Rain Or Shine, These Indoor Activities For Kids Are Safe, Fun & Accessible So Parents Can Enjoy A Much-Needed Day Off
Life in the tropics means facing a sweltering hot afternoon, followed by a sudden downpour. While it’s typically recommended to let kids play outdoors for that much needed vitamin D, living with unpredictable weather means that we have to get creative indoors.
We all know how much energy kids have (don’t we wish we have it too?), so keeping them entertained at home is not always feasible.
So what can tired parents do when they simply need some time off while keeping kids entertained? (Also without resorting to handheld devices like the iPad or gaming consoles.)
Enter the world of indoor activities for kids. When you know where to go and what to do, the only thing you and your kids are in for is a treasure trove of excitement, learning, and creativity. And the best part is how these activities are all done indoors at home, in community centres, or easily accessible venues found across Singapore.
From fun obstacle courses to stimulating educational pursuits and thrilling adventures, we’ve compiled all the indoor activities for kids that are fun and accessible so you can either park them there for a ball of a time while you enjoy a much-needed day off, or join in on the indoor fun with your tiny tots!
But while your kiddos are enjoying all the fun away from the sun, don't forget to keep them properly hydrated! I know kids tend to avoid "plain ol' boring water", so keep things exciting by storing iced water in the Montigo Ace Mini and wow the little ones with ice cold water on-the-go!
Top 25 Fun & Easily Accessible Indoor Activities For Kids Of All Ages In Singapore, Perfect For Rainy Days Or Crazy Hot Days
1. Get Competitive With Board Games
Let’s start with the basics. Board games have been around for ages, and just because it’s a timeless form of play, doesn’t mean it isn’t a fantastic indoor activity for kids. You’ve got exciting board games like Exploding Kittens, the pre-reading suited ThinkFun Zingo, classic Jenga, and even the traditional Monopoly.
Not only are choices endless, they come in various forms to keep your kids entertained while encouraging face-to-face interaction, teaching them cooperation, and important skills such as motor skills, critical thinking skills, and creativity. So when you have a board game or two on hand, there's really no such thing as feeling "stuck indoors".
2. Montessori Games And Toys
Montessori games are educational toys that are specially designed to introduce hands-on learning, independence, and critical thinking while having heaps of fun. Parents who intend to introduce sustainable living at home will find Montessori games and toys particularly interesting as they’re high quality toys that are typically made from natural materials like wood, coupled with a simple yet purposeful design.
They’re one of the best indoor activities for kids between the ages of 3-7, and a few Montessori toys I’d recommend starting with are the classic Shape Sorters, Stacking and Nesting Toys, and the Sandpaper Letters and Numbers set. These will keep your kids entertained for hours while enhancing their fine motor skills, improve problem solving skills, develop spatial awareness, and more.
3. Airzone Obstacle Course Challenges In Its Airborne Indoor Playgrounds
The first of its kind in the world, Airzone offers children hours of fun in indoor playgrounds that are suspended in air within a mall! It promises intense fun for the brave and adventurous kids among us where participants can bounce around and interact with inflatable props strewn about distinct themed zones to have fun - all while feeling like they’re flying in the air!
While this indoor activity is built for kids, moms and dads who are keen to participate may also do so and join in the fun. Or if you’re not too keen on that, you can always park them there while you shop through City Square Mall. Many parents have noted that the staff are very meticulous and watchful for the safety of the little ones while parents are away.
Do pre-book your tickets to secure a time slot for your kids as only a number of participants are allowed in each time slot to prevent overcrowding!
Opening Hours: 10am - 8:30pm on Mondays to Fridays, 10am - 9:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays
Address: City Square Mall @ 180 Kitchener Road, #02-K4, K10, Singapore 208539
4. Little Bear’s House
Little Bear’s House is a unique little concept cafe offering parents and children relaxation and play. Young ones can play pretend with a wide selection of toys provided in-house on soft play areas that range from an interactive cafe to encourage role playing to building train tracks, and even a huge ball pool!
While the little ones are enjoying themselves, parents can sit back and relax on the sofas found in the place. Just remember to bring socks (anti-slip socks are highly recommended!) for yourself and your kiddos to wear as it’s a requirement to wear socks to maintain the cleanliness of the space as the flooring is mostly padded to protect little ones from all those baby bumps.
Another thing to note is how most parents agree that this indoor playground is more suited for kids who aren’t hyperactive due to the relaxed ambiance and modes of play offered.
Opening Hours: 9am - 7pm, daily
Address: 21 Lichfield Road, Serangoon Garden Way, Singapore 556841
5. Pororo Park Indoor Playground
Kids and infants between ages 1 to 7 who love Pororo & Friends will absolutely love this one! While Pororo Park is typically referred to as a play centre, it’s actually more of an indoor theme park that offers heaps of indoor activities for kids to enjoy hours of fun within its 11,000 sqft compound.
