Singapore with Family: A Jewel of Southeast Asia
- Natalie Adams Barnes
- Jun 6
- 4 min read
A Magical First Morning at Changi Airport
Our Singapore adventure began long before we stepped outside the airport. We arrived at Changi Airport just after 6 a.m. from a red-eye flight and were instantly greeted by what is truly one of the most impressive airports in the world. After grabbing breakfast, we stood in awe as the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, began its mesmerizing cascade. From there, we wandered through the Petal Garden, did a bit of early-morning shopping in the multi-level Jewel mall, and had a delicious local lunch at the airport’s bustling food court. It was a full morning of excitement that didn’t feel like an airport layover—it felt like a destination in itself.
By early afternoon, we checked in at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, one of the most family-friendly luxury hotels we’ve stayed at. While our connecting rooms were being prepared, we relaxed in the Club Lounge, which quickly became one of our favorite parts of the hotel. Once settled, we gave in to the jet lag and ordered room service for dinner. After a whirlwind morning and overnight flight, it was the perfect cozy way to end our first day. One of our favorite dishes we had was the famous Chicken Rice, which is a must try in Singapore.
A Whirlwind Tour of Singapore
The next day we dove headfirst into the city with a private island tour we had booked through Viator—highly recommended for families looking to make the most of a short stay. We began at the iconic Gardens by the Bay, where the futuristic Supertree Grove left all of us in awe. Next came the Singapore Flyer, where the panoramic views of the skyline, harbor, and even glimpses of Malaysia took our breath away.
Our guide then took us to Maxwell Food Centre, a bustling hawker market where we tasted local favorites like chicken rice and satay, followed by explorations of vibrant Chinatown and colorful Little India. We ended the day with a Singapore River Cruise, which was both relaxing and scenic as we floated past colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers. That evening, we dined at Summer Pavilion, the hotel’s Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant, where every dish was artfully prepared. It was one of the best meals of our trip.
Gardens, Gastronomy, and a Bit of Retail Therapy
The following morning, we took a cab to the peaceful and expansive Singapore Botanic Gardens—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and free to enter. It was the perfect place to slow down and let the kids run a little. For lunch, we visited Candlenut, the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant. The flavors were new and exciting, and the meal felt like a cultural experience in itself.
That afternoon, we explored the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, where upscale boutiques and futuristic architecture collided. It was a great place for the whole family: while our teenage daughter explored fashion stores, our tween son found fun in the interactive toy and tech shops, and we enjoyed simply walking around and soaking it all in.
Art and Street Food Adventures
On Saturday, we visited the National Gallery Singapore, which is housed in two stunning historic buildings and offers a great blend of local and regional art. Even the kids enjoyed it, especially some of the more interactive exhibits. From there, we made our way to a local hawker market for lunch, where the sizzling street food, cheerful chaos, and mouthwatering smells made for a quintessential Singapore experience. Every bite we tried was a winner—and it was so affordable!
Underwater Worlds and Rainy Island Escapes
Our fifth day took us to the S.E.A. Aquarium, which, while not quite as awe-inspiring as some others we’ve visited, was still fun and engaging. From there, we headed to Sentosa Island, hoping for some beach time and exploration. Although it started to rain soon after we arrived, we still made the most of it—there’s something kind of fun about getting caught in tropical rain when you’re on vacation. Back at the Ritz-Carlton, we opted for dinner in the Club Lounge, which we highly recommend for families. With breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner (plus drinks) included, it was a great value and made meal planning a breeze.
Malls, Underground Adventures, and an Unforgettable Buffet
On our final full day, we explored one of Singapore’s lesser-known surprises: the connected underground malls. Starting near our hotel, we wandered for what felt like miles through a network of shopping centers, each with its own personality. From local fashion finds to fun kid-friendly attractions, it was a laid-back day filled with little discoveries.
For dinner, we ended on a high note with the hotel’s international buffet—easily the most elaborate we’ve ever seen. From fresh sushi and local curries to gourmet cheeses and perfectly plated desserts, it had something for every palate in our family and then some. It was a celebratory finish to an unforgettable trip.
A Bittersweet Farewell
We left for the airport early the next morning, already missing the colorful neighborhoods, world-class food, and friendly, orderly vibe of Singapore. It’s one of the cleanest, most well-run places we’ve ever visited—and the mix of cultures, cuisines, and traditions was fascinating for all of us. Though Singapore is small and can be explored in just a few days, it left a big impression. We all agreed: this city may be compact, but the memories we made here were larger than life.
