Planning a corporate family day event in Singapore? Before you start calling vendors, you need to know what you’re actually looking at budget-wise. Family day events in Singapore typically cost between $50 and $150 per person — but that range is huge, and where you land depends entirely on your venue, activities, and how much you want to wow your team’s families.
This guide breaks down every cost component with real Singapore pricing so you can build a realistic budget, avoid surprise charges, and get the most value for your company’s investment.
Family Day Event Costs at a Glance
| Budget Tier | Cost Per Person | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | $50–$70 | Company premises or park, basic games, packed meals | Small teams (30–80 pax), casual vibe |
| Mid-Range | $80–$120 | Rented venue, inflatables, carnival games, buffet catering, emcee | Most corporate family days (100–500 pax) |
| Premium | $120–$180+ | Resort or attraction venue, themed experience, full entertainment lineup, professional coordination | Large companies, flagship annual events |
These figures include venue, food, activities, and basic coordination. Add-ons like photography, custom merchandise, and live entertainment push costs higher.
Cost Breakdown by Component
Venue Rental
Your venue choice is the single biggest variable in your family day budget. Here’s what you’ll pay across different venue types in Singapore:
| Venue Type | Cost Per Person | Capacity | Pros |
|---|---|---|---|
| Company premises | $0 | Varies | Free, familiar, easy logistics |
| Public parks (East Coast, Bishan) | $10–$25/pax | 50–2,000+ | Spacious, great for inflatables and outdoor games |
| Community clubs | $15–$30/pax | 50–300 | Affordable, sheltered, parking available |
| Hotel function rooms | $35–$60/pax | 50–500 | Air-conditioned, catering included, professional setup |
| Resorts (Sentosa, D’Resort) | $50–$90/pax | 100–1,000 | Premium feel, multiple activity zones, wow factor |
| Attractions (Singapore Zoo, Wild Wild Wet) | $40–$70/pax | 100–2,000+ | Built-in entertainment, minimal setup needed |
Pro tip: Weekday events at hotels and resorts can be 20–30% cheaper than weekends. If your company can swing a Friday family day, you’ll save significantly.
Catering
| Catering Type | Cost Per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Packed meals / bento boxes | $8–$15 | Simple, no setup needed |
| Basic buffet | $15–$25 | Standard corporate catering |
| BBQ packages | $20–$35 | Great for outdoor venues, interactive |
| Live food stations | $30–$50 | Satay, laksa, ice cream stations — crowd favourite |
| Premium buffet with dessert bar | $45–$70 | Restaurant-quality spread |
Don’t forget to account for children’s portions — most caterers offer kids’ meals at 60–70% of the adult price. For events with 200+ pax, negotiate bulk discounts.
Activities and Entertainment
This is where your family day goes from “company picnic” to something families actually remember. Here’s what popular activities cost in Singapore:
| Activity | Cost | Capacity | Age Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Inflatable park / bouncy castles | $800–$2,500/setup | Unlimited (rotational) | All ages |
| Carnival game booths (5–10 booths) | $1,500–$4,000 | Unlimited (rotational) | All ages |
| Face painting station | $250–$500 (2–3 hours) | 60–90 kids | 3–12 years |
| Balloon sculpting | $250–$450 (2–3 hours) | 60–80 kids | All ages |
| Magic show | $500–$1,500 | Unlimited | All ages |
| Emcee + game host | $800–$2,000 | Unlimited | All ages |
| Arts & crafts stations | $15–$30/pax | Varies | 4–12 years |
| Photo booth with props | $600–$1,500 | Unlimited | All ages |
| Mascot appearance | $300–$800 (1–2 hours) | Unlimited | 3–8 years |
| Outdoor team games / Sports Day | $30–$50/pax | 50–500+ | All ages |
The sweet spot for most corporate family days is a mix of 2–3 roaming activities (inflatables, carnival, face painting) plus 1–2 stage items (magic show, emcee games). This covers all ages without breaking the budget.