Here you’ll find a ton of attractions from the fan favourite Shark Ball Pool to the Pororo Express train ride and more, along with a cafe on-site for the entire family to relax and enjoy a yummy dessert. If you’re there on weekends, your little ones may also have a chance to partake in a meet and greet session with Pororo, the lovable penguin himself!
Opening Hours: 10:30am - 8pm on Saturdays to Thursdays, 10:30am - 9:30pm on Fridays
Address: Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore 039594
6. Visit A Pet Cafe
If your kids have been badgering you for a pet, here’s an opportunity to let them have a glimpse into what it is like to care and interact with a pet. Cat cafes like the Meomi Cat Cafe in Bugis is a cosy spot where your little ones can play with friendly pedigree felines like the American Shorthair, the ever fluffy Maine Coon, and even the adorable Munchkin in a calm environment.
Not forgetting the dog lovers who are not too keen on visiting a cat cafe. You can bring your little ones to fully immerse in a world of pugs at What The Pug in Haji Lane. The pugs of the house are so friendly and adorable that you may not even resist saying no the next time your little ones ask you for a pet!
7. Join A Full Or Half-Day Art Workshop
This one is for the budding artists among us. Painting is perhaps one of the best indoor activities for kids to channel and enhance their creativity by creating their very own artwork. Places like Artify Studio offer full or half-day art camps and art workshops for children to have heaps of fun enjoying hands-on activities with a group of other children, or a safe space to enjoy an immersive experience between child and canvas for the more introverted ones.
Some workshops allow parents inside to join in for some family fun with their kids, so do check ahead if there are available parent-child sessions for those interested. Just remember to book a space in advance to avoid disappointing excited little ones!
8. Sit In For Storytelling Sessions At Your Nearest Regional Library
The National Library Board of Singapore regularly organises activities for kids like storytelling sessions for children in English, Mandarin, and Malay, across its network of libraries. Yes, that includes the main National Library Singapore and regional ones like the Tampines Regional Library and Woodlands Regional Library for those living around the area.
Not forgetting the Library@HarbourFront in VivoCity for parents who want to partake in some retail therapy while the little ones sit in for a storytelling session or fiddle with puzzles, and more in the Children’s Zone!
9. Let Kids Engage Their Inner Scientist With Mini Tinkering Challenges At The Singapore Science Centre
We’ve covered little artists so how could we miss out the scientists! The Singapore Science Centre is a national gem that houses interactive exhibits and indoor activities for kids that are designed to spark curiosity.
Kids can look forward to regular tinkering workshops at the venue’s Tinkering Studio, science shows, and hands-on activities among the exhibits that allow children to explore scientific concepts in a fun, engaging way.
Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm, Tuesdays to Sundays
Address: 15 Science Centre Rd, Singapore 609081
10. Go Arcade Gaming
Arcades are home to some of the best indoors activities for kids as they offer games that cater to various interests and skill levels. You have the classic basketball game which promotes physical activity, the evergreen Time Crisis first-person shooter game, racing games for the Hot Wheels enthusiasts, claw machines, and popular dance games, all of which will keep your kids entertained for hours in a safe and controlled environment.
Check out Timezone at VivoCity and Cow Play Cow Moo at Suntec City and Downtown East as they are widely regarded as one of the best arcades in Singapore thanks to the extensive selection of arcade games they offer.
11. Indoor Rock Climbing And Bouldering
Kids who have far too much energy and love physical sports will definitely enjoy trying their hand at rock climbing and bouldering. This particular indoor activity offers kids a glimpse into the physical challenges of mountaineering in the great outdoors while helping them develop strength, flexibility, coordination, and problem-solving skills as children figure out the best path to the top.
Since most kids love climbing, rock climbing and bouldering is one of the best indoor activities for kids that gives parents a peace of mind knowing that their kids will be pushing their limits and overcoming fears in a safe and controlled environment.
I’d recommend checking out Outpost Climbing as it’s one of the rare climbing spots that offer various climbing challenges to keep your kids occupied for extended lengths of time.
12. Bounce Freely At Trampoline Parks
Trampoline parks are one of the topmost favourite indoor activities for kids thanks to the sheer joy it brings just by bouncing about while exploring different games.
Kids and adults alike get to enjoy games such as dodgeball, basketball hoops, and foam pits within a safe environment - all promising a fun way to get aerobic exercise while improving balance and coordination.
13. Take On An Escape Room Challenge
Who said Escape Rooms were only for adults? Now kids can take on Escape Room challenges alongside adults or on their own with the rise of kid-friendly Escape Rooms like Escape @ Science Centre at the Singapore Science Centre, and Azkaban at Xcape Singapore in Bugis.
Solve puzzles and decode clues within a set time limit which teaches them the value of collaboration and communication, all while immersing them in a fun and engaging storyline.
14. Ice Skating @ Kallang Ice World
There’s no need to travel to a wintry country just to experience the joys and challenges of ice skating when you can do so at the Kallang Ice World! Ice skating is a fun and cooling indoor activity that teaches your little tots balance, coordination, and even grace for the ones keen on exploring figure skating.
