Just a hop, skip and jump away from Changi Airport is the east area of Singapore. Those with kids in tow can rejoice—whether it’s outdoor parks or indoor cafés, there’s plenty here to keep the whole brood entertained.
Kaboodle
Help your child unleash their creativity and intelligence at Kaboodle, an indoor space that uses play as a medium to build, craft and experiment.
Beside a plethora of block puzzles, craft kits and colouring material, Kaboodle also organises holiday events like nerf gun and building competitions. Walk-ins are on a first-come, first served basis, so be sure to book on an appointment on their website before heading over!
Kaboodle at Katong Square. 88 East Coast Road #02-06, Singapore 423371. +65 6247 7020.
Mon 9am-noon; Wed-Sun 9am-5pm.
Forest Adventure
Swing down a flying fox, teeter across a suspension bridge, or jump from a treetop at Forest Adventure, Singapore’s first and only tree top obstacle course. The young—and young-at-heart—can test their limits here with various courses, set amidst the foliage of Bedok Reservoir Park.
The Kids Course comes with a continuous safety line, so be assured that your kid is in good hands. Those with a fear of heights can skate, run, cycle or even bird-watch at this tranquil spot.
Bedok Reservoir Park. Bedok Reservoir Road, Singapore 479244. +65 8100 7420.
Mon 9.30am-2pm; Tue-Fri 9.30am-6pm; Sat, Sun & PH 9.30am-6.30pm.
Downtown East
Kid-friendly entertainment and activities abound at Downtown East. Catch an animated movie at Cathay Cineplex, learn the basics of rock climbing at Upwall Climbing or romp with your little ones at the Cow Play Cow Moo arcade. For a bout of fun on wheels, be sure to bring your tykes to Tayo Station, where they can zip around a miniature circuit while learning basic road safety rules.
Cathay Cineplex at Downtown East. 1 Pasir Ris Close Level 4, Singapore 519599.
Showtimes available here.
Upwall Climbing at Downtown East. 1 Pasir Ris Close Level 1, Singapore 519599. +65 8028 7028.
Daily 9.30am-10.45pm.
Cow Play Cow Moo at Downtown East. 1 Pasir Ris Close Level 4, Singapore 519599.
Daily 11.30-12.30am.
Tayo Station at Downtown East. 1 Pasir Ris Close Level 3, Singapore 519599. +65 6283 7900.
Mon-Fri 10.30am-8pm; Sat, Sun & PH 10.30am-9pm.
Café Melba
Located within the lush green compound of Goodman Art Centre, Café Melba is a favourite haunt of families looking to spend a lively afternoon with their little ones.
This 120-seater café dishes out Western brunch classics like eggs benedict, fluffy buttermilk pancakes drenched in maple syrup and a hearty English-style breakfast.
While you’re digging in, your kids can spend their time romping in the space’s bouncy castle, or playing tag at the café’s lawn. Be sure to check out the restaurant’s kids club for tantalising offers, such as free dining for children on Mondays.
Café Melba at Goodman Arts Centre. 90 Goodman Road, Block N #01-56, Singapore 439053. +65 6440 6068.
Mon-Fri 10am-10pm; Sat, Sun & PH 8.30am-10pm.
PAssion WaVe (Pasir Ris Park)
If you want some real outdoor adventure, travel to the far east of Singapore—and by that, we mean Pasir Ris, which sits at the end of the East-West MRT line.
Here, take a bus to PAssion WaVe which offers adventurous families a slew of water sports to try. Try kayaking or laser sailing on the seas (if you’re qualified), or combat the heights with abseiling and sport climbing. Families looking to relax can take a leisurely walk on the Mangrove Boardwalk—one of the two protected swamps in Singapore—which is home to native flora and fauna. Now, see if you can spot those mudskippers or mud crabs.
PAssion WaVe. 125 Elias Road, Singapore 519926. +65 6582 4796.
Wed-Fri 9am-6pm; Sat-Sun 8am-6pm.