Amazing things to do at Singapore Airport

Singapore airport (Changi) has achieved many awards including ‘Worlds Best Airport 2023’ so when we travel, we try to go earlier than we would normally as there’s lots to do there.

Whilst we were there, we also learned that people who are not flying still visit the airport as a day out.

Check-in / Bag drop off early

So you don’t have to cart lots of luggage around, you can check your bags in up to 24 hours before your flight depending on the airline. Checking luggage in is super easy and there are lots of helpful staff. The Early Check-in Facility is located at Level 1 of Terminal 1.

Jewel

Jewel is the crowning attraction – the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, named the Rain Vortex, surrounded by a terraced forest setting. You can spend a long time walking around and enjoying beautiful scenery. Surrounding the waterfall are graduated steps in between lush greenery where you can take photos or sit and have a snack or a drink. Perhaps even a game of hide and seek with the kids?!

Jewel is located in Terminal 1. It’s accessible on multiple floors but the bottom of it is the Arrival Hall (level 1). Terminals 2 and 3 can access Jewel via the skytrain monorail or by walking, but from Terminal 4 you need a shuttle bus.

Art installations and novelty things to see

Art installations decorate each terminal meaning the kids are amused by things to stare and wonder at. The boys just loved exploring a different novelty round each corner and adored the skytrain so we easily passed a couple of hours in there without even finding the kids’ activities.

Robots

The airport, much to the amusement of my boys (and husband) has robots.

Christmas at Changi Airport

The Jewel has an enormous Christmas tree and the airport terminal is decorated. Once through security in departures, we were greeted by airport staff dressed as elves taking pictures and giving out chocolates, making the experience fun for travellers.

Paid things to do at Changi Airport

Foggy Bowls, Climbing nets, Canopy Park, Adventure Playground, Butterfly Garden and Slides are all examples. It pays to do some research beforehand and work out which activities to do. You can book and pay for them in advance or even sign up for an annual membership for discounts.

This link takes you to the latest attractions:

https://www.changiairport.com/en/discover/attractions.html#/filter?tab=all

Mirror Maze

In the Mirror Maze you get a pool noodle to feel your way around the mirrors so you don’t bump into them. It can be very disorientating …

Ride a Dinosaur

Ride a Dinosaur around an airport sounds crazy but that’s exactly what the kids did and they loved it! Such was the novelty, even the husband couldn’t resist giving it a go! (16 dollars for 5 tokens which the kids can share)

Changi Experience Studio

You need to set aside two hours for The Experience Studio and it’s a great family activity: interactive history and how the airport works, race a plane, smiling competition, flight simulator, photo booth and games were included.

It includes an interactive travel guide through something they called ‘RFID’, where you put the guide in its designated place and moving images appear with sounds. Then children (and adults) can enjoy an interactive history of the airport and how the airport works.

Interactive destination finder:

You can ride exercise bikes to race a car vs a plane.

A smiling competition judged by a computer:

A flight simulator (though you have to pay extra and it’s advisable to book in advance).

A photo booth putting you in the control tower or loading the hold of a plane:

Lots of games including collecting luggage trolleys:

Summary of Changi Airport

Flying or not flying, there is a lot to see and do and you could spend a whole day here. The airport is well kept and you can see why it’s won a range of international awards, even the toilets are in pristine condition!