Younger kids can start with lessons while older ones can join in at the deep end with adults for a true challenge while being one of the only indoor activities that promises a cool respite from Singapore’s tropical climate.
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm on Mondays to Thursdays, 10am - 12am on Fridays, 9am - 12am on Saturdays, and 9am - 10pm on Sundays.
Address: 5 Stadium Walk, Level 3, Leisure Park Kallang, Singapore 397693
15. Fulfil Bouncy Castle Dreams @ Bouncy Paradise
The Bouncy Paradise is known as one of the world’s largest inflatable indoor playgrounds that offer little kids with endless energy an exciting indoor playground filled with inflatable bouncy castles of their dreams, complete with slides and obstacle courses within its 20,000 sqft air-conditioned space.
It’s for those who are too young or little to access trampoline parks, and one of the most highly recommended indoor activities for kids that offer a mix of physical exercise, mental stimulation, and social interaction in a fun, safe and controlled bouncing house. So the next time your little one asks you to rent a bouncy castle at home, just bring them here to keep them entertained!
Opening Hours: 10am - 8pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays only
Address: 200 Pandan Gardens, Singapore 609336
16. Origami Craft Sessions
Origami crafting is one of the most versatile indoor activities for kids that can be done either at home or in an indoor group workshop. Think peaceful and therapeutic sessions that involve transforming a simple piece of paper into intricate designs like little sakura blossoms, paper cranes, and more elaborate ones like a dragon and lotus flower.
It’s an accessible craft that can serve as a catalyst for quiet family bonding sessions for parents and children alike. All you need are origami papers which can easily be purchased at your nearest stationery store or through various sellers online on Shopee.
17. Navigate Through A Mirror Maze @ Jewel Changi
Mirror mazes are no longer a hard-to-access concept as you can easily do so at the Jewel Changi! This mirror maze places you inside a maze with mirrored panels that serve as the walls that make it feel like you’re inside a kaleidoscope. Kids will enjoy the challenge because it’s like something that’s right out of a cartoon!
Opening Hours: 10am - 10pm, daily
Address: L5 Jewel Canopy Park, Singapore, 819666
18. Indoor Futsal
If your kids love nothing more than to spend time playing football or futsal with their friends, don’t let the rain stop them! Check out places like Premier Pitch Indoor, the Kovan Sports Centre, and Golazo Futsal that offer indoor futsal courts which you can book for your little kids to enjoy one of the more exciting indoor activities in Singapore with their best buddies.
19. Introduce Them To The World Of VR Play
Virtual Reality (VR) play introduces kids to cutting-edge technology in an interactive and engaging way, while showing them the world beyond what they see at home - which is such a welcome sight when you’re stuck indoors! They can explore activities such as educational content, 3D games, interactive science experiments, all through a VR headset at home or by visiting a VR centre like VR WORLD Singapore at Chinatown.
20. Parent-Child Cooking Class
Cooking classes are a timeless and fun way to enjoy family bonding time together while learning a valuable life skill. These cooking classes teach little ones about food safety, nutrition, and most importantly, the basics of cooking. All these instil a sense of independence within them while strengthening bonds between family members.
Check out places like the Food Playground and ABC Cooking Studio that regularly offer kids lessons that parents can also participate in.
21. Visit The S.E.A. Aquarium
Most, if not all kids would have developed an interest in the aquatic world at some point of their childhood. If they’re at that stage, it’s time to pay a visit to the S.E.A. Aquarium in Resorts World Sentosa where they can enjoy observing the beauty of marine life while learning about the importance of preserving aquatic ecosystems.
Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm, daily
Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
22. Join A Martial Arts Class
There comes a certain time in their lives where they aspire to do flying kicks and break concrete slabs. That’s when you can plop them in a martial arts class, be it tae kwon do, karate, aikido, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or muay thai. Check out Evolve MMA at multiple locations in Singapore that serve as your one-stop martial arts school.
23. Indoor Swimming
When it’s raining, swimming is probably the last activity that will come to mind. But did you know that Singapore is home to several public indoor swimming pools that make swimming one of the best (and cheapest) indoor activities for kids?
One of those include the Tampines Swimming Complex that houses a sheltered competition pool, a sheltered multi-purpose pool, and even a jacuzzi for parents to unwind while their little ones swim away at the many pools available on-site!
24. Kid’s Festive Parties In Singapore’s International Hotels
Singapore’s top hotels often host festive parties and events designed specifically for children to enjoy delicious festive food and mingle through fun games, crafts, and activities. So check back on your favourite international hotels whenever a festive season is near and book in advance to secure a space for your little one!
25. Kid-Friendly Bowling @ VivoCity
VivoCity is one of the rare spots that offer kid-friendly bowling, allowing children to join in on this fun activity through lighter balls, bumper lanes, and sometimes even interactive lane projections.
Since bowling is a fun indoor activity that helps develop hand-eye coordination and balance, check it out with your children and perhaps even plan a little competitive playing session for some quality time in a relaxed, social environment.