What to do in with children: beaches, activities, restaurants and hotels for a staycation!

We’re always dreaming of jetting off on a quick getaway here at HoneyKids. Don’t have time to pack your kaftan and bathers for a jolly jaunt overseas? There’s a load of family fun to enjoy at ’s own tropical playground, Sentosa Island. Whether you are looking for some high-energy thrills, sand castle building at the beach, a cheeky little staycation, or just something a little bit different from your usual indoor soft play haunt, Sentosa has something fabulous for all ages and budgets.

To make things easy peasy for you, we have put together all the best eats, attractions, beaches and hotels to help you plan an amazing day (or two) on the island…

HOW TO GET THERE:

By car/cab There’s a gantry admission of between $2-$7 (dependant on time of day) for each car/cab entering Sentosa and several parking lots can be found at Sentosa Cove Village Car Park, Beach Car Park, Imbiah Car Park, and Tanjong and Palawan Car Park.

By cable car Make your journey to Sentosa an adventure and take in an aerial view of the island as you glide in from Mount Faber or Habourfront Cable Car Stations.

Sentosa Boardwalk The best things in life are free: take a scenic stroll across the Boardwalk from VivoCity Shopping Mall’s waterfront promenade.

Sentosa Express Guess what colour train will pull onto the platform at VivoCity (Lobby L, level 3) to whisk you over to Sentosa! The ride costs $4 per person (under threes are free) and runs between 7am and midnight.

ALL THE ATTRACTIONS:

For a mesmerising day out, S.E.A Aquarium never fails to impress! Photography: Selina Altomonte S.E.A Aquarium Home to more than 100,000 fishy friends in every shape, size and colour imaginable, SEA Aquarium will have even the littlest of littlies mesmerised by its the array of marine life. Check out Nemo and Dory and wander through the super cool shark tunnel (which houses over 200 sets of sharp teeth). To finish their under-the-sea adventure, kids should head to the rock pools where they can touch and hold some weird and wonderful creatures. S.E.A. Aquarium, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269. Open daily 10am-6pm.

Adventure Cove Great fun for all the fam, Adventure Cove (pictured top) takes water play to the next level. Bigger kids (and kidults!) will love the massive slides and water-coasters, while smaller kids (and the less brave amongst us) will be happy bobbing around on the lazy river, racing around the wet maze and jumping the waves in the main pool. Don’t forget to check out the colourful Rainbow Reef where kids can get up close and personal snorkelling with over 20,000 friendly fishy friends! (Kiddos will need to be over 107cm tall to join this one.) Adventure Cove, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269. Open daily 10am-6pm.

Universal Studios: where your little Minions can meet their fave characters! Universal Studios Singapore Whether your kids are rollercoaster junkies, or prefer a more sedate merry-go-round, Universal Studios Singapore is a one-stop destination for the whole brood to have mega fun. HoneyKids’ Junior Reporters have road tested this theme park many times and it always gets the thumbs up. TIP: Don’t forget to check out our Universal Studios Singapore Survival Guide before you head over to meet a Minion, hang out with Shrek and snap a photo with the Sesame Street gang! Universal Studios Singapore, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269, p. 6577 8888. Open daily 10am-7pm.

Skyline Luge and Skyride Chairlift Up for a little bit of family competition? Challenge the kids to a race down the 650m Jungle Trail, or 688m Dragon Trail of Sentosa’s Skyline Luge. Full instructions on how to navigate the carts will be given before you whizz off down the hill (and leave your partner or teen in your dust). Smaller kids can ride with grown-ups and while we know your inner speed demon might make an appearance once you hit the slope, the carts can be steered and controlled at a speed that suits you. After you’ve beaten the kids (Lewis-Hamilton style) down the Luge, hop on the Skyride chairlift to check out the really rather gorgeous skyline of Singapore, before hurtling back down the hill again on the Luge. One time is never enough! Skyline Luge and Skyride Chairlift, 45 Siloso Beach Walk Sentosa, 099003. Open daily 10am-9.30pm.

Walk the plank for free at the Palawan Pirate Ship!

