Lovingly known as the “durian”, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is more than just a venue for concerts and performances. The performing arts centre is a great spot if you are looking for a relaxed destination that you can visit with the family. In this kid-friendly guide to Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, we explore various things that you can do at the performing arts centre.
Free performances and creative play spaces are just some of things that you can find at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. It is also a place where kids and the family can enjoy scenic walks and tasty treats. There is plenty to explore for all ages.
Here are some fun things families can do at Esplanade, including some less well-known activities and spots that you may not know about!
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Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay: A Guide for Families and Kids
1. Catch a Free Performance
For a start, one of the best things about Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is its lineup of free performances throughout the year.
Families can enjoy live music, dance shows, cultural performances and acts at the outdoor theatre and indoor concourse spaces.
The lively atmosphere makes it easy for children to sit back, dance along or simply enjoy the entertainment after having dinner at one of the dining outlets or restaurants at the Esplanade.
2. Explore the PIP’s PLAYbox
Located at the rooftop of the Esplanade is PIP’s PLAYbox. This space gets its name from the Esplanade’s mascot for its kids activities – PIP! The space is designed for young children and is a creative space where little ones can read books, draw, play and explore interactive activities.
PIP’s PLAYbox also function as a venue for the Esplanade’s activities for young kids. It is a cosy corner that encourages imagination and creativity, while also providing a spot where parents can enjoy some respite.
3. Kaleidoscope Play Spot
Just beside PIP’s PLAYbox, on the rootop of the Esplanade, you can find a colourful art installation.
A ladder mounted to the side of the red tower allows inquisitive little ones to peer through several holes on the side of the structure. For a better look, there is an opening to the side. Step through it to enter into a mirrored world that opens up to the sky above.
Read more about this kaleidoscope play spot on the rooftop of the Esplanade.
4. Rooftop Views
if you are looking for a spot where you can take in expansive views of Marina Bay, the rooftop terrace viewing area at the Esplanade is it.
If you head to the waterfront at Marina Bay Sands, you will only be able to get the view of the skyscrapers of the Central Business District. If you head to Merlion Park, you will only be able to get views of Marina Bay Sands.
From the Esplanade rooftop, you will be able to get a view of both at the same time!
At night, families can admire the glowing skyline and colourful reflections on the water that create a magical atmosphere for kids.
5. Forecourt Garden
Another quiet spot that kids and families can enjoy at the Esplanade is the Forecourt Garden.
Located in front of the Theatre and Concert Hall, the Forecourt Garden is a nice spot to visit if the kids just need a bit of space to be themselves.
The low hedges give the garden a maze like ambiance.
Here, you can find trees like the Gelam Tree, Sea Tristania and Yellow Rain Tree. See if you can spot the Rainbow Gum Tree with its colourful bark too!
At one side of the garden, fountain jets bubble away.
At the other end of the garden, there is an interesting installation that looks like it cascades water down when it rains.
6. PIP’s Trail
Want another way to explore Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay with kids? Go on PIP’s Trail.
This is a free, self-guided trail around the public spaces at Esplanade. There are six station in total. You will find a QR code at each station that can be scanned that will take you to a puzzle to solve. Complete the six stations to receive a special gift from PIP. Get more details about PIP’s Trail.
7. Paid Guided Tours
If you want to get a more in depth look at the world-class concert hall and theatre at the performing arts centre, Esplanade also offers paid guided tour experiences.
These tours include the Beautiful Sunday Tour (minimum age 4 years old), Esplanade Backstage Tour (minimum age 13 years old) and the Esplanade Tour (minimum age 6 years old.)
Get more details about the guided tours available at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay.
8. Mini Exhibitions
If you don’t want to join a tour but still want to understand a bit more about the Esplanade’s story and how it functions, you can do so by visiting the mini exhibitions at the Esplanade Concourse.
Older kids, tweens and teens may appreciate Lights On: The Story of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, which provides a look at how the idea for an arts centre was first conceived and then realised, opening in 2002.
The other exhibition space next to this hosts changing mini exhibitions such as the current Idea to Stage – Esplanade’s Theatre Creations.
9. AniPlus Cafe
Tweens and Teens who are into Japanese anime and pop culture will also want to pay a visit to AniPlus on the second floor of the shopping mall.
There is a retail area that sells anime merch at the front of the cafe.
Want to get something to eat? The cafe has menu items like Chicken & Waffles and Apple Crumble French Toast.
10. Ticketed Performances
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay also hosts family-friendly festivals and ticketed performances throughout the year. These range from the PLAYtime series for young children to thematic festivals that older kids, tweens and teens can enjoy and appreciate.
Keep a look out for the latest events on the Esplanade website.
11. City Scoot Singapore
Few people may know that Esplanade also has bicycle rental kiosk. This can be found on the outside of the mall, along the waterfront, close to the Jubilee Bridge.
Not only does City Scoot Singapore rent out adult bicycles, but it also rents out tandem bicycles and kids bicycles.
What’s more, if you rent a bike from them, you can join one of their free cycling tours too.
Get more details about City Scoot Singapore.
Family-friendly Restaurants at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay has a wide variety of restaurants and dining outlets. These cater to a wide range of price points.
For families that are looking for casual dining, there are few spots that you may wish to consider.
Foreword Coffee on Level 3, where the old library@Esplanade used to be, is a nice cafe that stands out for its space where you can easily push in a pram.
Old School Delights just feels like straight-forward dining spot with a hint of nostalgia.
For something a bit more higher up in the price-point scale, The Boiler Seafood Bar & Beer is a family-friendly spot. Get a bucket of seafood and enjoy eating with your hands!
Family-friendly Amenities at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Other family-friendly amenities at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay include nursing rooms. These can be found at the Mezzanine Level (open from 8 am to 9 pm) and Level 4, outside PIP’s Playbox (open from 8 am to 6 pm). There are also diaper changing facilities at mall extension and at Basement 1.
Children’s toilets can also be found on Level 4, outside PIP’s Playbox.
Where: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Website: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
