New Ideas for Things to Do in Singapore 2025: Where to Hang Out, Chill and Explore

Looking for fresh ideas for where to go with your friends in Singapore? From newly opened to good old chill spots that never fail, here’s your ultimate idea bank for new things to do in Singapore in 2025.

Also read: 9 Glamping Spots in Singapore to Escape The City

New activities and experiences

Balloon Museum at Marina Bay Sands

The Balloon Museum’s Pop Air exhibition is a vibrant pop-up running from June to August 2025, featuring a stunning array of giant inflatable sculptures and installations. It’s a dreamy playground perfect for those who love to capture unique, colourful photos or simply revel in a playful atmosphere that evokes nostalgia mixed with modern artistry.

Wander through rooms filled with oversized balloon animals, shapes, and patterns that invite you to interact, pose, and delight in the light-hearted energy. Whether you’re an art lover or just chasing fun, this is a must-visit summer attraction to spark joy and creativity.

FRAMED: A murder mystery at the National Gallery

This immersive, AI-driven murder mystery invites you and your friends to don your detective hats and dive into suspense and intrigue amid the stunning halls of the National Gallery.

Designed to stimulate collaboration and strategic thinking, FRAMED weaves a compelling narrative where players examine clues, interrogate suspects, and piece together a complex puzzle in real time. Perfect for groups who thrive on puzzles and storytelling.

Jurassic World: The Exhibition

Step back into prehistoric times at Jurassic World: The Exhibition, located within the lush, misty environment of Gardens by the Bay’s Cloud Forest. This thrilling experience brings to life the iconic world of dinosaurs through life-sized animatronic creatures, immersive jungle soundscapes, and detailed set designs that transport visitors to a forgotten era.

It’s an ideal adventure for groups seeking low-effort fun; wander through thrilling dinosaur encounters, snap awe-inspiring photos, and enjoy hands-on displays that offer both excitement and education.

Wiggle Wiggle x Singapore Flyer Cabins

Add a splash of retro pop-art flair to your Singapore Flyer experience with the Wiggle Wiggle themed capsules, decked out in vibrant colours and playful patterns reminiscent of 80s and 90s pop culture. The experience is complemented by a pop-up shop selling quirky merchandise, making it a fun hangout for friends who love bold aesthetics and silly selfies.

The capsules provide a fresh take on the classic Flyer ride, encouraging spontaneous group photos with stunning city views as your backdrop.

Rainforest Wild Asia (Mandai)

Rainforest Wild Asia offers a fully immersive rainforest experience where you and your friends can explore elevated treetop bridges, meander through lush jungle trails, and dine inside atmospheric cave restaurants surrounded by exotic wildlife.

This Mandai attraction encourages close encounters with native and endangered species, educational tours, and interactive exhibits designed to foster appreciation for biodiversity and conservation.

Also read: What’s New at Mandai Singapore 2025: Penguin Backstage Pass & More

SCAPE Youth Hub revamp (Opening soon)

Singapore’s beloved youth hangout is getting a major makeover with new interactive zones, pop-up art installations, and live performance spaces. It promises a vibrant hotspot for catching emerging local bands, participating in creative workshops, or just hanging out with friends in an artsy atmosphere.

The ArtScience Museum: New exhibitions

The ArtScience Museum is a beloved favourite, renowned for blending art, science and technology in captivating ways. Current exhibitions include Mirror Mirror: Journey Into the Mind, an immersive exploration of consciousness and identity. 

In August, the museum will launch SingaPop! 60 Years of Singapore Pop Culture, a vibrant new exhibition curated by Dick Lee celebrating the country’s rich musical and cultural heritage. 

Virtual reality gaming lounges

For tech-savvy groups craving new immersive digital adventures, Singapore’s growing VR gaming lounges like Sandbox VR deliver cutting-edge, multiplayer virtual reality experiences.

VR gaming lounges combine adrenaline, teamwork, and escapism, making them perfect for groups who want something beyond the usual night out. With scenarios ranging from zombie apocalypses to intergalactic missions, players share laughs, thrills, and unforgettable moments inside these futuristic playgrounds.

New cafés to visit

Rumi Folks (Bali Lane)

A beloved Haji Lane favourite, Rumi Folks has recently reopened in Bali Lane, bringing its camping-themed café concept to a fresh new neighbourhood. 

Known for its XL sharing drinks and Instagram-ready interiors, it’s a fun spot for groups looking to combine novelty, great coffee, and quirky vibes. 