Palawan Pirate Ship (formerly Port of Lost Wonder) It was a sad day indeed when we heard that Port of Lost Wonder was closing its doors to make way for redevelopment! Happily the tears were quickly turned to smiles when news hit our desks that, for now, the pirate ship is staying anchored exactly where it is and has not only been re-named Palawan Pirate Ship, but is now FREE to visit! Kiddos will have a blast cooling off in the pirate-themed water playground, and they will fire the water canons at you! Palawan Pirate Ship, 54 Palawan Beach Walk, 098233

Palawan Amphitheatre Hang out with some feathered and furry friends over at Palawan Amphitheatre. Kids can feed the Lories and meet exotic birds and various creatures at the daily shows. Admission is free – we LOVE fun, free activities for kids in Singapore! Palawan Amphitheatre, 81F Palawan Beach Walk, Singapore 098524. Shows run daily from 2pm-5.30pm.

Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom If the kids are bugging you for a day out then why not flutter your way over to Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom over on ? With an abundance of cool-looking creepy crawlies, and a whole heap of gorgeous butterflies, kids of all ages will be fascinated by all the bugs, beetles and butterflies on display. Butterfly Park and Insect Kingdom, 51 Imbiah Rd Singapore 099702. Open daily 9.30am-7pm.

Always wanted to be in a novel? Well now you can with a visit to the Trick Eye Museum!

Trick Eye Museum Scorching sun? Rainy day? The Trick Eye Museum is one of our top picks for fun indoor activities in Singapore for kids. Step into some seriously funny photos courtesy of clever visual trickery. Kids will crack up at the sight of Dad as a world- class ballerina, and the family photo of you all mountain climbing in your shorts and tees will surely be a keeper! Trick Eye Museum, 26 Sentosa Gateway, 098138. Open daily 10am-9pm.

Mega Adventure Park Wondering what to do with your tweens and teens in Singapore? If your kids are into high-flying adventure, Mega Adventure Park is where it’s at, and it’s all about the MegaZip: fly like an eagle down a 75 metre high zip line at up to 60km per hour over the jungle canopy of Imbiah Hill! We’ve road tested this one and it’s not for the faint- hearted but boy is it fun. Once your wobbly legs have recovered from the Zip, you can take on the ClimbMax, ParaJump, NorthFace and MegaBounce… if you have nerves of steel! Mega Adventure Park, Imbiah Hill Rd, 098967. Open daily 11am-7pm.

GoGreen Segway@Eco Adventure If hurtling down a zip line is really not your bag, then how about trying out a Segway board? For an introductory experience, and for those of you with younger kids (over 105cm in height) we recommend the Segway Fun Ride. Trainers will assist you as you make your way around this circuit full of twists and turns. For bigger kids, (10 years plus) then The Segway Eco Adventure is a fun challenge. You and your crew will get to explore the sights of the island during a scenic ride along the beaches of Sentosa on your Segway PT. Choose from 30 minute and 60 minute rides. GoGreen Segway@Eco Adventure, 50 Beach View, 098604. Open daily 10am- 7.30pm.

Ride the waves and catch the surf over at Wave House. Photography: Wave House Sentosa Wavehouse Surf’s up! Pack your rashies and goggles and take the family for a surfing safari at Wavehouse. Choose your wave: the Double Flowrider, suitable for beginners and younger kids, creates a safe, non-curling, endless sheet of water for bodyboarding fun. Want more? The Flowbarrel pumps 100,000 gallons of water per minute to flow as fast as 30mph – and creating surf up to 10m high! Check the site for sessions times so your kiddos can catch the right wave. Wavehouse, 36 Siloso Beach Walk, 099007. Open daily 10.30am-10.30pm.

Sentosa Cineblast Rollercoasters are not everyone’s cup of tea, but with this 4D motion- simulated virtual rollercoaster ride, you really will believe you are flying to the top of a mountain, plunging back down into a valley and through white-water rapids. All the fun of a coaster without the fear! Sentosa Cineblast, Imbiah Lookout Sentosa Island. Open daily 10am-9pm (last show at 8.45pm).

