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15 Best Family-Friendly Short Trips And Weekend Destinations From Singapore

Unique Family Trips Within 3 Hours From Singapore

In Asia, Singapore is perfectly located super well for easy and fantastic travel options close by. Whether your tribe enjoys beach bumming or city slicking, there are plenty of options for weekend getaways and short trips from Singapore. Little Steps has rounded up some of our favorite short-haul destinations, with a bonus that they’re only under 3 hours or less from Singapore. From Bali to Laos, there are just so many exciting destinations to consider! Short haul trips from Singapore with kids in tow – you’re sorted. Pack your bags, and happy travels!

Best Short Getaways From Singapore With Kids:

LAOS

2 Hours And 55 Minutes Away From Singapore

Laos is too often overlooked as a South East Asian holiday destination. It shouldn’t be, especially considering its beautiful landscapes and exceptionally well-kept heritage. Visit Vientiane for yummy food and cultural wonders.

Best Things To Do In Laos With Kids:
- Visit the Kuang Si Waterfalls & Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre for turquoise pools and forest trails.
- Go on a scenic boat ride along the Mekong River then explore the Pak Ou Caves in Luang Prabang.
- Get hands-on with a bamboo weaving or mulberry paper-making workshop.
Want more? Best Kid-Friendly Hotels In Laos
LOMBOK

2 Hours And 50 Minutes From Singapore

Lombok is the place to go if you want to relax and enjoy some of Indonesia’s idyllic beaches, and there's plenty of things to do with kids in Lombok. The atmosphere is more laid-back and relaxed compared to Bali, making it the perfect destination for families. It’s a little piece of paradise that you definitely need to explore, and they have direct flights from Singapore!

Best Things To Do With Kids In Lombok:
- Check out Selong Belanak Beach for soft white sand, gentle waves, and beginner water sport activities.
- Visit the Gili Islands, and go snorkeling with sea turtles.
- Explore Sedang Gile and Tiu Kelep Waterfalls, and take a dip in natural swimming spots.
Want more? Best Family-Friendly Resorts In Lombok
PHUKET

1 Hour And 50 Minutes Away From Singapore

Phuket is the perfect short-haul destination from Singapore for the whole family, especially for those who enjoy time by the ocean. Dip your toes in with the kids or laze on the white sandy beach, cocktail in hand! There are tons of family-friendly resorts to choose from, with kids clubs or private villas for groups.

Best Things To Do With Kids In Phuket:
- Take younger kids to Kamala Beach for gentle waves and a relaxed village feel.
- Beat the heat at Andamanda Phuket, the island's largest water park.
- Plan a family day trip to Phi Phi Islands for snorkeling and iconic scenery.
Want more? Family-Friendly Resorts In Phuket
KUALA LUMPUR

1 Hour And 5 Minutes Away From Singapore

Just over an hour’s flight from Singapore, Kuala Lumpur is the ultimate short-haul city break from Singapore. This northern neighbor offers plenty of delicious food and shopping galore, as well as some easy outings for children.

Best Things To Do With Kids In KL:
- Get close to Malaysia’s feathered friends by spending a morning with the kids at the KL Bird Park.
- Don’t miss an opportunity to visit the ancient Batu Caves just outside Kuala Lumpur.
- Head to Sunway Lagoon for the ultimate adventure featuring a water park, amusement rides, and wildlife.
Want more? Kid-Friendly Hotels In Kuala Lumpur
PENANG

1 Hour And 25 Minutes Away From Singapore

Penang offers beautiful beaches, a vibrant culture, delish food, and activities galore that’ll please the whole family. This city offers a blend of heritage, nature, beaches, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor play. Here's a sneak peek at the best things to do in Penang with kids.

Best Things To Do In Penang With Kids:
- Visit ESCAPE Penang, an outdoor adventure park, for zip lines, rope courses, obstacle challenges, and a large water-play zone.
- Take the kids to Batu Ferringhi Beach for sun, sand, and sea with the kids.
- Hunt for street art in George Town, and explore cute cafes when you need a reprieve from walking.
Want more? Kid-Friendly Hotels In Penang
BATAM

45 Minutes Away From Singapore

Batam is one of the easiest and most affordable family getaways from Singapore, with ferries taking just 45–60 minutes. It offers beach resorts, water parks, animal encounters, indoor playgrounds, and simple outdoor fun at prices far lower than Singapore.

Best Things To Do In Batam With Kids:
- Head to Waterpark TOP 100 Batu Aji, Batam's largest water park with slides for all ages, a lazy river, and a dedicated kids' splash zone.
- Feed animals at Batam Zoo Paradise, an interactive mini-zoo.
- Let the kids loose at Hello Monster (One Batam Mall), a large indoor playground with obstacle courses, climbing walls, and more.
Want more? The Ultimate Guide To Batam
BALI

2 Hours And 40 Minutes Away From Singapore

Bali is one of Asia's most family-friendly destinations. As the Southern Hemisphere’s “Hawaii,” Bali has a little bit of everything from calm beaches to huge water parks, wildlife experiences, cultural activities, and nature. Many resorts here offer kids' clubs, ensuring that mum and dad can finally get a breather too! Click here for the ultimate guide to Bali with kids.

Best Things To Do With Kids In Bali:
- Spend the day at Waterbom Bali (Kuta), ranked one of the best water parks in Asia.
- Check out Bali Safari & Marine Park for safari-style tram rides that will ride past lions, elephants, zebras, and more.
- Take a short trek to Tegenungan Waterfall near Ubud, and take a dip in its natural swimming spots.
Want more? Kid-friendly Hotels In Bali
BINTAN

45 Minutes Away From Singapore

Living in Singapore has plenty of perks including the popular 45-minute ferry ride to the family-fabulous island of Bintan. Bintan Island in Indonesia has many adventures to offer the whole family, from fishing and urban life tours, to dining by the sea.

