These green, open spaces go beyond the usual neighbourhood playgrounds and take fun time to a whole new level for the family.
These green, open spaces go beyond the usual neighbourhood playgrounds and take fun time to a whole new level for the family.
FAR EAST ORGANIZATION CHILDREN’S GARDEN
Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive
Get your kids on the Adventure Trail, which has 14 obstacles over a 130-metre-long course. Children complete the course by crossing wobbly bridges, balancing on beams and swinging across the monkey bars. There’s also the Water Play zone, where kids will have a splashing great time – and never want to leave, so be warned. The water zone is linked to motion sensors that release water when they detect movement. With the background piped-in music, children can run freely and create their own musical fountain show. Both areas are recommended for children aged six to 12.
BISHAN-ANG MO KIO PARK
Along Bishan Road and Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1
At this lush 62ha park, flowers line a meandering 3km river enveloped by open lawns, and flanked by gently sloping grassy banks. Soak up the sun as you and the family settle down for a nice, leisurely picnic. It’s a great place to teach the kids how to slow down and just be. Take time to appreciate the wild flowers that grow in abundance here – see if you can spot the Townsville stylo or the dark reddish-purple Sessile joyweed often found along riverbanks. The water playground here is also unlike others. Instead of fountains and slides, it features sluice gates within each channel, which kids can manoeuvre to control water flow into the larger drains; younger children will have fun splashing around as the channels fill up with water. The water playground is open from Thursday to Sunday, 8-11am, and 4-8pm.
JACOB BALLAS CHILDREN’S GARDEN
Singapore Botanic Gardens, 481 Bukit Timah Road
The 2ha garden is so tranquil – think chirping birds and rustling leaves – that even cranky babies will feel soothed. There’s plenty of exploration for toddlers, who can hone their senses by smelling and touching the flowers, and trying to identify the herbs. Older kids can learn about the process by which plants make food at the four Magic of Photosynthesis podiums, which resemble a cloud, sun, water and durian. Crank the levers here and watch the sun image light up and the water move up a pipe that represents the stem of a plant.
BIG SPLASH
902 East Coast Parkway
Forget cycling, in-line skating and building sandcastles. Instead, head over to Big Splash, where new play options await. Check out Kaboodle Kids, a playland filled with giant blocks made of foam that kids can use to create a playground uniquely their own. It is suitable for children of all ages, but they must be accompanied by an adult. Also check out Fish@Big Splash, where kids get to experience longkang fishing for guppies, koi and goldfish in a shallow, meandering stream. They even get to bring home their catch. Rates are $12 an hour and an additional $1 or $3 to rent a small tank to store your fishes.
BEDOK RESERVOIR PARK
Along Bedok Reservoir Road
Kids will love all the spills and thrills here as they take on the aerial tree obstacle course at Forest Adventure. Suspended 5m above the ground and spanning 100m, the course has 16 crossings and a zip line. Instructors are on hand to help with the first few crossings, if required. You can also join your little ones as they swish through the trees and over the water, conquering the obstacles. Suitable for children aged between five and 10, the aerial tree obstacle course is only available on weekends. Fees are $34 for children and $20 for an accompanying adult. Pre-booking is recommended. Call 8100-7420 or e-mail info@forestadventure.com.sg for more information.