Fort Siloso If you fancy something with a bit of history and love a child-friendly museum, then look no further than . Entry is free (which helps if you are still paying the bills after an extravagant CNY!), but why not try out a 90 min guided tour to get the most out of the experience (from $10 for kids age over 7 and from $15 for adults)? You will learn why the Fort was built and find out just what life was like for a soldier from times of old. You will also get to explore the underground ammunition stores and check out the WWII guns. End the tour with a visit to the Surrender Chambers to witness the two historic surrender moments that changed life in Singapore during WWII. Fort Siloso, Siloso Rd, 099981. Open daily 10am-6pm (last entry is at 5.30pm) Skydiving in Sentosa: all the thrill of a free-fall without the risks! iFly If you are looking for the ultimate thrill-seeking experience for your over 7s then it doesn’t get much more exhilarating than sky diving! No aeroplanes or parachutes are involved so kids get all the fun without any of the risk. First-timer packages come with a training session, complimentary flight gear, personal training from a flight instructor and a flight certificate to prove that you and your small team of sky divers have defied gravity! iFly, 43 Siloso Beach Walk, 099010. Open daily 9am-9.30pm (Weds 11am-930pm).

Sentosa 4D Magix Sentosa 4D Magix gives us an interactive movie experience with cool 4-dimensional digital effects. Prepare to be tossed around in your seats on this clever experience which will have you and the family (suitable for smalls over 90cm) joining Captain Lucky’s pirate crew on the search for hidden treasure. Sentosa 4D Magix, Imbiah Lookout Sentosa. Open daily 10am-9pm (last show at 8.45pm)

Desperados Yeeee haaaaa! Saddle up, grab a stetson, jump on your own horse and start shooting the bad guys in this Old West themed 4D interactive shoot-out game. This is a great one for a bit of family competitiveness as scores are recorded for you to compare at the end of the round-up! Minimum height is 110cm to take part in the fun. Desperados, Imbiah Lookout Sentosa. Open daily 10am-9pm.

Madam Tussauds Families have been flocking to Madam Tussauds around the world for over 250 years to rub shoulders with their fave stars, and now this popular attraction has made it to Singapore. You and the littlies can strike a pose on the red carpet with the likes of Angelina Jolie and Johnny Depp, before hopping on to the ‘Spirit of Singapore’, the first ever boat ride which will sail your through a dazzling, fantasy Singaporean garden. You definitely won’t feel a dummy for picking this great family day out! Madam Tussauds, 40 Imbiah Rd, 099700. Open daily 10am-6pm.

Our mini reporter, Edie, loved her digital aquarium experience at MOSH!

MOSH! Take a break from the sun and head indoors for a fun-packed digital playground experience at MOSH! It’s sure to be a big hit with kids of all ages, and you can expect quirky graphics, dazzling colours and some seriously cool creative challenges in this new kinda playground we can’t help but love. MOSH! 31 Beach View #03-01, Palawan Kidz City, Sentosa S098008

Sentosa This legendary half-lion, half-fish icon is hard to miss: it towers 37 meters high! Head up to this statue for breathtaking views of the Lion City. And if you want to make your day out all about the Merlion, then why not track down and check out the other six statues that reside around Singapore? Sentosa Merlion, 30 Beach View

Nature Walk in Sentosa Ready for some fresh air and exercise? Take the 1.8-kilometre Nature Walk, which will lead you through Imbiah Forest Reserve. Start off in a former monorail station which is now home to a fab gallery packed with interactive experiences before you head off on your expedition. Make sure to take some binoculars and notebooks to record all the interesting birds, insects, plants and wildlife you might spot on sunny Sentosa. Nature Walk, Imbiah Rd, Singapore 099700

Wings of Time Once the sun has gone down on your fun-packed day out, why not delay going home for a bit longer by heading to the Wings of Time show? This colourful outdoor night show (the only of its type in the world!), is sure to be a hit with the whole family with its water displays, laser shows, fire effects and music. A spectacular way to end your perfect Sentosa day. Wings of Time, Beach View, 098604. Daily show times at 7.40pm and 8.40pm.