Best Things To Do With Kids In Bintan:
- Visit the Crystal Lagoon at Treasure Bay (Chill Cove), Southeast Asia's largest man-made seawater lagoon.
- Take a gentle boat ride through mangrove forest to spot monkeys by day and fireflies by night.
- Take older kids on an ATV ride at Gurun Pasir Busung's sand dunes.
Want more? Kid-Friendly Hotels In Bintan
HO CHI MINH CITY

2 Hours And 10 Minutes Away From Singapore

Vietnam has it all, including friendly locals and famously delish food. Ho Chi Minh City has plenty of fabulous eateries, shopping gems, five-star stays, and historical adventures. Taking a holiday here is more intense than beach destinations, but there's plenty to do to keep the kids engaged!

Best Things To Do With Kids In Ho Chi Minh City:
- Visit Saigon Zoo, one of Asia's oldest zoos with a wide range of animals, shaded paths, botanical gardens, playgrounds, and a small amusement area.
- Check out Suoi Tien Theme Park, a large cultural theme park inspired by Vietnamese folklore and Buddhism.
- Head to the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre to watch a traditional Vietnamese water puppet show performed on water with live music.
Want more? Kid-Friendly Hotels In Ho Chi Minh City
PHNOM PENH

2 Hours Away From Singapore

Phnom Penh is Cambodia’s capital and a manageable stop for families, with a mix of royal sites, riverside life, parks, water parks, and animal experiences. It is less overwhelming than larger regional cities, though heat and traffic require some planning.

Best Things To Do With Kids In Phomn Penh:
- Marvel at the Royal Palace & Silver Pagoda, a popular family attraction in Phomn Penh.
- Take an evening stroll at Sisowath Quay (Riverside), and enjoy street food at the night market.
- Visit Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre to see elephants, bears, gibbons, and other animals in more natural settings.
Want more? Family-Friendly Hotels In Phomn Penh
SIEM REAP

2 Hours And 10 Minutes Away From Singapore

Cambodia’s main holiday destination, Siem Reap, is most famous for its beautiful temples especially Angkor Wat. Temples aside, there is so much more to discover in Siem Reap like food tours, horse rides, and the incredible Phare The Cambodian Circus.

Best Things To Do With Kids In Siem Reap:
- Set out early to catch the stunning sunrise at Angkor Wat.
- Watch Phare, The Cambodian Circus, for high-energy acrobatics, live music, and creative storytelling by young Cambodian artists.
- Visit Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre, Southeast Asia's largest butterfly enclosure with free-flying native species.
Want more? Family-Friendly Guide To Siem Reap
BANGKOK

2 Hours And 25 Minutes Away From Singapore

There are so many fun things to do with kids in Bangkok, from temples to aquariums, theme parks, indoor playgrounds, parks, and river experiences. The city is hot and busy, so pacing and air-conditioned breaks are essential, but kids usually love the variety.

Best Things To Do With Kids In Bangkok:
- Take the kiddos to Siam Amazing Park, an amusement and water park, for loads of fun!
- Explore Lumphini Park, where the kids can enjoy the playground, pedal boats, monitor lizards, and open lawns.
- Get a taste of local fare at the Chatuchak Weekend Market–best for older kids who enjoy browsing and snacking.
Want more? Family-Friendly Hotels In Bangkok
LANGKAWI

1 Hour And 30 Minutes Away From Singapore

Langkawi is one of the most beautiful islands in Malaysia. It’s a favorite tourist attraction due to its spectacular beaches and plethora of things to do with kids.

Best Things To Do With Kids In Langkawi:
- Ride on a SkyCab gondola taking you up from the lush green foothills to the top of the mountains, and stroll across the 125m SkyBridge suspended above Mount Gunung Machinchang.
- Take a boat tour through Kilim Geoforest Park, a UNESCO-listed area of mangroves, limestone karsts, and caves.
- Head to Pantai Cenang for soft sand, shallow water, restaurants, shops, and water sports.
Want more? Family-Friendly Hotels In Langkawi
KOH SAMUI

2 Hours And 5 Minutes Away From Singapore

With stunning beaches, delicious food, and sunsets to die for, you're sure to have fun with the kiddos in Koh Samui. Choose from a range of charming villas, and unwind on calm beaches. One of the Thailand's most family-friendly islands, kids can look forward to animal experiences, water parks, and more!

Best Things To Do With Kids In Koh Samui:
- Take a short boat ride to Pig Island (Koh Madsum), where pigs roam the beach and swim.
- Trek through the jungle to explore Na Muang Waterfalls–the flow is strongest after rain.
- Book a full-day speedboat trip through limestone islands, lagoons, kayaking, and snorkeling at Ang Thong National Marine Park.
Want more? Boutique Hotels For Families In Koh Samui
KOTA KINABALU

2 Hours And 30 Minutes Away From Singapore

Kota Kinabalu is an excellent family base in Sabah, Borneo, with easy access to tropical islands, wildlife, cultural experiences, and beaches. The city is relaxed, and many top attractions are within a short boat ride or drive.

Best Things To Do With Kids In Kota Kinabalu:
- Go island hopping at Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, just 15 to 20 minutes by boat from Jesselton Point.
- Spend the day at Lok Kawai Wildlife Park to spot orangutans, proboscis monkeys, sun bears, and more.
- Visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village for educational, hands-on experiences inspired by Sabah's indigenous tribes.
Want more? Kid-Friendly Guide To Kota Kinabalu