ICE & TIME (Craig Road)

This new minimalist kakigori dessert bar is a cooling oasis, perfect for Singapore’s heat. Specialising in Japanese shaved ice, it serves towering snow-like desserts in seasonal flavours like mango, matcha and strawberry cheesecake.

The kakigori’s texture is impressively fluffy and melts delicately on the tongue, offering a refined twist on a childhood classic. The space is sleek and quiet, ideal for catch-ups that revolve around sharing bites and beating the heat in style.

Average Service (Jalan Besar)

This hybrid café-bar features a retro-inspired sunken conversation pit, neon lighting, and an excellent drinks list. From floral highballs to boozy slushies, the drinks are both fun and flavour-forward, and the bar bites range from spicy fries to elevated comfort food.

With its relaxed vibe and casual coolness, it’s great for group chats that accidentally stretch into all-night sessions.

Gelato Messina

A cult favourite from Australia, Gelato Messina has finally made its mark in Singapore with a vibrant outlet serving creative, artisanal gelato flavours that change regularly. 

Perfect for groups seeking indulgent desserts after a day of exploring, their rich, creamy gelatos come in both classic and Singapore-exclusive options like Kaya Toast and Tau Huay.

Also read: How to Spend 24 Hours in Kota Tinggi, Johor: A 1-Day Itinerary 

The Classic activities

Sentosa beach day

Classic and laid-back, Sentosa offers ziplining, beach bars, and volleyball courts for an active day out. Pack a picnic, rent kayaks, or book a beach club spot; whether you’re active or just there to relax on the beach, there’s a spot for everyone. The vibe remains evergreen: chill, scenic, and full of tropical energy.

East Coast Park 

With scenic cycling paths, sea views, and well-maintained BBQ pits, East Coast Park remains a versatile spot for casual, outdoorsy hangouts. Rent bikes, share a grill, or simply lounge under the swaying casuarina trees while the breeze rolls in.

As evening falls, make your way to the beach area for a great sunset spot; the golden hues spilling across the water, silhouetted ships on the horizon, and the soft rustle of waves make for a peaceful close to a relaxed day out.

Boardgame Cafés

Boardgame cafés like The Mind Café, Play Nation, and Settlers Café continue to be popular hangout spots for those looking for relaxed yet engaging fun. 

Perfect for small to medium groups, boardgame cafés encourage conversation, friendly competition, and plenty of laughs, a timeless recipe for a memorable outing.

Rooftop hangs at Marina Barrage

Pack snacks, a picnic mat and your speaker. Marina Barrage is still the undefeated champ of casual sunset hangs. Whether you’re flying kites or just watching the city skyline light up, it’s a versatile spot that always delivers. Bonus: it’s totally free.

Gardens by the Bay walks & light shows

Gardens by the Bay still thrills with its stunning Supertree Grove and seasonal floral displays. The Supertree Grove’s nightly Garden Rhapsody light and sound show is always nice to make a stop for. After the show, grab dinner at nearby restaurants with sweeping views, making for a magical evening.

Pulau Ubin day trip

Hop on a bumboat to Pulau Ubin for a rustic escape. Rent bikes and explore the island’s trails, old kampong houses, and mangrove forests. It’s a refreshing outdoor activity that feels miles away from city life but just a short ride from home.

Also read: Underrated Day Trips from Singapore (That Aren’t Johor Bahru)

Chill hangout spots

Tiong Bahru Park

This pocket of green is ideal for laidback afternoons after a café-hopping spree. With open lawns, shady spots for reading or chatting, and the unique tilting train playground as a backdrop, it offers just the right mix of charm and calm. It’s a no-fuss spot to enjoy conversations, snacks, or simply soak in the easy pace of Tiong Bahru.

Haji Lane

A colourful enclave that never goes out of style, Haji Lane draws crowds with its vibrant murals, indie shops, and hip bars. It’s a staple hangout for those who enjoy a bit of everything: artsy backdrops for photos, shopping, al fresco drinks, and live music that spills into the lane by evening.

East Coast Lagoon Food Village

When you want a relaxed group dinner with great food and a seaside breeze, East Coast Lagoon is always a good idea. This beloved hawker centre serves up satay, BBQ stingray, and chilli crab in a breezy, open-air setting just steps from the beach. It’s the perfect blend of Singaporean flavours and beachside chill.

Also read: 6 Viral Johor Bahru (JB) Food Spots: Worth the Hype or Overrated?

Happy outing!

Whether you’re after high-energy group adventures, laidback picnics with stunning views, or quirky new cafés to explore, Singapore in 2025 offers something for you. Save this guide, send it to your friends, and make your next outing unforgettable.