highlighted just a few below that are worth checking out, especially if you’re looking for gifts. Other stores that you may find useful in VivoCity are Daiso, the Lego store, Smiggle, Cotton On Kids, Crocs, Bata, H&M, Zara, Marks & Spencer, Sketchers, Sun Paradise, and Uniqlo.
1. Toys “R” Us
VivoCity houses the Toys “R” Us flagship store. It’s no surprise then that the store is huge. No matter how many times we say we’re just going to quickly pop in and grab a gift, we spend much longer than expected wandering around. There are just so many options! Lego, Paw Patrol, Gabby Cat, Barbie, My Little Pony, Marvel, dinosaurs, Disney, cars, trains, trucks, scooters, bikes, swim toys, board games, baby toys, party supplies, helium tanks, pretend play and so much more. Avoid during the afternoon on weekends, the lines at the cashier can be long. It’s much quieter if you can pop in on a weekday.
Toys “R” Us, VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #02 – 182/3, Singapore 098585, www.toysrus.com.sg
Read more: 30 Best Toy Stores in Singapore
2. FairPrice Xtra
Yes, you read right – FairPrice. I was surprised to find a good selection of kids’ books and activity books, as well as a range of toys, on Level 1 of FairPrice in VivoCity. This has been a life saver many times when I’m in the area and I want to get kids books as a gift. Whilst not a massive range, they carry the popular titles including Julie Donaldson books, Maisy books, and Dr Seuss. I find that the options are sometimes better than the ones at Popular in VivoCity.
FairPrice Xtra, VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #01-23 & #B2-23, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #B2-23, Singapore 098585, www.fairprice.com.sg
3. Tangs
On the first floor of Tangs, they offer a great range of arts and craft kits and STEM related toys. I often find myself here when I’m looking for something creative, or for gifts for kids from 5 to 9 years old, such as DIY craft boxes or National Geographic kits. They also have a great range of cute kids and baby clothes and accessories produced by local Singapore brands, such as mini mo, Maison Q, Sea Apple and the Elly Store. A great option to check out if you’re looking for a kids’ gift and don’t want to get overwhelmed by Toys “R” Us.
Tangs, VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #01-187 & #02-189, Singapore 098585, tangs.com
4. Popular
Popular is a good place to make a quick stop if you’re looking for craft paper, stationery, or art suppliers. It may not have everything, but it has the main essentials, including pens, coloured paper, art books, water colours and glitter glue.
Whilst they do also sell books, it’s not an extensive collection. You’ll likely find the main popular titles in the adult and young readers section, but for little kids they’re mainly Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and Bluey books. You generally won’t find Julia Donaldson or other popular authors. However, they do have a big range of activity books and materials to help kids learn to read, write and count.
There’s also an entire section (opposite the cashier) containing water bottles, pencil cases, pouches and school bags featuring many favourite TV characters, including Paw Patrol and My Little Pony. A quick way to make a kid happy on their first day of school.
Tip: Popular is directly below Tangs.
Popular, VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #B1-16/17, Singapore 098585, www.popular.com.sg
Read more: Best Stationery Shops in Singapore
5. Mothercare
Mothercare is a great place to buy essentials for your little ones, including nursery furniture, clothes, feeding accessories, sterilisers, swim clothes, shoes and so on. Mothercare is largely aimed at babies and children up to the age of 6. It’s also a great place to pick up a gift for toddlers and infants.
Mothercare, HarbourFront Centre, 1 Maritime Square, #03-05/06/07, Singapore 099253, www.mothercare.com.sg
Read more: Where to Buy Cute Kids’ Clothes
Food at VivoCity & HarbourFront Centre
There are so many places to eat in VivoCity and HarbourFront that you’re spoilt for choice. Here are just a few options that satisfy even my little fussy eaters, but are different to the usual chips and spaghetti.
1. Food Republic
This VivoCity food court offers a large variety of options including local favourites, Korean, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisines. My kids’ favourite is the vegetarian pho at the Saigon Quan Vietnamese Cuisine stall.
Tip: It’s right next to the Sentosa Express train and also around the corner from Bouncetopia. There’s also another food court (Kopitiam) that can be found in B2.
Food Republic, VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #03 – 01, Singapore 098585, foodrepublic.com.sg
2. Tempura Makino
This place specialises in udon, soba and (you guessed it) tempura. It even offers a vegetarian tempura set. It’s a good alternative to pasta and the usual fried foods. I always love giving my kids cold udon and soba. It meets their fussy taste buds and I don’t have to worry about them burning their mouth on hot soup. A little tip – pour the sauce and noodles all together into a kid’s bowl. It makes it easier and slightly less messy for the kids to eat.
Tip: It’s around the corner from the big TimeZone in VivoCity.
Tempura Makino, VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-111, VivoCity, Singapore 098585, tempuramakino.com.sg
3. Genki Sushi
Sushi that gets delivered to you on a mini train – what’s not to love? This is the only place my kids have insisted on waiting in line for. Even if it’s 45 minutes (4.5 episodes in Bluey time), my kids don’t care, they just want the sushi on the train. Unlike the pre-Covid days where sushi comes around on a conveyor belt and you choose what you want, you now use a QR code to order your food, and it comes directly to your table (yep, on a small train). The food may not be the best Japanese food around, but it keeps the kids happy and still scratches my sushi itch. My kids love the cucumber maki, cold soba noodles, udon soup noodles and ikura nigiri.