Logistics and Coordination
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Event coordinator / planner | $1,500–$5,000 | Planning + on-site management. Highly recommended for 200+ pax |
| Tentage and tables | $500–$2,000 | Essential for outdoor events |
| PA system / speakers | $300–$800 | Needed for emcee games and announcements |
| Photography | $500–$1,500 | 3–5 hours coverage |
| Videography | $800–$2,500 | Highlight reel + raw footage |
| Transport (shuttle bus) | $400–$1,200/bus | For remote venues like Sentosa |
Real Budget Examples
Budget Family Day: 100 Pax at East Coast Park ($5,500)
- Venue: East Coast Park BBQ pit — $500
- BBQ catering — $2,500 ($25/pax)
- Inflatable bouncy castle — $800
- Face painting + balloon sculpting — $500
- Simple games + prizes — $500
- PA system — $300
- Miscellaneous — $400
Per person: ~$55
Mid-Range Family Day: 300 Pax at a Community Club ($33,000)
- Venue rental — $3,000
- Buffet catering — $9,000 ($30/pax)
- Inflatable park (3 units) — $3,500
- Carnival booths (8 booths) — $3,000
- Face painting + balloon sculpting — $800
- Emcee + games — $1,500
- Magic show — $800
- Photo booth — $800
- Event coordinator — $3,000
- Tentage + logistics — $2,000
- Photography — $800
- Prizes + miscellaneous — $2,000
- Decor + signage — $2,800
Per person: ~$110
Premium Family Day: 500 Pax at Sentosa ($80,000)
- Venue (Sentosa beach/resort) — $15,000
- Premium buffet with live stations — $25,000 ($50/pax)
- Full inflatable park — $5,000
- Carnival booths (12 booths) — $5,000
- Stage entertainment (emcee + band + magic) — $5,000
- Multiple roaming acts — $3,000
- Full event management — $8,000
- Themed decor + signage — $5,000
- Photography + videography — $3,000
- Transport (3 shuttle buses) — $3,000
- Prizes + goodie bags — $3,000
Per person: ~$160
Best Family Day Venues in Singapore
| Venue | Type | Capacity | Est. Cost/Pax | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| East Coast Park | Outdoor park | 50–2,000+ | $10–$25 | BBQ events, large groups, outdoor activities |
| Sentosa (Palawan Beach / Siloso) | Beach resort | 100–1,000 | $50–$90 | Premium events, resort vibes |
| D’Resort @ Downtown East | Resort | 100–800 | $40–$70 | All-weather, pool access, family-friendly |
| Singapore Zoo / River Wonders | Attraction | 100–2,000+ | $40–$60 | Built-in entertainment, unique experience |
| SAFRA clubs | Community club | 50–500 | $15–$30 | Budget-friendly, sheltered, good facilities |
| Civil Service Club | Community club | 50–400 | $15–$30 | Affordable, island-wide locations |
| Hotel function rooms | Indoor | 50–500 | $35–$60 | Air-conditioned, premium catering, rainy day proof |
Planning Timeline
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| 4–6 months before | Set budget, choose venue, book event organiser |
| 3 months before | Confirm activities, book caterer, plan logistics |
| 2 months before | Send invitations, finalise headcount, confirm all vendors |
| 1 month before | Run-through with organiser, prepare prizes and goodie bags |
| 1 week before | Final headcount to caterer, wet weather contingency plan |
| Event day | Setup 2–3 hours before, brief all vendors, enjoy! |
Money-Saving Tips
- Go weekday: Venues and vendors often charge 20–30% less on weekdays
- Bundle services: Hiring one event company for everything (like Get Out! Events) is usually cheaper than coordinating 5 separate vendors
- Use your own space: Company premises, warehouse, or carpark can be transformed with the right setup — venue cost drops to $0
