Navigating Singapore Changi Airport with Kids: A Parent’s Guide to Family-Friendly Fun
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Every parent knows the struggle of finding engaging activities to keep their children entertained, especially at Airports during the long hours of layover. But what if we told you that there’s a destination where you can find everything you need – from play to delicious dining options – all under one roof?
Enter Changi Airport, Singapore’s renowned transportation hub, where the fun never stops, even if you’re not jetting off anywhere. In this guide, we’ll explore the diverse and family-friendly activities and facilities that Changi Airport has to offer, catering to parents traveling with children. From whizzing down Singapore’s tallest slide to walking with life-sized dinosaurs, Changi Airport promises a world of excitement for the whole family to enjoy.
1. Scale Some Heights
Changi Airport boasts numerous attractions, and now it’s adding another gem to its collection. Managed by The Rock School (TRS) Singapore, Climb@T3 is a fresh addition to Terminal 3’s Basement 3 (Public Area), offering rock climbing and bouldering activities for all ages.
At Climb@T3, visitors can enjoy scaling impressive walls, with the highlight being an 8-meter High Wall. Equipped with an auto-belay system, climbers can tackle any of the 20 climbing routes. For those seeking rope-free excitement, there’s a 12-meter-long and 2.5-meter-high Boulder Wall, ideal for beginners and young climbers to hone their skills and gain confidence.
In addition to Climb@T3, Terminal 4 features the Chandelier, a towering 16-meter play structure that provides climbing fun for both kids and adults alike.
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2. Stroll Across The Arrival garden
Come and wander through the Arrival Garden at Changi Airport, a magical space filled with vibrant colors and lively creatures. Spanning 460 square meters, this garden brings nature indoors, making it a perfect spot for young explorers.
You’ll find all sorts of fascinating plants here, carefully chosen to mimic a dragonfly’s home. And don’t miss the feature pool, where the water dances with ripples and patterns, just like dragonflies fluttering around. You might even catch a glimpse of Jewel, the stunning building nearby, or stand tall next to the towering palm trees that reach up to 12 to 15 meters high.
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3. Bounce Among The Trees
Feel the excitement of bouncing on giant nets suspended high above the ground! At Canopy Park at Jewel Changi, you’ll experience the thrill of feeling almost weightless as you leap around on the Bouncing Net. When you reach the highest point, 8 meters above the ground, you’ll feel like you’re touching the sky.
The Sky Nets in Canopy Park offer two different experiences. The second is a walking net that spans a five-story-high void. Made from strong material, it provides a thrilling yet safe experience as you stroll along with your kids on more than 25 meters above the ground. It’s like taking a leisurely walk in the park, but with an added sense of adventure!
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4. Go Down a Giant Slide
Just hearing of a giant slide might have you dashing towards T3 at Changi Airport (even if you’re not catching a flight). It holds the impressive title of being ‘the world’s tallest slide inside an airport’ – and let’s face it, there’s probably not much competition for that title!
Standing at a towering height of 4 storeys, you’ll be taking the plunge on The Slide@T3, where you’ll zip downwards from Level 1 all the way to Basement 3.It’s a thrilling experience suitable for all ages, with speeds reaching six meters per second, as long as you’re between 1.3 to 2 meters tall.
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5. Hideout With Bears
Let your kids Indulge in Sweeter Playtime as you step into the enchanting realm of 2 Bears Hideout (Terminal 2 Transit), where children aged 6–12 are invited on an unforgettable playtime adventure. Discover the magic of the wilderness alongside the gentle Mother and Baby Bear, as imagination and adventure blend together in delightful harmony.
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6. Play Interactive Games
Step into a world of wonder at the Changi Experience Studio at Jewel Changi, where interactive games bring the magic of airport operations to life. Race against a Boeing 747 or make music by moving your arms – there’s something for everyone, from little ones to the young at heart.
Before you take flight, swing by the Entertainment Corner at Terminal 4 for even more fun! Families can dive into action-packed games on Xbox Kinect, where sports come alive through body movements and voice commands. Challenge each other to tennis, bowling, soccer, wake racing, target shooting, and climbing – it’s a blast for all ages!
And for a dose of nostalgia, don’t miss out on our retro arcade machines ranging from Virtual Pinball to classic driving games.
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7. Look Around For Gardens and Butterflies
Changi Airport is a paradise for families with its array of captivating gardens. As you journey through Terminals 1, 2, and 3, prepare to be enchanted by five special gardens.Start your exploration at the Cactus Garden in Terminal 1, where prickly wonders await. Then, hop over to Terminal 2 to bask in the sunny charm of the Sunflower Garden and discover the magical Enchanted Garden. At the heart of the Enchanted Garden, you’ll find towering glass bouquet sculptures surrounded by colourful flowers and lush ferns, creating a fairy-tale atmosphere perfect for little imaginations. Continue to the Orchid Garden in Terminal 2, showcasing Singapore’s national flower in all its glory.
Finally, don’t miss the highlight of your journey: the Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3. Step into a tropical wonderland filled with fluttering butterflies and a mesmerising waterfall. Marvel at over 1,000 tropical butterflies from different seasons and learn about their fascinating lives up close in special enclosures designed just for families like yours.