KidZania Singapore This place is massive and is the place to head if you want to put your kids to work: small people can try out a huge array of careers in a mini replica city which houses streets, shops, workplaces, fire stations, cafes and even a Paddle Pop factory! Not only is this place top-notch fun, but the kids will learn the value of money as they spend their pay check in KidZos currency around town. Read our review on KidZania Singapore before heading over to find your little ones’ future vocation! KidZania, 31 Beach View, Palawan Kidz City, #01-01/02, Singapore 098008

SUN, SEA AND SANDCASTLES

Palawan Beach Palawan is the family-friendly beach which connects via a suspension bridge to the Southernmost Point of Continental (cool fact!). If you have pirate fans amongst your crew then make sure to rock up to this beach during Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays, school holidays and Children’s Day, when they can hang out with Captain Palawan and help him find his lost treasure.

Siloso Beach Want to enjoy a weekend lunch by the beach? Siloso is lined with restaurants and bars but has a real chilled out family vibe, and if you want to get active, it’s also beach volleyball central. There’s also skim-boarding, kayaking, cycling, rollerblading and other family friendly beach activities to pick from. Siloso isn’t just for sandcastles!

Tanjong Beach Club. Photography: Selina Altomonte

Tanjong Beach & Tanjong Beach Club Take in the tranquility and quiet of Tanjong Beach where you and the kiddos can build sandcastles galore in relative peace. This one gets extra brownie points Tanjong beach is one of Singapore’s dog-friendly destinations and your four-legged family member can hang out off-lead and splash in the sea with the rest of your brood. No visit to Tanjong Beach is complete without dropping by the iconic Tanjong Beach Club. It’s all about brunching in style here (we love the Weekender Fry Up and lobster buns!) and hanging out on the oversized beach beds in between dips in its infinity pool. Tanjong Beach Club is a bit of a scene on weekends, so morning and lunch sessions are best for fams.

KID-FRIENDLY DINING We’re constantly on the hunt for great restaurants and cafes in Singapore that are kid-friendly too. Sentosa is bursting at the seams with options for all budgets: here are just some of the go-tos for families…

Sun, sea and brunch at Coastes.

Coastes Situated bang on the beach and right next to the Luge, this is a popular pit stop for families for its perfect trifecta of sandcastle fun, paddling in the sea and kid-friendly food. Expect classic breakfasts and pub-style classics for weekend brunch, with a kids’ menu that always hits the spot: we’re talking burgers, pizzas and fish and chips! (Psst: Coastes has a fully stocked bar for that cheeky cocktail – or a bucket of beer!) Coastes, 50 Siloso Beach Walk, 099000. Open daily, Sunday to Thursday 9am-11pm, Friday & Saturday 9am-1am. The Kitchen Table The Kitchen Table at the W Hotel is a top choice if you are happy to splurge a little on lunch. The whacky upside down tables hanging from the ceiling and live cooking stations will have the small people intrigued, while family faves such as wood-fired pizzas, seafood, dim sum and delicious tandoori are prepared for you all to munch on. We love this one for its top-notch location and pool: throw the kids in for some bonus fun (if they are not too full up on pizza). The Kitchen Table, W Hotel, 21 Ocean Way, Singapore 098374. Open daily, Monday to Friday 6.30am-10.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 6.30am-11pm.

Ola Beach Club This new addition to the Sentosa scene is Singapore’s first Hawaiian-themed beach club. Bring the fam for a day out of water sports (hello, banana boat) or let the little ones play in the sand after a chilled-out brunch. We’ve got our eye on the soft shell crab benedict. Watch this space for our review of the kids’ menu! 46 Siloso Beach Walk; www.olabeachclub.com

Din Tai Fung Is there a kid in Singapore who doesn’t love Din Tai Fung? Quick, easy and always delish, this is our go-to when we have dim sum and wanton craving.. Did someone say hot and sour soup? Din Tai Fung, 26 Sentosa Gateway, #01-217, 098138. Open daily Monday to Friday 10.30am-9.30pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-10pm.

Hard Rock Cafe Sometimes you just have to have a burger, and Hard Rock Cafe delivers the goods. Its classic American menu mixed with local faves is sure to appeal to even the fussiest eater, and the portion sizes are large enough to satisfy hungry teens who are all out of fuel after conquering waves and zip lines! Check out the cool rock memorabilia on display before ordering a huge ice cream sundae for you all to share. Hard Rock Cafe, 26 Sentosa Gateway, #01-209, 098269. Open daily 11am-1am (last food orders taken at 10.30pm).