- Off-peak months: Avoid Nov–Dec (peak season). Jan–Mar and Jul–Aug tend to be cheaper
- Negotiate headcount: Most vendors offer better per-pax rates above 200 people
- Skip the hotel: Parks and community clubs deliver the same fun at half the cost — families care more about activities than chandeliers
Hidden Costs in Family Day Quotes
Most family day quotes look great on paper — until you see the final invoice. These are the charges that catch HR teams off guard:
| Hidden Cost | Typical Amount | When It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| GST (9%) | 9% on total | All Singapore vendors — always confirm if quotes are GST-inclusive |
| Security deposit | 10–20% of total | Venues and large equipment rentals; returned after event |
| Setup and teardown labour | $300–$1,000 | When setup exceeds 2 hours or is charged separately from rental |
| Overtime charges | $150–$300/hour | Events that run past contracted end time |
| Public liability insurance | $200–$500 | Required by most public venues and parks (e.g., NParks requires this) |
| NParks permit fee | $150–$500 | Required for events at public parks (East Coast, Bishan, etc.) |
| Power supply / generator | $300–$800 | Needed for outdoor events without fixed power access |
| Corkage fee | $15–$25/bottle | At hotel venues if you bring your own beverages |
| Cleaning / disposal charges | $200–$600 | Post-event cleanup at some venues |
| Manpower surcharge (PH) | 20–50% extra | Events on public holidays |
Rule of thumb: Add 15–20% to any quote as your contingency buffer. In a family day for 300 pax, that buffer could mean the difference between going over budget and coming in clean.
DIY vs. Hiring an Event Organiser: The Real Cost Comparison
Many HR teams default to DIY to “save money.” Here’s what that actually costs when you factor in everything:
| Factor | DIY | Event Organiser |
|---|---|---|
| Vendor sourcing | 10–20 hours of calls and emails | Handled — organisers have pre-vetted vendor networks |
| Negotiation | You pay retail rates | Bulk/partner rates, often 10–15% cheaper |
| Contract management | You manage 5–8 separate contracts | One contract, one point of contact |
| On-site management | HR team is tied up all day (1–3 staff) | Dedicated event coordinator handles everything |
| Risk | Vendor no-show = your problem | Organiser has backup vendors and contingency plans |
| Management cost | $0 (but real staff hours consumed) | $1,500–$5,000 coordination fee |
| Total hidden HR cost (300 pax) | ~$3,000–$5,000 in salary hours | Included in coordination fee |
For events under 80 pax where your team knows local vendors, DIY is viable. For anything larger, the coordination fee pays for itself in time saved, better vendor rates, and the peace of mind of having a professional handle the day.
Wet Weather Contingency Planning
Singapore’s weather is unpredictable — afternoon thunderstorms can appear within minutes. A family day without a rain plan is a liability, especially when families with young children are involved.
Tentage Costs
| Tentage Size | Capacity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 20′ × 20′ frame tent | 40–60 pax seated | $400–$600 |
| 40′ × 40′ frame tent | 80–120 pax seated | $800–$1,200 |
| 40′ × 60′ frame tent | 150–200 pax seated | $1,200–$2,000 |
| Stretch tent (up to 500m²) | 200–400 pax | $2,500–$5,000 |
For outdoor events with 200+ pax, budget for tentage from the start — don’t treat it as optional. Most venues that allow outdoor events will have shelter requirements in their permits anyway.