You can’t book a table, so I’d suggest coming early to grab a number. It opens at 11 am. By 11:15 am, it’s already starting to get crowded. Another option is also to do early dinner before 5 pm.
Tip: There’s a door to the outdoor Play Court right next to Genki Sushi, so it’s a great place to keep the kids occupied whilst you wait in line for a table.
Genki Sushi, VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-65, Singapore 098585, www.genkisushi.com.sg
Read more: Best Sushi Restaurants for Affordable Japanese Cuisine
4. Sushi Tei
I know, recommending three Japanese restaurants in a single guide may seem like a lot, but I feel it would be a shame to leave Sushi Tei out. Their sushi is great and they also offer katsu, donburi bowls, tempura, ramen, udon, shabu shabu, sukiyaki, and so on. There’s plenty of vegetarian options too, including cumber maki, avocado maki, tamago maki, pickle radish maki, avocado handroll, cucumber handroll, corn gunkan, sweet beancurd sushi, vegetable katsu curry and vegetable tempura.
Sushi Tei is quite popular and gets busy. Unfortunately, you can’t book in advance. I’d recommend coming early as soon as it opens, or maybe trying for an early dinner. If you can, try and get a booth behind the sushi counter so the kids can sit and watch the chefs make sushi.
Tip: It’s just after the interconnecting walkway between HarbourFront Centre and VivoCity (the walkway closest to the cruise centre).
Sushi Tei, Vivocity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #02 – 152, Singapore 098585, sushitei.com
5. Beauty in the Pot
This place has its very own playroom. Who knew?! It’s a hotpot restaurant that offers a few different yummy soup bases, including a vegetarian option. They offer a large selection of meat, seafood and vegetables, and you can choose up to 4 different soup bases. It’s easy to get something for everyone. I love that the kids can keep themselves occupied in the playroom. It can get busy, so you may wish to book in advance.
Tip: It’s right next to the Library@HarbourFront and also directly above the big Timezone in VivoCity.
Beauty in the Pot, VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, #03-08A, Singapore 098585, www.paradisegp.com/brand-beauty-in-the-pot
6. Paradise Dynasty
When we’re craving some Chinese food after a day of activities at VivoCity, this is our go to place. They have great dim sum (including the popular xiao lung bao) and other Chinese dishes. There are also a decent amount of vegetarian options, like radish pastry, steamed vegetable dumplings, steamed vegetable bun, egg fried rice (which is delicious!), scallion pastry, vegetable spring roll, cucumber with mixed garlic, and stir fried vegetables with garlic.
Tip: It’s around the corner from the big TimeZone in VivoCity.
Paradise Dynasty, VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-128 / 130, Singapore 098585, www.paradisegp.com/brand-paradise-dynasty
7. Nasty Cookie
Oh yeah, it’s nasty – in a good way! More of a dessert or treat, then “food” per se, but a nice reward for yourself (and the kids) after a long day of playing and shopping. These cookies are delicious and addictive. My favourite is the classic chocolate chip.
Tip: It’s opposite the cinema and also around the corner from the big TimeZone in VivoCity.
Nasty Cookie, VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-51, Singapore 098585, www.nastycookie.com
Cinema at VivoCity
If you’re at VivoCity for a date night or want to catch a movie with the kids, head up to the second floor to catch one of the latest movies. Don’t forget to buy popcorn and bring a sweater along, as the movie theatres tend to be quite chilly!
Golden Village at VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, #02-30 VivoCity, Singapore 098585
Nursing Rooms at VivoCity & HarbourFront Centre
One thing I really liked about VivoCity when I was still breastfeeding was the main nursing and baby room located on Level 2. The entrance is out in the Play Court. The air conditioned room holds a few cubicles for you to privately feed your little one in a comfy chair. It also has changing stations, a waiting area, a wash basin and hot water dispenser. There are of course other smaller nursing rooms located throughout VivoCity.
I also love the fact that most (if not all) female toilets in VivoCity have a small urinal for my son to use. It’s crazy how these small details can bring me joy!
Read more: Best Public Nursing Rooms in SG
Getting to VivoCity
By MRT: Take the North East Line or Circle Line, then alight at HarbourFront Station.
By Taxi: Drop-off/pick-up points and designated taxi stand are located on Level 1, outside #01-06. Alternatively, drop-off is also available on Level 2, outside #02-170.
By Bus: 30, 30e, 57, 61, 65, 80, 97, 97e, 100, 123M, 131, 143, 145, 166, 855, RWS8
Parking at VivoCity & HarbourFront Centre
If you’re getting to VivoCity and HarbourFront Centre by car, parking rates start from $1.60 for the 1st hour and $0.80 for every subsequent 30 minutes.
VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585, www.vivocity.com.sg
HarbourFront Centre, 1 Maritime Square, Singapore, www.harbourfrontcentre.com.sg
Enjoy your day out with the kids at VivoCity!
