Let’s go around sunny Singapore in search of children’s parks that’s worth visiting for some great family fun over the weekends.

Gardens By The Bay The new age parents

1. Labrador Nature Reserve

Labrador Nature Reserve The New Age Parents

Located in the Southern part of Singapore, Labrador Nature Reserve is a hidden oasis. Take in the panoramic view off the rocky sea-cliff or amble through Berlayer Creek Mangrove trail to uncover an amazing variety of fauna and flora. Furthermore, the kids will definitely love the large sandy playground nearby. Grab a kite or two when the weather is good.

Things to do at Labrador Nature Reserve

Why should you go? Relics from World War II and Labrador secret tunnel are slices of history that you shouldn’t miss – great chronological learning for the kids!

Facilities available: World War II Memorial Plaque, Playground, Jogging track, Fitness stations & equipments, restaurant/cafe.

2. East Coast Park

Be it fishing, rollerblading, cycling, wakeboarding, jogging or even building sandcastles along the beach, East Coast Park accommodates all family needs. It is the place to sweat it out and have a full day of extreme fun!

Note: This place is always crowded, especially over the weekends. To beat the crowd, drop by earlier in the morning (before 9am) for a nice picnic session with the kids.

Why should you go? This is the place with (almost!) all activities under one roof.

Facilities available: Xtreme SkatePark @ East Coast, Event lawn, Health & fitness activities, Wifi-services, Water-sports centre, Tennis courts, Sand play area, skate and bicycle kiosk, Restrooms with shower facilities, People’s Association Water-Venture, Jogging tracks, Holiday chalets, Hawker centre, Fishing jetty, Foot reflexology footpath, Fitness stations & equipment, restaurant/ cafe, Cycling track, Bicycle rack, Barbecue pits, Amphitheatre and others.

3. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

Bishan Amk Park

At 62 hectares, with its ponds and bridges, colourful shrubs and lush greenery, this is one of the largest and most popular parks in Singapore. Divided by Marymount Road into two plots, Pond Gardens (formerly Bishan Park 1) and River Plains (formerly Bishan Park 2), the park caters to park users of all ages.

Why you should go: One of the highlights of the park is the stretch of Kallang River that used to run in a concrete canal but is now a naturalised, meandering river teeming with life. See how the canal transforms into a river through a series of bioengineering techniques and the use of a combination of natural materials such as vegetation and rocks. You can even go Longkang fishing like what Andy Lee of Sengkang Babies did with his four kids!

Facilities available: Carpark, Children’s Play Equipment, Health & Fitness Activities, Adventure Playground, Foot Reflexology Footpath, Fitness Corner, Stations & Fitness Equipment, Exercise Station, Restaurant, Cafe, Dog Runs.

4. Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, Singapore Botanic Gardens

Named after the donor, Jacob Ballas, this Children’s Garden is helmed as Asia’s first Children’s Garden. With the ultimate aim to cultivate an appreciation for plants and nature among the young, this thematic garden is an adventure to explore, especially with the various plots of amazing play areas.

Why should you go? Tall tree house, Swinging bridge, and Waterplay area are among the top 3 favourites.

Facilities available: Guided Tours, Burkill Hall, Function Hall, Function Room, Party Place, Restaurant.

5. Children’s Garden, Gardens By The Bay

Water play at Childrens Garden - Gardens by the Bay

This one-hectare size garden is playtime heaven for kids ranging from 1-year-old all the way to 12-year-old. Every zone brings about a different experiential adventure for the young. The Rain Forest Treehouses are for active and energetic little ones who are always on the move, while Toddler Play Zone features a sway bridge and fish fountains where the tots splash water as they scuttle through the interactive water tunnels.

Gardens By The Bay Childrens Garden Playground

Why should you go? A perfect outdoor area that encompasses a fine combination of nature and adventure for the kids. (Psst… parents can sit back and enjoy the tranquillity with a great book.)

Facilities available: Shuttle service, ATM, Lockers, First Aid Kit, Bicycle Parking, Free WiFi, Rental of stroller, wheelchair and Conservatories audio tour headset

Water play area at Childrens Garden

6. Marina Barrage

This is not exactly a park but if you are near Gardens By The Bay, you may want to drop by the Barrage as well! (both places are nearby) Being Singapore’s 15th reservoir and a huge catchment area of 10,000-hectare, Marina Barrage is among one of the few eco-friendly destinations for families, and a fantastic spot for kite flying. (You can get good and affordable kites via Shopee)

This lifestyle attraction not only provides educational tours on environmental sustainability, but also houses an impressive Arts Trail for the young and inquisitive ones!

Why should you go? Check out the windy Green Roof. Kids will enjoy kite-flying here.

Facilities available: Water playground, Central courtyard, Green roof, Gallery room, Gallery lounge, Gallery suite, Courtyard room, restaurant, restroom.

Text by Tan Yiying | Images by The New Age Parents.

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