Your Wet Weather Checklist
- Book a venue with an indoor backup option (or select a venue that’s sheltered)
- Have a clear rain call time — typically 1 hour before event start, based on MSS weather radar
- Brief your emcee on wet weather programme changes
- Keep the PA system sheltered regardless of weather
- Inflatables must come down in strong winds — have a ground activity backup ready
- For outdoor parks, check NParks’ shelter locations at the venue in advance
Sample Family Day Programme (Half-Day, 200 Pax)
Here’s what a well-paced 5-hour family day looks like in practice:
| Time | Activity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Setup begins — vendors arrive | Inflatable crew, carnival booth setup, caterer prep |
| 10:30 AM | Venue open — guests arrive | Registration desk, name tags, goodie bags distributed |
| 11:00 AM | Welcome address by MD / HR Head | Keep it under 5 minutes — families are eager to play |
| 11:10 AM | Free play: inflatables, carnival booths, face painting | Emcee keeps energy up with music and roving games |
| 12:00 PM | Buffet lunch opens | Stage activity pauses; roaming entertainment continues |
| 1:00 PM | Stage games: family challenges, lucky draw | Emcee-hosted; teams compete for prizes |
| 1:45 PM | Magic show / special performance | 20–30 minute show; gets kids and parents seated together |
| 2:15 PM | Prize presentation + closing remarks | Emcee wraps up; photo opportunities |
| 2:30 PM | Free roam / informal networking | Photo booth busy, kids return to inflatables |
| 3:00 PM | Event ends — teardown begins | Vendors pack up; HR team does final sweep |
The key principle: never have everyone doing the same thing at once. Staggered activities mean no queues, no chaos, and families can self-manage their own pace. Your emcee is the fulcrum — brief them thoroughly on timing and programme flow.
How to Get Budget Approval for Your Family Day
Getting $30,000–$80,000 approved for a family day requires more than a verbal request. Here’s how to build a compelling case for management:
Frame It as an Investment, Not a Cost
Employee turnover in Singapore costs an average of 6–9 months of salary to replace a staff member. A well-executed family day that boosts morale and loyalty — even if it prevents just one resignation — can pay for itself. Present your budget alongside retention context.
What to Include in Your Budget Proposal
- Per-pax cost comparison — Frame it against alternatives. A $100/pax family day costs less than a $150/pax restaurant dinner for 200 people
- Previous year survey results — If you’ve run events before, show employee satisfaction scores
- Three-tier options — Present a budget, mid-range, and premium option. Management feels in control when they can choose, rather than approve a single number
- Timeline — Show that delaying approval risks losing preferred venues and vendors (especially for Q4 events)
- Post-event survey plan — Commit to measuring satisfaction. This makes the event feel accountable, not frivolous
Post-Event: Measuring ROI
After every family day, run a 5-question pulse survey via Google Forms or Culture Amp:
- Overall satisfaction (1–10)
- Would you attend again next year? (Yes/No)
- Did the event strengthen your connection to the company? (1–5)
- Best part of the event (open text)
- One thing to improve (open text)
A participation rate of 60%+ and average satisfaction of 8/10+ is your benchmark for a successful event. Share results with leadership — it’s your strongest argument for next year’s budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I budget for a corporate family day in Singapore?
For a mid-range family day with a good mix of activities, catering, and professional coordination, budget $80–$120 per person. For a group of 200, that’s roughly $16,000–$24,000 all-in. Budget events can go as low as $50/pax, while premium experiences at resort venues run $150+/pax.
How far in advance should I start planning?
Start planning 4–6 months ahead, especially for popular venues like Sentosa or the Singapore Zoo. You’ll need at least 3 months for vendor coordination and 2 months for employee RSVPs and headcount planning.
What activities work for all ages at a family day?
The safest bets are inflatable parks (toddlers to adults love them), carnival games, and stage entertainment like magic shows. Avoid activities that only suit one age group — the whole point is family bonding across generations.
Do I need to hire an event company or can I DIY?
For events under 80 pax, a capable HR team can handle it. For 100+ pax, hire a professional — coordinating 5+ vendors, managing logistics, and running a 4-hour programme while troubleshooting issues is a full-time job. The cost ($1,500–$5,000 for coordination) is worth the peace of mind.
What’s the best time of year for a family day in Singapore?
March–May and September–October offer the best combination of good weather and off-peak pricing. Avoid December (year-end rush + peak pricing) and June (school holidays = higher venue costs).
Ready to Plan Your Family Day?
Get Out! Events has been organising corporate family day events in Singapore since 2012, with our own inflatable equipment, carnival games, and experienced event coordinators. We handle events from 50 to 5,000+ pax.
Get a free quote — tell us your headcount and budget, and we’ll put together a package that works.