Trapizza Combine food with fun for your little daredevils at this beachfront fave. Fearless smalls can try their hand at the Flying Trapeze, while the less brave family members can feast on pizza and pasta (there is a set menu option for the kiddos). Check out the mini playground for the mini folk, and don’t forget to bring buckets and spades as this place is right on the sand. Trapizza, Siloso Beach, 51 Imbiah Walk, Singapore 099538. Open daily 11:30am- 9:30pm. MAKE IT A STAYCATION… As you may have gathered by now, there is a TON of fun stuff to do on Sentosa. Far too much to cover in one day! So why not make a weekend of it and treat yourselves to a cheeky little staycation for a night or two?

The spectacular spring water pool at Siloso Beach Resort

Siloso Beach Resort This eco resort on the beachfront combines lush tropical greenery, rustic style and a lovely chilled-out atmosphere. This is top of our list for its stunning landscape pool, which is filled with 100% natural spring water! We’re also loving the idea of a luxe stay surrounded by nature: look out for the friendly squirrels! The lovely views and spacious rooms here make this a great place for your overnight stay in Sentosa. Siloso Beach Resort, 51 Imbiah Walk, Sentosa Island, Singapore 099538

W Singapore Nestled in the peaceful setting of Sentosa Cove, this pick modern, luxurious choice gets a thumbs up from us for its huge rooms, fabulous brekkie and always-open swimming pool (perfect for those with kids up with the larks!), as well as its vibrant and colourful decor. W Singapore, Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way, Singapore 098374

Hard Rock Hotel This rock n roll themed hotel is a huge party zone for the whole family. The kids will love the themed floors and the amazing play pools, so much so that it might be hard to pry them away to enjoy the rest of the fun Sentosa has to offer! The Kids’ Club seals the deal for us… Hard Rock Hotel, , 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island Singapore 098269

Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa With a beach-front location, and tucked away from the hustle and bustle, the Shangri-La Rasa Sentosa makes for the perfect family staycation. If your kids love waterslides, the fun-packed pools at The Shang will be a major hit with water babies. Extra brownie points for the Cool Zone, a supervised kids’ club which caters for nippers age five to 12. TIP: Go for the babysitting service, so you and The Hub can have dinner in peace once the kiddos have exhausted themselves and are tucked up in bed for the night. Shangri-la Rasa Sentosa Resport & Spa, 101 Siloso Road, Sentosa, Singapore 098970

Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort and Spa While its name might be a bit tricky on the tongue, a staycation here will leave you feeling relaxed enough to tackle anything. Kids will love spotting the free-roaming peacocks while they are having brekkie, and the pool here is heaven for a cool-off at the end of the day. Don’t forget to check out (and book in!) to the heavenly SO Spa for a treatment to complete the perfect of your staycay! Sofitel Singapore Sentosa Resort and Spa, 2 Bukit Manis Road, Sentosa, Singapore 099891

Festive Hotel This cheery choice makes an ideal stay for families, and youngsters will be welcomed with an assortment of candies upon arrival! Not only does it have a great family friendly pool and a dedicated kids wet play area, it also has interactive games and Cartoon Network in all of the rooms to entertain the kiddos with. Loft beds in the family rooms are an added bonus! Festive Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269

Capella Singapore If it is a touch of 5 star luxury you are after, and if you fancy staying in one of Asia’s top five hotels, then this is the choice to make. Spread across 30 acres of tropical greenery, this beautiful resort has three pools to cool off in once you have finished on the beach (Palawan beach is a short walk away). The kids will love the 24 hour buggy service available! Or ditch the kids altogether for a romantic weekend for two, or as a calm-before-the-storm babymoon treat (trust us, it’s pure bliss). Capella Singapore, 1 The Knolls, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098297

Photography (top image): courtesy of Adventure Cove

Tracy Tristram

Tracy is a Brit mum to The Grumpy Teenager, The Pink Princess and The Small Menace. She uses her love of writing as a well-earned break from watching endless episodes of Top Gear with The Teen, drawing unicorns (badly) with The Princess and pretending to be Optimus Prime with The Menace. She has been loving and living in Singapore for eight years and is rather fond of the sunshine, popiah, Daiso and Himalayan tea lattes.