5 Family-Friendly Activities at Dempsey Hill

Dempsey Hill is one of Singapore's most characterful neighbourhoods, built on the grounds of a former British military barracks and still holding onto that colonial charm from a bygone era. Most people visit Dempsey Hill to eat, but there's a full afternoon of things to do and explore here first.

Spot the Arapaima at Dempsey Hill Pond

Just off the main road sits a small pond that is quietly home to one of the rarest sights in Singapore outside of River Wonders. The Dempsey Hill pond shelters the Arapaima, an endangered South American freshwater fish that can grow up to 4.5 metres long.

These giants have called Dempsey Hill home for over 20 years and are free to visit at any hour. Kids tend to be the most wide-eyed at the sight of them gliding beneath the surface.

Get Closer to Nature at Wildlings

Families can swap the farm tour for a dose of outdoor adventure at Wildlings Nature Space, a private 1.25-acre nature space tucked away in Dempsey Hill. Its Nature Playtime sessions give children the chance to explore the outdoors through imaginative, child-led play, with activities centred around nature, wildlife and discovery.

For something more structured, Wildlings also runs Forest School programmes where children can try everything from den building and nature crafts to outdoor cooking and team challenges. Sessions and programmes vary by age and date, so check the schedule ahead before planning your visit.

Get Your Fill of Art at Redsea Gallery

Redsea Gallery is one of Singapore's longest-running contemporary art galleries, tucked among the bungalows of Dempsey Hill. Rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, and installations make this a worthwhile stop for anyone looking to add a little culture to their afternoon.

Entry is free, and the gallery's low-key setting makes it an easy add-on between other stops on this list.

Spend an Hour or Two at the Museum of Ice Cream

Not many museums in Singapore appeal to both the heart and the stomach quite like the Museum of Ice Cream. It's an immersive, playful experience built around colourful installations and uniquely themed rooms, with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

Younger kids especially, tend to lose track of time here, which makes it worth setting aside a proper hour or two rather than making it a quick stop.

Walk the Dempsey Heritage Trail

The old black-and-white bungalows and tree-lined paths of Dempsey's former military compound are worth exploring on foot, especially in the late afternoon when the light filters through the canopy and the whole area takes on a different quality.

It's one of the few places in Singapore where you can feel the city's colonial history so plainly, without needing a guidebook to explain what you're looking at.

Done Exploring? Harry's at Dempsey Hill Has a Table with Your Name On It

After a full afternoon on your feet, Harry's Dempsey Hill is exactly the kind of place to land. Expect cold drinks, generous plates, and a homely setting to bond over the day, right alongside some of the better restaurants in Dempsey.

Reserve a table at Harry's Dempsey Hill and let the family settle in for a well-earned meal.