Esplanade with Toddlers vs Older Kids

At Esplanade, Singapore’s national performing arts centre, the arts come alive for audiences of every age. From wide-eyed toddlers discovering rhythm and colour, to older kids ready to explore storytelling and live performance, there is something for everyone here. While every family’s experience looks different, Esplanade offers a variety of activities designed to nurture creativity, imagination and curiosity at every stage of childhood.

Think of Esplanade as a place families can grow with, rather than simply visit. Whether your child is one or twelve, there’s something age-appropriate, engaging and meaningful to enjoy here. From sensory play to immersive theatre and self-guided adventures, here’s how to make the most of your visit, tailored to your child’s age.

Esplanade’s PLAYtime! Theatre Series

For Toddlers (Ages 3-6)

If your little one is starting to explore sights, sounds and stories, the PLAYtime! series offers a “little one’s first theatre" experience to be remembered. These performances are created especially for pre-schoolers aged three to six, drawing on themes they’ll resonate with, such as the joy of play and power of empathy. Every year, PLAYtime! features interactive theatre experiences aimed at sparking imaginations and inspiring conversations.

PLAYtime! is far more than just a series of performances. It’s an interactive theatre experience that sparks creativity, curiosity and conversation. This structure is supported by developmental research, which shows that combining music, movement, and sensory exploration actively engages multiple areas of the brain, transforming play into meaningful cognitive, social, and motor learning. 

For Older Kids (Ages 7–12)

Parents of older kids, don’t worry about keeping their curious minds engaged. Esplanade has you covered beyond the toddler-years. Dive into Esplanade Offstage, our digital library filled with fun activities, behind-the-scenes videos and artist interviews that let your family explore the world of theatre from home.

Esplanade Offstage offers a glimpse into the creativity behind the stage, technical nuts and bolts perfect for older kids who want to understand the world. The Jimmy & The Magic Key series, which follows Jimmy and his niece Lola on a magical, time-travelling adventure through the world of classical music, is perfect for this age group. They can enjoy the fun of Jimmy’s adventure while engaging with the more complex thoughts and motivations of composers in the past. 

PIP’s PLAYbox

For Toddlers (Ages 3-6)

Located on Level 4, PIP’s PLAYbox is a cosy, indoor space designed for children up to 12, but it’s especially magical for toddlers. The soft corners, reading nooks and colourful play zones encourage open-ended exploration. Here, little ones can crawl, climb, flip through picture books, and invent stories through imaginative play.

It’s a safe and comfortable environment for parents too, with child-sized facilities and plenty of space to sit nearby while your toddler discovers the joy of creative play.

For Older Kids (Ages 7–12)

As children grow, PIP’s PLAYbox evolves with them. Older kids can try hands-on crafts, storytelling kits and festival-linked art activities. How about crafting an octopus, or celebrating PIPs birthday with a special adventure? For those who like the quiet, there is ample space to dive into a book or just watch the day go by. Keep an eye out for surprises: Sometimes, there are arts and crafts to take home! 

Just outside PIP’s PLAYbox, families can also enjoy the outdoor playground and the scenic Roof Terrace on Level 4 perfect for picnics, games or simply running around in the breeze. It’s a popular weekend spot, especially on Sundays, so arriving early helps you find a good space. Entry is free for Esplanade&Me members.

Free Performances at Esplanade Concourse & Outdoor Theatre

For Toddlers (Ages 3-6)

Free performances at the Esplanade Concourse and DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre are perfect for young children who may not sit still for long. These casual, drop-in shows mean families can stay for a few songs or dances and leave whenever needed. No pressure, no tickets, and no fuss.

Music and movement performances provide stimulating sights and sounds, helping toddlers experience rhythm and emotion in real time. It’s a wonderful way to introduce them to live performance in a relaxed, open-air environment.

For Older Kids (Ages 7–12)

Older children can engage more deeply with the performances by appreciating the instruments, vocals, or even choreography. They might connect what they see with what they’re learning in school, or feel inspired to try something new, like drumming or dance. 

The DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre is perfect for exploring with the older ones. It transforms into a family-friendly stage on weekends, offering everything from jazz to pop and traditional world music. 

PIP’s Trail

For Toddlers (Ages 3-6)

PIP’s Trail is a free, self-guided digital adventure that lets toddlers set the pace of their very own Esplanade exploration. Parents can help them spot icons of PIP, Esplanade’s colourful mascot, along the way, while they enjoy the simple visuals and puzzles between stops.

It’s best done slowly, with room for breaks and giggles. You can easily skip sections if your little one gets tired. There’s no rush to complete a task, just a journey of discovery.

For Older Kids (Ages 7–12)

Older children can take the lead on PIP’s Trail. Using a smartphone or tablet, they can navigate from one checkpoint to another, solving riddles, completing mini-games, and learning fun facts about the arts centre’s architecture and history.

The mix of digital play and real-world exploration is backed by research showing that combining technology with embodied exploration significantly improves cognitive development and engagement. It’s perfect for kids who love puzzles or adventure, engaging their minds and senses.

Facilities for Every Age

Esplanade is built with families in mind, so getting around with children is easy and comfortable.

For toddlers:

• Nursing rooms are located at the Mezzanine and Level 4.
• Child-sized toilets are available near PIP’s PLAYbox.
• Stroller parking areas make show visits and café stops hassle-free.

For older kids:

• Spacious public seating and outdoor areas provide rest points between activities.
• Esplanade Mall offers a range of dining options for family meals or snack breaks.
• The building’s barrier-free routes make it easy for those with access needs.

Planning Age-Friendly Itineraries

Every child experiences Esplanade differently, which is why planning your visit around their age and interests can make all the difference. Here are a few suggested itineraries to help you plan the perfect day out tailored for toddlers, older kids, or families with children of different ages.

Toddler-Friendly Half-day

Begin your morning at PIP’s PLAYbox, where little ones can enjoy imaginative play and storytime in a cosy, air-conditioned setting. Follow that with a PLAYtime! performance. After the show, stroll to your lunch destination in Esplanade Mall and enjoy a relaxing meal.

Older Kids’ Day Out

Kick off your adventure with PIP’s Trail, where older kids can lead the family on a self-guided digital quest around Esplanade’s public spaces. Then, drop by PIP’s PLAYbox to join a hands-on craft activity or simply unwind with a book before heading outdoors for an evening performance at the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre. 

Mixed Ages 

For families with toddlers and older kids, start together at PIP’s PLAYbox. Younger ones can explore while older siblings craft or read. Then, split up for PIP’s Trail. Older children can complete the full digital route, while younger ones focus on spotting PIP along the way. End the day together with a free performance at the Esplanade Concourse, where the whole family can relax and enjoy live music in a comfortable indoor space.

Wrapping Up Your Visit

Every child experiences Esplanade differently, and that’s the beauty of it. Toddlers benefit most from gentle, exploratory activities, while older kids thrive on creative challenges. That’s why Esplanade offers activities, performances and events that grow as children do, from simple interactive activities to immersive theatre experiences. 

So, if you’re wondering where to spend a weekend that’s fun, enriching and age-friendly, make Esplanade your next family destination.