With a wealth of activities, spots to visit and places to dine at, Sentosa is well-loved by parents, kids and grandparents alike. The island is also easy to get around and highly accessible – a massive plus especially for travellers with little ones in tow.

In this holistic itinerary, we highlight fun activities for toddlers and teens, delectable foods to sample and endless ways for families to let their hair down. 

Adventure for all ages

Skyline Luge Sentosa offers uniquely different experiences for visitors in the day and night.

At the Skyline Luge Sentosa, thrill-seekers can choose between four tracks and navigate exhilarating turns and twists on their three-wheeled carts amid a lush forest. For a healthy dose of pulsating action, the family-friendly Mega Adventure Park allows parents and kids to work together to complete a treetop obstacle course; ride tandem on a jungle zipline; or have a bouncing good time on the bungy trampolines.

For some indoor fun, look no further than Madame Tussauds Singapore, located at Imbiah Lookout. While familiar to most, the Singapore outpost features a unique multi-sensory boat ride that will take passengers from the tranquillity of the tropical jungle to the centre of the F1 Singapore night race action and a journey through Singapore’s Changi International airport.  

Tip: Sentosa offers hassle-free island-wide connections. These attractions are conveniently situated at Imbiah Lookout, which is fastest reached by taking Bus A from the Beach Station.

Beach play for tots in tow

Sand play is almost always a hit with young kids. Of the three golden-sand beaches in Sentosa, Siloso Beach is perhaps the most happening with many coastal attractions and restaurants situated here.

Parents can tuck into authentic Italian delights at Trapizza, while young ones are kept busy next door at outdoor playground Nestopia.

Set aside ample time for Nestopia, a supervised 17-zone outdoor play space featuring netted obstacle courses connecting three giant nests and two of the island’s longest slides.

To fuel up, opt for the conveniently located Trapizza next door that serves thin-crust pizzas alongside a dedicated kids’ menu that allows kids to build their own bento. For a relaxed meal by the waters, parents can fill their tummies at beach haunt Coastes while kids dip their toes in the shallow waters.

At Palawan Beach, which is connected to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia by a suspension bridge, a challenging workout ensues at HydroDash Singapore, Singapore’s first inflatable water park featuring floating obstacles and steep slides. A dedicated zone for younger children aged five to six means everyone can enjoy their time in the water.

For respite from the afternoon heat, take shelter at virtual reality indoor theme park HeadRock VR. Keep budding dinosaur lovers engaged at the futuristic dino-themed playground with activities such as catching virtual dinosaurs and bouncing on an interactive inflatable set. While the grandparents keep an eye on the kids, mom and dad can sneak away to try out the eight thematic VR experiences, which include escaping crazed zombies and battling robots atop a skyscraper.

With Go!Mama’s lactation pods found at several locations on Sentosa, breastfeeding on the go becomes a lot easier for moms. Photo Credit: Go!Mama

Tip: Breastfeeding mothers can pre-book lactation pods for 30 or 45 minutes via the Go!Mama app - available at selected locations including Siloso and Palawan beaches. There is also a baby diaper-changing room at the Beach station. The island is mostly pram-, wheelchair- and personal mobility device-accessible.

A day-to-night destination

Even when the sun goes down, there are still plenty of opportunities for families to continue exploring the island’s unique offerings. In fact, rather than being just a day trip, Sentosa is better explored over three days with its host of novel day-to-night experiences.

Located adjacent to Sentosa’s Beach station is the island resort’s latest crowning jewel, Central Beach Bazaar. Set to open in September 2022, the beachfront destination features street food housed in an eclectic mix of food trucks, upcycled shipping containers and old-school kombi vans.

Wings of Time is a dazzling outdoor night show featuring a colourful display of water, light and sound.

In the day, visitors can enjoy whimsical music shows at Sentosa Musical Fountain, featuring a medley of iconic Singapore National Day tunes. At night, Wings of Time is an unmissable outdoor night show featuring a colourful display of water, light and sound accompanied by impressive pyrotechnic displays.

There is also Magical Shores, which is a treat for the senses with its interactive beach light art display. Little ones will love catching the colourful lights projected onto the sand – definitely a moment to be added to guests’ travel photo collage!

Nature lovers will enjoy the Sentosa Naturalist Night Adventure – a guided tour which brings them to the rainforest and gives them a chance to peek into the lives of nocturnal creatures found on the island.

For a more thrilling way to soak in Sentosa after hours, there is SkyHelix Sentosa, which will gently ascend 35 metres to reveal breath-taking panoramic views of the island and the surrounding waterfront. The 12-minute experience is complemented with a free beverage, giving somewhat a rooftop bar vibe with a twist.

One of the best ways to catch Sentosa’s glorious sunset views is via a cable car ride.

Tip: A cable car ride is a must-do if one wants to catch the best golden hour views. Arrange a ride for guests on the route that connects the mainland with Sentosa; or one that starts from the Merlion to Imbiah and Siloso Point stations for sunset views by the beach. Each cabin seats up to eight people so multi-generational groups do not have to be split up. 

Rest and reconnect

In between the fun and excitement, it’s important to include pockets of time to unwind. After all, what makes a great vacation is also having sufficient downtime to rest and recharge.

What better way to instil a sense of responsibility from young than at Village Hotel Sentosa, where kids are made to feel important as they get to check in on behalf of their families at the counter.

With its pristine location on the marina in Sentosa Cove, ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove is a great stay for those wanting to feel rejuvenated. Designed for families, the 50-sqm family room is equipped with both a queen and bunk bed. For a free-and-easy day, families can stroll along the boardwalk to waterfront dining destination Quayside Isle, with myriad dining experiences from Greenwood Fish Market to authentic Thai at Gin Khao Bistro and mod-Asian cuisine at Blue Lotus Chinese Eating House to choose from.

If proximity to the beach is a must, then Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa, Singapore offers balcony or terrace-rooms with direct access to Siloso Beach, along with a pool, outdoor jacuzzis and spa for the adults to unwind. Kids will be living their best life during a stay here with a kids’ club and a dedicated pool complete with water slides.

Tip: If kids are happy, parents will feel relaxed, and everyone gets to enjoy the family vacation. At Village Hotel Sentosa, little ones will love the novelty of receiving the VIK (Village Important Kids) treatment – they get a cute check-in stool to wait with their parents, and will be showered with attention (or rather, lollipops) along with a surprise kids’ pack waiting in their family rooms.

Year-round calendar of unique experiences

Movies by the Beach takes over the al fresco lawn at Southeast Interim Market in the evening, allowing families to dig into delicious grub purchased from adjoining food stalls while enjoying complimentary screenings.

In addition to the mainstay attractions, Sentosa features a year-round calendar of interesting experiences such as Southside’s complimentary Movies by the Beach with age-appropriate titles suitable for the whole family, taking place on alternate Fridays till September 23.

For an action-packed adventure, families of five or more will love Escape from St. John’s Island – a half-day gamified experience where participants visit various spots on this former quarantine island and opium treatment centre to solve puzzles and unearth a “cure” for a mysterious plague that has ravaged almost the entire world.

Those planning a visit to Sentosa at the end of 2022 can also look forward to several year-end activities that are fit for families.  

Tip: For adhoc itinerary ideas, check out Events & Tours for updates on upcoming events and activities.

This article is brought to you by Sentosa