8. Marvel At Art Exhibits
Beyond the hustle and bustle of Changi Airport’s lively atmosphere lies a serene realm of art waiting to be explored. In Terminal 1’s Departure Hall, don’t miss the mesmerizing Kinetic Rain, a favourite among young travellers. This installation features over 1,000 bronze droplets gracefully transforming into abstract shapes and recognizable patterns. Terminal 2 hosts A Million Times at Changi, a kinetic art masterpiece where the hands of over 500 clock faces create captivating displays.
As you wander through the terminals, you’ll encounter wired-formed birds hovering in Terminal 4’s Departure and Arrival hall, along with vivid wall murals depicting Singapore’s hawker past in the T4 underpass.However, the highlight awaits at Terminal 3’s Crystal Garden, where 12 exquisite dandelion glass sculptures of varying sizes steal the show. Additionally, Terminal 3 boasts captivating bird sculptures in flight, adding a touch of elegance to your airport journey.
9. Revel in Singapore’s Peranakan Heritage
Terminal 4 celebrates the vibrant Peranakan heritage with its charming Heritage Zone. Serving as a lounge area, this space welcomes families with its cozy ambiance. Adorning one wall is a striking mural inspired by the iconic shophouses of Katong and Chinatown, showcasing nine panels reflecting architectural styles such as Baroque, Rococo, and Modern Deco. Hidden within this facade is an LED screen, where the digital theatrical performance “Peranakan Love Story” unfolds.
Scheduled screenings offer travelers not only entertainment but also insights into the colorful culture of 1930s Singapore. Set to the enchanting melody of “Bunga Sayang,” this heartwarming tale follows the blossoming romance between two passionate musicians living in adjacent shophouses.In addition to “Peranakan Love Story,” visitors can also enjoy “Nanyang Blossom,” a short film set in the 1830s, a century before the events of the love story.
10. Go To The Cinema For Free
Forget the usual airport lounge boredom! At Changi Airport, you and your family can experience the excitement of a real cinema right in the transit areas of Terminals 2 and 3. Instead of squishing around a tiny screen with everyone else, you can now sink into comfy seats while watching the latest box office hits. And, it’s all free! Whether you’re waiting for your next flight or just looking for something fun to do during a layover, these movie theatres are the perfect escape. Best of all, they’re open 24/7, so you can catch your favourite films any time of day or night.
11. Explore Eternal Spring Within Jewel
Step outside the airport and into a serene oasis at the heart of the world’s top transportation hub. Lose yourself in this verdant paradise and discover Singapore, the City in a Garden.
At the Shiseido Forest Valley, you can experience the SENSE installation along the west trail. As you wander through, marvel at the dancing lights that illuminate the trees, listen to the soothing music and the sounds of the jewel waterfall, and breathe in the signature scent of SHISEIDO Ultimune. Your senses will be treated to a truly delightful experience amidst the lush greenery of the forest valley.
12. Dine Amidst Peaceful Greenery
If you and your family are looking for a feast, head over to the lush Gourmet Garden in the Terminal 2 Transit area.
Here, not only can you enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the apron, where you can watch planes taxiing, but you’ll also be surrounded by beautiful foliage that creates a tranquil atmosphere. It’s the perfect spot for you and your family to sit back, relax, and enjoy some delicious food while taking in the sights and sounds of the airport.
13. Play Amongst The Clouds At Foggy Bowl
Let your little ones frolic amidst the clouds and disappear into gentle mists at the Foggy Bowl play area. Located in the Canopy Park of Jewel Changi Airport, Foggy Bowl features four sunken bowls that periodically release mist, creating a magical atmosphere reminiscent of floating among the clouds.
It’s the perfect spot for both relaxation and playtime. Watch as your kids giggle and play games like hide and seek in this enchanting space.
14. Lose Yourself In Mirror And Maze
At Jewel, you’ll find two distinct mazes designed to offer an exquisite contrasting experience for your kids. The hedge maze invites you to leisurely stroll or joyfully run through its landscaped paths, filled with hidden treasures like decorative gates and finger mazes. In stark contrast, the mirror maze offers a space of disorientation and intrigue. As you navigate through carefully curated touchpoints, you’ll encounter the world’s first mirror maze within a garden setting.
The journey leads to a dramatic finale chamber, where visitors find themselves immersed in a maze of mirrors above and below. The only source of light and color comes from the seams of the panels stretching in all directions, enhancing the mood with mesmerizing audio-visual content.
15. Get on a Dino Adventure at Changi Jurassic Mile
Calling all dino-loving kids (and adults too) to be amazed by 31 colorful prehistoric exhibits, including the iconic Brontosaurus and fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex. These towering models, with the tallest reaching nearly 5 meters high, are sure to spark excitement and wonder.
As Singapore’s largest permanent outdoor display of dinosaurs, Changi Jurassic Mile offers more than just dinosaur sights; take a leisurely cycle or jog along the award-winning Changi Airport Connector, where over 20 different prehistoric creatures from nine species stretch over 1 kilometer, offering a unique outdoor experience for families and friends to enjoy together.