SudhikshaChinese New Year in Singapore isn’t just about the bustling streets of Chinatown. Families looking for festive fun, bold flavours, and memorable experiences have plenty of options beyond the city centre. From interactive attractions to vibrant food experiences, there are destinations that let kids and adults enjoy the season together, without the crowds.
Here’s where to go for family-friendly celebrations this Chinese New Year.
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Chinese New Year destinations for families in Singapore
Feast and frolic at Downtown East
Downtown East in Pasir Ris has quickly become a standout destination, offering everything from interactive waterpark fun to celebratory feasts that kids and adults will love.
Image credit: Jyu Yae Live Music Bar & Restaurant
One of the highlights at Downtown East is Jyu Yae Live Music Bar and Restaurant, where food meets festive fun. Their mala Royal Alaskan king crab fried rice is indulgent, packed with sweet, tender crab meat and fragrant rice that balances heat with richness.
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The corn ribs are smoky and addictive, while the spicy mala king oyster mushrooms add depth and richness. A lavish platter of fried goodies with Taiwanese glutinous rice seals the deal for this meal. The real showstopper, however, is the salmon lo hei. Fresh, silky slices of salmon sit atop colourful shredded vegetables, crispy toppings, and a tangy, slightly spicy dressing.
Image credit: Sudhiksha
Watching the fresh, silky slices of salmon tumble over a colourful mound of shredded vegetables and crunchy toppings felt like stepping into the heart of the celebration. Tossing it with the tangy, slightly spicy dressing became an event in itself.
Image credit: Downtown East
No trip to Downtown East is complete without visiting Wild Wild Wet. This year, the waterpark goes all out with mala-themed decorations and installations. Familiar attractions are transformed into playful, spicy-inspired setups. Colourful floats, oversized ingredient visuals, and themed photo spots make the park feel vibrant and festive. Kids can burn off energy, families can snap fun photos, and everyone can enjoy a splash of excitement. Combined with the food and music around the precinct, it’s a lively, unforgettable experience.
Explore Nature at Singapore Botanic Gardens
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Beyond the energy of Downtown East, the Singapore Botanic Gardens offers a serene escape where families can enjoy the festive season at a slower pace. Families can stroll past swaying palms, vibrant orchids, and wide lawns, making it ideal for a picnic or letting kids run freely.
During Chinese New Year, the gardens come alive with festive installations, performances, and interactive activities. Children can spot playful decorations tucked among the trees, while adults soak in the greenery and serenity.
The space invites exploration, learning, and quiet connection. It’s a refreshing complement to the lively celebrations at Downtown East, offering both a scenic backdrop and a chance to pause and enjoy the season.
Discover Creativity at ArtScience Museum
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Another family-friendly stop is the ArtScience Museum. Exhibitions mix technology, storytelling, and hands-on interaction. Kids and adults can explore, learn, and create together. During Lunar New Year, special installations and programmes celebrate Chinese traditions in innovative ways. It’s a perfect blend of fun, culture, and learning for families.
Special programmes and themed exhibitions celebrate Chinese traditions in innovative ways. Think interactive lantern displays, digital calligraphy experiences, and storytelling sessions that bring folklore to life. Kids can engage with culture in a playful, hands-on way, while parents enjoy the creativity and learning alongside them.
It’s a perfect mix of fun, education, and cultural celebration. After a morning at Downtown East, a stop at the ArtScience Museum adds depth and variety to the family outing. It’s where creativity meets festivity, giving families memories that go beyond the usual Chinese New Year photo ops.
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Saddle up for festive fun
With spicy mala feasts at Jyu Yae, splashes at Wild Wild Wet, and hands-on activities at the Botanic Gardens and ArtScience Museum, Downtown East has everything families need for a memorable Chinese New Year. Locals can enjoy a relaxed day out, while tourists benefit from the resort and proximity to Changi Airport.
This Chinese New Year, gallop into the Year of the Horse with flavour, fun, and family moments. Singapore proves that celebrating the season can be joyful, effortless, and unforgettable.
